WTF is on my Mind?!
Mark Vicente, author, speaker, whistleblower and award-winning director of 'What The Bleep Do We Know?!', shares his thoughts and experiences. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, he moved to Hollywood and became a cinematographer for major films. This podcast explores his personal insights and stories from his career.
Episodes
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 13 - The Insane Text Messages Part 4
Inst@Guru is an investigative series examining Bentinho Massaro, a Dutch-born spiritual influencer, and the high-control dynamics inside his organization. It's built around the accounts of three former members who spent years close to him: Jacqueline Graham, Keilan McNeil, and Jade Alectra. Each brings their own texts, memories, and evidence to build a full picture of what actually happened,
They Believe Their Own Lies: A Neuroscientist Explains Narcissism w/ Dr. Heather Berlin
I've been sitting with a theory for a while now: that dissociation isn't just what happens to survivors; it might be the actual cornerstone of narcissism itself. Not just what a narcissist does to the people around them, but something disconnected inside of them too, from their own shame, their own actions, maybe their own humanity.Watch Narcissist's Playbook: https://narcissistspla
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery: Dr. Ramani on Self-Blame, Grief, and Trauma Bonding
Narcissist's Playbook is out now and available to rent at https://narcissistsplaybook.uscreen.io/From July 24th to 26th, we held our Narcissist's Playbook launch weekend, and Dr. Ramani Durvasula was one of our featured speakers. I got to sit down with her for this conversation, and this time we didn't talk about the narcissists. We talked about the survivors and the road back to th
"My Jaw Was on the Floor": Dr. Jamie Zuckerman on the Narcissist's Playbook Film
Dr. Jamie Zuckerman and I sat down to talk about our film, Narcissist's Playbook.https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/Dr. Zuckerman is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in narcissistic abuse, and she's seen the film. In this conversation, we get into why my team and I spent five years making it, my own experience in NXIVM, and how it shaped this project, and why we brought sel
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 12 - The Toxic Text Messages Part 3
This is episode 12 of Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro, an ongoing deep dive investigation into the world of Dutch spiritual influencer Bentinho Massaro and the people inside it.Gaby Petris Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@UCvHpiQAiTKxoodufKO5_Viw The text messages continue. This episode is mostly Jade Alectra’s, and what you're going to see is her mind and her instincts getting dismantled in real
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 11 - Silvana
Silvana was working at Gaia, deep in a healing process, surrounded by a spiritual community, when she was introduced to Bentinho Massaro through what looked like an ordinary birthday dinner. Within days, there was a yoga class, tacos, a hot tub, truth or dare, and a text message she describes as the most manipulative thing she has ever read in her life.She didn't fall for it. But in this epis
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 10 - The Toxic Text Messages Part 2
This is episode 10 of Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro, an ongoing deep dive investigation into the world of Dutch spiritual influencer Bentinho Massaro and the people inside it.The damning text messages continue.This episode is Keilan McNeil's. He reads through two text threads that show a side of Bentinho Massaro that his followers rarely, if ever, see. The first is a group chat in which Bentinh
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 9 - The Text Messages Part 1
For the next few episodes, our three defectors, Jacqueline Graham, Keilan McNeil, and Jade Alectra, are going to read out their private text messages with Bentinho and the group. What you're going to see is the side of him that his community never sees, the version that exists behind closed doors.This episode belongs mostly to Jacqueline. She reads through a cascade of messages sent to her at
Evan Rachel Wood: A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing
