The Light Inside

The Light Inside

By Jeffrey BeseckerHealth & FitnessMental Health
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The Light Inside episodes

  • Unmasking the Superiority Complex: The Effects of Anxious Insecurity

    The podcast explores the concept of anxious insecurity and its various effects. The host, Jeffrey Besecker discusses how anxious insecurity leads to a constant battle between one's self-concept and true identity, resulting in a mask that hides one's true brilliance. The guest, J. Stamatelos provides insights into the search for love and belonging in the context of anxious insecurity. The conversation highlights the importance of becoming one's own best ally and offers strategies for developing a more empowered self-concept.


    The episode delves into the idea that seeing things with new eyes requires courage and uncertainty. However, in a world that constantly forces us to compete with others to feel a sense of achievement, it becomes challenging to maintain a true sense of self. The battle between self-concept and true identity can result in the creation of a mask that hides our true brilliance behind insecurity and envy. 



    Timestamps:


    00:04:40. Anxious insecurity leads to self-criticism.

    00:08:10 Anxious insecurity stems from societal pressures.

    00:16:08 Self-belonging is essential for external belonging.

    00:21:36 Self-awareness is key for connection.

    00:26:17 Self-security reduces external uncertainty.

    00:27:09 Understanding the inner critic's role.

    00:32:07 Emotions are essential for self-actualization.

    00:37:57 Situational awareness and unexpressed shame.

    00:47:16 Embrace self-compassion for security.

    The timestamp in the podcast where it starts to say "Embrace all parts with compassion" is 00:50:43. Embrace all parts with compassion.

    00:58:48 Reframe ego as self-protection.

    01:02:10 Struggle for security affects relationships.

    01:05:41 Embrace your inner power.


    Credits:


    JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

    SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside



    Featured Guests: 

    James J. Stamatelos


    Music Score by Epidemic Sound

    Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

    Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

    Executive Programming Director:  Anna Getz

    1 hr 8 min
  • Neuroception: How the Autonomic Nervous System Keeps Us Regulated with John Eli Garay
    In this episode, the host Jeffrey Besecker delves into the topic of pain and suffering and how they contribute to personal growth. It challenges the belief that growth can only occur through pain and discomfort, suggesting that growth can also happen in states free of suffering. The guest, John Eli Garay, shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of the autonomic nervous system and achieve emotional self-regulation. 
    John offers guidance on understanding and navigating the autonomic ladder, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation and embracing security. He explains how our bodies store information from past experiences and how the autonomic nervous system helps us identify sources of safety or danger. 
    The episode explores the role of emotional self-regulation and finding a balance of homeostasis where our inner light can shine. Tune in to learn more about embracing growth and evolution without being overwhelmed by emotional triggers. 
    Timestamp:
    [00:03:28] Trauma and the body.
    [00:07:43] The role of neuroception.
    [00:09:00] Flavors of our stories.
    [00:14:19] Autonomic Nervous System Responses.
    [00:18:30] Immobilization in dorsal vagal state.
    [00:23:50] Overachievers in sympathetic state.
    [00:27:17] Action biases as a heuristic.
    [00:31:24] Conflict and social media.
    [00:35:25] Emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
    [00:41:43] The ventral vagal response.
    [00:45:07] Intuitive awareness of triggers.
    [00:50:35] Emotional regulation and cleaning.
    [00:52:30] Triggering past memories.
    [00:57:11] Cognitive behavioral theory vs polyvagal theory.
    [01:01:10] Somatic experiences and conscious awareness.
    Credits:
    JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast
    SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside
    Featured Guests: 
    John Eli Garay
    Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound
    Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker
    Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio
    Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz
    1 hr 3 min
  • Overcoming Overwhelm: Exploring the Fear of Intimacy and Vulnerability in Our Relationships with Kent Weishaus

    In this episode, the podcast explores the role of subconscious scripts and self-sabotaging behaviors in intimate relationships. It discusses how deep-seated fears of vulnerability can influence our behavior and push us to protect ourselves from potential emotional pain. 


    The episode features a conversation with psychotherapist Kent Weishaus, who provides valuable insights on navigating these dynamics in intimate relationships and throughout our social interactions. 


    The podcast highlights the concept of internal family systems and how different sub-personalities within us try to protect us from deeper hurt. It emphasizes the importance of addressing these fears constructively and moving towards healthier patterns of interconnection. 


