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 6 of 6

  1. spiritual emergency pt 1: mental breakdown or spiritual awakening?

    · 1 h 38 min · Explicit

    Have you ever wondered if there’s more to your psychological struggles than meets the eye? Dive into Part 1 of our 3-part series, 'Spiritual Emergency,' and explore the intriguing concept of psychospiritual crises.…

  2. down-to-earth awakening beyond the woo-woo and delulu (ft. christian bradley west)

    · 2 h 17 min · Explicit

    Do you find yourself questioning the authenticity of watered-down mainstream spirituality and seeking a deeper truth? Join me for a candid chat with Christian Bradley West, a unique voice in the realm of intuitive arts…

  3. the hidden toll: carrying the mental load in relationships [preview]

    · 22 min · Explicit

    In this exclusive Back from the Borderline episode preview, we dive deep into the often invisible yet overwhelming world of “mental load” within relationships. Listener Geneva opens up about her decade-long journey…

  4. sacrificing our mental health at the altar of social media (ft. thanasi dilos)

    · 1 h 40 min · Explicit

    Are we sacrificing our mental well-being at the altar of social media and Big Tech? In this episode, I sit down with 21-year-old Thanasi Dilos, a pioneering voice for his generation's mental health and digital safety.…

  5. show me your scars and i’ll show you how deep you are (ft. laurence hillman)

    · 1 h 50 min · Explicit

    In this episode, I sit down with Laurence Hillman, a leading voice in archetypal astrology and depth psychology. As the son of the legendary James Hillman, Laurence has developed a profound yet accessible approach to…

  6. the radical therapist: silent screams from the asylum [preview]

    · 23 min · Explicit

    In this exclusive preview of the fourth episode of our eye-opening multi-part series exploring the book "The Radical Therapist," we dive into an intimate and revealing letter from an anonymous person who refers to…

  7. consciousness-expansion and deeper healing through the power of myth

    · 43 min · Explicit

    In this captivating episode, we explore the profound insights of Paul Rebillot, a Gestalt therapist and former actor, who harmoniously blends the art of storytelling with the transformative process of therapy. His…

  8. the radical therapist: unmasking the systemic stagnation of psychiatric training [preview]

    · 22 min · Explicit

    Join me for a preview of this Premium Submarine exclusive multi-part series exploring the 1971 book "The Radical Therapist." In part three, we'll take a critical look at the training of psychiatrists and its…

  9. trauma worlds: embodied healing beyond shame’s shadow [part 3]

    · 1 h 29 min · Explicit

    This third and final installment of our "Trauma Worlds" series marks a turning point from darkness to light, focusing on the transformative process of healing. In this episode, we continue to unravel the complex layers…

  10. the radical therapist: challenging psychiatry - care or control? [preview]

    · 22 min · Explicit

    Tune in for an exclusive preview of another premium episode of Back from the Borderline, where we tackle an exploration of the roots of psychiatric care and its potential to oppress and mystify. This sneak peek will…

  11. trauma worlds: navigating the hidden realms of fear and disconnection [part 2]

    · 1 h 26 min · Explicit

    Embark on a profound exploration in Part 2 of the 'Trauma Worlds' series, as we navigate deeper into the concealed landscapes of the psyche where fear and disconnection warp our sense of self and reality. This episode…

  12. the radical therapist: therapy means change, not adjustment [preview]

    · 20 min · Explicit

    In this exclusive preview of a premium episode, join me as we launch a virtual book club to read and reflect on an out-of-print gem from the 1970s, The Radical Therapist. In part one of our exploration, we dive into…

  13. trauma worlds: when negative experiences meet unique human beings [part 1]

    · 1 h 19 min · Explicit

    In this powerful three-part series, we explore the "trauma world"—a hidden reality created by survival mechanisms that activate in response to early-life trauma. This alternate world, often defined by fear,…

  14. the alchemy of self-knowledge: jungian insights on synchronicity

    · 2 h 51 min · Explicit

    Have you ever experienced something so strange and seemingly unexplainable that you felt almost crazy? Yet, simultaneously, there was an undeniable gut feeling that this moment held significance. There is a term for…

  15. are mental disorders brain diseases ‘in waiting’? [preview]

