Podcasts · Religion & Spirituality · Society & Culture

Back from the Borderline

Mollie Adler

300 episodes · Explicit

Back from the Borderline explores how human beings construct, inherit, interpret and sometimes misunderstand the ideas and beliefs through which they experience reality. Through depth psychology, religious history, Western esotericism and philosophy, I investigate how we come to believe what we believe, who influences those beliefs and how they affect the way we understand ourselves and the world.

More about the show

A lot of my work comes back to the relationship between consciousness, belief and power.

How do institutions influence what people consider true, and why do we sometimes defend explanations we’ve never seriously questioned? Following these questions has taken me into some pretty unexpected territory, from early Christianity and the Western occult tradition to Jungian psychology, artificial intelligence and anomalous experiences. I’m also drawn to the ways spiritual teachings change as they’re passed between generations, and how institutions can preserve extraordinary wisdom while sometimes interfering with the very spiritual development they were meant to encourage.

You’ll find conversations with scholars and independent researchers here, alongside long-form essays where I spend time with historical sources and competing interpretations. Some of the ideas I explore are controversial. Others have been debated for centuries, although most of us were never taught much about them. I don’t assume an institution is correct because it has authority, or that an unconventional theory is true because someone claims it was suppressed. I’m willing to reconsider my own conclusions as I learn, and I hope you’ll feel encouraged to do the same.

I started this podcast years ago while trying to understand my own mind. Those early investigations into psychological suffering gradually led me toward the philosophical and religious traditions through which people have understood consciousness and human experience for centuries. There’s quite an archive here now, and I’ve kept much of it available, including episodes that reflect ideas I’ve since reconsidered.

If you’re new, you can start wherever you like. There’s no need to go all the way back to the first episode.

Even the title has taken on a different meaning over the years. Back from the Borderline now speaks to the boundaries I keep finding myself investigating, between psychology and theology, science and spiritual experience, accepted knowledge and ideas that have been pushed aside. I hope this can be a place where we explore those questions together, develop our own judgment and consider how what we learn might change the way we live.

You can explore the full podcast archive, House of Cards, my ongoing Tarot series, and MOODS, my reflective intelligence app, at backfromtheborderline.com. Patreon members can also connect their membership to Spotify to listen to the complete archive there.

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Episodes page 4 of 6

  1. mind unveiled part 2: carl jung and the advent of spiritual psychology

    · 48 min · Explicit

    How do your dreams, symbols, and personal myths shape the life you’re living? What hidden dimensions of your psyche are waiting to be uncovered? In this episode of Mind Unveiled, we turn our focus to Carl Jung - a…

  2. anatomy of evil: britney spears (from pop princess to public prisoner – a story of exploitation and control) [preview]

    · 52 min · Explicit

    Britney Spears has been both a symbol of the dazzling heights of pop stardom and a stark reflection of the exploitation that fame often conceals. Her story invites us to look beyond the glittering façade and into the…

  3. mind unveiled part 1: the birth of psychotherapy and the theories of sigmund freud

    · 1 h 15 min · Explicit

    Welcome to part one of Mind Unveiled, a six-part series exploring the origins and evolution of depth psychology. To understand how modern psychology impacts us today, we need to go back to its roots: the controversial…

  4. from hashtag to holy: reclaiming the mystical art of manifestation from the clutches of social media [preview]

    · 49 min · Explicit

    What if everything you’ve been told about manifesting your ideal reality isn’t just oversimplified but fundamentally misguided? In a world where the art of manifestation is often sold as a quick fix for acquiring your…

  5. what if the chains of your past are looser than you think? (breaking free from trauma bonding and repetition compulsion)

    · 28 min · Explicit

    Have you ever felt like you're stuck in a cycle, repeating the same mistakes, attracting the same toxic relationships, and feeling trapped in your own patterns? In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that affects us…

  6. introducing my new podcast, “back from the borderline baby.”

