The Light Inside

Jeffrey Besecker
  • 4.8 (52)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Light Inside

Imagine living in a world of darkness, shrouded in mystery and confusion—a reality shaped by hidden factors that influence our beliefs, choices, and habits. For many, this is a daily experience. We’re all on a journey to discover the light inside. For better or worse, every aspect of our lives is shaped by the patterns we keep. Join us in the land beyond belief, as we explore the hidden pathways of our subconscious and unconscious currents. We dive into the deep mind dynamics that surface in our everyday behaviors, highlighting the complexity and movement within our inner domains.

  1. 7 HR. AGO

    From Trauma to Transformation: Rewriting Our Subconscious Stories

    In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker delves into the complexities of our inner truths and the stories we tell ourselves and others. He discusses how our mental snapshots may not accurately reflect our true selves and how these distorted narratives can obscure our essence.  The episode explores the transformative journey of unearthing these narratives, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection. Listeners will learn about suggestibility, a little-known psychological tactic that can help foster commonality and understanding among individuals.  Our mental snapshots often fail to reflect our true selves, leading to murky and misleading stories about ourselves and others. Today, we explore the transformative journey of unearthing and challenging these narratives, freeing us from constraints that obscure our true essence. We introduce a little-known psychological tactic called suggestibility, which helps us find commonality and connection with one another. Suggestibility, rooted in behavioral science, cognitive psychology, and social influence research, plays a significant role in shaping individual and group behavior, attitudes, and decision-making. Our guest, Gareth Gwyn, shares insights on how polarizing social topics trigger our internal world and how inner change can lead to societal reconciliation. Gareth emphasizes the importance of understanding subconscious scripts, which are often shaped by implicit memories and past experiences. These scripts can polarize our perspectives and trigger inherent biases, affecting our relationships on both micro and macro levels. Timestamps: [00:02:35] Suggestibility and its impact. [00:04:45] Subconscious scripts in personal narratives. [00:08:38] Subconscious scripts shape narratives. [00:12:28] Emotions and relationship dynamics. [00:17:05] Somatic coherence and intuition. [00:20:59] Attachment styles and behavior. [00:25:04] Identity and emotional regulation. [00:28:48] The default network's influence. [00:32:40] Emotional processing and nostalgia. [00:35:52] Emotional suppression and self-liberation. [00:39:21] Shadow parts of ourselves. [00:42:15] Ego development and self-awareness. [00:45:12] Emotional intelligence and self-ownership. [00:49:15] Ego development and belonging. [00:53:29] We without an I. [00:57:10] External approval and self-acceptance. [01:00:38] Conflict as a trust-building opportunity. JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Featured Guest: Gareth Gwyn Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

    1h 5m

  2. SEP 13

    Navigating the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Compulsion and Recovery

    In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the tumultuous journey of sexual awakening that many experience during their tweens and early teens. Delving into the complex emotions and sensations that arise during puberty, the episode highlights how these feelings can sometimes lead to the darker paths of sexual addiction. Jeffrey and Logan discuss the subconscious and unconscious factors that contribute to sexual compulsion and emphasizes the importance of recognizing deeper emotional triggers. Listeners will learn how embracing vulnerability and practicing self-compassion are vital steps toward achieving true sexual recovery. Join us as we navigate this sensitive topic with insight and sensitivity. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sexual Awakening00:01:02 - Exploring Sexual Compulsion00:01:24 - Mint Mobile Advertisement00:03:00 - Understanding Sexual Addiction00:04:03 - Logan Hufford's Journey00:04:46 - Logan's Double Life00:06:20 - The Role of Vulnerability00:07:33 - Early Sexual Exploration00:08:15 - Impact of Early Experiences00:10:24 - Cultural Norms and Identity00:12:09 - Family Dynamics and Vulnerability00:13:06 - Teenage Years and Isolation00:14:07 - Seeking Validation00:16:07 - Emotional Triggers and Identity00:18:06 - Primal Responses and Early Desires00:20:12 - Conflicted Identities00:22:05 - Early Interactions with Females00:24:02 - Prodigal Son Moment in Houston00:27:03 - Cognitive Distortions and Compulsivity00:28:03 - Moral Dilemmas and Ownership00:29:40 - Darkest Moments and Powerlessness00:32:04 - Neurotic Psychological Entropy00:33:02 - Isolation and Peer Interaction00:35:07 - Empathy and Shared Experiences00:37:06 - Testing Social Waters00:38:02 - Insecurities and Self-Worth00:40:12 - Self-Development and Perfectionism00:42:11 - Internal Family Systems00:43:19 - Anger and Parenthood N US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Featured Guest: Logan Hufford Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

