EP47. The most dangerous power is invisible — Dr. Nancy Wadsworth on the psychology of toxic power | Deconstructing Power Part 2

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***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/***LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c400:00 — Introduction: powerlessness and what's happening in the world00:04 — Destructive power vs. grounded power00:05 — Epstein files: elite networks and unaccountable power00:10 — Agency: power as capacity to influence outcomes00:14 — Epstein: how power moves through elite circles00:20 — Why did Epstein's abuse get so extreme before exposure?00:25 — Epstein's rise: charisma, charm, lies, failing up00:30 — Epstein's emails: arrogance, dehumanization, blasé cruelty00:37 — Collusion of power: NDAs, secrecy, destructive power over bodies00:41 — Sex as instrument of power: rape culture, patriarchy00:48 — Wounded power: soul wounds beneath destructive leaders00:55 — Narcissism and power: which comes first?00:58 — Leadership: moral compass, true north, grounded power01:00 — Wise Mind: inner wisdom, Dialectical Behavior Therapy01:05 — Using your platform: therapists, activists, local agency01:11 — Cracks in power: resistance, Jenga metaphor01:14 — Paradigm shift: empire falling as opportunity for renewal01:21 — Mass movements: protest, pressure on institutions01:41 — History: slavery, Jim Crow, women's rights01:46 — Advice for young people01:54 — Preview of Part 3: grounded powerCONNECT WITH DR. VICTORIAPodcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr .Victoria: www.victoriaranade.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+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* * * *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:[email protected] W Broad StSTE 804Falls Church, VA 22046#drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcastDisclaimer: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.