#28 - Walter White - Anatomy of a Tragic Overcompensation
Description
What do a mild-mannered chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin and a pioneering psychologist from Vienna have in common? In this episode, we dive into the psychological transformation of Walter White—Breaking Bad’s iconic antihero—through the lens of Alfred Adler’s individual psychology.
Alice and George explore how Walter’s descent from overlooked teacher to ruthless Heisenberg perfectly embodies Adler’s theory of the inferiority complex and overcompensation. Drawing on Adler’s ideas—like the drive for superiority, the danger of unresolved inferiority, and the importance of “social interest”—the hosts unpack the hidden motives behind Walter’s choices, the wounds of Gray Matter, and the psychology of power and self-destruction.
Join us as we connect key moments from Breaking Bad to timeless questions of worth, shame, and ambition. Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes drama or curious about what drives people to reinvent themselves (for better or worse), this episode blends pop culture and psychology for a gripping, insightful listen.
No prior knowledge of Adler required—just a willingness to question what really makes us “break bad.”