Episode 475: Dr. Ramani Durvasula: How Narcissists Hijack Your Mind and Why We Keep Falling for Them

Think narcissism only affects insecure or naive people? Think again. In this episode of Habits and Hustle, I talk with Dr. Ramani Durvasula who explains how narcissists manipulate even the most self-aware, high-achieving individuals. We dive into why narcissistic relationships are so hard to leave, how gaslighting corrodes your self-trust, and the emotional price we pay for constantly managing toxic people. Whether it’s a partner, boss, parent, or friend, this episode is your guide to recognizing and protecting yourself from covert manipulation. Dr. Ramani is a licensed clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and the internet’s go-to expert on narcissistic abuse. Her work has helped millions decode toxic dynamics through her YouTube channel, books like “Don’t You Know Who I Am?”, and expert commentary on major media outlets. What We Discuss:  (03:22) Why narcissistic abuse happens to smart, strong people (08:40) The subtle signs of emotional manipulation (13:05) Why narcissists never play by the same rules (21:55) The unique pain of having a narcissistic parent (32:48) How to set boundaries when leaving isn’t an option (39:12) The myth of the “narcissist who will change” (49:20) Dr. Ramani’s tools for reclaiming your identity (56:44) Can narcissists ever truly love or feel regret? (01:01:15) Are you the narcissist? How to do a reality check (01:06:30) The healing path: therapy, no-contact, and radical clarity …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. 99designs by Vista: 99designs.com/jen20  – click "Claim my discount" to get $20 off your first design contest.    Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Dr Ramani Durvasula: Website: https://doctor-ramani.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorramani/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorRamani

What if the best exercise on the planet costs nothing and requires no equipment? Movement expert Zarina Del Mar returns to the Habits and Hustle podcast to cut through the fitness industry noise and reveal why simple walking trumps expensive supplements, complex workout programs, and trendy wellness hacks. We explore why the fitness industry's "all or nothing" mentality is failing us, despite being surrounded by more wellness content than ever while becoming unhealthier as a society. We also dive into why your body knows better than social media influencer and how to break free from the cycle of extreme dieting and over-supplementation. Zarina Del Mar is a fitness personality who transitioned from practicing law to teaching body awareness and sustainable movement practices to women worldwide. What we discuss: Why Walking is the Ultimate Gateway Drug to Fitness The Myth of Calories In, Calories Out for Real People Why We're Unhealthier Despite More Wellness Content Than Ever How to Ignore Fitness Industry Research and Trust Your Body The All-or-Nothing Culture That's Sabotaging Your Health Why Social Media Supplement Advice is Dangerous Intuitive Movement vs. Following Expert Rules How to Handle Fitness Naysayers and Lost Causes Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. 99designs by Vista: 99designs.com/jen20  – click "Claim my discount" to get $20 off your first design contest.  Find more from Zarina Del Mar: Website: https://www.whateva.club/  Instagram: @zarina_del_mar_world Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

Are we being slowly poisoned by everyday products? Dr. Aly Cohen joins me on the Habits and Hustle podcast to reveal the shocking truth about toxins lurking in our water, food packaging, and personal care items - and more importantly, what we can actually do about it without breaking the bank. We discuss why your filtered water might still be contaminated, the four essential supplements everyone needs, and her practical "4 A's" approach to detoxification. We also dive into the surprising connection between autoimmune diseases and environmental chemicals and why she thinks infrared saunas might be overhyped. Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician with over 22 years of experience. She's the author of "Detoxify" and founder of The Smart Human platform. After her dog's autoimmune diagnosis led her to investigate environmental health 15 years ago, she's become a leading voice in practical, science-based detoxification strategies. What We Discuss:  (02:02) The Rise of Toxic Chemicals Since WWII  (09:48) Why Your Water Filter Isn't Working  (16:05) Symptoms of Toxic Overload  (22:15) Top 3 Natural Detoxification Methods  (27:29) Hidden Toxins in Food and Packaging  (31:02) Heavy Metal Testing: Worth It or Waste?  (38:09) The Iodine Deficiency Crisis (43:42) The "4 Fertilizer Supplements" Everyone Needs  (48:38) Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps  (52:12) EMF Concerns: Microwaves and Cell Phones  (57:48) Teaching Kids About Toxins  (01:01:48) Fiber vs. Protein for Detox  (01:08:36) Exercise, Saunas, and Sweating …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. 99designs by Vista: 99designs.com/jen20  – click "Claim my discount" to get $20 off your first design contest.   Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Dr. Aly Cohen: Website: https://alycohenmd.com/  Podcast: https://alycohenmd.com/podcast

