#114 9 Ways To Handle Toxic People (And Take Back Your Power)

Cody Sanchez opens the episode by addressing the unrecognized ways people communicate and how they often do so ineffectively, particularly in the presence of difficult or toxic individuals. She explains that many people lose their power not through faulty arguments but by treating unreasonable individuals as if they are rational. Using insights from psychology, she highlights how motivated reasoning influences conversations, with people interpreting facts to protect their self-image rather than seek truth.

The episode further discusses two types of asymmetry that toxic communicators exploit: narrative and boundary asymmetry. Narrative asymmetry emphasizes the simplicity of their arguments compared to the complexity of more nuanced discussions, while boundary asymmetry highlights the importance of asserting control over conversations. Sanchez suggests various strategies for maintaining emotional control and clarity during interactions, such as reframing accusations and controlling the conversation framework.

Cody introduces her 'disrespect response ladder', which presents different levels of responses to disrespectful behavior, advocating for a high-level response of redirecting the conversation instead of absorbing disrespect. By incorporating psychological principles, Sanchez provides practical frameworks for effective communication and emphasizes the need for clear boundaries in both personal and professional relationships. The episode concludes with encouragement to adopt new communication strategies to achieve personal goals and maintain power against toxic dynamics.