WTF is on my Mind?!
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?!
WTF is on my Mind?!
What Keith Raniere told Alison Mack and why it's important.
My Thoughts on Cult Mentality and Moral Dilemmas – Alison Mack, NXIVM, and Beyond
In this episode: I dive into some deep and personal reflections about the dangers of avoiding moral questions, both in cults and in society at large. Drawing from my own experiences with NXIVM, I talk about Alison Mack, her attempts to question her role, and how Keith Raniere manipulated her into silence. I also explore how this same kind of gaslighting happens beyond cults – in politics, social movements, and even everyday life, when we stay loyal to our "team" at the cost of our own moral compass. It’s about confronting the uncomfortable questions and staying curious, no matter where you find yourself.
00:00 - Intro Teaser: Are We the Baddies?
I begin with the question no one wants to ask but must: “Are we doing something wrong?” This sets the stage for a deeper look into avoiding moral questioning.
02:00 - Alison Mack’s Story
Alison Mack once questioned her role in NXIVM, but Raniere manipulated her into doubting herself, a classic gaslighting move to keep her compliant.
04:30 - Gaslighting in NXIVM
Raniere’s tactic of framing questions as selfish behavior stopped people from critically thinking about the organization and its practices.
06:15 - Cult-Like Behavior in Society
I discuss how this same tactic plays out in broader society, where groups refuse to question themselves and silence internal doubts.
08:00 - Fragmentation in Cults
I reflect on a high-ranking NXIVM member who, under years of manipulation, became disconnected from reality, but no one dared to question her.
10:00 - Blind Loyalty in Groups
I explore how group loyalty, in both cults and politics, can lead people to defend actions they would normally find immoral.
12:00 - Denial of Evil
I discuss how people deny or justify real issues, like child trafficking, simply because the "enemy" points them out.
13:45 - Defending Processed Food
I reflect on how processed food has become defended by some, not because it’s healthy, but because the opposing side says it’s bad.
15:00 - Cults and Psychosis
I emphasize the need for self-reflection to avoid falling into cult-like thinking, where group loyalty overrides personal values.
17:00 - Questioning Your Own Side
I encourage viewers to challenge their own group when wrongdoing is evident, even if it means facing backlash.
18:00 - Final Thoughts: Stay Curious
I end with a reminder to always stay curious, keep questioning, and avoid falling into blind loyalty or groupthink.
Let's keep the conversation going and strive for more meaningful exchanges.
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.
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