Have you ever wondered why the carefree days of your youth felt so magical? Those spontaneous adventures with friends, the endless walks, and the impromptu activities that seemed to hold a unique kind of freedom—where did they go? In this episode, we’ll explore the essence of these priceless experiences and their crucial impact on our development and mental health.

Think back to your teenage years, when unplanned hours fostered a sense of joy and liberation. Walking through city streets, hanging out in parks, and engaging in spontaneous adventures created lasting memories that shaped your friendships and identity. But what happens when this bubble bursts, and the reality of adulthood, with its demands and responsibilities, hits us like a freight train? I'll delve into how these interruptions mark the end of innocence and the beginning of a purpose-driven life.

As we transition into adulthood, free time fades away, replaced by the constant push for productivity and the omnipresence of screens. I’ll examine how smartphones and the internet have taken over physical hangout spots, and how societal pressures have squeezed out those precious, spontaneous hours. The decline of these carefree periods has devastating effects on our psychological well-being and relationships.

Remember the brief return of unstructured time during the COVID-19 pandemic? When the world stood still, many of us rediscovered the joy of unplanned activities, creating cherished memories amidst the uncertainty. But as life resumes its structured norm, we struggle to find meaning in our time again. This episode reflects on that period and underscores the need to balance structured activities with free play.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 24:51.67: PART 1 (Exploring the concept of 'non-time' in teenage life, the freedom and joy of unstructured time, activities that fill this time, the reality check of external intervention, and the transition to adulthood including societal expectations, responsibility, and the decline of unstructured time.)

24:51.67 – 54:56.26: PART 2 (Discussing the mental health and social implications of losing unstructured playtime, the brief return of non-time during the pandemic, cherished memories amidst crisis, the return to structured time and productivity pressures post-pandemic, questions for reflection, and strategies to reclaim unstructured time.)

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In this episode, we’re deep into the compelling world of social media and its profound impact on our perceptions of love and fidelity. In a digital age where every click, like, and share shapes our reality, it's crucial to ask: How is social media molding our views on relationships? Are platforms merely reflecting societal beliefs, or are they actively shaping our understanding of what it means to be faithful or unfaithful?

We’ll explore how pervasive media narratives might not just mirror but actually warp our relationship expectations. From viral posts sensationalizing infidelity to algorithms that feed us content based on our fears rather than our hopes, social media can skew our belief in the possibility of true love. As these narratives accumulate, they begin to form a self-fulfilling prophecy, suggesting that faithfulness is the exception, not the rule. Join me as we unravel the myth of universal infidelity, examining how the stories we consume can lead us to question the loyalty of those we hold dear, and what this means for the future of romantic relationships. Let's peel back the layers of media influence and discover whether our love lives are genuinely at the mercy of the share button.

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.

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The veils are lifting. Are you ready to see the truth? Why is humanity more mentally and physically unwell than ever before? Why are we so disconnected from ourselves, each other, and the world—despite living in the most technologically advanced era in human history? In this episode, we’re going beyond the headlines of the Congressional UFO hearings and diving into the deeper questions no one is asking.

Together, we’ll explore:

• The veils that obscure the truth—from the military-industrial complex and government secrecy to the church and the scientific establishment.

• The subjugation of the Divine Feminine and how it’s led to a spiritually starved and fractured collective soul.

• Why the phenomenon isn’t here to terrify us, but to awaken us to the truth of who we are.

For too long, the narrative has been dominated by fear—threats to national security, alien invasions, and government cover-ups. But after listening to this episode, you’ll see why these arguments fall apart under deeper scrutiny. You’ll never view discourse from the government or military about the phenomenon in the same way again. The fear is the distraction. The truth is far more profound—and liberating.

This isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s a personal journey. I’ll share my own story of synchronicities, mystical experiences, and an encounter with the phenomenon that changed my life. We’ll uncover how reconnecting to the divine within is the key to healing mental health struggles, finding spiritual fulfillment, and unlocking humanity’s potential.

