WTF is on my Mind?!
Author, Speaker, Whistleblower and award-winning Director Mark Vicente was behind the sleeper hit “What The Bleep Do We Know?!” Several books have been written about the film’s remarkable grassroots marketing campaign, which led to its unprecedented success.Mark was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1965. Taking his first photograph at age four, he quickly discovered his passion for being behind the camera. After attending film and drama school in South Africa, he began working his way up the ranks of the camera department, from Assistant to Operator to Cinematographer. His first big break came as Director of Photography on the musical “SARAFINA,” starring Whoopi Goldberg. In 1992, he set his sights on Hollywood and relocated to Los Angeles to shoot his first studio picture for Disney; “FATHERHOOD,” starring Patrick Swayze and Halle Berry. At the age of 26, he became one of the youngest cinematographers to shoot a big-budget studio picture. Over the next few decades, he went on to shoot an additional 14 feature films and numerous documentaries, music videos and commercials. Mark soon found there were in him, untold stories he desperately wanted to express as a Director. He was driven by the conviction that tales of greatness, nobility and introspection could be exciting and financially successful. Perhaps because of the very obvious race and class iniquities in South Africa, he found himself propelled to question certain fundamental assumptions at a very young age. Beliefs about human behavior, cosmology, religion, existentialism and mysticism. Along the way, he stumbled into a few situations where leaders with malignant pathologies (masquerading as saintly philosophers) spoke the talk of self-improvement but did untold damage to their followers... and him. Looking back, he can now say he has been in at least two cults. His last foray into personal growth and his defection from NXIVM was chronicled in the HBO series “The Vow”. Mark and a few plucky whistleblowers exposed the criminal activities of the organization, resulting in multiple arrests and indictments. He doesn’t consider himself a cult expert, but by his own admission, “I’m an expert in being screwed over, waking up, and knowing how to spot them.” He’s got a pretty salty approach to most things and is fascinated by the myriad patterns in the human psychodynamic that create the best and the worst in civilization. Join Mark as he unpacks a whole range of topics to do with: Psychology, Consciousness, Morality, Narcissistic Abuse, Spirituality, Cults, Propaganda, Science, Filmmaking, and Philosophy.You never quite know what you’re going to get, as it really does depend on… WTF is on his mind?!
Latest episodes
Apr 6, 2025 • 1h 26min
Escaping the Lie: The Cost of Pretending Everything’s Fine w/ Josh Connolly
What happens when truth becomes your only option for survival?In this unfiltered, emotionally honest conversation, filmmaker and whistleblower Mark Vicente sits down with Josh Connolly—a resilience coach and breathwork facilitator who’s spent over a decade helping people reconnect with their inner truth after trauma. Josh talks about growing up in a dysfunctional home, breaking out of addictive roles, and how society at large mirrors the same toxic family dynamics we try to escape.They also dig into: • How addiction isn’t just about substances, but about escaping ourselves • The lie of spiritual bypassing and “you chose this” narratives • Why the ones telling the truth are often scapegoated • Building community without falling into cult dynamics • Rage, sadness, inner child work, and the daily choice to stay aliveIf you’ve ever questioned your reality—or been told you’re “too sensitive”—this one’s for you.📚 Josh’s Book:It’s Them, Not You – How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your StoryAvailable now: https://www.joshconnolly.co.uk🌀 Connect with Josh:Instagram: @joshconnolly_Website: https://www.joshconnolly.co.ukSupport the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 18min
The Hidden Dangers of High-Functioning Predators w/ Dr. Karen Mitchell
In this powerful and revealing episode, filmmaker Mark Vicente sits down with Dr. Karen Mitchell, founder of the Kalmor Institute and the author of one of the most groundbreaking PhD theses ever written on dark personalities.https://kalmor.com.au/https://x.com/karenmitchell__Karen shares the results of decades of research and direct experience, unveiling a chilling but deeply important truth: narcissists, psychopaths, Machiavellians, cult leaders, toxic executives, and coercive controllers may all be subsets of one single high-level predator—what she calls the Persistent Predatory Personality (PPP).Together, Mark and Karen explore:- How these individuals operate in corporate, medical, religious, and legal systems- Why many are high-functioning, charming, and completely hidden- How academia and the justice system often enable or overlook this abuse- Why “the mask” of empathy is often just a calculated act- The emotional, mental, and reputational devastation experienced by targets- Red flags to look out for—and why reporting often makes things worse before it gets better- The tragic impact on children, families, and even democracyThis is not just a conversation about abuse. It’s a call to wake up to the patterns, the tactics, and the systems that allow this behavior to thrive. If you’ve ever dealt with narcissistic abuse, manipulation, or invisible harm—this episode is essential.Key Topics:- The truth behind the “Dark Triad” and the “Dark Tetrad”- Why most research has been looking in the wrong place- The danger of self-reporting studies when studying liars- Coercive control: from domestic violence to cult dynamics- Why dark personalities are attracted to power, law, medicine, and even charity work- The difference between true predators and trauma survivors who mimic similar behaviors- Why our society is desperately under-equipped to deal with these peopleSupport the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Mar 23, 2025 • 30min
Dignity, Trauma, Google Gods, Archeology and ‘Truth’ in a MAD World
