WTF is on my Mind?!

Mark Vicente

Author, Speaker, Whistleblower and award-winning Director Mark Vicente was behind the sleeper hit “What The Bleep Do We Know?!” Several books have been written about the film’s remarkable grassroots marketing campaign, which led to its unprecedented success.Mark was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1965. Taking his first photograph at age four, he quickly discovered his passion for being behind the camera. After attending film and drama school in South Africa, he began working his way up the ranks of the camera department, from Assistant to Operator to Cinematographer. His first big break came as Director of Photography on the musical “SARAFINA,” starring Whoopi Goldberg. In 1992, he set his sights on Hollywood and relocated to Los Angeles to shoot his first studio picture for Disney;  “FATHERHOOD,” starring Patrick Swayze and Halle Berry. At the age of 26, he became one of the youngest cinematographers to shoot a big-budget studio picture. Over the next few decades, he went on to shoot an additional 14 feature films and numerous documentaries, music videos and commercials. Mark soon found there were in him, untold stories he desperately wanted to express as a Director. He was driven by the conviction that tales of greatness, nobility and introspection could be exciting and financially successful. Perhaps because of the very obvious race and class iniquities in South Africa, he found himself propelled to question certain fundamental assumptions at a very young age. Beliefs about human behavior, cosmology, religion, existentialism and mysticism. Along the way, he stumbled into a few situations where leaders with malignant pathologies (masquerading as saintly philosophers) spoke the talk of self-improvement but did untold damage to their followers... and him. Looking back, he can now say he has been in at last 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 whist

  • 1 hour 9 minutes
    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 into a civil right backed by law. 

    She is the founder and Chief Executive of the Consent Awareness Network and a TEDx Talk Presenter. She has been an expert witness and the architect of several legislative bills that can radically change how our justice system deals with consent. 

    Joyce has been featured on Nightline, CBS News, BuzzFeed, Inside Edition, the NY Times, and more, and she’s been quoted in books and journals, including “The Moment” by Andrea Constand, and has been honored as a 'Woman of Distinction" by the NY State Assembly. 

    Nina Lucas serves as Chief of Staff and a Consent Outreach Ambassador for the Consent Awareness Network (CAN). She is also an activist with Never Alone Advocacy, founded to fight back against abuse of power in the military. As a classically trained singer, Nina's secret superpower is opera and she is dedicated to applying her robust voice to inform, educate and empower however she can in all efforts to #CodifyConsent 

    WEBSITE: www.consentawareness.net 

    Joyce's TEDx TALK: https://bit.ly/DefineConsent 

    Joyce's Book: Your Consent: The Key to Conquering Sexual Assault (revised edition): bit.ly/ConsentRevised 

    ACTION ITEM - SIGN THE PETITION: http://bit.ly/BillPetition 

    DONATE: https://consentawareness.net/donate/ 

    OTHER CULT/CONSENT podcast appearances: 

    A Little Bit Culty 

    Something Was Wrong 

    CONTACT US: bit.ly/ConsentAmbassador 

    #FGKIA - freely given, knowledgeable informed agreement (by a person with the capacity to reason) 

    #CodifyConsent 

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    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
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    22 December 2024, 10:00 am
  • 25 minutes 23 seconds
    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 practices. 

    Support the show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
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    8 December 2024, 10:00 am
  • 30 minutes 19 seconds
    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 relationships between my cult experiences and the societal “rules” that feel eerily similar, and unpacking the challenges of living authentically in a world rife with ideological capture and judgmental intolerance. 

    Support the show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
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    24 November 2024, 10:00 am
  • 24 minutes 5 seconds
    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 show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
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    3 November 2024, 9:00 am
  • 14 minutes 24 seconds
    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 the role of media in shaping perceptions of fear and the psychological dynamics of coercive control and trauma bonding. At the end, I offer some strategies for recognizing and resisting fear tactics.

    Support the show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
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    27 October 2024, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 25 minutes
    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 growth, highlighting the challenges and rewards of facing one's inner darkness. We delve into the complexities of human nature, exploring the darker impulses that reside within us all and the importance of acknowledging and embracing these aspects to foster personal growth and deeper connections. We discuss the challenges of masculinity in contemporary society and the need for men to find safe spaces to express their vulnerabilities. Through personal anecdotes and insights, David emphasizes the significance of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the balance between masculine and feminine energies in navigating life.

    Support the show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
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    20 October 2024, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 38 minutes
    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 internal locus of control and the personal journey of understanding one's beliefs and ideologies. 

    We explore the themes of ideological capture, dissociation, and the psychological dynamics of narcissism and the shame and self-betrayal experienced by individuals who have been ideologically captured, drawing parallels to cult dynamics. 

    The conversation delves into the pain of existence and the struggle to confront reality without the comfort of ideology. Richard critiques the misconceptions surrounding Buddhism and emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment. We also address the role of ideology as a coping mechanism for existential angst and the dangers of losing oneself in ideological narratives. 

    In our chat, we explore the complexities of human behavior, the dynamics of cults versus tribes, and the importance of compassion in social interactions. We discuss the compulsive nature of ideology, the awakening from cultural complacency, and the balance between individual agency and collective responsibility. I reflect on personal growth after leaving a cult, the dangers of ideological certainty, and Richard emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of political discourse.

