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 19, 2024 • 1h 16min
Art as Medicine with filmmaker Lubomir Arsov
KINGDOM ANIMATED SHORThttps://www.lubomirarsov.com/IN SHADOWBeyond The Self with Africa Brooke - releasing cult-like thinking & rigid identities - with Mark VicenteThe conversation between Mark Vicente and Lubomir explores the creative process, the power of visual storytelling, and the challenges of staying true to one's artistic vision. They discuss the importance of depth and emotional resonance in art, as well as the resistance and criticism that often arise when pushing boundaries. The conversation also touches on the themes of truth, personal growth, and the struggle to break free from societal norms. Overall, the discussion highlights the transformative power of art and the courage required to create meaningful work. In this conversation, Mark Vicente and Lubomir discuss the themes and messages in Lubomir's film 'Kingdom'. They explore the concepts of freedom, redemption, and the power of the individual to break free from oppressive systems. They also discuss the role of art in inspiring and empowering people. The film is praised for its visceral and emotional impact, and the audience feedback has been positive. Lubomir shares his thoughts on the importance of imagination and the potential for redemption in even the most damaged individuals. They also discuss the intellectual and emotional responses to the film and the power of visual storytelling.00:00 Introduction07:39 The Frustration of Finding Projects that Match Values16:15 The Emotional Connection in Filmmaking33:41 The Personal and Collective Resistance to Truth41:51 The Challenge of Portraying the Transcendent53:24 The Battle of Coercion and Oppression01:05:29 The Potential Impact and Future ProjectsSupport 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/
Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 52min
Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa Brooke
Author Africa Brooke discusses conformity, cult tactics, and individual values. Emphasizes the maverick mindset, self-censorship, and standing up for truth. Shares experiences of growing up in an abusive household. Highlights the power of laughter and the importance of friendship. Reflects on the impact of her ancestors' fight for freedom. Explores the balance between conformity and individuality.
Mar 29, 2024 • 26min
'Unto Dust' - A South African Story
In this episode: I tell a story written by Herman Charles Bosman about an unfortunate incident between a black African warrior and a white Afrikaans soldier. Vuzamazulu Credo MutwaHerman Charles Bosmanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaffir_(racial_term)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 21, 2024 • 33min
Religion: Heaven or Hell?
DECODING CULTS & NARCISSISTShttps://www.richardgrannon.com/narcissistic-cults-decoded-courseIn this episode: I wandered into a Cathedral in Lisbon and asked a question on social media:"Taking a Sunday trip down memory lane. I have so many complex thoughts and feelings in cathedrals like this. A mixture of awe, sadness and outrage. Perhaps it’s worth a podcast episode. How do you feel in spaces like this?"I got thoughtful and emotional responses and wanted to record my feelings and thoughts.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 8, 2024 • 1h 29min
Deception, Media & Betrayal - with Sarma of “BAD VEGAN”
NARCISSISTIC CULTS DECODEDhttps://www.richardgrannon.com/narcissistic-cults-decoded-courseIn this episode: Sarma Melngailis goes deep with me on the deception she experienced with con-man ‘Mr. Fox’, what people don't understand about coercive control, the problems with media, and her healing journey. “If I’d had any involvement in her case, she never would have gone to jail.” - Evan Stark, sociologist, forensic social worker, author 'Coercive Control: The Entrapment of Women in Personal Life'https://www.sarmaraw.com/writing/2022/3/27/dear-mr-foxhttps://www.sarmaraw.com/writing/2022/4/5/bad-vegan-is-not-a-documentaryPerpetual Pup | "Not All Dogs Have To Go To Heaven"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r461TVuKB0ohttps://www.instagram.com/sarmamelngailis/The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind? do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.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 17, 2024 • 1h 12min
Lucy Walsh - I ESCAPED!
In this episode:I speak with actress, writer, producer, classical pianist, singer, and songwriter, Lucy Walsh. We discuss her new book 'Remember Me As Human', her crazy life as the daughter of Joe Walsh (The Eagles), and her escape from what she calls a high-control group in the heart of Hollywood. https://www.instagram.com/thelucywalsh/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/acting-coach-gloria-gifford-accusations-toxic-conservatory-1235152816/The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind? do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.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/
Jan 23, 2024 • 1h 14min
Diane Bell - Sundance Award Winning Director & Dream Whisperer
In this episode:I share with Diane Bell, Sundance Award- Winning Director how she helped me regain my hope and creative fire after the NXIVM debacle.https://www.dianebell.com/https://www.instagram.com/aimfromtheheart1/https://www.instagram.com/shootfromtheheart1/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/
Jan 19, 2024 • 18min
The Antidote (slippery slope of Ideology Part 2)
This is a follow-up to the previous episode "The Slippery Slope of Ideology"- Reading listeners' answers to the question: "What is the antidote to the information control that inflames the US and THEM-ing?"- Talking to Rick Ross after leaving NXIVM- The Socratic Method- One possible ANTIDOTE- There are more than TWO choicesAndrew Gold - HereticsRichard GrannonSupport the show on PATREONSupport 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 9, 2024 • 32min
The slippery slope of Ideology (Part 1)
In this Episode:Key moments that opened my eyes to NXIVM. Cult leaders seem to be cut from the same cloth because they have the same pathology. Thoughts on my social media posts. Some people want me to vilify specific political groups. Why I won't. Patterns are everything.The slippery slope of ideological trenches.New Course: RECLAMATIONwww.markvicente.com/courses20 Diversion tactics highly manipulative Narcissists Sociopaths and Psychopaths use to silence you. ~ Shahida Arabihttps://thoughtcatalog.com/shahida-arabi/2016/06/20-diversion-tactics-highly-manipulative-narcissists-sociopaths-and-psychopaths-use-to-silence-you/Dr. Christine Louis De Cannonvillehttps://narcissisticbehavior.net/about-me/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 9, 2023 • 17min
A Soldier's Story
RECLAMATION COURSEIn this episode: Who are you being told to hate? World Triangulation Glorification of War A Soldier's StoryMoral InjuryTalking to a soldier I was supposed to killGerman WWI veteran describes killing a French soldier in a bayonet charge From @bullfrogboss8008patreon.com/markvicenteMusic: Origins by Daniel DeuschleSupport 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/
