Have you ever watched someone tell a “vulnerable” story… and felt something was off?

In this episode, I’m thinking out loud — really out loud — about performative people, the subtle ways they manage perception, and how dangerous that can be for regular people consuming content while trying to heal, grow, or figure themselves out.

I talk about the telltale signs of performance masquerading as authenticity — the controlled smile, the polished pain, the curated honesty — and why it quietly distorts our sense of what real growth, passion, and alignment actually look like.

This episode is split into two parts.

The first dives into performative behavior and why it leaves viewers feeling confused, behind, or disconnected from their own reality.

The second shifts into something grounding — the difference between performance and presence, why people who genuinely love what they do feel safe to watch, and why watching someone come alive hits so differently than watching someone manage an image.

This isn’t motivation.

It’s a mirror.

If you’ve ever felt like your healing doesn’t look as pretty as everyone else’s…

If you’ve ever wondered why some content drains you instead of inspires you…

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “the work” but still feel behind…

This episode is for you.

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Quick heads up for fight fans — all UFC fights are available on Paramount+, even with a subscription. That includes The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White’s Contender Series — so double-check where you’re streaming before fight night. NO MORE PPV!

Also, shoutout to Manta Sleep — if you value real rest (not performative rest), their sleep masks are legit. You can get 10% off right now at mantasleep.com.

And if you want to write to the show, collaborate, or be part of future episodes, email us at abstractnina@gmail.com.