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Back from the Borderline — Health & Fitness
Back from the Borderline

Back From The Borderline is a podcast about depth psychology, symbolism, spirituality, consciousness, and the search for a more meaningful life.

I started this show years ago while trying to understand my own mind. Somewhere along the way, the questions became much bigger than me. They led into Carl Jung, mythology, Christian mysticism, dreams, tarot, philosophy, esotericism, religious history, artificial intelligence, and the symbolic patterns that quietly shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

The word borderline has taken on its own meaning over the years. It speaks to the edge almost all of us eventually reach. That place where our old explanations stop working and we’re asked to learn an entirely different way of seeing. That’s the space my work inhabits.

Some episodes are conversations with researchers, psychologists, philosophers, historians, and spiritual teachers. Others are long-form essays where I follow a question wherever it leads. Lately I’ve been especially interested in symbolic literacy, the way images, myths, dreams, and archetypes quietly organize human life, often long before we’re consciously aware of them.

I’m not very interested in being “certain” about anything. I care about learning to recognize patterns, hold complexity without rushing toward easy conclusions, and recover forms of wisdom that help us live with greater honesty, imagination, and responsibility.

If you’ve found yourself searching for Carl Jung, depth psychology, symbolism, archetypes, spirituality, mythology, Christian mysticism, tarot, dreams, consciousness, philosophy, or the Western esoteric tradition, I think you’ll feel at home here.

Alongside the public podcast, I also host House of Cards, an ongoing study of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot through psychology, symbolism, mythology, and contemplative practice, as well as MOODS, an app I designed for dreamwork and deep inner inquiry. Both are extensions of the same project: learning to see more clearly.

You can explore everything, including new episodes, House of Cards, Patreon, and MOODS, at backfromtheborderline.com.

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

Copyright: © mollie adler

Latest Episodes:

this episode isn’t about UFOs – it’s about YOU [part 2] Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

I never planned to create a part two.

When I released “This Isn’t About UFOs, It’s About You,” I thought I was done. I had shared everything I felt called to share—synchronicities, historical insights, and my own encounter with the phenomenon. It was raw, personal, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how people would respond. What happened next blew me away. The feedback poured in—more than I’ve ever received for anything I’ve created. Listeners told me it shifted something deep inside them, helping them see themselves, and the world, in a new light. But it wasn’t just that. Something else started happening.

In the days after the episode, my life turned into a web of synchronicities and uncanny moments—threads I couldn’t ignore. It felt like the phenomenon itself was responding, pulling me further into the mystery, asking me to keep going. Names appeared in dreams. Signs showed up in the most unexpected places. Even the smallest details seemed to align, pointing toward a bigger picture I knew I had to explore.This episode is the result of that unraveling. It’s the next chapter in the story, but also a deeper dive into the threads that began to reveal themselves—threads that connect us all. If you’ve ever felt like there’s something just beneath the surface of everyday life, waiting for you to notice, this is your invitation. Let’s follow the breadcrumbs together.

Here’s what we’ll explore:

The Butterfly Effect of Synchronicity: How one small action—recording and releasing an episode—unleashed a flood of connections and validations that continue to unfold.

Esclarmonde de Foix and the Magdalene Lineage: A spiritual and ancestral thread weaving across centuries, from the Cathars to the Divine Feminine.

The Transformative Power of the Cave: How stepping into darkness—literal and metaphorical—is the path to profound rebirth, inspired by Magdalene’s time in the sacred caves of France.

History’s Echoes in Our Modern World: Why the shadows of the Inquisition—control, division, and fear—are still alive today and what we must learn to break free.

Pluto in Aquarius and the Cosmic Alchemy of Change: The astrological shifts guiding this moment of collective and personal transformation, and why they’re calling us to embrace the unknown.

The Alchemical Process of Becoming: How destruction can pave the way for rebirth, and why you might be feeling like the caterpillar dissolving into goo in its chrysalis.

Episode Timestamps:

Intro + Feedback from Episode 1: 00:00 – 11:52
Storytime: Personal Synchronicities After Part One: 11:37 – 33:03
Part 1: Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Effect: 33:03 – 38:03
Part 2: Esclarmonde’s Call and the White Dove Synchronicity: 38:03 – 47:59
Part 3: The Magdalene Connection: 48:01 – 01:05:07
Part 4: Historical Echoes and the Inquisition of the Soul: 01:05:07 – 01:20:21
Part 5: The Magdalene as Antidote (The Cosmic Marriage of Energies): 01:20:21 – 01:32:39
Part 6: Pluto in Aquarius: Alchemy, Revolution, and the Gatekeepers of Normal: 01:32:39 – 01:38:56
Conclusion + Invocation: 01:38:56 – End

Dive deeper into my work at backfromtheborderline.com.

