You’ve heard the word ego tossed around like it’s a bad thing—like it only shows up in narcissists, jerks, or self-obsessed people. But what if that’s not the whole story?

In this first episode of our 4-part ego series, we break down what the ego actually is (hint: you have one, and you need it), how it develops, and why it matters for your emotional wellbeing, boundaries, and sense of self.

Through a psychodynamic lens, we explore how weak or wounded egos often lead to behaviors like gaslighting, narcissism, people-pleasing, or perfectionism, and how understanding this can help you stop personalizing other people’s projections.

If you’ve ever thought “Why do I keep ending up in these dynamics?” or “What’s wrong with me?” then this episode will offer clarity, not blame, and a path back to your centered self.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• What the ego actually is and why it's not something you need to get rid of
• How a wounded or weak ego distorts reality and can lead to gaslighting, blame-shifting, or emotional confusion
• The subtle ways perfectionism, people-pleasing, and even narcissistic traits can be masks for unmet emotional needs
• Why some people can’t meet you in the middle... no matter how much you clarify, explain, or self-reflect
• What it means to develop a strong, centered ego (and why that’s different from being ego-driven)
• How childhood dynamics and lack of emotional mirroring can shape adult relationship patterns

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DISCLAIMER: The Self Centered with Katie and Allie Podcast is intended for entertainment, educational, and reflective purposes only. The views, opinions, experiences, and content shared by the hosts and guests are personal and subjective. They are not presented as objective facts or as representative of any professional body, organization, or field, including psychotherapy, coaching, or personal training.

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