In this episode: I retell the story of "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Anderson. Drawing parallels to our modern society, I explore concepts such as cognitive dissonance, cultic behavior, gaslighting, mass delusion, and the sunk cost fallacy. There are dire consequences for speaking the truth in a society that values conformity and obedience. I question the manipulation of public opinion and the suppression of dissenting voices.

00:00 Introduction
02:27 The Emperor's New Clothes
06:19 The Emperor's Deception and the Boy's Fate
09:44 The Emperor's Procession and Public Admiration
11:12 The Boy's Truth Denial and Condemnation
13:08 Silencing Dissent and Enforced Admiration
15:10 The Manipulation of Public Opinion
17:05 The Consequences of Speaking the Truth
18:03 Questioning the Prevailing Narratives
19:01 Closing Thoughts

Translation of Hans Christian Andersen's "Keiserens Nye Klæder" by Jean Hersholt.

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The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

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In this episode: I continue my discussion with Producer/Writer Adam G. Simon - about A.I. this time. We look at the ethical implications of A.I. and the lack of regulations and ethical constraints in its development. Adam discusses the state of Hollywood, describing it as a corrupt industry driven by money and power. He explores the impact of A.I. on storytelling and expresses his worries about the loss of creativity and the homogenization of content.

We discuss Nolan A.I. - a creative tool that empowers writers and filmmakers by providing co-writing, coverage, and deliverable creation features. It focuses on the individual creator's style and ideas, rather than relying on pre-existing works. Adam asserts that this particular A.I. is designed to enhance creativity and provide objective feedback, eliminating biases and nepotism often found in the industry. It allows creators to retain control over their work and bypass traditional gatekeepers.

The goal is to put the power back in the hands of creatives and disrupt the current education and production systems. However, we always need to be mindful of the ethical use of A.I. and the potential for it to be misused by those in power.

Adam's Instagram
Adam's Article
NOLAN.AI

Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:00 The Assassination Attempt
05:09 The Ethical Implications of AI
12:41 The Corrupt Nature of Hollywood
26:18 AI's Impact on Storytelling
34:53 The Need for a Shake-Up in Hollywood
35:20 Using AI like an Iron Man Suit
37:36 Nolan AI's Focus on Individual Creativity
40:59 Incredible Coverage and Feedback with Nolan AI
53:57 Putting Power Back in the Hands of Creatives
01:00:25 Objective Feedback and Eliminating Biases with Nolan AI
01:06:09 Collaboration and Maintaining Origin of Ideas

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The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente
Website: www.markvicente.com
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In this episode: I talk to Adam G. Simon, a screenwriter, producer, and actor. We discuss Adam's background as a bodyguard and close protection specialist, his experiences in the Mormon Church, and his journey of leaving the church. We also touch on the investigations department within the church and the control it exerts over its members.

We explore themes of abuse, manipulation, and the fear of leaving a religious community. Adam discusses his journey from Mormonism to questioning and leaving the church. He talks about the indoctrination he experienced as a child and the fear-based teachings about God.

We also explore propaganda and how it is prevalent in various aspects of society, including politics and intelligence operations. Adam emphasizes the importance of questioning and critical thinking in order to see through the lies and manipulation. He reflects on his journey as a filmmaker and the challenges he has faced in the industry.

Adam discusses the importance of creating his own content and owning it, rather than acquiescing to the powers that be in Hollywood. He also explores the cult-like nature of the entertainment industry, highlighting the propaganda and manipulation that exists within it.

00:00 Intro
03:11 Adam's Background as a Bodyguard and Close Protection Specialist
13:06 The Investigations Department within the Mormon Church
27:22 Discovering Abuse and Questioning the Church
36:43 Leaving the Church and Facing the Consequences
38:36 Indoctrination and Fear-based Teachings
43:09 Questioning and Leaving the Church
44:08 Recognizing Patterns of Propaganda
47:30 The Power of Questioning and Critical Thinking
52:22 Finding Truth and Authenticity
01:19:25 Creating Your Own Content and Owning It
01:33:20 The Cult-Like Nature of the Entertainment Industry
01:44:12 Valuing Life and Personal Relationships
01:50:42 Favorite Films: 'The Grey,' 'Man on Fire,' and 'Blade Runner'

Support the Show.

