Jacqueline Trumbull and Kibby McMahon

A Little Help For Our Friends

Dr. Kibby McMahon

  • Detox From People Pleasing: Breaking Free of the "Echo-Narcissus Syndrome" And Becoming Your Own Authority

Detox From People Pleasing: Breaking Free of the "Echo-Narcissus Syndrome" And Becoming Your Own Authority

Wednesday 24th December 2025

Explore Dr. Kibby's journey of overcoming people-pleasing and embracing self-authority in her 40s.
47 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Honest
Healing

About this podcast

A Little Help For Our Friends
Author:
Jacqueline Trumbull and Kibby McMahon
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing Relationships
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Relationships & Community
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Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Dr. Kibby's Journey

Episode Overview

  • People-pleasing often stems from fear of rejection and desire for approval.
  • Setting boundaries is crucial for mental health and personal growth.
  • Recognising unhealthy patterns can lead to healing and self-discovery.
  • Balancing giving with personal needs prevents burnout and resentment.
  • Reclaiming authority involves trusting one's own judgment and worth.
"It's like you're becoming an attention vending machine."
Ever wondered what it takes to break free from the exhausting cycle of people-pleasing? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Kibby McMahon shares her personal journey of turning 40 and confronting a lifelong habit of people-pleasing, which she humorously dubs the 'Echo-Narcissus Syndrome.' As she reflects on her chaotic 30s, filled with both joy and hardship, including battling cancer and navigating divorce, Dr. Kibby reveals how these experiences pushed her to rethink her need for external validation.
She discusses the psychological roots of people-pleasing, linking it to environments where love feels conditional and the need to manage others' emotions becomes a survival tactic. Dr. Kibby candidly shares her struggles with setting boundaries and the fear of rejection that often follows when she does. Through a mix of personal anecdotes and scientific insights, she highlights the importance of recognising this behaviour as a fear-based response rather than a selfless act. Listeners will find themselves nodding along as Dr.
Kibby explains the common dynamic between people-pleasers and narcissists, where the former often sacrifices their own needs to gain approval. But fear not, there's hope! Dr. Kibby shares how she's learning to say no, set boundaries, and prioritise her own needs, aiming for a more balanced approach in her 40s. Her story is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the ongoing journey of healing from past patterns.
So, are you ready to stop being an 'attention vending machine' and start living life on your own terms? Tune in for a refreshing perspective on how to reclaim your authority and find peace within yourself.
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