Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
Nova Gibson
A Toxic relationship and Fake love looks real—until it destroys you.
Welcome to Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, the podcast that exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, and emotional manipulation. Hosted by Nova Gibson, leading trauma-informed counsellor and Director of Brighter Outlook Narcissistic Abuse Counselling, this podcast is your guide to breaking free from the confusion, fear, and self-doubt that come with being entangled with a narcissist.
In every episode, Nova draws from years of experience working with survivors to explore the complex, often covert tactics used in emotionally abusive relationships—from gaslighting, triangulation, and the silent treatment to smear campaigns and intermittent reinforcement.
Whether you're struggling with a narcissistic partner, parent, boss, or friend, Fake Love and Flying Monkeys gives you the tools and knowledge to understand the abuse, trust your instincts, and reclaim your power—even if the narcissist has never been formally diagnosed.
This is more than a podcast—it’s a lifeline.
You’ll get:
Clear explanations of narcissistic behaviour patterns
Practical strategies for setting boundaries and detaching
Real talk about the emotional rollercoaster of trauma bonding
Validation, clarity, and a path toward healing from narcissistic abuse
If you've ever felt trapped in a relationship that chips away at your self-worth, this podcast will help you name it, face it, and finally break free.
You’re not alone, and you’re not crazy. You’re in the fog of narcissistic abuse—and Nova is here to help guide you out.
Visit www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au to learn more, book a session, and explore resources.
Don’t forget to:
Subscribe and never miss an episode
Leave a review so others can find us
Share with someone who needs to hear this
Buy Nova’s best-selling book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse (HarperCollins, 2023)
It’s time to expose the fake love, silence the flying monkeys, and rewrite your story.
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Top 10 Fake Love and Flying Monkeys Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Fake Love and Flying Monkeys episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Fake Love and Flying Monkeys for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Fake Love and Flying Monkeys episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Is the Narcissist the same as a Cult Leader?
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
10/13/24 • 33 min
Narcissists thrive on power, control and manipulation, and when you try to explain your feelings, they often turn the situation around, making you feel guilty, ashamed, or even questioning your own reality In this episode we take a deep dive into the striking parallels between narcissists and cult leaders. Narcissists, much like cult leaders, create an environment where they exert extreme control, manipulating their victims into loyalty and compliance. We’ll explore how narcissists use charm, fear, and manipulation to isolate their targets, breaking down their sense of self-worth to gain complete control. We also discuss how narcissists slowly build a “following,” surrounding themselves with enablers and flying monkeys to maintain their power.
By examining these similarities, we’ll uncover why narcissists thrive in these power dynamics, using psychological manipulation to draw people in and keep them under their influence.
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
The Narcissist Smear Campaign.
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
07/02/24 • 61 min
The narcissist's smear campaign is designed to isolate the victim and destroy their reputation. The narcissist's number one fear is exposure. The smear campaign is a pre-emptive strike to destroy the victim's credibility so no one believes them when they go to talk about their abuse.
In this episode, I unpack...
- What is a smear campaign?
- When does the smear campaign begin?
- How does a narcissist use a smear campaign to manipulate the perceptions of others?
- Why do intelligent people believe the narcissist?
- Should you defend yourself against the smear campaign?
If you found this episode informative, I would absolutely love it if you could please leave a review, and If you would like to support this podcast, the best thing you can do is share! And tag all the people in your life who need to hear this information.
You can leave a rating and a review here ❤️
Nova xx 🌻
Need Support? You can book a Telehealth Online zoom counseling appointment with me or book me to speak at your event through my website Brighter Outlook Counselling Service or email me at [email protected]
You can purchase a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from narcissistic Abuse here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
https://buymeacoffee.com/novagibson
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
Will a Narcissist treat the next person better?
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
08/04/24 • 39 min
After everything the narcissist put you through, seeing them seemingly happier, more affectionate, or even more committed to someone else can feel like a dagger to the heart. One of the most painful and confusing questions survivors of narcissistic abuse often ask is: “Will the narcissist treat the next person better?” And it’s no wonder —
In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I break down the truth behind the narcissist’s new relationship and explain why things may look different on the surface, but the cycle of abuse remains the same underneath. We explore the real purpose behind the narcissist’s “glow up” with the new supply — whether it's love bombing, flaunting their relationship online, or suddenly becoming the person you wanted them to be when you were with them.
