WTF is on my Mind?! By cover art

WTF is on my Mind?!

By: Mark Vicente
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  • Summary

  • 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?!
    © 2024 WTF is on my Mind?!
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Episodes
  • Art as Medicine with filmmaker Lubomir Arsov

    Art as Medicine with filmmaker Lubomir Arsov
    Apr 19 2024

    KINGDOM ANIMATED SHORT

    https://www.lubomirarsov.com/

    IN SHADOW

    Beyond The Self with Africa Brooke - releasing cult-like thinking & rigid identities - with Mark Vicente

    The 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 Introduction
    07:39 The Frustration of Finding Projects that Match Values
    16:15 The Emotional Connection in Filmmaking
    33:41 The Personal and Collective Resistance to Truth
    41:51 The Challenge of Portraying the Transcendent
    53:24 The Battle of Coercion and Oppression
    01:05:29 The Potential Impact and Future Projects

    Support the Show.

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa Brooke

    Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa Brooke
    Apr 9 2024

    AFRICA BROOKE

    Preorder 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 Brooke

    Course with Richard Grannon
    DECODING CULTS & NARCISSISTS

    Other Podcasts with Africa
    Triggernometry - They've Weaponised Guilt and Shame

    Mikhaila Peterson Podcast - A Change of Heart Towards Jordan

    Diary of a CEO - Victimhood & Self-sabotage Is Destroying The World

    This 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/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • 'Unto Dust' - A South African Story

    'Unto Dust' - A South African Story
    Mar 29 2024

    In this episode: I tell a story written by Herman Charles Bosman about an unfortunate incident between a black African warrior and a white Afrikaans soldier.
    Vuzamazulu Credo Mutwa
    Herman Charles Bosman
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaffir_(racial_term)

    Support the Show.

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente
    Website: www.markvicente.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/
    Show more Show less
    26 mins
Art True Crime Social Sciences
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Profile Image for Alliey

A fascinating window into his lived experience

Listening through this podcast has felt like sitting down for a thought-provoking genuine conversation with a friend. Vicente remarkably discusses his thoughts and experience with coercive control with equally inquisitive and vulnerable nature. Upon catching up to the most present episode I found myself immediately seeking out his book for a deeper dive.

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Profile Image for Ebatcre

Great debrief!

Sensitive and kind as usual. Thank you for sharing such an emotional part of your experiences with us.

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Profile Image for Nancy S

So excited to find this

I always try to catch Mark on other people's podcasts, but how awesome is it he has one of his own? I especially like his exploration of how trauma has effected him (and everyone who has experienced it) in his journey as an artist/creative. Helpful insights.

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Profile Image for Andrea

Exceptional.

Mark, thank you for sharing this insight and sending healing thoughts and love to you, Bonnie, Sarah, Nippy, India and all of the victims that are waking up and finding there way back.
Bonnie’s song is so powerful and beautiful and I can’t wait to hear more.

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Profile Image for Genevieve

Great first guest

Coming from a background in psychology, it's fascinating listening to Mark & Mike discuss these experiences with cults. They do such a great job that it makes it easy for the listeners to understand the complex behavioral dynamics in high control systems. I wish I could sit down for coffee with these guys and continue this conversation.

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