Guest Patric Gagne discusses being a sociopath, overcoming violent compulsions, and transitioning to a wife and mother. They reflect on emotional detachment, wealth, morality, workplace dynamics, and personal relationships.
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Quick takeaways
Being a sociopath is described as having an emotional learning disability, offering a unique perspective on emotional responses and societal norms.
Gagnie developed rules and sought therapy to manage compulsions effectively, showcasing the journey of addressing emotional complexities and stress-induced behaviors.
As a mother, Gagnie emphasizes problem-solving and logic in parenting, navigating emotional nuances from childhood violence to a supportive approach with her children.
Deep dives
Transition to New Home at Slate
The death, sex, and money podcast celebrates its return to regularly producing episodes at Slate, acknowledging the shift from Wednesdays to Tuesdays for new releases. Despite the change, the podcast's core focus remains unchanged, sharing interviews with a wide array of individuals on life's challenging and less discussed topics.
Emotional Learning Disability and Sociopathy
The episode delves into Patrick Gagnie's experience as a sociopath diagnosed in her early 20s, viewing it as an emotional learning disability. Discussions center on her unique emotional responses, such as a lack of shame and guilt, contrasting societal norms. Despite challenges, Gagnie contemplates the complexities of emotional experiences and societal expectations.
Managing Compulsions and Therapeutic Interventions
Gagnie shares her journey of developing rules to manage compulsions, including lesser deviant acts to prevent major destructive behaviors. Professional therapy, cognitive behavioral interventions, and reframing thoughts proved effective in addressing her emotional complexities and managing stress-induced compulsions.
Motherhood and Emotional Control
As a mother, Gagnie navigates parenting with measured emotional responses, focusing on problem-solving and understanding her children's emotions without internalizing them. Reflecting on her unique emotional journey from childhood violence to rare emotional outbursts as a parent, she emphasizes a logical and supportive approach in her parenting style.
Recurring Themes in Podcast and Advertising
Alongside Gagnie's personal journey, the podcast episode explores varied topics like work relationships, financial behavior, and societal perceptions. Advertising spots interwoven in the episode include promotions for food delivery services, dating apps, and podcasts, adding diverse elements to the narrative flow.
Acknowledgment and Support
The episode extends gratitude to listeners for their support during the transition to Slate, highlighting the importance of engaging with the audience through stories, conversations, and reflections on complex human experiences. Gagnie's candid revelations on sociopathy offer a unique perspective, prompting introspection on emotional authenticity and societal norms.
Patric Gagne says being a sociopath is like having an emotional learning disability. In this episode, she talks about the good and the bad of having limited access to shame and guilt, how she overcame violent compulsions, and becoming a wife and mother.
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