Shows / Outwitting the Manipulator
Outwitting the Manipulator
Manipulation doesn't announce itself. It shows up mid-sentence, mid-meeting, mid-argument — and by the time you realize what happened, it's over.
Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski — communication experts with 50+ years of combined experience — break down the tactics manipulators use and hand you specific, practical techniques to respond in real time. No therapy-speak. No "just set boundaries" advice that sounds great on paper and falls apart the second someone pushes back.
Each episode…
Episodes
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Coach or Therapist? Which Will Stop a Manipulator in Real Time?
Therapy looks back and asks what caused the problem. Coaching starts where you are and gives you the words to use right now. Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Can a Manipulator Be Helped? A Couples Therapist Pushes Back
Is every manipulator a narcissist? Is every narcissist a manipulator? Dr. Dennis Becker puts those questions to Dr. David Helfand, a psychologist who runs…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Winning by Breaking You: The Manipulation Playbook Behind 'Debate Bro' Culture
What passes for "debate" online is really argument dressed up to dominate, not discover truth. Robin breaks down four manipulation tactics fueling bro culture…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Stop Living Like a Victim: The Mental Housecleaning That Changes Everything
After 25 years in a coercively controlling relationship, author Eva Levina had to answer a difficult question: How did a strong, intelligent, capable woman…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Contempt Is the First Warning Sign of Abuse: A Divorce Attorney Explains
Contempt doesn't start with violence. It starts with a comment about your skin, a look, a tone you're told to ignore. By the time it escalates, most people…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Dropping the Bar: How Manipulation Sneaks Into Relationships Before Violence Ever Does
In this episode of Outwitting the Manipulator, hosts Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski sit down with Stephanie MacAlister, founder of Virtua Connect Counseling…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
When Caregiving Meets Manipulation: Surviving a Sibling Power Struggle with Nicole Hilgenkamp
What happens when you're grieving a parent and the sibling who should be your ally becomes your biggest obstacle? Nicole Hilgenkamp, founder of Your Parent's…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
The Golden Cage: How Wealth and Status Trap You in a Manipulative Marriage, with Mia J. Hanks
What happens when you have everything — the gated home, the charmed life, the husband everyone admires — and none of it is real? Author Mia J. Hanks spent 29…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
What Makes Someone a Manipulator? A Debate You Weren't Expecting with Dr. Jeremy Sherman
When a researcher who's spent 30 years studying human behavior from the chemical origins of life to modern relationships sits down with two communication…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Protection against Conflation and Dictating Feelings
Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski discuss two manipulative tactics, Conflation, and Dictating Feelings, and how to protect against them in depth. They…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Smiles, Stonewalls & the Gish Gallop: Manipulation Tactics in the Owens–Wilson “Debate"
In this special episode, Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker break down the viral Candace Owens–Andrew Wilson exchange — not for its politics, but as a live…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Should Anyone Ever Be Manipulative?
Dennis and Robin discuss whether it is ever appropriate for regular people to manipulate, and how that differs from the harmful adult manipulation they focus…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Navigating Conflict with Civility
In this episode Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski delve into the nuanced world of conflict and manipulation with special guest Michael Lee, director of the…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Robin and Dennis Talk Manipulation with Divorce Attorney Evan Schein
This episode features Robin and Dennis’s appearance on the Schein On podcast. Host Evan Schein interviews them about their 2021 book, Outwitting the…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Grey Rock Is a Technique. Outwitting Is the Strategy.
Grey Rock may protect you for a moment—but it won't change the game. Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker explain why lasting protection comes from…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Outwitting the Manipulator: How One Woman Took Back Her Power Without Fighting
This episode goes beyond tactics to the deeper work of healing. Michelle shares how her greatest victory wasn't changing her manipulative ex—it was changing…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
The Trust Trap: How Manipulators Win You Over Before They Use You
In this episode of Outwitting the Manipulator, Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker explore one of the most painful costs of manipulation: the erosion of trust…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
The Shame Trap: How Manipulators Use Your Deepest Insecurities Against You
In this powerful episode of the Outwitting the Manipulator podcast, Robin Golinski and Dennis Becker explore how manipulators weaponize shame to control…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
The Hidden Cost of Being Liked
This episode reveals how good intentions—like being liked or avoiding conflict—can make you vulnerable to manipulation. While most people act with positive…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Who’s Controlling Your Attention?