In this solo episode, filmmaker and truth-seeker Mark Vicente shares what’s been stirring in his mind—from the deeply personal to the culturally explosive.He starts with an exploration of dignity—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s the missing ingredient in many conversations about boundaries and self-respect. Through stories and personal insight, he dives into the internal work required to reclaim one’s worth, especially after experiences of coercive control, narcissistic abuse, or cult entanglement.Mark also challenges the idea that we can simply "move on" from trauma. Drawing from his conversations with cult survivors, he shares why unprocessed pain never truly stays buried—and how it inevitably seeps into our relationships, our bodies, and our choices if left unhealed.Then things take a turn: he unpacks recent archaeological discoveries beneath the Pyramid of Khafre using SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) scans—findings that seem to confirm the theories long ridiculed as "conspiracies." He calls out the mainstream resistance to new truths, especially when they disrupt long-held narratives.This leads into a passionate reflection on shadowbanning, censorship, and algorithmic suppression—including what appears to be a deliberate silencing of a previous podcast episode featuring a Black female guest whose voice, ironically, challenges the very systems that claim to protect marginalized voices.Lastly, Mark questions what we even mean when we say “the world.” Is it the real world—or the carefully filtered version we’ve been fed through screens, algorithms, and corporate media?This episode is messy, real, and deeply human. It’s not about having answers—it’s about asking better questions.If you’ve ever felt like the world’s gone mad, this one’s for you.Support the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Mar 16, 2025 • 1h 9min
Say Everything or Say Nothing? The Dilemma of Free Expression w/ Africa Brooke
In this deeply insightful and unfiltered conversation, I speak with return guest Africa Brooke. Africa is a writer, speaker, and thought leader known for her work on self-censorship, self-sabotage, and personal transformation. The discussion explores the tension between speaking one’s truth and navigating societal pressures, tribalism, and ideological conformity. Africa and I challenge listeners to reflect on their beliefs, fears, and the cost of authenticity in today’s world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the tension between personal expression and societal expectations. If you've ever felt stifled, censored, or conflicted about speaking your truth, this conversation will give you the tools and reflections to navigate it with greater confidence.Previous WTF podcast episode with Africa: Brave Expression in the Age of IntoleranceMy appearance on Africa's podcast "Beyond the Self" Releasing Cult Like thinking & Rigid Identities w/ Mark Vicentehttps://africabrooke.com/Africa's Book: The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in The Age of IntoleranceAn open letter: why I'm leaving the cult of wokeness by Africa BrookeKey Topics DiscussedThe Power & Cost of Speaking OutMark shares his journey as a whistleblower and observer of cult-like behaviors across societal structures.Africa discusses self-censorship and how people suppress their true thoughts out of fear of social rejection.Navigating Identity & Ideological TribesWhy people are pressured to "pick a side" and the dangers of binary thinking.Africa’s perspective on her book The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance and the importance of embracing nuance.Personal Freedom vs. Social AcceptanceMark explores his past struggles with needing external validation for his beliefs.How childhood experiences shape our willingness to express ourselves fully.The Role of Specificity in Truth-TellingThe challenge of being specific in criticism without triggering ideological resistance.Discussing controversial figures and how society justifies actions based on perceived "good vs. evil" narratives.Tribalism & Cognitive DissonanceWhy humans instinctively form groups and resist opposing viewpoints.How past societal and political manipulations have exploited this human tendency.Support the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Feb 23, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Female Narcissist w/ Coach Liliya Labonte
In this eye-opening episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I sit down with Coach Liliya Labonte, a specialist in narcissistic abuse and healing, to uncover a rarely discussed topic: the female narcissist. Unlike their male counterparts, female narcissists operate in uniquely insidious ways, leaving many victims questioning their reality.Together, we explore:✔️ The key differences between male and female narcissists✔️ The subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs to watch for✔️ How to protect yourself and begin the healing process🚨 Warning: This conversation delves into emotional abuse and manipulation. Proceed with care.https://www.liliyalabonte.com/https://www.youtube.com/@UChO_r7A2cXqZ8A3NmIp7wyA https://www.instagram.com/coachliliya/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@coachliliya?lang=enSupport the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Feb 16, 2025 • 40min
The Communal Narcissist (The Cloak of Virtue)
In this episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I dive deep into Communal Narcissism—the most deceptive and dangerous form of narcissism. Unlike grandiose or covert narcissists, communal narcissists hide behind morality, altruism, and social justice, using a façade of selflessness to manipulate and control.I break down:The three faces of narcissism: Grandiose, Covert, and CommunalWhy communal narcissists thrive in cults, religions, charities, and politicsHow they manipulate people’s need for goodnessThe psychological tricks they use to control movements and silence dissentHow to spot and break free from communal narcissismIf you’ve ever wondered why certain leaders, gurus, and influencers seem "too good to be true," this episode exposes the dark truth behind their carefully curated masks.The ‘God’ Who Carries Around Some Dangerous Demonshttps://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-oct-04-oe-ehrenfeld4-story.htmlSupport the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Feb 2, 2025 • 22min
I Got Infected!