    Timestamps:


    00:01:09 Cognitive storytelling shapes our relationships.

    00:08:00 Unlearn negative self-beliefs, validate others with empathy.

    00:12:43 Question your distorted thoughts.

    00:19:27 Importance of slowing down thinking.

    00:28:41 Relationship beliefs shape our reality.

    00:33:37 Overcoming defensive mechanisms improves relationships.

    00:39:49 Fear of abandonment hinders intimacy.

    00:44:37 Importance of acceptance, open vulnerability, and healthy boundaries.

    00:51:26 Pay attention to your somatically embodied cues.

    00:56:56 The value of being present.



    JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

    SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside



    Featured Guests: 

    Kent Weishaus

    Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound



    Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

    Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

    Executive Program Director:  Anna Getz

    1 hr 2 min
  • Subconscious Scripts: Exploring the Haunting Power of Our Stories with Dee Miceli

    In this podcast, host Jeffrey Besecker delves into the nature of subconscious scripts and how they shape our beliefs and behaviors. He explores the idea that our stories and experiences define us, often leading us to blindly follow their lead. He questions the existence of the self and examines the role of conscious and subconscious influences in our lives.


    The podcast discusses the impact of subconscious scripts on our decision-making and actions. It highlights how these scripts, formed during childhood and influenced by past experiences, can shape our instincts and gut feelings. However, it also warns that relying solely on these subconscious influences can lead to biased thinking and limited perspectives.


    The podcast features an interview with Intuitive Life Coach, Dee Miceli, who provides insights into subconscious scripts and their influence on ego development. She explains that a significant portion of our beliefs are formed in early childhood and can hinder personal growth and self-acceptance. The concept of the negativity bias is explored, along with its contribution to behaviors like people-pleasing and imposter syndrome.


    Timestamps:


    00:01:45 Subconscious scripts shape our lives.

    00:07:16 Understanding subconscious mind's influence.

    The timestamp in the podcast where it starts to say "Develop self-awareness for empowerment" is at 00:16:46. Develop self-awareness for empowerment.

    00:17:13 Developing self-awareness leads to emotional maturity.

    00:23:36 Gender roles impact personal empowerment.

    The timestamp in the podcast where it starts to say "Gender norms shape self-expression" is 00:29:33. Gender norms shape self-expression.

    00:35:28 Self-questioning for empowered perspective.

    00:43:34 Diffuse cognitive fusion for growth.

    00:45:30 Diffusing intensity for personal growth.

    The timestamp in the podcast where it starts to say "Challenge your subconscious scripts" is 00:52:19. Challenge your subconscious scripts.

    00:56:52 Self-judgment and projection limit growth.

    01:04:05 Challenge negative self-talk, nurture independence.

    01:08:27 Self-worth affects our subconscious scripts.

    01:14:33 Question why for self-value.


    Credits:


    JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

    SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside


    Featured Guests: 

    Dee Miceli


    Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound


    Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

    Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

    Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

    1 hr 18 min
  • Moving on from Narcissistic Abuse: Letting Go and Finding Healing with Shannon Petrovich

    In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the concept of moving on from narcissistic abuse. He discusses the tendency to obsessively ruminate on the experience and seek revenge, rather than focusing on letting go and finding healing. 


    Joining Jeffrey is clinical therapist Shannon Petrovich, author of "Out of the Fog and Into the Clear," who shares insights on emotional surgency and its role in breaking free from toxic relationships. Tune in to discover how to transcend the urge to hold on, and instead, moving on to empower healing and a brighter future. 



    Chapter Highlights:


    [00:00:26] Letting go and moving on.

    [00:04:56] Narcissistic abuse and self-identity.

    [00:10:33] Emotional monitoring and relationships.

    [00:13:57] Trusting your gut instincts.

    [00:17:06] Lack of trust in reality.

    [00:21:08] Dynamics of transference and counter-transference.

    [00:26:11] Healing from toxic relationships.

    [00:30:17] Ego development and narcissism.

    [00:34:18] Hindering healthy self-concept and relationships.

    [00:37:17] Traits in relational dynamics.

    [00:41:37] Grief and emotional attachment.

    [00:46:16] Emotional regulation post-abuse.

    [00:49:29] Seeds of transformation are sown.


