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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:

“when will it be my turn to find love?” (the dumpster fire of modern dating) [preview] Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

Are you feeling punished by the dating gods? Wondering if you’re supposed to be alone forever? In this episode, I dive deep into a viral TikTok where a creator expresses her exhaustion with dating and questions her fate in finding love. Join me as we unpack why these feelings are more normal than you might think and how shifting your perspective from fixing to flourishing can completely transform your love life. This premium episode takes a closer look at the widespread discussion and often harsh judgments sparked by the video. We explore how these attitudes reflect our collective approach to love and dating, potentially leading us to deeply unfulfilling searches and attracting exactly the kind of partners we might want to avoid. We're breaking down the big questions and the quiet thoughts many of us whisper after another disappointing date or when we see our friends pairing off. I'm here to unpack all of it — with heart, humor, and maybe a little bit of tough love. Let’s get real about the highs and lows of modern dating, shake off the 'supposed to's, and explore what it means to find lasting (and realistic) love in today's world.

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.

childhood emotional neglect part 11: healing (transforming suffering into strength and crafting a new narrative) Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

Join me as we conclude our comprehensive series on childhood emotional neglect. Over the past episodes, we've explored what childhood emotional neglect is, the dysfunctional parenting styles that contribute to it, and how it manifests in our adult lives through symptoms and coping mechanisms that erode our sense of self and hinder our ability to form deep emotional connections. Building on Episode 10, where we examined how different forms of power and threats have impacted your life, this final episode focuses on finding meaning and crafting a new narrative.

We'll introduce the final step of the Power Threat Meaning (PTM) Framework, developed by clinical psychologists Dr. Mary Boyle and Dr. Lucy Johnstone. This compassionate and holistic approach to mental health emphasizes understanding the power dynamics in your life, the threats you've faced, and the meanings you’ve constructed from your experiences. It validates your experiences as understandable responses to life's challenges rather than symptoms of a disordered personality. In this episode, you’ll learn how the abuses of power and threats you've faced throughout your upbringing have impacted your life. We'll explore how to use this understanding to find meaning and write a new story that portrays you as a survivor, capable of taking the next step in your hero's journey, rather than someone who is permanently broken or disordered.

Traditional mental health approaches often provide an intellectual understanding of childhood trauma and its resulting coping mechanisms. While this is crucial, what's often missing is helping individuals find a sense of meaning. This episode addresses this missing piece in recovery, guiding you to construct a personal narrative that reflects your growth, resilience, and the path to a more meaningful and connected life. We’ll also explore how the language we use shapes our narratives and ultimately our healing. Shifting from medicalized terms to more compassionate and accurate descriptions can help us see our experiences in a new light, moving from self-blame to self-compassion.

This episode will provide practical tools and insights to help you reframe your narrative, validate your experiences, and embark on a deeply personal and transformative healing journey. By embracing this new perspective, you can move beyond conventional mental health labels and gain a richer understanding of your experiences. This is the final episode in our series, where I'll tie everything together and guide you through the last step of the PTM Framework.

Recommended Resource: Full information on the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) via the British Psychological Society

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.

reclaiming your spiritual path after religious trauma and commercialized spirituality [preview] May 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we're uncovering the reasons behind our modern Western society's spiritual starvation and lack of meaning. We'll explore how the Age of Enlightenment birthed Cartesian thought, driving a wedge between us and a sense of sacredness, leaving us to believe only what we can see, touch, taste, and smell is real. What have we lost by succumbing to this dualistic worldview? Many from cultures that still hold deep spiritual significance argue that the West's mental health crisis stems from our separation from our spiritual nature.

We'll delve into how Abrahamic and Judeo-Christian organized religions and other cult-like institutions have ingrained toxic shame in their followers, judging them for who they are or whom they love. Practices meant to embody love, forgiveness, and connectedness have instead become ways to control, make money, and instill fear and judgment. Additionally, the rise of new-age spirituality has seen influencers profiting off various spiritual and healing courses, prioritizing financial gain over genuine spiritual connection. This has left many people feeling burned out and disillusioned, struggling with deep feelings of emptiness and disconnection.

In this episode, we'll dive into these issues and provide you with various tools for your spiritual toolbox. You'll discover rituals and practices to incorporate into your daily life, free from religious dogma or expensive courses with false promises. This journey requires you to open your mind, forget everything you know about religion and spirituality, and turn within, learning to trust yourself. By the end of this episode, you'll have everything you need to create a truly integrated and grounded spiritual practice. The rituals and concept I share can help you connect to something greater than yourself and reconnect your body, mind, and spirit—essential elements for anyone on a path to recovery from childhood trauma or any form of abuse.