You’ll learn:
- Why narcissists appear to move on quickly (hint: they never really stop looking for supply)
- How the new person is often being used as a tool to hurt you
- What really goes on behind closed doors in the narcissist’s new relationship
- The painful truth about why they’re “treating the next one better” — and why it won’t last
If you’ve ever caught yourself spiralling with self-doubt, comparing yourself to the new partner, or wondering if you were the problem — this episode will validate your experience and empower you to stay focused on your healing.
“The narcissist didn’t love them more. They just loved how much it hurt you.”
If this episode resonated with you:
- Please share it, comment, and tell me your thoughts.
- Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast — it helps more people find these life-saving conversations.
You can leave a rating and a review here ❤️
Need Support? You can book a Telehealth Online zoom counseling appointment with me or book me to speak at your event through my website Brighter Outlook Counselling Service or email me at [email protected]
You can purchase a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from narcissistic Abuse here
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
The Covert Narcissist Fools everyone else - How do they do this?
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
10/01/24 • 47 min
Covert narcissists often seem charming and harmless to outsiders, but behind closed doors, they can cause emotional turmoil for their victims. In this episode, learn how they expertly disguise their true nature, making it difficult for others to believe their victims' experiences. Listen to the practical advice I share on identifying the signs and protecting yourself from their hidden abuse. Tune in for eye-opening insights and strategies for dealing with these master manipulators.
Support the Show on Apple PodcastsIf Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
6 reasons a Narcissist can't Love their Children
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
09/17/24 • 26 min
Narcissists use their kids to boost their ego, treating them like extensions of themselves rather than individuals. From lacking empathy to always needing control, narcissistic parents don’t give the unconditional love and support children need. We’ll talk about how If you've ever wondered how a narcissist impacts their children’s emotional well-being, this episode dives into the hard truths, offering insights and tips to help make sense of it all.
If you found this episode informative, I would absolutely love it if you could rate this podcast, leave a review, and please share, Share, SHARE! Help to spread awareness around Narcissistic Abuse, so there's more support and justice for survivors!
You can leave a rating and a review here ❤️
Nova xx
Need Support? You can book a Telehealth Online zoom counseling appointment with me or book me to speak at your event through my website Brighter Outlook Counselling Service or email me at [email protected]
You can purchase a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from narcissistic Abuse here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
https://buymeacoffee.com/novagibson
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
The narcissist doesn't care if you have evidence!
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
08/13/24 • 15 min
A victim finds evidence of the narcissist's lies and betrayals and confronts them. It is natural they would feel a sense of vindication. But what ACTUALLY happens when you confront the narcissist with your evidence? Find out in this episode!
In this episode, we discuss....
* How does the narcissist react to your proof?
* Will your evidence result in accountability?
* Will they continue to deny when they know you know?
* Is it worth presenting the evidence you have to the narcissist?
And much more!
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to stop the manipulation before it controls you! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone dealing with narcissistic abuse. Your healing starts with knowledge—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
You can leave a rating and a review here
Nova xx
Need Support? You can book a Telehealth Online zoom counseling appointment with me or book me to speak at your event through my website Brighter Outlook Counselling Service or email me at [email protected]
You can purchase a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from narcissistic Abuse here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
https://buymeacoffee.com/novagibson
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
The Stalking Epidemic: How do we Protect Victims? With Chris Daw KC
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
10/20/24 • 72 min
In this episode, I speak with Chris Daw KC who provides incredible insights and discussion around stalking behaviours, the impact to victims and the resources needed to protect victims and address future stalking behaviour. Stalking is one of the most alarming and pervasive issues affecting countless lives today. Stalking is not just about unwanted attention; it’s a serious and sometimes life-threatening behavior that leaves victims feeling trapped, isolated, and terrified. Whether it happens in person or online, stalking is a form of abuse that often gets overlooked or minimized, but its impact can be devastating. So, how do we stop it? And more importantly, how do we protect the people being targeted?
