In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Life-Changing Challengers, host Brad Minus welcomes award-winning author Mia Hanks, who courageously shares her journey from an idyllic childhood in the Midwest to surviving a decades-long marriage with a covert narcissist. Mia opens up about the emotional toll, the red flags she missed, and the health consequences that ultimately forced her to leave for good.
Together, Brad and Mia explore the tactics narcissists use to control and isolate, the trauma bonding that can keep victims trapped, and how freedom and healing can begin once you break away. Mia’s story is a beacon of hope for anyone in a toxic relationship and a stark reminder that emotional abuse often hides in plain sight.
⏱️ Timeline Summary
[1:10] – Mia Hanks shares her tranquil childhood and naive early worldview
[6:35] – College years, marriage, and early signs of narcissistic behavior
[11:22] – The subtle red flags: lack of empathy and covert manipulation
[17:45] – Parenting under pressure: raising kids with a narcissistic spouse
[25:15] – The physical toll of emotional abuse and the breaking point
[31:50] – Planning her escape and rebuilding life with support
[39:00] – Lessons learned, red flags to watch for, and healing forward
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