Podcasts about freedomain

THE HUSBAND'S SHOW IS AVAILABLE AT PREMIUM.FREEDOMAIN.COM "PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY RAGE":https://premium.freedomain.com/659840fabac7190c0804511f/please-help-me-with-my-rage-freedomain-call-inDear Stefan,I've been meaning to reach out to you for over a year now. My husband had his first call with you in December 2023, where he discussed the impact of domestic violence on our family. Since then, he's sought help, and we've been without physical violence for over a year. While we still struggle with unhealthy verbal arguments, he is making genuine efforts to improve, and I've realized I need to do the same.Part of me must know that my childhood was less than ideal, but I've come from a long line of conflict avoiders and if you just pretend it didn't happen then it didn't happen. So sometimes I wonder if I'm making out to be more than it is. My husband's reactions to the memories I recall are odd to me, as these things seem so normal it's hard to imagine that not all families have similar dynamics. I think I've been hesitant to reach out because I know you will uncover truths I've been trying to ignore—about my family and about myself. But as I've spent this past year reflecting on my past, writing about my experiences, and attempting to set boundaries, I realize I'm in over my head and need more direction. My husband and I have two little girls and another one on the way; therefore, it is critical I put my fears aside and get my issues sorted.The main issues I'm having are - (1) I struggle with forming consistent emotional bonds with my children—sometimes feeling deeply connected, but other times dissociated. (2) Feeling immense guilt for setting boundaries, (3) Battling severe anxiety and mild depression, as well as social awkwardness and a constant feeling that others are more ‘adult' than I am, (4) I get easily overwhelmed and overstimulated, occasionally leading to outbursts (5) Shame from past behavior- recklessness and disrespecting myselfI used to blame most of my struggles on my father—a drug addict, criminal, and abuser. But after listening to a few of your call-ins and talking with my husband, I've started to see how much of an impact my mom had as well. I think I avoided facing this truth because I was afraid it would make me dislike her, but I realize now that it's something I can't ignore. I need to confront these issues head-on and do what is required to break the cycle and make sure my past doesn't damage my children and my marriage.Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope to hear from you soon.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Catch the first part here! https://fdrpodcasts.com/5799In this second part of a two-part call in, Stefan Molyneux engages with a woman navigating significant changes in her life following her divorce from her ex-husband. She shares her emotional journey, reflecting on her past relationship's dynamics, the impact of her traumatic teenage accident, and her struggles with substance abuse as coping mechanisms. The conversation explores the influence of her father's abusive behavior on her partner choices and addresses the cycle of toxicity she seeks to escape. Molyneux encourages her to take personal accountability and confront her upbringing's effects on her relationships. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes her commitment to healing and envisioning a healthier future for herself and potential children, highlighting the complexities of recovery and the importance of moral clarity in overcoming past trauma.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Get ready for a two part call-in, first from the husband, and then the wife!Part 2: https://fdrpodcasts.com/5800"My wife and i are very likely getting divorced and i want to know my obligation to fight when it looks like to me the primary problem is just plain mental illness. "The biggest problem we have is her delusions about me cheating, being on drugs, drugging her, and lying."None of this is real and it doesn't matter what evidence, logic, reason, common sense i use to show her its not true. "She has a history of mental illness and was also in a bad car accident before i met her where her brain was badly injured. She was previously hospitalized for thinking her parents were coke dealers. "She's been to see numerous therapists but never a clear diagnosis."Schizoaffective bipolar disorder was what her first psych said. "Borderline personality disorder,"PTSD,"And / or Paranoid Personality Disorder are what make the most sense to me after 5 years with her and talking to several therapists / professionals."I'm also considering that she may just be a narcissist or some combination of all of the above. "I am conflicted because other than these episodes of whatever this is we have a very amazing relationship. The majority of the time i am very happy with her and she says and acts like shes very happy with me. We can communicate about most issues and are oriented towards solutions. We have similar values, we agree on most things, our sex life is fantastic, we are always laughing and playing and putting each other first. I have never been happier than in my time with my wife and she usually says she feels the same. "When she gets stressed out tho then i suddenly become an absolute monster in her eyes and she says the meanest nastiest things to me and tells me she's never been happy with me etc. She's been caught smoking cigs, which was a huge boundary for me. Hiding her drinking. And i am of course suspicious of her cheating after her constant accusations of me cheating but no tangible proof, just little things that seem fishy. "After dealing with too many of these insane accusations and random fights i have moved out and asked for divorce. But its been a little over a month now and i miss her like crazy. Any attempts to talk with her have been heated, cruel, unproductive but in the past she has always come out of the fog eventually and been apologetic and reasonable so I hang on to a little hope that she will come to her senses again this time and be willing to actually talk. "I do think there's just something wrong with her brain but i cannot get through to her how bad she keeps hurting me because in her mind these delusions about me cheating and hiding things are real. Or she's just a narcissist and playing sick games with me. "I really love this girl but i can't have kids with her treating me like this. How can i get her help or do i just cut my losses and walk away?"Her parents have always been very supportive and understanding in the past because they've been through these things with her themselves but they now seem to have cut me off and aren't replying to my attempts to talk to them anymore. They have always been a huge help in the past but now I'm assuming they're just sick of the drama and instead of facing how they messed their only kid up they are wanting to keep on good terms with her by cutting me out. "I am going crazy with guilt, shame, remorse, anger, confusion, regret, sadness."Everyone in my life is telling me to just cut my losses and be grateful no kids are involved. I rationally know this is toxic but I took marriage very seriously and that means in sickness and in health and she is clearly sick with something. "I need an outside perspective on what my obligation to her really is."GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, we explore the complexities of Clint Eastwood's film "Juror No. 2," delving into its narrative structure and character development. We discuss the rapid progression of the legal drama, noting Eastwood's distinct directing style and the portrayal of the protagonist—a recovering alcoholic navigating a morally ambiguous landscape. Our analysis critiques the film's tendency to evoke sympathy for flawed characters and raises questions about the possibility of genuine change. We highlight the lack of emotional resonance and character evolution, ultimately expressing frustration with the film's conclusion and philosophical shortcomings. Through our conversation, we invite listeners to reflect on the importance of depth and authenticity in cinematic storytelling.