back from the borderline

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

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This third and final installment of our "Trauma Worlds" series marks a turning point from darkness to light, focusing on the transformative process of...

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

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ca...

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

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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, Th...

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

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

the alchemy of self-knowledge: jungian insights on synchronicity

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever experienced something so strange and seemingly unexplainable that you felt almost crazy? Yet, simultaneously, there was an undeniable gu...

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

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this thought-provoking episode, join me as we dive deep into the biopsychosocial model, critically examining the prevailing claims that label menta...

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

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

the healing power of somatic breathwork [preview]

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 gr...

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

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prepare for a mind-expanding exploration into the cosmic realms of consciousness and the resilience that emerges from the depths of adversity in a wor...

from human doing to human being [preview]

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

healing from religious trauma using the philosophy of the mystics

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we venture into the profound and often challenging terrain of religious upbringing and its enduring effects. Bob Peck, author of Orig...

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

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

embracing your crazy while falling apart and coming back together

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Taune Lyons, a licensed marriage and family therapist whose mission is to empower individuals to uncover t...

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

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

from mainstream to energy medicine with dr. larry burk

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’ll embark on a fascinating journey with Dr. Larry Burk, a medical maverick who transitioned from mainstream medicine at Duke Uni...

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

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 deat...

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

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

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

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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-sabot...

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

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ep...

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

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What if depression is not simply a “chemical imbalance” but an altered state of consciousness—a profound journey into the depths of our psyche? ...

accessing your innermost wisdom through dreamwork

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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-...

tapping into your unconscious repressed anger as a highly sensitive person

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’ll delve into the intricate connections between toxic shame, family scapegoating abuse, and the enduring impact of repressed ang...

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

30 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ph...

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

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for the third and final episode in this 3-part series exploring the hidden complexities of the “scapegoat” or “black sheep” role withi...

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

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for part two of a 3-part series exploring the hidden complexities of the “scapegoat” or “black sheep” role within dysfunctional family...

family scapegoating abuse part 1: the black sheep

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we begin an intense 3-part exploration of the “scapegoat” or “black sheep” role within dysfunctional family systems. Often mi...

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

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ep...

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

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What do “emotionally disturbed” individuals, poets, artists, and burnt-out therapists have in common? We’re all DONE with the systems designed t...

the crisis of contemporary psychiatry with dr. bruce levine

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Has psychiatry lost its way? Increasingly, voices within and beyond the profession argue that Western mental health institutions may be perpetuating p...

the repressed anger to manipulation pipeline (free preview)

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 comm...

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

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the eighth and final installment of our multi-episode series, aiming to guide you in alchemizing and transmuting your toxic shame. Dis...

the dystopian "NPC" TikTok trend is melting our brains

12 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I typically refrain from commenting on trending topics, but I found myself unable to resist discussing this particular one. An unusual (to say the lea...

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

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

shame series part 5: unraveling the impact of abandonment

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is this sneaky, yet destructive thing called toxic shame, and could it be the root cause of our continued suffering and emotional dysregulation? ...

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

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ge...

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

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is part THREE in our multi-episode series aimed at helping you alchemize and transmute your toxic shame. First, we confront the detrimental effec...

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

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ca...

shame series part 1: healthy shame makes you human

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is this sneaky yet destructive thing called toxic shame, and could it be the root cause of our continued suffering and emotional dysregulation?&n...

healing parental wounds through spiritual practice

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this transformative episode, we go beyond understanding the mother and father wounds to explore how we can actually heal from them. With insights f...

daddy issues: recognizing and healing the father wound

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this deep-dive episode, we unravel the complex and often misunderstood concept of "daddy issues"—a term that has been trivialized and sensational...

the mother wound: sacred scars as a portal to healing

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we journey into the raw and often hidden layers of the "Mother Wound." This is more than a psychological...

this high school dropout is transforming the failing public school system by following her bliss

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this inspiring episode, we dive into a vision of education that could reshape how future generations learn, connect, and thrive. At just 15, Zelda ...

finding a sense of self as a trauma-dumping emotional vampire

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this listener Q&A episode, we explore profound and complex themes around self-identity, relationships, forgiveness, and the search for emotiona...

ending your self-destructive patterns of relationship sabotage once and for all

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle the complexities of emotion dysregulation and its deep-rooted ties to childhood emotional neglect and abuse. Many of us who...

recovering human connection through rupture and repair

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this soul-stirring episode, we dive into the raw, resonant prose of Amanda Palmer’s article, What it feels like to get divorced—and possibly re...

fear of abandonment and the mother wound in fairy tales

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the lasting emotional impact of childhood abandonment and neglect, a wound that can leave us feeling unworthy and discon...

find your life's purpose with the japanese philosophy of ikigai

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why am I here? What is my true purpose? If you’re feeling lost, stuck in a cycle of unfulfilling work, or questioning if there’s more to life than...

deepfakes, revenge porn, and the impact on body autonomy

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Deepfakes have become an unsettling phenomenon in recent years, rising from niche technology to a widespread cultural issue that affects millions. Whi...

are you an approval addict?

