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What does it mean to be 'woke'? Ryan Rogers is a therapist and author of the book "The Woke Mind: The Twisted Psychology of the Social Justice Movement.' In our conversation we discuss what it means to be 'woke',  is it just a trendy phrase, a slur, or a genuine state of awareness? Is it even truly a left/right issue or more a personality type?

We discuss his book, his experiences of battling with addiction, how he learned activism more than therapy in his training, and his journey towards pragmatism.

Looking into the psychology of covert narcissism in individuals who want to tear down rather than build or look for problems rather than solutions, and referencing Orwell's 1984 where basic truths are questioned.

We explore the idea of being woke and what it means for our individual and collective consciousness.

Ryan's podcast and YouTube channel: 
https://youtube.com/@ryanrogers8046?si=ilIyxFSZDR-cJeXU

X: @ryanmcrogers

'The Woke Mind'
https://a.co/d/bXVnnwP

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrenFMagee 

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Mid to High range narcissism refers to someone with deeply ingrained narcissistic traits and characteristics, but doesn't meet the threshold for a personality disorder, as outlined in the DSM 5.

They can range from just being selfish pests, to being a master of emotional manipulation. This presentation looks into the characteristics, behaviours, and traits of the sub clinical narcissist and explores how they operate in relationships, friendships, and even in the workplace. 

Looking at how traits such as a false self, fragile ego and emotional manipulation, yet without meeting full NPD criteria. Understanding these tendencies can help recognise narcissistic abuse in everyday relationships and interactions.

Exploring how comedy often exaggerates low to mid range narcissistic traits for comedic effect, and how it compares to real life.

Lastly some ideas to help manage yourself with narcissistic people you encounter.

This video was part of a presentation delivered at the Narcissistic Abuse Conference in London 2025.

Watch on YouTube

https://youtu.be/FXM7ORteDDw

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Discover the transformative and therapeutic power of stories in my conversation with Dr. Paul A Taylor, host of the Youtube channel 'Readers of the Lost Art' where we discuss narrative psychology and the 'post literate world'.

We discuss 'safetyism', internet use and social media, communication and explore how storytelling can inform, inspire, heal and foster emotional well-being. From ancient myths to modern-day conversations, learn how narratives shape our minds and lives.

Perfect for anyone interested in psychology, mental health, or the art of storytelling. 

https://www.youtube.com/@DrPaulA.Taylor 

00:00 Intro
01:20 Post Literate Age
04:45 The Matrix
06:16 The Power of Imagination
09:00 Fairy Tales
10:20 Special Effects in Stories
14:55 Connection through Shared Stories
16:25 The Sacred Algorithm
21:15 False Needs
26:27 Need vs Desire
36:00 Need to Understand
44:55 Narcissisus
48:50 Shadow Self
50:50 Need for Balance
53:00 The Drama Triangle

#narrativepsychology #mentalhealth #personalgrowth

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This podcast looks at the complex world of incels (involuntary celibates), exploring their psychology through the Five Factor Model of Personality (Big Five). Outlining how traits like neuroticism, extraversion, and agreeableness shape their worldview, alongside the role of covert narcissism and chronic loneliness in their identity.

Drawing from psychological research and philosophical insights, this video examines the emotional and social struggles behind the incel phenomenon, offering a thought-provoking look at personality dynamics, self-perception, and the human need for connection.

References:

Cacioppo, J. T., & Patrick, W. (2008). Loneliness: Human nature and the need for social connection. W. W. Norton & Company.

Donnelly, D., Burgess, E., Anderson, S., Davis, R., & Dillard, J. (2019). Involuntary celibacy: A life course analysis. Aggressive Behavior  https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.21823

Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2021). Loneliness matters: A theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. The Lancet Psychiatry https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30397-8

Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2019). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Health Psychology  https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000759

Joiner, T. E., & Van Orden, K. A. (2022). Loneliness and mental health: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.045

Pfattheicher, S., Geiger, M., Hartung, J., Weiss, S., & Schindler, S. (2020). Vulnerable narcissism and the dark side of rejection: Evidence from interpersonal interactions. Social Psychological and Personality Science https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550619878765

Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., Colditz, J. B., Radovic, A., & Miller, E. (2021). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. Nature Human Behaviour  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-021-01096-4

Twenge, J. M. (2022, May). The sad state of young men: Loneliness, disconnection, and the rise of isolation. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com

Wilson, R. E., Harris, K., & Vazire, S. (2023). Loneliness and cognitive rigidity: An experimental investigation. Psychological Science https://doi.org/10.1177/09567976221124689

You can support my work via:

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DarrenFMagee 

Substack https://substack.com/@darrenfmagee

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/dfmagee 

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Stalking is defined as repeated and persistent unwanted communications, approaches and intrusions into someone’s life, into their privacy, and there are many levels to it. It can a form of mental assault.

