LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Rick Patterson

Living a Fantastic Life with Rick Patterson

Introduction

In this insightful episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Rick Patterson — product operations manager at a global chemical company, author of Shame Unmasked, and father of four adopted children. Rick brings a powerful perspective shaped by corporate leadership, foster parenting, and spiritual growth.

From Paper to Purpose

Rick shares his unconventional journey from the paper industry into foster parenting and eventually the ministry. After adopting four Black siblings, he left his corporate role to focus on family, later earning a master's and doctorate in ministry and starting a church before returning to the corporate world.

The Mirror of Parenting

Parenting was transformative. Rick candidly discusses his own struggles with narcissism, noting that raising traumatized children forced him to confront his ego. A breaking point—literally involving a wall and a fractured hand—helped him realize the deep emotional triggers rooted in shame.

The Hidden Face of Narcissism

Rick’s research shows that narcissism often masks deep shame and self-loathing. Drawing from his dissertation, he explains how this dynamic shows up in religious institutions, leadership, and the corporate world. External success is often a distraction from internal pain.

Shame in Corporate Culture

In the competitive environments of corporate America, Rick identifies how shame subtly fuels toxic behaviors. Awards and praise can reinforce a culture of self-worth tied to external validation, creating cycles of dysfunction.

From Idolization to Humility

Discussing the tendency to idolize leaders, Rick notes this stems from projecting our desired traits onto others—often driven by our own insecurities. He credits thinkers like Carl Jung and TS Eliot for helping him understand the danger of projection and the roots of conflict.

The Dark Night of the Soul

Rick speaks to his own long season of internal struggle and how it taught him humility and a willingness to learn. He believes true growth requires recognizing that we don’t know everything—and that admitting this opens the door to real transformation.

The Power of Apology and Forgiveness

Apology, Rick says, is the “atomic weapon” against shame. It's a profound act of humility that earns respect and fosters healing. He emphasizes teaching his children this skill, viewing it as a core element of resilience and growth. Forgiveness, too, is essential—not to release others, but to free ourselves.

Closing Thoughts

Rick encourages listeners to embrace growth, humility, and human connection. He invites everyone to explore more through his books and website: www.rickpattersonconnects.com.

Resources

• Dr. Lycka’s Golden Pearls: www.drallenlycka.com
• Rick’s Website: www.rickpattersonconnects.com

BIO:

Rick is a product operations manager for a global chemical company and the author of Shame Unmasked: Disarming the Hidden Driver Behind our Destructive Decisions and the forthcoming: The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth: Reimagining What it Means to be Great (Again). He’s the adoptive father of a sibling group of four black children and runs a beef cattle business on the side.

Social Media:

www.rickpattersonconnects.com

Facebook @rickpattersonconnects