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

has adulthood robbed you of youth’s magic? (reclaiming healing in unscheduled moments) [premium preview] Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever wondered why the carefree days of your youth felt so magical? Those spontaneous adventures with friends, the endless walks, and the impromptu activities that seemed to hold a unique kind of freedom—where did they go? In this episode, we’ll explore the essence of these priceless experiences and their crucial impact on our development and mental health.

Think back to your teenage years, when unplanned hours fostered a sense of joy and liberation. Walking through city streets, hanging out in parks, and engaging in spontaneous adventures created lasting memories that shaped your friendships and identity. But what happens when this bubble bursts, and the reality of adulthood, with its demands and responsibilities, hits us like a freight train? I'll delve into how these interruptions mark the end of innocence and the beginning of a purpose-driven life.

As we transition into adulthood, free time fades away, replaced by the constant push for productivity and the omnipresence of screens. I’ll examine how smartphones and the internet have taken over physical hangout spots, and how societal pressures have squeezed out those precious, spontaneous hours. The decline of these carefree periods has devastating effects on our psychological well-being and relationships.

Remember the brief return of unstructured time during the COVID-19 pandemic? When the world stood still, many of us rediscovered the joy of unplanned activities, creating cherished memories amidst the uncertainty. But as life resumes its structured norm, we struggle to find meaning in our time again. This episode reflects on that period and underscores the need to balance structured activities with free play.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 24:51.67: PART 1 (Exploring the concept of 'non-time' in teenage life, the freedom and joy of unstructured time, activities that fill this time, the reality check of external intervention, and the transition to adulthood including societal expectations, responsibility, and the decline of unstructured time.)

24:51.67 – 54:56.26: PART 2 (Discussing the mental health and social implications of losing unstructured playtime, the brief return of non-time during the pandemic, cherished memories amidst crisis, the return to structured time and productivity pressures post-pandemic, questions for reflection, and strategies to reclaim unstructured time.)

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.

is social media convincing us that everyone cheats? (unraveling the myth of universal infidelity) Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we’re deep into the compelling world of social media and its profound impact on our perceptions of love and fidelity. In a digital age where every click, like, and share shapes our reality, it's crucial to ask: How is social media molding our views on relationships? Are platforms merely reflecting societal beliefs, or are they actively shaping our understanding of what it means to be faithful or unfaithful?

We’ll explore how pervasive media narratives might not just mirror but actually warp our relationship expectations. From viral posts sensationalizing infidelity to algorithms that feed us content based on our fears rather than our hopes, social media can skew our belief in the possibility of true love. As these narratives accumulate, they begin to form a self-fulfilling prophecy, suggesting that faithfulness is the exception, not the rule. Join me as we unravel the myth of universal infidelity, examining how the stories we consume can lead us to question the loyalty of those we hold dear, and what this means for the future of romantic relationships. Let's peel back the layers of media influence and discover whether our love lives are genuinely at the mercy of the share button.

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.

this episode isn’t about UFOs – it’s about YOU [part 1] Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

The veils are lifting. Are you ready to see the truth? Why is humanity more mentally and physically unwell than ever before? Why are we so disconnected from ourselves, each other, and the world—despite living in the most technologically advanced era in human history? In this episode, we’re going beyond the headlines of the Congressional UFO hearings and diving into the deeper questions no one is asking. (Note: I've since recorded a Part 2 to this exploration - don't forget to listen in after finishing this one. Simply scroll through my feed or search "this episode isn’t about UFOs – it’s about YOU [part 2]".)

Together, we’ll explore:

• The veils that obscure the truth—from the military-industrial complex and government secrecy to the church and the scientific establishment.

• The subjugation of the Divine Feminine and how it’s led to a spiritually starved and fractured collective soul.

• Why the phenomenon isn’t here to terrify us, but to awaken us to the truth of who we are.

For too long, the narrative has been dominated by fear—threats to national security, alien invasions, and government cover-ups. But after listening to this episode, you’ll see why these arguments fall apart under deeper scrutiny. You’ll never view discourse from the government or military about the phenomenon in the same way again. The fear is the distraction. The truth is far more profound—and liberating.

This isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s a personal journey. I’ll share my own story of synchronicities, mystical experiences, and an encounter with the phenomenon that changed my life. We’ll uncover how reconnecting to the divine within is the key to healing mental health struggles, finding spiritual fulfillment, and unlocking humanity’s potential.

If you’ve ever questioned the nature of reality, the role of spirituality in mental health, or the deeper meaning of the UFO phenomenon, this episode is for you. What if the answers you’ve been searching for weren’t out there—but within?

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - 09:25 | Disclaimer + Intro: Who this episode is for and why it matters.

09:25 - 19:55 | Part 1: Meeting the Bledsoes: My personal encounter with the phenomenon.

20:29 - 01:35:49 | Part 2: Lifting the Veils: Why UFO discourse is stuck and the veils distorting our understanding.

01:36:45 - 02:43:25 | Part 3: Reframing the Phenomenon: Jacques Vallée’s lens, the Divine Feminine, and the wisdom of mystics.

02:43:25 - 03:00:26 | Part 4: Historical Parallels: Lessons from the past: suppression of the mystical and feminine.

03:00:26 - 03:09:01 | Part 5: Why This Matters: Implications for mental health and the awakening of society.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

→ My interview with Chris and Ryan Bledsoe

→ unlock higher states of consciousness by understanding the different levels of thinking (exploring ken wilber’s AQAL integral theory)

Dive deeper into my work at backfromtheborderline.com.

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

no f*cks given: inside the rise of emotional detachment (and what it's doing to us) Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

When did caring become “cringe”? In a world that champions irony over sincerity and detachment over vulnerability, it seems like not giving a f*ck has become the ultimate form of self-protection. In this episode, we’re diving into why our generation is retreating behind a wall of cool indifference, even as we live in an era of hyper-connectivity.

Our digital lives are filled with connections, yet the sense of isolation is palpable. Social media, once a platform for expression, has morphed into a space where we mask our true selves behind curated personas. What are we really hiding? And why does it feel safer to withdraw from genuine interactions than to risk being labeled as “too much” or “trying too hard”? Beneath this facade of detachment lies a deeper struggle—a quiet conflict between the desire for authenticity and a culture that treats emotional openness as a weakness.

We’ll explore how this paradox shapes everything from our relationships to our mental health. What happens when vulnerability is dismissed as “uncool,” and how does this affect our inner worlds and our approach to self-worth? Together, we’ll cut through the noise, looking at how embracing depth and caring might be the most radical act we can undertake.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 26:26.13: PART 1 (Exploring societal shifts towards emotional indifference, the complexities of modern romantic relationships, and the cultural drive for aloofness that impacts personal development and genuine connections.)

26:26.13 – 51:29.91: PART 2(Investigating social media’s role in mental health discourse, the conflicts between seeking meaningful experiences versus societal indifference, the repercussions of hedonism on personal and societal well-being, and the hidden coping struggles of young adults.)

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.

how to recognize (and break) the cycle of relationship OCD Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

Do you find yourself constantly questioning your feelings in a relationship, or feel the need to check your partner’s phone to ease your doubts? Maybe you seek reassurance from friends whenever something feels “off.” These patterns can be exhausting and isolating, but they’re more common than you might realize—and they often have deeply rooted origins.

In this episode, we’re exploring behaviors commonly labeled as Relationship OCD, or ROCD. But instead of viewing these as disorders, we’ll reframe them as adaptive responses—patterns we developed in past environments where we may have felt insecure or abandoned. These behaviors, while once protective, may now stand in the way of genuine connection and trust.

We’ll dive into the roots of these relationship anxieties, tracing how early experiences shape our attachment styles and influence how we love and connect. This episode isn’t about diagnosing yourself; it’s about recognizing shared patterns and finding new ways to relate. I’ll walk you through the ROCD cycle, offering insights from depth psychology to help you understand why these behaviors arise and, most importantly, how to interrupt them.

Alongside these insights, you’ll gain practical tools to break free from cycles of doubt, build self-awareness, and create space for trust and intimacy. By tuning in, you’re taking a step toward more secure, fulfilling relationships and moving away from self-sabotage. This is a journey to understanding your emotions and behaviors on a deeper level, with the aim of building relationships rooted in clarity and confidence.

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.

are you in your drama era? (how to cleanse your life of conflict once and for all) [preview] Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

Drama doesn’t just happen to us—we unknowingly play a part in it. Living in a cycle of constant conflict can feel like being stuck in quicksand—every move seems to pull you deeper. It’s exhausting, isolating, and can erode your relationships over time. In this episode, we break down Dr. Stephen Karpman’s Drama Triangle, a framework developed in the 1960s that reveals how we get trapped in recurring cycles of conflict. Whether as the Victim, Rescuer, or Persecutor, these roles shape our interactions and fuel the chaos that can leave us feeling exhausted, ashamed, and isolated.

We’ll dive deep into Karpman’s work, exploring how the rise of humanistic and group therapy in the 1960s gave birth to this powerful concept. You’ll learn how the Drama Triangle plays out in your relationships—whether with family, friends, or even in your own self-talk. More importantly, I’ll guide you through strategies to break free from these roles, offering actionable steps to help you unlock a more peaceful, drama-free life. Imagine what it would feel like to live without constant conflict—a life where you no longer feel trapped in toxic cycles. That freedom is within reach, and in this episode, we’ll explore how you can take the first steps toward it.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 35:31.51: PART 1 (Introduction to the Drama Triangle; Development and psychological insights by Dr. Stephen Karpman; Overview of the 1960s' psychological landscape; Detailed roles analysis and their interactions within the triangle)

35:36.70 – 01:18:56.59: PART 2 (Exploration of the Drama Triangle in family dynamics through a detailed fictional scenario; Comparison between the Drama and Codependency Triangles and their implications; Strategies for escaping the Drama Triangle; Building healthier interpersonal dynamics and emphasizing personal responsibility)

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.

beyond black and white: navigating moral purity in the age of cancel culture Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

Have we created a world where one wrong word can cast you out? In this episode, we explore how today’s culture of moral judgment can feel like a modern-day witch hunt—a relentless search for flaws and “wrong” opinions that leaves us guarded and afraid to speak openly. Without realizing it, we may be falling into the same patterns of suspicion and punishment that once fueled historical persecutions.

We’ll examine how this mindset seeps into our relationships, turning conversations into careful negotiations rather than genuine exchanges. The pressure to conform can isolate us, breed self-doubt, and prevent real connection. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Through this discussion, you’ll discover ways to escape these cycles of judgment, letting go of the fear that keeps you silent. Imagine the freedom to speak without second-guessing, to connect without suspicion. It’s time to reclaim open dialogue and build spaces where honesty can thrive again.

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.

anatomy of evil: the fear of female rage [preview] Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

What is it about women in horror that both fascinates and frightens us? This Halloween, we dig into the roots of the "Monstrous Feminine," exploring why these unsettling portrayals linger in our minds. In this episode, we examine the link between fear and femininity, looking at how Freud and Lacan’s theories laid the groundwork for horror’s portrayal of women as both alluring and repellent.

We’ll break down how The Witch, Midsommar, and Black Swan expose cultural pressures around female identity, while Jennifer’s Body challenges horror norms by centering female friendship and agency. And with Promising Young Woman, we confront society’s unease with women’s anger and desire for revenge. Drawing on Laura Mulvey’s concept of the male gaze, we’ll discuss how cinema often turns women into objects of both desire and fear, reflecting deeper societal anxieties. We also explore how historical stigmas around women’s mental health have pathologized natural emotions, often with damaging effects.

Tune in to see how horror films both mirror and distort our ideas of gender, madness, and power. This episode invites you to rethink what horror tells us about the world’s fear—and fascination—with the “monstrous” feminine.

✧ Click here to buy “The Monstrous-Feminine” by Barbara Creed

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 33:15.73: Part 1 (Unpacking Psychoanalytic Roots and Mythological Origins of the Monstrous Feminine)

33:15.72 – 01:08:52.49: Part 2 (Exploring Barbara Creed’s Monstrous Feminine, Lacan’s “Other,” and the Male Gaze through Films)

01:08:52.49 – end: Part 3 (Connecting the Monstrous Feminine to Female Madness, BPD, Hysteria, and Modern Implications)

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.

for anyone who lies awake at night wondering wtf the point is (transforming existential terror into acceptance of life’s impermanence) Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Do you find yourself lying awake at night, terrified of death, paralyzed by the concept of forever, and gripped by the fear of losing the people you love? Many of us do everything in our power to distract ourselves from life’s big existential realities and questions. But what if this very denial contributes to our most painful mental health symptoms?

In this episode, we’ll explore the wisdom of 'The Five Remembrances' from Buddhist philosophy, revealing the inescapable truths of human existence that we often avoid. We'll uncover how embracing these truths can lead us from existential terror to a grounded acceptance of life's impermanence. Together, we'll confront these fears and discover how facing life’s scariest truths can bring about the lasting inner peace and transformative change you’ve been longing for. If you're ready to move beyond superficial distractions and engage with the deeper questions of life but struggle to find anyone to talk to, this episode is for you. So, get comfy, settle in, and prepare to journey together toward understanding, acceptance, and a more meaningful existence through an exploration of life’s big questions.

Click hereto read my original Substack article “laying awake at night wondering wtf the point is: how accepting life's hardest realities can transform your mental health."

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.

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