    1h 17m

  3. SEP 5

    Navigating Emotional Trauma: Unraveling the Mere Exposure Effect

    Exploring the impact of emotional trauma on our decision-making, The Light Inside delves into how buried emotions can lead us astray in life.  The mere exposure effect and subconscious biases play a significant role in shaping our perceptions and emotional responses. As discussed in the podcast episode, the mere exposure effect describes our tendency to develop preferences for things simply because we are familiar with them. This familiarity principle can lead us to favor familiar patterns and misinterpret unrelated events as significant. Our subconscious biases, influenced by repeated exposure to certain experiences, can skew our perceptions and lead to flawed emotional responses.  For example, if we have repeatedly encountered criticism in the past, our minds may hyper-focus on and react strongly to even the slightest hint of criticism in the present. This hypervigilance is a result of well-worn neural pathways shaped by repeated exposure, making certain triggers feel almost inevitable. Unraveling the connection between cognitive biases and emotional triggers, the episode uncovers the core causes of our unconscious behaviors.  Tune in to discover how to navigate through the subconscious mindfields and address hidden emotional remnants for personal growth and adaptability. Timestamps: [00:01:04] The mere exposure effect. [00:08:23] Parataxic distortions and subconscious biases. [00:13:44] Unresolved shadow material. [00:15:30] Offering support during tough times. To uncover unresolved shadow material and emotional triggers, consider adopting these three empowering habits: 1. Daily Reflection: Dedicate time each day for introspection to recognize patterns in your thoughts and emotions.  Use journaling or meditation to explore your feelings and reactions, uncovering underlying triggers and unresolved issues. 2. Emotional Tracking: Keep a log of your emotional responses to various situations.  Note instances where you feel intense reactions and examine the context. This practice helps identify recurring themes and unresolved shadow material. 3. Therapeutic Practices: Engage in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to explore and integrate different parts of your psyche, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and reframe irrational thoughts. Both practices provide structured approaches to understanding and addressing emotional triggers and shadow material. These habits, combined with therapeutic practices, can help you gain deeper insights into your subconscious patterns and foster personal growth. Ready to take the first step on this journey today—your empowered, balanced self is waiting. Reach out! We are here to catch you whenever you feel like you are falling.  JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Production: Aloft Media Program Director: Anna Getz ----- To support the summary about the role of subconscious biases, here’s a brief overview of relevant empirical evidence: Mere Exposure Effect: Research by Robert Zajonc (1968) demonstrated that people develop a preference for stimuli they are repeatedly exposed to, even without conscious awareness. Confirmation Bias: Studies by Peter Wason (1960) and others show that individuals tend to seek and interpret information in ways that confirm their pre-existing beliefs. Parataxic Distortion: Research on parataxic distortion by George Kelly (1955) and others indicates that individuals often project past experiences onto current situations, leading to misinterpretations of others' actions based on familiar emotional triggers. Emotional Regulation and Hyper-Vigilance: Studies on emotional regulation (Gross, 2002) and hyper-vigilance (Mathews & MacLeod, 1985)Show how familiar emotional patterns from past experiences heighten sensitivity to perceived thr

