WTF is on my Mind?!

In this episode: How my film, "What the Bleep Do We Know?!" led to a weird encounter with a clinical psychologist on a yacht. My eventual induction into NXIVM and my confusion about Keith Raniere's 'Sex Den'. I talk about death anxiety, power dynamics, and the behavior of leaders who claim to have achieved a higher state of consciousness yet engage in questionable practices. 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/

What happens when the subconscious drags you back into the cult you’ve left behind? In this episode, I share a vivid dream where I was back in the cult—a surreal journey that left me reflecting and exploring the parallels between my dream and the troubling patterns I see in the world today. This episode isn’t just about a dream; it’s about what the dream represents. It’s about confronting the relationships between my cult experiences and the societal “rules” that feel eerily similar, and unpacking the challenges of living authentically in a world rife with ideological capture and judgmental intolerance. 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/

In this episode: I use the comic, Asterix and Obelix as a metaphor to explore societal beliefs and the consequences of questioning established norms. I talk about how the fear of the sky falling and the invention of the 'special helmet' mirrors contemporary issues of belief and conformity. Also, we talk shit about the skydeniers and the anti-helmets.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/

In this episode, I explore the concept of fear-based manipulation and control, discussing how fear and trauma have historically been used to bind individuals to leaders, ideologies, and movements. I reference key thinkers like Matthias Desmet and Hannah Arendt, providing historical examples such as the Cultural Revolution in China, Stalin's Great Purge, and the Salem witch trials. I emphasize the role of media in shaping perceptions of fear and the psychological dynamics of coercive control and trauma bonding. At the end, I offer some strategies for recognizing and resisting fear tactics.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/

Former Hollywood actor, David Sutcliffe discusses his journey of self-discovery, transitioning from acting to somatic therapy, and the struggles of authenticity and identity. He talks about the role of pain in healing, the complexities of the victim mentality, and the acceptance of both good and evil within ourselves. The conversation emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and personal growth, highlighting the challenges and rewards of facing one's inner darkness. We delve into the complexities of human nature, exploring the darker impulses that reside within us all and the importance of acknowledging and embracing these aspects to foster personal growth and deeper connections. We discuss the challenges of masculinity in contemporary society and the need for men to find safe spaces to express their vulnerabilities. Through personal anecdotes and insights, David emphasizes the significance of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the balance between masculine and feminine energies in navigating life.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/

In this episode: Richard Grannon and I delve into the complexities of ideology, exploring its definitions, psychological impacts, and its relationship with beliefs. We discuss the nuances between having beliefs and being ideologically captured, the role of utopianism in ideology, and how these concepts relate to cult dynamics and narcissism. We also touch on the importance of developing an internal locus of control and the personal journey of understanding one's beliefs and ideologies. We explore the themes of ideological capture, dissociation, and the psychological dynamics of narcissism and the shame and self-betrayal experienced by individuals who have been ideologically captured, drawing parallels to cult dynamics. The conversation delves into the pain of existence and the struggle to confront reality without the comfort of ideology. Richard critiques the misconceptions surrounding Buddhism and emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment. We also address the role of ideology as a coping mechanism for existential angst and the dangers of losing oneself in ideological narratives. In our chat, we explore the complexities of human behavior, the dynamics of cults versus tribes, and the importance of compassion in social interactions. We discuss the compulsive nature of ideology, the awakening from cultural complacency, and the balance between individual agency and collective responsibility. I reflect on personal growth after leaving a cult, the dangers of ideological certainty, and Richard emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of political discourse.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/

Peter Boghossian, a philosopher and educator known for his work in street epistemology, dives deep into belief systems and the necessity of open dialogue. He discusses the dangers of ideological capture and the crisis of legitimacy in institutions. The conversation touches on the importance of intellectual humility and how clinging to beliefs can hinder understanding. Peter emphasizes embracing curiosity, acknowledging mistakes, and the role of education in shaping beliefs, urging listeners to engage in civil discourse to bridge divides in a polarized society.