In this episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I explore the concept of ideological infection—the psychological trap where we become so emotionally attached to our beliefs, movements, or public figures that any challenge to them feels like a personal attack.I break down why this happens, from cognitive biases like confirmation bias and motivated reasoning to the fight-or-flight response triggered when our worldview is questioned. I also dive into the five steps to break free from ideological capture and how to retrain our thinking to be more open, thoughtful, and independent.This is a deep dive into how dogma, tribalism, and media manipulation shape our beliefs—and how we can resist falling into the trap.Breaking Free: Five Steps to Escape Ideological CaptureStep 1: Recognize Emotional TriggersStep 2: Engage With Opposing IdeasStep 3: Adopt a Mindset of InquiryStep 4: Detach Identity From BeliefsStep 5: Understand Your Brain’s BiasesBonus Tip: Turn Off the NewsSupport the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 5min
Inside the Mind of a Narcissist with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman
In this episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I sit down with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, a licensed clinical psychologist and national expert in narcissistic abuse. We dive deep into the insidious nature of narcissistic relationships, the misconceptions surrounding narcissism, and what makes narcissistic abuse so earth-shattering for its victims. Dr. Z shares her insights on how to heal from narcissistic abuse, the playbook of narcissists, and the emotional toll these relationships take. This is a powerful, eye-opening conversation for anyone seeking to understand narcissism and its impact on relationships and mental health.https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/Support the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Dec 27, 2024 • 27min
Hiding the Truth: How Suppression Fractures Us!
In this episode: I explore the concept of suppression and how it affects us personally, in families, and on a societal scale. We explore how suppressing ideas, emotions, and beliefs can lead to fragmentation and toxicity. Drawing from personal insights, psychological observations, and real-world examples, I discuss the dangers of censorship, fear-based control, and the societal consequences of suppressing inconvenient truths.Suppression and censorship in personal, family, and societal contexts.Narcissists, dissociation, and how suppression starts from childhood trauma.The psychological impact of suppressing emotions and ideas, and how therapy aims to reclaim lost parts of ourselves.How patriarchs or matriarchs suppress ideas within families to enforce control and perfection, leading to unhealthy dynamics.The parallels between family suppression and societal censorship, and the false belief that silencing ideas makes them disappear.Exploring how suppressed emotions and ideas fester, eventually leading to toxicity or explosive outbursts.The societal obsession with censoring ideas, and the dangers of labeling opposing views as "misinformation" or "disinformation."An examination of how corporations influence media narratives and the rise of propaganda.Historical examples of suppressed voices, the consequences of deplatforming, and the need to question official narratives.How suppressed societies eventually reach a breaking point, leading to revolts mislabeled as misinformation or conspiracy.A touching story of how unburdening suppressed emotions brought freedom to a dying friend.My thoughts on the societal revolt against censorship, suppression, and the control of narratives.A final reflection on the dangers of hiding truths and the importance of pushing against sacred cows in pursuit of authenticity.Support the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Dec 22, 2024 • 1h 9min
What is CONSENT? Does Yes mean YES?
In this episode: I talk to two incredible women who are leading the charge to redefine how we think about and legislate consent—Joyce Short and Nina Lucas of the Consent Awareness Network, or CAN. If Joyce Short gets her way, both “Yes Means Yes” and “No Means No” will be stricken from our laws. She is a sexual assault survivor and the author of 4 books that can turn our human right to consent into a civil right backed by law. She is the founder and Chief Executive of the Consent Awareness Network and a TEDx Talk Presenter. She has been an expert witness and the architect of several legislative bills that can radically change how our justice system deals with consent. Joyce has been featured on Nightline, CBS News, BuzzFeed, Inside Edition, the NY Times, and more, and she’s been quoted in books and journals, including “The Moment” by Andrea Constand, and has been honored as a 'Woman of Distinction" by the NY State Assembly. Nina Lucas serves as Chief of Staff and a Consent Outreach Ambassador for the Consent Awareness Network (CAN). She is also an activist with Never Alone Advocacy, founded to fight back against abuse of power in the military. As a classically trained singer, Nina's secret superpower is opera and she is dedicated to applying her robust voice to inform, educate and empower however she can in all efforts to #CodifyConsent WEBSITE: www.consentawareness.net Joyce's TEDx TALK: https://bit.ly/DefineConsent Joyce's Book: Your Consent: The Key to Conquering Sexual Assault (revised edition): bit.ly/ConsentRevised ACTION ITEM - SIGN THE PETITION: http://bit.ly/BillPetition DONATE: https://consentawareness.net/donate/ OTHER CULT/CONSENT podcast appearances: A Little Bit Culty Something Was Wrong CONTACT US: bit.ly/ConsentAmbassador #FGKIA - freely given, knowledgeable informed agreement (by a person with the capacity to reason) #CodifyConsent Support the showThe views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/X: https://x.com/markvicenteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
