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The Lightcast Podcast

The Lightcast Podcast

By Stephanie Gast

Welcome to The Lightcast Podcast! I’m your host Stephanie Gast, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I talk openly about mental health to normalize and cast light on the shadows of the human experience. Tune in for monthly episodes based on themes that intuitively arise for me personally and professionally. Stephanie Gast, M.S., Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist No. 117339 Employed by Gather and Grow OC Supervised by Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Jacqueline Plante No. 91084
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S1:10 Narcissism Part 1: Unmasking the Ego, Defenses, and Origin of Narcissistic Traits

The Lightcast PodcastMar 15, 2022

00:00
01:08:52
S3:06 Integrating Knowledge into Embodied Wisdom
Apr 01, 202442:51
S3:05 Radical Self-Acceptance & Responsibility
Mar 01, 202401:09:32
S3:04 Embracing Authenticity & Releasing What Hinders You
Feb 01, 202449:46
S3:03 Perfectionism as Protection from Shame & Insecurity
Dec 15, 202353:17
S3:02 Desire as a Roadmap to Self-Trust & Deeper Satisfaction
Nov 15, 202359:28
S3:01 Trusting Joy & Pleasure as an Act of Rebellion
Sep 15, 202351:23
S2:12 Fear of Being Perceived & Honesty as the Foundation of Intimacy
Aug 15, 202350:36
S2:11 Codependency & Responsibility for the Self
Jul 15, 202301:01:33
S2:10 Disconnection from Emotions & Unmet Needs
Jun 15, 202352:47
S2:09 Deconstructing Core Beliefs & Rewriting Narratives
Apr 15, 202352:58
S2:08 Shadow Work & The Innate Wisdom of the Body
Mar 15, 202357:40
S2:07 The Healing Gifts of Attunement & Play
Feb 15, 202347:26
S2:06 Power of Intentionality & Making Meaning of Life
Jan 14, 202350:21
S2:05 The Importance of Self-Love & Judgment as a Mirror
Dec 19, 202252:09
S2:04 Grief & Love
Nov 15, 202241:38
S2:03 Fear of Vulnerability & Uncomfortable Growth
Oct 17, 202256:20
S2:02 The Power of Being vs Measuring Worth by Productivity
Sep 15, 202246:30
S2:01 Trusting Intuition & The Cyclic Nature of Life
Aug 15, 202248:00
S1:12 Being the Gentle Observer: Reflecting on Season 1 and my Experience Recording the Lightcast

S1:12 Being the Gentle Observer: Reflecting on Season 1 and my Experience Recording the Lightcast

In this episode of the Lightcast, we wrap up Season 1 with a reflection of the past 11 episodes. Casting a spotlight on the importance of self-reflection and the art of gentle observation. I share my process of recording the Lightcast and give some topic teasers for Season 2 when I return after a summer break.

May 15, 202201:09:55
S1:11 Narcissism Part 2: Exposing the Cycle of Narcissistic Parenting and its Impact on the Family

S1:11 Narcissism Part 2: Exposing the Cycle of Narcissistic Parenting and its Impact on the Family

In this part 2 of 2 episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on the topic of Narcissism. Continuing from Part 1, we revisit the origin of narcissism and expand on the impact of having a narcissist within the family. Exposing the narcissistic family cast, unspoken rules, and the impact of Narcissistic parenting on children. Join me as we cast light on the generational cycle of narcissism.

Apr 15, 202201:07:42
S1:10 Narcissism Part 1: Unmasking the Ego, Defenses, and Origin of Narcissistic Traits

S1:10 Narcissism Part 1: Unmasking the Ego, Defenses, and Origin of Narcissistic Traits

In this part 1 of 2 episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on the topic of Narcissism. We begin with an introduction to the ego and its defense mechanisms. We then take a look at the spectrum of Narcissism including symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Learning the origin of this misunderstood trait, we expose what’s hiding behind the narcissistic mask.

