Dysfunctional

In this bold and unfiltered episode, I’m joined by Christian John — a truth-teller who walked away from a toxic family system and now uses his platform to speak the things most people are too afraid to say out loud.Together we explore:What estrangement really means — and why it’s often an act of survivalHow narcissistic abuse in families mirrors the dysfunction of societyThe performative trap of modern healing spacesRage, grief, identity, and the reclaiming of personal truthHow capitalism gaslights the nervous system and commodifies healingAnd why consciousness without community is just another echo chamberThis conversation is real, raw, and deeply validating for anyone who’s been scapegoated, silenced, or made to feel like they’re the problem.🔗 Follow Christian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hype.r.vigilance?igsh=MXUwbnJ6NzNiemlndA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse, religious trauma, suicide attempts, and domestic violence. Please listen with care.In this powerful episode of Dysfunctional, Karinne shares her story of surviving a childhood shaped by the Jehovah’s Witnesses — a group she now calls a cult — and parents who were both abusive and narcissistic.Kicked out at 16 after being groomed and blamed for it, Karinne found herself completely alone in the world, trauma-bonded to the very people who harmed her, and struggling to make sense of a reality she was never prepared for.What follows is a conversation about real healing — not the Instagram version with matcha and mantras, but the messy, angry, beautiful kind that happens when you start telling the truth.Together we explore:What it’s like growing up in a high-control religious cultThe impact of narcissistic parenting and spiritual abusePurity culture, fear-based control, and enforced submissionThe trauma bond and why it’s so hard to breakWhat healing actually looks like — day-to-day, years onKarinne is funny, fierce, and real. She’s not here to sugarcoat anything. This is what healing sounds like in real life.📲 Connect with Karinne on insta - @girl_inshambles Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people think they’re broken. Most people think dysregulation is a problem. Most people think the answer is to regulate, reframe, or reset.But what if all of that is just another distraction?Another way to bypass what actually needs to be felt?This episode is a full-bodied dismantling of the healing and wellness world as we know it — with the brilliant Sam Miller, who teaches Mind-Body Recovery through a trauma-informed, Jungian, and deeply embodied lens.We talk about:Why your symptoms might actually be your body healingHow emotional repression creates chaos in the systemWhy "cognitive reframing" is like shouting to the basement from the atticThe cult of regulation and fake safety in the healing spacePerformative masculinity, football fights, and the grief men won't feelAnd how real emotional healing often looks more like screaming, shaking, and collapsing into a ball in a sauna than it does cold plunges or coaching frameworksWe also dig into the absolute state of the wellness industry — the bypassing, the ego-led facilitators, and why a lot of what’s branded as “healing” is just a new costume for the same old disconnection.This one goes deep. It’s raw. It’s real.It’s Dysfunctional.Best place to find Sam is here - https://youtube.com/@the_mindful_gardener?si=WasM11Ci0DIGsXCg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Genevieve von Lob, a clinical psychologist and advocate for highly sensitive people, shares insights on the challenges faced by sensitive kids in a misunderstood world. She discusses the emotional toll of societal labels and the misdiagnosis often encountered by HSPs. The conversation highlights the importance of nurturing environments and the societal changes needed to celebrate sensitivity as a strength. Genevieve also emphasizes healing through community, showcasing how empowering sensitivity can lead to profound personal transformation.

Josh is joined by IFS coach Kevin O’Neill — the man who guided him through 10 transformational sessions of Internal Family Systems work. Together, they explore what it really means to stop fighting your inner world and start leading from your Self. Josh shares the breakthrough that changed everything: realizing he was still judging himself through the lens of who he was at 22. They dive into shame, identity, addiction, inner protectors, and why even the messiest parts of us are just trying to help. This episode is a raw and moving deep-dive into parts work, masculinity, and what happens when you realise… there are no bad parts.Working with Kevin was life changing for me and you can find out more about him and how to work with him yourself here - www.nobadparts.coachOn instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/no_badparts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this raw and powerful conversation, I’m joined by writer and survivor Stéphanie St-Jean, whose viral piece “I Hope This Finds You Unwell” marked the moment she stopped hiding and started healing.Stéphanie shares the quiet devastation of emotional and financial abuse, the trauma of post-separation control, and how writing became the tool that helped her reclaim her truth, her worth, and her voice.We talk about:The subtle patterns of narcissistic abuse that often go unseenHow trauma survivors are misdiagnosed instead of supportedSpeaking out, smear campaigns, and the cost of telling the truthCreating a children’s book to help others feel worthy from the startThis episode is about what happens when you stop apologizing for your truth and finally say what needs to be said.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of narcissistic abuse, miscarriage, emotional manipulation, and post-separation abuse.Find Stephaine here - https://lessonsindiscernment.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a compelling conversation with Helen Dudzinska, a master intuitive psychology coach dedicated to empowering female leaders, listeners dive into the systemic roots of burnout and self-doubt. They challenge the narrative that individual issues stem from personal failings, instead highlighting how patriarchy and capitalism shape our struggles. Helen advocates for authenticity and the importance of collective resilience. The discussion also touches on the power of representation in women's sports and the need for inclusive leadership that fosters true change.