    Addtional Resources:

    Lovingly or Manipulating? Navigating Narcissistic Abuse with Shannon Petrovich


    Narcissistic Verbal Abuse: Navigating Blunt & Non-Blunt Emotional Cruelty w/ Angela Myer


    JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

    SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside


    Featured Guests: 

    Shannon Petrovich


    Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound


    Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

    Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

    Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz


    51 min
  • The Power of Slowing Down: Taking Time for Careful Consideration with Kathy Hadizadeh

    In this episode, Jeffrey Besecker and Kathy Hadizadeh delve into the concept of action bias, heuristics, and their effect on decision-making. 


    They discuss the importance of ego development, moving away from binary thinking, and the value of "pause to rise." 


    They also explore the role of unitive ego development in personal growth, how values and psychological constructs influence decisions, and share personal experiences with bias. 


    The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of self-reflection, mindfulness, and strategies to become aware of subconscious constructs.



    0:00 Introduction and life updates from Jeffrey and Kathy

    5:34 Discussion on action bias, heuristics, and their effects on decision-making

    12:37 Role of ego development and moving away from binary thinking

    16:25 Exploring our relationship with action and the concept of "pause to rise"

    22:49 Unitive ego development and its impact on personal growth

    26:45 Values, psychological constructs, and their influence on decision-making

    33:06 Personal experiences with bias and its impact on actions

    39:09 Importance of self-reflection, mindfulness, and self-compassion

    44:11 Strategies to become aware of subconscious constructs and goal setting

    48:57 Closing remarks and expressions of gratitude


    JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

    SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside


    Featured Guests: 

    Kathy Hadizadeh


    Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound


    Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

    Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

    Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz


    57 min
  • Running in Circles: How Diffusing Subconscious Patterns Frees Us From Rumination and Negative Belief Systems with Erin Mac

    In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the complexities of circular thinking and rumination with Executive Coach Erin Mac. 


    They discuss how these thought patterns can lead to heightened stress and anxiety levels, hinder decision-making, and disrupt mental and physical well-being. 


    The episode highlights the limitations of the label "overthinking" and delves into the nuanced factors that contribute to circular thinking and rumination. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on our mental landscapes and the role of emotions in our thought processes. 


    What we learn today:


    [00:00:34] Circular thinking and rumination.

    [00:06:24] Circular thinking and overthinking.

    [00:07:47] Circular thinking and anxiety.

    [00:11:28] Belief structures and decision-making.

    [00:16:22] Stopping generational thought patterns.

    [00:19:41] Emotional reactions and self-growth.

    [00:23:20] Present moment and awareness.

    [00:28:21] Ego development and conscious creation.

    [00:32:18] Robotic exchanges and human connection.

    [00:35:12] Release subconscious teachings and shame.

    [00:39:14] Separateness and inner peace.

    [00:43:30] Conservation of energy.

    [00:48:50] Discovering the light inside.


    JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

    SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside


    Featured Guests: 

    Erin Mac


    Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

    Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

    Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

    Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

    52 min
  • Humor’s Bad Reputation: The Role Comedy Plays Both in Social Bonding and Emotional Coping with Alfie Noakes

    In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the power of humor. 


    He discusses how humor can serve as a life raft in difficult times, lighten the load during troubled times, and even procrastinate from doing actual work. Jeffrey emphasizes that humor is like seasoning for the soul, adding that even a bad joke can make us smile.


     However, he also acknowledges that there is a darker shade to humor, one that creates derision and contempt. 


    To further explore this topic, Jeffrey interviews stand-up comedian and comedy coach Alfie Noakes. 


    Together, they delve into the role comedy plays in social bonding and emotional coping. Tune in to this insightful episode to gain a deeper understanding of the impact and nuances of humor in our lives.


    Key Topics:


    • Humor in Social Bonding and Emotional Coping
    • Comedy in Bonding and Communication
    • Role of Comedy in Society
    • The Power of Humor in Social Cohesion and Entertainment
    • Punching Up, Punching Down, and Punching Across in Comedy
    • Humor and Responsibility in Comedy
    • The Responsibility of Comedians
    • Empowering Comedy and Humor


    • Time stamps:


      [00:00:11] The power of humor.

      [00:05:27] Humor as social cohesion.

      [00:09:28] Humor as emotional coping mechanism.

      [00:11:49] Reading the room and connecting.

      [00:14:39] Bombing on stage, or Struggling in Life

      [00:18:06] Comedian's ego and audience feedback.

      [00:22:43] Neutral topics in comedy.

      [00:25:05] The role of the comedian.

