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 5 of 6

  1. mean girls: healing from and overcoming the hidden harms of female bullying

    · 1 h 03 min · Explicit

    In this episode, we're diving into the covert and damaging world of 'mean girl' behavior, exploring its impact from high school to the workplace. Discover what this very specific form of nonphysical bullying…

  2. anatomy of evil: charles manson (charisma, manipulation, and control) [preview]

    · 41 min · Explicit

    In this very first episode in my “Anatomy of Evil” series, I delve deep into the complex psychological landscape of Charles Manson, exploring the dark interplay between personality, power, and manipulation. Join me as…

  3. online stigma and BPD: reacting to the internet's worst takes on pete davidson and jenna ortega

    · 1 h 21 min · Explicit

    ↓ Want to unlock ALL my BPD-related episodes? Scroll to the bottom of this post for more info. ↓ Episode Description: This episode was inspired by a viral tweet about rumors swirling regarding Pete Davidson’s alleged…

  4. the antidepressant controversy: inside the heated debate over SSRI withdrawal symptoms

    · 58 min · Explicit

    Have you ever wondered about the real risks of antidepressants? Do you feel like the information you're getting from the psychiatric establishment and pharmaceutical companies might not be the whole truth? In this…

  5. how to work with your dreams: uncovering your soul’s messages and transforming trauma with louise rosager

    · 1 h 07 min · Explicit

    Join me for an intimate conversation with Louise Rosager, a celebrated dreamwork teacher and creative coach, who has transformed countless lives by reconnecting people with the potent messages of their subconscious…

  6. takedown: laila mickelwait’s battle to expose the 'executive megapimps' behind pornhub's sex crimes

    · 1 h 23 min · Explicit

    Join me for a conversation with Laila Mickelwait, a fearless anti-human-trafficking activist and the author of the newly released book, Takedown: Inside the Fight to Shut Down PornHub, a gripping account of her journey…

  7. mending mind and spirit: the path of sacred psychiatry with dr. judy tsafrir

    · 1 h 52 min · Explicit

    Join me for a transformative journey with Dr. Judy Tsafrir, a board-certified psychiatrist, Harvard Medical School faculty member, and a visionary in the field of mental health. A recipient of the 2024 Silver Nautilus…

  8. old tricks, new faces: modern female pickup artists and their (outdated) 90s dating playbook [preview]

    · 27 min · Explicit

    Does he actually love you, or is he just tolerating you for as long as it takes him to get what he REALLY wants? It's a jarring question, one that challenges the very foundation of romantic relationships. But it's…

  9. how psychiatry became the fast food of mental health treatments: exposing systemic failures and hidden agendas with dr. roger mcfillin

    · 1 h 48 min · Explicit

    In this hard-hitting episode, I sit down with Dr. Roger McFillin, a board-certified clinical psychologist, executive director of the Center for Integrated Behavioral Health, and host of the globally popular "Radically…

  10. the evolution of melancholia: from ancient narratives to modern depression [preview]

    · 24 min · Explicit

    What if everything we think we know about depression is wrong? What if the very framework we've built around the concept of depression has been shaped, not by the inherent nature of the experience, but by changing…

  11. healing your dysregulated nervous system: from flailing through life to micro-dosing silence with elisabeth kristof

    · 1 h 28 min · Explicit

    In this episode, I sit down with Elisabeth Kristof, an expert in nervous system health and trauma resolution, the founder of Brain-Based Wellness and a co-host of the Trauma Rewired podcast. Elisabeth shares her…

  12. the beauty paradox: unpacking our toxic obsession with youth and appearance [preview]

    · 39 min · Explicit

    Why are we so obsessed with looking young, and what does this obsession say about us as a society? From the ads we see on TV and social media to the conversations we have with friends and family, there's a relentless…

  13. from labels to liberation: exploring the power threat meaning framework with dr. lucy johnstone

    · 1 h 16 min · Explicit

    Join me as I sit down with Dr. Lucy Johnstone, a trailblazing consultant clinical psychologist, author, and co-creator of the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF). Dr. Johnstone’s extensive work challenges the…

  14. lessons from the borderline (how BPD is a disorder of relationship, NOT of personality) [preview]

    · 29 min · Explicit

    Borderline personality disorder is often stigmatized, with a significant number of professionals within the industry regarding borderline patients with contempt. As one psychiatrist told anthropologist Tanya Lurhmann,…

  15. the curse position: exploring trauma and the supernatural in psychotherapy with alex monk