The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente
Website: www.markvicente.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
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In this Episode: I chat with Richard Grannon about the concept of narcissistic psychopathy and its impact on power structures and society. He delves into the characteristics of narcissistic psychopaths, their delusional and power-hungry nature, and their ability to manipulate and control others. The discussion highlights the dangers of narcissistic psychopathy becoming the dominant influence in societal structures and the need for cynicism and resistance. It also touches on the role of fantasy and ideology in shaping society, using examples like Facebook as a platform influenced by the owner's pathology. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic collapse and rebirth to address the pervasive influence of narcissistic psychopathy. We discuss the dynamics of being internalized by a cult leader and becoming a part of their system. Richard explains how individuals in a cult become mini-me’s, adopting the fragility, hypersensitivity, and narcissistic traits of the leader. We also get into the division and the manipulation of dividing lines by those in power. Richard emphasizes that the true dividing line in humanity is between humans and psychopaths, and that everything else is a distraction. He also discusses the creation of frames of reference by those in power and the limitations of our freedoms within those frames. We conclude our chat by exploring the idea of controlling our own fantasies and choosing healthier ones to navigate the abusive relationship with our culture.

https://www.richardgrannon.com/

https://members.richardgrannon.com/narcissistic-cults-decoded-course

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:34 Defining Narcissistic Psychopathy
06:00 The Will and Intentionality in Society
08:25 The Risks and Consequences of Seeking Power
12:23 The Importance of Cynicism and Resistance
16:13 Fantasy and Ideology in Shaping Society
17:33 The Need for Systemic Collapse and Rebirth
36:19 The True Dividing Line in Humanity
44:26 Manipulation of Frames of Reference
54:21 Terrifying Choices: Control or Free Fall
01:02:34 Controlling Our Own Fantasies

Support the Show.

The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente
Website: www.markvicente.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
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In this episode: A conversation with Professor of Evolutionary Psychology, Edward Dutton. We cover a wide range of topics, including the seminar on Narcissistic Psychopathy we just completed, the background of Professor Dutton, discussions on autism, the concept of heresy, controversial views, the adaptive nature of religion, and the influence of intelligence on manipulation and societal dynamics. The conversation delves into the societal shift towards dogma, the psychology of giving power to psychopathic leaders, and the departure from scientific reality. It explores the evolutionary basis for group behaviour, the impact of belief in lies on mental health, and the historical patterns of societal dogmas. We also touch on the association between traditional religiousness and mental health, as well as the impact of conformity to current beliefs on anxiety.

Professor of Evolutionary Psychology, Edward Dutton.
https://edwarddutton.com/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Narcissistic Psychopathy Seminar
04:17 Understanding Autism and the Concept of Heresy
12:52 Controversial Views and Their Impact on Societal Discourse
25:05 Intelligence, Manipulation, and Societal Dynamics
31:38 The Societal Shift Towards Dogma
35:29 The Evolutionary Basis for Group Behaviour
38:47 The Impact of Belief in Lies on Mental Health
52:46 Understanding the Psychology of Giving Power to Psychopathic Leaders
57:14 The Departure from Scientific Reality

Support the Show.

The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente
Website: www.markvicente.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
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In this episode: I interview Rob van Vuuren, a comedian and actor known for his character Namaste Bae. We discuss the origins of the character, the comedy scene in South Africa, and the dangers of certainty and cult-like behavior. Rob shares how he uses comedy to process the absurdity and insanity of everyday life. We also touch on the global appeal of alternative healing and the importance of vulnerability in comedy. Rob discusses his experiences as an artist and comedian, particularly in relation to his character Namaste Bae. He talks about the challenges of creating content and the interesting questions that arise about how people perceive his character. He also discusses the cathartic nature of comedy and the importance of empathy in connecting with audiences.
https://www.instagram.com/robvanvuuren/
https://linktr.ee/robvanvuuren
Rob's stand-up comedy show:
After wildly successful national and international tours and winning the Gold Standard Bank Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival 2023, Namaste Bae: Blessings and Kombucha is back. A healing ceremony unlike any you’ve ever experienced brought to you by the new age satirical guru taking social media by storm. Some say he was born with a bottle of kombucha in one hand and a yoga mat in the other during a Vedic Shadow Planet eclipse. Some say he takes all the psychedelics so you don’t have to. Some say he is still looking for a ticket to Burning Man. Whatever they say, Namaste Bae is the guru you both need and deserve. A self proclaimed oracle of the Mother Scoby, Namaste Bae will help you find yourself inside yourself and with the power of comedic catharsis he will help you give birth to a better version of yourself. Namaste Bae is the globally viral brainchild of multi-award winning South African comedian and actor Rob van Vuuren, and will provide you with a night of healing hilarity and titillating transcendence you won’t forget!

