Lies My Ego Told Me
Lies My Ego Told Me
Podcast Description
Lies My Ego Told Me is a bold and deeply human podcast hosted by Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie—a military veteran, leader, and mother who knows firsthand how the ego can be both a fierce protector and a persistent saboteur.In each episode, Lilo sits down with guests from all walks of life to explore the pivotal moments when ego-driven stories began to unravel—and the deeper truths that emerged in their place. With raw honesty, vulnerability, and occasional humor, these conversations dive into the personal lies we tell ourselves to feel safe, strong, or worthy—and the courage it takes to outgrow them. If you’re on a journey of self-discovery, healing, or personal growth, this podcast will inspire you to challenge your own narrative and reclaim your truth.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as personal growth, mental health, the complexities of leadership, and the societal pressures of achievement. Specific episode topics include navigating depression and postpartum struggles, balancing ambition with personal identity, and redefining success beyond traditional metrics, such as in episodes featuring retired military leaders and mental health advocates.
Lies My Ego Told Me is a bold and deeply human podcast about mental health hosted by Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie—a military veteran, leader, and mother who knows firsthand how the ego can be both a fierce protector and a persistent saboteur.
In each episode, Lilo sits down with guests from all walks of life to explore the pivotal moments when ego-driven stories began to unravel—and the deeper truths that emerged in their place. With raw honesty, vulnerability, and occasional humor, these conversations dive into the personal lies we tell ourselves to feel safe, strong, or worthy—and the courage it takes to outgrow them. If you’re on a journey of self-discovery, healing, or personal growth, this podcast will inspire you to challenge your own narrative and reclaim your truth.
Lilo sits down with performance coach and resiliency strategist Charlie Cannon to unpack the lie that shaped his life: that fragility and sensitivity are weakness. From a traumatic car accident that nearly killed his sister to the hidden wounds of elite boarding school and abuse, Charlie shares how survivor guilt, partying, and a “survival mask” kept him running from his pain—until he chose to turn toward it. He explains his crumple zone approach to resilience, the healing power of movement and somatic work, and what it really means to live with authentic strength, vulnerability, and wholeness.
More about this episode:
Who is Charlie Cannon?
Charlie Cannon is a performance coach, educator, and resiliency strategist who works with elite teams, executives, and high-performing individuals. He is known for his crumple zone philosophy, which teaches that resilience comes from flexibility, not rigid toughness. His story appears in the documentary Boarding on Insanity and in Joe Foster’s bestselling book How to Survive and Thrive.
What happened during Charlie’s 1997 accident?
On July 7, 1997 at 7:17 a.m., Charlie fell asleep at the wheel, causing a catastrophic car accident that left his sister in a coma. He walked away with minor injuries, which triggered deep survivor guilt, trauma, and emotional collapse. The accident eventually became the catalyst for his healing and purpose.
How did boarding school trauma affect him?
Charlie was sent to boarding school at age eight, where he experienced emotional abandonment, dissociation, and later revealed abuse, which led to the eventual imprisonment of two teachers. This environment taught him to hide vulnerability, disconnect from emotions, and build a “survival mask” based on self-reliance, approval-seeking, and emotional detachment.
What is “privileged abandonment”?
“Privileged abandonment” refers to children raised in elite institutions where material privilege exists but emotional safety, attunement, and consistent parental presence do not. Charlie explains how this dynamic affects attachment, emotional regulation, intimacy, and leadership.
What is the “crumple zone” philosophy of resilience?
Charlie teaches that resilience requires strength + flexibility. Just as a car’s crumple zone absorbs impact, humans need emotional softness, adaptability, psychological flexibility, and centeredness to withstand life’s disruptions. Rigid toughness breaks; flexible strength bends and rebuilds.
What message does Charlie have for survivors still living in silence?
You are not alone. Your story matters. There are people who will believe you and support you. Reclaiming your voice—one small step at a time—is an act of strength.
Resources & Links
- Charlie Cannon Coaching: charliecannon.com
- Documentary: Boarding on Insanity (on privileged abandonment and boarding school trauma)
- Book: How to Survive and Thrive by Joe Foster, featuring Charlie’s story
- ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
- Show: Lies My Ego Told Me
- Episode page, resources, and links: liesmyego.com
- Leave a 5-star rating and written review on Apple Podcasts to support the show.
For more resources: liesmyego.com
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.