Best Clever Fools Podcasts (2025)

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The Wolf Hunter 24:08

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22d ago24:08

24:08

Send us a text In this episode I share a story about a hunter who is haunted by ghosts before encountering a wolf. I reflect upon Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 and talk about the storytelling and shadow puppetry show, "A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun'. I mention my substack page "Rekindling the Hearth" https://deeprootscommunity.substack.com/ aswell a…

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Episode 51 - Setting Yourself Up for Trouble? 41:18

4M ago41:18

41:18

Abusers are master manipulators, wielding cunning tactics to ensnare their prey -but what makes you a target? In this gripping episode of Unmasking the Abuser, I peel back the curtain on the hidden beliefs and behaviors that leave you vulnerable to predators, no matter how much you know about their schemes. From subtle habits to deeply held convict…

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Episode 50: Your Superpower Cheat-Sheet! 37:23

6M ago37:23

37:23

Dive into the riveting world of Unmasking the Abuser with our milestone 50th episode! Now in its electrifying 5th season, this podcast, hosted by renowned social psychologist Dr. Dina McMillan, is your ultimate weapon for outsmarting manipulators and abusers. Dr. McMillan masterfully distills complex graduate-level social psychology into a powerful…

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Episode 49 - Does Being Woke Make You Vulnerable to Abusers? 38:36

7M ago38:36

38:36

For years, I’ve seen a gap in understanding manipulation, hesitant to address it until now. Compassionate, trusting people are preyed upon — not just by romantic Abusers, but also by some social and political movements. These groups mirror the worst Abusers: demanding blind loyalty, erasing boundaries, and punishing dissent or even questions with b…

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The Clever Wish 24:46

8M ago24:46

24:46

Send us a text This episode features a live telling of an Irish/Scottish folk tale, "The Clever Wish". Recorded at the Hearth Fire Sessions in Edinburgh in November 24, this episode previews the launch of the sessions again this year, starting on World Storytelling Day. This story is a favourite for all ages ,and it's riddle some quality makes it p…

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Ramble by the River 36:21

8M ago36:21

36:21

Send us a text Live recording from the banks of the River Tweed in the south of Scotland. The sun is shining, the frost is sparkling and the otters are swimming. This episode shares musings on creativity, creating moments of wonder amidst modernity, the polar pulls of to-do-lists and the wild, Fionn's true seeing and the poetry of the Otter. It's a…

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Episode 48 - Key Components of Coercive Control Part 1 36:33

8M ago36:33

36:33

Coercive control has been a hot topic in recent years, with some jurisdictions even making it illegal. Lawmakers recognize the serious risks victims face - even without victims being subjected to frequent bouts of physical violence. But what exactly is coercive control? How does it take hold in a relationship, and why do victims often accept it wit…

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Marrakech Storytelling Festival 35:00

9M ago35:00

35:00

Send us a text In this episode I give updates from the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival and share two short stories from the region. The stories are of a character famed through the Arab world, the wise fool, often known as Hodja, or the Mullah Nasruddin, but in North Africa he is known as 'Djoha'. I recently told one of these stories …

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Episode 47 - Too Clever to Fool! 44:43

10M ago44:43

44:43

We all like to think we're too smart to fall for the same mistakes twice. But the truth is, some devious manipulation tactics can slip past our defenses again and again -especially if we don't recognize them, if we're distracted, or if we believe our past experiences make us immune. In this eye-opening episode of Unmasking the Abuser, we dive deep …

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Episode 46 - Safely Navigating the Holidays with Strength and Sanity 30:49

10M ago30:49

30:49

The holiday season often brings joy, smiles, and shared meals, but for those in toxic relationships, it can also mean stress, conflict, and emotional strain. In this episode of Unmasking the Abuser, we go beyond offering sympathy to provide practical, actionable advice for managing an abusive partner or family member during the festive season. Stay…

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Episode 45 - Setting You Up for Manipulation Part 1 27:04

12M ago27:04

27:04

Ever feel like your decisions were made for you before you even knew it? It’s not magic—it's a set of cunning maneuvers social psychologist Robert Cialdini calls "Pre-Suasion". In this episode, we dive into the clever, subtle tactics that influence how we make choices long before a pitch is even made. From strategic questions to the power of backgr…

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Episode 44: Circles of Intimacy - the Key to Deciphering Your Relationship Health 41:31

12M ago41:31

41:31

Ever wonder just how much you care for the people in your life - or how much they truly care for you? Discover a straightforward approach to finding out, no awkward conversations or confrontations required. Join us for an eye-opening episode and strengthen the bonds that matter most. The Circles of Intimacy is a simple tool that allows you to gauge…

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Episode 43 - Key Secret Uses of Fear 33:52

