WTF is on my Mind?! By cover art

WTF is on my Mind?!

By: Mark Vicente
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  • Summary

  • Author, Speaker, Whistleblower and award-winning Director Mark Vicente was behind the sleeper hit “What The Bleep Do We Know?!” Several books have been written about the film’s remarkable grassroots marketing campaign, which led to its unprecedented success.

    Mark was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1965. Taking his first photograph at age four, he quickly discovered his passion for being behind the camera. After attending film and drama school in South Africa, he began working his way up the ranks of the camera department, from Assistant to Operator to Cinematographer. His first big break came as Director of Photography on the musical “SARAFINA,” starring Whoopi Goldberg. In 1992, he set his sights on Hollywood and relocated to Los Angeles to shoot his first studio picture for Disney; “FATHERHOOD,” starring Patrick Swayze and Halle Berry. At the age of 26, he became one of the youngest cinematographers to shoot a big-budget studio picture.

    Over the next few decades, he went on to shoot an additional 14 feature films and numerous documentaries, music videos and commercials. Mark soon found there were in him, untold stories he desperately wanted to express as a Director. He was driven by the conviction that tales of greatness, nobility and introspection could be exciting and financially successful.

    Perhaps because of the very obvious race and class iniquities in South Africa, he found himself propelled to question certain fundamental assumptions at a very young age. Beliefs about human behavior, cosmology, religion, existentialism and mysticism. Along the way, he stumbled into a few situations where leaders with malignant pathologies (masquerading as saintly philosophers) spoke the talk of self-improvement but did untold damage to their followers... and him.

    Looking back, he can now say he has been in at least two cults. His last foray into personal growth and his defection from NXIVM was chronicled in the HBO series “The Vow”. Mark and a few plucky whistleblowers exposed the criminal activities of the organization, resulting in multiple arrests and indictments. He doesn’t consider himself a cult expert, but by his own admission, “I’m an expert in being screwed over, waking up, and knowing how to spot them.” He’s got a pretty salty approach to most things and is fascinated by the myriad patterns in the human psychodynamic that create the best and the worst in civilization.

    Join Mark as he unpacks a whole range of topics to do with: Psychology, Consciousness, Morality, Narcissistic Abuse, Spirituality, Cults, Propaganda, Science, Filmmaking, and Philosophy.You never quite know what you’re going to get, as it really does depend on… WTF is on his mind?!
    © 2024 WTF is on my Mind?!
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Episodes
  • "The Emperor's New Clothes" - Retold

    "The Emperor's New Clothes" - Retold
    Jul 28 2024

    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.

    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/
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    20 mins
  • A.I. & the Hollywood Collapse? w/ Adam G. Simon

    A.I. & the Hollywood Collapse? w/ Adam G. Simon
    Jul 18 2024

    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

    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/
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • From the Mormon Church to the Cult of Hollywood w/ Adam G. Simon

    From the Mormon Church to the Cult of Hollywood w/ Adam G. Simon
    Jul 7 2024

    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/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
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    1 hr and 56 mins
Art True Crime Social Sciences
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Profile Image for Alliey

A fascinating window into his lived experience

Listening through this podcast has felt like sitting down for a thought-provoking genuine conversation with a friend. Vicente remarkably discusses his thoughts and experience with coercive control with equally inquisitive and vulnerable nature. Upon catching up to the most present episode I found myself immediately seeking out his book for a deeper dive.

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Profile Image for Ebatcre

Great debrief!

Sensitive and kind as usual. Thank you for sharing such an emotional part of your experiences with us.

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Profile Image for Nancy S

So excited to find this

I always try to catch Mark on other people's podcasts, but how awesome is it he has one of his own? I especially like his exploration of how trauma has effected him (and everyone who has experienced it) in his journey as an artist/creative. Helpful insights.

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Profile Image for Andrea

Exceptional.

Mark, thank you for sharing this insight and sending healing thoughts and love to you, Bonnie, Sarah, Nippy, India and all of the victims that are waking up and finding there way back.
Bonnie’s song is so powerful and beautiful and I can’t wait to hear more.

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Profile Image for Genevieve

Great first guest

Coming from a background in psychology, it's fascinating listening to Mark & Mike discuss these experiences with cults. They do such a great job that it makes it easy for the listeners to understand the complex behavioral dynamics in high control systems. I wish I could sit down for coffee with these guys and continue this conversation.

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