    · 1 h 21 min · Explicit

    Join me for a compelling exploration into the intersection of trauma, folklore, and the supernatural with psychotherapist and author Alex Monk. In this episode, we delve into his book, Trauma and the Supernatural in…

  16. when your spirit feels broken: how to recognize and survive a dark night of the soul [preview]

    · 23 min · Explicit

    Have you ever felt like everything you once knew is crumbling around you? Or perhaps you're grappling with a profound inner turmoil that seems to defy explanation? You might be experiencing a Dark Night of the Soul—a…

  17. how psychiatry lost its way: bad science, bad medicine and the mistreatment of the mentally ill with robert whitaker

    · 1 h 18 min · Explicit

    Join me for a crucial conversation with Robert Whitaker, the fearless journalist and author whose investigations have profoundly challenged our understanding of mental health care. Robert's seminal works, including Mad…

  18. are you guarding your heart too much? (how to break down your emotional walls) [preview]

    · 20 min · Explicit

    Are you often guarded, or do you find yourself stuck in patterns you can't seem to break? You might be living behind an "inner wall" — a psychological barrier we all build to protect ourselves from emotional hurt and…

  19. taylor swift’s teenage dream: a depth psychological tour through ‘the tortured poets department’ and the puella aeterna archetype

    · 1 h 40 min · Explicit

    Have you ever wondered why Taylor Swift—and her music—seem to hold the entire music industry and legions of fans worldwide in what seems like a perpetual chokehold? In this episode, we’ll aim to get to the bottom of…

  20. “when will it be my turn to find love?” (the dumpster fire of modern dating) [preview]

    · 29 min · Explicit

    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…

  21. childhood emotional neglect part 11: healing (transforming suffering into strength and crafting a new narrative)

    · 55 min · Explicit

    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…

  22. reclaiming your spiritual path after religious trauma and commercialized spirituality [preview]

    · 53 min · Explicit

    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…

  23. childhood emotional neglect part 10: healing (reclaiming your power and understanding threat responses)

    · 1 h 06 min · Explicit

    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…

  24. exposing miss USA’s dark secrets: title holder resignations, misogyny, corruption, and 'everywhere like such as’

    · 1 h 32 min · Explicit

    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…

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

    · 1 h 01 min · Explicit

    ↓ 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…

  26. childhood emotional neglect part 9: signs and symptoms – internalized anger, lack of self-discipline, and alexithymia

    · 1 h 13 min · Explicit

    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…

  27. the healing power of labyrinths and EMDR [preview]

    · 31 min · Explicit

    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…

  28. drake vs. kendrick: the battle over allegations of grooming and underage girls in the digital age

    · 2 h 03 min · Explicit

    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…

  29. “why did you even have kids?” (how different generations have transmitted emotional neglect) [preview]

    · 42 min · Explicit

    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…

  30. childhood emotional neglect part 8: signs and symptoms – skewed self-perception, lack of self-compassion, and toxic shame

    · 1 h 10 min · Explicit

    In Episode 8 of our ongoing series on Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), we continue our exploration of the symptoms that shape the lives of adults affected by early emotional neglect. In this portion of our…

  31. how a dysfunctional family system functions like a cult [preview]

    · 37 min · Explicit

    In this exclusive preview of a premium BFTB episode, we explore the disturbing parallels between dysfunctional family structures and cult organizations. Drawing insights from psychologist Jose Fernández Aguado's…

  32. childhood emotional neglect part 7: signs and symptoms – chronic feelings of emptiness and counter-dependence

    · 1 h 09 min · Explicit

    As we transition into a new phase of our mega-series exploring the impact of childhood emotional neglect (CEN), we’ll begin examining the lasting effects of CEN as they manifest in late adolescence and early adulthood.…

  33. childhood emotional neglect part 6: linking past pain and present health while challenging the myths of modern recovery methods

    · 1 h 10 min · Explicit

    Episode 6 of my deep-dive into Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) series ventures into uncharted territories, where the shadows of neglect stretch beyond the emotional realm to cast a profound impact on your physical…

  34. reparenting visualization series introduction [free premium offering]

    · 37 min

    This is the introductory episode of a premium visualization series available exclusively to my paid subscribers - I've made the full episode available to you for free to provide a taste of what you can expect in the…

  35. childhood emotional neglect part 5: sociopathic, childlike, and well-meaning-but-neglected-themselves parents

    · 1 h 49 min · Explicit

    While this is far from the final episode of our mega-series exploring the impacts of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), this does mark the final episode exploring the various dysfunctional parenting styles that can…