12M ago33:52

33:52

Fear is a powerful tool of manipulation. But equally potent is the art of calming those fears to gain control — a tactic Abusers and Manipulators know all too well. In this episode of Unmasking the Abuser, we’ll expose how abusers exploit the power of reassurance, distraction, and false security to make you ignore genuine threats. From minimizing r…

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Episode 42 - Misusing the power of FEAR 41:14

1y ago41:14

41:14

In this crucial episode, Dr. Dina McMillan dives into one of the most powerful weapons in a manipulator’s toolkit—fear. Fear is a natural, protective instinct that helps keep us safe. But once manipulators learn what makes your heart race and your stomach drop, they can exploit it to control you. In this episode, Dr. McMillan explains the different…

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Episode 41 - The Lasting Damage from the Covid Era 35:08

1y ago35:08

35:08

In this compelling episode of Unmasking the Abuser, we explore an event that touched everyone’s lives—the Covid pandemic. More than just the fear of the virus itself, we dive into the emotional and social rifts caused by differing responses to mandates and directives. How has the Covid era shaped our world today? Can the wounds it opened be healed?…

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Episode 40 - Missed Info about the First Tactics on The List 33:02

1y ago33:02

33:02

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked but crucial phases of manipulation: Testing and Training. While tactics like Love Bombing and Gaslighting grab headlines, these initial maneuvers — Testing and Training — lay the groundwork for all the other manipulative strategies. Without successfully testing new targets and then training t…

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Episode 39 - Finishing the eBook: Key Tactics of Abusers Defined 36:55

1y ago36:55

36:55

In this vital episode, we wrap up the eBook, Brief Overview of Abusers' Strategies and Tactics, covering Chapter 7: "Tactics of Abusers," Chapter 8: "Honorable Mention Tactics," and the concluding section. Just like the eBook itself—available for only $10 at www.drdinamcmillan.com—this episode gives you the essential tools to recognize and counter …

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Episode 38 - Establishing the Groundwork 31:16

1y ago31:16

31:16

In this crucial episode, we delve further into the explosive insights unveiled in my latest eBook, "Brief Overview of Abusers' Strategies and Tactics." We explore chapters four through six, uncovering not just the selection process —how Abusers pinpoint their romantic victims based on specific traits — but also the deceptions, strategies, and facad…

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Episode 37: Discussing the New Book - Brief Overview of Abusers' Strategies 30:06

1y ago30:06

30:06

I put a lot of thought into creating my eBook, Brief Overview of Abusers' Strategies and Tactics. I'm excited to dive into its key insights in this episode and the next. Research shows that the more often you engage with information across different formats, the better you retain it — especially when you pair it with a visual reference. This is exa…

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Episode 36 - Making Yourself Manipulation-Proof 29:47

1+ y ago29:47

29:47

This is another key episode with a slightly different twist. Most of the time we discuss ways to recognize efforts to take advantage of you, using slick words and clever moves to influence, persuade and exploit. This time we stand back and discuss three core factors that can improve your shield against these devious efforts. These simple moves can …

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Culture Making with Tad Hargrave 1:11:39

1+ y ago1:11:39

1:11:39

Send us a text As a prequel to my upcoming tour of British Columbia I speak with Tad Hargrave, best known for his Marketing for Hippies movement, but also eloquent in culture making and something of a storyteller, improv actor and street magician. You want this guy at your party! In our conversation we touch upon his own path to discover of the ric…

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Episode 35 - The First 30 Days 32:37

1+ y ago32:37

32:37

Some of the most crucial information about abusive relationships is how they start. What are they like at the very beginning? Most victims and survivors don't recognize the manipulation that happened at the start. That's why this can be a key to preventing new victims in the future. This episode provides a general overview of the manipulative moves…

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Ep12. Wise fools with Dan Serridge 1:28:06

1+ y ago1:28:06

1:28:06

Send us a text In this episode I discuss 'applied storytelling' as well as performance with Glasgow based storyteller Dan Serridge. We dive into story as a tool for community engagement and how it can break down barriers. Dan shares his experience of walking the border between England and Scotland, whilst musing the classic tale of Thomas the Rhyme…

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Episode 34 - Oops! I Did It Again! The Valentine's Day Chapter 35:14

1+ y ago35:14

35:14

Important Valentine's Day Episode - no roses required. Most of our episodes are about choosing a better romantic partner. This episode is all about YOU, whether you're female or male, in a relationship or single. It guides you as you identify any beliefs or behaviors that are holding you back, causing you or your partner pain. It helps expose the m…

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Ep11. Wild Awake with Lucy O'Hagan 1:08:51

