The Ashley Berges Show

Are you currently dating? Trying to meet the right person? Are you currently on a dating app and working to meet someone who you connect with? In today's podcast, I am breaking down the 10 biggest dating red flags that can lead to manipulation, heartbreak, and unhealthy relationship patterns. From too much attention and love bombing to bringing up marriage on the second date, to jealousy, emotional manipulation, and hidden emotional baggage. Join me as I explain what these red flags look like, why we often overlook them, and how to recognize them before becoming emotionally and financially invested. Learn how to recognize unhealthy relationship patterns, how to protect yourself from toxic dynamics, and find healthier relationships based on trust and respect.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ashley-berges-show--1272964/support.

The word narcissist and the concept of narcissism is brought constantly in our society. However, narcissism isn’t one size fits all, there are different types of narcissism. The five common types of narcissism are overt, covert, vulnerable, communal, antagonistic, and malignant. The most dangerous form of narcissism is malignant narcissism. Malignant narcissism and sociopaths, antisocial personality disorder, have a lot of signs in common. These types of people thrive on control, creating fear, and emotional manipulating and gaslighting their victims. . These types of relationships often begin with love bombing and charm before gradually turning into uncertainty, loneliness, and confusion. This episode will give you a clear perspective if you've ever had to walk on eggshells, kept quiet to maintain peace, or doubted your own reality. I'll explain the tactics used by malignant narcissists and sociopaths, such as gaslighting, love bombing, and emotional blackmail, and why it can be so difficult to escape their cycle. You'll learn how to recognize their toxic patterns, how to work on maintaining composure, and how to reclaim your sense of identity. Once you understand what is really happening, you can stop trying to fix them and start focusing on healing yourself. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ashley-berges-show--1272964/support.

The loss of a pet to some people is just that, a loss of a pet. But for some of us the loss of a pet is the loss of a child. When you don’t have children, your dog or cat is your child. The connection and bond is strong and takes work, consistency, and dedication. Buddy has been with me for 15 years, he is my child. I have friends that have children and they do love their dogs but not to the same degree. The love for them is strong but not nearly as strong when they are your children. Many people don’t understand the bond, they have never experienced this type of bond with an animal. When a dog is your child and they pass to the spirit realm, it is like putting your first born in the grave. It is not like a mere passing of a nonhuman being. There is something that still exists within our society that deems dogs and cats as pets not our beloved family. Buddy’s body stopped working on August 22, 2025 and in this podcast I discuss my truth, emotions, and the feelings of losing Buddy. It’s time to have the real discussion of love and bond with our dog or cat. This podcast was recorded the morning after his body stopped working.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ashley-berges-show--1272964/support.

In today’s episode of The Ashley Berges Show, I’m deep diving into something we don’t talk about enough: how we only understand ourselves. We have people in our lives, such as partners, parents, siblings, and best friends, but even they can only interpret what they think we say or feel. They can’t fully grasp what we’re going through internally. I’m exploring what it means to truly know yourself, how we continue to learn about who we are, and why outside perspectives, even well-meaning ones, often fall short.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ashley-berges-show--1272964/support.

On today’s episode of The Ashley Berges Show, I invite you to shift your focus from society’s distractions to real sources of peace, joy, and freedom. Are you overwhelmed by the news, social media, and life's personal pressures? Join me as I explore how our so-called small things may hold the deepest value, and how to reconnect with them. We’ll also take a closer look at the people and situations that bring unnecessary drama into your life. Once you start experiencing drama-free days and nights, you’ll realize just how good life can truly feel. Listen now for simple tools to practice gratitude, gain clarity, and create a more grounded, joyful, and drama-free life. It’s time to stop chasing what doesn’t matter and start embracing what truly does.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ashley-berges-show--1272964/support.

What happens when Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder overlap? Many of us understand narcissism and some of us understand borderline. However, what do you do when you find yourself in a relationship with a person who exhibits both narcissistic and borderline signs and symptoms? These relationships began very different than they present currently. When you are dealing with straight boilerplate BPD and the person is working on self-awareness, it can be manageable and easier to understand their responses and reactions. However, when we put narcissism in the mix which includes manipulation, a lack of empathy, exploitation of others, being demeaning towards others, and having entitlement, it changes things. Many people with codependency tendencies find themselves in these relationships. Sadly due to the stress of these relationships most people feel as though they lose their identities and they are forever trying to get the approval of the other person and coming up short. Listen to this podcast to obtain a better understanding of the combination of the two, how it presents, and how it makes you feel. For more information on my work and coaching practice go to my website: www.ashleyberges.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ashley-berges-show--1272964/support.

An imbalanced relationship is a relationship where one of the two people in the relationship is held to a higher standard than the other. In these relationships, one person creates a set of rules for the relationship but the person that creates the rules doesn’t follow them. This creates a double standard within the relationship and puts one person in control and the other being controlled. This double standard leaves one feeling confused, used, and resentful. In the podcast, we examine what it feels like to be in this kind of relationship, positively identifying the signs and symptoms, and helping you understand what’s truly happening in this relationship dynamic.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ashley-berges-show--1272964/support.

Are you feeling more codependent in your personal relationship than ever before? Do you feel that you are being taken advantage of and feeling as though you are loosing your identity? Some relationships begin in a whirlwind style -fast and furious and then when the dust settles you begin to observe the ups and downs. You begin to see the extremes in the other person’s actions, attitudes, responses, and general attitude towards you. You may be on top of the pedestal one day and the very next day the worst person on the planet. They may be asking you for help or need your assistance with their latest problem. Whether it’s the sob stories that keep you engaged or giving you the silent treatment to trip you up, either way you feel as though you have a second job, and that job is this current relationship. If you have wanted out but can’t seem to get out of your current relationship, and you are feeling taken advantage of and stuck, you need to listen to this podcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ashley-berges-show--1272964/support.