Do you ever think about how much your reputation shapes your life? Or feel like you're constantly stuck in a cycle of reactivity, wishing you could be more strategic in your planning? In this second episode of our special mini-series on Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power, we dive into three pivotal laws that can help you reclaim your power and take control of your life. For those of us who are highly sensitive, recovering from trauma, or often caught in manipulative relationships, the insights we explore in this episode are transformative. You'll learn how to build and maintain a strong reputation, handle conflicts effectively, and develop a proactive mindset that keeps you out of the never-ending drama and emotional turmoil.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to protect your reputation, recognize and counter harmful behaviors, and plan your actions with intention and foresight. This isn’t about being ruthless—it’s about empowering yourself to navigate life’s power dynamics with confidence and integrity. Don't miss out on these essential insights that can help you take control of your life and relationships. Tune in to discover how to turn these powerful laws into tools for self-awareness, personal strength, and lasting empowerment. This is your path to reclaiming your power and safeguarding your well-being.

TIME STAMPS:

05:03.64 – 41:44.02: Law #5 (“so much depends upon reputation – guard it with your life”)

41:44.02 – 58:16.16: Law #15: (“crush your enemy totally”)

58:16.16 – 01:20.42: Law #29 (“plan all the way to the end”)

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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.

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In this episode, we unravel the profound cultural shift that has elevated therapy, manifestation, and new-age spirituality to the status of modern-day religions. We'll dive deep into how these practices dominate our lives, filling the void left by the decline of traditional religious faith. From the passionate fervor of social justice movements to the commodified serenity of wellness apps, we explore how these trends mirror religious rituals and beliefs. We dissect the entrenchment of therapy culture, examining how much of Western society now interprets their lives through an individualistic and therapeutic lens, and discuss the commercialization of mental health and wellness, revealing the thin line between genuine help and predatory practices. This episode delves into the irony of modern society's disdain for traditional religion while mimicking its practices in secular forms. We critique the self-centered nature of therapy culture and its impact on our understanding of mental health, the erosion of communal bonds, and the desperate need for moral direction and stability in an increasingly transient world. Perfect for anyone intrigued by the intersection of culture, psychology, and spirituality, this episode will captivate those curious about how contemporary practices shape our collective psyche and those questioning the deeper implications of the wellness industry and therapy culture.

Resource: “Our New Religion Isn't Enough” by Freya India via the GIRLS Substack

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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Individuals recovering from trauma, neglect, and abuse are often particularly vulnerable to manipulative tactics. Their desire to be liked and accepted can unfortunately make them less adept at recognizing when they are being manipulated. In this episode, we’ll explore not only how to detect these hidden agendas but also how to respond and reclaim your space with integrity and confidence. In part one of this mini-series, we’ll peel back the layers of the most covert strategies used in personal and professional relationships, rooted in the wisdom of Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power. We're diving deep into three specific laws covered in the book: Conceal Your Intentions, Court Attention at All Costs, and Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy.

Robert Greene’s book, often misunderstood as a manual for the ruthless, is actually a treasure trove of defensive wisdom crucial for those who feel overpowered or overlooked. This series isn’t just about exposing the tactics of power—it’s about empowering you to use this knowledge to your advantage. Join me as we navigate these murky waters together. You’ll learn to spot when someone is masking their true intentions or hogging the spotlight not just to enlighten you, but to empower you. Let’s move beyond being pawns in someone else’s game and become architects of our own destiny.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 19:11.41: Introduction (about the book, the author and how we’ll structure this series)

19:11.41: Law #3 (“conceal your intentions”)

50:51.10: Law #6 (“court attention at all costs”)

01:19.04 – 01:50.30: Law #14 (“pose as a friend, work as a spy”)

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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Every year, thousands of young people are forcibly sent to facilities designed to control their behavior. These range from boot camps and behavior modification centers to wilderness therapy and gay conversion programs. Often unregulated and shrouded in secrecy, these institutions promise behavioral correction but deliver trauma and abuse.

Join me for a conversation with Nick Taber, a writer and personal development advocate, reveals the dark underbelly of the “Troubled Teen Industry” and his journey towards healing and personal empowerment. Nick’s experience at one of these programs, dubbed the “Harvard” of therapeutic boarding schools, exposes the brutal methods used to enforce obedience and the psychological scars they leave behind.

In this episode, Nick shares his deeply personal account of enduring extreme forms of Skinnerian behavioral modification, isolation, and emotional abuse. He discusses how these programs pathologize normal behaviors and suppress emerging consciousness, branding self-advocacy as manipulation and punishing any attempt at autonomy. Nick’s story is a stark reminder of the systemic failures that prioritize control over genuine understanding and support.

We’ll delve into the long-term impacts on adult perceptions and relationships, exploring how children stripped of their autonomy struggle to trust their own judgment. Nick’s critique of the mental health industry’s coercive practices challenges us to rethink how we support vulnerable populations.

CONNECT WITH NICK: 

★ Read more of Nick’s work on his blog at https://imaginal-cell.org/blog

★ Click here to follow Nick on X @nicktaber

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

★ The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education by Grace Llewellyn

★ Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto

★ Against Therapy: Emotional Tyranny and the Myth of Psychological Healing by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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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)

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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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 Hillman

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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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.

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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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.

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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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.

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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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.

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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In this very first episode in my “Anatomy of Evil” series, I delve deep into the complex psychological landscape of Charles Manson, exploring the dark interplay between personality, power, and manipulation.

Join me as we peel back the layers of Manson’s early life, examining how his childhood—marked by neglect and manipulation—fostered a personality that thrived on the same chaos and control he experienced. From his formative years in a string of institutions to the formation of the infamous Manson Family, we’ll explore how Manson’s cunning use of psychological tactics crafted a cult-like following that carried out one of the most infamous killing sprees of the 20th century.

This episode also investigates a unique aspect of Manson’s psychological makeup: his remarkable yet tragic ability to adapt and survive. Manson's story provides a compelling case study on how innate sensitivities, when exposed to continual adversity, can evolve into 'maladaptive resilience'. This trait, while helping him navigate a turbulent early life, also highlights the devastating outcomes when such resilience is misdirected due to a lack of nurturing and supportive care. But this episode goes beyond historical recounting. It asks pressing questions about the nature of influence and leadership and reflects on how our own times are not immune to the types of manipulation Manson mastered.

What can we learn from this notorious figure about preventing manipulation in our digital age? How can understanding Manson's psychological profile help us address the root causes of manipulative behaviors in society today? Don’t miss this compelling narrative that connects historical events to modern psychological insights—because understanding the mechanics of manipulation is more relevant today than ever before. 

Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

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