Survival Notes

Compass Point Institute•survivalnotes.transistor.fm

A podcast about creativity as the path from surviving to thriving. Real, authentic, and unfiltered conversations surrounding the creative act—daily practices, small moments, and bold leaps that cultivate a better life. For those of us who've mastered survival but are ready to do more than just get by. Hosted by Jon Murphy, PMHNP-BC—exploring how embracing creativity in ways both small and large becomes the bridge from enduring to flourishing. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. The views expressed are my own, drawn from clinical experience and personal perspective. If you're in crisis, please seek support from a licensed professional or emergency services.

Last refreshed: August 19th, 2025 at 4:53 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

The Lucky Ones

Jon reflects on becoming a published author with his first book "Cheat Codes: How I Hacked My ADHD Brain" and the deeper realization that sparked the writing. From sitting across from ADHD patients and finally recognizing his own struggles, to understanding that medication is just the beginning—not the solution. This episode explores the shame-soaked reality of ADHD, the power of writing your survival story, and why having empathy after surviving dysfunction makes us "the lucky ones." Plus thoug...

Aug 17, 2025•12 min•Ep. 8

The Scapegoat's Story: Why Being the Family Outcast Saved My Life

Title: "The Scapegoat's Story: Why Being the Family Outcast Saved My Life" Description: This is raw, unfiltered, and real. Jon Murphy shares an excerpt from his memoir and opens up about being the family scapegoat - the outcast, the "weird one," the truth-teller who couldn't fit into toxic family dynamics. In this deeply personal episode, you'll hear about: • What it's really like growing up as the scapegoat child • How being "different" became a survival advantage • The journey from $10/hour ps...

Aug 08, 2025•10 min•Ep. 7

"there's been some hyperfocus, not gonna lie"

Jon emerges from months of creative hyperfocus to give a raw update on where he's been and where Survival Notes is heading. After building out the entire Focus Path/Compass Point ecosystem - practice, podcasts, frameworks, content systems - he's finally ready to get into a real production groove. This episode is pure stream-of-consciousness processing: MS soft disclosure, the "allergy to toxic people," why he had to live in two worlds for so long, and what happens when you try to share genuine e...

Aug 05, 2025•5 min•Ep. 6

Reducing Friction, Reclaiming Energy

In this episode of Survival Notes , Jon Murphy, PMHNP, shares a raw, reflective update on his professional evolution, creative awakening, and how lived experience informs his clinical work. From the early days at a psych hospital to founding the Compass Point Institute, Jon explores themes of burnout, system navigation, incremental change, and healing from narcissistic abuse. Ideal for clinicians, creators, and anyone balancing personal growth with professional purpose. Hosted on the CPI Podcast...

Jul 25, 2025•5 min•Ep. 5

All Emotions Are Normal (But That Doesn’t Mean They’re Comfortable)

In this episode, I step outside the survival mode framework to focus on a simple truth that most of us still struggle to live by: all emotions are normal. We talk about what that actually means in adult life, how emotional suppression shows up in high-functioning individuals, and why incongruence between what we feel and what we see can lead to internal conflict, confusion, or shutdown. I also touch on the physiology of stress, the role of early group environments in emotional development, and t...

Jul 05, 2025•10 min•Ep. 4

When Structure Feels Unsafe

Some people thrive in structure. Others feel like it exposes something. In this episode, I talk about two survival roles — the Operator and the Watcher — and how their nervous systems adapted to group dynamics where emotional expression wasn’t safe. For the Operator, structure can feel threatening when it's tied to emotional vulnerability or responsibility. For the Watcher, structure can feel irrelevant — because survival meant staying invisible. If routine, consistency, or closeness feel harder...

Jul 02, 2025•7 min•Ep. 3

General becomes the Diplomat

This episode unpacks the nervous system logic behind the Survival Code —a clinical tool designed to identify adaptive roles we play under stress. Today’s focus: when someone shifts from “The General” to “The Diplomat.” 💬 The General: fights for survival, sees others as threats. 💬 The Diplomat: seeks harmony, reads the room, keeps the peace. ➡️ And next? Maybe they become “The Operator”—functional, but detached. This transition isn’t just behavioral—it’s neurological. We talk about one patient’...

Jun 19, 2025•9 min•Ep. 2

You Survived. Now What?

Surviving vs. Thriving: Understanding the Difference In this first episode of , explores the core difference between surviving and thriving—and why our early group dynamics and nervous system responses shape so much of adult life. Topics discussed: Survival vs. thriving states Group psychology and emotional roles Nervous system regulation and adaptation Updating coping strategies in adulthood This episode introduces themes that will carry throughout the show, laying a foundation for future deep ...

Jun 11, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1

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