Back from the Borderline

In this thought-provoking episode, join me as we dive deep into the biopsychosocial model, critically examining the prevailing claims that label mental health conditions as brain diseases. In this preview of a premium epiosde, we’ll navigate the complex landscape of mental health by analyzing the powerful words of renowned psychiatrist Dr. Joanna Moncrieff. Dr. Moncrieff has been vocal in questioning the notion that mental disorders—such as schizophrenia—are conclusively brain-based. Through this exploration, we’ll delve into the science behind brain imaging, cognitive function, and the nuanced differences between brain diseases and mental disorders.

What We’ll Cover:

• The Biopsychosocial Model vs. Brain Disease Theory: Understanding the model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to better explain mental health struggles.
• Dr. Joanna Moncrieff’s Perspective: A deep dive into Moncrieff’s critique of the rhetoric tying mental conditions like schizophrenia to conclusive biological evidence.
• What Brain Imaging Really Tells Us: The limits and potential misinterpretations of brain imaging studies in defining mental health conditions as brain diseases.
• Brain Disease or Cognitive Disturbance? Differentiating between cognitive deterioration due to brain diseases and behavioral patterns observed in mental disorders.
• Implications for Psychiatry and Mental Health Treatment: How rethinking these definitions might impact the future of mental health care, therapy, and individual autonomy.

Tune in to challenge mainstream beliefs, explore the interplay between the mind and body, and gain a richer understanding of mental health beyond conventional psychiatric boundaries. This episode invites you to engage in a nuanced and eye-opening discussion about what it truly means to view mental health through a biopsychosocial lens.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prepare to uncover a seismic shift in the global mental health landscape as we explore the groundbreaking WHO and UN Guidance that challenges the very foundations of modern psychiatry. This episode delves into how entrenched mental health practices—rooted in the biomedical model—often violate international human rights, exposing significant flaws in current psychiatric systems worldwide.

Join me as we navigate the major revelations, including psychiatry’s overreliance on medication, the routine use of detention and involuntary treatment, and the exclusion of individuals with mental health struggles from key decisions about their own care. We’ll examine how the WHO and UN are advocating for a transformative approach to mental health—one that is human-centered, rights-based, and community-driven.

Key Topics Covered:

• WHO and UN’s Call for Change: Why psychiatry’s reliance on the biomedical model is under scrutiny and the shift towards a holistic mental health framework.
• Human Rights Violations in Mental Health: Uncover the troubling practices of forced treatment and involuntary hospitalization, often accepted in current psychiatric norms.
• Empowering Individuals in Mental Health Decisions: How the Guidance emphasizes the right of individuals to have control over their treatment and recovery paths.
• Toward Community-Driven Psychiatry: A look at how the new Guidance proposes community-based alternatives to institutionalization.
• Implications for Global Mental Health Legislation: The potential ripple effects on mental health laws and policies worldwide as human rights move to the forefront.

This episode offers a deep dive into the forces challenging established psychiatric practices and shaping the future of mental health. If you’re interested in understanding the critical changes underway and their profound implications for mental health rights and reform, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

REFERENCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Article referenced in this episode: “The New WHO and UN Guidance: Psychiatry Must Entirely Change” by Niall Mclaren

Click here watch the full launch of the Joint WHO/OHCHR guidance and practice on mental health, human rights and legislation.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We don’t tend to think much about our breath in our day-to-day lives. It just… happens, right? Not exactly. Taking the process of breathing for granted would be a mistake, which is exactly what we’re exploring in this episode.Science is only just beginning to validate the extraordinary power of the breath. Breathing, a process which every animal, insect, and plant shares, is perhaps our most vital system. Inhaling gives us life by extracting energy from the interaction of food and oxygen. Exhaling flushes out the waste product of this process, carbon dioxide. Our breathing patterns directly affect our physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing. And unlike other bodily functions, such as digesting food, breathing is unique in that it can be practiced intentionally.

Our breath and our emotions are connected. Our breathing and our mind are connected. When strong emotions come up, we know our breath is affected. Breath is the body’s wisdom, reminding us how we’re doing at any moment. Specific breathing patterns can change our internal feelings and alter our emotional state. Today, you’ll hear an exclusive preview of part two of my sit-down chat with my friend Melanie Goldman, where we discuss all things somatic breathwork as she shares about her own profound personal experiences with this healing modality.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prepare for a mind-expanding exploration into the cosmic realms of consciousness and the resilience that emerges from the depths of adversity in a world that often misunderstands or rejects the unknown. In this powerful and exclusive interview, Chris and Ryan Bledsoe invite us to explore a different dimension that exists all around us, one that remains aware of our presence. In this episode, we're delving into the extraordinary experiences of the Bledsoe family and their encounters with non-human intelligence (NHI) and high strangeness.