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Freedomain FLASH Livestream 6 January 2025In this episode, I engage in a candid exploration of personal experiences shaped by childhood trauma and its impact on relationships. We discuss the complexities of communication within family dynamics and how upbringing influences emotional expression. I share my own journey of navigating familial expectations and the longing for acceptance, juxtaposing childhood play's freedom against the constraints of societal judgment. As we delve deeper, we reflect on the broader societal implications of unresolved childhood trauma, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering healthy connections. I advocate for personal responsibility in mental well-being while recognizing the burdens of early experiences. The conversation culminates in a call for listeners to embrace their paths of healing and empowerment, validating the struggles and triumphs of self-discovery amidst adversity.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Sunday Morning Live 5 January 2025In this episode, I reflect on the start of 2025, discussing the interplay of technology, social dynamics, and changing gender roles. I share a humorous anecdote about an internet outage, which prompts a deeper examination of the evolving desires of young men and women regarding relationships and the implications of these trends for societal stability. Celebrating 20 years of promoting freedom and inquiry, I highlight the importance of accountability alongside newfound freedoms for women. I explore the challenges they face, including single motherhood and financial strain, and discuss how these factors can disrupt family structures. Additionally, I address the relationship between male ambition and traditional partnerships, emphasizing the need for shared values in fostering enduring relationships. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to consider the responsibilities we share in shaping a balanced social landscape as we move into the new year.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, I explore self-trust in relation to obligation and desire through a conversation with a caller grappling with familial expectations and career choices. Together, we examine the role of personal agency, the interplay of discipline and pleasure, and the impact of upbringing on decision-making. We also discuss the dynamics of respect in relationships, highlighting how self-perception influences interactions. This episode encourages listeners to redefine their connections with desire and obligation, advocating for a more authentic and fulfilling life.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, we critique the film "Homestead" from Angel Studios, addressing its shortcomings in portraying human relationships during a nuclear apocalypse. We examine the use of simplistic characters and clichés, particularly in the depiction of gender dynamics, where male rationality is vilified while female emotionality is idealized. Our discussion highlights the film's reliance on narrative conveniences, lack of character growth, and shallow emotional responses. We advocate for more authentic storytelling that captures the complexities of survival and the human experience.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Stefan Molyneux of Freedomain discusses conformity, aggression, and human duality in classic literature, focusing on Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." He critiques the allegorical interpretation of the novella as alcoholism, framing it instead as a conflict between societal norms and personal impulses. Molyneux explores the concept of the "shadow self," noting how societal pressures can mask latent aggression, and critiques virtue signaling in contemporary discourse.He emphasizes individual ethical responsibility in confronting complicity within power structures and advocates for aligning personal relationships with moral values. In exploring aging and legacy, Molyneux underscores the pursuit of moral excellence and the importance of personal accountability, challenging listeners to reflect on their beliefs and the genuine quest for virtue in a complex world.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and over 100 Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

This episode features a heartfelt conversation with a caller who shares her journey through complex family dynamics and societal expectations related to peaceful parenting. She discusses conflicts with roommates over differing parenting philosophies and tensions within her church community following a controversial breastfeeding incident. As she navigates her relationship with her mother, the caller highlights the emotional challenges of high expectations and unresolved issues from her upbringing. Themes of gaslighting, familial disconnect, and the quest for validation emerge, providing insight into the struggles against societal norms. We conclude with her reflections on parenting her daughter, emphasizing the journey of self-discovery and reconciliation within the family.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Freedomain FLASH Livestream 21 December 2024In this holiday episode, I reflect on our absence and invite listeners to support Freedomain. I introduce a song quiz on Roger Miller's "King of the Road," leading to a discussion on the evolution of music and its creativity. I delve into deep conversations about familial challenges and touch on diverse topics, including Canada's household debt and the impact of parenting styles.As literature influences my views, I discuss "The Fountainhead" and its connection to creativity and aging. The conversation explores societal expectations around masculinity and femininity, modern dating, and emotional labor. I address listener inquiries, urging critical examination of personal experiences.I conclude by expressing gratitude for audience support and inviting contributions, offering exclusive content as a holiday incentive. This episode blends music, philosophy, and introspection while celebrating the season's spirit.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, I converse with a caller navigating divorce from his Ukrainian wife amid the war. He reflects on their impulsive marriage after just six months and the lack of guidance from his parents' troubled relationships. We discuss the challenges they faced, including financial stress, and I encourage him to rethink the importance of deeper compatibility beyond physical attraction. I emphasize evaluating the motivations of those around us and the need for nurturing, supportive connections. By the end, he gains insights for approaching future relationships with a focus on shared values and emotional security, viewing his situation as an opportunity for personal growth.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this interview, Stefan guides a caller navigating relationship challenges tied to stress from relocations, parenting, and conflicts with his wife. The caller shares how both he and his wife's traumatic childhoods impact their communication and family dynamics. They explore patterns of aggression, avoidance of confrontation, and the need for healthy boundaries, particularly regarding the caller's mother and in-laws. Stefan provides tools for better communication and negotiation, leading to the caller's commitment to improve family dynamics. The conversation concludes with an invitation for ongoing support in the caller's journey toward healing.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, we discuss family dynamics and boundaries with a caller concerned about his mother's new relationship, inappropriately involving his underage sister. The conversation reveals conflicting family responses and a culture of enabling that prioritizes the mother's happiness over the children's safety. As the caller shares his struggles with past traumas and low self-esteem, we explore how his need for familial validation has led to emotional distress. Through thoughtful questioning, he begins to recognize the necessity of setting boundaries for his sister's safety and his own well-being. Ultimately, he gains clarity on prioritizing self-respect and the importance of establishing healthier relationships.