    · 18 min · Explicit

    In this thought-provoking episode, join me as we dive deep into the biopsychosocial model, critically examining the prevailing claims that label mental health conditions as brain diseases. In this preview of a premium…

  16. from coercion to consent: WHO and UN say psychiatry must change entirely

    · 1 h 07 min · Explicit

    Prepare to uncover a seismic shift in the global mental health landscape as we explore the groundbreaking WHO and UN Guidance that challenges the very foundations of modern psychiatry. This episode delves into how…

  17. the healing power of somatic breathwork [preview]

    · 14 min · Explicit

    We don’t tend to think much about our breath in our day-to-day lives. It just… happens, right? Not exactly. Taking the process of breathing for granted would be a mistake, which is exactly what we’re exploring in this…

  18. the bledsoe family's cosmic rebirth: unveiling non-human intelligence

    · 3 h 10 min · Explicit

    Prepare for a mind-expanding exploration into the cosmic realms of consciousness and the resilience that emerges from the depths of adversity in a world that often misunderstands or rejects the unknown. In this…

  19. from human doing to human being [preview]

    · 14 min · Explicit

    Author John Bradshaw (the author of “Healing the Shame that Binds You”) was one of the first to introduce the idea that we are human BE-ings, not human DO-ings. This catchy expression has particular relevance to those…

  20. healing from religious trauma using the philosophy of the mystics

    · 1 h 23 min · Explicit

    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…

  21. venting or vicious: escaping the grip of toxic gossip [preview]

    · 35 min · Explicit

    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,…

  22. embracing your crazy while falling apart and coming back together

    · 1 h 34 min · Explicit

    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…

  23. unlocking emotional freedom: a guide to EFT tapping [preview]

    · 24 min · Explicit

    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…

  24. from mainstream to energy medicine with dr. larry burk

    · 1 h 11 min · Explicit

    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…

  25. "my phobia of death and dying is making it impossible for me to truly LIVE” [preview]

    · 22 min · Explicit

    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…

  26. processing complicated feelings around death and grief through working with the unseen worlds

    · 1 h 24 min · Explicit

    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:…

  27. why you keep falling in limerence with unavailable people who break your heart [preview]

    · 12 min · Explicit

    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…

  28. unlock the source code to your imagination matrix with stephen aizenstat, Ph.D

    · 1 h 48 min · Explicit

    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…

  29. our paradigm-shifting UAP experience with the bledsoe family [free preview]

    · 14 min · Explicit

    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…

  30. creating a map through the hell of depression toward a radical elsewhere

    · 2 h 21 min · Explicit

    What if depression is not simply a “chemical imbalance” but an altered state of consciousness—a profound journey into the depths of our psyche? In this episode, we look at depression through the nuanced perspective of…

  31. accessing your innermost wisdom through dreamwork

    · 1 h 30 min · Explicit

    In a world of constant scrolling and instant advice, many of us lose touch with the wealth of wisdom within us—often ignoring dreams as mere “woo-woo nonsense.” But what if the key to deeper self-knowledge, insight,…

  32. tapping into your unconscious repressed anger as a highly sensitive person

    · 1 h 55 min · Explicit

    In this episode, we’ll delve into the intricate connections between toxic shame, family scapegoating abuse, and the enduring impact of repressed anger in adulthood. You’ll learn about the alignment between the family…

  33. pov: your big sister is erykah badu and she's giving you some tough love

    · 1 h 16 min · Explicit

    I recently came across an interview with singer-songwriter and creative maverick Erykah Badu on YouTube. Her words were so impactful for me in this phase of my recovery journey that I knew I had to make an episode that…

  34. family scapegoating abuse part 3: grief, acceptance, and healing

    · 1 h 17 min · Explicit

    Join me for the third and final episode in this 3-part series exploring the hidden complexities of the “scapegoat” or “black sheep” role within dysfunctional family dynamics. Family scapegoats start as innocent…

  35. family scapegoating abuse part 2: signs, effects, and misdiagnosis

    · 1 h 18 min · Explicit

    Join me for part two of a 3-part series exploring the hidden complexities of the “scapegoat” or “black sheep” role within dysfunctional family dynamics. Family scapegoats start as innocent children or adolescents who…

