10 Ways They Manipulate You: Advice from Celebrity Ghostwriter and Writing Coach Joshua Lisec

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Most people have no idea how often they’re being psychologically manipulated—and by whom. Celebrity Ghostwriter and Writing Coach Joshua Lisec exposes the truth in his latest episode, “10 Ways They Manipulate You: Advice from Celebrity Ghostwriter and Writing Coach Joshua Lisec.” This video breaks down the subtle, sophisticated manipulation tactics that influencers, marketers, and so-called “gurus” use to control thoughts, emotions, and even bank accounts.

What makes this breakdown so powerful is that it’s not theory—it’s a clear-eyed examination of how psychological tricks are used in real-world persuasion, marketing, and relationships. Lisec reveals how even the most intelligent people can fall prey to emotional manipulation without realizing it. He goes line by line through the mental and emotional traps that define manipulation tactics in relationships, sales, and social media influence.

From mind control to emotional abuse, Lisec explains how unethical persuaders exploit human psychology to get what they want. The tactics might look like ordinary persuasion, but they cross the line into mind control meditation—subtle suggestions that bypass critical thinking and target the subconscious. This is why people often say “yes” against their better judgment, why they trust people they shouldn’t, and why they end up feeling drained, ashamed, or betrayed afterward.

Throughout the episode, Joshua Lisec deconstructs psychological tricks that work—the kind that can make anyone seem more charismatic, confident, or convincing. But unlike typical “how to manipulate people” tutorials, this isn’t about turning viewers into manipulators. It’s about recognizing when toxic people are using those same techniques against you. Each of the ten examples is drawn from everyday encounters—online marketing, political messaging, and personal relationships—making it clear just how common manipulation tactics psychology really is.

Lisec’s background as a celebrity ghostwriter gives him unique insight into how words are used to manipulate emotions. Over the years, he has helped bestselling authors and business leaders craft messages that persuade ethically—without the deceit, guilt trips, or fearmongering so common among manipulative figures. His mastery of persuasive writing allows him to spot when others use those same tools with darker intent. Viewers who follow Joshua Lisec on Twitter have already seen glimpses of his work exposing these tactics, but this video takes the analysis to an entirely new level.

Some of the patterns he exposes are surprisingly simple. For instance, manipulative speakers often disguise pressure as generosity—pretending to give “exclusive access” or “special deals” while actually steering their audience toward an emotional corner. Others create pseudo-social proof, showcasing a few lucky success stories to make everyone else feel like they’re missing out. It’s the kind of subtle psychological trick that feels harmless at first but slowly erodes independent thinking.

He also points out how manipulation tactics psychology can weaponize morality and identity. Marketers and influencers claim their way of thinking makes you a better person or part of a noble cause, turning disagreement into shame. This kind of emotional manipulation blends the logic of persuasion with the guilt of narcissistic abuse—and once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Lisec shows that these patterns appear not only in business but also in romantic and social dynamics, where emotional abuse often masquerades as love or loyalty.

At the heart of Lisec’s lesson is awareness. Once people understand how psychological tricks hijack the subconscious mind, they can protect themselves from being controlled. This kind of awareness acts like subconscious mind reprogramming, freeing viewers from the mental loops that manipulators rely on. The episode encourages critical thinking: if someone’s advice, coaching, or “system” makes you feel guilty, anxious, or inferior, it’s time to question their motives.

Lisec doesn’t just reveal how toxic people and manipulative marketers operate—he also explains why their methods are so effective. These ten manipulation tactics exploit deep psychological needs for approval, belonging, and certainty. When someone understands those needs better than you do, they can twist them against you. That’s what makes this top 10 breakdown both fascinating and unsettling: it forces viewers to confront how easily human behavior can be guided by subtle suggestion and emotional triggers.

As a writing coach, Joshua Lisec connects these manipulative patterns to the broader world of communication. Whether in sales copy, self-help advice, or romantic persuasion, language has power. Words can heal or harm, motivate or manipulate. Learning how to persuade responsibly—and spot when persuasion turns unethical—is a skill every writer, entrepreneur, and individual needs. That’s what separates genuine influence from mind control.

By the end of the episode, it becomes clear that “10 Ways They Manipulate You: Advice from Celebrity Ghostwriter and Writing Coach Joshua Lisec” isn’t just a warning—it’s a guide to reclaiming mental autonomy. It teaches how to distinguish healthy persuasion from emotional manipulation, how to protect your subconscious mind from suggestion, and how to spot hidden agendas behind charm or authority.

Lisec reminds viewers that knowing what to do when you’re being manipulated starts with recognizing the signs. The very same psychological tricks that can turn a headline into a bestseller can also turn a lie into a movement. By dissecting each example with clarity and precision, Lisec gives viewers the tools to think critically, protect their energy, and resist the pull of deceitful influence.

For anyone who’s ever wondered how narcissistic abuse and emotional abuse take root—or how persuasive writing can be used for both good and harm—this episode offers a rare, honest look behind the curtain. It’s not about fear; it’s about freedom. By the end, viewers understand how manipulators think, why their methods work, and most importantly, how to stop falling for them.

In a digital world flooded with persuasion, Joshua Lisec stands apart as one of the few voices exposing the difference between ethical communication and manipulation tactics. His message is simple but urgent: once you can name the trick, it loses its power. And once you see the pattern, you can never again be played by it.