This episode is a must-listen if you have been the victim of stalking or you know someone who has. With the rise in cyberstalking and the blurred lines of digital harassment, this conversation is more relevant than ever. Tune in to learn how we can all play a role in addressing the stalking epidemic and ensuring victims receive the support and safety they deserve.
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
Narcissistic Manipulation: What 'You're Too Good for Me' Really Means
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
02/20/25 • 18 min
"When a narcissist says 'You're too good for me,' they’re not showing humility—they're manipulating you."
If you've ever heard this phrase in a relationship with a narcissist, you've experienced a classic narcissistic manipulation tactic. While it may seem like they’re being self-aware, this statement is designed to create emotional confusion and keep you emotionally entangled in the toxic cycle.
Narcissists use phrases like this to create emotional confusion and manipulate your thoughts, making you question your reality and remain trapped in the relationship." These tactics, designed to confuse and control, leave you feeling unsure and vulnerable, questioning why they push you away but expect you to stay.
In this episode, we’ll explore why narcissists use these phrases, what they truly mean, and how their words deeply affect your emotional health. By understanding their tactics, you can take steps to protect yourself from their toxic narcissistic influence and break free from their control.
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
5 ways the covert narcissist blameshifts
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
08/25/24 • 55 min
Narcissists expertly avoid accountability and deflect blame, while making you question your own reality. In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we dive deep into the narcissist's favourite tactic—blame shifting. We'll explore how narcissists twist the truth to keep control, leaving victims trapped in self-doubt and confusion. Learn the key signs of blame shifting, understand why it's such a powerful tool in narcissistic abuse, and get practical tips to protect yourself from their toxic manipulation. Reclaim your power and stop the cycle of emotional abuse today!
In this episode we discuss the following narcissistic blame shifting strategies....
1. Turning the Tables
When called out for their wrongdoings, a narcissist will quickly flip the script.
2. Playing the VictimThis tactic shifts attention away from their misdeeds and redirects sympathy towards them.
3. Bringing Up the Past
When confronted with a present issue, a narcissist will often dredge up old arguments or mistakes you've made in the past.
4. Minimising Your Feelings
By diminishing your emotions, they invalidate your experience and make you question whether your reaction is justified.
5. Blaming Outside Circumstances
This makes it seem like they're powerless to control their actions, which excuses their wrongdoings.
And much more!
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to stop the manipulation before it controls you! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone dealing with narcissistic abuse. Your healing starts with knowledge—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
You can leave a rating and a review here ❤️
Nova xx
Need Support? You can book a Telehealth Online zoom counseling appointment with me or book me to speak at your event through my website Brighter Outlook Counselling Service or email me at [email protected]
You can purchase a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from narcissistic Abuse here
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
5 ways the Narcissist reacts when you reveal they hurt you
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
10/14/24 • 27 min
Narcissists thrive on power, control and manipulation, and when you try to explain your feelings, they often turn the situation around, making you feel guilty, ashamed, or even questioning your own reality In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we dive deep into a question that so many victims of narcissistic abuse wrestle with: Should you tell the narcissist how they hurt you? While it might feel like confronting the narcissist could bring you closure, clarity, or even an apology, the reality is often far more damaging.
. In this episode, I explore 5 common reactions narcissists have when confronted, including gaslighting, deflection, and blameshifting.
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general, and strictly the opinions of the host.
You can leave a Rating and a Review here
You Can Share this Podcast here
Need Support? Book a Telehealth Online Zoom Counseling session with me here
You can order a copy of my book ‘Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse’ here
Join me on Facebook here
Join the private Facebook discussion group here
Join me on Instagram here
Join me on YouTube here
Nova xx
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FAQ
How many episodes does Fake Love and Flying Monkeys have?
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys currently has 113 episodes available.
What topics does Fake Love and Flying Monkeys cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Relationship, Domestic Violence, Divorce, Narcissist, Therapy, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education and Relationships.
What is the most popular episode on Fake Love and Flying Monkeys?
The episode title 'Can a narcissist love you?' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Fake Love and Flying Monkeys?
The average episode length on Fake Love and Flying Monkeys is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys released?
Episodes of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys are typically released every 2 days, 2 hours.
When was the first episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys?
The first episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys was released on May 23, 2024.
Show more FAQ
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