Glitter, Gambling and Grace

What happens when intensity becomes identity, and the line between choice and addiction disappears? When glamour, risk, and the extreme stop being a phase and become a way of life? In this conversation, Carolyn Cowan opens up a space to discuss a topic that is rarely addressed without either romanticizing or pathologizing it: addiction as a mode of functioning, shame as a fundamental source of psychological suffering, and the patterns through which we maintain the illusion of control for years. The discussion moves through the experiences of the creative elite, the London underground scene, and close encounters with icons like David Bowie – all without nostalgia or mythologizing.

Alongside personal experience, Carolyn speaks from the perspective of a psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and author of the book Shame, in which she develops her understanding of shame as the origin of trauma, addiction, and inner fragmentation. Through yoga, therapy, and years of working with people, the conversation shifts toward a deeper question: what remains when we stop running from ourselves and stop hiding behind roles that once protected us?

The conversation is hosted by Iva Biondić, who completed her yoga teacher training with Carolyn and has for years participated in her psychotherapeutic trainings and workshops, opening the dialogue from a position of personal experience, trust, and deep understanding of Carolyn’s work – and who also knows exactly how Carolyn can help sprinkle a little glitter on your life.