This video looks at the different kinds of stalker, (rejected, resentful, incompetent, intimacy seeker and predator) as well as the difference between when the stalker is stranger and someone you know, such as an ex partner. Looking also at the impact being stalked can have on victims.

For more information and content visit:

https://www.youtube.com/@DarrenFMagee 

https://substack.com/@darrenfmagee 

patreon.com/dfmagee 

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James and Teri Craft invited mo onto their channel to discuss navigating relationships with narcissistic people, betrayal trauma and managing boundaries. They have very kindly allowed me to share our conversation.

For help and support contact James and Teri:

Get the course on Betrayal Trauma:
"What Now? The Couples Guide to Surviving Crisis in Marriage" here:
marriagehealth.org/what-now?

Link for James and Teri's course: https://www.marriagehealth.org/link/hHyGp6?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marriagehealth.org%2Fwhat-now

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Caz McGovern is an award-winning filmmaker and writer based in London, England. Her movie ‘They Don’t Leave’ has been screened at 15 festivals and won the ‘Best Suspense Short’ award at four of them, along with receiving ‘The Big Sky Film Grant’.

Caz also has a diagnosis of Bipolar Type 2. In this podcast we talk about her career and creativity,  ands as you’ll hear from our conversation, how her diagnosis doesn’t define her or hold her back.

You can find Caz and her work at:
Personal Instagram - @cazmcgovernscore
They Don’t Leave’s Instagram - @theydontleave
www.cmvideoarts.com

Watch "They Don't Leave' at:
https://bit.ly/49gYJgc 

#bipolar #theydon'tleave #mentalhealthmatters

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The Dark Tetrad refers to a set of four personality traits linked to exploitative and harmful behaviours. It builds on the Dark Triad, which includes Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, by adding a fourth trait: sadism. These traits are linked to cruel, manipulative, self-centered, and antisocial behaviours.

This podcast is the fourth part in a series looking at the different elements of the dark Tetrad, focusing on how narcissism co-occurs with the other traits and how it manifests in personal relationships, workplaces and society as a whole.

#darktetrad #narcissism #darkpersonality

You can also watch via my YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrenFMagee 

If you find this topic interesting please consider supporting me on either Patreon or Substack
https://www.patreon.com/dfmagee 
https://darrenfmagee.substack.com/ 

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Sarika Singh is an award winning communications coach and seasoned public speaker with almost three decades helping individuals, groups and teams understand and improve their self confidence, their communication skills, whether written or verbal.

She is also an online content creator and host of the ‘Communicate 101: Speaking and Writing Skills” Podcast where she discusses many different aspects of communication and regularly shares tips and ideas to help others improve how they express themselves.

Whether in our interpersonal relationships, workplace or in society we discuss the importance of good communication, self confidence, conflict resolution, how to negotiate for yourself and how to say 'no'.

00:00 Intro
01:01 About Sarika
07:22 Facing what you fear
08:17 Imposter Syndrome
12:37 Poor communication in relationships
17:50 Communication styles
21:24 Importance of listening
23:30 Dealing with rejection when negotiating
26:37 Finding it hard to say no, poor boundaries
33:56 Dealing with manipulation
36:02 Finding space to resolve conflict
37:04 Reaction vs Response
39:52 Listening and acknowledging
41:42 Asking for clarity

Find Sarika at:
https://sarikasingh.in/ 
https://www.instagram.com/communicate101/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/communicate101-speaking-writing-tips/id1695086852

#communicationskills #bettercommunication #personaldevelopment

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Mark Vicente is an award winning film maker and author. He is a former member, and one of the whistle blowers that exposed the criminal activities going on in the nexium cult. His story is chronicled in the HBO series, ‘The Vow’.

He is host of the ‘WTF is on my mind?’ podcast and YouTube channel where he discusses, among other things, narcissism, coercive behaviours, dark personality and cult behaviours often seen in everyday life.

I had the pleasure of talking to Mark about NXIVM, and his journey from member to whistle blower, the personality types behind cult movements and how they mirror the same dynamics and patterns found in romantic relationships, families and organisations dominated by narcissists.

More details about Mark and his work can be found at:

WEBSITES
https://www.markvicente.com/
https://www.empathynotincluded.com/

PODCAST & SOCIALS
https://www.youtube.com/@markvicente7
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wtf-is-on-my-mind/id1646783869

https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mark_vicente
https://x.com/markvicente

If you find this video interesting please consider supporting me on either Patreon or Substack
https://www.patreon.com/dfmagee 
https://darrenfmagee.substack.com/ 

You can also watch this conversation on my Youtube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/@DarrenFMagee 

#cults #NXIVM #narcissisticpsychopathy