back from the borderline

Explore how reputation shapes both personal and professional life. Discover the importance of guarding your public image and learn effective strategies for managing conflicts. The episode dives into transformative insights for those navigating manipulation and trauma, emphasizing the power of strategic planning. Understand how to counter harmful behaviors and reclaim your agency with confidence and integrity. These laws aren't about ruthlessness, but rather about empowering yourself to navigate life’s complexities with awareness.

Discover how therapy and new-age spirituality have evolved into modern religions as traditional faith wanes. Explore the commercialization of wellness, where meditation apps mirror religious rituals. Delve into the self-care paradox that emphasizes personal well-being yet risks social fragmentation. Critique the consequences of an individualistic approach, revealing how it reshapes relationships and community bonds. This engaging discussion invites reflection on the balance between self-exploration and societal responsibility.

Delve into the nuances of manipulation and empowerment as you learn to recognize hidden agendas in relationships. The discussion outlines essential strategies from a well-known book, guiding you to spot deceptive behaviors. Topics include the importance of self-awareness and personal boundaries, especially for trauma survivors. Discover how to reclaim your space with integrity while navigating the tricky waters of power dynamics. This insightful mini-series promises to equip you with the tools needed to become the architect of your own destiny.

Nick Taber, a writer and personal development advocate, unveils the shocking truths of the troubled teen industry. He recounts his harrowing journey through a facility known as the 'Harvard of therapeutic boarding schools,' exposing the trauma and manipulation underlying these programs. Taber discusses how these institutions pathologize normal behaviors and use authoritarian tactics to suppress autonomy, leaving lasting psychological scars. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for reform in mental health practices to prioritize genuine support over control.

