Show Notes
Are you dealing with a master manipulator? Learn how to identify the hidden red flags of liars, psychopaths and narcissists before they cause lasting damage.
Dr. Leanne ten Brinke, a renowned psychologist and director of the Truth and Trust Lab at the University of British Columbia, breaks down the science of deception and toxic behavior. Drawing from her extensive peer-reviewed research and her eye-opening book, Poisonous People, she shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help you recognize dark personality traits and protect your mental well being.
In this episode, she explains:
■ The Warning Signs: How to spot the early behavioral red flags of the "Dark Tetrad" (psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sadism) before you get hurt.
■ The Manipulation Playbook: The exact psychological tactics toxic individuals use to control and deceive others, including what gaslighting actually means.
■ The Lie-Detector Myth: Why relying on eye contact, fidgeting, and body language is actually a terrible way to catch a liar.
■ The Two Faces of Narcissism: How to identify the different types (including why one completely crumbles at the slightest criticism), and the devastating toll of working for a psychopathic boss.
■ Defense Strategies: Proven techniques to outsmart dangerous personalities, set ironclad boundaries, and dramatically improve your life.
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Intro
- 00:02:21 Why This Research Into Psychopathy Matters
- 00:02:58 Why Psychopathy Is Getting More Attention
- 00:04:05 Can You Spot a Psychopath in 5 Seconds?
- 00:05:30 How Facial Expressions Reveal What People Really Feel
- 00:08:56 Can You Predict If Someone Is Guilty?
- 00:09:59 Three Signs Someone Might Be Lying
- 00:13:46 Can Anyone Learn to Spot a Liar?
- 00:20:29 Why the Eye Contact Myth Gets Body Language Wrong
- 00:21:53 Psychopathy, Narcissism, Machiavellianism and Sadism Explained
- 00:34:49 The Biggest Myths About Psychopaths Debunked
- 00:36:28 How Common Are Dark Personality Traits?
- 00:38:05 Are Dark Traits Caused by Genetics or Childhood?
- 00:41:13 How to Increase Your Chances of Becoming a Good Parent
- 00:44:23 What Happens Inside a Psychopath's Brain?
- 00:46:06 Can Dark Personality Traits Be Cured?
- 00:49:30 Ads
- 00:51:32 Why Being Lied to Makes You Feel Distant
- 00:57:14 Can You Be Warm and Competent at the Same Time?
- 00:59:57 Why Dark Personality Traits Don't Get You Ahead
- 01:04:43 What a Real Job Applicant's Voice Note Revealed
- 01:09:06 How to Spot Red Flags in Dating Profiles and Relationships
- 01:17:08 Ads
- 01:18:17 Why Setting Boundaries Matters More Than You Think
- 01:19:36 7 Rules for Dealing With Dark Personalities
- 01:23:32 How to Spot Gaslighting and Coercive Control
- 01:27:55 7 Rules for Dealing With Dark Personalities Continued
- 01:35:03 How to Communicate With Dark Personalities
- 01:37:54 How to Become a Better Detective of People's Cues
- 01:38:25 Why You Should Avoid Face to Face Negotiations
- 01:42:18 Three Mistakes People Make With Dark Personalities
- 01:44:02 How the 10% Do the Damage and the Biggest Lie About Success
- 01:45:35 What Is the Greatest Lie We've All Been Told?
Independent Fact Check: https://stevenbartlett.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DOAC-Leanne-ten-Brinke-Independent-Research-Further-Reading-v1.pdf
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You can purchase Leanne’s book, ‘Poisonous People: Psychopathy, Narcissism, Manipulation, Sadism: How to Resist Them and Improve Your Life’, here: https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/3lYxLjb
Learn more from the online resources, here:
Assess your own levels of (light and) dark traits - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/1OsGuG0
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