So I may have misunderstood the initial comment. I listened to the podcast, and there is no specific mention or discussion of Dan himself. That said, it is extremely insightful and I enjoyed listening, so thank you for sharing!
The podcast is a discussion with Dr. Ramani Durvasula who is a qualified clinical pyschologist (MA and PhD). She first describes the traits of a narcissist:
- lacking empathy/very variable empathy
- entitlement
- grandiosity
- arrogant
- very superficial
- very seeking of validation and admiration
- sensitive to criticism; can dish it out, can’t take it
- lots of hypocrisy
- controlling
- jealous
- angry
- difficulty regulating strong emotions
- impulsive
- egocentric - “look at me, I’m so great, I’m an influencer”
- always want to be centre of attention
All of the above around a core of deep rooted insecurity. “I am the greatest” in an effort to push back against their unresolved insecurity.
They go on to discuss the personality disorder
- causing social or occupational impairment
- subjective distress
- tricky bc they are not self-reflective; don’t realize they are causing a lot of problems for a lot of people
- deflect blame, always someone else’s fault
- never take responsibility for anything
- tend not to notice the havoc they cause; if/when they do, they blame others. For example, narc gets fired and thinks “the world is out to get me”
- can be charismatic and ruthless
It comes down to a personality pattern and the problems this behaviour causes for others. A narcissist is actually very uncomfortable and needs help, but is very resistant to it.
She describes a cycle of blowing up, raging and coming unhinged (Dan!) as a manifestation of insecurity and not getting their way, followed by shame which then leads to further rage. We have seen the cycle play out many times with Dan, over multiple different time frames.
Wheeler definitely fits the category of grandiose narcissism. Yet he also tries to portray himself as a victim (often seen in covert narcissism). And of course his constant manipulation, paranoia, and scamming is typical of malignant narcissist.
Narcissistic abusers will often accuse their victims... of narcissistic abuse!
- stalking, fraud, theft, defamation, abuse (mental and physical); a smear campaign is a very typical attack by a narcissist!
- take advantage of trusting people and the fact most will give the benefit of a doubt.
- obsessed with “winning”. Do anything to avoid feeling like they lost. ALWAYS deflect. Never, ever able to reflect on their own behaviour. Extremely defensive.
- may become a tiny bit contrite once they’ve lost everything (job, relationship, money); this is usually short-lived
- look to exploit vulnerable people (for example, overweight!); always looking for a way to control
- very transactional, at least when it comes to “giving”
- you cannot win when dealing with a narcissist
- cannot have a healthy relationship: there is no respect, mutuality, reciprocity, compassion, kindness, consistency and growth; instead it’s very transactional and controlling
- can cause confusion, self-doubt, sense of helplessness and hopelessness, anxiety, and disordered sleep in relationship partner and those around them
Congratulations Dan, you are indeed the best in the world - at total narcsissism!