If you’ve ever questioned the nature of reality, the role of spirituality in mental health, or the deeper meaning of the UFO phenomenon, this episode is for you. What if the answers you’ve been searching for weren’t out there—but within?

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - 09:25 | Disclaimer + Intro: Who this episode is for and why it matters.

09:25 - 19:55 | Part 1: Meeting the Bledsoes: My personal encounter with the phenomenon.

20:29 - 01:35:49 | Part 2: Lifting the Veils: Why UFO discourse is stuck and the veils distorting our understanding.

01:36:45 - 02:43:25 | Part 3: Reframing the Phenomenon: Jacques Vallée’s lens, the Divine Feminine, and the wisdom of mystics.

02:43:25 - 03:00:26 | Part 4: Historical Parallels: Lessons from the past: suppression of the mystical and feminine.

03:00:26 - 03:09:01 | Part 5: Why This Matters: Implications for mental health and the awakening of society.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

→ Full U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing on UFOs from November 13th, 2024 (testimony of Dr. Tim Gallaudet, Luis (Lue) Elizondo, Michael Gold, and Michael Shellenberger.)

→ My interview with Chris and Ryan Bledsoe

→ unlock higher states of consciousness by understanding the different levels of thinking (exploring ken wilber’s AQAL integral theory)

Dive deeper into my work at backfromtheborderline.com.

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When did caring become “cringe”? In a world that champions irony over sincerity and detachment over vulnerability, it seems like not giving a f*ck has become the ultimate form of self-protection. In this episode, we’re diving into why our generation is retreating behind a wall of cool indifference, even as we live in an era of hyper-connectivity.

Our digital lives are filled with connections, yet the sense of isolation is palpable. Social media, once a platform for expression, has morphed into a space where we mask our true selves behind curated personas. What are we really hiding? And why does it feel safer to withdraw from genuine interactions than to risk being labeled as “too much” or “trying too hard”? Beneath this facade of detachment lies a deeper struggle—a quiet conflict between the desire for authenticity and a culture that treats emotional openness as a weakness.

We’ll explore how this paradox shapes everything from our relationships to our mental health. What happens when vulnerability is dismissed as “uncool,” and how does this affect our inner worlds and our approach to self-worth? Together, we’ll cut through the noise, looking at how embracing depth and caring might be the most radical act we can undertake.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 26:26.13: PART 1 (Exploring societal shifts towards emotional indifference, the complexities of modern romantic relationships, and the cultural drive for aloofness that impacts personal development and genuine connections.)

26:26.13 – 51:29.91: PART 2 (Investigating social media’s role in mental health discourse, the conflicts between seeking meaningful experiences versus societal indifference, the repercussions of hedonism on personal and societal well-being, and the hidden coping struggles of young adults.)

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.

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Do you find yourself constantly questioning your feelings in a relationship, or feel the need to check your partner’s phone to ease your doubts? Maybe you seek reassurance from friends whenever something feels “off.” These patterns can be exhausting and isolating, but they’re more common than you might realize—and they often have deeply rooted origins.

In this episode, we’re exploring behaviors commonly labeled as Relationship OCD, or ROCD. But instead of viewing these as disorders, we’ll reframe them as adaptive responses—patterns we developed in past environments where we may have felt insecure or abandoned. These behaviors, while once protective, may now stand in the way of genuine connection and trust.

We’ll dive into the roots of these relationship anxieties, tracing how early experiences shape our attachment styles and influence how we love and connect. This episode isn’t about diagnosing yourself; it’s about recognizing shared patterns and finding new ways to relate. I’ll walk you through the ROCD cycle, offering insights from depth psychology to help you understand why these behaviors arise and, most importantly, how to interrupt them.

Alongside these insights, you’ll gain practical tools to break free from cycles of doubt, build self-awareness, and create space for trust and intimacy. By tuning in, you’re taking a step toward more secure, fulfilling relationships and moving away from self-sabotage. This is a journey to understanding your emotions and behaviors on a deeper level, with the aim of building relationships rooted in clarity and confidence.

