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 18, 2023 • 14min
Cancel Culture & The Hero's Journey
In this episode: Cancel Culture is a term that is used in modern-day society. But does it have it's roots much further back? Has it been going on for centuries, and is it a good thing or a bad thing? What does cancel have to do with our unexpressed shadow? We take a look at the consequences of this internet era 'struggle session' and what it might be doing to human beings and society at large?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 6, 2023 • 1h 37min
The 4th "F" (FAWNING) with Dr. Ingrid Clayton
In this episode: Have you ever felt ashamed of how you went along with an abuser for months, maybe even years, even though a part of you knew the situation was toxic? That's known as FAWNING. This episode will help demystify that very normal trauma response. Dr. Ingrid Clayton will help us to understand the 4 F's (Fight, Flight, Freeze and FAWN) while discussing her own story and aspects of the NXIVM Cult.Ingrid Clayton, PhD is a writer and clinical psychologist in private practice in Los Angeles, California. With a Masters in transpersonal psychology and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Dr. Clayton has a holistic approach to psychotherapy, incorporating trauma-informed modalities like Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and other experiential ways of working with the nervous system. She is the author of the memoir: Believing Me: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma, where she uncovers her personal experience of childhood trauma from a psychologist’s perspective and Recovering Spirituality: Achieving Emotional Sobriety in Your Spiritual Practice. Ingrid is a regular contributor to Psychology Today , where her article, “What is Self-Gaslighting?” is considered an Essential Read.https://www.ingridclayton.com/https://www.instagram.com/ingridclaytonphd/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PvWTgJMirURfgHWj3h28gSupport 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 21, 2023 • 20min
Hypothesis of God
In this Episode: Stolen Youth. A memory of a NXIVM Level 2 module that really stuck. Is 'God' an early development somatic impulse? Transference of mysticism. Seeing our leaders as omnipotent parents.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 13, 2023 • 20min
Airports, The Ethics Police & The WEFC
In this episode, a discussion about the magical profit margin in airports, the 'Ethics Police' in cults and social media, the denial of evil, and the true motives of the WEFC.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 30, 2023 • 17min
Emotionally Puckered Up
In this episode, a short discussion about emotional repression and its effects on us.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 6, 2022 • 1h 18min
Mike Rinder - A Billion Years
In this Episode, a conversation with Mike Rinder about The Vow (Season 2) and his book: A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life at the Highest Levels of ScientologyMike is a former senior executive of the Church of Scientology International (CSI) who has become a prominent whistleblower against abuses in scientology and other organizations.He is best known today for his role alongside Leah Remini in their Emmy-winning A&E TV series TV Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Over 3 seasons and 37 episodes they exposed many shocking abuses told through the eyes of the victims. Mike was born in Australia and raised in a scientology family. He joined the organization’s elite inner core (the “Sea Org”) at age 18 and rose through the ranks, working directly with both L. Ron Hubbard and his successor David Miscavige. He has a unique insider’s perspective on scientology.From 1982 to 2007 he was a member of the Board of Directors of CSI, was the international spokesperson for scientology and also headed the Office of Special Affairs ~ overseeing the corporate, legal, public relations and spying/dirty tricks of scientology. Mike escaped from scientology in 2007 – leaving behind all his family (parents/siblings and wife/children) who “disconnected” from him. At 53, with no money, college degree, resume or support system he began a new life. Today he is happily remarried with a 10 year old son. He writes a daily blog on scientology and has recently published a memoir A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life at the Highest Levels of Scientology.Fair Game Podcast with Leah Remini and Mike RinderEpisode 11: Mark Vicente from The Vow talks NXIVM and ScientologyLeah and Mike talk to Mark Vicente about the HBO documentary series, The Vow, the similarities with Scientology and common themes of high control groups.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/
Nov 22, 2022 • 1h 59min
'The Vow' Season 2 - Episode 6 - Debrief
SPOILER ALERT! Scenes from Episode 6 will be discussed!In this Episode: Debrief of 'The Vow' Season 2 - Episode 6(NXIVM) ‘Letter to the Inside’ in 4 parts is available on all Podcast platforms and Youtube. 'The Vow' Opening Title Sequence MusicSon Lux – "Dream State (Run From It) [feat. Bonnie Piesse]" (Official Audio)A Little Bit Culty Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/alittlebitculty/Consent Awareness Network#FGKIA: Freely Given, Knowledgeable Informed Agreementhttps://www.instagram.com/standfirmvoice/Mark Vicente YouTube - Holy DeceptionMark Vicente - Statement at Raniere's SentencingMark Vicente - Statement at Nancy Salzman's SentencingSupport 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/
