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Episode 89: Labels, Excuses & the Dark Side of Spiritual Systems

This episode is a pop culture–meets–self-growth breakdown, this time inspired by Love is Blind UK Season 2. After watching Human Design coach Patrick become the show’s accidental “villain,” Caitlan unpacks what happens when people hide behind spiritual systems instead of taking responsibility. This episode explores the “dark side” of Human Design, the dangers of boxing yourself in with labels, and how to use these tools as pathways to freedom, not excuses.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Patrick’s reliance on his “spleen” in Love is Blind rubbed people the wrong way
• The three big ways spiritual tools can go wrong: the cop-out problem, the box problem, and the authority problem
• How Human Design, astrology, and similar systems can expand your freedom instead of limit it
• Red flags to look out for when people use labels as excuses or shields
• Practical, compassionate ways to experiment with Human Design without outsourcing your power

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Love is Blind UK tea
04:50 – Team astrology vs. team skeptic (and why Caitlan isn’t on either)
07:10 – Patrick’s “spleen” problem: hiding behind jargon
09:16 – Why Human Design is a tool, not a life raft
14:00 – Freedom, alignment, and the danger of over-identifying
16:30 – The cop-out, box, and authority problems explained
18:53 – Editing vs. accountability: Patrick as a case study
21:20 – Personal example: why “waiting for the invitation” isn’t always it
23:45 – Red flags: when systems make you smaller instead of bigger
26:08 – How to use these tools well (curiosity + lived experience)
27:25 – Reflection questions

Links & Resources:

• Magic Mind
  – Podcast sponsor: mental performance shot with calm energy & adaptogens
• Next Level Decisions Free Podcast
  – 5-day audio series blending Human Design & IFS to help you stop outsourcing decisions and start trusting yourself
• Book a Deep Dive Session with Caitlan
  – 90 minutes of real-time Human Design & IFS exploration
• Return+ Substack
  – Bonus pods, juicy essays, and Parts & Purpose series where Human Design, IFS, and creativity collide

Thanks for listening to this episode of Return. If you’ve ever felt the ick from people hiding behind their design or caught yourself doing it, Caitlan wants to hear from you. DM or email her with your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s special episode, where Caitlan spills the tea on reading the Human Design chart of a low-key famous guest.

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Produced by Caitlan Siegenthaler
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, post it to your Instagram stories, and tag me. And if you really loved it, the best thank-you is a written review on Apple Podcasts. Bonus: your review gets you a free 30-min session with me through The Dip. Book here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/1968a8cf/appointment/77001185/calendar/6030714?appointmentTypeIds[]=77001185