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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:

healing from religious trauma using the philosophy of the mystics Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we venture into the profound and often challenging terrain of religious upbringing and its enduring effects. Bob Peck, author of Original Sin is a Lie, joins us to unpack the emotional and psychological aftermath of growing up within fundamentalist religious frameworks. Together, we examine how rigid doctrines can embed feelings of unworthiness and how mystical philosophies might provide a healing antidote for those grappling with religious trauma. Bob brings his background in Religious Studies and years of spiritual exploration to our discussion, offering insights into bridging science and spirituality and challenging the limitations of a purely rational mindset. We also discuss psychedelics’ role in trauma healing, navigating the balance between their potential for spiritual awakening and the risks involved. Whether you’re healing from religious trauma, seeking a deeper spiritual practice, or exploring alternative pathways to inner peace, this episode offers a thought-provoking dive into reclaiming one’s sense of worth and authenticity.

Topics Discussed:

Unpacking Religious Trauma: How fundamentalist ideologies foster feelings of shame and unworthiness.
Healing Beyond Dogma: The journey to reclaim spirituality through mysticism and self-compassion.
The Role of Mystics: How figures like Rumi, Meister Eckhart, and other spiritual visionaries provide a bridge for integrating spiritual awareness.
Science and Spirituality: Why they don’t have to be at odds—and how they can coexist in a modern spiritual practice.
Challenges of a Hyper-Rational Mindset: Recognizing when logic and analysis inhibit deeper emotional and spiritual healing.
Psychedelics in Trauma Healing: A balanced look at the potential and pitfalls of using psychedelics for healing from deep-seated religious trauma.
Building an Integral Spiritual Practice: Moving from dogma to an inclusive spirituality that fosters self-worth, personal insight, and connection.

Bob Peck’s unique journey and insights offer fresh perspectives for anyone questioning traditional religious teachings and searching for a more expansive, compassionate understanding of spirituality. Prepare for an enlightening conversation that explores the intersection of religion, mysticism, and self-discovery in the pursuit of a genuinely fulfilling life.

Connect with Bob at https://www.originalsinisalie.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.

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.

venting or vicious: escaping the grip of toxic gossip [preview] Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

In this premium preview, we’re diving deep into the timeless and complex world of gossip. From its ancient social roots to the tabloid frenzy of the '90s, gossip has played a significant role in shaping societies, beliefs, and relationships. This episode unpacks why gossip seems to be an irresistible human behavior, drawing insights from evolutionary psychology and cultural studies. You’ll gain practical guidance on managing a gossip habit, navigating rumors, and understanding how different spiritual traditions view the morality of gossip. We’ll explore how gossip can sometimes serve a social purpose, helping to strengthen group bonds or reinforce social norms—but we’ll also look at how it turns toxic, and the lasting impact it can leave on people’s lives. This episode will shed light on why we gossip, when it becomes harmful, and what you can do to shift away from it when it no longer serves you.

Topics Discussed:

What is Gossip, Really? A deep dive into gossip as a social and psychological phenomenon.
Evolutionary Roots of Gossip: Can gossip serve a constructive social function, or is it purely harmful?
Psychology of Gossip: Why are people so drawn to gossip, and what does it reveal about our minds and needs?
When Gossip Becomes Toxic: How to recognize when sharing information crosses the line into damaging behavior.
Venting vs. Gossip: Learn to distinguish between releasing frustration and spreading harmful rumors.
Celebrity Culture’s Influence: How tabloid journalism and ‘90s celebrity culture shifted our relationship with rumors and gossip.
Gender and Gossip: Exploring stereotypes about who gossips more and what research reveals about this gendered myth.
Breaking the Gossip Cycle: Strategies for breaking free from a gossip habit.
Coping with Being the Subject of Gossip: How to maintain self-worth and navigate rumors about yourself.
Spiritual Perspectives on Gossip: How different spiritual teachings approach and critique gossip.

This episode promises a balanced exploration of gossip’s social functions and personal impacts, offering a fresh perspective on why we gossip and how we can choose a path that supports healthier, more authentic connections.

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.

embracing your crazy while falling apart and coming back together Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Taune Lyons, a licensed marriage and family therapist whose mission is to empower individuals to uncover the healing potential within themselves. Together, we dive deep into transformative practices for managing emotions, confronting our inner shadows, and understanding the unconscious patterns that shape our lives. Taune’s compassionate approach and wealth of knowledge make this conversation a must-listen for anyone ready to break free from self-defeating patterns and take conscious steps toward growth. Through our discussion, you’ll gain practical tools to help you pause and reflect before reacting to triggers, as well as learn how attachment styles and shadow work influence emotional regulation. We also tackle how to set healthy boundaries, not just with those around us, but within the therapeutic relationship itself.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

