Beyond the Hero’s Journey: Overcoming Trauma and Finding Empathy | Ep. 078

MindHack Podcast

In this episode of the MindHack Podcast, we sit down with Ben "Doc" Askins, a former combat medic turned psychiatric physician assistant, who brings a wealth of experience in trauma therapy and unconventional healing. With nearly two decades in military medicine and a specialization in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, Ben challenges the traditional Hero’s Journey narrative and instead explores the path of the Anti-Hero—a journey that delves into the raw, real, and often messy truths of self-discovery. Through his unique insights, Ben shares how confronting trauma and embracing empathy are essential for true healing.
This conversation is for anyone grappling with their own inner battles or seeking to make peace with past traumas. Together, we uncover practical steps to break free from self-deception, build meaningful connections, and find empathy not only for others but also for ourselves. Join us as we unpack a new approach to healing—one that is unfiltered, authentic, and ultimately empowering.
ℹ️ About this Guest
Ben "Doc" Askins is a former combat medic and psychiatric physician assistant with nearly two decades of experience in trauma care and therapy. Certified in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), Ben blends traditional medicine with innovative approaches to healing. As the author of Anti-Hero’s Journey: The Zero With a Thousand Faces, he challenges conventional narratives of growth, offering raw insights on trauma, empathy, and self-discovery. Through his work, Ben inspires others to confront their struggles and embrace authentic transformation.

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• Anti-Hero's Journey: The Zero With a Thousand Faces: A Warped War Memoir on the Way to Enlightenment By Ben "Doc" Askins
  

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Maps (MultiDisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)
• The Hero with a Thousand Faces (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell) by Joseph Campbell
• Transpersonal Psychology
• Dr. Stanislav "Stan" Grof
• Carl Jung
• Carl Jung Shadow
• Karpman Drama Triangle
• Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy: A Systematic Individual and Social Psychiatry by Eric Berne
• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
• Default Mode Network
• MDMA

فصول

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. About Ben "Doc" Askins (00:00:39)

3. Exploring the Zero Myth and the Antihero's Journey (00:02:20)

4. Integrating the Shadow Self (00:05:02)

5. Transactional Analysis and the Karpman Drama Triangle (00:09:43)

6. Parenting and the Antihero's Journey (00:18:53)

7. Leadership Lessons from the Military (00:23:27)

8. Understanding Trauma and Its Impact (00:31:13)

9. Exploring Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness (00:33:56)

10. The Role of Endurance and High Performance (00:39:55)

11. MDMA and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (00:42:40)

12. Philosophical Reflections on Life and Death (00:53:20)

13. Integrating Philosophy and Spirituality (01:00:25)

14. Conclusion and Final Thoughts... (01:05:08)