Nov 15, 2022 • 52min
'The Vow' Season 2 - Episode 5 - Debrief
SPOILER ALERT! Scenes from Episode 5 will be discussed! In this Episode: Debrief of 'The Vow' Season 2 - Episode 5Daniel Shaw, LCSWTraumatic Narcissism and Recovery - Leaving the Prison of Shame and FearEnd Titles Episode 5: "Regret" sung by Bonnie Piesse; co-written with Reinhold Heil, Michael Tuller and Mac Quayle. (NXIVM) ‘Letter to the Inside’ in 4 parts is available on all Podcast platforms and Youtube. 'The Vow' Opening Title Sequence MusicSon Lux – "Dream State (Run From It) [feat. Bonnie Piesse]" (Official Audio)A Little Bit Culty Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/alittlebitculty/Consent Awareness Network#FGKIA: Freely Given, Knowledgeable Informed Agreementhttps://www.instagram.com/standfirmvoice/Mark Vicente YouTube - Holy DeceptionMark Vicente - Statement at Raniere's SentencingMark Vicente - Statement at Nancy Salzman's SentencingSupport 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/
Nov 8, 2022 • 57min
'The Vow' Season 2 - Episode 4 - Debrief
SPOILER ALERT! Scenes from Episode 4 will be discussed! In this Episode: Debrief of 'The Vow' Season 2 - Episode 4.End Title Music: "Unraveling" by Bonnie PiesseMusic and Lyrics by Bonnie Piesse Produced by Bonnie Piesse and Eric Margen Lyricseverything everything is wrong there's nothing left of how we knew it breaking down all the crooked lines unraveling everything everything is gone there's no way back you can't erase memories are falling to ground spiraling it's who you who you are not who you believe in packing up and leaving in the night the only way of getting through it it's over now I think I see the light beckoning it's who you who you are not who you believe in it's who you who you are not who you believe in it's who you who you are not who you believe in (NXIVM) ‘Letter to the Inside’ in 4 parts is available on all Podcast platforms and Youtube. 'The Vow' Opening Title Sequence MusicSon Lux – "Dream State (Run From It) [feat. Bonnie Piesse]" (Official Audio)A Little Bit Culty Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/alittlebitculty/Consent Awareness Network#FGKIA: Freely Given, Knowledgeable Informed Agreementhttps://www.instagram.com/standfirmvoice/Mark Vicente YouTube - Holy DeceptionMark Vicente - Statement at Raniere's SentencingMark Vicente - Statement at Nancy Salzman's SentencingSupport 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/
Nov 5, 2022 • 33min
(NXIVM) Letter to the Inside - Part 4 of 4
In this Episode: (PART 4 of 4) In March 2018 I recognized Keith Raniere was about to be arrested. Along with my fellow whistleblowers, we had spent the previous 9 months trying to get people out of NXIVM. I made one final attempt en masse to get my friends (true believers) to wake up before Raniere was arrested. I wrote a long letter to a select few friends on ‘the inside’ on March 10th, 2018 - 16 days before Keith Raniere was arrested in a Mexican Villa on March 26th, 2018. I sent it mostly to lower ranks because I knew that if I included the top of the organization, the higher ranks would have blocked it. I needed my friends who received the letter to have time to absorb what I was saying before they had to report it up the chain of command. This was my desperate attempt to try and wake my friends up before the arrests began. ~ Mark Vicente Sections of the letter: Shunning, Whistleblower, The Blame Game, The Appearance of Calm, VWEEK2016, Slavery. Remember Africa, The Enablers, Your Future Selves"Mirreyes" (my kings) https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3026433/Mirreyes-rich-kids-Mexican-elite-use-Instagram-wealth.htmlYour Future Selves. Well, my rant has come to an end. As I said, that is 0.5%. I am well aware that this LONG letter may not move any of you. Too many EM’s and The Knife. Also, some of you may be True Believers. But at least we can collectively never look back and say I didn’t express this. That I didn’t try. I am writing this hopefully to your future selves who will look back at this, maybe years from now and say HOLY SHIT! It was right in front of me! More and more information will be disclosed that will startle many of you. At first you will be convinced it is all part of the big bad conspiracy against your beloved Lord and Master and his 'innocent’ minions. But the revelations will grow and grow and be more and more shocking. Then you will have to face the horror as well, as many of us have. It will take significant decompression and time. We will be here when that day comes. We will help you. You may never talk to me as long as you live, and you likely won’t, but do ONE thing. Read ONE book: "Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships" By Janja Lalich and Madeleine Landau Tobias It will change your life. It may even save your life. I miss many of you deeply. All my love, Mark 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/
