Dysfunctional

Alright, here we go... In this episode, I’m diving into what I believe might just be the most important conversation we need to be having right now...how do we actually change the system?I talk about how we’re all living in a society that mirrors the same abusive dynamics so many of us grew up with in our families. We’re divided, disconnected, and constantly fighting each other which just helps those in power stay exactly where they are.This one’s about community. Real community. Not the online echo chambers where everyone has to agree to belong , I’m talking about old school, village-style connection, where we come together because we’re different, not in spite of it.I unpack how we ended up so fragmented, why disagreement shouldn’t mean disconnection, and why true change will never happen if we keep shouting sideways instead of looking up.It’s not a polished TED Talk but it's me, raw and thinking out loud. Crunchy in places. Sweary in others. But hopefully, real enough to get us thinking.Let’s start a revolution. Together.00:00 Introduction and Episode Theme00:45 The Family System and Society02:08 Community as a Solution05:37 The Evolution of Community12:50 Challenges in Modern Communities22:16 The Power Imbalance in Society31:16 Call to Action: Rebuilding Community36:48 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this 20th episode of Dysfunctional, I’m going in on everything that’s wrong with modern-day spirituality.This isn’t an anti-spiritual rant — I have a deep spiritual life myself — but I’m calling out what I see far too often: bypassing disguised as healing, whitewashed practices stripped of their roots, and a new wave of spiritual dogma that looks more like performance than truth.We’ll talk about the misuse of words like “Aho” and “Namaste,” the pressure to forgive even when it’s harmful, and how healing spaces are starting to feel more like exclusive clubs than grounded communities.And most importantly, I’ll share what I believe true spirituality actually is — messy, embodied, honest, and deeply human.If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in modern spiritual spaces, this episode might explain why.Let’s pull it apart together.00:00 Introduction and Future Plans01:03 Diving into New Age Spirituality05:08 Spiritual Bypassing and Emotional Complexity13:41 Cultural Appropriation in Spiritual Practices26:56 Toxic Positivity and Dogma in Spirituality31:01 Defining True Spirituality34:29 Final Reflections and Call to Action

Not my longest podcast ever but boy do I go in! I am passionate about this and challenging the abusive system is my main passion from now onTackling Systemic Issues: Conversations on Economic Inequality and Mental HealthIn this episode, Josh Connolly dives deep into systemic issues, focusing on economic inequality, mental health, and societal structures. He reflects on Gary Stevenson's insights from the 'Steven Bartlett Podcast,' discussing how the system is rigged against the working class and the role of socioeconomic factors in mental health challenges. Josh also critiques the notion that individual effort alone can overcome systemic barriers and emphasizes the need for collective action and structural change. He underscores the importance of community, political awareness, and collective healing in challenging and potentially transforming the system.00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast00:26 Gary Stevenson and Economic Inequality02:15 Mental Health and Systemic Issues05:59 The Role of Power and Systemic Gaslighting09:36 Critique of Individualistic Solutions15:17 Simon Squibb's Reaction and Systemic Abuse19:39 Economic Inequality and Hard Work20:33 Challenging the Broken System22:04 Historical Examples of Overcoming Oppression26:25 The Role of Community in Healing30:08 Systemic Gaslighting and Its Impact32:24 Using Platforms for Change35:38 Final Thoughts on Rebellion and Change

Diving into your questions on toxic parents and dysfunctional relationships. Here is what AI thought - In this bite-sized episode of Dysfunctional, Josh Connolly tackles listener questions about dealing with toxic parents, finding emotional independence, and navigating complex family dynamics. Josh offers practical advice on embracing one's true self, handling smear campaigns, and the challenges of caring for abusive parents. He also touches upon the difficulties of gratitude and finding personal worth. Tune in for an insightful discussion on healing from a dysfunctional childhood while maintaining personal boundaries and integrity.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:39 Upcoming Busy Week01:52 Answering Listener Questions02:20 Emotional Independence from Toxic Parents05:10 Compassion vs. Consequence08:20 Suppressing True Self in Relationships14:31 Unconditional Love and Self-Worth16:38 Caring for Abusive Parents19:00 Struggles with Gratitude21:18 Exposing Abusive Parents24:09 Being the Only One Who Sees the Truth27:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I am highly sensitive person so this subject is definitely a passion one for me. I get into in this episode and y passion clearly shines through. Here is what ai thought - The Strength and Struggle of Highly Sensitive People | Episode 17In this episode, Josh Connolly dives deeply into the topic of highly sensitive people (HSPs) and the unique traits and challenges they face. He shares his personal experiences and beliefs about the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to high sensitivity. Josh also talks about the distinction between sensitivity and being labeled 'disordered' by society. With reflections on the strengths of HSPs, like deep empathy and heightened intuition, and the cons, such as overstimulation and emotional exhaustion, this episode provides valuable insights. Additionally, Josh touches on how learning breathwork and setting boundaries can help HSPs manage their sensitivity. He addresses listener questions about complex feelings towards toxic family members and gives advice on trusting one's own emotions.00:00 Introduction and Recording Setup00:42 Discussing Highly Sensitive People01:45 Deep Breathing Exercise03:35 The Importance of Community03:56 Exploring Sensitivity and Trauma09:07 Personal Experiences with Sensitivity16:57 Understanding Sensory Processing Sensitivity26:40 Taking Responsibility for Your Emotions26:53 Biological Basis of Sensitivity27:23 Sensitivity in Animals and Evolution28:58 Modern Society and Sensitivity31:02 Pros and Cons of High Sensitivity34:56 Understanding Empaths and Boundaries38:20 Breathwork and Somatic Practices44:05 Summary and Personal Reflections45:49 Addressing Audience Questions

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 JourneyIn 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 Assurance01:04 Today's Topic: Therapy02:02 Personal Experiences with Therapy07:05 History and Evolution of Therapy09:33 Concerns and Criticisms of Therapy18:25 Therapist Misconduct and Abuse25:29 Regulation and Credentialism in Therapy39:27 Final Thoughts and Summary