Mar 15, 202201:08:52
S1:09 Suicide: Learning the Risk Factors and Warning Signs to End the Stigma

S1:09 Suicide: Learning the Risk Factors and Warning Signs to End the Stigma

In this episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on the topic of Suicide. A difficult topic to cover but a crucial one as Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the US. We will learn about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide that may go unnoticed. I will go over some statistics and debunk a few myths associated with suicide to show the importance of helping others get the support and help they need. If you or a loved one are in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Feb 15, 202243:54
S1:08 Exploring Disney’s Encanto: Illuminating Common Family Roles

S1:08 Exploring Disney’s Encanto: Illuminating Common Family Roles

In this episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on common family roles using main characters from Disney’s new animated film Encanto. Discussing what family roles are and why we even take them on in the first place. I share my analysis of the film from a family systems perspective and explain how each character beautifully represented a common family role.

Jan 15, 202201:08:59
S1:07 Fight or Flight: Wait There's More? Shining Light on the 5 Evolutionary Trauma Responses

S1:07 Fight or Flight: Wait There's More? Shining Light on the 5 Evolutionary Trauma Responses

In this episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on the 5 trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, flop, and fawn. Taking us back to the primal survival instincts of our ancestors and how they have adapted to the psychological stressors of modern-day. Discussing the impact of this evolutionary response on the body, how it shows up in intimate relationships, and ending with 5 ways to help calm an overactive stress response.

Dec 15, 202149:04
S1:06 Sexuality Across the Lifespan: From Infancy to Older Adulthood

S1:06 Sexuality Across the Lifespan: From Infancy to Older Adulthood

In this episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on sexuality across the lifespan. Starting with the early sexual development in an infant’s first year of life concluding with the unsuspected high libido of older adults. Casting light on taboo topics such as masturbation in young children (and how to respond!) and the high rate of STDs in retirement communities.
Nov 15, 202140:11
S1:05 Neurodiversity: Dispelling Misconceptions & Shining Light on the Underdiagnosis of ADHD & Autism in Females

S1:05 Neurodiversity: Dispelling Misconceptions & Shining Light on the Underdiagnosis of ADHD & Autism in Females

In this episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on Neurodiversity for ADHD Awareness Month. Neurodiversity is a viewpoint that brain differences are normal, rather than deficits. Specifically, we’ll be taking a closer look at Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Casting light on common misconceptions and why females often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. I share a little bit about my own neurodiversity to destigmatize these beautifully misunderstood brains.
Oct 15, 202153:07
S1:04 Trauma is Also Emotional Neglect. A Brief Look at Intergenerational Trauma: How Trauma is Passed from One Generation to the Next

S1:04 Trauma is Also Emotional Neglect. A Brief Look at Intergenerational Trauma: How Trauma is Passed from One Generation to the Next

In this episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on the cycle of Intergenerational Trauma. Intergenerational trauma is trauma that gets passed down from one generation to the next. We begin with a brief history of how it was first identified in the children of Holocaust survivors and move to explore how trauma is passed on. More specifically, we will focus on how emotional neglect is commonly passed on from generation to generation. Using a lemonade analogy, and a personal example, I hope to shed light on this cycle and give you an introduction to this vast topic.

Sep 16, 202137:16
S1:03 Love me! or Don't. Attachment Theory: How our Early Caregivers Impact our Adult Relationships

S1:03 Love me! or Don't. Attachment Theory: How our Early Caregivers Impact our Adult Relationships

In this episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on Attachment Theory. In other words, how our relationship with early caregivers can impact our adult relationships. “Tell me about your relationship with your parents” I believe this therapy cliché is a cliché for a reason. In this episode, we will cover the stages of infant attachment to the 4 adult attachment styles. 

Aug 16, 202149:45
S1:02 Wait.. it’s not Multiple Personality Disorder? Shining light on the Spectrum of Dissociation

S1:02 Wait.. it’s not Multiple Personality Disorder? Shining light on the Spectrum of Dissociation

On this episode of the Lightcast, we shed light on the misunderstood phenomenon of dissociation. Looking at the whole spectrum from the common highway hypnosis to misconceptions around Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder).

Jul 09, 202141:23
S1:01 Gay Pride! Why so Loud? A Brief Timeline of Dark History that Wasn’t All Rainbows

S1:01 Gay Pride! Why so Loud? A Brief Timeline of Dark History that Wasn’t All Rainbows

On this episode of the Lightcast, we cast light on some of the dark history of how LGBTQ+ community has been treated in America and why June is the month of Pride. Visiting as early as 1940's lobotomies to the 1978 creation of the iconic Rainbow flag. 

Jun 14, 202139:00