This is the second episode in our series on Reclaiming Power. In this one, Nancy and I dig into the Epstein files, elite networks, and what we can actually do when the systems meant to protect us fail. I hope it's helpful to you!
Content warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, the Epstein case, trafficking, and the psychological dynamics of destructive power. Listener discretion is advised
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Dr. Nancy Wadsworth is a Professor Emerita of Political Science at the University of Denver whose work sits at the intersection of culture, politics, race, religion, and social movements. She's the author of *Ambivalent Miracles: Evangelicals and the Politics of Racial Healing* and has written for The Washington Post, Vox, and The Denver Post. With a PhD from the New School for Social Research, Nancy brings both deep scholarship and a commitment to combining academic rigor with public discourse — exploring power, identity, and how ordinary people create change. https://nancywadsworth.com/
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LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4
00:00 — Introduction: powerlessness and what's happening in the world
00:04 — Destructive power vs. grounded power
00:05 — Epstein files: elite networks and unaccountable power
00:10 — Agency: power as capacity to influence outcomes
00:14 — Epstein: how power moves through elite circles
00:20 — Why did Epstein's abuse get so extreme before exposure?
00:25 — Epstein's rise: charisma, charm, lies, failing up
00:30 — Epstein's emails: arrogance, dehumanization, blasé cruelty
00:37 — Collusion of power: NDAs, secrecy, destructive power over bodies
00:41 — Sex as instrument of power: rape culture, patriarchy
00:48 — Wounded power: soul wounds beneath destructive leaders
00:55 — Narcissism and power: which comes first?
00:58 — Leadership: moral compass, true north, grounded power
01:00 — Wise Mind: inner wisdom, Dialectical Behavior Therapy
01:05 — Using your platform: therapists, activists, local agency
01:11 — Cracks in power: resistance, Jenga metaphor
01:14 — Paradigm shift: empire falling as opportunity for renewal
01:21 — Mass movements: protest, pressure on institutions
01:41 — History: slavery, Jim Crow, women's rights
01:46 — Advice for young people
01:54 — Preview of Part 3: grounded power
CONNECT WITH DR. VICTORIA
Podcast Website: www.innercalling.org
Dr .Victoria: www.victoriaranade.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade
Hope+Wellness, boutique mental health care that's kind, compassionate, and evidence-based. A place where you are genuinely seen & understood. Founded by Dr. Victoria: https://www.hope-wellness.com
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WHAT IS INNERCALLING?
innercalling is a podcast hosted by Dr. Victoria Ranade, PhD, MBA, ABPP that brings together leaders, scientists, clinicians, authors, artists, and everyday people to explore what it means to stay grounded in inner wisdom, creativity, purpose, and our shared humanity during rapidly changing times. Inspired by the tradition of clinical psychology, each episode is a conversation that honors the human spirit and the extraordinary capacity for growth and resilience that lives within each of us.
WHO IS DR. VICTORIA?
Hi there, I'm Dr. Victoria Ranade. I'm a board certified licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and podcaster deeply passionate about mental health, spirituality, integrative wellness, and honoring the light inside you — the one that no darkness can ever overcome. I'm also a neurodivergent woman, proud first generation Taiwanese-American, and lover of Welsh Terriers. Fun fact: I don't know you but I love you. I made this podcast so you would know you're not alone.✌🏼💛
I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:
info@innercalling.org
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