Chapters
00:00 Namaste Bae tries to connect with Mark
03:18 The Origins of Namaste Bae
08:02 Comedy and Insanity in South Africa
12:45 The Global Appeal and Pitfalls of Alternative Healing
13:44 Embracing Uncertainty and Fallibility
15:10 The Role of Comedy in South Africa
25:13 Finding Clarity and Responding vs Reacting
28:55 Navigating the Seduction of Fame and Power
32:06 Controlling the Narrative and Assumptions
32:58 The Cathartic Power of Comedy
44:35 Challenging Perceptions through Comedy
52:53 The Fulfillment of the Artistic Journey
59:37 Releasing the Pressure through Comedy
01:01:03 Navigating a Confusing and Polarized World
01:04:09 Staying Curious and Finding Fulfillment as an Artist

Support the Show.

The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente
Website: www.markvicente.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
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In this episode: I discuss the concept of the goodness trap, where people become so attached to the idea of being good that they ignore or justify bad behavior. I explore how this trap can be seen in various contexts, such as political extremism, cults, and the protection of institutions. I also highlight the danger of virtue signaling and the need for individuals to critically examine their own ideological teams and actions. I encourage listeners to engage in nuance and self-reflection rather than simply pointing out the flaws in others.

00:00 Introduction and the Viral John Cleese Reel
03:19 Us vs. Them Mentality
08:05 The Dilemma of Protecting Institutions
14:06 Virtue Signaling and the Protection of Children
23:46 The Danger of Pretending to Be Good
26:39 Examining Our Own Teams and Engaging in Nuance

Support the Show.

The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente
Website: www.markvicente.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

In this Episode: Author, Lecturer & Behavioural Scientist Patrick Fagan and I delve into the topics of brainwashing, propaganda, manipulation, and the impact of psychological tactics on behaviour. We explore the influence of communication, media, and societal forces on individuals, as well as the role of trauma and vulnerability in susceptibility to manipulation. The discussion also touches on the concept of the 'blip' and its role in creating vulnerability, as well as the use of psychological tactics in intelligence and political agendas. We also cover the manipulation techniques used in propaganda, brainwashing, and influence and explore the impact of cognitive biases, the power of visual imagery, and the illusion of control. Finally, we talk about immunity from manipulation and the internal journey of self-awareness and humility.

FREE YOUR MIND: The new world of manipulation and how to resist it.
Written by Laura Dodsworth & Patrick Fagan

Laura is an Author, Journalist and Photographer.

Patrick is a Behavioural Scientist, Author & Lecturer

Weaponizing Filmmaking

GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE 1

GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE 2

Chapters
00:00 The Influence of Brainwashing and Propaganda
19:28 The Vulnerability of the 'Blip'
21:18 Psychological Tactics and Manipulation
28:01 Intelligence, Politics, and Psychological Influence
33:19 Unraveling Manipulation Techniques
42:15 The Power of Visual Imagery
47:30 The Illusion of Control and Cognitive Biases
59:39 Developing Immunity from Manipulation
01:03:22 The Journey of Self-Awareness and Humility

brainwashing, propaganda, manipulation, psychological tactics, communication, media, societal influence, trauma, vulnerability, blip, psychological resistance, intelligence, political agendas, propaganda, brainwashing, cognitive biases, visual imagery, illusion of control, immunity, self-awareness, humility

Support the Show.

The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente
Website: www.markvicente.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/