Share

cover art for the 48 laws of power: episode 3 (laws for self-protection) [premium exclusive]

Back From The Borderline

the 48 laws of power: episode 3 (laws for self-protection) [premium exclusive]

Have you ever felt like your attempts to maintain picture perfect image might be doing more harm than good? Or maybe you’ve struggled with balancing respect for authority without being totally overshadowed? In this final episode of our special mini-series on Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power, we delve into three crucial laws that can help you protect yourself and navigate power dynamics with grace and strategy.

 

For those of us who are highly sensitive, recovering from trauma, or frequently finding ourselves in complex relationships, the insights from this episode are invaluable. We’ll explore how to balance humility with confidence, uncover the importance of understanding others’ weaknesses ethically, and discuss why avoiding the appearance of perfection can shield you from unnecessary envy and hostility.

 

By the end of this episode, you'll understand how to maintain a strong, authentic presence without inciting jealousy, how to navigate authority figures respectfully while asserting your own value, and how to use your knowledge of others’ vulnerabilities to build support rather than manipulate.

 

Tune in to discover how these final laws can become tools for self-protection, personal growth, and lasting empowerment. This is your final step in reclaiming your power and breaking free from the repetitive cycles of drama in your personal and professional life.


TIME STAMPS:

 

06:40.53  – 40:24.76 : Law #1 (“never outshine the master”)

40:30.30 – 59:38.85: Law #33 (“discover each man’s thumbscrew”)

59:38.85 – 01:25:16:24 Law #46 (“never appear too perfect”)

More episodes

View all episodes

  • the 48 laws of power: episode 3 (laws for self-protection) [preview]

    44:33|
    Have you ever felt like your attempts to maintain picture perfect image might be doing more harm than good? Or maybe you’ve struggled with balancing respect for authority without being totally overshadowed? In this final episode of our special mini-series on Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power, we delve into three crucial laws that can help you protect yourself and navigate power dynamics with grace and strategy. For those of us who are highly sensitive, recovering from trauma, or frequently finding ourselves in complex relationships, the insights from this episode are invaluable. We’ll explore how to balance humility with confidence, uncover the importance of understanding others’ weaknesses ethically, and discuss why avoiding the appearance of perfection can shield you from unnecessary envy and hostility. By the end of this episode, you'll understand how to maintain a strong, authentic presence without inciting jealousy, how to navigate authority figures respectfully while asserting your own value, and how to use your knowledge of others’ vulnerabilities to build support rather than manipulate. Tune in to discover how these final laws can become tools for self-protection, personal growth, and lasting empowerment. This is your final step in reclaiming your power and breaking free from the repetitive cycles of drama in your personal and professional life.TIME STAMPS:06:40.53 – 40:24.76: Law #1 (“never outshine the master”)40:30.30 – 59:38.85: Law #33 (“discover each man’s thumbscrew”)59:38.85 – 01:25:16:24: Law #46 (“never appear too perfect”)Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.
  • were you under-mothered? (exploring the generational impact of “mother hunger”) [ad-free]

    01:32:08|
    Have you ever felt a deep sense of isolation from your family, an intense awareness of death, or a constant craving for emotional nurturing from partners who just can't meet your needs? These feelings might be linked to a concept known as "Mother Hunger." In this episode, I delve into the profound and often hidden impact of being under-mothered—a condition where the essential maternal nurturing, protection, and guidance were lacking during your formative years, leading to what is often referred to as the "mother wound."Drawing from the insights of experts like Kelly McDaniel and Dr. Oscar Serrallach, you'll explore how inadequate maternal care can shape your emotional landscape and influence your relationships throughout life. You'll learn about the symptoms of Mother Hunger, including emotional immaturity, delayed grief, and transferred needs. I'll discuss the generational transmission of this emotional wound and the societal pressures that perpetuate it, emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion.You'll also discover practical steps towards healing, from seeking trauma-informed care and building safe relationships to engaging in specific therapeutic approaches like Attachment-Focused EMDR and Somatic Experiencing. By the end of this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to address and heal from these deep-seated emotional wounds. Tune into the full episode to uncover the legacy of missing maternal love, understand the concept of the mother wound, and discover ways to reclaim your emotional well-being.References:✧ the mother wound: sacred scars as a portal to healing [back from the borderline episode]✧ manipulative love: narcissistic mothers, enmeshed parentified children, and emotional incest [back from the borderline episode exploring Jeannette McCurdy’s book “I’m Glad My Mom Died]✧ Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab✧ Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff
  • were you under-mothered? exploring the generational impact of “mother hunger”

