44 episodes
WTF is on my Mind?! Mark Vicente
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- Society & Culture
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 least 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 whistleblowers exposed the criminal activities of the organization, resulting in multiple arrests and indictments. He doesn’t consider himself a cult expert, but by his own admission, “I’m an expert in being screwed over, waking up, and knowing how to spot them.” He’s got a pretty salty approach to most things and is fascinated by the myriad patterns in the human psychodynamic that create the best and the worst in civilization. Join Mark as he unpacks a whole range of topics to do with: Psychology, Consciousness, Morality, Narcissistic Abuse, Spirituality, Cults, Propaganda, Science, Filmmaking, and Philosophy.You never quite know what you’re going to get, as it really does depend on… WTF is on his mind?!
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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 vulnerability in comedy. Rob discusses his experiences as an artist and comedian, particularly in re...
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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 ideological teams and actions. I encourage listeners to engage in nuance and self-reflection rathe...
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BRAINWASHED! - with Behavioural Scientist and Author Patrick Fagan
In this Episode: Author, Lecturer & Behavioural Scientist Patrick Fagan and I delve into the topics of brainwashing, propaganda, manipulation, and the impact of psychological tactics on behaviour. We explore the influence of communication, media, and societal forces on individuals, as well as the role of trauma and vulnerability in susceptibility to manipulation. The discussion also touches on the concept of the 'blip' and its role in creating vulnerability, as well as the use of psycholo...
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NXIVM's War Against Hate
Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa BrookeBeyond the Self - with Africa Brooke releasing cult-like thinking and rigid identities w/ Mark VicenteIdentical News MontageThe Corporation FilmNarcissistic Psychopathy: A Global Dark Force. 25th & 26th of May in Liverpool, UKGary BreckaDecoding Cults & Narcissists with Mark Vicente and Richard GrannonSupport the Show.The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or po...
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Art as Medicine with filmmaker Lubomir Arsov
KINGDOM ANIMATED SHORThttps://www.lubomirarsov.com/IN SHADOWBeyond The Self with Africa Brooke - releasing cult-like thinking & rigid identities - with Mark VicenteThe conversation between Mark Vicente and Lubomir explores the creative process, the power of visual storytelling, and the challenges of staying true to one's artistic vision. They discuss the importance of depth and emotional resonance in art, as well as the resistance and criticism that often arise when pushing boundaries. Th...
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Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa Brooke
AFRICA BROOKEPreorder Africa's Book:The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in The Age of Intolerance (out May 2024)An open letter: why I'm leaving the cult of wokeness by Africa BrookeCourse with Richard GrannonDECODING CULTS & NARCISSISTSOther Podcasts with AfricaTriggernometry - They've Weaponised Guilt and ShameMikhaila Peterson Podcast - A Change of Heart Towards Jordan Diary of a CEO - Victimhood & Self-sabotage Is Destroying The WorldThis conversation between Mark Vicente and A...
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