Dark Finds Podcast
All Episodes
31. #31 - Jesse Crosson - Lessons learned from 19 years in prison
01:00:06||Ep. 31In this conversation, I sit down with Jesse Crosson as he shares his journey from a troubled youth spiraling into addiction and crime to finding solace and self-discovery during his time in prison. Jesse spent 19 years locked up, and discusses the tension and violence that permeate prison life, the struggle for education, and the impact of a scarcity mentality on rehabilitation efforts. He reflects on his journey to freedom through education and mentorship, the emotional challenges of reentry into society, and the importance of community support. Jesse also highlights the transformative power of education in reducing recidivism and the need for systemic change in the prison system.Jesse's website - https://jessecrosson.com/my-story/Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTjFrom Darkness to Light: Jesse Crosson's JourneyThe Power of Redemption: A Conversation with Jesse CrossonThrillers, Addiction, and the Path to RecoveryFinding Solace in Solitude: Jesse Crosson's StoryThe Impact of Choices: A Journey Through Addiction and PrisonOvercoming Adversity: Lessons from Jesse Crosson's Lifethriller, addiction, redemption, prison, mental health, social media, self-discovery, justice, personal growth, overcoming adversity, prison life, education, recidivism, mental health, nonprofit, social media, rehabilitation, pardon, emotional journey, community support, Jesse Crosson, Gary Colton, Dark Finds30. #30 - Char Helliker - Mediumship, Ancient Connections to Spirituality, & Confronting Darkness
54:06||Ep. 30In this episode, I sit down with Char Helliker to explore the fascinating world of mediumship, discussing its definition, the ancient connections to spirituality, and personal experiences that have shaped her understanding of the spirit world. Char shares her journey of awakening, the role of faith, and the influence of substances on spiritual experiences, including the healing potential of plant medicine. The dialogue delves into the challenges of navigating spirit communication and confronting darkness, particularly in relation to addiction. In this conversation, Char and Gary explore the profound connection between spirituality, gratitude, and the energy of Mother Earth. Char shares her experiences with grief and love, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and protecting one's energy. They discuss the power of the mind in healing and the necessity of spiritual practices in modern society. The conversation culminates in a discussion about reincarnation and the eternal nature of existence, highlighting the need for community and connection to nature.Char's IG - https://www.instagram.com/heal_with_spirit/reels/Char website - https://www.healwithspirit.co.uk/Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTjTakeawaysMediumship is the ability to contact those who have transitioned to spirit.Everyone has the ability to communicate with spirit; it's about activation.Ancient cultures had a deeper connection to the spiritual realm.Faith plays a crucial role in understanding and navigating mediumship.Personal experiences can trigger spiritual awakenings.Substances can influence spiritual experiences, both positively and negatively.Plant medicine has been used for healing and connecting with the spirit world.The importance of setting and intention when working with plant medicine.Addiction can be seen as a form of hell on earth.Forgiveness is central to understanding our true nature as love. It's about respect, honour, and safety.Gratitude can coexist with grief.Working with spirit can lead to personal transformation.Setting healthy boundaries is vital for energy protection.The mind has miraculous power in healing.Spiritual practices do not require money.Repetition in practice leads to fluidity in life.Community support is essential for spiritual health.The absence of spirituality is linked to capitalism.We are eternal beings, constantly learning and evolving.29. #29 - Claire McAuliffe - Lessons From A Cult Survivor
01:51:20||Ep. 29In this episode, I sit down with author and TED X speakers, Claire McAuliffe. Claire shares her experiences as a cult survivor, discussing the gradual process of becoming involved in a cult, the psychological manipulation at play, and the personal struggles she faced. She highlights the role of predictions made by cult leaders, the fear instilled in members, and the societal changes that influenced cult dynamics. Claire emphasizes the importance of understanding vulnerability and the impact of fear on decision-making, as well as her journey towards reclaiming her identity and voice after leaving the cult. If you’re liking the podcast, please subscribe, rate, follow, and share it with others. 🚀Claire's book - https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Cult-Survivor-Claire-Ashman/dp/0648263401Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTjThe Journey of a Cult SurvivorUnraveling Cult DynamicsFrom Submissiveness to EmpowermentThe Psychology Behind CultsFear and Control in Religious MovementsUnderstanding Vulnerability in CultsThe Role of Predictions in Cult LeadershipBreaking Free from ManipulationThe Impact of Modernism on CultsReclaiming Identity After Cult LifeNavigating Faith and Family Life28. #28 - M.E. Thomas - Confessions of a Sociopath, Psychology, Capitalism & Pro-Social Psychopathy