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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Drama doesn’t just happen to us—we unknowingly play a part in it. Living in a cycle of constant conflict can feel like being stuck in quicksand—every move seems to pull you deeper. It’s exhausting, isolating, and can erode your relationships over time. In this episode, we break down Dr. Stephen Karpman’s Drama Triangle, a framework developed in the 1960s that reveals how we get trapped in recurring cycles of conflict. Whether as the Victim, Rescuer, or Persecutor, these roles shape our interactions and fuel the chaos that can leave us feeling exhausted, ashamed, and isolated.

We’ll dive deep into Karpman’s work, exploring how the rise of humanistic and group therapy in the 1960s gave birth to this powerful concept. You’ll learn how the Drama Triangle plays out in your relationships—whether with family, friends, or even in your own self-talk. More importantly, I’ll guide you through strategies to break free from these roles, offering actionable steps to help you unlock a more peaceful, drama-free life. Imagine what it would feel like to live without constant conflict—a life where you no longer feel trapped in toxic cycles. That freedom is within reach, and in this episode, we’ll explore how you can take the first steps toward it.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 35:31.51: PART 1 (Introduction to the Drama Triangle; Development and psychological insights by Dr. Stephen Karpman; Overview of the 1960s' psychological landscape; Detailed roles analysis and their interactions within the triangle)

35:36.70 – 01:18:56.59: PART 2 (Exploration of the Drama Triangle in family dynamics through a detailed fictional scenario; Comparison between the Drama and Codependency Triangles and their implications; Strategies for escaping the Drama Triangle; Building healthier interpersonal dynamics and emphasizing personal responsibility)

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.

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Have we created a world where one wrong word can cast you out? In this episode, we explore how today’s culture of moral judgment can feel like a modern-day witch hunt—a relentless search for flaws and “wrong” opinions that leaves us guarded and afraid to speak openly. Without realizing it, we may be falling into the same patterns of suspicion and punishment that once fueled historical persecutions.

We’ll examine how this mindset seeps into our relationships, turning conversations into careful negotiations rather than genuine exchanges. The pressure to conform can isolate us, breed self-doubt, and prevent real connection. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Through this discussion, you’ll discover ways to escape these cycles of judgment, letting go of the fear that keeps you silent. Imagine the freedom to speak without second-guessing, to connect without suspicion. It’s time to reclaim open dialogue and build spaces where honesty can thrive again.

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.

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What is it about women in horror that both fascinates and frightens us? This Halloween, we dig into the roots of the "Monstrous Feminine," exploring why these unsettling portrayals linger in our minds. In this episode, we examine the link between fear and femininity, looking at how Freud and Lacan’s theories laid the groundwork for horror’s portrayal of women as both alluring and repellent.

We’ll break down how The Witch, Midsommar, and Black Swan expose cultural pressures around female identity, while Jennifer’s Body challenges horror norms by centering female friendship and agency. And with Promising Young Woman, we confront society’s unease with women’s anger and desire for revenge. Drawing on Laura Mulvey’s concept of the male gaze, we’ll discuss how cinema often turns women into objects of both desire and fear, reflecting deeper societal anxieties. We also explore how historical stigmas around women’s mental health have pathologized natural emotions, often with damaging effects.

Tune in to see how horror films both mirror and distort our ideas of gender, madness, and power. This episode invites you to rethink what horror tells us about the world’s fear—and fascination—with the “monstrous” feminine.

✧ Click here to buy “The Monstrous-Feminine” by Barbara Creed

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 33:15.73: Part 1 (Unpacking Psychoanalytic Roots and Mythological Origins of the Monstrous Feminine)

33:15.72 – 01:08:52.49: Part 2 (Exploring Barbara Creed’s Monstrous Feminine, Lacan’s “Other,” and the Male Gaze through Films)

01:08:52.49 – end: Part 3 (Connecting the Monstrous Feminine to Female Madness, BPD, Hysteria, and Modern 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.

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