Evan Rachel Wood has been through it. The abuse. The smear campaigns. The legal battles. The silencing. And she came out the other side still talking.We sat down shortly after she watched the latest cut of Narcissist's Playbook, my documentary film that she is featured in, and we didn't hold back. www.narcissistsplaybook.comThe conversation covers how narcissistic abuse actually works at
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 8 - Aaron Abke "Behind the Mask"
One of the recurring defenses from people still inside Bentinho Massaro's circle is that the people who have spoken out, Jacqueline, Keilan, and Jade, simply didn't understand the Law of One teachings. That they weren't advanced enough. That if they had truly grasped what was being offered, they would have seen things differently.So we spoke to someone who knows the teachings well.A
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 7 - Jade Part 2 “Leave Your Body”
We pick up where we left off in Part 1. A kitchen in Ecuador. Two women looking at each other across an island with empty eyes. What follows is five months of Jade Alectra's life across four countries: Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Yucatan - and through experiences that are among the most disturbing in this entire series.In Part Two, Jade describes the second r*pe, a meditation played loud,
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 6 - Jade Part 1 "Empty Eyes"
Jade Alectra was a D1 athlete, a yoga teacher with 75,000 followers, a feature in Oprah Magazine, and a meditation practice she had built from scratch. None of that protected her.In this episode, Jade begins the story of how she was recruited into Bentinho Massaro's inner circle - not through his teachings, but through the women around him. What follows is one of the most detailed accounts of
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 5 - Keilan Part 2 "Closer to God"
This is part of my ongoing deep-dive investigation into the world of Bentinho Massaro - a Dutch spiritual influencer with millions of followers and a story that goes far beyond what's visible on his carefully curated social media. I've been documenting this for over four years. This is Keilan Part Two.In Part One, we watched Keilan McNeil get pulled in. In Part Two, we go inside the mach
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 4 - Ivo van Woerden "The Journalist"
A note before you listen: this episode was recorded before I left for the Netherlands. I just spent seven days there shooting with the Three Amigos, Jacqueline Graham, Keilan McNeil, Jade Alectra and Ivo van Woerden, along with a number of other people who are essential to telling this story. A lot is coming.But first, this.Ivo van Woerden is a Dutch journalist who has spent the better part of fiv
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 3 - Keilan Part 1 "The Mission"
For over four years I've been documenting the world of Bentinho Massaro - a Dutch spiritual influencer with millions of followers and a very dark story behind the public image. This is my deep dive investigation. We've heard from Jacqueline Graham in Episodes 1 and 2. Now it's time to hear from Keilan McNeil.Keilan's entry point into Bentinho's world is completely differen
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 2 - Jacqueline Part 2 "All In"
In Part One, we met Jacqueline Graham, a Canadian mother of three, a lifelong spiritual seeker, and the woman who would become Bentinho Massaro's girlfriend. We watched her get drawn in: the love bombing, the pedestaling, the first cruelties, the money handed over in Panama. This episode is about what happened after she decided to go all in."All In" covers the full arc of Jacqueline
Inst@Guru: Bentinho Massaro Ep 1 - Jacqueline Part 1 'The Seeker'
I've seen this before. Not something like this. Not a similar version of this. This. The same playbook. The same psychological architecture. Just a different face.For the video version of this podcast, head over to Youtube.My name is Mark Vicente. I'm a filmmaker and a former member of NXIVM, the cult run by Keith Raniere, who is currently serving 120 years in federal prison. I was one o
Corey Feldman's Angels...in HELL - Part 2