    16 min

  4. AUG 30

    From Fight or Flight to Inner Peace: Mastering Emotional Responses

    In this episode of The Light Inside, we delve into the intricate world of emotional triggers and self-regulation. We all experience moments when a seemingly innocuous comment or situation sends us spiraling into an emotional storm. Whether it's a partner's remark or a social media comment, our emotions can distort reality, leading to unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding. We explore the concept of the autonomic ladder, a metaphorical escalator that represents our emotional states. Our guest, John Eli Gouray, provides insights into how our autonomic nervous system, through a process called neuroception, constantly scans our environment for cues of safety and danger. This system can trigger either a calm, parasympathetic response or an aroused, sympathetic response, often without our conscious awareness. John explains the three primary states of the autonomic ladder: 1. Dorsal Vagal State: Associated with feelings of shutdown, immobilization, and despair.2. Sympathetic State: Characterized by activation, anxiety, and a desire for movement or conflict.3. Ventral Vagal State: The state of safety, social connection, and calm. Exploring the concept of emotional triggers, this episode delves into how seemingly harmless interactions can escalate into overwhelming emotional storms. From conversations with partners to comments on social media, our reactions can be driven by our emotions, altering our perceptions and leading to unnecessary conflict. The episode questions why it's challenging to control these reactions and sheds light on the autonomic ladder, illustrating how we can quickly spiral into misunderstandings when triggered emotionally. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Emotional Triggers00:00:10 - Real-Life Examples of Emotional Triggers00:01:03 - Impact of Emotional Reactions00:01:24 - The Autonomic Ladder Explained00:02:06 - Sponsor Message: Mint Mobile00:03:42 - Understanding Nervous System Responses00:05:09 - The Role of Neuroception00:07:11 - Early Development of Emotional Patterns00:08:48 - Emotions vs. Feelings00:10:00 - Story Follows State00:11:32 - Inference and Transference in Emotional Responses00:14:10 - Autonomic Nervous System and Childhood Experiences00:17:17 - The Autonomic Ladder: Detailed Breakdown00:20:00 - Dorsal Vagal Response00:23:21 - Sympathetic State and Overachieving00:27:13 - Personal Story: Work and Self-Worth00:30:16 - Sympathetic Phase of Response00:33:31 - Motivations Behind Emotional Responses00:34:35 - Identifying Emotional States00:38:08 - Hypervigilance and Emotional Reactivity00:40:35 - Example: Walking Through a Dark Pathway00:41:13 - Ventral Vagal Response00:43:03 - Pets and Emotional Regulation00:44:31 - Intuitive Awareness of Emotional Triggers00:45:52 - Identifying Triggers and Glimmers00:48:04 - Physical Movement and Emotional Relief00:49:07 - Emotional Cleaning as an Outlet00:50:19 - Labeling and Stigmatizing Behaviors00:52:44 - Personal Experiences with Sun Exposure00:53:38 - Assumptions and Projections in Interactions00:54:33 - The Practice of Asking and Clarifying JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Credits: Featured Guest: John Eli Guray Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

    1h 2m

  5. AUG 23

    The Hidden Influence of the Authority Bias: Navigating the Maze of Expert Influence

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Light Inside. I'm your host, Jeffrey Besecker. Today, we delve into the intriguing concept of authority bias—our tendency to place undue trust in authority figures and experts, often at the expense of critical thinking and personal judgment. The Light Inside is a journalistic podcast exploring the journey of everyday people toward beneficial change in their primary subconscious behavioral patterns. These shifts in behavior empower them to live richer, happier, and more fulfilling lives. We revisit the recurring segment we like to call “Mind Warp” exploring the common cognitive shortcuts and thinking traps that often hinder our best decision-making.  The Appeal to Authority fallacy subtly shapes our choices by leading us to trust expert opinions without critically evaluating their validity, often overriding our own judgment. This cognitive bias can result in poor decision-making, as we defer to authority figures even when their expertise may be irrelevant or flawed. This episode of The Light Inside explores the balance between healthy skepticism and authoritative feedback in fostering intellectual humility.  We delve into how our tendency to place authority figures on pedestals can lead to confirmation bias and uninformed decision-making. The discussion emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating information while remaining open to learning from credible sources for personal growth and informed decision-making. Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction to Authority Bias [00:00:10] The Role of Thought Leaders [00:00:32] Balancing Skepticism and Authority [00:00:54] Social Status and Trust in Authority [00:01:25] Cognitive Shortcuts and Confirmation Bias [00:02:07] Exploring Authority Bias [00:02:18] Authority Bias - Trusting experts. [00:06:24] The Authority Illusion. [00:08:24] Authority bias in decision-making. [00:14:47] Questioning authority and expertise. [00:17:04] Authority figure's impact on conformity. [00:22:27] Authority figures and misinformation. [00:24:26] Authority bias influencing public actions JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

