Alanis & The Familiar Instability

Narcissist Apocalypse: Patterns of Abuse · Apr 5, 2026 · 56m

In this episode, Brandon talks with abuse survivor Alanis about growing up with an emotionally unavailable, volatile father and how that early instability shaped what later felt familiar in two abusive relationships. One relationship was more openly cruel. The other was harder to name while she was inside it. It was confusing, inconsistent, and full of push and pull.

It's a story about childhood instability, repetition, being unseen, physical abuse, withholding affection, silent treatments, infidelity, putdowns, walking on eggshells, drinking, yelling, ghosting, playing the victim, slamming…