Building Emotional Awareness: Learning the power of the “pause” before reacting, and how this simple practice can fundamentally shift your life.
Breaking Free from Self-Sabotage: Insights into overcoming self-defeating behaviors, even when you’re aware of your patterns but feel stuck.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecies and Belief Patterns: Unpacking how deeply ingrained beliefs like “I’ll never succeed in this field” or “I’m always abandoned” can limit your potential.
Healthy Anger as Initiation: Embracing anger as a valuable, initiatory experience rather than a destructive force.
Attachment Theory Explained: A look at attachment styles and why understanding them is key to emotional regulation and deeper connection.
Exploring the Shadow Self: Discover how shadow work can reveal unconscious triggers and empower more authentic self-expression.
Therapy Boundaries: Navigating transference, countertransference, and how to establish boundaries in the therapeutic relationship.
Uncovering Unconscious Influences: Recognizing how identification with unconscious thoughts and the collective unconscious can drive our decisions if left unchecked.
Identifying Dysfunctional Systems: How family, societal, religious, and workplace dynamics can subtly shape our behaviors and beliefs.
Projection Awareness: How to recognize when you’re projecting onto others or when someone else is projecting onto you.

Connect with Taune:

https://www.taunelyons.com
Instagram: @taunelyons

Resources:

✧ Healing Rage: Women Making Inner Peace Possible by Ruth King

✧ Trauma and the Supernatural in Psychotherapy by Alex Monk

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.

unlocking emotional freedom: a guide to EFT tapping [preview] Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

In this preview of a Premium Submarine exclusive episode, we'll be expanding on the topics covered in my conversation with Dr. Larry Burk and explore the world of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a powerful tool for healing emotional wounds and overcoming trauma.Together, we'll demystify what EFT is and how it can help you release the grip of painful emotional experiences. Through my obsessive research, I'll break down the technique, providing a step-by-step guide to using EFT for yourself. You'll learn how tapping on specific points can bring emotional relief, ground us back into our bodies, and help rewire negative beliefs. I'm really excited to hear what you all think after you've given this a shot. I've been utilizing EFT since my interview with Larry, and I'm shocked at how quickly it can bring me out of a dissociative state and back into my body after a particularly triggering experience or when I fall into my frequent states of overwhelm.

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.

from mainstream to energy medicine with dr. larry burk Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we’ll embark on a fascinating journey with Dr. Larry Burk, a medical maverick who transitioned from mainstream medicine at Duke University to the realm of energy healing. Explore the untold stories of past pioneers of medicine like Ignaz Semmelweis, a 'savior of mothers' who was shamed for his “unconventional” groundbreaking ideas, only to be validated in the end, but only after his death. Larry and I also delve into the profound mind-body connection, uncovering how chronic pain and immune issues are intimately tied to our emotions and early life traumas. Dr. Burk shares his work with survivors of the MK Ultra experiments, revealing the resilience of the human spirit. You’ll also discover the transformative power of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping) and gain insights from the ACE study, which revolutionized our understanding of how early-life trauma affects our physical health. This episode is your invitation to open your mind and embrace the unconventional healing methods of the future.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Visit Dr. Burk’s website at www.letmagichappen.com

• “It Didn’t Start with You” by Mark Wolynn

• “The Psychology of Totalitarianism” by Mattias Desmet

• Tapping with Brad (YouTube Channel)

• “Out on a Limb” Film by Shirley MacLaine (Free on YouTube)

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.

"my phobia of death and dying is making it impossible for me to truly LIVE” [preview] Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

Tune in for a free preview of this premium BFTB episode where we discuss all things related to how to cope with anxious or phobic feelings around death and dying. I understand this fear deeply because it’s ruled much of my life. And chances are it’s ruling yours, too. Turns out that learning more deeply about this subject and exploring how other cultures approach it instead of shoving my fears down further into my psyche has helped me more than anything else so far. I hope what I share can help, even just a bit. Because let's face it - the fact is that the idea of death is scary as hell for everyone, even if they won't admit it.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

✧ How to become more comfortable with the idea of death and dying

✧ What is Thanatophobia? (death anxiety / fear of death) – symptoms and overcoming it

✧ How different cultures deal with and view death (and the major differences between East and West)

✧ An exploration on Ram Dass’ view on death and dying: “Death is perfectly safe. It’s like taking off a tight shoe.”

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.

processing complicated feelings around death and grief through working with the unseen worlds Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

What if you could tap into the wisdom of those who have passed on, making their guidance available at your fingertips? Perdita Finn believes it's not only possible but essential. In her book, "Take Back the Magic: Conversations with the Unseen World," she invites us to reclaim the forgotten guidance of the deceased and rekindle the magic and miracles in our lives. Finn masterfully weaves memoir, history, and a non-denominational spirituality rooted in ecology, encouraging readers to embrace the idea that the stories of our lives are far older, grander, and more compassionate than we've been led to believe. The journey she takes us on is one of healing, possibility, and love, as she shares her personal story of reconciling with her patriarchal father long after his passing.