Dive into the dark complexities of Aileen Wuornos's life in this thought-provoking installment of our 'Anatomy of Evil' series. This episode transcends the usual true crime sensationalism, offering a deep-dive into the psychological and societal factors that sculpted Wuornos's destiny. In this exploration, I unravel Aileen's turbulent early life, spotlighting the profound impact of her family dynamics—particularly the roles of her absent father and abusive grandfather. We delve into how these critical relationships, combined with societal neglect, forged a psyche ripe for turmoil. Unlike the typical narrative, this episode leverages psychological theories like Jungian archetypes to decode Aileen's actions, providing a nuanced perspective on her as the 'warrior' fighting against her 'shadow' self. As we dissect her life further, we uncover how Aileen's relationship with Tyria Moore influenced her descent into criminality. We analyze the dynamics of their partnership through the lens of trauma bonding, highlighting how this relationship not only offered solace but also propelled Aileen towards her tragic fate. This episode also casts a critical eye on the sensationalist media portrayal of Aileen, contrasting it with her own stark perceptions of being exploited by a system that she felt was rigged against her from the start. This episode promises unique insights into lesser-discussed aspects of Aileen's story, such as her critique of the justice system and her prophetic warnings about societal collapse. By tuning in, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of factors that can lead to criminality—a narrative that challenges the simplicity of the 'monster' stereotype. Join me in this meticulous unpacking of Aileen Wuornos’s life, where we go beyond the headlines to discover the real story hidden beneath. If you're captivated by the psychological underpinnings of criminal behavior and the societal constructs that influence it, this episode is essential listening. TIME STAMPS:00:00 – 53:27.22: PART 1 (Introduction to Aileen Wuornos, her early life, family dynamics, psychological development, and societal influences)53:27.22 – 01:52:29.54: PART 2 (Manifestation of criminal behavior, her relationship with Tyria Moore, societal and systemic influences, media portrayal, final reflections, and broader implications)Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, you’ll join me for an interview with author, screenwriter, and activist Rose Cartwright, whose battle with disturbing intrusive thoughts initially led her to a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. However, after rising to fame through a seeming liberation due to her diagnosis, she found herself at a crossroads that led her to drastically rethink healing and mental health.A profoundly transformative moment at a silent meditation retreat during a personal dark night of the soul would mark the beginning of a new chapter. It was here where Rose encountered a profound silence that opened the door to exploring altered states of consciousness. This experience led her to the unconventional path of psychedelic therapy, where she found revelations and healing outside the rigid diagnostic frameworks of traditional mental health.Throughout our conversation, Rose and I dive into how she moved beyond the biomedical model and labels that once defined her. From her initial diagnosis to her courageous exploration of psychedelics, Rose's journey illustrates a profound shift from seeing herself through the lens of disorder to embracing a spiral upward, becoming more truly herself while alchemizing the pain of her childhood.My hope for listeners is that this episode will serve as an invitation to rethink what it means to truly heal. For anyone questioning conventional mental health approaches and finding themselves stuck at a crossroads and overcome by psychological suffering, Rose's story will offer a radical perspective on embracing the full complexity of the human experience.REFERNECES: ✧ Rose’s new book: “The Maps We Carry: Psychedelics, trauma and our new path to mental health”✧ “I was the poster girl for OCD - Then I began to question everything I’d been told about mental illness” (article by Rose Cartwright via The Guardian)✧ Knots by R.D. Laing✧ We've Had a Hundred Years of Psychotherapy--And the World's Getting Worse by James HillmanCraving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if I told you that hidden within the fabric of your own body lies a discovery so profound it's shifting the very foundations of health science? Picture a network, integral to our biology, that could reveal the secrets of how our bodies communicate, how they hold onto trauma, and might even unlock new ways to heal longstanding health mysteries. This isn't the realm of science fiction—it's the reality of the Interstitium, a discovery that's reshaping our understanding of the human body. These fluid-filled spaces, the Interstitium, nestled within and between your tissues, might just be the missing piece we've been seeking—not only in fighting disease but in understanding the profound ways our bodies store and respond to trauma. By the end of this episode, you'll see your own body in a whole new light, appreciating how this hidden system could revolutionize our approach to health and healing. Imagine, just for a moment, that within this hidden maze lies the key to new healing pathways. What if these fluid-filled corridors hold not only the remnants of past traumas but also the seeds of future wellness? This episode is an invitation to rethink everything you thought you knew about your body. Let's dive deep into the secrets of the Interstitium together and explore the potential it holds for transforming our understanding of health, healing, and ourselves.Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we'll explore the real-life impact of extreme gender roles, social media influence, and how embracing flexibility can break generational trauma cycles. In a world dominated by extreme viewpoints and rigid gender roles, the true complexities of marriage and motherhood are often overshadowed. This episode delves deep into the stories of two women who journeyed through the extremes—one embracing the "girlboss feminism" ideology, only to find its rigidity incompatible with the realities of motherhood, and the other falling into the "tradwife" conservative lifestyle, leading to an abusive relationship and a painful awakening.Together, we'll explore how adhering to neat ideological boxes and stereotypical gender roles ignores the messy, intricate nature of being human. Regardless of who you are, how you identify, or your gender, these extreme stereotypes have left their mark, contributing to generational trauma for all of us. Through these personal narratives, we uncover the powerful influence of social media in perpetuating these extremes and driving us further into rigid ideological algorithms.We'll finish by discussing how to break free from these cycles by embracing a more fluid approach to parenthood and partnership that prioritizes the needs, emotions, and unique individuality of both partners. Learn how to navigate the complexities of modern relationships, reject outdated norms, and foster healthier, more fulfilling connections. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that challenges prevailing narratives and offers a path toward a more balanced, authentic life. This is an episode you won't want to miss—where we uncover the beauty in the messy complexity of being human.Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered why some days feel like a relentless highlight reel of your mistakes? Or why a minor setback can sometimes seem like an insurmountable hurdle? In this episode, I delve into the psychological phenomenon known as 'magnification'—the mind’s tendency to amplify the negative and minimize the positive, skewing our perception of reality. Through a blend of personal insights and ancient wisdom, I explore how this distortion can cloud our judgments and decision-making processes, leading to feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. But it's not all about the challenges; I also introduce a transformative solution from Stoic philosophy: "The View From Above." This powerful practice encourages us to zoom out and gain a broader perspective on our lives, helping to alleviate emotional distress and bring about a profound shift in how we perceive and react to life's ups and downs. In addition, I discuss the fascinating 'Overview Effect'—a cognitive shift experienced by astronauts as they view Earth from space, which has profound implications for how we understand our place in the universe. This episode not only explores how to implement Stoic techniques in modern-day scenarios but also connects them with the expansive realizations brought about by the Overview Effect, from personal relationships to workplace stress. Whether you’re looking to find more peace in your daily life or seeking strategies to manage anxiety, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools that you won't want to miss. Tune in to discover how changing your perspective can not only change your day but potentially change your life.Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're diving into the covert and damaging world of 'mean girl' behavior, exploring its impact from high school to the workplace. Discover what this very specific form of nonphysical bullying entails—such as exclusion, rumors, and cyberbullying—and how these subtle yet devastating actions can shape our lives. Drawing from a meticulous academic study, we'll translate dense psychological theories into relatable insights, shedding light on why and how this form of bullying occurs, with a focus on motivations rooted in social hierarchy, jealousy, and the pressure to conform.We'll also uncover why bullying differs between genders and why it is particularly insidious among young women. We explore the short-term effects on school performance and self-esteem, and discuss the long-lasting scars—emotional, physical, and psychological. This episode not only highlights the differences in how bullying impacts young women compared to their male counterparts but also prompts a critical self-reflection: Have we, too, participated in mean girl behavior, perhaps as a defense mechanism to avoid becoming victims ourselves? You’ll learn why women are so mean to other women, how you can spot and effectively handle mean girl dynamics, and I’ll provide strategies to manage these challenging interactions. We'll discuss ways to move forward and break free from the cycle of bullying in adulthood, as it’s nearly a guarantee that we’ll continue encountering mean girls throughout our lives and be tempted to fall into those patterns ourselves. So get ready to uncover how to recognize, understand, and overcome the mean girl phenomenon. Whether you've faced mean girl behavior yourself or know someone who has, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and tools to combat relational aggression and reclaim your self-worth. Let's explore together how we can break free from the mean girl cycle and support a generation of women to do the same.Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.