The AutSide Podcast

Episode 550: Refusal and the Architecture of Return


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Today’s episode explores the complexities of returning to a former life or career after experiencing a significant personal break. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, critiques society’s preference for neat, redemptive narratives that frame recovery as a simple journey back to the status quo. In reality, what is often labeled as healing or reintegration serves merely as a way for institutions to regain access to an individual’s productivity without making meaningful changes. Dr. Hoerricks suggests that true self-preservation may require a total refusal to return, especially when re-entry demands the loss of one's identity. Ultimately, she challenges the idea that a courageous comeback is always the healthiest or most coherent path forward.

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/reading-between-worlds-return-or

Let me know what you think.

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The AutSide PodcastBy Jaime Hoerricks, PhD