    28 min

  6. AUG 16

    Mastering Feedback: How to Overcome Biases and Embrace Constructive Criticism

    Explore the complexities of receiving feedback in this episode of The Light Inside. Discover how embracing criticism can lead to personal growth and wisdom, navigating through ego filters and emotional vulnerability. Dive into the importance of intellectual humility as a key to success, nurturing the seeds of correction for a flourishing garden of wisdom.  In this episode of The Light Inside, we delve into the often challenging yet crucial aspect of personal growth: accepting critical feedback and constructive criticism. We explore how feedback, though sometimes perceived as a bitter pill, is essential for our human experience and personal development. Our guest, social psychologist and author Bo Bennett, joins us to discuss the complexities of receiving feedback through the lens of cognitive biases, emotional maturity, and intellectual humility. Bo explains how logical fallacies and cognitive biases can distort our reasoning and hinder our ability to accept constructive feedback. He shares insights from his own experiences and research, highlighting the importance of recognizing and overcoming these biases to foster better communication and personal growth. Tune in to uncover how to leverage feedback for growth and discovery on The Light Inside. Time stamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to The Light Inside Podcast 00:00:20 - The Importance of Feedback 00:01:12 - Cognitive Biases and Feedback 00:01:45 - Intellectual Humility and Growth 00:03:00 - Mint Mobile Advertisement 00:05:10 - Introduction to Bo Bennett 00:05:30 - Understanding Logical Fallacies 00:07:15 - Bo Bennett's Journey into Critical Thinking 00:09:45 - Cognitive Biases vs. Logical Fallacie 00:11:00 - Recognizing and Overcoming Biases 00:13:54 - Common Logical Fallacies 00:16:27 - The Purpose of Feedback 00:19:07 - Emotional Intelligence in Feedback 00:20:05 - Cognitive Biases in Feedback 00:22:07 - Monitoring Biases in Reasoning 00:23:27 - Straw Man, Steel Man, and Red Herring Fallacies 00:26:05 - Cognitive and Emotional Filters 00:28:53 - Binary Reasoning and Logical Fallacies 00:34:03 - Defensiveness and Feedback 00:36:52 - Simplifying Complex Truths 00:40:08 - Research on Cognitive Biases 00:41:00 - Appeal to Authority Fallacy 00:43:06 - Intellectual Humility and Feedback 00:47:03 - Changing Beliefs and Intellectual Humility 00:49:18 - Practical Tips for Identifying Fallacies Resources: Logically Fallacious- The ultimate collection of over 300 logical fallacies JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Credits Featured Guest: Bo Bennett, PhD.  Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

    1h 0m

  7. AUG 9

    Parataxic Distortion, Compartmentalization, and Special Pleading- The Mental Gymnastics We All Perform