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of relationships through the personal stories of several callers. We start with a discussion on the lasting effects of a difficult relationship with a mother characterized as manipulative, revealing deep-seated feelings of betrayal and the impact of childhood trauma on adult emotional patterns. Another caller shares his struggles after a loveless marriage, exploring how past experiences shape current dating choices and intimacy issues. We then address the intricate dynamics between a caller and his parents, discussing the moral dilemmas tied to their relationships and the ripple effects on his romantic life. Finally, we analyze the challenges of emotional availability in a current partnership, guiding the caller to reflect on his relationship choices in the context of his upbringing. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in fostering healthier connections.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Greetings, Stef. I hope this message finds you well. I recently moved to a town where I know no one. I used to think I had my life figured out before I moved here. I find myself feeling extremely anxious and lonely most of the time. I'm trying to branch out and make friends, but it's extremely difficult for me because I have Asperger's, and having a conversation with people is a skill which I have neglected. I have a hard time relating to most people. I feel like I need some kind of training to help me relearn how to communicate with other people. The people I meet out here are friendly, and I've made some progress, but I still feel quite lonely most of the time. I've been thinking about it more and more lately. It didn't used to bother me before I moved because I had a few friends and family members in my old town. Now that I'm out here on my own, all I can think about is how alone I am. A big part of the reason I moved was because I want to find a woman to be my wife and start a family with, and the town I used to live in was not a good place to raise kids. Given the current state of my social skills, I'm worried that I may be unable to become a good husband and father.The problem also involves my career. I came out here intending to start a new career because I didn't really have a career going. I think I may be able to start working in accounting, but it's going to take at least five years before I'm able to make enough money to support a family. I'm thirty-two now. I really feel like time is running out, and it's going to be at least another year before I can make any progress towards my career in accounting because I missed my opportunity this year. I hope I've given you a good idea of what my problem looks like. There are plenty of things I haven't mentioned for the sake of brevity; hopefully we can get into greater detail if we connect and have a conversation.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, Stefan listens to a pregnant caller grappling with her feelings towards her abusive family. While she feels societal pressure to forgive her parents, Stefan emphasizes that reconciliation is a significant choice and shouldn't compromise her well-being. He highlights the damaging impact of her parents' neglect and places importance on boundaries. As the caller confronts her fears about motherhood and replicating past patterns, Stefan encourages her to explore her anger constructively. The conversation ends with a sense of hope and empowerment as she prepares for a healthier future for herself and her child.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

"Extreme childhood trauma causing it hard to socialize with people!! Have a mindset that I'm not worth it so why should I try in life! Lack self confidence ! Just looking for some resources on how I can change my thinking bout life for the better!!"GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, Stefan engages with a caller who has filed a restraining order against his father after enduring years of emotional distress. He reflects on their tumultuous relationship, shaped by high expectations and manipulation, including a pivotal incident in Mexico. We explore the psychological impact of familial expectations and the necessity of setting boundaries for self-preservation.The caller seeks guidance on healing and navigating relationships, prompting a discussion on the societal tendency to downplay family abuse. I emphasize the importance of validating one's experiences and the need for integrity in assessing potential partners. The episode culminates in a focus on establishing healthy boundaries and the distinction between love and enabling behavior, reinforcing the value of relationships that support personal well-being.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

"Parenting Overwhelm and a failing Marriage- I don't want to yell anymore."I am 6 months post partum with baby #3- oldest just turning 4. My body is so depleted and I am so overwhelmed and have crazy low moments emotionally. I hate myself for yelling at my kids to clean up, don't climb or touch things etc. I just flip and hate it so much. I'm a christ follower and a generally happy person but I want to dig into my broken childhood more and wrong mindsets etc to be healed. I hate yelling and so afraid I'm damaging my kids like I was. My mareiage sucks- my husband constantly chooses porn/masturbation (which we view as sin) and knows the steps to take/people to talk to deal with his junk. He doesn't take personal responsibility and whenever I express how I don't feel loved or heard etc he shuts down and turns it back on me- gaslights me making it my problem. He's constantly sarcastic and derogatory and I just feel used by him. Besides providing for us and helping with the kids some on the weekends (he works nights which I hate) I absolutely don't think he is for me or loves me. Just what I do for him. Yet he wonders why I don't want to have sex when he doesn't hear me and just says crap like "do your duty and suck it". Wtf? I'm so hurt and angry at him. My friend who listens to your show told me I need to and to try to get on a call with you. She said the real people I need to get angry with are my parents and until I dig that root out I'll just keep getting mad at the wrong people, like my kids (which she learned from you). And my husband too."I actually only listened to one episode and had various revelations. I realized that I do have crazy unrealistic expectations for my kids and deep down I think I believe no-one is for me and people are trying to hurt me. Like I'm not truly loved. People keep rejecting me. It's hard to deal with some of this when my husband doesn't this on a daily basis. :("I know my kids aren't trying to hurt me by making a mess when I worked hard to clean etc. They are just playing like kids should. But maybe I feel that deep down. I get so triggered and wasn't taught emotional regulation. I want to learn. I want to not live or think like a victim. I want to dig up whatever is causing me to be sooo triggered at a drop of a hat. I want a good marriage and to respect my husband. I don't want a divorce. I don't want to think it's all about me (a twisted version of selfishness, thinking like a victim). Ug. I feel so crazy in moments feeling like I need zoloft or something but hate the thought of that. I'm trying various natural remedies for giving my body what it needs but not much is working. "My husband even gaslit me just now. Earlier he said he wanted to have some cuddles and talk maybe when the kids go to bed. Nope. He said not at 11:30 at night... yet during the week he expects me to wake up at 3am to "spend time with him" because that's the best time for him. Then makes it my fault because I didn't wake up. Are you kidding me?! He just doesn't want to deal with stuff. And I told him I'm going to leave for 2 hours in the am to a coffee shop for alone time (which the only time I've gotten any sort of break is when his parents babysit). It's like pulling teeth for me to get a 20 min bath alone 1x a week! He says it's my job and was made for it. I am a stay at home mom. I'm allowed a freaking break. And when I just told him I was leaving for 2 hours (I normally don't unless it's a Dr apt or grocery shopping = not