1+ y ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Send us a text In this episode I catch up with Lucy O'Hagan about her wilderness programmes in Ireland. We range from local myths of Lugh and Balor of the evil eye, to the Belfast Punk scene, snow shelters in Norway, cave dwelling in Dordogne, and the teepee outside Galway where we met. To find out more about Lucy's work: https://www.wildawake.ie/ …

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Episode 33: I Want You Back! 38:46

2y ago38:46

38:46

This is one of the most important Episodes we've done. Inspired by a request from a podcast audience member, this Episode explores the tricks and maneuvers used to entice a mistreated partner to return to an abusive relationship. How is it done? What does it take for someone who's fed up and perhaps deeply afraid to dive back into a highly volatile…

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Episode 32: Surviving Family Gatherings - A Holiday Special 21:36

2y ago21:36

21:36

This short podcast needs to be bookmarked and saved somewhere convenient. It contains key tips for emotional survival during the holiday season - or any time your family gets together. If you have a volatile partner, a difficult relative, a troublesome partner of a relative, don't go into their lair without protecting yourself. That's what this Epi…

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Ep 10. The Witches of Kintail live at SISF 41:36

2y ago41:36

41:36

Send us a text This episode features a live recording of a story told at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 23. It's a version of one of the stories I first fell in love with many years ago and has sublime musical accompaniment from the talented Rachel Newton...aswell as some random audience participation and suggestion! I also commen…

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Episode 31: Exposing a Secret Danger 30:14

2y ago30:14

30:14

This is still the only podcast series that exposes the specific tactics used by Abusers to lure in and trap romantic partners. It offers rare insight into manipulation that's relevant everywhere in your life, not only in romance. But have you ever wondered if we've missed something - another risk factor that could be significant? In this explosive …

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Ep 9. The Hunter Ogalusa 41:08

2y ago41:08

41:08

Send us a text In the episode I give a nod to my recent trip to Norway for a primitive skills gathering by telling a hunting tale from Sierra Leone. I also share a 'Revolting Rhyme' version of the Norwegian folk tale, the Three Billy Goats Gruff, inspired by irreverent British-Danish author Roald Dahl. There is some commentary on my time in Norway …

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Ep 8. Rewilding Humans (with Daan Timmers) 1:15:50

2y ago1:15:50

1:15:50

Send us a text In this episode I discuss rewilding with Daan Timmers, whom I met at the Lithica ancestral skills gathering in Norway. We reflect upon our experience at the Lithica Gathering highlighting the sense of community and connection and value of reconnecting with nature and each other in a world that often prioritizes individuality. We disc…

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Ep 7. The Old Grey Magician 44:55

2y ago44:55

44:55

Send us a text In this episode I introduce Animate Lands, a live storytelling and music piece that recently showcased at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I introduce the Fianna and some of the old Celtic myths relating to them before sharing a Scottish story featuring the Old Grey Magician, a mysterious wizard type character in who appears in several…

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Ep 4. Treasure under the Apple Tree 26:14

2+ y ago26:14

26:14

Send us a text Another classic tale about dreaming and unexpected treasures in familiar places and an inspiration for a best selling novel. This story appeals to all ages and whilst discussing with a friend recently, we reflected upon the influence that the novel version of this tale has had on our adult lives. It's a cracking folk tale in it's fin…

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Ep 6. The Monkey's Heart 27:01

2+ y ago27:01

27:01

Send us a text Celebrating high summer, this tale is a nod to swims in the river and finding new stories for festival season. This tale is a fun one and a new one in my repertoire. You can support this podcast to the cost of a cup of coffee (that's a hipster oat milk cappuccino) or dram (single malt) via my Kofi page. All contributions very much ap…

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Ep 5. Story Activism and the Magic Garden 32:15

2+ y ago32:15

32:15

Send us a text Inspired by a community action programme in the North of Scotland, this episode relays a the challenges placed upon green spaces and community resources under the guise of 'green energy'. With anecdotes from Torrie community up in Aberdeen, and reflections upon this folk tale from Central Asia, we explore the contradiction of focusin…

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Ep 1. Dog & Fox 17:49

2+ y ago17:49

17:49

Send us a text Welcome to the Tales for our Times podcast! In this first episode (recorded back in the winter time) I share a classic tale from the Scottish Traveller people and give a little cultural context around the travellers, and their role in the modern resurgence in traditional storytelling. This story is a classic, and one of the tales I t…

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Ep 2. The Faery Fox 21:27

2+ y ago21:27

21:27

Send us a text This episode shares a local folk tale from the Isle of Skye, first told to me by renowned Seanachie, George 'Seoras' Macpherson. The tale is set in the time of the Highland clearances, and has themes of co-operation common in rural places, memories of old lore, and the harshness of the Scottish elements. You can support this podcast …

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Ep 3. 'A Wee Lift' with Liz Weir 42:47