This episode will resonate most deeply with you if:

✧ You struggle with anxious or phobic feelings around death and dying (Thanatophobia)

✧ You are dealing with bereavement and grief after the death of a loved one

✧ You have lost someone with whom you’ve had a difficult or complicated relationship (how to process the death of someone who negatively affected your life)

✧ You battle with feelings of “affective ambivalence” (when you love and hate someone at the same time)

✧ You want to learn how to better process your feelings of rage, anger and resentment

✧ You have always felt the deep sense of interconnectedness of all living beings

✧ You’re seeking to tap into / deepen your trust with your intuition

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – 01:27: Voicemail from Mikayla

01:27 – 08:02: The importance of developing a more flexible, holistic, and integral perspective when it comes to spirituality

08:02 – 15:32: How different cultures honor, pay respects to, and engage with the dead

15:32 – 20:53: About my guest, Perdita Finn

20:53 – 01:20:55: Interview with Perdita Finn

RESOURCES

✧ Click here to buy “Take Back the Magic: Conversations with the Unseen World”

✧ Click here to read my Substack article on revenge and repressed anger

✧ Click here to subscribe to Perdita’s Substack

✧ Click here to read more about The Finn/Clark family’s free non-denominational Rosary groups

✧ Click here to read the book Perdita co-wrote with her “reluctant” psychic

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.

why you keep falling in limerence with unavailable people who break your heart [preview] Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

In this Premium Submarine exclusive, you’ll hear a preview of my response to a voicemail from a listener who is stumped as to why she continues to fall into the repetitive pattern of falling fast for unavailable partners.

Questions answered + topics discussed in this episode:

✧ What is limerence?

✧ How to tell if your feelings for your romantic interest are infatuation or love

✧ What are the stages of limerence?

✧ How to manage limerent feelings and stop repeating self-sabotaging patterns

✧ Why some people are attracted to more avoidant partners (and why anxious and avoidant people tend to attract one another)

✧ Why do anxiously attached individuals often begin to resent or split on more avoidant partners

✧ How growing up in dysfunctional high-conflict homes can make us more attracted to high-conflict relationships (making safe/kind partners seem “boring”)

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.

unlock the source code to your imagination matrix with stephen aizenstat, Ph.D Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Ever feel like you’ve hit a dead end in your recovery journey? Like you’re the one person destined to remain stuck in cycles of trauma, self-sabotage, and doubt? What if the answers you’re seeking are already within you, waiting to be accessed? In this transformative episode, we explore the healing power of imagination, creativity, and inner wisdom. Dr. Stephen Aizenstat, a pioneer in the field of depth psychology, joins me to guide us through reconnecting with our deeper selves. By tapping into this “core matrix” of imagination, we can access a greater intelligence that not only heals but also empowers us to become the agents of change our world needs.

Dr. Aizenstat, founder of Pacifica Graduate Institute and Dream Tending, has collaborated with leading minds in psychology, mythology, and indigenous wisdom to explore the profound role of dreams and imagination in healing. His decades-long work offers practical insights for those ready to step beyond the limitations of rational thinking and embrace a more holistic, creative approach to growth and self-discovery.

Topics Covered and Questions Answered in This Episode:

The Role of Imagination in Healing: How reclaiming creativity and imagination in adulthood can provide us with transformative insights often overlooked by rational thinking.
Why Modern Culture Disregards Intuition: Exploring the Western preference for logic over intuition and the cultural shift that suppressed our imaginative faculties.
Active Imagination as a Tool for Self-Discovery: Using imagination to connect with our inner "parts" or "subpersonalities" and integrate them into a more harmonious self.
Reframing Suicidal Thoughts as a Call for Transformation: Understanding deep emotional pain as a signal for psychic initiation or change.
Grief Rituals and Healing: The role of intentional rituals in processing grief and fostering emotional resilience.
Projection and Relational Pain: Why we often project unresolved pain onto others and how to reclaim ownership of these feelings.
Facing Ambivalence about Death: Acknowledging and exploring our fears around mortality as part of a holistic healing journey.
Tuning into the Inner Self: Practical ways to connect with the deeper self, whether seen as True Nature, Higher Self, Buddha-nature, or Christ-consciousness.
The Life-Changing Power of Curiosity: How cultivating a curious approach toward life can shift our mental state and open us to new possibilities.
Healing Emptiness by Engaging with Your “Inner Council”: Developing a relationship with your inner guides and mentors to navigate chronic feelings of emptiness.

Resources:

✧ Click here to purchase Stephen’s new book “The Imagination Matrix”

✧ Visit https://dreamtending.com/ to learn more about Stephen’s Dream Tending programs

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.

our paradigm-shifting UAP experience with the bledsoe family [free preview] Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

This is a free preview of episode one of "Unbuttoned. My new "podcast within a podcast" with my partner in crime (and life) Zaz. To unlock the full episode (as well as hundreds of hours of other bonus content) sign up for my Patreon community today. More details on that below. ↴

References:

◦ UFO of God by Chris Bledsoe

◦ Duncan Trussell Family Hour Podcast – E574: Ryan Bledsoe

◦ UFOs and Miracles – interview with Chris Bledsoe on New Thinking Allowed with Jeffrey Mishlove, PhD

Craving more episodes like this one? Want to unlock the full version? 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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