In this episode, we explore Dianetics—a mental health framework closely associated with Scientology, yet far less understood, especially in Europe. Together with guest Alyssa Burke, Nikolas and Michael dive into the core ideas behind Dianetics, including the distinction between the analytical and reactive mind, how unresolved trauma influences behavior, emotions, and even physical health, and how these hidden mental recordings shape our lives without us realizing it.

Alyssa shares her personal journey with Dianetics, explains the auditing process in detail, and uses clear analogies—from computer viruses to everyday experiences—to make complex ideas accessible. The conversation draws thoughtful parallels to modern psychology, trauma work, meditation, and somatic approaches, while also addressing questions around safety, effectiveness, and how Dianetics differs from traditional therapy.

Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or simply interested in understanding how past experiences continue to affect present-day reactions, this episode offers a deep, nuanced, and respectful exploration of Dianetics and its place in the wider landscape of mental health frameworks.

Timestamps

00:41 – Introduction: Why explore Dianetics?

01:38 – Alyssa’s personal journey into Dianetics

04:10 – What Dianetics is: analytical vs. reactive mind

06:46 – Psychosomatic illness and the mind–body connection

10:49 – Is Dianetics therapy? How auditing works

13:55 – The “eggs” example: how the reactive mind forms triggers

19:32 – Processing reactive content with the analytical mind

22:55 – How many sessions are needed? Results and relief

27:51 – What makes Dianetics different from other approaches

30:19 – The computer virus analogy explained

33:07 – Awareness, meditation, and distance from reactivity

37:52 – Identifying hidden trauma with an auditor

43:18 – Safety, severe trauma, and emotional capacity

46:51 – The role of the auditor (and why they don’t analyze)

50:22 – Self-responsibility vs. being “fixed”

52:43 – How to get started: books, centers, DIY approach

54:27 – Closing thoughts and final reflections

Bryan Power's Website:

https://www.myrelationshipfail.com/

In this episode, we dive deep into Attachment Theory and explore how our early childhood experiences shape the way we love, communicate, and connect in adult relationships.

Our guest Bryan Power shares a powerful personal story of how his marriage reached a breaking point — and how that crisis became the turning point that led him into deep healing work through attachment styles and integrated attachment theory.

Together, we break down the four attachment styles (secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant), explain why opposites often attract, and uncover the patterns that keep couples stuck in repeating conflicts. Bryan also introduces the six pillars of Integrated Attachment Theory, giving practical tools for emotional regulation, needs, boundaries, communication, and lasting relationship change.

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the same fights, feeling misunderstood, or “listening to defend,” this episode will give you clarity — and a roadmap forward.

Why does resting feel so uncomfortable? Why do so many of us feel guilty when we’re not being productive?

In this episode, Nikolas and Michael unpack one of the deepest cultural myths of modern society: the belief that our worth is defined by productivity. Starting from personal experiences of guilt, burnout, and career pauses, the conversation expands into capitalism, work identity, burnout culture, universal basic income, AI, and gender roles.

They explore how productivity becomes wired into our nervous systems, how fear and social pressure keep the system running without anyone holding a whip, and why many people feel lost when asked what gives their life meaning beyond work. Along the way, they touch on career gaps, tech culture, burnout at a young age, and what it takes to step off the hamster wheel.

This episode is an honest, reflective dialogue about rest, fear, meaning, and the courage it takes to question a system we’ve been trained not to question.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

00:41 – Feeling guilty for resting and the discomfort of doing nothing

01:59 – Productivity as self-worth and the need to produce to feel valuable

03:43 – Capitalism, vacations, and rest as a tool for productivity

05:16 – Productivity as a deeply ingrained social belief

06:56 – Advertising, money, and the illusion of happiness

09:15 – Making money as a substitute for meaning

11:22 – Universal basic income, AI, and meaningful work

13:54 – “I am enough”: nervous systems, burnout, and constant tension

16:52 – Work as identity and why “What do you do?” defines us

19:17 – Career gaps, lying about work, and the stigma of not working

22:56 – Tech culture, AI, and impossible job requirements

25:39 – Redefining success: time, meaning, and quality of life

28:28 – Productivity, masculinity, and gender role expectations

30:51 – Parenting, toys, and early gender conditioning

33:07 – Challenging rigid gender roles and societal power structures

36:49 – Sitting with discomfort and stepping away from stable careers

38:44 – Health, burnout, mortality, and choosing meaningful contribution

41:04 – Modeling alternative paths and undoing the productivity program

43:14 – Awareness as the first step and closing reflections