DK30 - Not a Perfect Guru

PART 2 - In this eye-opening episode, we continue to dive deep into the subtle and often misunderstood world of gaslighting—a form of psychological manipulation that leaves victims questioning their reality. With the rise of "therapy-speak" and life-coaching buzzwords on social media and YouTube, gaslighters are finding new ways to exploit these concepts to control and confuse their targets. Join us for this two-part episode as we break twenty down real-life examples of gaslighting disguised as self-help advice, toxic positivity, and even "boundary setting." Learn how phrases like "you're overreacting," "you need to heal your trauma," or "you're not taking accountability" can be weaponized to shift blame and invalidate your experiences. We'll also explore:     How to recognize gaslighting in relationships, workplaces, and even online spaces.     The difference between genuine therapeutic guidance and manipulative behavior.     Practical strategies to protect yourself and reclaim your sense of self-worth. Whether you're a self-help enthusiast, a therapy-goer, or just curious about the darker side of these trending concepts, this episode will empower you to spot red flags and navigate these dynamics with clarity and confidence. Tune in and discover how to separate the helpful from the harmful in a world where words can heal—or hurt.

In this eye-opening episode, we continue to dive deep into the subtle and often misunderstood world of gaslighting—a form of psychological manipulation that leaves victims questioning their reality. With the rise of "therapy-speak" and life-coaching buzzwords on social media and YouTube, gaslighters are finding new ways to exploit these concepts to control and confuse their targets. Join us for this two-part episode as we break twenty down real-life examples of gaslighting disguised as self-help advice, toxic positivity, and even "boundary setting." Learn how phrases like "you're overreacting," "you need to heal your trauma," or "you're not taking accountability" can be weaponized to shift blame and invalidate your experiences. We'll also explore: How to recognize gaslighting in relationships, workplaces, and even online spaces. The difference between genuine therapeutic guidance and manipulative behavior. Practical strategies to protect yourself and reclaim your sense of self-worth. Whether you're a self-help enthusiast, a therapy-goer, or just curious about the darker side of these trending concepts, this episode will empower you to spot red flags and navigate these dynamics with clarity and confidence. Tune in and discover how to separate the helpful from the harmful in a world where words can heal—or hurt.

Part 3: Therapy and coaching can be wonderfully transformative frameworks to help people enrich and change their lives, but the tools learned in these frameworks are intended for someone to improve their own health and well-being -- not to control or mistreat / neglect others.  How might some of the language and tools from these environments (more popularly known than ever, thanks to social media and YouTube) be used as a weapon against others, rather than as a tool for one's own benefit?

Part 1: Therapy and coaching can be wonderfully transformative frameworks to help people enrich and change their lives, but the tools learned in these frameworks are intended for someone to improve their own health and well-being -- not to control or mistreat / neglect others.  How might some of the language and tools from these environments (more popularly known than ever, thanks to social media and YouTube) be used as a weapon against others, rather than as a tool for one's own benefit?

Part 1: Therapy and coaching can be wonderfully transformative frameworks to help people enrich and change their lives, but the tools learned in these frameworks are intended for someone to improve their own health and well-being -- not to control or mistreat / neglect others.  How might some of the language and tools from these environments (more popularly known than ever, thanks to social media and YouTube) be used as a weapon against others, rather than as a tool for one's own benefit?

When we say that people are responsible for their own feelings, are we also saying that people choose all the feelings they feel? Absolutely not!  We can cultivate feelings and shape our thoughts in ways that influence our feelings, but so many feelings are involuntary, even if how we process them features many conscious choices.

Matt Murphy here.  I've been on a long break from making podcast content, largely due to taking on a management role at a job for a big company.  But, that's been on a steady maintenance roll for a while now, so I thought I'd come back to making this content for any listeners I still have.  Good to be back.

Here's an overview and summary of the Bhagavad Gita, seventh chapter. This is audio taken from course materials Matt (the host) has published elsewhere.

  Here's an overview and summary of the Bhagavad Gita, sixth chapter. This is audio taken from course materials Matt (the host) has published elsewhere.  

Here's an overview and summary of the Bhagavad Gita, fifth chapter. This is audio taken from course materials Matt (the host) has published elsewhere.