If you’ve ever dealt with a toxic person online or in real life, this episode is for you.Josh breaks down a recent Facebook interaction that perfectly illustrates the exhausting tactics toxic people use to wear you down — from word salads to projection, reactive abuse, triangulation, moral superiority, and weaponised vulnerability.You’ll learn:Why you’ll never “win” against a toxic personHow they twist your words, deny reality, and drag you into chaosThe difference between true vulnerability and manipulative victimhoodHow these same toxic tactics show up in cult-like communities and spiritual spacesWhy gray rocking might be the only sane responseIt’s raw, honest, a bit messy — and definitely dysfunctional.Whether you’re healing from family dysfunction, dealing with online trolls, or navigating toxic dynamics in your life, this one will help you feel a little less crazy.00:00 Introduction to Toxic Relationships00:57 Personal Anecdote: The Persistent Commenter04:32 The Facebook Confrontation07:59 Understanding Reactive Abuse17:17 The DAVO Tactic Explained20:01 Confrontation and Gaslighting22:22 Understanding Word Salad23:45 Triangulation in Toxic Relationships25:22 Weaponized Vulnerability29:26 Moral Superiority and Cult-like Behavior36:45 Personal Reflections and Community Building40:55 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really happens when you cut ties with your own family?In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and author Karl Melvin, whose book Navigating Family Estrangement has been a lifeline for people trying to break free from toxic family systems. Together, we dive into the misunderstood world of family estrangement — exploring the deep grief, the guilt, the gaslighting, and the complex layers of going no contact.We talk about:Why estrangement is sometimes the healthiest choiceHow society often sides with the abuserThe pressure to forgive, reconcile, and “just move on”What healing can actually look like on the other sideWhether you’ve cut contact, are considering it, or are struggling to stay away, this conversation will help you feel seen, validated, and a little less alone.Karl Melvin is an IACP (Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) accredited psychotherapist with an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy. He has spent 14 years working with estranged adults of different perspectives, including adult sons and daughters, siblings and parents. He has spent several years training professionals on his own approach to understanding the complex reality of family estrangement in contemporary society and how to support clients through the various psychological, relational, and social challenges they face. He has published one paper in the Family Journal, entitled The Changing Impact and Challenges of Familial Estrangement, and his first book, Navigating Family Estrangement, published by Routledge, is a practical guide for professionals and estranged adults and is available from all book sellers now. Link to Book (There's sale on at the mo):https://www.routledge.com/Navigating-Family-Estrangement-Helping-Adults-Understand-and-Manage-the-Challenges-of-Family-Estrangement/Melvin/p/book/9781032423067Link to Workshop on Jun 5th (8 things everyone needs to know about family estrangement):https://www.therapyacademy.ie/details/webinar/1673Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-melvin-psychotherapist-ma-miacp-2a29679/https://www.instagram.com/karl.melvin/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, Josh Connolly shares his journey to 13 years of sobriety. But this isn’t just a story about putting down the drink. It’s a story of survival, chaos, pain, and ultimately transformation.Josh opens up about his early experiences with cannabis at age 12, the spiral into alcohol and hard drugs, and the chaos that followed — from blackouts and self-destruction to brushes with death. He recounts traumatic events, addiction-fueled madness, and his darkest moments, where the idea of escape felt like the only way out.But this episode is more than just a retelling of a troubled past. It’s about healing. Josh reflects on how sobriety didn’t fix everything overnight, how emotional wounds ran deeper than the addiction itself, and how he learned to live with — and eventually love — himself.Whether you’re struggling with addiction, supporting someone who is, or just curious about the raw reality of sobriety beyond the social media highlight reel, this episode is a must-listen.🔹 Topics Covered:The raw reality of addiction — beyond the social media facade.The love affair with substances and the chaos that followed.The turning point — from suicidal despair to a life of service.The truth about sobriety — why it’s more than just quitting.Josh’s ongoing journey — the challenges and the gifts of 13 years sober.Listen now to hear the story behind the resilience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.