Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Is everyone suddenly a narcissist, or are we misusing the term? Dr. Sterlin Mosley, Professor of Human Relations and author of The Narcissist in You and Everyone Else, dives deep into the misunderstood realms of narcissism and empathy. Through an eye-opening conversation, Sterlin reveals why our culture casually labels selfish behaviors as narcissistic, and why real narcissism goes much deeper, intertwining with empathy. Or rather, the lack of it.
In our conversation, you’ll discover:
1. Why modern society sees NARCISSISM as a PERSONALITY TYPE instead of a nuanced SPECTRUM of behaviors.
2. How narcissistic traits form EMOTIONAL ARMOR protecting a hidden, VULNERABLE core.
3. The critical difference between EMPATHY and SYMPATHY, including four surprising types of empathy you never knew existed.
4. Proven STRATEGIES for spotting and dealing with narcissists both at home and at work.
5. How EMPATHY can be developed, and why COGNITIVE EMPATHY may be the key to healthier relationships.
Thank you for listening.
*EPISODE LINKS:*
Buy Center of the Universe (Book): amzn.to/3GvpJib
Buy The Narcissist in You and Everyone Else (Book): amzn.to/44QTFyv
By using our links, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
*SHOW LINKS:*
Subscribe: youtube.com/@JeffreyPvanLeeuwen
Support the Show: patreon.com/JeffreyPvanLeeuwen
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/4lLpEXA
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/42kcOYy
Follow on X: https://x.com/RealJvanLeeuwen
Follow on Reddit: reddit.com/r/jeffreypvanleeuwen
Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreypvanleeuwen
Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffreypvanleeuwen
YouTube Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOv56NTjNAeK7cUVamIPioSCsr06-vSGG
*OUTLINE:*
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Who is Sterlin Mosley?
04:41 The Narcissist Label in Modern Society
08:37 Breaking Down the 27 Types of Narcissists
12:24 How to Identify a Narcissist: Common Misunderstandings
20:11 Strategies for Dealing with Different Narcissists
27:57 Do Narcissists Know They’re Narcissists?
35:49 Healthy Narcissism Explained
39:54 Is Narcissism a Choice?
47:47 Can Narcissism Be Cured or Managed?
52:53 Empathy vs. Sympathy: Clarifying the Differences
58:24 Narcissism, Envy, and Power Dynamics
01:04:11 Understanding Empathy: Definitions and Nuances
01:10:20 Cognitive Empathy and Human Connection
01:19:39 Practical Steps to Develop Your Empathy
01:24:24 Final Thoughts & Outro
*STERLIN MOSLEY LINKS:*
Sterlin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sterlinmosley
Sterlin's Instagram: instagram.com/empathyarchitects
*CONTACT LINKS:*
To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any reason, visit: podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/p/contact
This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.
Is everyone suddenly a narcissist, or are we misusing the term? Dr. Sterlin Mosley, Professor of Human Relations and author of The Narcissist in You and Everyone Else, dives deep into the misunderstood realms of narcissism and empathy. Through an eye-opening conversation, Sterlin reveals why our culture casually labels selfish behaviors as narcissistic, and why real narcissism goes much deeper, intertwining with empathy. Or rather, the lack of it.
In our conversation, you’ll discover:
1. Why modern society sees NARCISSISM as a PERSONALITY TYPE instead of a nuanced SPECTRUM of behaviors.
2. How narcissistic traits form EMOTIONAL ARMOR protecting a hidden, VULNERABLE core.
3. The critical difference between EMPATHY and SYMPATHY, including four surprising types of empathy you never knew existed.
4. Proven STRATEGIES for spotting and dealing with narcissists both at home and at work.
5. How EMPATHY can be developed, and why COGNITIVE EMPATHY may be the key to healthier relationships.
Thank you for listening.
*EPISODE LINKS:*
Buy Center of the Universe (Book): amzn.to/3GvpJib
Buy The Narcissist in You and Everyone Else (Book): amzn.to/44QTFyv
By using our links, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
*SHOW LINKS:*
Subscribe: youtube.com/@JeffreyPvanLeeuwen
Support the Show: patreon.com/JeffreyPvanLeeuwen
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/4lLpEXA
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/42kcOYy
Follow on X: https://x.com/RealJvanLeeuwen
Follow on Reddit: reddit.com/r/jeffreypvanleeuwen
Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreypvanleeuwen
Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffreypvanleeuwen
YouTube Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOv56NTjNAeK7cUVamIPioSCsr06-vSGG
*OUTLINE:*
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Who is Sterlin Mosley?
04:41 The Narcissist Label in Modern Society
08:37 Breaking Down the 27 Types of Narcissists
12:24 How to Identify a Narcissist: Common Misunderstandings
20:11 Strategies for Dealing with Different Narcissists
27:57 Do Narcissists Know They’re Narcissists?
35:49 Healthy Narcissism Explained
39:54 Is Narcissism a Choice?
47:47 Can Narcissism Be Cured or Managed?
52:53 Empathy vs. Sympathy: Clarifying the Differences
58:24 Narcissism, Envy, and Power Dynamics
01:04:11 Understanding Empathy: Definitions and Nuances
01:10:20 Cognitive Empathy and Human Connection
01:19:39 Practical Steps to Develop Your Empathy
01:24:24 Final Thoughts & Outro
*STERLIN MOSLEY LINKS:*
Sterlin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sterlinmosley
Sterlin's Instagram: instagram.com/empathyarchitects
*CONTACT LINKS:*
To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any reason, visit: podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/p/contact
This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.
