Future Self

The 'Future Self' episode of the 'Invisibilia' podcast explores the powerful influence that our imagined future selves can have on our present actions and decisions. The narrative begins with the story of Chris Sedeck, a young boy who grew up in a Syrian orphanage and was inspired by a DJ at a dance party. This image of becoming a DJ himself served as a guiding light for Chris, even through the darkest times of homelessness and loss. His unwavering focus on this future self helped him persevere until he was able to immigrate to Canada to pursue his dream.

The episode then transitions to the story of George Kenney, the principal of Northport High School in Florida, who believed in the potential of his students and wanted to help them achieve their future aspirations. Kenney introduced hypnosis as a tool to help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. He hypnotized students for various reasons, from improving academic performance to enhancing athletic abilities. Initially, the results seemed positive, with students achieving better test scores and personal breakthroughs.

However, the narrative takes a dark turn with the stories of Wesley McKinley and Brittany Palumbo, two students who underwent hypnosis with Kenney. Wesley, a talented musician with dreams of attending Juilliard, started displaying odd behavior after hypnosis sessions and tragically took his own life. Brittany, who aspired to attend the University of Central Florida, also struggled with the pressures of achieving her future self and, after hypnosis, failed to improve her SAT scores enough to gain admission. She, too, ended her life.

The episode reflects on the aftermath of these tragedies, the community's mixed reactions to Kenney's use of hypnosis, and the broader implications of pushing young people towards specific future selves without considering the potential risks and pressures associated with such focused aspirations.