01:32:49||Ep. 28In this episode, Gary sits down with M.E. Thomas, author of Confessions of a Sociopath, to explore the nuanced world of psychopathy — from societal perceptions and neurodiversity to capitalism and morality. Together, they unpack how psychopaths function within society, challenge common misconceptions, and examine the impact of sampling bias in research. Their conversation dives into the complex relationship between empathy, narcissism, and identity, touching on everything from immigrant contributions and fictional character relatability to language, writing, and community dynamics. M.E. also shares her personal journey: growing up in the Mormon church, navigating academia, and her therapeutic path toward self-understanding after publishing her book. This wide-ranging discussion ultimately questions what society assumes about morality and suggests that, perhaps, a world with psychopaths isn't as dysfunctional as we think.M.E. Thomas' website - http://www.sociopathworld.com/Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTjTakeawaysPsychopaths are often misunderstood and demonized in media.Neurodiversity movements can influence perceptions of psychopathy.Research on psychopathy often suffers from sampling bias, focusing on prison populations.The identity of a psychopath can be complex and multifaceted.Psychopaths may possess a rationality that benefits society.Capitalism and psychopathy share overlapping traits, particularly in risk-taking.Empathy and social norms are perceived differently by psychopaths.The law often favors empaths over psychopaths in criminal cases.Psychopaths can be immune to mob mentality, which can be advantageous.There is a symbiotic relationship between psychopaths and normal individuals in society. Immigrants often take on jobs that others refuse to do.Psychopaths can identify and exploit opportunities in society.Cultural migration may have led to a higher prevalence of psychopathy in certain populations.Language and writing can be powerful tools for expression and understanding.Narcissism and psychopathy have distinct differences in self-perception.Empathy can sometimes lead individuals to make dangerous decisions.Fictional characters can reflect complex human emotions and experiences.Misplaced empathy can lead to harmful situations for individuals.27. #27 - Ben Shenton - surviving Australia's most notorious cult "The Family"
01:30:44||Ep. 27On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Ben Shenton. Ben is a survivor of "The Family," a notorious New Age cult led by Anne Hamilton-Byrne. At 18 months old, Ben was handed over to Hamilton-Byrne, who falsely claimed to be his mother. Within the cult, children were subjected to severe abuse, including forced conformity through identical appearances and strict discipline. In 1987, at age 15, Shenton was among several children rescued during a police raid on the cult's property. Ben has since become an advocate for survivors of cults and abusive environments and works now as a pastor. He authored the book Life Behind The Wire, detailing his experiences within "The Family" and his journey toward healing.Ben's website - https://www.rescuethefamily.com/Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj26. #26 - Half Natty King - Bodybuilding & Fitness, Gear, Moving to the USA and more
01:14:03||Ep. 26On this week’s episode, I’m joined by bodybuilder and content creator the Half Natty King. Today, we’ll be delving into bodybuilding, the fitness industry, gear, struggles, serial killers, and so much more. And remember, if you’re liking the podcast, please subscribe, rate, follow, and share it with others.Half Natty King website: https://50percentnatty.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqQX5MMa3LnMCp702GrkdoXtDgtOZdx5Ttl_SoI_xmxVjkdJpz7-mWM2g_aem_SaG16InU-v35TWjUJt3CxgHalf Natty King IG: https://www.instagram.com/50percentnatty_/Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj25. #25 - Dr. Adrain Goldsworthy - Ancient Rome, Alexander the Great, Gladiators, & Ancient Warfare
01:07:25||Ep. 25On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy, ancient historian and novelist, who has authored nearly 30 books. From his deep dives into the lives of Julius Caesar and Augustus to his gripping novels set in Roman Britain, Dr. Goldsworthy is a master storyteller who brings history vividly to life. Today, we’ll be delving into ancient Rome and the fascinating world of Philip II and Alexander the Great—two legendary figures whose vision and ambition reshaped the ancient world.Adrain's website: http://www.adriangoldsworthy.com/Adrain's YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianGoldsworthytheAuthorDark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTjAncient HistoryAncient RomeAlexander the GreatPhilip IIAncient WarfareHedrains Wall24. #24 - Cheyna Roth - Journalism, Podcasting, Cold Cases, and making it as a True Crime Writer
48:36||Ep. 24On this week’s episode I’m joined by journalist and author Cheyna Roth. After transitioning from law, she started her career as a political reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network. She is now a senior producer and podcast host for Slate, working on shows like What Next TBD, Political Gabfest, Slate Money and so many more. Between Two Wars is Cheyna's latest true crime collection, which I highly recommend for all you true crime fans. She also published Cold Cases: A True Crime Collection in July 2020 where she dives into The Zodiac Killer and The Golden Sate Killer. Cheyna's IG - https://www.instagram.com/cheyna_r/Cheyna's website - Cheyna Roth Cheyna's books - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Cheyna-Roth/author/B0887NHLG6?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueDark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj#23 - Andrea Mara - Getting to the Heart of Writing a Best Selling Thriller
45:44|On this week’s episode we sit down thriller writer Andrea Mara, a Number One Sunday Times, Irish Times, and Kindle bestselling author, who has been shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year at the An Post Book Awards for four of her books. Andrea excels at building suspense and creating relatable characters who find themselves in dangerous situations. She frequently writes about domestic settings and everyday situations that turn sinister, which resonates with many readers. Andrea's Website - https://andreamara.ie/Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTjThrillerThriller WriterBooksAuthorAndrea MaraSuspenseArtsWriting
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