a true break!) He asked if I need drugs. Like anti depressants. I might but I'm allowed a break! I literally want to go to the coffee shop to read my Bible and journal and recharge some. I feel like a godly husband, like he claims and pretends to be, should be happy I want to do those things. It's hard to stay joyful with my husband the way he is. I have done inner healing prayer, some counseling from my pastor, we've done marriage retreats and intensive counseling weekends, I've done womens retreats and classes. I'm trying to read self help books etc. I just don't know what to do. I hate the way I feel inside when overwhelmed and get frustrated so easily. How can I deal with my junk and be the best mom I can be? Even if my marriage sucks."GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, Stefan interviews a caller in his late 30s who struggles with emotional connection to his one-year-old son, stemming from a challenging upbringing marked by anxiety and his father's aggressive behavior. The caller reflects on feelings of numbness, disappointment in his parents' lack of emotional support, and the impact of childhood trauma on his parenting. Stefan explores the psychological implications of these experiences, emphasizing the need for honesty and confrontation to break the cycle of emotional neglect. By the end, the caller gains clarity on his journey toward healing and building a deeper relationship with his son.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

"My marriage is about to break up""Hello Stefan, I really need help. I desperately don't want my family to break up."My wife has recently told me that her opinion of me has changed, that she doesn't love me like she once did. This is not without cause, we have been having constant fights as of late and also the first year of my three year old's life was very taxing on the both of us which was the first sign of turmoil in our relationship. I am completely torn up because I don't want to do to my two boys what my wife and I went through (our parents divorced when we were toddlers). This was both of our doings since we have mishandled the rough start of parenthood and neglected our relationship, but ultimately (as my wife pointed out) this was my doing because I failed to be the leader of the family. I hope to have my wife on the call. We as a couple need an outside and unbiased party to point out the shortcomings and failures of our relationship. Stefan this is a desperate plea. I hope to find a path to repair and restore the relationship with my wife. I love her dearly and want to see through to the end the raising of our kids. Thank you."GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

"I have been with my wife for 20 years (married for 10). We have a four-year-old son. The last two years of our marriage have been a continuous downhill slope, culminating in a crash this June."I've been working a lot, and she has felt lonely. We developed an unfortunate relationship dynamic: when I tried to get closer, she would push me away, which made me try less. About three years ago, she started doing parkour (free running and jumping), which I wasn't happy about. I thought it's rather risky, and if she wants to stay fit, she could engage in less risky and easier-to-arrange activities. If she needs company, she could find it elsewhere. She ended up breaking her arm doing parkour."This spring, she got really close with a guy at parkour, and they fell in love. Initially, she wasn't very upfront about it, but she eventually told me. She also said that she is sorry. They only talked and hugged; nothing else happened, but she is very much in love with this other guy (she has butterflies), but has since stopped talking to him."Currently, we are going to marriage therapy and trying to fix this. She is also attending therapy on her own. Another relevant point is that I am the sole breadwinner in our relationship. We have an above-average financial situation (a beautiful home, multiple vacations each year, extreme sports, etc.), but finances have been an ongoing issue between us for many years."I acknowledge that I have made many mistakes in our relationship. I'm not very good at romance and tend to be a realist, logic-based person and I didn't pay enough attention to her needs. She is more the improvisational, go-with-the-flow type of person. I would like to fix our marriage, but right now, I feel lost. I really could use your help and insight."Thank you"GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, I engage in an enlightening conversation with a long-time listener who shares his journey of self-discovery shaped by societal expectations and parental relationships. We reflect on the impact of his upbringing on his emotional landscape, discussing themes of family dynamics, confidence, and the struggle for genuine connection. He recounts his transition from extroversion to introversion and how pivotal moments in his childhood influenced his self-perception. Together, we challenge the ingrained beliefs about his worth stemming from a lack of emotional support during formative years. The conversation culminates in urging him to communicate openly with his family, fostering understanding and the pursuit of supportive relationships. This episode is a poignant exploration of identity and the critical need for emotional nurturing in shaping meaningful connections.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

"I dreamed i was on the 8th floor of an apartment building, where my family of origin lived in the layout of their first floor of their house. I was watching porn and it was providing dopamine. I wanted to find this particular video but i couldn't and left my room. My older brother wanted to play a strategy game on my pc, i let him. I went out to the living room and was sitting on the couch thinking about the porn. I wanted to go back to my pc to look at it. There were tremors and the building shook. My mom came out wearing my baby daughter and started yelling at my brother for gaming so much. It was true that he was gaming nonstop for 6 hours. I got mad at my mom and told her that maybe she should be curious why he has such a massive hole in his dopamine that he's trying to fill with gaming, and to leave him be. My mom got pissed and stormed off. More tremors shook the tall apartment building. I fled and I went to the first floor and met some kid who said he came up from the negative seventh floor. I was surprised how deep the building went. I asked him to show me. He did, he took me down this concrete staircase down several flights, another staircase, another few floors. The layout was winding and confusing, going further into the earth. Eventually we were at the bottom, it evoked terror in me. It was concrete, clean, evidence of habitation, deep, isolated, no sunlight, safe, suffocating. There was a bed on the floor, a desk with a banner behind it, and several more rooms I dared not explore. He went up and i followed right after him."GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Flash Livestream 2 November 2024In this episode, I examine the interplay between privilege and identity, particularly in the context of the upcoming US elections. Using my novel "Just Poor" as a backdrop, I discuss the burdens of inherited privilege through the experiences of characters Lawrence and Mary. I challenge listeners to reflect on the distinction between earned and unearned attributes, emphasizing the importance of grounding self-worth in moral choices rather than societal status. Through personal anecdotes, I highlight the significance of lasting legacies over material possessions and urge a deeper understanding of how privilege shapes our actions and relationships.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, we engage with an experienced mobile DJ from Australia who has transitioned from a thriving DJ business to developing his own DJ management app after a significant drop in Google rankings. He recounts the early days of simple SEO tactics, the subsequent challenges of app development, and the complexities of creating a competitive product in a crowded market. The conversation explores his unique focus on DJs, plans for marketing at a major DJ expo in Las Vegas, and the importance of innovative features to attract users. Throughout, he shares insights on perseverance, market understanding, and the realities of entrepreneurship as he strives to build a successful platform for DJs worldwide.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

