Why Smart Women Stay in Toxic Relationships (And Ignore the Red Flags) | Dr. Anna Machin

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Recorded10 Sep 2025

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Craving love can connect us—or leave us vulnerable to harm we never saw coming. In this episode, I (Lisa Bilyeu) sit down with evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin to peel back the science behind why we’re drawn to love, why it can blind us to red flags, and how manipulators like narcissists and psychopaths use our own biology against us. With fascinating research, actionable advice, and hard-earned empathy, Anna breaks down not only how we get trapped but also the precise path out—so you can reclaim your confidence, trust your instincts, and invite in the healthy love you deserve. SHOWNOTES How love can biologically blind you to manipulation—and what to do about it The “dark triad”: What makes narcissists, psychopaths, and Machiavellians so dangerous in relationships Why our brains shut down red flag detection at the euphoric start of falling in love The addictive chemistry of love: Oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, and beta-endorphin explained How emotional abusers isolate you and make you question your reality The real science behind jealousy, what it signals, and when it turns toxic Understanding attachment styles and why anxious-preoccupied types are more vulnerable What makes leaving so hard (hint: withdrawal and isolation) and how to rebuild your life afterward The crucial role of friends, support networks, and self-trust after an abusive relationship Hope after heartbreak: Why real, healthy love is still out there for you FOLLOW DR. ANNA MACHIN:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_annamachinWebsite: https://www.annamachin.comBook: “Why We Love: The Definitive Guide to the Most Fundamental Need” (available at major retailers) CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at ⁠⁠⁠https://oneskin.co ⁠⁠⁠ BIOptimizers: Code IMPACTNOW for 15% off ⁠⁠⁠https://bioptimizers.com/impact⁠⁠⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠https://shopify.com/lisa⁠⁠⁠ Macy’s: Upgrade your glam at ⁠⁠⁠https://macys.com⁠⁠⁠ SleepMe: Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://sleep.me/woi⁠⁠⁠ to get your Chilipad and save 20% with code WOI. Try it risk-free with their 30-night sleep trial and free shipping! Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠⁠⁠ and entering promo code WOI at check out. FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact⁠⁠ Tik Tok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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