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WTF is on my Mind?!

True Crime

Author, Speaker, Whistleblower and award-winning Director Mark Vicente was behind the sleeper hit “What The Bleep Do We Know?!” Several books have been written about the film’s remarkable grassroots marketing campaign, which led to its unprecedented success.Mark was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1965. Taking his first photograph at age four, he quickly discovered his passion for being behind the camera. After attending film and drama school in South Africa, he began working his way up the ranks of the camera department, from Assistant to Operator to Cinematographer. His first big break came as Director of Photography on the musical “SARAFINA,” starring Whoopi Goldberg. In 1992, he set his sights on Hollywood and relocated to Los Angeles to shoot his first studio picture for Disney; “FATHERHOOD,” starring Patrick Swayze and Halle Berry. At the age of 26, he became one of the youngest cinematographers to shoot a big-budget studio picture. Over the next few decades, he went on to shoot an additional 14 feature films and numerous documentaries, music videos and commercials. Mark soon found there were in him, untold stories he desperately wanted to express as a Director. He was driven by the conviction that tales of greatness, nobility and introspection could be exciting and financially successful. Perhaps because of the very obvious race and class iniquities in South Africa, he found himself propelled to question certain fundamental assumptions at a very young age. Beliefs about human behavior, cosmology, religion, existentialism and mysticism. Along the way, he stumbled into a few situations where leaders with malignant pathologies (masquerading as saintly philosophers) spoke the talk of self-improvement but did untold damage to their followers... and him. Looking back, he can now say he has been in at last two cults. His last foray into personal growth and his defection from NXIVM was chronicled in the HBO series “The Vow”. Mark and a few plucky whistleblowers exposed the criminal activities of the organization, resulting in multiple arrests and indictments. He doesn’t consider himself a cult expert, but by his own admission, “I’m an expert in being screwed over, waking up, and knowing how to spot them.” He’s got a pretty salty approach to most things and is fascinated by the myriad patterns in the human psychodynamic that create the best and the worst in civilization. Join Mark as he unpacks a whole range of topics to do with: Psychology, Consciousness, Morality, Narcissistic Abuse, Spirituality, Cults, Propaganda, Science, Filmmaking, and Philosophy.You never quite know what you’re going to get, as it really does depend on… WTF is on his mind?!

Location:

United States

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Author, Speaker, Whistleblower and award-winning Director Mark Vicente was behind the sleeper hit “What The Bleep Do We Know?!” Several books have been written about the film’s remarkable grassroots marketing campaign, which led to its unprecedented success.Mark was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1965. Taking his first photograph at age four, he quickly discovered his passion for being behind the camera. After attending film and drama school in South Africa, he began working his way up the ranks of the camera department, from Assistant to Operator to Cinematographer. His first big break came as Director of Photography on the musical “SARAFINA,” starring Whoopi Goldberg. In 1992, he set his sights on Hollywood and relocated to Los Angeles to shoot his first studio picture for Disney; “FATHERHOOD,” starring Patrick Swayze and Halle Berry. At the age of 26, he became one of the youngest cinematographers to shoot a big-budget studio picture. Over the next few decades, he went on to shoot an additional 14 feature films and numerous documentaries, music videos and commercials. Mark soon found there were in him, untold stories he desperately wanted to express as a Director. He was driven by the conviction that tales of greatness, nobility and introspection could be exciting and financially successful. Perhaps because of the very obvious race and class iniquities in South Africa, he found himself propelled to question certain fundamental assumptions at a very young age. Beliefs about human behavior, cosmology, religion, existentialism and mysticism. Along the way, he stumbled into a few situations where leaders with malignant pathologies (masquerading as saintly philosophers) spoke the talk of self-improvement but did untold damage to their followers... and him. Looking back, he can now say he has been in at last two cults. His last foray into personal growth and his defection from NXIVM was chronicled in the HBO series “The Vow”. Mark and a few plucky whistleblowers exposed the criminal activities of the organization, resulting in multiple arrests and indictments. He doesn’t consider himself a cult expert, but by his own admission, “I’m an expert in being screwed over, waking up, and knowing how to spot them.” He’s got a pretty salty approach to most things and is fascinated by the myriad patterns in the human psychodynamic that create the best and the worst in civilization. Join Mark as he unpacks a whole range of topics to do with: Psychology, Consciousness, Morality, Narcissistic Abuse, Spirituality, Cults, Propaganda, Science, Filmmaking, and Philosophy.You never quite know what you’re going to get, as it really does depend on… WTF is on his mind?!