  36. family scapegoating abuse part 1: the black sheep

    · 1 h 56 min · Explicit

    In this episode, we begin an intense 3-part exploration of the “scapegoat” or “black sheep” role within dysfunctional family systems. Often misunderstood, family scapegoating assigns innocent children or adolescents…

  37. are you going to fit in or find your path? (ft. james hollis)

    · 1 h 30 min · Explicit

    What does it mean to live a life of true purpose and depth, especially when haunted by trauma, self-sabotage, or chronic emptiness? In this special episode, I sit down with legendary Jungian analyst Dr. James Hollis,…

  38. living in the shadow of your family tree (interview with family constellations therapist marine sélénée)

    · 1 h 52 min · Explicit

    What if the emotional struggles you face aren’t yours alone but echoes from generations before you? In this episode, we dive deep into the powerful world of Systemic Family Constellations, a therapeutic practice…

  39. it makes perfect sense why we're all sick and fucking tired

    · 1 h 23 min · Explicit

    What do “emotionally disturbed” individuals, poets, artists, and burnt-out therapists have in common? We’re all DONE with the systems designed to keep us “sick” and compliant. In this episode, we confront the…

  40. the crisis of contemporary psychiatry with dr. bruce levine

    · 2 h 08 min · Explicit

    Has psychiatry lost its way? Increasingly, voices within and beyond the profession argue that Western mental health institutions may be perpetuating psychological suffering rather than alleviating it. In this episode,…

  41. the repressed anger to manipulation pipeline (free preview)

    · 22 min · Explicit

    In this laid-back episode, grab a matcha latte with me and settle in as we explore how unresolved childhood anger and trauma can shape the way we communicate and express our needs. Drawing on insights from somatic…

  42. shame series part 8: religious trauma, rigid sex roles and cultural suppression of emotion

    · 1 h 37 min · Explicit

    This episode is the eighth and final installment of our multi-episode series, aiming to guide you in alchemizing and transmuting your toxic shame. Discover the insidious nature of toxic shame and its potential role as…

  43. the dystopian "NPC" TikTok trend is melting our brains

    · 35 min · Explicit

    I typically refrain from commenting on trending topics, but I found myself unable to resist discussing this particular one. An unusual (to say the least) TikTok trend has emerged, where users live-stream themselves…

  44. shame series part 7: unmet childhood needs, perfectionism, and public shaming

    · 1 h 48 min · Explicit

    Discover the insidious nature of toxic shame and its potential role as the root cause behind our ongoing suffering and emotional turmoil. At the core of self-sabotage, toxic shame leaves us feeling empty, unfulfilled,…

  45. shame series part 6: toxic shame in the aftermath of sexual and physical abuse

    · 1 h 34 min · Explicit

    Discover the insidious nature of toxic shame and its potential role as the root cause behind our ongoing suffering and emotional turmoil. At the core of self-sabotage, toxic shame leaves us feeling empty, unfulfilled,…

  46. shame series part 5: unraveling the impact of abandonment

    · 1 h 37 min · Explicit

    What is this sneaky, yet destructive thing called toxic shame, and could it be the root cause of our continued suffering and emotional dysregulation? Toxic shame lies at the heart of most self-sabotaging behaviors that…

  47. shame series part 4: how toxic shame fuels dysfunctional family systems

    · 1 h 37 min · Explicit

    This is part four of our multi-episode series aimed at helping you alchemize and transmute your toxic shame. In this episode, we’ll dive into the generational aspect of toxic shame and how it gets passed down and…

  48. shame series part 3: toxic shame and 'disordered' or 'dysfunctional' personality traits

    · 1 h 14 min · Explicit

    This is part THREE in our multi-episode series aimed at helping you alchemize and transmute your toxic shame. First, we confront the detrimental effects of toxic shame, its correlation with personality disorder labels,…

  49. shame series part 2: when toxic shame becomes who you are

    · 1 h 23 min · Explicit

    This is part two in a multi-episode series aimed at helping you alchemize and transmute your toxic shame.What is this sneaky, yet destructive thing called toxic shame, and could it be the root cause of our continued…

  50. shame series part 1: healthy shame makes you human

    · 1 h 28 min · Explicit

    What is this sneaky yet destructive thing called toxic shame, and could it be the root cause of our continued suffering and emotional dysregulation? Toxic shame lies at the heart of most self-sabotaging behaviors that…

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