This episode explores navigating cosmic mysteries, government scrutiny, and the enduring power of truth. In 2007, Chris Bledsoe experienced something that reshaped his entire perception of reality. From facing near-death experiences due to psychiatric harm while being shunned by his entire community to becoming a best-selling author studied by consciousness experts, Chris shares how serious trauma has played a pivotal role in shaping his worldview. Despite societal pressures to conform, Chris and his family have defied the narrative that painted his experiences with non-human intelligence as something to be feared. He insisted that his encounters were imbued with messages of peace and interconnectedness. Together, we’ll uncover the harsh realities of public scrutiny, media deception, and institutional scapegoating that many victims endure. You’ll hear about the Bledsoes' moments of isolation, ridicule, and governmental interference, witnessing the resilience that ultimately led to hope. The interview also explores the challenges faced by Chris Bledsoe in gaining acceptance on a more spiritual angle that extends beyond the stereotypical “UFOs and Aliens” narrative. Through Chris's conversations with numerous individuals who've undergone similar experiences, we discover that a connecting thread emerges: the profound impact of trauma and the shared journey many individuals have of encountering high strangeness or non-human intelligence at the height of personal suffering.

Connect with Chris Bledsoe and read more about his book “UFO of God” at https://ufoofgod.com/

Connect with Ryan Bledsoe and listen to his podcast Bledsoe Said So at https://www.bledsoesaidso.com/

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 06:10: Intro + Ad Break

06:10 – 36:43: What is non-human intelligence and why is right now such an important time for disclosure?

35:43 – 02:45:33: Interview with Chris and Ryan Bledsoe

02:45:33 – 03:03:16: Exploration of the Schumer Legislation which proposes the establishment of an independent agency to declassify records related to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).

03:03:16 – 03:10:15: Final thoughts on the importance of disclosure and the pivotal moment in history we find ourselves in

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author John Bradshaw (the author of “Healing the Shame that Binds You”) was one of the first to introduce the idea that we are human BE-ings, not human DO-ings. This catchy expression has particular relevance to those of us who get so busy performing activities “out in the world” that we begin to determine our worth through external measures at the expense of pausing, grounding, and having faith in our inherent value as living beings. Today, you’ll hear a free preview of part one of a relaxed sit-down chat with my friend Melanie. We discuss becoming more cognizant of the difference between always hustling, checking off to-do lists, and getting things done (human doing) versus taking a breather, being mindful, and just soaking in the moment (human being). The 'doing' mode (the mode most of us spend most of our time in), it's all about external wins and achievements, where your identity is basically what you've accomplished. On the flip side, the 'being' mode is about tuning into yourself, reflecting, and enjoying who you are beyond the never ending to-do list of things you “should” be doing.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we venture into the profound and often challenging terrain of religious upbringing and its enduring effects. Bob Peck, author of Original Sin is a Lie, joins us to unpack the emotional and psychological aftermath of growing up within fundamentalist religious frameworks. Together, we examine how rigid doctrines can embed feelings of unworthiness and how mystical philosophies might provide a healing antidote for those grappling with religious trauma. Bob brings his background in Religious Studies and years of spiritual exploration to our discussion, offering insights into bridging science and spirituality and challenging the limitations of a purely rational mindset. We also discuss psychedelics’ role in trauma healing, navigating the balance between their potential for spiritual awakening and the risks involved. Whether you’re healing from religious trauma, seeking a deeper spiritual practice, or exploring alternative pathways to inner peace, this episode offers a thought-provoking dive into reclaiming one’s sense of worth and authenticity.

Topics Discussed:

• Unpacking Religious Trauma: How fundamentalist ideologies foster feelings of shame and unworthiness.
• Healing Beyond Dogma: The journey to reclaim spirituality through mysticism and self-compassion.
• The Role of Mystics: How figures like Rumi, Meister Eckhart, and other spiritual visionaries provide a bridge for integrating spiritual awareness.
• Science and Spirituality: Why they don’t have to be at odds—and how they can coexist in a modern spiritual practice.
• Challenges of a Hyper-Rational Mindset: Recognizing when logic and analysis inhibit deeper emotional and spiritual healing.
• Psychedelics in Trauma Healing: A balanced look at the potential and pitfalls of using psychedelics for healing from deep-seated religious trauma.
• Building an Integral Spiritual Practice: Moving from dogma to an inclusive spirituality that fosters self-worth, personal insight, and connection.

Bob Peck’s unique journey and insights offer fresh perspectives for anyone questioning traditional religious teachings and searching for a more expansive, compassionate understanding of spirituality. Prepare for an enlightening conversation that explores the intersection of religion, mysticism, and self-discovery in the pursuit of a genuinely fulfilling life.

Connect with Bob at https://www.originalsinisalie.com/.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this premium preview, we’re diving deep into the timeless and complex world of gossip. From its ancient social roots to the tabloid frenzy of the '90s, gossip has played a significant role in shaping societies, beliefs, and relationships. This episode unpacks why gossip seems to be an irresistible human behavior, drawing insights from evolutionary psychology and cultural studies. You’ll gain practical guidance on managing a gossip habit, navigating rumors, and understanding how different spiritual traditions view the morality of gossip. We’ll explore how gossip can sometimes serve a social purpose, helping to strengthen group bonds or reinforce social norms—but we’ll also look at how it turns toxic, and the lasting impact it can leave on people’s lives. This episode will shed light on why we gossip, when it becomes harmful, and what you can do to shift away from it when it no longer serves you.