Language:

English


Episodes
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NXIVM's War Against Hate

5/4/2024
Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa Brooke Beyond the Self - with Africa Brooke releasing cult-like thinking and rigid identities w/ Mark Vicente Identical News Montage The Corporation Film Narcissistic Psychopathy: A Global Dark Force. 25th & 26th of May in Liverpool, UK Gary Brecka Decoding Cults & Narcissists with Mark Vicente and Richard Grannon Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:36:50

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Art as Medicine with filmmaker Lubomir Arsov

4/19/2024
KINGDOM ANIMATED SHORT https://www.lubomirarsov.com/ IN SHADOW Beyond The Self with Africa Brooke - releasing cult-like thinking & rigid identities - with Mark Vicente The conversation between Mark Vicente and Lubomir explores the creative process, the power of visual storytelling, and the challenges of staying true to one's artistic vision. They discuss the importance of depth and emotional resonance in art, as well as the resistance and criticism that often arise when pushing boundaries. The conversation also touches on the themes of truth, personal growth, and the struggle to break free from societal norms. Overall, the discussion highlights the transformative power of art and the courage required to create meaningful work. In this conversation, Mark Vicente and Lubomir discuss the themes and messages in Lubomir's film 'Kingdom'. They explore the concepts of freedom, redemption, and the power of the individual to break free from oppressive systems. They also discuss the role of art in inspiring and empowering people. The film is praised for its visceral and emotional impact, and the audience feedback has been positive. Lubomir shares his thoughts on the importance of imagination and the potential for redemption in even the most damaged individuals. They also discuss the intellectual and emotional responses to the film and the power of visual storytelling. 00:00 Introduction 07:39 The Frustration of Finding Projects that Match Values 16:15 The Emotional Connection in Filmmaking 33:41 The Personal and Collective Resistance to Truth 41:51 The Challenge of Portraying the Transcendent 53:24 The Battle of Coercion and Oppression 01:05:29 The Potential Impact and Future Projects Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:01:16:26

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Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance with Africa Brooke

4/9/2024
AFRICA BROOKE Preorder Africa's Book: The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in The Age of Intolerance (out May 2024) An open letter: why I'm leaving the cult of wokeness by Africa Brooke Course with Richard Grannon DECODING CULTS & NARCISSISTS Other Podcasts with Africa Triggernometry - They've Weaponised Guilt and Shame Mikhaila Peterson Podcast - A Change of Heart Towards Jordan Diary of a CEO - Victimhood & Self-sabotage Is Destroying The World This conversation between Mark Vicente and Africa Brooke explores the themes of conformity, cult tactics, and the importance of individual values. Africa shares her experiences growing up in Zimbabwe and the impact of her ancestors' fight for freedom. They discuss the concept of the maverick mindset, which involves being an independent thinker and going against the grain. Africa emphasizes the need to focus on both the inner mob (self-censorship) and the external mob (societal pressure) in order to navigate expression and stand up for what is true. The conversation highlights the power of laughter and the importance of friendship and connection. Africa shares her experiences of growing up in an abusive household and the impact it had on her self-censorship and behavior. She describes the constant unpredictability and shifting dynamics in her father's behavior, which led to her developing a pattern of self-sabotage and addiction. Africa reflects on the duality of her childhood, with moments of joy and escape outside the home contrasting with the darkness within. She discusses her journey to sobriety and the realization that she was more comfortable in chaos than in stability. Africa also touches on her decision to leave the 'cult of wokeness' and the parallels between her experiences of addiction and the need for validation in the social justice movement. In this part of the conversation, Africa and Mark discuss the challenges of being labeled as an activist and the pressure to conform to certain ideologies. Africa shares her experience of being labeled as an activist and how it led to a focus on race and identity. She also discusses the dangers of cancel culture and the pressure to conform to certain beliefs. Mark and Africa explore the concept of self-censorship and the inner mob in our minds that prevents us from expressing ourselves authentically. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in communication. Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:01:51:52

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'Unto Dust' - A South African Story

3/29/2024
In this episode: I tell a story written by Herman Charles Bosman about an unfortunate incident between a black African warrior and a white Afrikaans soldier. Vuzamazulu Credo Mutwa Herman Charles Bosman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaffir_(racial_term) Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:26:00

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Religion: Heaven or Hell?