THIS IS PART 2. In Part 1, I sat down with Margot Lane and Mara Moon - two former bandmates of Corey Feldman's Corey's Angels - to hear how they were drawn in: the love bombing, the false promises, the body shaming, and the slow erosion of their boundaries. If you haven't seen Part 1 yet, go there first.Part 2 is where things escalate. On tour, the abuse ramps up: sleep deprivation
Corey Feldman's Angels... in HELL - Part 1
In this first part of a two-part episode, I sit down with Margot Lane and Mara Moon; two former bandmates of Corey Feldman who were part of his group, 'Corey's Angels'. Both women were subjects of the documentary film Corey Feldman vs. The World, directed by Marcie Hume, whom I interviewed in a previous episode.Margot and Mara share how they were each drawn into Feldman's world
What the Hell Is Going On?! (And What Do We Do Next) w/ Africa Brooke & Mark Vicente
Africa Brooke and I did an Instagram Live right after the Epstein files dropped, and we didn't hold back. Africa is one of my closest friends, one of the most honest thinkers I know, and someone who has never been afraid to ask the questions most people would rather avoid.We talked about evil... why good people struggle to recognize it, why they keep making excuses for it, and what it costs u
Adrenaline, Predators & Documentaries w/ @thatdocumentarygirl
She watches up to fourteen documentaries a week! Not for school. Not for work. Because she’s obsessed.In this episode of WTF Is On My Mind?, I sit down with Christie Boschman, known online as That Documentary Girl. Her platform has grown to over 4.5 million followers because she does one thing exceptionally well. She talks about documentaries with real passion.But this is not just a conversation a
Is Free Speech Evil? w/ Dr. Chloe Carmichael
If you’re deeply committed to ideological purity or easily offended by nuance, this episode may be uncomfortable. And honestly, that might be the point. But if you’re a freethinker; someone who values truth over trend and curiosity over conformity, you’re going to have a great time.Dr. Chloe Carmichael is a clinical psychologist and the bestselling author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Yo
When Reality Breaks: Reclaiming Yourself After Psychological Abuse w/ Dr. Jaime Zuckerman
Psychological abuse, narcissistic abuse, and gaslighting can completely distort your sense of reality and self-trust.In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman about what survivors actually experience after emotional and psychological abuse—and how they begin to heal.https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/We focus on reclaiming identity, rebuilding trust, and why “just get over it” is one of the m
Corey Feldman vs. the World: A Cult or Just Complicated? w/ Director Marcie Hume
I just watched the documentary Corey Feldman vs. the World and—holy S H I T. It’s hard to describe the experience. It’s messy, mesmerizing, disturbing, and somehow still deeply human.So I had to talk to the woman behind the lens.In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Marcie Hume, who spent nearly a decade embedded in Corey Feldman’s chaotic world — documenting a surreal mix of abuse allegation
War, Dating & Sex w/ Carina Eriksson
Carina Eriksson is an international matchmaker and dating consultant with over 20 years of experience. She runs Atlas International, a boutique firm helping accomplished individuals build meaningful relationships through her signature approach called "relational agility." Carina is also one of my mentoring clients, and our conversations have opened my eyes to so much about the divide bet
Mainstream Media behaves like a Cult
I was at the gym when I looked up at the TV and saw my local weather duo doing their usual performative dance—fake smiles, scripted banter, corporate personas. That's when it hit me: this isn't just bad television, it's cult-like behavior.To De-Cult your news feed, sign up for GROUND NEWS using my affiliate link. 40% off the normal price. https://ground.news/checkout/all?fpr=mark93I
MK Ultra: Cults, Trance States, and the Weaponization of Trauma w/ Richard Grannon & Adam Simon
In this episode, I delve into one of the most controversial and misunderstood programs in modern history: MK Ultra. Joined by Richard Grannon and screenwriter Adam Simon, we explore the reality versus the fiction of government mind control experiments, the psychology of brainwashing, and how these techniques have evolved into something far more insidious—mass manipulation through social media and
Is Politics Culty?