    · 20 min

    Motherhood cracked me wide open. It’s not the polished journey you see on Instagram or the step-by-step guides in books—it’s raw, unrelenting, and transformative in ways I never expected. That’s why I’ve launched Back…

  7. self-mastery part 2: embracing the journey through life and soul cycles

    · 1 h 12 min · Explicit

    Are you ready to dive deeper into the untapped realms of self-mastery and understand the powerful cycles that govern our lives? In this final part of our two-part series, we’ll expand on the insights from our first…

  8. the systemic grooming of a generation (part 1): the unseen puppeteers of the media and pharmaceutical conspiracy [preview]

    · 43 min · Explicit

    Have you ever questioned why "chemical imbalance" and "mental illness" are the go-to explanations for our emotional struggles? What if these ideas have been deliberately planted in our minds by powerful forces? In this…

  9. self-mastery part 1: becoming a free agent and understanding the cycles of life

    · 50 min · Explicit

    Do you ever feel like you’re just reacting to life's script rather than writing your own? Are you tired of the same old self-help advice that doesn't quite resonate with your deeper instincts about the universe? This…

  10. sleeping with 100 men in a day: a psychological deep dive into sex, self-harm, and lily phillips

    · 3 h 56 min · Explicit

    You’ve seen the headlines, maybe even watched the documentary—but what’s missing from the noise surrounding Lily Phillips’ viral stunt is a truly nuanced conversation. In this nearly four-hour deep dive, we strip away…

  11. new age or new cage? (walking the tightrope of digital spirituality) [preview]

    · 34 min · Explicit

    In this episode, we’re exploring why more of us are forging our own spiritual paths, stepping away from organized religion and venturing into uncharted territories. We'll examine how this shift empowers us, yet also…

  12. the millennials who were groomed by the internet: my story, jay-z and diddy

    · 2 h 12 min · Explicit

    The early internet was chaos—a digital Wild West with no rules, no boundaries, and no protection. It was a breeding ground for predators, a place where manipulation could flourish unseen. Millennials were the first…

  13. anatomy of evil: h.h. holmes (how victorian vice shaped the mask of a gentleman killer) [preview]

    · 46 min · Explicit

    In this episode of "Anatomy of Evil," I peel back the velvet curtain of the Victorian era to reveal the disturbing world of H.H. Holmes, America’s first documented serial killer. His story isn't just a tale of murder…

  14. unplugging from the matrix: 10 arguments for deleting your social media right now

    · 1 h 16 min · Explicit

    If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” This incisive observation, often attributed to Andrew Lewis, lays bare the unsettling reality of our digital age. In this episode, we dissect Jaron Lanier’s…

  15. “when trauma becomes your identity, that’s a dangerous thing” [preview]

    · 32 min · Explicit

    What's shaping our identities today? It seems like 'trauma' is the word on everyone's lips. From personal battles to cultural debates, the concept has infiltrated our conversations and our consciousness. But when did…

  16. the inner temple: an ASMR ceremony of self-initiation

    · 1 h 36 min

    You are about to step into a liminal space—a threshold between the seen and unseen, the known and the infinite. What you will hear is not merely words but a vibration, a key that unlocks the forgotten corridors of your…

  17. do you act like you were never held as a baby? (how unmet needs in infancy might be sabotaging your ability to find love)

    · 1 h 37 min · Explicit

    You’ve likely heard variations of the phrase: 'Wow, you must not have received enough love as a child,' or 'you’re acting like you were never held as a baby.' It’s a common enough saying—often delivered as a joke—but…

  18. could your entire life be a virtual simulation? (unveiling what lies beyond the illusions we accept as reality) [preview]

    · 28 min · Explicit

    Have you ever considered that what you see and experience every day might not be the whole truth? What if the reality we interact with is just a simplified version, like a veil pulled over our eyes? This is the…

  19. are you turning self-care into a form of self-punishment? (moving beyond hyper-control, emotional numbing and the body-mind disconnection)

