After a post online about enabling therapists sparked some really powerful conversations, I had to take the opportunity to do a deep dive into therapy as we know it. Hold onto your hats because this one gets crunchy.

Here is what AI made of it all -

The Complex World of Therapy: Pros, Cons, and My Personal Journey

In this episode, Josh Connolly explores the intricate topic of therapy, inspired by a recent post he shared on social media. Josh discusses his own experiences with therapy, including both positive breakthroughs and negative encounters. He delves into the different types of therapy, such as IFS and CBT, and offers a brief history of one-on-one therapy, citing figures like Freud and Carl Rogers. He also tackles the notion that some therapists may be unhealed, abusive, or driven by inappropriate incentives like money. Josh emphasizes the need for open conversations about the complex dynamics of therapy, regulation challenges, and the importance of finding the right therapist for each individual. Ultimately, he urges viewers to be careful, thoughtful, and empowered in their approach to seeking and participating in therapy.

00:00 Introduction and Recording Assurance

01:04 Today's Topic: Therapy

02:02 Personal Experiences with Therapy

07:05 History and Evolution of Therapy

09:33 Concerns and Criticisms of Therapy

18:25 Therapist Misconduct and Abuse

25:29 Regulation and Credentialism in Therapy

39:27 Final Thoughts and Summary

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This episode is a deep dive into gaslighting, its origins, whether it is overused and why it is such an awful form of abuse. Here is what AI makes of it -

In this episode, Josh Connolly discusses the concept of gaslighting, exploring its history, origins from a 1938 play, and its use in abusive relationships. He emphasises the importance of recognizing and understanding gaslighting, detailing its characteristics and impact on victims, particularly in toxic family dynamics. Josh also shares personal updates, including the launch of his online program Deeper you, upcoming breathwork sessions, and his book release in the United States. He provides practical advice for those experiencing gaslighting, encouraging them to trust their bodies and seek support.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

00:40 Launching Deeper you and Upcoming Events

01:06 Introduction to Gaslighting

03:51 Origins of the Term 'Gaslighting'

05:34 Gaslighting Tactics and Effects

13:59 Recognizing and Responding to Gaslighting

27:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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I sat down and shared my experience of the a historic moment for children of alcoholics everywhere!

Here’s what AI makes of it -

Walking for Change: A 92-Mile Journey to Downing Street

Join Josh Connolly as he recounts his incredible three-day journey, walking 92 miles with over 215,000 steps to raise awareness for children affected by parental alcoholism. Starting from his home and culminating at 10 Downing Street, Josh shares the physical and emotional challenges he faced, the inspiration behind the walk, and the overwhelming support he received. He also highlights the pivotal moments, such as meeting policy advisors and gaining media attention, that made this more than just a walk. This episode isn't just about the steps taken, but the strides made towards real change and supporting those who need it most.

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Walk

01:05 Returning Home and Recovery

03:15 The Idea and Planning Phase

08:24 The Start of the Journey

13:46 Challenges and Realizations

22:30 Struggling Through the Pain

22:56 Reaching Windsor and the Nacoa Social

24:44 The Final Day: Pushing to Parliament

26:54 Entering Downing Street

30:30 Meeting the Policy Advisors

34:23 Reflecting on the Journey

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It is coaweek - a week to raise awareness for children of alcoholics and as a proud ambassador for Nacoa I am shouting about it all week. This episode I dive into 21 traits of a child of an alcoholic.

You can find Nacoa here - Nacoa.org.uk

To Sponser me go here - https://www.justgiving.com/page/josh-connolly-2

And for deeper you it is here - https://www.joshconnolly.co.uk/deeper-you

Here is what AI makes of it all -

Back from Illness: Raising Awareness for Children of Alcoholics

In this episode, Josh Connolly returns after recovering from a week-and-a-half-long illness. He begins with an apology for missing last week's podcast and announces changes to the podcast cover picture for future episodes. Josh also talks about the upcoming American release of his book 'It's Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story' and his online program DeeperU, aimed at fostering joy and reconnecting with one's inner child. He dedicates this week's podcast to Children of Alcoholics Week, sharing his long-standing involvement with NACOA (National Association for Children of Alcoholics) and raising awareness about the lack of specific governmental support for these children. Josh discusses his planned 93-mile walk from Wiltshire to London, delivering a letter to 10 Downing Street, and attending a Parliamentary meeting to advocate for change. Highlighting 21 traits common among children with alcoholic parents, Josh emphasizes the need for specialized support and recounts personal experiences and emotional challenges faced throughout his life. He concludes with a call to action for better resources and support for children affected by parental drinking.