Topics Discussed:

• What is Gossip, Really? A deep dive into gossip as a social and psychological phenomenon.
• Evolutionary Roots of Gossip: Can gossip serve a constructive social function, or is it purely harmful?
• Psychology of Gossip: Why are people so drawn to gossip, and what does it reveal about our minds and needs?
• When Gossip Becomes Toxic: How to recognize when sharing information crosses the line into damaging behavior.
• Venting vs. Gossip: Learn to distinguish between releasing frustration and spreading harmful rumors.
• Celebrity Culture’s Influence: How tabloid journalism and ‘90s celebrity culture shifted our relationship with rumors and gossip.
• Gender and Gossip: Exploring stereotypes about who gossips more and what research reveals about this gendered myth.
• Breaking the Gossip Cycle: Strategies for breaking free from a gossip habit.
• Coping with Being the Subject of Gossip: How to maintain self-worth and navigate rumors about yourself.
• Spiritual Perspectives on Gossip: How different spiritual teachings approach and critique gossip.

This episode promises a balanced exploration of gossip’s social functions and personal impacts, offering a fresh perspective on why we gossip and how we can choose a path that supports healthier, more authentic connections.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Taune Lyons, a licensed marriage and family therapist whose mission is to empower individuals to uncover the healing potential within themselves. Together, we dive deep into transformative practices for managing emotions, confronting our inner shadows, and understanding the unconscious patterns that shape our lives. Taune’s compassionate approach and wealth of knowledge make this conversation a must-listen for anyone ready to break free from self-defeating patterns and take conscious steps toward growth. Through our discussion, you’ll gain practical tools to help you pause and reflect before reacting to triggers, as well as learn how attachment styles and shadow work influence emotional regulation. We also tackle how to set healthy boundaries, not just with those around us, but within the therapeutic relationship itself.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Building Emotional Awareness: Learning the power of the “pause” before reacting, and how this simple practice can fundamentally shift your life.
• Breaking Free from Self-Sabotage: Insights into overcoming self-defeating behaviors, even when you’re aware of your patterns but feel stuck.
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecies and Belief Patterns: Unpacking how deeply ingrained beliefs like “I’ll never succeed in this field” or “I’m always abandoned” can limit your potential.
• Healthy Anger as Initiation: Embracing anger as a valuable, initiatory experience rather than a destructive force.
• Attachment Theory Explained: A look at attachment styles and why understanding them is key to emotional regulation and deeper connection.
• Exploring the Shadow Self: Discover how shadow work can reveal unconscious triggers and empower more authentic self-expression.
• Therapy Boundaries: Navigating transference, countertransference, and how to establish boundaries in the therapeutic relationship.
• Uncovering Unconscious Influences: Recognizing how identification with unconscious thoughts and the collective unconscious can drive our decisions if left unchecked.
• Identifying Dysfunctional Systems: How family, societal, religious, and workplace dynamics can subtly shape our behaviors and beliefs.
• Projection Awareness: How to recognize when you’re projecting onto others or when someone else is projecting onto you.

Connect with Taune:

• https://www.taunelyons.com
• Instagram: @taunelyons

Resources:

✧ Healing Rage: Women Making Inner Peace Possible by Ruth King

✧ Trauma and the Supernatural in Psychotherapy by Alex Monk

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this preview of a Premium Submarine exclusive episode, we'll be expanding on the topics covered in my conversation with Dr. Larry Burk and explore the world of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a powerful tool for healing emotional wounds and overcoming trauma.Together, we'll demystify what EFT is and how it can help you release the grip of painful emotional experiences. Through my obsessive research, I'll break down the technique, providing a step-by-step guide to using EFT for yourself. You'll learn how tapping on specific points can bring emotional relief, ground us back into our bodies, and help rewire negative beliefs. I'm really excited to hear what you all think after you've given this a shot. I've been utilizing EFT since my interview with Larry, and I'm shocked at how quickly it can bring me out of a dissociative state and back into my body after a particularly triggering experience or when I fall into my frequent states of overwhelm.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’ll embark on a fascinating journey with Dr. Larry Burk, a medical maverick who transitioned from mainstream medicine at Duke University to the realm of energy healing. Explore the untold stories of past pioneers of medicine like Ignaz Semmelweis, a 'savior of mothers' who was shamed for his “unconventional” groundbreaking ideas, only to be validated in the end, but only after his death. Larry and I also delve into the profound mind-body connection, uncovering how chronic pain and immune issues are intimately tied to our emotions and early life traumas. Dr. Burk shares his work with survivors of the MK Ultra experiments, revealing the resilience of the human spirit. You’ll also discover the transformative power of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping) and gain insights from the ACE study, which revolutionized our understanding of how early-life trauma affects our physical health. This episode is your invitation to open your mind and embrace the unconventional healing methods of the future.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Visit Dr. Burk’s website at www.letmagichappen.com

• “It Didn’t Start with You” by Mark Wolynn

• “The Psychology of Totalitarianism” by Mattias Desmet

• Tapping with Brad (YouTube Channel)

• “Out on a Limb” Film by Shirley MacLaine (Free on YouTube)

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.