  36. childhood emotional neglect part 4: workaholic, perfection-obsessed, and special-care parents

    · 1 h 21 min · Explicit

    Part four of our series unfolds the complex narratives of three more distinct parenting styles that, beneath their unique challenges, share a common thread of emotional neglect. Together, we’ll navigate the realms of…

  37. is avoiding discomfort by self-censorship halting your healing process? [preview]

    · 29 min · Explicit

    In this free preview of a premium episode, we dive deep into the realm of self-censorship, exploring its nuanced definition as the act of muting one's own voice out of fear or deference to others' sensibilities,…

  38. childhood emotional neglect part 3: divorced, grieving, addicted, and depressed parenting

    · 1 h 22 min · Explicit

    This third installment of our series on Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) continues to unravel the intricate web of parenting styles that inadvertently contribute to emotional neglect. Focused on the more nuanced and…

  39. when you feel like an alien in your own family: defying dysfunction through healing [preview]

    · 28 min · Explicit

    Join me for a free preview of this Patreon-exclusive episode as we dive deep into the groundbreaking insights of renowned psychoanalyst and storyteller Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Through an exploration of a passage from…

  40. childhood emotional neglect part 2: narcissistic, authoritarian, and permissive parenting

    · 1 h 42 min · Explicit

    This marks the second installment of our multi-episode discussion on of the impact of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), where we delve into the elusive and powerful impact of what didn’t happen in childhood. Often…

  41. beyond the mother wound: healing neglect and trauma with the black madonna [preview]

    · 48 min · Explicit

    In this preview of an exclusive premium episode, we delve deep into the transformative power of the Black Madonna archetype, a journey that's particularly close to my heart and I believe, will resonate profoundly with…

  42. childhood emotional neglect part 1: the silent legacy of invisible wounds

    · 1 h 41 min · Explicit

    In this first part of our multi-episode series on Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), we delve into the elusive and powerful impact of what didn’t happen in childhood. Often overshadowed by more visible and overt forms…

  43. breaking down to break through: psychiatry, covert abuse, and awakening [preview]

    · 39 min · Explicit

    Join me for a preview of this exclusive premium episode of the podcast where we dive deep into the mind and explore the concept of 'Wetiko', a cannibalistic spirit that symbolizes the darkest aspects of human psyche…

  44. the "sharenting" trap: protecting children's digital footprint in the age of gen alpha influencers

    · 1 h 47 min · Explicit

    In this crucial episode, we unpack the unsettling world of social media, where the rise of young influencers is often shadowed by exploitation risks hidden behind the allure of digital stardom. Beginning with an…

  45. the SSRI lie: the fraudulent study that laid the groundwork for psychiatry's greatest deception [preview]

    · 32 min · Explicit

    In this groundbreaking episode, we dive into Bruce Levine’s explosive new article, “Scientific Misconduct and Fraud: The Final Nail in Psychiatry’s Antidepressant Coffin,” published on CounterPunch in January 2024.…

  46. surrender and heal: a guided trauma recovery ritual through visualization

    · 1 h 17 min · Explicit

    Join me for a transformative guided meditation and visualization practice as we explore the profound practice of surrender, crucial for healing from emotional neglect and trauma. Surrender here is not defeat; it's a…

  47. VN30: the impact of emotionally absent mothering [preview]

    · 14 min · Explicit

    In this preview of a voice note available exclusively for my Ultra Premium Submarines on Patreon, we’re diving into the profound effects of emotionally unavailable mothering and the far-reaching implications of…

  48. spiritual emergency pt 3: uncovering pathways for self-healing and professional help

    · 1 h 20 min · Explicit

    Facing a spiritual emergency and need guidance? Learn how to blend self-care with expert assistance in our series conclusion. In a world where mental health dialogue often vacillates between strict biomedical…

  49. finding secret delight in the downfall of others: exploring schadenfreude [preview]

    · 28 min · Explicit

    Have you ever secretly rejoiced in someone else's misfortune? This episode peels back the layers of schadenfreude, a complex emotion often hidden in plain sight. Schadenfreude, the feeling of pleasure derived from…

  50. spiritual emergency pt 2: a guide to recognizing the different types of transcendent crises

    · 1 h 41 min · Explicit

    What if your deepest struggle was a gateway to total inner transformation? Explore the types of spiritual emergencies and their hidden meanings. Dive into Part 2 of this 3-part series, 'Spiritual Emergency,' and…

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