2+ y ago42:47

42:47

Send us a text In this episode I am joined by Northern Irish storytelling phenomenon Liz Weir. I first met Liz many years ago at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival and was fascinated by her anecdotes of storytelling in Northern Ireland during the times of 'the troubles'. It was one of the strongest accounts of applied storytelling I h…

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Episode 30 - An Exciting Journey through a Lived Experience with A. Garcia 52:31

2+ y ago52:31

52:31

I'm always learning. This episode is an incredible shared experience with A. Garcia, a woman who's experienced severe abuse and violence. She decided to use what happened to her as a platform to help others. The interview was via Zoom, not in a studio, but I promise you'll get so caught up you won't mind. Please listen as A. discusses what she endu…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 29 - Crucial Info about Change 40:02

3y ago40:02

40:02

In the last Episode we looked at the efforts made to help Abusers to change. Batterers' Intervention Expert Kevin Tarrance from the Department of Children and Families in Florida shared his insights. He offered the various stages he believes Abusers have to traverse in order to fundamentally alter their expectations and behaviors in their intimate …

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Episode 28 - About Abusers Examining Change PART 1 38:26

3y ago38:26

38:26

This is an exciting episode, and not only because I had to quickly learn how to use a virtual interview on Zoom as a podcast episode. Whether or not Abusers can change is the #1 question I'm asked by those who've been involved with these individuals. Yes and no. That's the answer and why it takes two episodes to discuss it. I interviewed my first g…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 27: Crucial Beginnings 35:22

3+ y ago35:22

35:22

This is a must-listen Episode. I discuss why my book, But He Says He Loves Me, is still essential knowledge for anyone wanting to quickly and clearly spot the signs of an abusive relationship. I've just finished production for the audio version of the book - out soon - and offer some exciting previews for my listeners. The book, But He Says He Love…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 26 Special Holiday Edition! 23:54

4y ago23:54

23:54

The holidays are here! Well, if you count family birthdays, reunions and other special events, the holidays are always here. How do you get through with your sanity intact? How can you still grab joy even if some family members insist on being difficult? Is it even possible? This special holiday edition is filled with tips on how to handle difficul…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 25 - Broad Brush Strokes 41:48

4y ago41:48

41:48

If you only listen to one Episode of this series, this podcast Episode is it. We cover the basics of the entire abuse prevention program: Selection, Main Tactics and Honorable Mentions. All of Abusers' secret and most effective tactics laid bare for you to examine. The insights here offer a powerful review session for regular listeners and can brin…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 24 - Tricks of the Trade 30:59

4+ y ago30:59

30:59

We've discussed Abusers' tactics at length. I thought it would also be useful to cover some of their most common tricks - smaller moves that may be part of a bigger tactic. The 15 most common tricks are included in this Episode. These tricks are sinister, effective, and can cause a lot of trouble. That's the bad news. The good news is these moves a…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 23 - Protecting Your New Superpower 38:22

4+ y ago38:22

38:22

With previous Episodes you've done a lot of work to develop a new superpower, a set of valuable skills that help you identify Abusers early, to spot the tactics of manipulation, coercion and unfair persuasion in romantic and non-romantic settings. In this Episode we talk about how to protect your new knowledge, how to shield yourself from influence…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 22 - The Key to Resilience, Part 2 41:40

4+ y ago41:40

41:40

As promised, this is the crucial second Episode on Resilience, filled with crucial insights and key tips to start building this central core life skill right away. No life is without pain, trouble, disappointment, regret. Resilience is the ability to thoughtfully regain your strength and determination after facing situations of uncertainty, loss, f…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 21: Resilience Part 1 30:40

4+ y ago30:40

30:40

Resilience is such an important topic, yet it gets far too little attention. It's often included in expensive leadership courses, but what about everyone else? What about our need to understand, develop and use this key tool in our ever-changing lives? Resilience is important enough to deserve two episodes. Episode 1 provides the crucial foundation…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 20 - The Gift of Fear 43:26

4+ y ago43:26

43:26

I think the concept of fear has been misrepresented in recent years. After all, if we don't feel fear we'll take unnecessary or even foolish chances. We'll ignore the instincts that tell us to get away from something or someone dangerous. This series has never tried to dampen all fear. We've honed those instincts, sharpened them with specific knowl…

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Unmasking the Abuser Episode 19 - Between the Sheets 40:43

4+ y ago40:43

40:43

Sex is an important part of adult relationships. In this Episode, we look at sexuality and Abusers: what sex means to them, how they treat their partners sexually, the sexual weapons they'll use if the relationship ends. Sex definitely doesn't mean intimacy. It involves manipulation, coercion, humiliation and pain. Sex can also be used as an entice…