      [00:29:01] The power of humor.

      [00:31:25] Comedy as a psychological gear.

      [00:34:12] The language of laughter.

      [00:39:09] Punching up, punching down, punching across.

      [00:41:10] Using humor for social acceptance.

      [00:45:21] Comedians pushing boundaries.

      [00:48:29] Empowering through open mic.

      [00:52:03] Finding your comedic perspective.


      Credits:


      JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

      SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside


      Featured Guests: 

      Alfie Noakes


      Music Score by Epidemic Sound


      Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

      Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

      Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz


      54 min
    • The Transformative Potential of Understanding Attachment Styles

      In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the importance of healthy connections in our lives. He delves into the spiritual journey of forming these connections and the mental obstacles that can hinder them. 

      By examining the influence of early childhood associations and conditioning, Jeffrey and his guests shed light on how they shape our perceptions of love, trust, and emotional security. 


      Additionally, he highlights the wisdom of a monk and a retired neurosurgeon in teaching us about the fundamental role that connections play in our relationships. 


      “Tune in to discover how holding on to what we love often requires letting go. “


      This episode is brought to you by Podmatch.com, an AI-driven podcasting matching system that helps create meaningful podcast interactions.


      Visit the affiliate link at www.thelightinside.us for more information.

      Main Topics:


      1. "Exploring the Spiritual Journey to Healthy Connections"
      2. "The Role of Attachment Styles in Forming Healthy Relationships"
      3. “How our Neurological Processes Influence Our Attachment Styles”
      4. "Uncovering Unconscious Patterns for Deeper Emotional Connections"
      5. "Fostering Unity and Compassion in Relationships"

      6. Timestamps:


        [00:02:21] Letting go shapes relationships.

        [00:04:11] The importance of relationships.

        [00:07:34] Attachment styles explained.

        [00:12:55] Wholeness within community.

        [00:15:57] Emotional regulation and dysregulation.

        [00:21:21] The importance of healthy relationships.

        [00:23:55] Neuroplasticity and brain connections.

        [00:27:37] Epigenetics and chronic stress.

        [00:32:19] The reward system in the brain.

        [00:37:26] Subconscious scripts and energy.

        [00:40:41] Practices for a secure attachment.

        [00:43:16] Attachment tendencies and emotional responses.

        [00:48:29] The power of language.

        [00:51:21] Understanding our personal philosophy.

        [00:55:29] Social influence and unconscious patterns.

        [00:57:39] Attachment and Transience.

        [01:02:00] Healthy non-attachment and emotional avoidance.

        [01:03:47] Purpose and Service

        [01:07:39] Ancient literature and self-discovery.

        [01:10:57] Attachment styles and relationships.


        Credits:


        JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

        SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside


        Featured Guests: 

        Madhu Dasa

        Gary Simonds


        Music Score by Epidemic Sound

        Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

        Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

        Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz


        1 hr 12 min
      7. The Magnetic Heart of God: Understanding the Five Cravings of Your Soul with Cory Rosenke

        In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the concept of the soul and why we have one. 


        Joined by author, pastor, and theologian Corey Rosenke, they delve into the origins of the soul, the mysteries it holds, and the questions it raises. 


        From the quest for knowledge and understanding to the search for truth, they discuss the profound nature of the soul and its significance in our lives. Tune in to discover the answers to the burning questions of the soul.

        Timestamps:


        [00:01:31] The quest for truth.

        [00:05:29] The soul and consciousness.

        [00:09:03] Looking at others through the lens of the soul.

        [00:11:22] Unity and the human soul.

        [00:14:22] The cravings of the soul.

        [00:19:20] Ego and significance.

        [00:21:25] The person of ego.

        [00:25:22] Redefining perspectives.

        [00:30:15] Simplicity.

        [00:32:49] Existence beyond biology.

        [00:36:00] The Five Cravings of Your Soul.

        [00:40:46] The five core humanities.

        [00:43:20] Understanding your holistic self.


        Credits:


        JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

        SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside


        Featured Guests: 

        Cory Rosenke

        Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound



        Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

        Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

        Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz


        51 min

      About The Light Inside

      From the publisher's feed

      The Light Inside Podcast helps clinicians and trauma-informed practitioners sharpen formulation before intervention begins. We explore why clients are not simply stuck, but adapting to context—through cue-based patterns, relational predictions, state shifts, adaptive functions, and implicit emotional, somatic, and relational data.