    In this episode of The Light Inside, we introduced a new feature called the Mind Warp, where we take a playful yet insightful look at the subconscious traps that hijack our health and happiness. Our brains are hardwired to protect us from uncomfortable truths, often employing creative cognitive biases and distortions to do so. Explore the intricate world of emotional defenses and cognitive biases in this episode of The Light Inside. Uncover how our minds shape our reality with sneaky patterns and mental shortcuts.  Delve into how our minds shape our reality with cognitive biases and distortions, creating a sometimes inaccurate but familiar world.  Join host Jeffrey Besecker as he peels back the layers of cognitive biases and distortions that influence our perceptions, offering a fresh perspective on the ways our brains protect us from uncomfortable truths. Timestamps: 00:00:01 - Introduction to The Light Inside 00:00:11 - Introducing Mind Warp 00:00:21 - Subconscious Traps and Daily Habits 00:00:42 - Embracing All Emotions 00:01:02 - Cognitive Biases and Distortions 00:01:23 - Bending Reality and Subconscious Scripts 00:02:05 - Key Players in Mental Gymnastics 00:02:27 - Parataxic Distortion Explained 00:03:22 - The Brain's Love for Patterns 00:04:06 - Overthinking and Generalization 00:04:28 - Compartmentalization 00:05:11 - Reducing Cognitive Dissonance 00:05:43: - Example of Compartmentalization 00:06:15 - Impact on Relationships 00:06:36 - Special Pleading 00:07:09 - Skewed Values and Communication 00:07:51 - Breaking Free from Biases 00:08:12 - Practical Tips for Parataxic Distortion 00:08:23 - Practical Tips for Compartmentalization 00:08:34 - Practical Tips for Special Pleading 00:08:56 - Closing Thoughts and Summary 00:09:18 - Summary of Key Points 00:09:40 - Final Remarks and Gratitude   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

    10 min

  8. AUG 2

    Breaking Down Barriers: Addressing Mental Health Stigmas with Alexandra Miles

    Today on The Light Inside, we delve into the intricate world of social stigmas and their impact on mental health.  Join us as we uncover how these stigmas can shape societal norms and influence our collective behaviors. We discuss the dual nature of social stigmas, both supporting high standards and promoting values while also perpetuating discrimination.  Guest Alexandra Miles from Project Blackbird sheds light on untangling the complex effects of stigmas on mental health.  Discover how understanding unitive ego theories, emotional competency, and social conflation can help break down these barriers.  Tune in to gain insights on overcoming stigmas and fostering a more inclusive perspective on mental health. National Suicide Hotline If you are in crisis, The National Suicide Hotline is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and is staffed by trained professionals. Call them at 1-800-273-8255. Time stamps: [00:03:24] Eating disorders and social stigmas. [00:06:37] Understanding mental health spectrum. [00:08:05] Stigma around mental health. [00:12:11] The impact of social stigmas. [00:14:51] Mental health disparities in healthcare. [00:18:19] Recognizing Mental Health Symptoms. [00:22:34] Compassion for mental health struggles. [00:27:58] Maintaining connection with your body. [00:29:46] Mental health struggles and stigma. [00:33:44] Thinking models and emotions. [00:38:36] Acknowledging emotions for societal impact. [00:42:14] Ego development and personalization. [00:44:26] Comparison in human nature. [00:47:04] Radical acceptance. [00:52:39] Protecting Mental Health Boundaries. [00:56:35] Social emotional learning and parenting. [00:58:20] Vulnerability and identity development. [01:03:43] Reframing labeling of emotions. [01:07:51] Impact of social stigmas on mental health. Credits:   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Featured Guest: Alexandra Miles Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

    1h 10m
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4.8
out of 5
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About

Imagine living in a world of darkness, shrouded in mystery and confusion—a reality shaped by hidden factors that influence our beliefs, choices, and habits. For many, this is a daily experience. We’re all on a journey to discover the light inside. For better or worse, every aspect of our lives is shaped by the patterns we keep. Join us in the land beyond belief, as we explore the hidden pathways of our subconscious and unconscious currents. We dive into the deep mind dynamics that surface in our everyday behaviors, highlighting the complexity and movement within our inner domains.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeffrey Besecker
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    207
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeffrey Besecker
  • Show Website
    The Light Inside

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