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The need for approval is universal, but when it spirals into a cycle of constant validation-seeking, it can lead to something often called approval ad...

completely transform the way you view your mental health symptoms with this reframe

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When psychological suffering enters our lives, the modern psychiatric response is often to label, diagnose, and medicate what’s perceived as “symp...

emotional reactivity and toxic friendships

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this dynamic episode of BFTB, we tackle the complexities of mental health stigma, low emotional intelligence, gaslighting, and the challenges of ma...

developing a growth mindset to overcome splitting and perfectionism

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the complex topic of splitting—a type of black-and-white thinking that can both serve as a protective mechanism and le...

healing control and codependency issues to get your needs met in a healthier way

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do your relationships leave you feeling frustrated, resentful, or unfulfilled? If you’re tired of struggling with intimacy and connection, this epis...

your personality masks are blocking access to your TRUE self

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like you’re playing a role rather than being your true self? In this episode, we dive into the concept of “personality masks”...

sober curious: a fresh and dialectical approach to alcohol use

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the rise of the “sober curious” movement, more people than ever are questioning the role alcohol plays in their lives and exploring what it m...

"am i crazy, or are they gaslighting me?"

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional turbulence of high-conflict relationships, focusing on a listener’s experience with being gaslit. W...

blindsided by betrayal: learning to love again after being cheated on

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode dives into some raw and relatable relationship struggles that many of us grapple with behind closed doors. We’ll listen to Liz...

breaking the cycle of pain: moving on and healing from a traumatic breakup

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re feeling stuck in the aftermath of a breakup, this episode is a space to help you begin untangling the pain and finding your way back to yo...

overcoming executive dysfunction: "why can't i just do the thing?!"

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling to stay organized, follow through on plans, or keep your emotions in check? You’re not alone. Many people face challenges with executive ...

mental illness is not in your head: evolving beyond the medical model in recovery

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re taking a hard look at the medical model of mental health—a framework that focuses on diagnosis and medication but often fal...

how scott broke the cycle of generational family trauma while parenting with emotion dysregulation

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by 67-year-old Scott Schaeffer, whose journey through trauma, self-discovery, and resilience is one of the most...

understanding the different models of mental health can help you find a helpful therapist (and avoid harmful ones)

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To truly advocate for yourself in mental health treatment, it’s crucial to understand the different frameworks that shape how mental health is appro...

what to do when you finally wake up to the pain you've caused the people you love

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when you realize you’ve hurt the people you love? In this episode, I respond to a listener’s voicemail about the deep guilt that fo...

when your emotional dysregulation makes it hard to hold down a job

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the workplace can be an overwhelming experience, especially for those managing symptoms related to trauma recovery. Many individuals who re...

transforming and healing your intimacy issues (ft. zaz)

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, my incredible partner Zaz is back to help tackle your pressing questions on love, intimacy, and the realities of building healthy rel...

transcending the self: the importance of gaining a higher perspective in your recovery journey

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the profound sense of spiritual starvation that so many of us grapple with—a feeling of emptiness, brokenness, and isola...

all the rage: healthy ways to to respond to (and work with) anger

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anger is one of our most intense and often misunderstood emotions, but what if this powerful feeling could be used as a tool for personal growth? In t...

dissociation, depersonalization and derealization: understanding these common responses to trauma

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dissociation can feel like slipping out of reality itself—but what’s really going on when we disconnect from our surroundings or even from ourselv...

identity disturbance: why your search for a "sense of self" might be keeping you stuck

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What if the pursuit of a “strong sense of self” is actually keeping us trapped in cycles of suffering? In this episode, we unravel the complexitie...

using the narrative therapy framework to get to the root cause of your suffering

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why so many mental health treatments seem to scratch the surface but don’t quite reach the root of what’s going on? For tho...

from disorder to design: flipping the script on "mental health symptoms" with philosopher justin garson

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you no longer viewed your symptoms as proof of being “disordered” but as a part of your brain’s natural, adaptive design, how would that resh...

are your caveman desires standing in the way of true happiness?