To De-Cult your news feed, sign up for GROUND NEWS using my affiliate link. 40% off the normal price. https://ground.news/checkout/all?fpr=mark93After spending over 10 years in a cult, I became obsessed with recognizing the patterns. And now? I see them everywhere—especially in our political tribes.Everyone's busy calling the other side a cult while refusing to examine their own behavior. In
NXIVM & the Psychology of Self-Pity w/ Richard Grannon
To De-Cult your news feed, sign up for GROUND NEWS using my affiliate link. 40% off the normal price. https://ground.news/checkout/all?fpr=mark93In this episode of WTF is on My Mind, I sit down with author and dark psychology educator Richard Grannon to explore something that’s been gnawing at my Patreon community: the disturbing rise of post-cult interviews where former NXIVM insiders speak as th
Radical Self-Respect After Narcissistic Abuse w/ Jared Mello
What does it really take to stop repeating toxic patterns? To finally choose yourself after trauma, addiction, and emotional chaos?In this episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I sit down with Jared Mello — aka The Wizard of Radical Self-Respect — to unpack the brutal, beautiful road to reclaiming yourself after abuse, addiction, and entanglement with toxic systems and people.Find Jared Mello Online:You
Borderline or Narcissist? w/ Richard Grannon
In this episode, I sit down with Richard Grannon to ask the question that’s been on my mind for a while: What is Borderline Personality Disorder? And when you're trying to figure out someone's irrational behavior, is it BPD? Complex PTSD? Or Vulnerable Narcissism?I’ve encountered some wildly confusing behavior in recent years—emotional whiplash, contradictions, disappearing boundaries—an
Victim Blaming w/ Richard Grannon
This conversation with Richard Grannon covers a topic I’ve been wanting to unpack for a long time: the tension between self-reflection and what often gets labeled as victim blaming. If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, coercive control, or cult manipulation, you’ve probably come up against this moment — where someone talks about agency or healing, and it lands like blame. I’ve felt that too.
Narcissistic Abuse is like Radiation Poisoning
To De-Cult your news feed, sign up for Ground News using my affiliate link. 40% off the normal price. https://ground.news/checkout/all?fpr=mark93What if narcissistic abuse doesn’t show up right away… but builds up like radiation in the body—silent, invisible, and devastating over time?In this solo episode, recorded from Cape Town, I reflect on family lineage, legacy, and the long-term effects of b
Are Narcissists Born or Made? w/ Dr Peter Salerno
In this episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I sit down with Dr. Peter Salerno — a retired psychotherapist and author who has spent decades studying personality disorders, psychopathy, and complex trauma.Our conversation dives straight into one of the most heated debates in psychology: are narcissists shaped by trauma and upbringing, or are some people simply born with traits that evolve into full-blow
WTF Happened to God in Psychology? w/ Richard Grannon
New Youtube Channel and Podcast - "Remember Your Greatness"Youtube Channel Apple Podcasts SpotifyMentoringIn this episode of WTF Is On My Mind?!, I sit down with Richard Grannon for a deep dive into the strange history of psychology, its blind spots, and what happens when we ignore the transpersonal, morality, and meaning.We ask the uncomfortable questions: Why did Freud’s worldview
Bad Vegan Resurrected: Sarma Melngailis Sets the Record Straight
In this follow-up conversation, filmmaker, whistleblower, and podcast host Mark Vicente sits down again with Sarma Melngailis, the woman at the center of Netflix’s Bad Vegan.While the series portrayed her as complicit with Anthony Strangis and ignored key truths, Sarma’s new memoir, The Girl with the Duck Tattoo, reveals the deeper story: years of coercive control, psychological abuse, and dissoci
Mind Mapping Insanity: How Cults Normalize Madness
In this episode of WTF is On My Mind?!, filmmaker and whistleblower Mark Vicente explores what happens when we try to understand an irrational or dangerous mind. Whether it’s a cult leader, an abuser, or the mainstream media—attempting to “map” insanity can destabilize one’s own sanity.Brain Talk: How Mind Mapping Brain Science Can Change Your Life & Everyone In It - by David SchnarchMark unpa
Drinking Blood, Draining Souls w/ Richard Grannon - The Vampire-Narcissist Connection
In this episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, filmmaker and whistleblower Mark Vicente sits down with Richard Grannon for a conversation that begins with vampires and then branches into a whole labyrinth of topics. They explore how myths like Dracula and other vampire lore may have been early attempts to explain narcissism and psychopathy before psychology even existed. From there, the discussion moves
You’re Dead to Me - Shunning as Social Control
In this episode of WTF Is On My Mind?!, Mark Vicente pulls back the curtain on one of the most insidious tools of social control: shunning — not just as a personal act of rejection, but as a systemic, psychological weapon masquerading as moral high ground.This isn’t just about cults. It’s about how cult behavior has gone mainstream — how families, political factions, media outlets, and activist ci
Epstein, Political Blackmail & Why No One’s Coming to Save Us!