00:00 Introduction and Apology

01:18 Podcast Picture Change

02:37 Book Release Announcement

03:01 DeeperU Program Launch

03:19 Children of Alcoholics Week

03:40 Walking to Raise Awareness

04:00 Government's Lack of Support

06:30 Traits of Children of Alcoholics

12:08 Hypervigilance and Trust Issues

15:12 People Pleasing and Fear of Abandonment

19:40 Perfectionism and Intimacy Issues

34:41 Control Issues and Hyper Independence

36:27 Caretaking and Emotional Challenges

39:07 Conclusion and Call to Action

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My daughter is off school sick, so we are coming from my living room with little planning time so I used it to answer a bunch of your questions and there was some deep ones! There's also a bit of insight into my scattered mind and even stop to take some breaths at some point. Here is what AI made of it all -

In this episode of 'Dysfunctional,' Josh Connolly addresses common questions about growing up with toxic parents, the impacts of emotional abuse, and the complexities of estrangement. Filmed from his living room due to personal circumstances, Josh offers insights into dealing with self-hatred, the need to earn love, being the family scapegoat, and the concept of living grief. He also discusses practical steps to avoid becoming like a toxic parent by focusing on accountability. Join Josh as he candidly shares his thoughts and provides heartfelt advice for those navigating their own dysfunctional family dynamics.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup

01:22 Answering Listener Questions on Toxic Parents

03:02 Understanding Toxic Parental Behavior

07:00 Dealing with Conditional Love and Manipulation

09:56 Coping with Emotional Abuse and Self-Doubt

19:53 Living Grief and Going No Contact

30:38 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

#toxicparents

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This one was a tricky one to tackle and I could feel my anxiety throughout the episode which means it was a needed conversation. Buckle up for this one, because you might not agree with a lot of my points! Here is what AI thought about it -

Are We Talking About Mental Health Too Much? - Exploring the Overwhelm and Societal Impact

In Episode 11, host Josh Connolly delves into the controversial question: Are we discussing mental health too excessively? Josh shares his personal experiences with overwhelm, anxiety, and hypervigilance. He also highlights the rise in self-diagnosis and the potential pitfalls of over-medicalizing everyday emotional struggles. The discussion touches on societal factors, the influence of pharmaceutical companies, and the importance of resilience. Josh emphasizes the need to balance emotional awareness with practical life strategies while questioning how current systems handle mental health and children's needs.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff

00:41 Personal Overwhelm and Anxiety

02:13 Hyperawareness and Internal Reflection

05:52 Critique of Social Media and Generational Bullying

11:01 Tony Blair's View on Mental Health

31:41 The Rise of Self-Diagnosis

35:17 Arguments For and Against Pathologizing Mental Health

46:46 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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As I hit the 10th episode, I have decided to go out of mine and your comfort zone even more. No more playing safe. I look at what's happening culturally with DEI and peoples hysteria around misinformation before a deeeeep chat on scapegoats. Here is what AI thought of it all -

Embracing Uncomfortable Conversations:

In the milestone 10th episode of the 'Dysfunctional' podcast, host Josh Connolly reflects on his journey so far, revealing his desire to tackle more challenging and controversial topics. He discusses his views on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives scaling back in major corporations, the role of hysteria in society, and the importance of allowing open dialogue about diverse opinions. Josh underscores the significance of scapegoats in fostering societal change and delves deeply into the dynamics of power structures, both in family and societal contexts. The episode aims to encourage critical thinking and honest conversations around complex issues, urging listeners to continuously seek the truth, even when it means stepping out of their comfort zones.

00:00 Celebrating Episode 10: A New Direction

02:28 Diving into DE&I: What's Happening?

07:35 The Problem with Censorship and Misinformation

22:26 The Role of Scapegoats in Society

24:36 Understanding Power Dynamics and Abuse

44:19 Historical Scapegoats: Lessons from the Past

48:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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I have wanted to do a bit of a deep dive into forgiveness for a long time and so I am glad to be able to get to do it today. I have some strong opinions on this and having done a little bit of research, my opinions have only got stronger. If you feel like forgiveness is unfairly pushed on you, this one is for you. Here is what AI thinks about it all.

Navigating Forgiveness: Exploring Accountability, Family Dynamics, and Toxic Relationships

In this episode, Josh Connolly dives deep into the complexities of navigating forgiveness, particularly within the context of toxic and abusive relationships. He discusses the unavoidable level of performance in content creation, the influence of social media, and the impact of negative comments on mental health. Josh also engages in a heated exchange with a commenter, exploring the generational differences in attitudes towards family dynamics. He stresses the importance of self-forgiveness, the historical roots and evolution of forgiveness, and highlights the need for accountability over forced forgiveness, especially in the context of parental abuse.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Mood

01:22 Navigating Online Interactions and Trolls

03:05 Engaging with Toxic Comments

14:37 The Concept of Forgiveness

18:19 Historical Perspectives on Forgiveness

20:43 Forgiveness in Religious Contexts

30:46 The Complexity of Forgiveness in Abuse

36:32 Final Thoughts on Forgiveness and Accountability

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