In this thought-provoking episode of How to Prepare for Everything with Rob Benson, guest Gary Colton dives into the psychology of psychopathy, the creative process of writing, and the evolving political and cultural landscape of Ireland. From narcissism and gaslighting to the role of free speech in modern democracies, the conversation weaves through personal insight and societal critique. Rob and Gary tackle the hard truths about censorship, emotional manipulation, and the complex identities that shape our world today.

Key Themes & Topics Covered:

• The dangerous charm and societal impact of psychopathy
• Writing as a euphoric and transformative flow state
• Ireland’s long-standing struggle with colonization and its modern consequences
• Housing shortages, immigration, and political division in Ireland
• The role of storytelling and pride in Irish cultural identity
• Freedom of speech, censorship, and hate speech laws
• Gaslighting and manipulation as key behaviors of psychopathic personalities
• Narcissism vs. psychopathy: key psychological distinctions
• The rise of cancel culture and its effect on open dialogue
• The influence of social media algorithms on political thought
• Pro-social psychopaths and their role in society
• Corporate psychopathy and the hidden traits of high-level executives
• The need for critical thinking in a polarized political climate

Practical Takeaways:

• Psychopathic traits may be masked by charisma—look for emotional mimicry, not authenticity
• Not all psychopaths are violent; many thrive in leadership and corporate roles
• Emotional self-regulation and genuine empathy are key in identifying manipulative behavior
• Early trauma can influence the development of psychopathic traits
• Writing can be both therapeutic and a tool for social reflection
• Freedom of speech is foundational to a healthy society—censorship often masks deeper issues
• Open dialogue is a better solution to bad ideas than silencing dissent
• Cultural pride, shaped by history and struggle, still plays a major role in shaping identity
• Recognize the impact of algorithms and media on your beliefs and reactions
• Awareness is the first step in protecting yourself from manipulation
  
  

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Follow Gary Colton online
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Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iMAXwC