    · 24 min · Explicit

    Have you ever found yourself neglecting essential needs like eating, drinking, or moving your body, only to spiral into a state of reactivity and emotional turmoil? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll delve into…

  20. this episode isn’t about UFOs – it’s about YOU [part 2]

    · 2 h 31 min · Explicit

    I never planned to create a part two. When I released “This Isn’t About UFOs, It’s About You,” I thought I was done. I had shared everything I felt called to share—synchronicities, historical insights, and my own…

  21. has adulthood robbed you of youth’s magic? (reclaiming healing in unscheduled moments) [premium preview]

    · 28 min · Explicit

    Have you ever wondered why the carefree days of your youth felt so magical? Those spontaneous adventures with friends, the endless walks, and the impromptu activities that seemed to hold a unique kind of freedom—where…

  22. is social media convincing us that everyone cheats? (unraveling the myth of universal infidelity)

    · 1 h 07 min · Explicit

    In this episode, we’re deep into the compelling world of social media and its profound impact on our perceptions of love and fidelity. In a digital age where every click, like, and share shapes our reality, it's…

  23. this episode isn’t about UFOs – it’s about YOU [part 1]

    · 3 h 16 min · Explicit

    The veils are lifting. Are you ready to see the truth? Why is humanity more mentally and physically unwell than ever before? Why are we so disconnected from ourselves, each other, and the world—despite living in the…

  24. no f*cks given: inside the rise of emotional detachment (and what it's doing to us)

    · 30 min · Explicit

    When did caring become “cringe”? In a world that champions irony over sincerity and detachment over vulnerability, it seems like not giving a f*ck has become the ultimate form of self-protection. In this episode, we’re…

  25. how to recognize (and break) the cycle of relationship OCD

    · 1 h 25 min · Explicit

    Do you find yourself constantly questioning your feelings in a relationship, or feel the need to check your partner’s phone to ease your doubts? Maybe you seek reassurance from friends whenever something feels “off.”…

  26. are you in your drama era? (how to cleanse your life of conflict once and for all) [preview]

    · 39 min · Explicit

    Drama doesn’t just happen to us—we unknowingly play a part in it. Living in a cycle of constant conflict can feel like being stuck in quicksand—every move seems to pull you deeper. It’s exhausting, isolating, and can…

  27. beyond black and white: navigating moral purity in the age of cancel culture

    · 1 h 00 min · Explicit

    Have we created a world where one wrong word can cast you out? In this episode, we explore how today’s culture of moral judgment can feel like a modern-day witch hunt—a relentless search for flaws and “wrong” opinions…

  28. anatomy of evil: the fear of female rage [preview]

    · 37 min · Explicit

    What is it about women in horror that both fascinates and frightens us? This Halloween, we dig into the roots of the "Monstrous Feminine," exploring why these unsettling portrayals linger in our minds. In this episode,…

  29. for anyone who lies awake at night wondering wtf the point is (transforming existential terror into acceptance of life’s impermanence)

    · 38 min · Explicit

    Do you find yourself lying awake at night, terrified of death, paralyzed by the concept of forever, and gripped by the fear of losing the people you love? Many of us do everything in our power to distract ourselves…

  30. in a world where we are glorifying and glamorizing our psychological suffering, are we losing the ability to overcome it? [preview]

    · 49 min · Explicit

    Have you ever felt like your mental health struggles are being dismissed as just part of a 'mental health crisis' without anyone addressing the root causes? Do you sense there's a deeper story behind the psychological…

  31. healing childhood trauma with fairy tales: transforming emotional wounds with the handless maiden

    · 1 h 08 min · Explicit

    Have you ever felt like parts of your own story were out of your control? Did you know that you can use myths and fairy tales, along with their characters and symbols, to understand and transform your own recovery…

  32. is it your attachment style, or is it just the wrong relationship? [preview]