The caller discusses feeling disconnected from her brother after he moved away and entered a new relationship. They touch upon childhood experiences, concerns about family dynamics, and the caller's reevaluation of relationships with estranged parents. The conversation also delves into the caller's challenging upbringing, new relationship dynamics, and advice on fostering healthier connections and breaking toxic cycles.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, we delve into the personal journey of a young man grappling with his childhood neglect and its impact on his life. He reflects on his mother's emotional absence and the struggles with substance abuse that followed. The conversation explores his feelings of inadequacy linked to financial dependence on his parents and his aspirations for independence in his romantic life. He also expresses concern for his younger sister, wrestling with the desire to help while understanding the limits of his responsibilities. This episode highlights his quest for healing and self-discovery amidst the complexities of familial relationships.PART ONE: https://fdrpodcasts.com/5700GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, the caller shares her experiences of a tumultuous upbringing characterized by neglect and abuse from her alcoholic father and emotionally abusive mother. She reflects on the lasting impact of her childhood trauma, the struggles of her siblings, and her journey toward breaking the cycle of dysfunction. She candidly discusses the complexities of navigating family dynamics, her desire to support her younger siblings, and the importance of setting boundaries. Her resilience and commitment to healing shine through, highlighting the enduring human spirit and the pursuit of hope amidst adversity.PART TWO: https://fdrpodcasts.com/5701GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, we delve into a caller's journey through a childhood marked by trauma, neglect, and abuse. She candidly shares her experiences with physical and emotional abuse from her parents, her struggles with self-worth, and the impact of her upbringing on her relationships. As she navigates motherhood, she confronts her fears of repeating the cycle of trauma with her child while considering the difficult decision of establishing boundaries with her own parents. This conversation highlights the lasting effects of childhood trauma and the importance of breaking the cycle for future generations.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, I have heartfelt conversations with callers delving into feelings of disconnection, isolation, and struggles with forming meaningful connections. We explore childhood experiences impacting social interactions, navigating dating, and coping mechanisms like video games and pornography. The discussion touches on challenges in forming genuine relationships, experiences with family dynamics, personal growth, and the importance of reciprocity in relationships. The episode highlights the transformative power of self-reflection, empathy, and providing value in dating and entrepreneurship, promoting personal growth and accountability in shaping one's path.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

"Hello Stefan, I have been contemplating contacting you for almost 2 years. I have been in a sexless marriage for the past 6 years. I do not see divorce as an option since we have 2 kids together and I will sacrifice all of my please and happiness for the well being of my children. I tried talking to my wife about this multiple times, eventually we end up having sex but there is no joy or connection coming from her. It's seems like it's a chore she has to do, occasionally. It was always me who initiated sex for the first 5 years. About 95% of the time I would be shut down by: is that all you think about, I'm tired, I have a headache, it's late. So I gave up and stopped initiating sex, now I'm lucky to have sex once every 2-3 months. I have resorted to watching porn for sexual release. I would like to add that I am the sole breadwinner of the family. I'm in my mid 30s and She is in her early 30s. She does not have to work, or worry about any bills. I take care of all the taxes, paperwork, billing, health insurance, etc. I can say we are middle class and we are not struggling financially. I have tried to move my in my career to supervisor or management position but I don't have the drive or feel like I can because I get belittled and told what to do constantly by my wife. I can honestly say that I know I am providing for her and protecting the our family in the time of need. I would do anything for her if she asked but she refuses to do the same for me I would love to have a conversation with you to discuss my flaws and what I may be doing wrong in order to fix this. I honestly can't go on living in a sexless marriage for any longer. Thank you for your time and all of the knowledge you bring forward."GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

"Hello everyone-"I wanted to see what everyone thinks of the following scenario related to a good friend of mine, we'll call him Bob, in keeping with Stefan's favorite name for pseudonymous people. This is a bit long-winded I know but its an issue I'm still trying to wrap my head around that I'm sure you'll find as perplexing as I do and it involves a lot of the same philosophical principles and precepts that Stef tackles in my favorite episodes, listener call-ins. I appreciate in advance your time and consideration. Maybe with your feedback I can be of service to my friend Bob and his wife somehow. Let's get right to it:"Bob has known Jane for about 2 years now. They courted for about a year and a half and have been married now for 8 or 9 months now. From the very beginning of their relationship, Bob and Jane have had deep and meaningful conversations about their past, their values, their goals in life, etc. and were pretty well-aligned in all manners. They were in premarital counseling for about a year before they were married to address how childhood and family of origin issues might shape the dynamics in their relationship and they have worked fastidiously to recognize when they are "pushing each other's trauma buttons", so to speak and how to more effectively communicate their wants and needs with each other."Their arguments, as they've both told me, are infrequent and have never escalated into physical aggression towards the other, they've never yelled at or threatened each other, and there has never been any instance whatsoever of infidelity or abuse of any kind. Many people from the outside, myself included, have remarked how genuine their connection seems to be, how dutifully they seem in their commitment to each other and how happy they seem to be together."Like it is for many married couples, their first year of marriage has been quite challenging. Both have had some difficulties navigating family of origin issues, such as Jane's divorced parents and how her often meddlesome stepmother can be divisive in pitting Jane's mother and father against each other. Such behavior angers and saddens Jane, who in these circumstances, finds herself re-experiencing old wounds from her parents' particularly contentious divorce when Jane was a teenager. Bob is not without family of origin drama of his own. I know more about Bob's childhood as I've known Bob a lot better and for longer than I have Jane, but I know he was often subject to his mother's wild vacillations in mood along with torrents of insane verbal abuse when he was a child. Interestingly enough, Jane's and Bob's fathers both are quintessential Boomers straight out of a 4chan meme, often enabling the bad behavior of their wives with a dearth of philosophical complexity on display in their unironic use of the cringe phrase "happy wife, happy life". Passive, weak fathers both, but contrasted to Bob's disdain and disconnection from his own father, Jane has quite a close, borderline