Want the full episode? 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.

childhood emotional neglect part 10: healing (reclaiming your power and understanding threat responses) May 28, 2024

Show notes

Join me as we conclude our multi-episode series on childhood emotional neglect. Over the course of episodes 1-9, you’ve delved deep into what childhood emotional neglect is, explored the dysfunctional parenting styles that contribute to its development, and identified how it manifests in our adult lives through various symptoms and coping mechanisms that erode our sense of self and hinder our ability to form deep emotional connections. In the final two episodes, you’ll dive into the path forward—how you can truly heal. Healing is an ever-evolving process, not a linear journey with a definitive finish line. It involves becoming aware of the deeper root causes of your suffering and learning to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience.

I’ll introduce you to the Power Threat Meaning (PTM) Framework, developed by clinical psychologists Dr. Mary Boyle and Dr. Lucy Johnstone. This framework offers a compassionate and holistic approach to mental health, moving away from conventional biomedical models. It emphasizes understanding the power dynamics in your life, the threats you've faced, and the meanings you’ve constructed from your experiences. This approach validates your experiences as understandable responses to life's challenges rather than symptoms of a disordered personality.

We'll explore the first two steps of the PTM Framework as it relates to healing from childhood emotional neglect. First, we’ll examine how different forms of power—biological, social, cultural, economic, and more—have impacted your life. You’ll be prompted to ask yourself: “What happened to me?” “How has power operated in my life?” Next, we’ll delve into the second step of the framework, asking you to consider how the use or misuse of power in your childhood has shaped your thoughts, body, and relationships today. Instead of asking, "What's wrong with me?" we’ll reframe it to, "What did I have to do to survive?" This shift in perspective can help you understand that your behaviors and responses make perfect sense given your circumstances.

This episode will provide practical tools and insights to help you reframe your narrative, validate your experiences, and embark on a deeply personal and transformative healing journey. By embracing this new perspective, you can move beyond conventional mental health labels and gain a richer understanding of your experiences. Together, we'll move toward concluding our exploration into the complex legacy of childhood emotional neglect, forging a path toward healing, emotional resilience, and psychological integration.

Recommended Resources:

✧ Full information on the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) via the British Psychological Society

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 miss USA’s dark secrets: title holder resignations, misogyny, corruption, and 'everywhere like such as’ May 21, 2024

Show notes

In this explosive episode, we peel back the glitzy veneer of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants to reveal a world riddled with scandal, misogyny, and exploitation. From Caite Upton's unforgettable "everywhere like such as" answer in 2007 to the shocking resignations of Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, you'll dive deep into the systemic issues plaguing these competitions.

As someone who witnessed Caite Upton's infamous moment firsthand from backstage as a contestant in the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant, I offer a unique insider's perspective on the toxic culture within the pageant industry. Watching Caite deliver her answer, I saw the immediate reactions and felt the collective shock. This was one of the first viral events on the internet, back when YouTube was still in its infancy. We all laughed, but what impact does being publicly shamed on such a massive scale have on someone? In this episode, we'll discuss this and the profound effect it had on Caite, who was just a teenage girl at the time. She became a spectacle, an early guinea pig of internet public shaming during the wild west era of social media.

You'll get an in-depth analysis of the current drama surrounding UmaSofia Srivastava and Noelia Voigt's resignations. Their PR-friendly and somewhat cryptic statements reveal the darker side of these 'empowering' platforms, which often reduce young women to their physical appearance and silence their voices through ironclad NDAs. We’ll explore how these resignations expose systemic exploitation and control within the pageant industry.

Trace the history of beauty pageants, from their rise in the 1950s to their recent fall, marred by scandals and allegations of harassment. Discover the shocking stories of abuse and exploitation during Donald Trump's controversial ownership, and dive into the ongoing chaos within the Miss Universe Organization marked by financial instability, rigging accusations, and toxic leadership. Uncover how powerful men like Trump have weaponized the law to silence victims, and delve into the broader cultural implications of a society obsessed with hyper-sexualized and unattainable beauty standards. Tune in to hear the real stories behind the headlines, the dark underbelly of the pageant world, and how we can collectively demand better for future generations of young women. Are we ready to end this exploitative circus, or will we continue to prop up a system that degrades and silences women? The choice is ours.

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.