    · 38 min · Explicit

    Spoiler alert: understanding your attachment style (and everyone else’s for that matter) is not the magical key to solving all your relationship woes. In today’s episode, we’re diving headfirst into the world of…

  33. when self-help stops helping: recognizing when therapy and introspection might be doing more harm than good

    · 53 min · Explicit

    Are you stuck in a cycle of self-reflection that seems to circle back rather than propel you forward? When does introspection stop being helpful? It's not uncommon to reach a point where you understand the contours of…

  34. is there a ‘normal’ amount of sex in a relationship? [preview]

    · 43 min · Explicit

    How often should you and your partner be having sex? Is there a magic number that signifies a healthy relationship? It’s easy to obsess over these questions, and sometimes, this fixation can even harm stable, loving…

  35. unlock higher states of consciousness by understanding the different levels of thinking (exploring ken wilber’s AQAL integral theory)

    · 1 h 44 min · Explicit

    Have you ever stopped to consider your own level of consciousness? Did you know that your way of thinking impacts every aspect of your life, your relationships, and how you navigate the world around you? This episode…

  36. anatomy of evil: the salem witch trials (puritan paranoia, mass hysteria, and social scapegoating) [preview]

    · 49 min · Explicit

    In this episode of "Anatomy of Evil," I peel back the curtain on the infamous Salem Witch Trials, diving deep into the murky waters of human fear and legal injustice that define one of America's most haunting…

  37. are we blind to our own cultural sickness? (lessons from the mouse utopia experiment and behavioral sink)

    · 58 min · Explicit

    On today’s episode, you’ll discover how the environment and culture an individual is immersed in can actively shape—and even create—illnesses and behaviors. We’ll explore the little-known “mouse utopia” experiment,…

  38. the dark side of cosmetic surgery: real stories of regret [preview]

    · 33 min · Explicit

    Have you ever thought that a cosmetic procedure might transform your life, only to worry it could lead to crushing debt and lasting regret? In this hard-hitting episode, we dive deep into the world of cosmetic surgery…

  39. too much to handle: understanding the power of your emotional intensity, sensory sensitivity, and overexcitabilities

    · 1 h 18 min · Explicit

    Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your big emotions, or found yourself misunderstood for being 'too much,' 'overly dramatic,' or just different from others? Sometimes it can feel like our heightened sensitivity is more…

  40. the 48 laws of power: episode 3 (laws for self-protection) [preview]

    · 45 min · Explicit

    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…

  41. were you under-mothered? exploring the generational impact of “mother hunger”

    · 1 h 32 min · Explicit

    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…

  42. the 48 laws of power: episode 2 (laws for taking your power BACK) [preview]

    · 45 min · Explicit

    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…

  43. the new gods: how commercialized spirituality and therapy culture have become dogmatic modern religions

    · 1 h 10 min · Explicit

    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…

  44. the 48 laws of power: episode 1 (laws to recognize signs of manipulation) [preview]

    · 54 min · Explicit

    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…

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

    · 2 h 02 min · Explicit

    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.…

  46. anatomy of evil – aileen wuornos (challenging the “monster myth:” trauma, gender bias, systemic failures and media exploitation) [preview]

    · 55 min · Explicit

    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…

  47. rose cartwright’s path from the poster girl for OCD to psychedelic awakening and holistic healing

    · 1 h 38 min · Explicit

    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…

  48. the interstitium uncovered: trauma, healing, and your body’s hidden fluid spaces [preview]

    · 26 min · Explicit

    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…

  49. girlbosses and tradwives: embracing fluidity in parenthood and partnership

    · 59 min · Explicit

    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…

  50. how to stop turning every minor concern into a major meltdown [preview]

    · 23 min · Explicit

    Have you ever wondered why some days feel like a relentless highlight reel of your mistakes? Or why a minor setback can sometimes seem like an insurmountable hurdle? In this episode, I delve into the psychological…

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