What happens when people finally see through the lies? Mark Vicente breaks down the Epstein cover-up, government blackmail operations, and why we can't wait for heroes to save us. Mark connects the dots between cult dynamics and political power structures, drawing from his experience as a NXIVM whistleblower.The Epstein Cover-Up and What It Really Means: Mark digs into why the official narrat
Peterson & Rogan Expose the Dark Tetrad: Parasites Among Us - w/ Vicente & Grannon
In this unflinching conversation, Richard Grannon and Mark Vicente dissect a crucial Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan discussion about how cluster B personalities infiltrate movements and institutions. We explore the dark psychology behind "parasitized empathy" and why good intentions can make you vulnerable to manipulation.Comment on Audio PodcastKey Topics Discussed:The 4-5% Problem: How
"A.I. Told Me I Was a Prophet" w/ Richard Grannon
Mark Vicente sits down with Richard Grannon in Lisbon to discuss their increasingly unsettling experiences with ChatGPT and AI. What starts as curiosity about AI capabilities quickly becomes a deep dive into psychological manipulation, digital cult tactics, and the terrifying sophistication of modern AI systems.Key revelations from this episode:How AI accurately profiled Richard's personality
Turning 60: On Perfection, Enlightenment, and Other Lies We’re Sold
In this very personal episode, Mark shares candid reflections on turning 60 — and the lifelong journey from feeling responsible for fixing the world, to finally embracing what it means to simply be.He opens up about childhood moments that shaped him, the weight of perfectionism, and the myth of “enlightenment” that led him into high-control groups. Mark explores how healing, authenticity, and conn
Leaving the Cult w/ Richard Grannon
What happens when you leave a cult—but the cult is still running a program in your mind?In this episode, Mark Vicente sits down with author and trauma educator Richard Grannon to explore the long tail of coercive control. They talk about the psychological residue that lingers after you’ve exited—whether it’s from a high-control group, a toxic relationship, or a narcissistic parent.They dive into:
40 Years Under His Spell: Waking Up from NXIVM
Episode Summary:In this deeply intimate conversation, Mark sits down with his old friend Karen Unterreiner — a woman who spent four decades at the epicenter of what the world came to know as NXIVM. Once a high-ranking member, deeply entangled both professionally and personally with Keith Raniere, Karen shares her long journey of waking up from psychological captivity.What does it mean to have your
Dinner for Vampires Part 2 w/ Bethany Joy Lenz
Breaking the Spell — Motherhood, Escape & Reclaiming her Voice | Part 2In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Bethany Joy Lenz — actor, singer, and author of Dinner for Vampires — continues her story of life inside a high-control religious group while navigating fame on One Tree Hill.This episode picks up where we left off: unpacking the emotional, spiritual, and psychological cost of living
Dinner for Vampires Part 1 w/ Bethany Joy Lenz
Living Two Lives — Hollywood Fame & Hidden Cult Control | Part 1“You can’t be human here.”In Part 1 of this raw and revelatory conversation, One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz opens up about the decade she spent inside a high-control religious group — all while filming a hit TV show and hiding a double life.We talk about:- The slow creep of coercive control masked as faith- The emotional and
Wolves in Suits: Psychopaths in the Workplace w/ Dr. Cynthia Mathieu
This episode contains candid discussion about narcissistic abuse, psychopathy, high-control systems, workplace trauma, and cult dynamics. Please listen with care.What if the charming, high-achieving leader at your company—or in your government—isn’t just a narcissist… but a full-blown corporate psychopath? In this revealing episode, I sit down with Dr. Cynthia Mathieu, a psychologist and professor
Interview with a Narcissist
Guest: Jacob Skidmore (@TheNamelessNarcissist)“People say narcissists wear a mask… I am the mask.”Jacob Skidmore has been diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. He’s one of the very few who talks about it—openly, unfiltered, and without a script.In this raw and revealing conversation, we dive into the unsettling inner world of NPD: the chronic emptiness, the relentless need for admirati
Cult Logic: The Self Sealing System
