WTF is on my Mind?!

Mark Vicente

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 last 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?!

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Art as Medicine with filmmaker Lubomir Arsov
Apr 19 2024
Art as Medicine with filmmaker Lubomir Arsov
Send us a Text Message.KINGDOM ANIMATED SHORThttps://www.lubomirarsov.com/IN SHADOWBeyond The Self with Africa Brooke - releasing cult-like thinking & rigid identities - with Mark VicenteThe conversation between Mark Vicente and Lubomir explores the creative process, the power of visual storytelling, and the challenges of staying true to one's artistic vision. They discuss the importance of depth and emotional resonance in art, as well as the resistance and criticism that often arise when pushing boundaries. The conversation also touches on the themes of truth, personal growth, and the struggle to break free from societal norms. Overall, the discussion highlights the transformative power of art and the courage required to create meaningful work. In this conversation, Mark Vicente and Lubomir discuss the themes and messages in Lubomir's film 'Kingdom'. They explore the concepts of freedom, redemption, and the power of the individual to break free from oppressive systems. They also discuss the role of art in inspiring and empowering people. The film is praised for its visceral and emotional impact, and the audience feedback has been positive. Lubomir shares his thoughts on the importance of imagination and the potential for redemption in even the most damaged individuals. They also discuss the intellectual and emotional responses to the film and the power of visual storytelling.00:00 Introduction07:39 The Frustration of Finding Projects that Match Values16:15 The Emotional Connection in Filmmaking33:41 The Personal and Collective Resistance to Truth41:51 The Challenge of Portraying the Transcendent53:24 The Battle of Coercion and Oppression01:05:29 The Potential Impact and Future ProjectsSupport the Show.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa Brooke
Apr 9 2024
Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa Brooke
Send us a Text Message.AFRICA BROOKEPreorder Africa's Book:The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in The Age of Intolerance (out May 2024)An open letter: why I'm leaving the cult of wokeness by Africa BrookeCourse with Richard GrannonDECODING CULTS & NARCISSISTSOther Podcasts with AfricaTriggernometry - They've Weaponised Guilt and ShameMikhaila Peterson Podcast - A Change of Heart Towards Jordan Diary of a CEO - Victimhood & Self-sabotage Is Destroying The WorldThis conversation between Mark Vicente and Africa Brooke explores the themes of conformity, cult tactics, and the importance of individual values. Africa shares her experiences growing up in Zimbabwe and the impact of her ancestors' fight for freedom. They discuss the concept of the maverick mindset, which involves being an independent thinker and going against the grain. Africa emphasizes the need to focus on both the inner mob (self-censorship) and the external mob (societal pressure) in order to navigate expression and stand up for what is true. The conversation highlights the power of laughter and the importance of friendship and connection. Africa shares her experiences of growing up in an abusive household and the impact it had on her self-censorship and behavior. She describes the constant unpredictability and shifting dynamics in her father's behavior, which led to her developing a pattern of self-sabotage and addiction. Africa reflects on the duality of her childhood, with moments of joy and escape outside the home contrasting with the darkness within. She discusses her journey to sobriety and the realization that she was more comfortable in chaos than in stability. Africa also touches on her decision to leave the 'cult of wokeness' and the parallels between her experiences of addiction and the need for validation in the social justice movement. In this part of the conversation, Africa and Mark discuss the challenges of being labeled as an activist and the pressure to conform to certain ideologies. Africa shares her experience of being labeled as an activist and how it led to a focus on race and identity. She also discusses the dangers of cancel culture and the pressure to conform to certain beliefs. Mark and Africa explore the concept of self-censorship and the inner mob in our minds that prevents us from expressing ourselves authentically. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in communication.Support the Show.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
Guy Pearce on Cults, The Vow, Acting, Lying and Truth.
Jul 23 2023
Guy Pearce on Cults, The Vow, Acting, Lying and Truth.
Send us a Text Message.In this Episode: Guy Pearce talks about why he reached out to me. We had an amazing, deep, and honest conversation covering cults, groups, his fascination with The Vow, and his take on acting and being human.Guy Pearce was born October 5, 1967 in the UK to Margaret Anne and Stuart Graham Pearce. His father was born in Auckland, New Zealand, to English and Scottish parents, while Guy's mother is English. Pearce and his family initially traveled to Australia for two years, after his father was offered the position of Chief test pilot for the Australian Government. Guy was just 3-years-old. After deciding to stay in Australia and settling in the Victorian city of Geelong, Guy's father was killed 5 years later in an aircraft test flight, leaving Guy's mother, a schoolteacher, to care for him and his older sister, Tracy.Having little interest in subjects at school like math or science, Guy favored art, drama and music. He joined local theatre groups at a young age and appeared in such productions as "The King and I," "Fiddler on the Roof," and "The Wizard of Oz." In 1985, just two days after his final high school exam, Guy started a four-year stint as "Mike Young" on the popular Aussie soap Neighbours (1985). At age 20, Guy appeared in his first film, Heaven Tonight (1989), then, after a string of appearances in film, television and on the stage, he won the role of an outrageous drag queen in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994).He has amazed film critics and audiences, alike, with his magnificent performances in L.A. Confidential (1997), Memento (2000), The Proposition (2005), Factory Girl (2006), The Hurt Locker (2008), The King's Speech (2010) and the HBO mini-series, Mildred Pierce (2011). Next to acting, Guy has had a life-long passion for music and songwriting.Support the Show.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicenteWebsite: www.markvicente.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicenteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/