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 Manipulator, Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker reveal how manipulators deliberately choose words to ignite reactions, control momentum, and keep you off balance. They break down how to spot these verbal traps, why even “neutral” words can carry manipulative weight, and how to stay grounded by separating fact from feeling. Whether you’re dealing with a difficult partner, workplace manipulator, or simply navigating today’s emotionally charged media, this conversation gives you the tools to pause, question, and reclaim control.
Topics
00:56 Identifying Manipulative Words
01:57 Emotional Control in Manipulative Interactions
04:55 Manipulation in Media and News
06:52 The Complexity of Neutrality and Bias
12:22 Philosophical Debate on Right and Wrong
15:18 Manipulators' Self-Interest
16:09 Understanding Manipulative Relationships
16:32 The Illusion of Love in Manipulative Dynamics
18:35 Recognizing Patterns of Manipulation
19:45 Levels of Communication: From Gossip to Argument
21:28 The Power of Word Choice in Manipulation
23:43 Strategies to Identify and Counter Manipulation
28:25 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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"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 liked or respected. They explain why this binary decision can be a trap, particularly for “pathos” personalities who lead with emotion, and how manipulators exploit that vulnerability. Using insights from ethos–pathos–logos communication styles, they break down the risks of prioritizing likability in professional settings, how emotional dominance can cloud judgment, and strategies to protect yourself in real-time. The conversation emphasizes practical ways to maintain credibility, assert boundaries, and avoid falling into the manipulator’s game.
Topics
01:27 The Binary Choice: Respect vs. Being Liked
02:13 Understanding Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
03:38 Manipulation in Professional Settings
07:45 The Manipulator's Tactics
14:19 Changing Your Mindset
17:29 Understanding the Manipulator's Intentions
17:54 Identifying Traits of Respectable People
18:39 Self-Reflection and Personal Boundaries
20:17 Observing Manipulation in Others
21:04 The Cult Analogy: Pathos and Ethos
22:43 The Subtle Erosion of Self
23:40 Reacting to Manipulation in the Workplace
25:32 Invitation for Real-Life Scenarios
28:16 Building Personal Power and Respect
29:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
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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 and respond to such questions effectively. Techniques include maintaining neutrality, avoiding defensive answers, and using non-verbal cues. They also explore various types of manipulators (ethos, pathos, logos) and provide strategies tailored to each type. The episode emphasizes the importance of staying composed and setting boundaries to protect oneself from manipulation.
Topics
01:28 The Power of Manipulative Questions
03:59 False Choices: A Manipulator's Tactic
04:47 Techniques to Counter Manipulative Questions
12:22 The Importance of Neutrality
20:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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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 manipulative dynamic, and how this has influenced her own relationships. She discusses the challenges of co-parenting with a manipulative ex and stresses the importance of being self-aware and vigilant. The conversation covers techniques for neutralizing manipulation, such as paraphrasing and not reacting immediately. Brittanie also emphasizes the significance of maintaining boundaries and understanding the manipulator's background to avoid being too compassionate. The episode aims to provide listeners with practical tools and insights to identify and handle manipulation effectively.
Topics
02:07 Brittanie's Background and Early Experiences
02:59 Challenges of Co-Parenting with a Manipulator
04:48 Recognizing Manipulation Tactics
08:11 Strategies to Counter Manipulation
11:51 The Importance of Neutral Responses
14:35 Using Paraphrasing as a Tool
16:44 Drawing Parallels with Child Behavior
19:17 Breaking the Manipulator's Momentum
21:08 Navigating Manipulative Relationships
21:47 Personal Experiences with Gaslighting
22:30 Understanding Manipulative Behavior
23:22 The Role of Manipulation in Society
24:34 Parental Influence on Manipulative Tendencies
28:29 Strategies to Handle Manipulation
30:32 The Emotional Impact of Manipulation
37:53 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections
40:09 Conclusion and Farewell
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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 over-explaining makes you an easy target. Through live role-play, mindset shifts, and simple, real-life tactics, you’ll learn how to respond with calm confidence, defuse manipulation in the moment, and stop feeding the fire. Whether it’s a toxic boss or a needling sibling, this episode teaches you how to stay neutral, keep your cool, and take control.
🎯 Learn how to:
Break the habit of over-explaining
Use the “Broken Record” technique effectively
Respond with neutral tone, confident volume, and simple words
Protect your credibility and emotional energy
🔗 Visit OutwitInRealTime.com to catch up on past episodes and submit your questions!
Topics
00:53 The Power of Brevity in Communication
01:33 Understanding Manipulation Tactics
04:24 Mindset and Cultural Considerations
08:28 Improv Scenarios: Handling Manipulation at Work
18:53 Starting with Confidence
19:25 The Power of Consistent Tone
20:45 Mastering the Broken Record Technique
22:58 Handling Manipulative Tactics
25:18 Sibling Dynamics and Emotional Triggers
27:48 Consistency and Resilience
29:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Welcome to Outwitting the Manipulator, the podcast that gives you powerful techniques to protect yourself as manipulation is taking place. Your hosts are authors and communication experts Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker. You can find the book, Outwitting the Manipulator, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Outwitting-Manipulator-Protecting-Yourself-Real-Time/dp/1953806244Our main website: HTTP://outwitinrealtime.comAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outwitting-the-manipulator/id1644706232SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4peb6yxqyrYQllAo8c6KTE?si=NbBsepYzSc-FWrwOjHAuCA