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For many who resonate with symptoms associated with various different mental health disorder/dysfunction labels, the journey to “getting better” o...

underrated recovery hacks to change the beliefs that are holding you back

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us are well aware of the patterns we want to break—the cycles that keep us from experiencing true peace and intimacy. We can see the behavio...

manipulative love: narcissistic mothers, enmeshed parentified children, and emotional incest (reviewing jeanette mccurdy's book "i'm glad my mom died")

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former Nickelodeon child-star Jennette McCurdy's provocatively titled memior “I’m Glad My Mom Died” became a near-instant New York Times bestsel...

can chronic porn use destroy your sex life? (billie eilish thinks so)

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a recent interview with Howard Stern, 20-year-old singer-songwriter Billie Eilish revealed the devastating impact that having access to hardcore po...

are you at rock bottom and questioning the point of life? (this one's for you)

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I received two listener emails this week that ripped my heart open. One was struggling with addiction, and the other was devastated by a recent heartb...

your symptoms of "mental illness" might be hidden spiritual gifts (ft. dr. lisa miller)

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do people who identify with symptoms of what is known as borderline personality disorder have a unique ability to connect to the transcendent? Are chr...

pete davidson: understanding patterns of unstable relationships and self-harm

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take a closer look at comedian and actor Pete Davidson’s mental health journey, examining his openness about emotional struggles...

the root cause of your deep fear of abandonment

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Abandonment fear runs deep in the human psyche—it’s a primal instinct, woven into the fabric of how we connect with others. For some, this fear is...

how to cope when you feel like you have no control over your explosive emotions

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re a highly sensitive person who often feels overwhelmed by intense emotions, this episode is for you. We dive into the experience of having ...

using radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO DBT) to overcome issues with overcontrol

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you known for always doing things “right,” following the rules, and keeping your emotions in check? If so, you may have what’s known as an O...

how trauma throws you off balance (understanding your window of tolerance) [+ a discussion on asexuality]

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt completely out of control of your emotions—sudden waves of rage, paralyzing anxiety, or a numb disconnection from life? If so, yo...

signs you lack personal boundaries (feeling used and drained by other people)

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Weak or nonexistent personal boundaries can leave us feeling drained, manipulated, and even resentful. In this episode, we’ll explore how to recogni...

are you mentally ill or spiritually starved? (the problem with "disorder" and "dysfunction" labels)

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible that what we often call “mental illness” might actually be a form of spiritual starvation? In this episode, we explore the limitati...

no strings attached: the impact casual sex can have on our mental health

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini bonus episode, I answer a voicemail question from listener Kelly, who asks how to move forward to the next phase of her recovery journey....

understanding hyper-sexuality: how a history of trauma leads to sex as self-harm

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I dive into the complex and often unspoken ways that those of us with a history of complex trauma may turn to sex and intimacy as cop...

reclaiming your sexual agency after chronic objectification with dr. alexandra solomon

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert on love, intimacy, and relationships, to discuss w...

witches and borderline bitches: exploring the rampant sexism in psychiatry

24 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re confronting the often-overlooked sexist and misogynistic roots of psychiatry, guided by insights from Dr. Jessica Taylor, aut...

overcoming existential dread, death anxiety, and religious trauma

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the topic of existential dread, death anxiety, spirituality, and religious trauma, and offer strategies for coping with th...

radical self-compassion: learning to love yourself (and finding your "touch tree")

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you’ll join my dog Cody and me for a walk in the witchy woods while I break in my new Dr. Marten boots. On our walk, I’ll explain...

finding natural relief from PMS and PMDD with menstrual cycle awareness

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you experience intense mood swings, anxiety, or depression around your period, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the ef...

channeling your emotional intensity into artistic expression

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alessia Camoirano Bruges is an Italian-Colombian artist based in London. Her unique “fluid art” is inspired by its ever-changing nature – just l...

when your body isn't your own: what abusive relationships and grooming taught me about love

20 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Reflecting on the Euphoria character "Cassie," Evan Rachel Wood's new documentary "Phoenix Rising" (about her alleged struggle with domestic violence,...

stuff i've learned the hard way so you don't have to (my most powerful recovery lessons)

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In my most vulnerable and powerful episode yet, I’m opening up about the hardest, yet most transformative lessons I’ve learned on my recovery jour...

why you keep repeating the same dysfunctional relationship patterns (ft. the holistic psychologist)

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nicole LePera, known to millions as The Holistic Psychologist, to explore the nature of love, intimacy, and authe...

using the power of self-inquiry and your window of tolerance in trauma recovery

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of self-inquiry—a practice that can illuminate our deepest blind spots and help us navigate t...