In this episode, Mark Vicente unpacks the concept of self-sealing systems — those airtight ideological loops used in cults, extreme religious groups, and even political tribes to block out dissent and lock members deeper into belief. Drawing from his own lived experience in NXIVM (aka ESP), Mark explains how these systems use circular logic, linguistic reframing, and fear-based conditioning to kee
The Cult of Weaponized Introspection
In this expletive laden and unfiltered solo episode, Mark Vicente dives deep into the subtle, insidious ways abusive individuals and systems exploit our longing to grow, reflect, and “be better.” He explores the psychological unraveling that happens when introspection is hijacked to suppress personal agency.Drawing from his lived experience in NXIVM, Mark unpacks how coercive groups often encourag
Escaping the Lie: The Cost of Pretending Everything’s Fine w/ Josh Connolly
What happens when truth becomes your only option for survival?In this unfiltered, emotionally honest conversation, filmmaker and whistleblower Mark Vicente sits down with Josh Connolly—a resilience coach and breathwork facilitator who’s spent over a decade helping people reconnect with their inner truth after trauma. Josh talks about growing up in a dysfunctional home, breaking out of addictive ro
The Hidden Dangers of High-Functioning Predators w/ Dr. Karen Mitchell
In this powerful and revealing episode, filmmaker Mark Vicente sits down with Dr. Karen Mitchell, founder of the Kalmor Institute and the author of one of the most groundbreaking PhD theses ever written on dark personalities.https://kalmor.com.au/https://x.com/karenmitchell__Karen shares the results of decades of research and direct experience, unveiling a chilling but deeply important truth: narc
Dignity, Trauma, Google Gods, Archeology and ‘Truth’ in a MAD World
In this solo episode, filmmaker and truth-seeker Mark Vicente shares what’s been stirring in his mind—from the deeply personal to the culturally explosive.He starts with an exploration of dignity—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s the missing ingredient in many conversations about boundaries and self-respect. Through stories and personal insight, he dives into the internal work required to r
Say Everything or Say Nothing? The Dilemma of Free Expression w/ Africa Brooke
In this deeply insightful and unfiltered conversation, I speak with return guest Africa Brooke. Africa is a writer, speaker, and thought leader known for her work on self-censorship, self-sabotage, and personal transformation. The discussion explores the tension between speaking one’s truth and navigating societal pressures, tribalism, and ideological conformity. Africa and I challenge listeners t
The Female Narcissist w/ Coach Liliya Labonte
In this eye-opening episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I sit down with Coach Liliya Labonte, a specialist in narcissistic abuse and healing, to uncover a rarely discussed topic: the female narcissist. Unlike their male counterparts, female narcissists operate in uniquely insidious ways, leaving many victims questioning their reality.Together, we explore:✔️ The key differences between male and female
The Communal Narcissist (The Cloak of Virtue)
In this episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I dive deep into Communal Narcissism—the most deceptive and dangerous form of narcissism. Unlike grandiose or covert narcissists, communal narcissists hide behind morality, altruism, and social justice, using a façade of selflessness to manipulate and control.I break down:The three faces of narcissism: Grandiose, Covert, and CommunalWhy communal narcissists
I Got Infected!
In this episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I explore the concept of ideological infection—the psychological trap where we become so emotionally attached to our beliefs, movements, or public figures that any challenge to them feels like a personal attack.I break down why this happens, from cognitive biases like confirmation bias and motivated reasoning to the fight-or-flight response triggered when ou
Inside the Mind of a Narcissist with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman
In this episode of WTF is on My Mind?!, I sit down with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, a licensed clinical psychologist and national expert in narcissistic abuse. We dive deep into the insidious nature of narcissistic relationships, the misconceptions surrounding narcissism, and what makes narcissistic abuse so earth-shattering for its victims. Dr. Z shares her insights on how to heal from narcissistic abus
Hiding the Truth: How Suppression Fractures Us!