BPD as hysteria in sheep’s clothing: the persistent myth of female instability from ancient greece to modern psychiatry [preview] May 16, 2024

Show notes

↓ Want to unlock ALL my BPD-related episodes? Scroll to the bottom of this post for more info. ↓

Episode Description: In this episode, we're taking a critical and eye-opening journey through time to deeply understand the history of the borderline personality disorder diagnostic label, tracing its disturbing roots back to the ancient concept of 'hysteria.' Together, we’ll explore the pathologization of women's emotions and behaviors from the times of Plato and Hippocrates, through the 19th-century diagnosis of hysteria, to the contemporary label of BPD. We delve into the controversial legacy of Jean-Martin Charcot, whose exploitative and later debunked experiments on "hysterical" women laid the groundwork for modern psychiatry and influenced figures like Sigmund Freud. You’ll also discover how Freud's initial recognition of the trauma and sexual abuse suffered by his female patients morphed into the infamous oedipus complex blaming women for their own distress.

This episode also shines a light on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), another modern label that pathologizes the natural cyclical changes in women, reinforcing outdated notions of female instability. Drawing from historical accounts and modern critiques, this episode will reveal how the diagnostic criteria for hysteria were simply repackaged into histrionic personality disorder, and later, BPD. The result is a powerful critique of the psychiatric model, showing how little has changed in the medical gaze on women’s mental health. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the gender biases that persist in psychiatry and how the stigmatization of women’s experiences continues to echo through time. This episode challenges the liberating narrative of mental health labels, urging us to reconsider the origins and implications of these diagnoses. BPD is not just a modern label—it is hysteria in sheep's clothing. By the end of this episode, you'll view BPD and the entire psychiatric model through a new lens, questioning the narratives that have been accepted for centuries.

RESOURCES:

✧ Ussher, J. M. (2013). Diagnosing difficult women and pathologising femininity: Gender bias in psychiatric nosology. Feminism & Psychology, 23(1), 63-69. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959353512467968

✧ BPD = Hysteria? By Amanda Robins via https://www.amandarobinspsychotherapy.com.au/ (October, 2017)

✧ Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – The New Hysteria by Joy Eidse MSW, RSW (November, 2017)

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.

childhood emotional neglect part 9: signs and symptoms – internalized anger, lack of self-discipline, and alexithymia May 14, 2024

Show notes

In Episode 9 of our ongoing series on Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), we delve into the final three in our list of symptoms that shape the adult lives of those affected by early emotional neglect: internalized anger, lack of self-discipline, and alexithymia. Each of these symptoms reveals a unique aspect of the long-term effects of neglect that continue to challenge individuals into adulthood.

We begin by exploring internalized anger and self-blame, often hidden beneath the surface but profoundly influencing one’s self-image and interactions. This anger is typically directed inward as a misguided form of control and self-protection, originating from the false belief during childhood that one is inherently at fault for the neglect they experienced. This episode will dissect the origins and impacts of this self-directed anger, helping listeners recognize and address these often destructive patterns.

Next, we address the lack of self-discipline, a less obvious but equally significant consequence of CEN. This symptom, often referred to as “executive dysfunction,” manifests as struggles with daily responsibilities and self-care, rooted in the absence of early life structure and emotional guidance. Listeners will gain insights into how emotional neglect disrupts the development of self-regulation skills and learn strategies to cultivate these essential aspects of adult life.

Lastly, we cover alexithymia—the inability to identify and express emotions, a common but perplexing outcome of CEN. This condition can lead to significant challenges in personal relationships and overall emotional health. We'll explore how a childhood devoid of emotional validation can lead to this emotional blindness, and discuss ways to begin reconnecting with one's emotional self.

This episode aims not only to shed light on these symptoms but also to offer paths toward healing and understanding. By recognizing the roots of these issues, listeners can start to transform their internal narrative from one of blame and confusion to one of recovery and clarity. Join me as we continue to unravel the complex legacy of childhood emotional neglect and forge a path towards emotional resilience and self-discovery.

Recommended Resources:

✧ Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb, PhD

✧ My full episode exploring executive dysfunction (overcoming executive dysfunction: "why can't i just do the thing?!”) Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or here to listen on Spotify.

✧ Click here for a full depiction of the “feelings wheel” or visit https://feelingswheel.com/

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.

Disclaimer: 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 healing power of labyrinths and EMDR [preview] May 09, 2024

Show notes

Discover the profound legacy of labyrinths, not just as intricate mazes, but as powerful tools in modern psychological therapy. This episode explores their historical significance and their transformative role in EMDR therapy— a technique developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 for healing psychological trauma. Together, we’ll learn how these ancient paths, once central to the ceremonies of ancient Egypt and the myths of Greece, are now implemented in hospitals, churches, and prisons as meditative and therapeutic spaces. We’ll delve into scientific studies that highlight the benefits of labyrinth walking, from reducing blood pressure to enhancing emotional regulation, and illustrate how this age-old practice, when combined with innovative therapy, offers a transformative journey of healing. Tune in for a captivating look at how the age-old labyrinth is turning into a modern path to recovery.