3/21/2024
DECODING CULTS & NARCISSISTS https://www.richardgrannon.com/narcissistic-cults-decoded-course In this episode: I wandered into a Cathedral in Lisbon and asked a question on social media: "Taking a Sunday trip down memory lane. I have so many complex thoughts and feelings in cathedrals like this. A mixture of awe, sadness and outrage. Perhaps it’s worth a podcast episode. How do you feel in spaces like this?" I got thoughtful and emotional responses and wanted to record my feelings and thoughts. Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:33:28

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Deception, Media & Betrayal - with Sarma of “BAD VEGAN”

3/8/2024
NARCISSISTIC CULTS DECODED https://www.richardgrannon.com/narcissistic-cults-decoded-course In this episode: Sarma Melngailis goes deep with me on the deception she experienced with con-man ‘Mr. Fox’, what people don't understand about coercive control, the problems with media, and her healing journey. “If I’d had any involvement in her case, she never would have gone to jail.” - Evan Stark, sociologist, forensic social worker, author 'Coercive Control: The Entrapment of Women in Personal Life' https://www.sarmaraw.com/writing/2022/3/27/dear-mr-fox https://www.sarmaraw.com/writing/2022/4/5/bad-vegan-is-not-a-documentary Perpetual Pup | "Not All Dogs Have To Go To Heaven" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r461TVuKB0o https://www.instagram.com/sarmamelngailis/ The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind? do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:01:28:47

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Lucy Walsh - I ESCAPED!

2/17/2024
In this episode: I speak with actress, writer, producer, classical pianist, singer, and songwriter, Lucy Walsh. We discuss her new book 'Remember Me As Human', her crazy life as the daughter of Joe Walsh (The Eagles), and her escape from what she calls a high-control group in the heart of Hollywood. https://www.instagram.com/thelucywalsh/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/acting-coach-gloria-gifford-accusations-toxic-conservatory-1235152816/ The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind? do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:01:11:42

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Diane Bell - Sundance Award Winning Director & Dream Whisperer

1/23/2024
In this episode: I share with Diane Bell, Sundance Award- Winning Director how she helped me regain my hope and creative fire after the NXIVM debacle. https://www.dianebell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/aimfromtheheart1/ https://www.instagram.com/shootfromtheheart1/ Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:01:14:15

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The Antidote (slippery slope of Ideology Part 2)

1/19/2024
This is a follow-up to the previous episode "The Slippery Slope of Ideology" - Reading listeners' answers to the question: "What is the antidote to the information control that inflames the US and THEM-ing?" - Talking to Rick Ross after leaving NXIVM - The Socratic Method - One possible ANTIDOTE - There are more than TWO choices Andrew Gold - Heretics Richard Grannon Support the show on PATREON Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:18:29

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The slippery slope of Ideology (Part 1)

1/9/2024
In this Episode: New Course: RECLAMATION www.markvicente.com/courses 20 Diversion tactics highly manipulative Narcissists Sociopaths and Psychopaths use to silence you. ~ Shahida Arabi https://thoughtcatalog.com/shahida-arabi/2016/06/20-diversion-tactics-highly-manipulative-narcissists-sociopaths-and-psychopaths-use-to-silence-you/ Dr. Christine Louis De Cannonville https://narcissisticbehavior.net/about-me/ Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:31:37

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A Soldier's Story

12/9/2023
RECLAMATION COURSE In this episode: German WWI veteran describes killing a French soldier in a bayonet charge From @bullfrogboss8008 patreon.com/markvicente Music: Origins by Daniel Deuschle Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:17:22

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Narcissistic Triangulation

12/1/2023
In this episode: NXIVM, Gladiators, CIA, Tin Foil, Public Relations, and taking down the little runt. patreon.com/markvicente CIA Dispatch: https://www.globalresearch.ca/cia-memo-1967-cia-coined-weaponized-label-conspiracy-theory/5822801 Sign up for news about my new film at: www.empathynotincluded.com Empathy not Included - Social Media Accounts: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok X Music: Origins by Daniel Deuschle Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:26:43

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Hatred as a Path to Enlightenment

11/18/2023
In this Episode: Self-hatred as a misguided attempt towards enlightenment. The polarization between the body and the spirit in spiritual groups and teachings. patreon.com/markvicente Sign up for news about my new film at: www.empathynotincluded.com Empathy not Included - Social Media Accounts: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok X Music: Origins by Daniel Deuschle Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:18:24