    01:32:08|
    Have you ever felt a deep sense of isolation from your family, an intense awareness of death, or a constant craving for emotional nurturing from partners who just can't meet your needs? These feelings might be linked to a concept known as "Mother Hunger." In this episode, I delve into the profound and often hidden impact of being under-mothered—a condition where the essential maternal nurturing, protection, and guidance were lacking during your formative years, leading to what is often referred to as the "mother wound." Drawing from the insights of experts like Kelly McDaniel and Dr. Oscar Serrallach, you'll explore how inadequate maternal care can shape your emotional landscape and influence your relationships throughout life. You'll learn about the symptoms of Mother Hunger, including emotional immaturity, delayed grief, and transferred needs. I'll discuss the generational transmission of this emotional wound and the societal pressures that perpetuate it, emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion. You'll also discover practical steps towards healing, from seeking trauma-informed care and building safe relationships to engaging in specific therapeutic approaches like Attachment-Focused EMDR and Somatic Experiencing. By the end of this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to address and heal from these deep-seated emotional wounds.References:✧ the mother wound: sacred scars as a portal to healing [back from the borderline episode]✧ manipulative love: narcissistic mothers, enmeshed parentified children, and emotional incest [back from the borderline episode exploring Jeannette McCurdy’s book “I’m Glad My Mom Died]✧ Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover TawwabEnjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.
  • the 48 laws of power: episode 2 (laws for taking your power BACK) [preview]

    45:22|
    Do you ever think about how much your reputation shapes your life? Or feel like you're constantly stuck in a cycle of reactivity, wishing you could be more strategic in your planning? In this second episode of our special mini-series on Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power, we dive into three pivotal laws that can help you reclaim your power and take control of your life. For those of us who are highly sensitive, recovering from trauma, or often caught in manipulative relationships, the insights we explore in this episode are transformative. You'll learn how to build and maintain a strong reputation, handle conflicts effectively, and develop a proactive mindset that keeps you out of the never-ending drama and emotional turmoil. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to protect your reputation, recognize and counter harmful behaviors, and plan your actions with intention and foresight. This isn’t about being ruthless—it’s about empowering yourself to navigate life’s power dynamics with confidence and integrity. Don't miss out on these essential insights that can help you take control of your life and relationships. Tune in to discover how to turn these powerful laws into tools for self-awareness, personal strength, and lasting empowerment. This is your path to reclaiming your power and safeguarding your well-being.TIME STAMPS:05:03.64 – 41:44.02: Law #5 (“so much depends upon reputation – guard it with your life”)41:44.02 – 58:16.16: Law #15: (“crush your enemy totally”)58:16.16 – 01:20.42: Law #29 (“plan all the way to the end”)Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.
  • the new gods: how commercialized spirituality and therapy culture have become dogmatic modern religions

    01:09:51|
    In this episode, we unravel the profound cultural shift that has elevated therapy, manifestation, and new-age spirituality to the status of modern-day religions. We'll dive deep into how these practices dominate our lives, filling the void left by the decline of traditional religious faith. From the passionate fervor of social justice movements to the commodified serenity of wellness apps, we explore how these trends mirror religious rituals and beliefs. We dissect the entrenchment of therapy culture, examining how much of Western society now interprets their lives through an individualistic and therapeutic lens, and discuss the commercialization of mental health and wellness, revealing the thin line between genuine help and predatory practices. This episode delves into the irony of modern society's disdain for traditional religion while mimicking its practices in secular forms. We critique the self-centered nature of therapy culture and its impact on our understanding of mental health, the erosion of communal bonds, and the desperate need for moral direction and stability in an increasingly transient world. Perfect for anyone intrigued by the intersection of culture, psychology, and spirituality, this episode will captivate those curious about how contemporary practices shape our collective psyche and those questioning the deeper implications of the wellness industry and therapy culture.Resource: “Our New Religion Isn't Enough” by Freya India via the GIRLS SubstackEnjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.
  • the 48 laws of power: episode 2 (laws for taking your power BACK) [premium exclusive]

