Bill Eddy is back on the show to dive into a critical topic: adult bullies. With election season upon us, the presence of bullies—whether in politics, the workplace, relationships, or even parenting—can feel more intense than ever. Bill, Chief Innovation Officer of the High Conflict Institute and author of Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them – How to Stop Them, explains how today’s media-driven culture fuels the rise of adult bullies, encouraging aggression and disregarding rules.

We explore how bullies create crises out of thin air, positioning themselves as heroes of their made-up stories. Plus, Bill shares concrete examples of adult bullying in the world today, how it impacts children when parents are the bullies, and why it’s crucial to stand together against bullies to take them down.

Listen and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the emotional manipulation bullies use to gain power.

Featured topics:

• What defines an adult bully and the key traits to look out for (4:30)
• The secret weapon of bullies: emotional manipulation and the “crisis-villain-hero” narrative (8:04)
• How media and social media fuel the growth of adult bullies (15:27)
• How parents can inadvertently turn their children away from a co-parent (24:09)
• The importance of empathy: addressing bullying without becoming bullies ourselves (34:56)
• The future of adult bullies: what to expect and how to stand against them (49:27)

Learn more about Bill Eddy:

Bill Eddy is the author of Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them – How to Stop Them and the Chief Innovation Officer of the High Conflict Institute based in San Diego, California. He trains lawyers, judges, mediators, and therapists throughout the United States and a dozen other countries in managing high-conflict family, workplace, and legal disputes. He is the author of over 20 books and manuals and has a popular blog on PsychologyToday.com.

Resources & Links:

Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate 

Phoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment Collective

High Conflict Institute

Bill’s book “Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them, How to Stop Them”

The High Conflict Institute on Facebook

The High Conflict Institute on Instagram

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DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.