    Support the show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
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    13 October 2024, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    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 acknowledging mistakes, the dangers of clinging to beliefs, and the necessity of curiosity and humility in the pursuit of truth.

    https://peterboghossian.com/
    https://www.youtube.com/c/drpeterboghossian/videos

    00:00 Introduction
    02:04 Exploring Street Epistemology
    04:03 The Importance of Open Dialogue
    06:53 Understanding Belief Systems and Identity
    10:11 The Role of Epistemology in Life
    12:58 The Crisis of Legitimacy in Institutions 
    15:46 The Need for Civil Discourse
    19:05 The Dangers of Ideological Capture
    21:54 Why People Cling to Their Beliefs
    25:14 The Impact of Postmodernism
    28:09 The Role of Education in Belief Formation
    30:59 Resistance to Change in Beliefs
    33:49 The Importance of Common Ground
    36:45 The Influence of Power Dynamics
    40:10 The Asymmetry of Cultural Warfare
    43:00 The Challenge of Acknowledging Mistakes
    45:53 The Disconnect from Reality
    49:10 The Tragedy of Misguided Education
    52:11 The Role of Curiosity in Understanding
    55:11 The Importance of Intellectual Humility

    Support the show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
    X: https://x.com/markvicente
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    4 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 18 minutes 29 seconds
    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 explore how this same kind of gaslighting happens beyond cults – in politics, social movements, and even everyday life, when we stay loyal to our "team" at the cost of our own moral compass. It’s about confronting the uncomfortable questions and staying curious, no matter where you find yourself.

    00:00 - Intro Teaser: Are We the Baddies?
    I begin with the question no one wants to ask but must: “Are we doing something wrong?” This sets the stage for a deeper look into avoiding moral questioning.

    02:00 - Alison Mack’s Story
    Alison Mack once questioned her role in NXIVM, but Raniere manipulated her into doubting herself, a classic gaslighting move to keep her compliant.

    04:30 - Gaslighting in NXIVM
    Raniere’s tactic of framing questions as selfish behavior stopped people from critically thinking about the organization and its practices.

    06:15 - Cult-Like Behavior in Society
    I discuss how this same tactic plays out in broader society, where groups refuse to question themselves and silence internal doubts.

    08:00 - Fragmentation in Cults
    I reflect on a high-ranking NXIVM member who, under years of manipulation, became disconnected from reality, but no one dared to question her.

    10:00 - Blind Loyalty in Groups
    I explore how group loyalty, in both cults and politics, can lead people to defend actions they would normally find immoral.

    12:00 - Denial of Evil
    I discuss how people deny or justify real issues, like child trafficking, simply because the "enemy" points them out.

    13:45 - Defending Processed Food
    I reflect on how processed food has become defended by some, not because it’s healthy, but because the opposing side says it’s bad.

    15:00 - Cults and Psychosis
    I emphasize the need for self-reflection to avoid falling into cult-like thinking, where group loyalty overrides personal values.

    17:00 - Questioning Your Own Side
    I encourage viewers to challenge their own group when wrongdoing is evident, even if it means facing backlash.

    18:00 - Final Thoughts: Stay Curious
    I end with a reminder to always stay curious, keep questioning, and avoid falling into blind loyalty or groupthink.

    Let's keep the conversation going and strive for more meaningful exchanges.

    Support the show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
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    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

    22 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 52 minutes 44 seconds
    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 ancient Greek approach to dialogue, where both parties must first fully understand each other's positions before engaging in debate. This method fosters understanding and respect, even in disagreement.
    Small Life Syndrome: Richard introduces the concept of "Small Life Syndrome," where modern life, especially in the post-lockdown era, has led to an over-reliance on online interactions, shrinking our real-world experiences and making us more emotionally fragile.
    Fear of Ideas: We discuss why some people are more fearful of ideas than others and how this fear can lead to censorship and the suppression of free thought.
    Maturity and Conflict: We explore how those with real-world experience in conflict, particularly physical combat, often exhibit greater maturity and politeness in discussions, contrasting sharply with the immature and aggressive behavior seen online.
    Modern Communication: The conversation also touches on the role of the internet in shaping our communication styles, how clickbait culture influences online behavior, and the importance of maintaining integrity and curiosity in content creation.

    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRN1pe0US2hQtmDjdhAzn-iyIdy1W_P6T&si=AxBTIVrqcYowhWRS
    https://www.youtube.com/@UC09fp6hZ2RHiUYwY8hNCirA 
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qskI4iqDiI

    Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges us to think deeper about how we engage with others, both online and in the real world.

    Support the show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
    X: https://x.com/markvicente
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    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

    23 August 2024, 9:00 am
  • 26 minutes 57 seconds
    The Rage of the 'Empaths'

    The Dangers of Intolerance: Culty Behavior in Today's World

    In 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 patterns of control used by cults.

    Key Points Discussed:
    Cults and Boundaries: How cult leaders establish unspoken rules and boundaries, making members fearful of stepping outside them.
    Ethics Police: The role of "ethics police" in cults and how similar behaviors are emerging in the digital age, with individuals scrutinizing who others follow or what they say online.
    Toxic Empathy: The concept of "toxic empathy," where well-meaning individuals abandon true empathy in favor of aggressively enforcing their ideological beliefs.
    Labeling and Censorship: How modern-day label makers and censorship reflect cult-like mechanisms to control thought and silence dissent.
    The Importance of Curiosity: Encouraging open-mindedness and empathy as antidotes to the growing societal tendency to shut down differing perspectives.

    Join me as I unpack these crucial issues and encourage a more thoughtful and open approach to navigating complexity.

    01:00 Recognizing the Patterns of Abuse in Cults
    03:58 The Power of Label Makers in Shaping Public Opinion
    09:10 The Importance of Curiosity, Open-Mindedness, and Empathy
    14:49 The Dangers of Censorship and Silencing Opposing Viewpoints
    19:39 Embracing Diversity of Thought

    Support the show

    The 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
    X: https://x.com/markvicente
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicente
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

    16 August 2024, 10:00 am
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