    01:23:20|
    Do you ever think about how much your reputation shapes your life? Or feel like you're constantly stuck in a cycle of reactivity, wishing you could be more strategic in your planning? In this second episode of our special mini-series on Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power, we dive into three pivotal laws that can help you reclaim your power and take control of your life. For those of us who are highly sensitive, recovering from trauma, or often caught in manipulative relationships, the insights we explore in this episode are transformative. You'll learn how to build and maintain a strong reputation, handle conflicts effectively, and develop a proactive mindset that keeps you out of the never-ending drama and emotional turmoil. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to protect your reputation, recognize and counter harmful behaviors, and plan your actions with intention and foresight. This isn’t about being ruthless—it’s about empowering yourself to navigate life’s power dynamics with confidence and integrity. Don't miss out on these essential insights that can help you take control of your life and relationships. Tune in to discover how to turn these powerful laws into tools for self-awareness, personal strength, and lasting empowerment. This is your path to reclaiming your power and safeguarding your well-being.TIME STAMPS: 05:03.64 – 41:44.02: Law #5 (“so much depends upon reputation – guard it with your life”)41:44.02 – 58:16.16: Law #15: (“crush your enemy totally”)58:16.16 – 01:20.42: Law #29 (“plan all the way to the end”)
  • the new gods: how commercialized spirituality and therapy culture have become dogmatic modern religions [ad-free]

    01:09:51|
    In this episode, we unravel the profound cultural shift that has elevated therapy, manifestation, and new-age spirituality to the status of modern-day religions. We'll dive deep into how these practices dominate our lives, filling the void left by the decline of traditional religious faith.From the passionate fervor of social justice movements to the commodified serenity of wellness apps, we explore how these trends mirror religious rituals and beliefs. We dissect the entrenchment of therapy culture, examining how much of Western society now interprets their lives through an individualistic and therapeutic lens, and discuss the commercialization of mental health and wellness, revealing the thin line between genuine help and predatory practices.This episode delves into the irony of modern society's disdain for traditional religion while mimicking its practices in secular forms. We critique the self-centered nature of therapy culture and its impact on our understanding of mental health, the erosion of communal bonds, and the desperate need for moral direction and stability in an increasingly transient world.Perfect for anyone intrigued by the intersection of culture, psychology, and spirituality, this episode will captivate those curious about how contemporary practices shape our collective psyche and those questioning the deeper implications of the wellness industry and therapy culture.Resource: “Our New Religion Isn't Enough” by Freya India via the GIRLS Substack
  • the 48 laws of power: episode 1 (laws to recognize signs of manipulation) [preview]

    54:10|
    Individuals recovering from trauma, neglect, and abuse are often particularly vulnerable to manipulative tactics. Their desire to be liked and accepted can unfortunately make them less adept at recognizing when they are being manipulated. In this episode, we’ll explore not only how to detect these hidden agendas but also how to respond and reclaim your space with integrity and confidence. In part one of this mini-series, we’ll peel back the layers of the most covert strategies used in personal and professional relationships, rooted in the wisdom of Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power. We're diving deep into three specific laws covered in the book: Conceal Your Intentions, Court Attention at All Costs, and Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy. Robert Greene’s book, often misunderstood as a manual for the ruthless, is actually a treasure trove of defensive wisdom crucial for those who feel overpowered or overlooked. This series isn’t just about exposing the tactics of power—it’s about empowering you to use this knowledge to your advantage. Join me as we navigate these murky waters together. You’ll learn to spot when someone is masking their true intentions or hogging the spotlight not just to enlighten you, but to empower you. Let’s move beyond being pawns in someone else’s game and become architects of our own destiny.TIME STAMPS:00:00 – 19:11.41: Introduction (about the book, the author and how we’ll structure this series)19:11.41: Law #3 (“conceal your intentions”)50:51.10: Law #6 (“court attention at all costs”)01:19.04 – 01:50.30: Law #14 (“pose as a friend, work as a spy”)Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.