Conflict Creators: Why Drama Gets Into Our Heads
March 12, 2026
Why are we drawn to conflict-driven media figures? Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter unpack the brain science behind drama, danger, and the pull of secret knowledge.
Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. is the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer. While pioneering High Conflict Personality Theory (HCP), he was the National Conflict Resolution Center’s Senior Family Mediator for 15 years, a Certified Family Law Specialist for 15 years, and a licensed clinical social worker therapist for over 12 years. Bill serves on the faculty of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine University School of Law and is a Conjoint Associate Professor with the University of Newcastle Law School in Australia. He has been a speaker and trainer in over 35 U.S. states and 13 countries. He is the author or co-author of over 20 books, manuals, and workbooks, he also has a popular blog on the Psychology Today website with over 6 million views, and he hosts It’s All Your Fault on TruStory FM.
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Why are we drawn to conflict-driven media figures? Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter unpack the brain science behind drama, danger, and the pull of secret knowledge.
We answer listener questions on setting limits with intrusive neighbors, hostile co-parents, difficult coworkers, and adult children demonstrating high conflict behaviors.
Can setting boundaries and using communication skills transform a one-sided relationship into mutual caring? We explore realistic expectations and outcomes when one partner exhibits high conflict traits.
Parent-child estrangement often stems from unresolved conflict patterns. Analysis reveals how building conflict resolution skills, setting appropriate boundaries, and avoiding all-or-nothing thinking can heal family relationships.
Setting limits with challenging personalities requires a strategic approach. Ekaterina Ricci joins to discuss the “two and a half steps” method and why traditional empathy can sometimes backfire. Learn when to hold firm vs. show compassion.
Learn effective boundary-setting across all ages with SLIC method creator Bill Eddy, exploring why consequences fail and how to make them stick – from toddler tantrums to teenage defiance.
Clinical psychologist Dr. David Wexler reveals key warning signs of unsafe relationships, sharing insights from 40 years of expertise on identifying concerning patterns before they escalate.
Grandparents navigate supporting children through high conflict divorce, while a co-parent seeks guidance on managing an ex-spouse’s challenging behaviors and new wife’s involvement.
From a listener who’s had nine marriages seeking lasting change, to a stepmom navigating hostile messages from her husband’s ex – practical skills for managing challenging relationships.
A listener faces hostile neighbors who harass her family and trespass on her property. Bill and Megan explain options from law enforcement involvement to strategic disengagement while protecting children.