Shows
Modern HysteriaS1E11 Narcissistic Abuse x Telling Your Story with Sarene LeedsThis week we’re talking about narcissistic abuse in the workplace.In this episode, Sarene Leeds takes us back to her tenure at Rolling Stone and experiences with:* ❤️🩹 narcissistic abuse, where a person — usually someone with narcissistic traits — manipulates, controls, and harms others* 🕹️ coercive control, a pattern of behavior used to dominate and manipulate someone* 😶🌫️ gaslighting, when someone makes you doubt your own memory, perception, or sanityThe TabooNarcissistic abuse can be subtle and hard to recognize, and it doesn’t leave. physical, visible scars, so, often, survivors feel confused...2025-02-1952 min
To Mom is To Love with Valerie Probstfeld, NPNavigating Neurodivergence in Parenting with Sarene Leeds - Episode 105Sarene Leeds is a seasoned media and communications expert with over 20 years experience as a professional journalist, content creator, and copy editor. She has worked for Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, Verywell health, and Mic.com. She also is published in Ad Age, Vulture, SheKnows, Glamour.com, as well as many other print and digital outlets. She holds her M.S. in professional writing from NYU and a B.A. in American Studies with a journalism concentration from Brandeis University.
In this episode Sarene shares with us her perspective and journey with parenting a neurodivergent child. Y...2025-01-2230 min
Real Mother FuckersSarene Leeds + Beyond the Diagnosis: A Neurodivergent JourneyThis episode explores the challenges and experiences of parenting a neurodivergent child, specifically a child diagnosed as twice exceptional. Sarene Leeds is a writer and also hosts the podcast “Emotional Abuse is Real”. In this episode, she shares her journey as a parent of a neurodivergent child and the challenges she has faced in finding the right support and resources. She emphasizes the importance of trusting your gut and advocating for your child's needs.
Sarene shares her journey and the difficulties she has faced in finding appropriate support and resources for her daughter. The conversation touches on topi...2024-10-291h 07
Secret Mom Hacks: Mom Life & Parenting Tips for Busy First Time MomsSelf-care for moms & postpartum doula research with Sarene Leeds | Ep. 86I'm thrilled to have Sarene Leeds return for part three of our four-part series together. On today's episode we explore various self-care practices to enhance our mental and emotional well-being. We also cover postpartum doulas (aka baby nurses), discussing everything from the importance of hiring a vetted postpartum doula early due to high demand, to the types of support they can provide, like breastfeeding assistance and light housework. Sarene shares her personal journey, highlighting the pitfalls of not properly researching a doula, and the stress that ensued. It's all about navigating postpartum with the right...2024-09-2536 minSecret Mom Hacks: Mom Life & Parenting Tips for Busy First Time MomsTwice exceptional: Neurodivergent parenting with Sarene Leeds | Ep. 80Today we're returning for part two of my four-part series featuring Sarene Leeds - host of the Emotional Abuse Is Real podcast - exploring the complex world of parenting a neurodivergent child.We discuss her journey from recognizing early signs of ADHD and autism to navigating the lengthy and challenging diagnostic process. Sarene shares personal stories, offering raw insights and practical advice. We discuss overcoming school hurdles, finding effective therapies, and improving communication with her daughter. She also highlights the vital role of supportive communities, like her daughter's dance class.Whether you're navigating a similar...2024-08-1427 min
Emotional Abuse Is RealA Former MLM Consultant's Cautionary TaleSend us a textThe podcast's dedicated series on MLMs and toxic health and wellness groups wraps up with a cautionary tale from an anonymous listener. In today's episode, Sarene narrates Nella's* account of her time in an MLM. Joining an MLM seemed an almost natural progression for Nella after she grew up around Avon and Tupperware parties. But like so many others before her, Nella eventually woke up to the business’ predatory recruiting and pressure-filled tactics. *Name changed to protect the former MLMer's privacy The Anti-MLM Coalition2024-07-2416 minEmotional Abuse Is RealCults and Coercive Control in the Health and Wellness Industry With Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, CHTSend us a textOn today’s episode, Sarene welcomes Kim Peirano, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine who has firsthand experience of emotional abuse and coercive control in health and wellness groups. As you’ll hear during our conversation, an organization she initially thought was a meditation school, turned out to be a cult. Dr. Kim also shares a multitude of tips on how to spot cult-like situations as well as ways to keep yourself safe when exploring alternative health options.Connect with Dr. Kim Coaching websiteCoac...2024-07-1745 minEmotional Abuse Is RealPerformative Allyship in MLMs With Luana Barajas, M.EdSend us a textOn today’s episode, we’re talking more about emotional abuse in multi-level marketing companies with my guest, Luana Barajas. Luana lives in Southern California, she’s a mom to three kids, works full-time as a middle school teacher, and recently published her debut novel, V. As a Latina in a predominantly white MLM, Luana experienced not only the typical predatory behavior of MLMs but also performative allyship toward BIPOC consultants following the murder of George Floyd. This blatantly racist behavior drove her to quit the company once and for all. 2024-07-1042 minEmotional Abuse Is RealEmotional Abuse in MLMs, With Host Sarene LeedsSend us a textToday we're kicking off my second-ever dedicated series – and this time, I’m focusing on emotional abuse stemming from multi-level marketing companies (aka MLMs). In this episode, I explain what exactly an MLM is, and I give some backstory as to why I’m so interested in unpacking the problems connected to MLMs and similarly toxic health and wellness groups. Additional Resources on MLMs:The Dream podcastHerbalife segment from Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Hey Hun, Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Beh...2024-06-1915 min