Smear Campaigns and the Loss of Family, Friends, and Safety with Eleanor Marks

Smear campaigns don’t just distort the truth—they dismantle trust, fracture relationships, and leave survivors questioning where it’s safe to stand. In this episode of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, Renee Swanson is joined by high-conflict divorce coach Eleanor Marks for an honest conversation about what smear campaigns really look like during and after divorce with a covert narcissist. Together, they explore: How smear campaigns unfold quietly and convincingly Why family and long-term friends sometimes believe the lies The grief of losing relationships you never expected to lose Why defending yourself often backfires How to reclaim your sense of safety without proving anything This conversation isn’t about reacting, explaining, or correcting the narrative. It’s about understanding the pattern, protecting your energy, and learning how to move forward when others choose not to see the truth. If you are currently divorcing a covert narcissist—or preparing to—a new coaching session focused specifically on navigating divorce with a covert narcissist is beginning next week. You can learn more and join now at www.covertnarcissism.com/divorce You are not overreacting. You are not imagining the loss. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Life After Narcissism 03:26 Understanding Smear Campaigns 05:55 The Impact of Family Dynamics 08:55 Redefining Relationships and Trust 11:39 Healing and Moving Forward 15:51 Living Your Truth 16:42 Building a Supportive Community DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY RENEE SWANSON, COVERT NARCISSISM PODCAST, AND CNG LIFE COACHING IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSIS PURPOSES AND NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR CLINICAL CARE. PLEASE CONSULT A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE. THIS MATERIAL DISCUSSES NARCISSISM IN GENERAL. RENEE SHARES STORIES FROM HER PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AS WELL AS FROM THOSE SHE HAS TALKED WITH FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HER MATERIAL DOES NOT CLAIM THAT ANY SPECIFIC PERSON HAS NARCISSISM AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO REFER TO ANY SPECIFIC PERSON AS HAVING NARCISSISM. PERMISSION IS NOT GRANTED TO LINK TO OR REPOST THIS MATERIAL TO SUPPORT AN ALLEGATION OR SUPPORT A CLAIM THAT ANY SPECIFIC PERSON IS A NARCISSIST. THAT WOULD BE AN UNAUTHORIZED MISUSE OF THE MATERIAL AND INFORMATION PROVIDED. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.