What if everything you've been told about getting stronger is backwards? Former lawyer turned movement expert Zarina Del Mar joins me on the Habits and Hustle podcast to share how her journey from exercise addiction to mindful movement transformed not just her body, but her entire approach to fitness and wellbeing. We dive into why women are over-training their lower bodies while neglecting their upper bodies, the real science behind building a strong core (spoiler: it's not crunches), and why her 5-minute movement flows can be more challenging than hour-long gym sessions. Zarina also shares her research with subscribers from 55+ countries and reveals why breathing and pelvis mobility are the foundation of true core strength. Zarina Del Mar is a fitness personality who transitioned from practicing law to teaching body awareness and sustainable movement practices to women worldwide. What we discuss: Progressive Overload Without Destroying Your Joints Why Sprinting Isn't Realistic for Most 45+ Women 5-Minute Movement Flows vs Hour-Long Gym Sessions Why Bodyweight Can Be Harder Than Heavy Weights The Upper Body Neglect Epidemic Among Women Why Pilates Is Overrated for Real Results Why Crunches Are the Biggest Fitness Waste of Time Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. Find more from Zarina Del Mar: Website: https://www.whateva.club/  Instagram: @zarina_del_mar_world Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

What does it take to survive a 20% chance of living, win seven Tour de France titles, and rebuild your life after losing everything? Lance Armstrong joins me on the Habits and Hustle podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation about resilience, authenticity, and the mindset that refuses to quit. We discuss the grueling reality of the Tour de France and why he says the doping controversy was not anti-doping failure. We also dive into his current ventures with Next Ventures, his "We Do Hard Things" podcast, and the personality traits that his kids say define him most. Lance Armstrong is a cancer survivor, former professional cyclist, and co-founder of Next Ventures. He won the Tour de France seven consecutive times. Today, he's a successful venture capitalist investing in health and wellness companies and has built a new life focused on family, business, and doing only what brings him joy. What We Discuss:  (08:11) Getting Tested at 15 and Discovering Elite VO2 Max Numbers  (15:44) The Doping Controversy: "Technically I Didn't Get Caught"  (17:23) Why He Thinks He Was Made a Poster Child  (22:27) Getting Cancer at 25 with Only a 20% Chance of Survival  (36:18) The Livestrong Foundation and Selling 82 Million Yellow Bands  (42:04) His Love of Being Alone and Sacred Solo Bike Rides  (59:54) Having to Pay Back Over $100 Million After the Scandal  (1:02:37) How Uber Investment Through Lowercase Capital Saved His Family  (1:06:09) The Netflix 30 for 30 Documentary and Public Perception Shift …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.   Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Lance Armstrong: Website: https://www.nextventures.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancearmstrong/?hl=en

Former tax lawyer Zarina Del Mar was working out twice a day, seven days a week—running in the morning, gym sessions midday, and CrossFit at night. She was chasing an impossible body standard while fighting her genetic baseline, until she realized she couldn't feel her own body anymore. In this Fitness Friday episode, Zarina explains how one movement session changed everything. We dive into the psychology of obsessive exercise, why GLP-1s are creating more problems than they solve, and how understanding your body's construction can replace the need to count calories forever. Zarina Del Mar is a fitness personality who transitioned from practicing law to teaching body awareness and sustainable movement practices to women worldwide. What we discuss: Her "Exercise Bulimia" Phase: Two Workouts Daily for Years The GLP-1 Problem: Fighting Your Genetic Baseline How One Movement Session Changed Everything Why Detailed Instructions Matter More Than Exercise Type The Plank Revolution: Feeling Your Fingers and Feet From Calorie Counting to Balanced Plates Forever Why Most Gyms Don't Teach You to Feel Your Body Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. Find more from Zarina Del Mar: Website: https://www.whateva.club/  Instagram: @zarina_del_mar_world Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

What if everything you know about menopause is wrong? Former TV journalist Tamsen Fadal joins me on the Habits and Hustle podcast to share how a live television hot flash changed her life and sparked a global conversation about the menopause transition that affects 1 billion women worldwide. We discuss the surprising 100+ symptoms of menopause and why doctors aren't educated about this life stage. We also dive into dating and marriage during menopause, the workplace challenges women face, and why strength training beats cardio for women over 40. Tamsen Fadal is the New York Times bestselling author of "How to Menopause." After experiencing a severe hot flash on live television in 2019, she left her 30-year journalism career to educate women about perimenopause and menopause. Her documentary has been seen in 450+ cities across 40+ countries, and she's become one of the leading voices in women's midlife health. What We Discuss:  (04:29) The 100+ Symptoms Nobody Talks About  (07:49) Perimenopause vs. Menopause Explained (09:02) The Live TV Hot Flash That Changed Everything  (12:28) Why There's So Much Shame Around Aging  (16:04) Why Doctors Aren't Educated About Menopause  (19:28) The Truth About Hormone Replacement Therapy  (25:03) Workplace Policies and Benefits for Menopause  (36:59) Dating and Relationships During Menopause  (42:22) Her Personal Menopause Journey and Routine  (46:01) Why Cardio Isn't King for Women Over 40  (48:56) Eating Disorders and Body Image in Midlife  (51:35) Finding Love Again After Divorce …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.   Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Tamsen Fadal: Website: https://www.tamsenfadal.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal/?hl=en  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tamsen-show/id1799976761

