Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What is the Dark Triad, and how can you tell if you’re dealing with a narcissist, a psychopath, or someone high in Machiavellianism? In this episode, licensed therapist Kati Morton breaks down the core traits of dark triad personalities, the key differences between them, and the common myths surrounding manipulation and empathy. You'll learn the 6 telltale signs of interacting with someone who has dark traits, what the psychological "D-factor" really means, and whether people with these patterns can truly change.
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to the Dark Triad
01:02 - Is the Dark Triad a Diagnosis or Framework?
02:13 - Trait Narcissism Explained
04:22 - What is Machiavellianism? Origins & 5 Core Traits
12:42 - Psychopathy vs. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
19:15 - Key Differences: Impulse Control & Dark Triad Overlap
23:26 - 6 Signs You’re Interacting With a Dark Personality
35:09 - The "D-Factor": Are We All a Little Manipulative?
42:54 - Myth 1: Are Dark Personalities More Charming & Attractive?
46:53 - Myth 2: Do Psychopaths Make Great CEOs?
49:23 - Myth 3: Is Sadism Part of the Dark Triad? (The Dark Tetrad)
50:58 - Can Psychopaths Feel Empathy? Cognitive vs. Affective Empathy
54:54 - Nature vs. Nurture: Can Dark Traits Change Over Time?
1:01:10 - How to Protect Yourself & Set Boundaries
Main YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/katimorton?sub_confirmation=1
SOCIAL
X twitter.com/KatiMorton
TikTok tiktok.com/@katimorton
Facebook facebook.com/katimorton1
Instagram instagram.com/katimorton
substack.com/@katimorton1
Pinterest pinterest.com/katimorton1
Substack substack.com/@katimorton1
Patreon katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon
MY BOOKS
Why Do I Keep Doing This? geni.us/XoyLSQ
Traumatized geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? geni.us/sva4iUY
CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP
youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw/join
ONLINE THERAPY
If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month)
This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
PARTNERSHIPS
Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.
#mentalhealth #therapy #askatherapist
Ask Kati Anything ep. 330 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT
What is the Dark Triad, and how can you tell if you’re dealing with a narcissist, a psychopath, or someone high in Machiavellianism? In this episode, licensed therapist Kati Morton breaks down the core traits of dark triad personalities, the key differences between them, and the common myths surrounding manipulation and empathy. You'll learn the 6 telltale signs of interacting with someone who has dark traits, what the psychological "D-factor" really means, and whether people with these patterns can truly change.
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to the Dark Triad
01:02 - Is the Dark Triad a Diagnosis or Framework?
02:13 - Trait Narcissism Explained
04:22 - What is Machiavellianism? Origins & 5 Core Traits
12:42 - Psychopathy vs. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
19:15 - Key Differences: Impulse Control & Dark Triad Overlap
23:26 - 6 Signs You’re Interacting With a Dark Personality
35:09 - The "D-Factor": Are We All a Little Manipulative?
42:54 - Myth 1: Are Dark Personalities More Charming & Attractive?
46:53 - Myth 2: Do Psychopaths Make Great CEOs?
49:23 - Myth 3: Is Sadism Part of the Dark Triad? (The Dark Tetrad)
50:58 - Can Psychopaths Feel Empathy? Cognitive vs. Affective Empathy
54:54 - Nature vs. Nurture: Can Dark Traits Change Over Time?
1:01:10 - How to Protect Yourself & Set Boundaries
Main YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/katimorton?sub_confirmation=1
SOCIAL
X twitter.com/KatiMorton
TikTok tiktok.com/@katimorton
Facebook facebook.com/katimorton1
Instagram instagram.com/katimorton
substack.com/@katimorton1
Pinterest pinterest.com/katimorton1
Substack substack.com/@katimorton1
Patreon katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon
MY BOOKS
Why Do I Keep Doing This? geni.us/XoyLSQ
Traumatized geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? geni.us/sva4iUY
CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP
youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw/join
ONLINE THERAPY
If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month)
This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
PARTNERSHIPS
Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.
#mentalhealth #therapy #askatherapist
Ask Kati Anything ep. 330 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT
