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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:

the 48 laws of power: episode 3 (laws for self-protection) [preview] Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever felt like your attempts to maintain picture perfect image might be doing more harm than good? Or maybe you’ve struggled with balancing respect for authority without being totally overshadowed? In this final episode of our special mini-series on Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power, we delve into three crucial laws that can help you protect yourself and navigate power dynamics with grace and strategy. For those of us who are highly sensitive, recovering from trauma, or frequently finding ourselves in complex relationships, the insights from this episode are invaluable. We’ll explore how to balance humility with confidence, uncover the importance of understanding others’ weaknesses ethically, and discuss why avoiding the appearance of perfection can shield you from unnecessary envy and hostility.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand how to maintain a strong, authentic presence without inciting jealousy, how to navigate authority figures respectfully while asserting your own value, and how to use your knowledge of others’ vulnerabilities to build support rather than manipulate. Tune in to discover how these final laws can become tools for self-protection, personal growth, and lasting empowerment. This is your final step in reclaiming your power and breaking free from the repetitive cycles of drama in your personal and professional life.

TIME STAMPS:

06:40.53 – 40:24.76: Law #1 (“never outshine the master”)

40:30.30 – 59:38.85: Law #33 (“discover each man’s thumbscrew”)

59:38.85 – 01:25:16:24: Law #46 (“never appear too perfect”)

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.

were you under-mothered? exploring the generational impact of “mother hunger” Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever felt a deep sense of isolation from your family, an intense awareness of death, or a constant craving for emotional nurturing from partners who just can't meet your needs? These feelings might be linked to a concept known as "Mother Hunger."

In this episode, I delve into the profound and often hidden impact of being under-mothered—a condition where the essential maternal nurturing, protection, and guidance were lacking during your formative years, leading to what is often referred to as the "mother wound." Drawing from the insights of experts like Kelly McDaniel and Dr. Oscar Serrallach, you'll explore how inadequate maternal care can shape your emotional landscape and influence your relationships throughout life.

You'll learn about the symptoms of Mother Hunger, including emotional immaturity, delayed grief, and transferred needs. I'll discuss the generational transmission of this emotional wound and the societal pressures that perpetuate it, emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion. You'll also discover practical steps towards healing, from seeking trauma-informed care and building safe relationships to engaging in specific therapeutic approaches like Attachment-Focused EMDR and Somatic Experiencing.

By the end of this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to address and heal from these deep-seated emotional wounds.

References:

✧ the mother wound: sacred scars as a portal to healing [back from the borderline episode]

✧ manipulative love: narcissistic mothers, enmeshed parentified children, and emotional incest [back from the borderline episode exploring Jeannette McCurdy’s book “I’m Glad My Mom Died]

✧ Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

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.

the 48 laws of power: episode 2 (laws for taking your power BACK) [preview] Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

Do you ever think about how much your reputation shapes your life? Or feel like you're constantly stuck in a cycle of reactivity, wishing you could be more strategic in your planning? In this second episode of our special mini-series on Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power, we dive into three pivotal laws that can help you reclaim your power and take control of your life. For those of us who are highly sensitive, recovering from trauma, or often caught in manipulative relationships, the insights we explore in this episode are transformative. You'll learn how to build and maintain a strong reputation, handle conflicts effectively, and develop a proactive mindset that keeps you out of the never-ending drama and emotional turmoil.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to protect your reputation, recognize and counter harmful behaviors, and plan your actions with intention and foresight. This isn’t about being ruthless—it’s about empowering yourself to navigate life’s power dynamics with confidence and integrity. Don't miss out on these essential insights that can help you take control of your life and relationships. Tune in to discover how to turn these powerful laws into tools for self-awareness, personal strength, and lasting empowerment. This is your path to reclaiming your power and safeguarding your well-being.

TIME STAMPS:

05:03.64 – 41:44.02: Law #5 (“so much depends upon reputation – guard it with your life”)

41:44.02 – 58:16.16: Law #15: (“crush your enemy totally”)

58:16.16 – 01:20.42: Law #29 (“plan all the way to the end”)

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.

the new gods: how commercialized spirituality and therapy culture have become dogmatic modern religions Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we unravel the profound cultural shift that has elevated therapy, manifestation, and new-age spirituality to the status of modern-day religions. We'll dive deep into how these practices dominate our lives, filling the void left by the decline of traditional religious faith. From the passionate fervor of social justice movements to the commodified serenity of wellness apps, we explore how these trends mirror religious rituals and beliefs. We dissect the entrenchment of therapy culture, examining how much of Western society now interprets their lives through an individualistic and therapeutic lens, and discuss the commercialization of mental health and wellness, revealing the thin line between genuine help and predatory practices. This episode delves into the irony of modern society's disdain for traditional religion while mimicking its practices in secular forms. We critique the self-centered nature of therapy culture and its impact on our understanding of mental health, the erosion of communal bonds, and the desperate need for moral direction and stability in an increasingly transient world. Perfect for anyone intrigued by the intersection of culture, psychology, and spirituality, this episode will captivate those curious about how contemporary practices shape our collective psyche and those questioning the deeper implications of the wellness industry and therapy culture.

Resource: “Our New Religion Isn't Enough” by Freya India via the GIRLS Substack

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.

the 48 laws of power: episode 1 (laws to recognize signs of manipulation) [preview] Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Individuals recovering from trauma, neglect, and abuse are often particularly vulnerable to manipulative tactics. Their desire to be liked and accepted can unfortunately make them less adept at recognizing when they are being manipulated. In this episode, we’ll explore not only how to detect these hidden agendas but also how to respond and reclaim your space with integrity and confidence. In part one of this mini-series, we’ll peel back the layers of the most covert strategies used in personal and professional relationships, rooted in the wisdom of Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power. We're diving deep into three specific laws covered in the book: Conceal Your Intentions, Court Attention at All Costs, and Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy.

Robert Greene’s book, often misunderstood as a manual for the ruthless, is actually a treasure trove of defensive wisdom crucial for those who feel overpowered or overlooked. This series isn’t just about exposing the tactics of power—it’s about empowering you to use this knowledge to your advantage. Join me as we navigate these murky waters together. You’ll learn to spot when someone is masking their true intentions or hogging the spotlight not just to enlighten you, but to empower you. Let’s move beyond being pawns in someone else’s game and become architects of our own destiny.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 19:11.41: Introduction (about the book, the author and how we’ll structure this series)

19:11.41: Law #3 (“conceal your intentions”)

50:51.10: Law #6 (“court attention at all costs”)

01:19.04 – 01:50.30: Law #14 (“pose as a friend, work as a spy”)

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.

exposing the troubled teen industry: surviving ‘the harvard of therapeutic boarding schools’ (ft. nick taber) Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

Every year, thousands of young people are forcibly sent to facilities designed to control their behavior. These range from boot camps and behavior modification centers to wilderness therapy and gay conversion programs. Often unregulated and shrouded in secrecy, these institutions promise behavioral correction but deliver trauma and abuse.

Join me for a conversation with Nick Taber, a writer and personal development advocate, reveals the dark underbelly of the “Troubled Teen Industry” and his journey towards healing and personal empowerment. Nick’s experience at one of these programs, dubbed the “Harvard” of therapeutic boarding schools, exposes the brutal methods used to enforce obedience and the psychological scars they leave behind.

In this episode, Nick shares his deeply personal account of enduring extreme forms of Skinnerian behavioral modification, isolation, and emotional abuse. He discusses how these programs pathologize normal behaviors and suppress emerging consciousness, branding self-advocacy as manipulation and punishing any attempt at autonomy. Nick’s story is a stark reminder of the systemic failures that prioritize control over genuine understanding and support.

We’ll delve into the long-term impacts on adult perceptions and relationships, exploring how children stripped of their autonomy struggle to trust their own judgment. Nick’s critique of the mental health industry’s coercive practices challenges us to rethink how we support vulnerable populations.

CONNECT WITH NICK:

★ Read more of Nick’s work on his blog at https://imaginal-cell.org/blog

★ Click here to follow Nick on X @nicktaber

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

★ The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education by Grace Llewellyn

★ Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto

★ Against Therapy: Emotional Tyranny and the Myth of Psychological Healing by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

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 – aileen wuornos (challenging the “monster myth:” trauma, gender bias, systemic failures and media exploitation) [preview] Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

Dive into the dark complexities of Aileen Wuornos's life in this thought-provoking installment of our 'Anatomy of Evil' series. This episode transcends the usual true crime sensationalism, offering a deep-dive into the psychological and societal factors that sculpted Wuornos's destiny. In this exploration, I unravel Aileen's turbulent early life, spotlighting the profound impact of her family dynamics—particularly the roles of her absent father and abusive grandfather. We delve into how these critical relationships, combined with societal neglect, forged a psyche ripe for turmoil. Unlike the typical narrative, this episode leverages psychological theories like Jungian archetypes to decode Aileen's actions, providing a nuanced perspective on her as the 'warrior' fighting against her 'shadow' self.

As we dissect her life further, we uncover how Aileen's relationship with Tyria Moore influenced her descent into criminality. We analyze the dynamics of their partnership through the lens of trauma bonding, highlighting how this relationship not only offered solace but also propelled Aileen towards her tragic fate. This episode also casts a critical eye on the sensationalist media portrayal of Aileen, contrasting it with her own stark perceptions of being exploited by a system that she felt was rigged against her from the start. This episode promises unique insights into lesser-discussed aspects of Aileen's story, such as her critique of the justice system and her prophetic warnings about societal collapse. By tuning in, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of factors that can lead to criminality—a narrative that challenges the simplicity of the 'monster' stereotype. Join me in this meticulous unpacking of Aileen Wuornos’s life, where we go beyond the headlines to discover the real story hidden beneath. If you're captivated by the psychological underpinnings of criminal behavior and the societal constructs that influence it, this episode is essential listening.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 53:27.22: PART 1 (Introduction to Aileen Wuornos, her early life, family dynamics, psychological development, and societal influences)

53:27.22 – 01:52:29.54: PART 2 (Manifestation of criminal behavior, her relationship with Tyria Moore, societal and systemic influences, media portrayal, final reflections, and broader 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.

rose cartwright’s path from the poster girl for OCD to psychedelic awakening and holistic healing Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, you’ll join me for an interview with author, screenwriter, and activist Rose Cartwright, whose battle with disturbing intrusive thoughts initially led her to a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. However, after rising to fame through a seeming liberation due to her diagnosis, she found herself at a crossroads that led her to drastically rethink healing and mental health.

A profoundly transformative moment at a silent meditation retreat during a personal dark night of the soul would mark the beginning of a new chapter. It was here where Rose encountered a profound silence that opened the door to exploring altered states of consciousness. This experience led her to the unconventional path of psychedelic therapy, where she found revelations and healing outside the rigid diagnostic frameworks of traditional mental health.

Throughout our conversation, Rose and I dive into how she moved beyond the biomedical model and labels that once defined her. From her initial diagnosis to her courageous exploration of psychedelics, Rose's journey illustrates a profound shift from seeing herself through the lens of disorder to embracing a spiral upward, becoming more truly herself while alchemizing the pain of her childhood.

My hope for listeners is that this episode will serve as an invitation to rethink what it means to truly heal. For anyone questioning conventional mental health approaches and finding themselves stuck at a crossroads and overcome by psychological suffering, Rose's story will offer a radical perspective on embracing the full complexity of the human experience.

REFERNECES:

✧ Rose’s new book: “The Maps We Carry: Psychedelics, trauma and our new path to mental health”

✧ “I was the poster girl for OCD - Then I began to question everything I’d been told about mental illness” (article by Rose Cartwright via The Guardian)

✧ Knots by R.D. Laing

✧ We've Had a Hundred Years of Psychotherapy--And the World's Getting Worse by James Hillman

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.

the interstitium uncovered: trauma, healing, and your body’s hidden fluid spaces [preview] Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

What if I told you that hidden within the fabric of your own body lies a discovery so profound it's shifting the very foundations of health science? Picture a network, integral to our biology, that could reveal the secrets of how our bodies communicate, how they hold onto trauma, and might even unlock new ways to heal longstanding health mysteries. This isn't the realm of science fiction—it's the reality of the Interstitium, a discovery that's reshaping our understanding of the human body. These fluid-filled spaces, the Interstitium, nestled within and between your tissues, might just be the missing piece we've been seeking—not only in fighting disease but in understanding the profound ways our bodies store and respond to trauma. By the end of this episode, you'll see your own body in a whole new light, appreciating how this hidden system could revolutionize our approach to health and healing. Imagine, just for a moment, that within this hidden maze lies the key to new healing pathways. What if these fluid-filled corridors hold not only the remnants of past traumas but also the seeds of future wellness? This episode is an invitation to rethink everything you thought you knew about your body. Let's dive deep into the secrets of the Interstitium together and explore the potential it holds for transforming our understanding of health, healing, and ourselves.

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.

girlbosses and tradwives: embracing fluidity in parenthood and partnership Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we'll explore the real-life impact of extreme gender roles, social media influence, and how embracing flexibility can break generational trauma cycles. In a world dominated by extreme viewpoints and rigid gender roles, the true complexities of marriage and motherhood are often overshadowed. This episode delves deep into the stories of two women who journeyed through the extremes—one embracing the "girlboss feminism" ideology, only to find its rigidity incompatible with the realities of motherhood, and the other falling into the "tradwife" conservative lifestyle, leading to an abusive relationship and a painful awakening.

Together, we'll explore how adhering to neat ideological boxes and stereotypical gender roles ignores the messy, intricate nature of being human. Regardless of who you are, how you identify, or your gender, these extreme stereotypes have left their mark, contributing to generational trauma for all of us. Through these personal narratives, we uncover the powerful influence of social media in perpetuating these extremes and driving us further into rigid ideological algorithms.

We'll finish by discussing how to break free from these cycles by embracing a more fluid approach to parenthood and partnership that prioritizes the needs, emotions, and unique individuality of both partners. Learn how to navigate the complexities of modern relationships, reject outdated norms, and foster healthier, more fulfilling connections. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that challenges prevailing narratives and offers a path toward a more balanced, authentic life. This is an episode you won't want to miss—where we uncover the beauty in the messy complexity of being human.

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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