In this episode: I explore the concept of suppression and how it affects us personally, in families, and on a societal scale. We explore how suppressing ideas, emotions, and beliefs can lead to fragmentation and toxicity. Drawing from personal insights, psychological observations, and real-world examples, I discuss the dangers of censorship, fear-based control, and the societal consequences of sup
What is CONSENT? Does Yes mean YES?
In this episode: I talk to two incredible women who are leading the charge to redefine how we think about and legislate consent—Joyce Short and Nina Lucas of the Consent Awareness Network, or CAN. If Joyce Short gets her way, both “Yes Means Yes” and “No Means No” will be stricken from our laws. She is a sexual assault survivor and the author of 4 books that can turn our human right to consent in
Yachts, Sex & NXIVM
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 practice
I dreamed I was back in the CULT!
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 rela
The Sky is Falling!!!
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
Using Fear to Control People.
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
From Hollywood to Healing, Navigating Pain & Confronting Dark Impulses with David Sutcliffe
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 g
What the hell is 'IDEOLOGY' anyway? w/ Richard Grannon - Livestream Replay
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 interna
Captured! w/ Peter Boghossian
In this episode: Peter Boghossian and I delve into the complexities of belief systems, the importance of open dialogue, and the role of education in shaping our understanding of the world. We discuss the challenges posed by ideological capture, the significance of epistemology, and the need for civil discourse in a polarized society. Throughout the discussion, we emphasize the importance of acknow
What Keith Raniere told Alison Mack and why it's important.
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 expl
The Socratic Method vs The Merchants of Hate w/ Richard Grannon
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 ancie
The Rage of the 'Empaths'
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 pa
Sex Scandal in the Gym
In this episode: I ruminate on the lack of justice in certain situations, specifically focusing on a disturbing case involving a trainer at a gym. The trainer engages in manipulative and predatory behavior, including blackmailing clients and sharing explicit videos without consent. Despite clear crimes being committed, law enforcement has been unresponsive. Also BTW - The contrast between the trai
"The Emperor's New Clothes" - RETOLD
In this episode: I retell the story of "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Anderson. Drawing parallels to our modern society, I explore concepts such as cognitive dissonance, cultic behavior, gaslighting, mass delusion, and the sunk cost fallacy. There are dire consequences for speaking the truth in a society that values conformity and obedience. I question the manipulatio
A.I. & the Hollywood Collapse? w/ Adam G. Simon
In this episode: I continue my discussion with Producer/Writer Adam G. Simon - about A.I. this time. We look at the ethical implications of A.I. and the lack of regulations and ethical constraints in its development. Adam discusses the state of Hollywood, describing it as a corrupt industry driven by money and power. He explores the impact of A.I. on storytelling and expresses his worries about t
From the Mormon Church to the Cult of Hollywood w/ Adam G. Simon
In this episode: I talk to Adam G. Simon, a screenwriter, producer, and actor. We discuss Adam's background as a bodyguard and close protection specialist, his experiences in the Mormon Church, and his journey of leaving the church. We also touch on the investigations department within the church and the control it exerts over its members. We explore themes of abuse, manipulation, and the fea
Narcissistic Psychopaths are Molding our Society w/ Richard Grannon
In this Episode: I chat with Richard Grannon about the concept of narcissistic psychopathy and its impact on power structures and society. He delves into the characteristics of narcissistic psychopaths, their delusional and power-hungry nature, and their ability to manipulate and control others. The discussion highlights the dangers of narcissistic psychopathy becoming the dominant influence in so
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.
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 vul
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 i
BRAINWASHED! - with Behavioural Scientist and Author Patrick Fagan
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