Is Ozempic the miracle weight loss drug everyone claims, or are we creating a generation of "sarcopenic, chalky skeletons"? In this Fitness Fridya episode, Dr. Stacy Sims and I dive into the truth.  We discuss the peptide craze, exploring why BPC-157 might be the only one worth considering, and why WADA banning it actually proves it works. Plus, Dr. Sims settles the sauna debate once and for all - explaining why infrared saunas are basically expensive cold rooms and why Finnish saunas deliver real results for women's hormones and metabolism. Dr. Stacy Sims is an international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who specializes in sex differences in training, nutrition, and environmental conditions. She's the author of "Roar" and "Next Level" and has spent decades researching how women's unique physiology requires different approaches to health and fitness. What we discuss: The Truth About Peptides and BPC-157 Ozempic's Hidden Dangers: Muscle and Bone Loss When Ozempic Makes Sense (And When It Doesn't) Microdosing GLP-1s: Health Hack or Dangerous Trend? Combining Ozempic with Strength Training Training in Your 20s and 30s vs. Later Years Dr. Sims' Daily Routine and Non-Negotiables Most Underrated Health Tip: Trusting Your Intuition Saunas vs. Cold Plunges for Women Why Ice Baths Spike Women's Cortisol The Infrared Sauna Myth Finnish Saunas: The Real Deal for Women's Health Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. Find more from Dr. Stacy Sims: Website: https://www.drstacysims.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims  Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

Why are women still afraid of strength training? Fitness phenom Senada Greca joins me on the Habits and Hustle podcast to share how she has spent years proving that lifting weights won't make you bulky - it'll make you powerful. We discuss why cardio culture is holding women back, reveal her exact weekly workout routine, and break down the psychological barriers keeping people from the gym. Plus, Senada shares what it was really like training Kim Kardashian full-time, why she works out barefoot, and her thoughts on trendy wellness practices like fasting and cold plunges for women. Senada Greca is a fitness trainer and entrepreneur with over 6 million Instagram followers. She's the founder of the WeRise fitness app and former personal trainer to Kim Kardashian. Originally from Albania, she holds degrees in business and transitioned from pharmaceutical sales to become one of social media's most trusted fitness voices. What We Discuss:  (01:00) Fitness Entrepreneur's Journey to Success (07:58) Transitioning From Cardio to Strength Training (15:49) Maximizing Strength Training Efficiency and Frequency (23:49) Optimizing Strength Training and Foot Health (32:09) Overcoming Fitness Excuses and Consistency (41:35) Importance of Fitness and Nutrition (48:18) Daily Routine and Healthy Eating (01:01:10) Impact of Fasting and Cold Plunges (01:08:13) Maximizing Strength Training Variety and Progress (01:19:05) Incorporating Pilates and Strength Training (01:25:53) Powerful Networking and Positive Energy …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.   Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Senada Greca: Website: WeRise app Instagram: @senada.greca

Why do women struggle more with intermittent fasting than men? And what's the real secret to building bone density that most women are missing? In this Fitness Friday episode, exercise physiologist Dr. Stacy Sims and I break down the biological differences that make popular health trends work differently for women. We explore the concept of "polarized training"—why women need to go super hard or super easy, avoiding that moderate-intensity middle zone that can actually increase cortisol and visceral fat. We also discuss the fascinating brain differences between men and women that make fasting potentially harmful for women's hormones, sleep, and body composition.  Dr. Stacy Sims is an international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who specializes in sex differences in training, nutrition, and environmental conditions. She's the author of "Roar" and "Next Level" and has spent decades researching how women's unique physiology requires different approaches to health and fitness. What we discuss: The polarized training approach: why moderate intensity is the enemy Minimum effective dose for women's training (hint: it's less than you think) Why jump training beats running for bone density The specific type of jumping that builds bones (it's not what you expect) Why trampolines don't count for bone building The brain differences that make fasting risky for women Why women become "anabolically resistant" at 40 and need more protein The top 3 supplements every woman needs Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. Find more from Dr. Stacy Sims: Website: https://www.drstacysims.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims  Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements