WTF is on my Mind?!
Mark Vicente
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?!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 23, 2024 • 1h 1min
Why We Follow Psychopaths? with Professor of Evolutionary Psychology, Edward Dutton
In this episode: A conversation with Professor of Evolutionary Psychology, Edward Dutton. We cover a wide range of topics, including the seminar on Narcissistic Psychopathy we just completed, the background of Professor Dutton, discussions on autism, the concept of heresy, controversial views, the adaptive nature of religion, and the influence of intelligence on manipulation and societal dynamics. The conversation delves into the societal shift towards dogma, the psychology of giving power to psychopathic leaders, and the departure from scientific reality. It explores the evolutionary basis for group behaviour, the impact of belief in lies on mental health, and the historical patterns of societal dogmas. We also touch on the association between traditional religiousness and mental health, as well as the impact of conformity to current beliefs on anxiety.Professor of Evolutionary Psychology, Edward Dutton.https://edwarddutton.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction and the Narcissistic Psychopathy Seminar04:17 Understanding Autism and the Concept of Heresy12:52 Controversial Views and Their Impact on Societal Discourse25:05 Intelligence, Manipulation, and Societal Dynamics31:38 The Societal Shift Towards Dogma35:29 The Evolutionary Basis for Group Behaviour38:47 The Impact of Belief in Lies on Mental Health52:46 Understanding the Psychology of Giving Power to Psychopathic Leaders57:14 The Departure from Scientific RealitySupport 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/
Jun 14, 2024 • 1h 5min
STAY DAMAGED with comedian Rob Van Vuuren (aka Namaste Bae)
In this episode: I interview Rob van Vuuren, a comedian and actor known for his character Namaste Bae. We discuss the origins of the character, the comedy scene in South Africa, and the dangers of certainty and cult-like behavior. Rob shares how he uses comedy to process the absurdity and insanity of everyday life. We also touch on the global appeal of alternative healing and the importance of vulnerability in comedy. Rob discusses his experiences as an artist and comedian, particularly in relation to his character Namaste Bae. He talks about the challenges of creating content and the interesting questions that arise about how people perceive his character. He also discusses the cathartic nature of comedy and the importance of empathy in connecting with audiences.https://www.instagram.com/robvanvuuren/https://linktr.ee/robvanvuurenRob's stand-up comedy show: After wildly successful national and international tours and winning the Gold Standard Bank Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival 2023, Namaste Bae: Blessings and Kombucha is back. A healing ceremony unlike any you’ve ever experienced brought to you by the new age satirical guru taking social media by storm. Some say he was born with a bottle of kombucha in one hand and a yoga mat in the other during a Vedic Shadow Planet eclipse. Some say he takes all the psychedelics so you don’t have to. Some say he is still looking for a ticket to Burning Man. Whatever they say, Namaste Bae is the guru you both need and deserve. A self proclaimed oracle of the Mother Scoby, Namaste Bae will help you find yourself inside yourself and with the power of comedic catharsis he will help you give birth to a better version of yourself. Namaste Bae is the globally viral brainchild of multi-award winning South African comedian and actor Rob van Vuuren, and will provide you with a night of healing hilarity and titillating transcendence you won’t forget!Chapters00:00 Namaste Bae tries to connect with Mark03:18 The Origins of Namaste Bae08:02 Comedy and Insanity in South Africa 12:45 The Global Appeal and Pitfalls of Alternative Healing13:44 Embracing Uncertainty and Fallibility15:10 The Role of Comedy in South Africa25:13 Finding Clarity and Responding vs Reacting 28:55 Navigating the Seduction of Fame and Power32:06 Controlling the Narrative and Assumptions32:58 The Cathartic Power of Comedy44:35 Challenging Perceptions through Comedy52:53 The Fulfillment of the Artistic Journey59:37 Releasing the Pressure through Comedy01:01:03 Navigating a Confusing and Polarized World01:04:09 Staying Curious and Finding Fulfillment as an ArtistSupport 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/
Jun 7, 2024 • 28min
The Goodness Trap
In this episode: I discuss the concept of the goodness trap, where people become so attached to the idea of being good that they ignore or justify bad behavior. I explore how this trap can be seen in various contexts, such as political extremism, cults, and the protection of institutions. I also highlight the danger of virtue signaling and the need for individuals to critically examine their own ideological teams and actions. I encourage listeners to engage in nuance and self-reflection rather than simply pointing out the flaws in others.00:00 Introduction and the Viral John Cleese Reel03:19 Us vs. Them Mentality08:05 The Dilemma of Protecting Institutions14:06 Virtue Signaling and the Protection of Children23:46 The Danger of Pretending to Be Good26:39 Examining Our Own Teams and Engaging in NuanceSupport 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/
May 31, 2024 • 1h 7min
BRAINWASHED! - with Behavioural Scientist and Author Patrick Fagan
In this Episode: Author, Lecturer & Behavioural Scientist Patrick Fagan and I delve into the topics of brainwashing, propaganda, manipulation, and the impact of psychological tactics on behaviour. We explore the influence of communication, media, and societal forces on individuals, as well as the role of trauma and vulnerability in susceptibility to manipulation. The discussion also touches on the concept of the 'blip' and its role in creating vulnerability, as well as the use of psychological tactics in intelligence and political agendas. We also cover the manipulation techniques used in propaganda, brainwashing, and influence and explore the impact of cognitive biases, the power of visual imagery, and the illusion of control. Finally, we talk about immunity from manipulation and the internal journey of self-awareness and humility. FREE YOUR MIND: The new world of manipulation and how to resist it.Written by Laura Dodsworth & Patrick FaganLaura is an Author, Journalist and Photographer.Patrick is a Behavioural Scientist, Author & LecturerWeaponizing FilmmakingGHOSTS IN THE MACHINE 1GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE 2Chapters00:00 The Influence of Brainwashing and Propaganda19:28 The Vulnerability of the 'Blip'21:18 Psychological Tactics and Manipulation28:01 Intelligence, Politics, and Psychological Influence33:19 Unraveling Manipulation Techniques42:15 The Power of Visual Imagery47:30 The Illusion of Control and Cognitive Biases59:39 Developing Immunity from Manipulation01:03:22 The Journey of Self-Awareness and Humilitybrainwashing, propaganda, manipulation, psychological tactics, communication, media, societal influence, trauma, vulnerability, blip, psychological resistance, intelligence, political agendas, propaganda, brainwashing, cognitive biases, visual imagery, illusion of control, immunity, self-awareness, humilitySupport 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/
May 4, 2024 • 37min
NXIVM's War Against Hate
Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa BrookeBeyond the Self - with Africa Brooke releasing cult-like thinking and rigid identities w/ Mark VicenteIdentical News MontageThe Corporation FilmNarcissistic Psychopathy: A Global Dark Force. 25th & 26th of May in Liverpool, UKGary BreckaDecoding Cults & Narcissists with Mark Vicente and Richard GrannonSupport 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 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/