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An answer at any cost! (Y+R=A)

9/23/2023
In this Episode: - Cognitive Dissonance. - The scientific method vs. a deeply vested need for a particular answer. - A simple formula to understand why many deny obvious evidence right in front of them! - Turning RED flags Pink. Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:20:22

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Tom Cruise, Oblivion & the NXIVM 9

8/20/2023
SPOILER ALERT: I will be giving away major plot points of the movie 'Oblivion'. In this Episode: Tom Cruise plays Jack Harper in this 2013 sci-fi movie directed by Joseph Kosinski. The irony of Tom Cruise playing a character who wakes up inside an AI cult and then helps take it down. The NXIVM 9 were like the 'Scavs' Jack thinks are the enemy. Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:32:52

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Prickly People!

8/6/2023
In this Episode: Ever been around someone who seems to correct or criticize everything you do? Do you have that person in your life that you feel you need to be really careful around? As though there are land mines everywhere. You have to tip-toe very carefully through their rules and regulations. They live with an ideology in their head that can become authoritarian in its intolerance. Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:28:10

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Guy Pearce on Cults, The Vow, Acting, Lying and Truth.

7/23/2023
In this Episode: Guy Pearce talks about why he reached out to me. We had an amazing, deep, and honest conversation covering cults, groups, his fascination with The Vow, and his take on acting and being human. Guy Pearce was born October 5, 1967 in the UK to Margaret Anne and Stuart Graham Pearce. His father was born in Auckland, New Zealand, to English and Scottish parents, while Guy's mother is English. Pearce and his family initially traveled to Australia for two years, after his father was offered the position of Chief test pilot for the Australian Government. Guy was just 3-years-old. After deciding to stay in Australia and settling in the Victorian city of Geelong, Guy's father was killed 5 years later in an aircraft test flight, leaving Guy's mother, a schoolteacher, to care for him and his older sister, Tracy. Having little interest in subjects at school like math or science, Guy favored art, drama and music. He joined local theatre groups at a young age and appeared in such productions as "The King and I," "Fiddler on the Roof," and "The Wizard of Oz." In 1985, just two days after his final high school exam, Guy started a four-year stint as "Mike Young" on the popular Aussie soap Neighbours (1985). At age 20, Guy appeared in his first film, Heaven Tonight (1989), then, after a string of appearances in film, television and on the stage, he won the role of an outrageous drag queen in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994). He has amazed film critics and audiences, alike, with his magnificent performances in L.A. Confidential (1997), Memento (2000), The Proposition (2005), Factory Girl (2006), The Hurt Locker (2008), The King's Speech (2010) and the HBO mini-series, Mildred Pierce (2011). Next to acting, Guy has had a life-long passion for music and songwriting. Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:01:26:40

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The Light and Dark side of Self-Help with Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle

7/9/2023
In this Episode: I talk to Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle, Clinical Psychologist and Board President of Seek Safely. https://www.seeksafely.org SEEK SAFELY is an organization that: Seek Safely Podcast https://seeksafely.podcastpage.io/ Dr. Doyle https://www.instagram.com/drdoylesays/ https://twitter.com/DrDoyleSays Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:01:47:13

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Weaponizing Filmmaking

6/20/2023
In this Episode: Filmmaking can do extraordinary things... move people to the greatest heights and the deepest depths of themselves, and it can also be weaponized. Russian Cinema. Lev Kuleshov explains juxtaposition. Hitchcock waxes on about the power of editing. Using editing and omission to perform character assassination. The power of music to play the human instrument. Filmmakers know how to get the audience to feel anything they want. Romanticizing Psychopathy. The Empire and the Rebellion. Psychological Operations. An Army recruitment video. GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE 4th PSYOP Group https://youtu.be/VA4e0NqyYMw Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:40:50

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Those F*@king Conspiracy Theorists!

6/11/2023
In this episode… conspiracy theorists are idiots, right? Lloyd Evans - ex-Jehovah's Witness writer, activist and filmmaker. Author of "The Reluctant Apostate," https://www.youtube.com/@LloydEvans Cults to Consciousness - Shelise Ann Sola— former devout Mormon. Stories of claiming independence after leaving high-control groups. https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousness Graham Hancock https://grahamhancock.com/ Netflix - Ancient Apocalypse https://youtu.be/DgvaXros3MY Conspiracy Theory https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theory Support the Show. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MarkVicente Website: www.markvicente.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markvicente Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/

Duration:00:17:32