In this episode of Outwitting the Manipulator, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski pull back the curtain on something most people miss entirely: The quiet…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
The Gold Medal Apology: When “I’m Sorry” Becomes a Weapon
A gold-medal moment turns into something way more personal: a Norwegian Olympian uses his post-win interview to deliver a tearful public apology to the…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Sandy Rosenthal and the Truth About Katrina
Robin and Dennis discuss manipulation with a special focus on Sandy Rosenthal's work following Hurricane Katrina. Sandy Rosenthal, founder of levies.org…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
From Manipulator to Man of Discipline: Gethro’s 400-Day Reset
Six months after first opening up about his past manipulative patterns, Gethro LaCroix returns with a striking update. He’s now over 400 days sober, committed…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
You Can’t Litigate Love: Finding the Ghosts Behind Family Fights
Attorney Patricia Annino joins Robin to reveal the truth behind most “legal” family disputes: they aren’t legal at all — they’re emotional. Patricia explains…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Battle for Your Brain: Curiosity, Courage, and Control
Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker make a bold case: our culture often rewards manipulation because people fear backlash and comply. This episode flips that…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Escape the Timeshare Trap: How to Spot the Manipulation—and Get Out
When “free nights” and glossy model homes turn into endless fees and fine print, you may have stepped into the timeshare trap. In this episode, Robin and Dr…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Fact vs. Feeling: Outsmarting Manipulators Word by Word
When you’re caught in the heat of manipulation, it’s easy to get swept away by emotions—and that’s exactly the point. In this episode of Outwitting the…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
"Liked or Respected? The Manipulator’s Favorite Dilemma"
In this episode, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski tackle a tough choice many people face—especially under manipulation—deciding whether you want to be…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Defending Against Manipulative Questions
Dennis and Robin discuss how manipulators use questions as a tactic to control and confuse their targets. The hosts offer valuable insights on how to recognize…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Brittanie's Battle with a Manipulator
Robin and Dennis interview Brittanie about her personal experiences with manipulation. Brittanie shares her background, growing up in a family with a…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Less Is More: Outsmarting Manipulators with Brevity
When dealing with manipulators, saying less can protect you more. In this episode, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski dive into the power of brevity—and why…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Rules and Values In Manipulation
Dennis and Robin delve into the fundamental concepts of rules and values and their significance in handling manipulation. They emphasize the importance of…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Kelly: A Survivor's Story
Dennis and Robin welcome a special guest, Kelly, who shares her personal experience with a manipulative and abusive relationship spanning over 14 years. The…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Rights, Responsibilities, and Manipulation
In this episode of Outwitting in Real Time, hosts Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski explore the complex relationship between rights, responsibilities, and…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Mastering Manipulation: Gethro LaCroix's Journey to Authenticity
In this insightful and inspiring episode, Dennis and Robin are joined by Gethro LaCroix, a self-admitted former manipulator, who bravely shares his journey of…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Navigating Male Aggression and Manipulation
Robin & Dennis delve into the complex topic of male aggression within the context of manipulation. They explore its biological roots, societal influences, and…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Dealing with Backlash: How to Respond When a Manipulator Pushes Back
In this discussion, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski explore the concept of backlash—how manipulators react when confronted or when their tactics are…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Overcoming Manipulation: A Conversation with Angela Lanuto
Robin is joined by Angela Lanuto, a real estate agent from Hudson Valley, who shares her personal experiences with manipulation. Angela offers invaluable…
- Outwitting the Manipulator
Holiday Manipulation: Safeguarding Your Joy
Dennis and Robin delve into the nuances of manipulation during the holiday season. They aim to help listeners avoid becoming targets of various forms of…
Outwitting the ManipulatorNavigating Manipulation: Insights from Andrew’s Journey
In this podcast episode, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski engage in a candid discussion with Andrew, a guest who shares his personal experiences with…
Outwitting the ManipulatorMedia and Workplace Manipulation with David Yas
The guest is David Yas, founder of The Boston Podcast Network. They discuss various aspects of manipulation in both media and workplace settings. Through…
Outwitting the ManipulatorThe Power of Curiosity
In this episode, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski explore the role of curiosity in protecting oneself from manipulation. They discuss how curiosity, a…
Outwitting the ManipulatorIt’s Not Your Fault, I’m just going to blame you!