emotionally incestuous attachment to her father as from what it sounds like, she would often assume the role of emotional support child to her father during the divorce. This was an issue previously brought up for discussion by Bob in premarital counseling, as he had some misgivings originally if, upon marriage, Jane would indeed accept him as the paterfamilias or stay loyal and enmeshed to such an unhealthy degree with her father. Jane promised him that it was the former, though the doubt still lingered in Bob's mind. There were several conversations that the couple had about the fact, incomprehensible as it was to Bob (and me tbh), that Jane was 31 years old at the time she met Bob, had never had a relationship and this didn't seem to be much of a concern to her father. Bob confided when they first started dating to me how strange it was to him, especially in the modern Tinderfied dating world, how a woman as fit and pretty as Jane could be a 31 year-old virgin and suspected her father of holding her back from her goal of finding a husband with whom to start a family."Then in early March came the gravest challenge to their now 3-month old marriage. Bob received word from his mother that his 13 year-old nephew had killed himself, a gunshot to the head. This was of course devastating to both Bob and Jane of course, but especially to Bob, for it was his own brother's child, a boy with tremendous promise who excelled in music and suffered from depression, nearly identical to Bob did at that age. Unable to sleep, eat and feel any interest in sex with his wife, Bob was distraught to the point where he picked up alcohol again after 5 years sobriety. This was something Bob vowed never again to do as Jane expressed her intolerance for substances of abuse when they first started dating. One night a couple weeks later, Bob was arrested for misdemeanor assault after a fight during a night out at the bar (he had told Jane he was at an AA meeting at the time) and when he called from jail, Jane was furious at Bob, for the drinking and the dishonesty she despised in more or less equal measure."The next day, Bob was released from jail and out of desperation to get back to the sober life he had come to appreciate deeply, he checked himself into the hospital for detox. Surely, this would be a good-faith attempt as well to win back Jane's heart, as part of her forgiveness of him would hinge on whether or not he attempted to correct the problem that caused the harm to her heart in the first place."On the next day, during the hospital's visitation hours, Bob was called from his room and informed that he had visitors. Visitors, visitors like, plural? Bob thought maybe Jane brought me, or another mutual friend, an elderly neighbor they both befriended on a walk around the neighborhood one evening while they were still dating and who was a big supporter of their relationship. But to Bob's shock, it was not me nor was it their mutual friend who was the other visitor. There seated at the table was Jane and her father. Bob's heart sank and he became angered by his presence. He asked Jane what she was thinking by having her father drive 7 hours to be party to a conversation that should be only the place of the two to have. He refused to sit down and talk with them any further. When he was discharged from the hospital several days later, Bob was presented with a note from Jane telling him she was going back home with her father to process things. A month past and every attempt Bob made to contact Jane went unanswered. Last week, Bob received a knock at the door. It was a porter from a law firm who handed Bob a summons. "Dissolution of Marriage". "The petitioner (wife) alleges fraud". "The marriage should be annulled due to fraud as the respondent (husband) failed to disclose to the petitioner that he suffers from a mental illness which affects his ability to be forthright and truthful with the petitioner.""This is where my friend Bob is now. He was and has now been going to AA meetings daily since the day he was released from the hospital. He's sad, of course, but he's managing it well, got a new job, working out everyday, has a sponsor and is working the steps in AA. All of this really makes my head spin. There's so much to mine for discussion here. "In sickness and in health" is one. It's so strange how a relationship that was so promising can just be jettisoned in a couple months. How one tragedy can set off a series of events that changes the course of so many lives. They were planning on having children one day in the not-so-distant future. I've been Bob's friend a long time and really came to like Jane in the past two years. I was at their wedding and Jane's family all raved about what a good guy Bob is. Only a week before Bob's arrest, Jane's stepmom and father came down to visit and remarked how happy they both seemed to be. I don't even know what to make of all this and maybe you guys could help me (and them both possibly) understand each other's side a bit better. Do you think Jane's loyalty really was ever with Bob or did her father come between them? If you were Bob, how would you respond to receiving the dissolution of marriage summons? If you were Jane, would you stick it out with Bob if you were witness to his sincere efforts in sobriety? As long as I've known Bob, he's been a decent dude honest to a fault, and I think he's been forthright with me about everything, for instance, he told me that when he was having trouble being interested in sex with Jane so he resorted to watching a porn clip while she was getting ready for bed in attempt to gain an erection. He even told me she caught him because when she came to bed, he left the screen open. He's been fairly outspoken against porn in the past when it comes up in conversation so I imagine it took a good bit of honesty and humility to even bring that up to me. I know I'm biased since he was my friend before Jane was my friend but damn, I can't even begin to unravel how a marriage, let alone THEIR marriage, could just break up like that. What are your thoughts?"GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Marriage Troubles"Hi Stef,"I feel stuck. "I'm in my early 40s. I've been married for 19 years. We have 4 children."I chose to marry and give four children to the wrong woman. I am finding it increasingly more difficult to remain married to her. "My main criticisms with her are she can't be corrected, can't feel like she ever did anything wrong, can't admit fault, and she never apologizes. "I became more and more avoidant over the years. As I've made steps to find myself again it has created more conflict which goes unresolved."My last straw occurred when she conspired to pay a waitress to hit on me at my company Christmas party (of the business we own together). After the holidays, I asked for a divorce. However, I ultimately agreed to another attempt at marriage counseling. (We did 7 months in 2020-2021). We have been currently in counseling since February (8 months). "We have both been seeing individual counselors concurrently with our marriage counseling. "I have lost hope that things will improve, but don't know if they are bad enough to justify breaking up my family, particularly while my kids are so young. Hence the feeling of being stuck. "I listen to enough shows to know that you don't tell people what to do. But you have an extraordinary gift of talking with people to help them uncover the actions for themselves, which is my hope. "I've also heard you criticize callers for not requesting a call-in show before is too late, so this is my attempt to call you before I do something I can't undo."A little background on me:"I was born and raised in a Mormon family, the youngest of 7 kids. "I began dating my wife when we were in college. She was not a Mormon then. She converted after we had been dating for over a year. Shortly there after I left for two years to do an overseas mission for my church. When I returned home, we resume the relationship immediately and things moved very quickly from engagement to marriage. I had reservations about marrying her at the time, but ultimately chose to move forward with it."We left the church about five years ago. "I used to overcome my unhappiness with the idea that the frustrations of my life and with my wife would be remedied in an afterlife. However, I no longer believe that there is happiness waiting for me on the other side of death. Happiness is for this life, or never..."GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and over 100 Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Stefan has a deep conversation with a caller about his troubled past, including his mother's death, past relationship struggles, and current marriage challenges. Stef explores the caller's traumatic upbringing, substance abuse issues, and difficulties in his marriage. Addressing his aggression towards his wife and the influence of his abusive grandmother, Stef discusses breaking harmful patterns and working towards healing. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing family well-being, understanding emotional needs, and fostering healthier relationships, we conclude with a call for positive transformations and relationship repair.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and over 100 Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this conversation, we delve into various callers' personal struggles and relationships. One caller discusses their tendency to raise their voice excessively, potentially due to traits of autism and past traumatic experiences. Insights into emotional detachment and communication challenges are shared, with the caller's spouse emphasizing patience and direct communication in their relationship. The discussion also touches on tumultuous pasts, including a caller's challenging relationship with their perceived neglectful mother and another caller's turbulent post-divorce experiences with threats of suicide and custody issues. Guidance is given on navigating emotional struggles post-divorce and reconnecting after family estrangements, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help and fostering authentic relationships amidst family complexities.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and over 100 Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

GO SEE 'SPEAK NO EVIL' - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27534307/In this episode, I provide a critical analysis of two contrasting films: "Megalopolis," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which I describe as a disjointed and lengthy experience lacking coherence or depth, and "Speak No Evil," a compelling human drama. I reflect on my frustrations with "Megalopolis," noting its absurd narrative and characters whose motivations feel illogical, as well as the forced philosophical undertones that fail to resonate. In stark contrast, I praise "Speak No Evil" for its strong performances and engaging storytelling that adeptly explores human relationships and the repercussions of cowardice. Ultimately, I recommend audiences skip "Megalopolis" for its cinematic misfires, while endorsing "Speak No Evil" for its powerful emotional impact and thoughtful narrative. This discussion highlights the disparity between artistic ambition and execution in film.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and over 100 Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this deep and introspective conversation, we explore personal experiences in a mental behavior change program rooted in the Duluth model, focusing on power dynamics and control in family violence through a feminist lens. The caller shares his story of a toxic relationship, detailing drug use, threats, and emotional manipulation. The host emphasizes the importance of mentorship for young men in relationships. Stefan sheds light on how sexual market value impacts relationships as individuals age. The discussion navigates through familial struggles, childhood trauma, and the caller's complex relationship with his father, highlighting the significance of establishing healthy boundaries. Reflecting on seeking forgiveness and confronting past traumas, the conversation explores the transformative journey of reclaiming one's identity from toxic familial influences. Setting boundaries with parents, reassessing relationships, and prioritizing self-respect are emphasized for fostering fulfilling relationships.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material, as well as targeted AIs for Real-Time Relationships, BitCoin, Peaceful Parenting, and over 100 Call-Ins. Don't miss the private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Join me as I engage in a poignant conversation with a caller who bravely shares their journey of self-discovery, navigating family dynamics, addiction struggles, and enabling behavior. We emphasize the importance of self-awareness, seeking help for addiction promptly, and fostering accountability for healthier family relationships and personal growth.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

"I would like to discuss some serious personality traits that are holding me back from achieving my goals(having a family, career, and growing in virtue). These traits include lack of assertiveness, indecisiveness, laziness, addiction, and more. These issues are extremely prevalent in the realms of dating and school. I would also like to gain clarity on my upbringing to help understand why I'm so dysfunctional. If nothing changes, I'll be in serious trouble. Thank you Stefan for all you do."GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, we delve into personal experiences and struggles shared by callers. Topics include societal pressure, childhood trauma, academic challenges, cultural identity, relationships, self-image, and coping mechanisms like pornography. Callers discuss feelings of abandonment and neglect, tracing these emotions back to family dynamics and fears of rejection. We explore the impact of neglect on self-worth and offer insights on improving social skills, self-perception, and rebuilding self-worth in healthier ways.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this podcast episode, we explore family dynamics, discussing conflicts, health challenges, and religious influences. Speakers share personal stories on loyalty, honesty, and navigating family judgments. The importance of open communication, setting boundaries, and breaking unhealthy cycles in familial relationships is highlighted for fostering genuine connections and stronger bonds.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

"In the last couple of weeks, you have repeatedly reiterated your stance that you don't believe in a soul or any other sort of divine essence that could be "dug out" or set free and give people the ability to change. Yet empirical evidence shows that you spend an enormous amount of time talking to people attempting to do just that — showing them the parts of themselves that have been hurt and giving them the tools to protect and nurture those parts in order to heal and improve their lives. You have also repeatedly used phrases such as "selling your soul to the devil", "soul murder", etc."Isn't that evidence that you actually DO believe in a soul (even if perhaps it is not immortal and can be damaged beyond repair or somehow sold for material profit) or some similar construct? Because otherwise, it would seem to imply that all of your work is merely entertainment...""Hi Stefan, thanks for the forum and time you give to the community, you've helped tremendously over the years. I'll do my best to support more of your good works when I'm financially better able. Onwards, my question is what constitutes a genuine or acceptable apology from a parent to a child regarding verbal and physical abuse sustained during the childhood? for example hypothetically would a simple “I'm sorry” cover it? if genuine or would you see it necessary for a more detailed and context based apology? If this has been asked and answered before, feel free to skip if so, and thanks again!""Hi Stef, I've been thinking recently about the idea of living a life guided by rational and moral principles at which point the question emerges. What does it mean to be rational? I think you have done some great work on elaborating on what it means to be moral, but I still find myself unsure about rationality (perhaps due to my lack of research)."As such here is my question. Is it rational for parents to hit their children? If rationality is seen as behaving in such a way that you make a perceived outcome more likely, are parents acting rationally in this case? If what they want is their children's obedience, or to socialise their children to be able to fit into the world as it is, is it irrational for them to hit their children?"Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!NOW AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS: MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING' - AND THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI AND AUDIOBOOK!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Hello Stefan,This is time-sensitive, as I likely will make a decision within a week. Here is some background:I've been seeing a girl long distance for several months. I am physically fit, have a solid income, and work full time after completing my undergrad. We briefly met on a dating app in college and rekindled the relationship over a year later. Our relationship is long distance, so we call regularly, and I visit each month as my work schedule allows for decent time off.We share many values and goals, and both come from similar backgrounds—our families are together, and our parents haven't divorced. We don't have political conflicts, and she agrees with me on most values. Both of us intend to have kids, and I see being a father and husband as one of the grandest honors a man can ever have.The shared values and character traits I perceived in her made me think I had a real catch on my hands.She recently invited me to meet her family, where I had an excellent time. They all live near each other, so I had a real trial by fire in an extended family reunion. Nonetheless, we all enjoyed each other's company, and her father particularly seemed to enjoy my company.There is another upside to this situation: Although I am an atheist and she is a Christian, she saw past this. After the first two months, I told her about my atheism. Although unexpected, she was understanding and wanted to continue seeing me. This has been a dealbreaker for people in my past, so her acceptance was significant to me.Now, here's where I am conflicted. When we met, she told me she was waiting for marriage. I was happy to hear this as I have been as well. It has been a serious struggle for me, but I knew I wouldn't endanger my future marriage over something temporary.However, after last week's family meetup, she revealed that she is only NOW waiting for marriage. As recently as the beginning of this year, she had not abstained. She has a body count of 3, and in her last three relationships, she has only partially abstained, given her Protestant view of what is and isn't sex. This revelation has left me very conflicted.I recognize the tentative nature of my situation and wonder if I might not find someone who shares all my values, especially given our age. I wonder if I am asking for too much, particularly from someone who understands my lack of religiosity.Part of me says I'm young and have time to try again—this is what the gambler in me says and what most men I trust in my life suggest. The other part of me, which cares for her very much, doesn't want to end things. Some of the women in my life have expressed that I should forgive and forget.Well, Stefan, do let me know what you think. Your advice is truly appreciated.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, I analyze the film "It Ends With Us," featuring Blake Lively, examining its exploration of the cycle of abuse. Despite strong performances and writing, I critique the film's lack of psychological depth. The narrative, centered on Lily's tumultuous love life with Ryle and Atlas, raises questions about her growth and the portrayal of flawed masculinity. I highlight the film's failure to explore women's complexities and its reliance on victimization tropes. However, I acknowledge a powerful moment of reflection by Lily, urging viewers to approach the film with critical awareness of its themes on love and pain. I invite listeners to share their thoughts on the film's portrayal.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this compelling discussion, we deeply explore the profound impact of challenging family dynamics on individuals by sharing experiences of callers coping with manipulative and toxic relationships. Themes include vulnerabilities in relationships, the concept of sexual market value, childhood trauma, parental relationships, establishing moral boundaries, confronting past traumas, and seeking autonomy amid deceit and manipulation. Through poignant stories, reflections, and insights, we unravel the intricate layers of family relationships and the transformative journey towards healing, personal growth, and self-discovery in the face of adversities.Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!NOW AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS: MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING' - AND THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI AND AUDIOBOOK!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this lecture, Stefan from Freedomain examines the dynamics of conflict in marriage, offering guidelines to enhance communication and understanding between partners. He likens conflict to a game governed by rules, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing different conflict types—win-lose versus win-win scenarios. Through practical examples, he illustrates how couples can navigate disputes by addressing underlying issues and fostering open dialogue, free from blame. Stefan discusses the significance of honesty and integrity in communication, advocating for prompt resolution of grievances to prevent resentment. He highlights the importance of adhering to established agreements as a foundation for trust. Ultimately, the lecture provides insights into cultivating a resilient and fulfilling relationship through constructive conflict resolution and mutual commitment to shared rules.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this heartfelt episode, we address a caller's concerns about her brother's questionable upcoming marriage. The caller discusses her worries about her brother's sensitivity and his fiancee's past actions, including engaging in OnlyFans and overspending. Seeking advice on managing this delicate situation within the family, we analyze the family dynamics and the impact of the caller's mother's avoidance of difficult conversations to maintain relationships. Exploring upbringing influences and missed opportunities in addressing sibling bullying, we delve into the caller's family history, shedding light on generational patterns and personal experiences shaping perceptions. Reflecting on the complexities of familial responsibilities and the importance of authentic connections over obligation, we emphasize setting boundaries, open communication, and prioritizing future generations' well-being in navigating intricate family dynamics with grace and compassion.Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!NOW AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS: MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING' - AND THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI AND AUDIOBOOK!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, I delve into a detailed and critical review of the movie "Long Legs." I critique it as a collection of horror movie cliches, from killer clowns to creepy dolls, expressing disappointment in the excessive use of jump scares. I highlight the lack of coherence in the plot, pointing out inconsistencies in character development and world-building. Additionally, I explore the deeper themes of single mothers making deals with the devil, drawing parallels to societal issues. I discuss the symbolism of the free dolls and the movie's ending, offering a comprehensive analysis of its thematic elements and character portrayals.Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!NOW AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS: MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING' - AND THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI AND AUDIOBOOK!Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022