Outwitting the Manipulator

From Manipulator to Man of Discipline: Gethro’s 400-Day Reset

Six months after first opening up about his past manipulative patterns, Gethro LaCroix returns with a striking update. He’s now over 400 days sober, committed to the gym, off social media, and deepening his connection to faith and community.
He shares how he avoids slipping into old habits—womanizing, drinking, smoking—by remembering the chaos they caused and grounding himself in daily discipline. A highlight: a friend took Gethro’s advice to “pick a lane” and abandon the mix-and-match lifestyle of half-good-guy, half-player. That moment showed Gethro how teaching others reinforces his own growth.
Gethro’s relationship is thriving through transparency and mutual transformation. Both partners quit substances, practice prayer and fasting for decision-making, and are intentionally moving toward marriage. He’s learning to lead with love rather than dominance.
Meanwhile, friends and family are surprised—some skeptical—but they respect the boundaries he now holds firmly. He’s no longer the guy to call for drinking or smoking; he’s the one you call for advice, a workout, or a grounding conversation.
Anchored by a new sleep schedule, structured days, and an intentional lifestyle, Gethro’s transformation is steady, disciplined, and—most importantly—real.
 
Topics
01:09 Reconnecting with Gethro LaCroix
01:47 Gethro's Personal Growth Journey
03:51 Maintaining Sobriety and Facing Temptations
05:12 Inspiring Others and Sharing Wisdom
08:38 The Importance of Transparency in Relationships
11:41 Changing Dynamics with Friends
20:44 Family Reactions to Personal Transformation
21:01 Cold Turkey Transformation
21:58 Family Reactions and Belief
23:31 The Role of Faith and Discipline
28:26 Relationship Dynamics and Growth
33:51 The Power of Routine and Scheduling
38:36 Final Reflections and Future Plans
 

You Can’t Litigate Love: Finding the Ghosts Behind Family Fights

Attorney Patricia Annino joins Robin to reveal the truth behind most “legal” family disputes: they aren’t legal at all — they’re emotional. Patricia explains that every family has a “ghost” (a buried issue like abuse, addiction, favoritism, or betrayal) that quietly drives manipulation, conflict, and expensive litigation. Until that ghost is named, nothing gets resolved.
She shares a striking case where years of multimillion-dollar litigation ended instantly once the real issue — childhood abuse — was finally acknowledged. Patricia emphasizes that you can’t litigate love, and most people avoid the emotional root because it’s easier to hire lawyers than face their own patterns. Robin and Patricia discuss the courage it takes to break generational cycles, take responsibility for your part of the dance, and say the thing no one else will say — because that’s the only way families truly move forward.
 
Topics
01:01 Understanding Manipulation in Family Dynamics
02:43 The Role of Inner Scripts and Ghosts
04:18 Case Study: Uncovering Hidden Family Issues
05:52 Challenges in Legal Practice and Emotional Intelligence
07:15 Prenuptial Agreements and Family Dynamics
07:42 The Importance of Emotional Insight in Legal Matters
10:33 Generational Ghosts and Personal Responsibility
19:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Battle for Your Brain: Curiosity, Courage, and Control

Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker make a bold case: our culture often rewards manipulation because people fear backlash and comply. This episode flips that script. Robin and Dennis show how learning in-the-moment self-protection skills—clear boundaries, firm inflection, steady eye contact, succinct language—creates a personal and societal ripple effect: we stop feeding the very behavior we want to end.
They unpack the hidden “tells” manipulators scan for (up-talk, hesitations, slumped posture, over-explaining) and explain why backlash is actually a sign of success—evidence your boundary landed. With the “3 C’s” (be Curious, have the Courage to speak up, and the Courage to ask questions), they teach how to confront tactics without being baited into long explanations. The hosts stress persistence: applied calmly and repeatedly, noncompliance makes manipulators move on, trading “being liked” for being respected. Beyond relationships, they spotlight manipulation in advertising, institutions, and social feeds—and remind listeners that learning these skills is like mastering a new language: hard at first, empowering for life. They close with the mantra “Less is more”—the less ammo you give, the less control they have—and point listeners to their on-demand course at manipulator.help for step-by-step practice.
Topics
01:42 The Cost of Compliance
03:59 Facing the Fear of Backlash
07:07 Recognizing Manipulative Tactics
08:45 Non-Verbal Cues and Communication
11:09 The Importance of Communication Coaching
13:00 Understanding the Manipulator's Strategy
14:05 Steps to Ensure Your Safety
15:19 The Motivation Behind Non-Compliance
16:03 Spotting Red Flags Early
16:40 The Cost of Ignoring Red Flags
18:08 Manipulation Tactics in Everyday Life
19:22 The Importance of Curiosity and Courage
21:28 The Joy of Learning and Overcoming Challenges
24:51 Persistence Against Manipulators
27:51 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Escape the Timeshare Trap: How to Spot the Manipulation—and Get Out

When “free nights” and glossy model homes turn into endless fees and fine print, you may have stepped into the timeshare trap. In this episode, Robin and Dr. Dennis welcome Tim Downey—former 22-year timeshare owner turned advocate and founder of Truthful Timeshare Termination—who breaks down the industry’s most common manipulation tactics and the legal concepts that actually put you back in control.
You’ll learn:
What you’re really buying (hint: rights, not property) and how point systems blur the truth
The crucial differences between rescission, “rights of use,” and true ownership
Why “good standing” and “fee simple” matter—and how they can unlock an exit
How exit/cancellation companies exploit shame, urgency, and confusion
The “missing phrases” and 20 key terms Tim watches for when reading contracts
Tim shares how he helps owners reclaim their power—sometimes in days—by understanding what’s not said in the paperwork. Robin and Dennis connect the dots to everyday defense: stay curious, have the courage to ask hard questions, and refuse to be shamed into silence. If you or someone you love is tangled in a timeshare, this conversation is your playbook for getting free—without losing your peace (or your wallet).
Topics
02:37 Understanding Timeshares
05:10 The Reality of Timeshare Ownership
07:10 Manipulation and Coercion in Timeshares
12:26 Legal Aspects and Getting Out of Timeshares
18:45 Understanding the Manipulative Tactics
19:29 The Financial Trap of Timeshares
20:12 Personal Experiences with Sales Tactics
21:22 Empowering Financial Awareness
23:00 Tim Downey's Expertise and Services
28:49 The Moral Dilemma of Manipulation
33:07 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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

"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

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

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

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

Rules and Values In Manipulation

Dennis and Robin delve into the fundamental concepts of rules and values and their significance in handling manipulation. They emphasize the importance of distinguishing between rules and values, illustrating how manipulators exploit this distinction to maintain control. Through practical examples, the hosts provide strategies for setting and enforcing boundaries when dealing with manipulators, stressing the necessity of clear, specific, and unyielding rules alongside appropriate consequences. Listeners are encouraged to start small, practice consistency, and stay vigilant to effectively manage interactions with manipulative individuals.
 
Topics
00:42 Understanding Rules and Values
01:44 Manipulators and Value-Based Discussions
05:19 Setting Boundaries with Manipulators
06:59 Manipulative Tactics and Consequences
08:56 Enforcing Rules and Handling Pushback
13:40 The Mindset of Manipulators
14:54 Setting Boundaries with Manipulators
15:41 The Importance of Consistency
17:51 Starting Small: Practicing Boundary Setting
19:18 Handling Mockery and Public Humiliation
21:43 Values and Rule Enforcement
24:53 Practical Tips for Rule Setting
28:27 Conclusion and Contact Information