My Thoughts on Cult Mentality and Moral Dilemmas – Alison Mack, NXIVM, and Beyond In this episode: I dive into some deep and personal reflections about the dangers of avoiding moral questions, both in cults and in society at large. Drawing from my own experiences with NXIVM, I talk about Alison Mack, her attempts to question her role, and how Keith Raniere manipulated her into silence. I also explore how this same kind of gaslighting happens beyond cults – in politics, social movements, and even everyday life, when we stay loyal to our "team" at the cost of our own moral compass. It’s about confronting the uncomfortable questions and staying curious, no matter where you find yourself.00:00 - Intro Teaser: Are We the Baddies?I begin with the question no one wants to ask but must: “Are we doing something wrong?” This sets the stage for a deeper look into avoiding moral questioning.02:00 - Alison Mack’s StoryAlison Mack once questioned her role in NXIVM, but Raniere manipulated her into doubting herself, a classic gaslighting move to keep her compliant.04:30 - Gaslighting in NXIVMRaniere’s tactic of framing questions as selfish behavior stopped people from critically thinking about the organization and its practices.06:15 - Cult-Like Behavior in SocietyI discuss how this same tactic plays out in broader society, where groups refuse to question themselves and silence internal doubts.08:00 - Fragmentation in CultsI reflect on a high-ranking NXIVM member who, under years of manipulation, became disconnected from reality, but no one dared to question her.10:00 - Blind Loyalty in GroupsI explore how group loyalty, in both cults and politics, can lead people to defend actions they would normally find immoral.12:00 - Denial of EvilI discuss how people deny or justify real issues, like child trafficking, simply because the "enemy" points them out.13:45 - Defending Processed FoodI reflect on how processed food has become defended by some, not because it’s healthy, but because the opposing side says it’s bad.15:00 - Cults and PsychosisI emphasize the need for self-reflection to avoid falling into cult-like thinking, where group loyalty overrides personal values.17:00 - Questioning Your Own SideI encourage viewers to challenge their own group when wrongdoing is evident, even if it means facing backlash.18:00 - Final Thoughts: Stay CuriousI end with a reminder to always stay curious, keep questioning, and avoid falling into blind loyalty or groupthink.Let's keep the conversation going and strive for more meaningful exchanges.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/

In this episode: I sit down with Richard Grannon to dive deep into the power and relevance of the Socratic Method in today's polarized world. Building on themes from my previous episode "The Rage of the Empath" we explore how critical thinking, open dialogue, and intellectual humility can help us navigate complex issues and conflicting viewpoints.Socratic Method: We unpack the ancient Greek approach to dialogue, where both parties must first fully understand each other's positions before engaging in debate. This method fosters understanding and respect, even in disagreement.Small Life Syndrome: Richard introduces the concept of "Small Life Syndrome," where modern life, especially in the post-lockdown era, has led to an over-reliance on online interactions, shrinking our real-world experiences and making us more emotionally fragile.Fear of Ideas: We discuss why some people are more fearful of ideas than others and how this fear can lead to censorship and the suppression of free thought.Maturity and Conflict: We explore how those with real-world experience in conflict, particularly physical combat, often exhibit greater maturity and politeness in discussions, contrasting sharply with the immature and aggressive behavior seen online.Modern Communication: The conversation also touches on the role of the internet in shaping our communication styles, how clickbait culture influences online behavior, and the importance of maintaining integrity and curiosity in content creation.https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRN1pe0US2hQtmDjdhAzn-iyIdy1W_P6T&si=AxBTIVrqcYowhWRShttps://www.youtube.com/@UC09fp6hZ2RHiUYwY8hNCirA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qskI4iqDiIJoin us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges us to think deeper about how we engage with others, both online and in the real world.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/

The Dangers of Intolerance: Culty Behavior in Today's WorldIn this episode, I delve into the unsettling parallels between cult behavior and the current climate of intolerance we see online and in society. Drawing from my experiences as a whistleblower against NXIVM and my understanding of manipulative dynamics, I explore how rigid ideologies and "thought policing" mirror the very patterns of control used by cults.Key Points Discussed:Cults and Boundaries: How cult leaders establish unspoken rules and boundaries, making members fearful of stepping outside them.Ethics Police: The role of "ethics police" in cults and how similar behaviors are emerging in the digital age, with individuals scrutinizing who others follow or what they say online.Toxic Empathy: The concept of "toxic empathy," where well-meaning individuals abandon true empathy in favor of aggressively enforcing their ideological beliefs.Labeling and Censorship: How modern-day label makers and censorship reflect cult-like mechanisms to control thought and silence dissent.The Importance of Curiosity: Encouraging open-mindedness and empathy as antidotes to the growing societal tendency to shut down differing perspectives.Join me as I unpack these crucial issues and encourage a more thoughtful and open approach to navigating complexity.01:00 Recognizing the Patterns of Abuse in Cults03:58 The Power of Label Makers in Shaping Public Opinion09:10 The Importance of Curiosity, Open-Mindedness, and Empathy14:49 The Dangers of Censorship and Silencing Opposing Viewpoints19:39 Embracing Diversity of ThoughtSupport 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/