In this episode, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski delve into the intricate topic of manipulation, focusing on the aspect of blame. They discuss how…
Outwitting the ManipulatorWhy Are You Tolerating Manipulative Communication?
In this episode, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski discuss the importance of not tolerating manipulative communication. They explore what it means to show…
Outwitting the ManipulatorTests and Traps of Manipulation
In this episode, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski discuss the intricacies of manipulation, focusing specifically on the concepts of 'tests' and 'traps.'…
Outwitting the ManipulatorThe Benefits of Manipulation
Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski delve into the topic of manipulation and explore whether there can be any positive aspects to it. Robin shares her…
Outwitting the ManipulatorIndentifying Manipulative Word Choice and Nonverbal Tactics
In this episode of 'Outwitting the Manipulator,' Robin and Dennis delve into the details of manipulative tactics focusing on word choice, language, tone, and…
Outwitting the ManipulatorRecognizing Your Own Manipulative Behaviors
Robin and Dennis dive deep into the challenging topic of recognizing and addressing your own manipulative behaviors. They discuss the fine line between…
Outwitting the ManipulatorProtecting Your Emotions: How to Avoid Being Overwhelmed
In this episode of Outwitting the Manipulator, Dr. Dennis Becker and Robin Golinski delve into the complex topic of emotional manipulation, discussing how…
Outwitting the ManipulatorUnderstanding and Countering Emotional Manipulation
In this episode of 'Outwitting the Manipulator,' Dr. Dennis Becker and his co-host Robin Golinski delve into the nuances of emotional manipulation…
Outwitting the ManipulatorManipulation in Dating
In this episode of 'Outwitting the Manipulator,' hosts Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker are joined by Liz, who shares her experiences with two types of…
Outwitting the ManipulatorManipulation is Everywhere
In this episode of 'Outwitting the Manipulator,' hosts Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker discuss the pervasive and dangerous impact of social media…
Outwitting the ManipulatorIs It Really ’For Your Own Good’?
In this episode, Robin and Dennis discuss the often-heard phrase 'It's for your own good' and question its true intentions. They explore how advice, feedback…
Outwitting the ManipulatorHow Much Does Manipulation Cost?
Robin and Dennis cover the pervasive and often immeasurable costs of manipulation in personal, professional, and global settings. They emphasize how…
Outwitting the ManipulatorSticks & Stones - Dealing with Name-Calling
In this episode of the 'Outwitting the Manipulator' livestream podcast, hosts Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker delve into the topic of name-calling as a…
Outwitting the ManipulatorMastering Manipulation: Dissecting Netflix’s ’Baby Reindeer’
Join Robin and Dennis in this episode of Outwitting the Manipulator as they dive into the fascinating and chilling world of manipulation through the lens of…
Outwitting the ManipulatorPassive Aggression as Manipulation
In this episode of 'Outwitting the Manipulator,' Robin and Dennis delve into the complexities of passive-aggressive behavior from a communication coaching…
Outwitting the ManipulatorIs Your Relationship Healthy or Manipulative?
Robin and Dennis discuss how to evaluate if your relationships are healthy or unhealthy. They emphasize that happiness and health in relationships are…
Outwitting the ManipulatorMurdering the Messenger
In this episode Robin and Dennis guide listeners on how to navigate situations where they observe someone they care about being manipulated. The concept of…
Outwitting the ManipulatorAggression - and Manipulation - in Sports
Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker discuss verbal and physical aggression in sports, focusing on manipulation tactics used by coaches and the impact on…