Reference for episode: “The Healing Power of Labyrinths” by Leo F. for The Oxbow School

Resources:

✧ 12 inch bamboo finger labyrinth (Amazon)

✧ Finger labyrinth travel cards (Amazon)

✧ Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice by Lauren Artress

Craving the full length version of this episode? 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.

drake vs. kendrick: the battle over allegations of grooming and underage girls in the digital age May 07, 2024

Show notes

Should Drake's denial of Kendrick Lamar's allegations of pursuing underage girls open a wider conversation on grooming, social media, and consent? In this episode, we dissect this pressing issue and much more.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've likely heard of the ongoing rap beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar that kicked off in April 2024.

During the first week of May 2024, this months-long spat has hit full throttle. On Saturday (May 4th), Lamar put out yet another diss entitled "Not Like Us," which doubled down on allegations of Drake’s pedophilia (even going as far as to refer to him as a “certified pedophile”).

The latest development came on the evening of May 5th, with Drake’s release of “The Heart Part 6.” On the track, the Toronto rapper mainly denies Lamar’s allegations that he has a pattern of pursuing underage girls, a claim that has plagued the rapper in the wake of tales from the likes of 'Stranger Tales' actress Millie Bobby Brown, 20, who said Drake regularly texted her when she was only 14.

As the old saying goes, where there's smoke, there's usually fire. Rumors surrounding Drake's interactions with young women have persisted long before the Kendrick and Drake beef. In this episode, we delve into the longstanding and controversial history of Drake's relationships with girls on the cusp of womanhood. We'll examine the legal framework of consent and the ethical complexities surrounding men who pursue significantly younger partners, regardless of legal culpability.

We'll conclude this discussion with a reading of a personal essay, recounting my experiences as a young girl navigating the digital landscape of the early 2000s, where I was groomed and pursued by much older men during the 'wild west days' of the internet and social media. Through this piece, I aim to shed light on the pervasive nature of this issue, transcending the confines of Drake's rap beef. It's imperative to recognize that these occurrences are symptomatic of a broader systemic problem—a culture that has long permitted the sexualization and exploitation of young girls online. Join me as we confront these uncomfortable truths and advocate for meaningful change.

TIMESTAMPS:

✧ 00:00 – 03:23: Intro

✧ 03:23 – 10:27: quick timeline of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud

✧ 10:27 – 41:17: an analysis of the Kendrick lyrics that level accusations against Drake

✧ 41:17 – 01:07:16: six times Drake allegedly groomed young girls

✧ 01:08:17 – 01:26:24: The fine line between grooming, pedophilia, and the “age of consent” (+ an exploration of Angel Reese’s appearance on The Breakfast Club)

✧ 01:26:24 – 02:00:02: the circle jerk of sadness to grooming pipeline:how growing up during internet's wild west era arrested the sexual development of a generation (personal essay)

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.

Disclaimer: 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.

“why did you even have kids?” (how different generations have transmitted emotional neglect) [preview] May 03, 2024

Show notes

In this exclusive preview of a premium episode, join me as we delve into the intricate web of generational emotional neglect, exploring how historical, cultural, and social factors shaped parenting styles across the The WWI Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials. This journey through time reveals a pattern akin to a bizarre Russian doll, where dysfunctional parenting practices are passed down, layer by layer, impacting each subsequent generation.

Together, we'll unpack the profound effects these inherited behaviors have on our current struggles, offering insights that might just change how you view yourself and your lineage. By tracing the socioeconomic backgrounds, upbringing, and the worldviews of our ancestors, we connect dots that illuminate the roots of our own emotional landscapes. This episode not only deepens understanding but fosters a compassion for those who came before us, revealing the deep-seated origins of many modern psychological challenges.

For an even deeper exploration, don't miss my companion series on childhood emotional neglect, linked below. All episodes are free to listen.

PARENTAL GENERATIONS EXPLORED IN THIS EPISODE:

✧ “The Greatest Generation” (G.I. / WWII Generation): parents born between 1901-1927

✧ The Silent Generation: parents born between 1928 - 1945

✧ Baby Boomers: parents born between 1946 – 1964

✧ Generation X: parents born between 1965 - 1980

✧ Millennials (Generation Y): parents born between 1981 – 1996

Click here to listen to episode 1 of my childhood emotional neglect series on Apple Podcasts or here to listen on Spotify.

UNLOCK THE FULL VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: 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.

Disclaimer: 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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