Shrink Space

We analyze Sean Combs: The Reckoning through a psychological lens. This episode explores Sean Combs’ upbringing, behavioral patterns, and the hedonic treadmill to show how ambition and influence shape decisions and relationships.

Can people actually change? It’s one of the oldest questions in psychology — and one we get asked all the time. In this episode of Shrink Space, Dave (a counseling psychologist) and Rob (an IO psychologist) break down what it really takes for a person to change, why some people don’t.📺 Watch more Shrink Space for grounded, insightful conversations where real psychology meets real life.👇 Leave a...

In this episode we dig into the psychology of virtuous victimhood and how it plays out in both everyday life and celebrity culture. We start with an AITA story and move into examples from Britney Spears, Jussie Smollett, Chappell Roan and Justin Bieber. We talk about what virtuous victimhood actually is, why some people might lean into it and how these narratives shape the way we see responsibilit...

We’re bringing back an old favorite for the holiday season. In this reissued episode, Rob and Dave talk Thanksgiving traditions, the hype around gratitude journals, and whether focusing on the positive actually helps. Expect humor, personal stories, and some surprisingly honest reflections about what they’re grateful for. If you want to see more Shrink Space, make sure to like this video, and subs...

Ever wonder if someone’s relationship is a mistake? We explore why people stay, how your perspective can mislead you, and smart ways to give advice without overstepping. On this episode of Shrink Space, we explore why people stay in unhealthy relationships, how our own perspective can mislead us, and whether you can actually predict which relationships will last. Plus, we share practical strategie...

Why does your brain resist being wrong? In this episode of Shrink Space we explore cognitive dissonance , the tension that happens when your actions and beliefs don’t line up. Learn three ways people respond to it and hear examples from cults and politics that show how it shapes decisions and beliefs. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome back to Shrink Space(01:22) AITA question of the week(10:07) Cultural...

In this Shrink Space episode, Dr. David Colarossi and Dr. Rob Patterson dive deep into the psychology behind Burnout It’s funny, honest, and surprisingly practical—a real-world psychologist’s take on one of pop psychology’s most viral ideas.📺 Watch more Shrink Space for grounded, insightful conversations where real psychology meets real life.👇 Leave a comment with your thoughts—we might feature...

In this Shrink Space episode, Dr. David Colarossi and Dr. Rob Patterson dive deep into the psychology behind The 5 Love Languages — and why the framework might actually do more harm than good. They unpack why Gary Chapman’s best-selling relationship book became so popular, what it gets right about communication and emotional connection, and where it goes off the rails. Are love languages helpful f...

Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? In this episode of Shrink Space , psychologists David Colarossi and Rob Patterson explore how personality shapes the way we connect, lead, and show up. Discover the strengths of introverts, practical ways to share your ideas, and how anyone can boost charisma and executive presence. Packed with tips and insights, this episode helps you show up charisma...

In this episode, Rob and David sit down with John A. Brink — an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author whose life reads like a blueprint for grit and reinvention. Born in Nazi-occupied Holland and liberated by Canadian soldiers at age five, John immigrated to Canada with just $25.47 in his pocket. Over the next five decades, he built Brink Forest Products, one of North America’s largest secondar...

Are you an overthinker or highly sensitive to everything around you? That might be neuroticism. In this episode of Shrink Space , we explore what neuroticism really is, the upsides and downsides, and practical ways to handle it in daily life. We cover: What neuroticism is and how it shapes personality Surprising benefits of being neurotic Downsides like overthinking, emotional intensity, and sensi...

Reach out to our new sponsor: "Patterson Consulting Group" at info@Pattersonconsultinggroup.com. You can also find out more information about their services on their website: https://www.pattersonconsultinggroup.com. In this episode of Shrink Space, David and Rob discuss the death of Charlie Kirk, exploring the psychological mechanisms that drive our collective response. We dive into why society f...

We are celebrating one year of Shrink Space by revisiting some of our most talked about episodes. Psychologists David Colarossi, Ph. D. and Rob Patterson, Ph. D. take a fresh look at Reddit’s AITA stories, ask if soulmates are real, and break down the psychology behind conspiracy theories and the Epstein files. This anniversary special is full of reflection, surprising insights, and the internet’s...

In this episode of Shrink Space, we explore the psychology of AI and what happens when people turn to ChatGPT for advice. We look at when ChatGPT can make mistakes, the real benefits of using AI, and whether it can act as a therapist. We also discuss whether humans can form relationships with ChatGPT and what that reveals about us. Finally, we tackle a big question of today: is ChatGPT taking our...

Why do childhood memories, old songs, or cultural movements make us feel a deep longing? Psychologists David Colarossi, PhD, and Rob Patterson, PhD, break down the science of nostalgia and why it shapes our emotions, identity, and even politics. In this episode of Shrink Space , we explore: What nostalgia really is Why we feel it and its different types When nostalgia helps and when it holds us ba...

Rob and Dave take on the psychology of “concept creep,” the slow expansion of mental health terms into everyday life. Why is stress now called trauma, or conflict called bullying? This episode looks at how psychological language evolves, what gets lost when labels stretch too far, and how social media and generational shifts drive these changes. It’s a conversation about psychology, resilience, an...

Self-care is everywhere in pop culture, but is what you are being sold actually helping you? We explore how movies, influencers, and billion-dollar brands have turned it into something very different from its real purpose. We cover Eat Pray Love , Gwyneth Paltrow’s infamous candle, the booming self-care industry, the difference between self-care and self-soothing, and how to know if your habits ar...

In this episode of Shrink Space, we dive into the emotional wreckage left behind after an affair. Whether you were betrayed, were the one who strayed, or you're both trying to rebuild what was lost. #psychologypodcast #Infidelity #PsychologyPodcast #Coldplay #CheatingExplained #TherapistReact #MoneyAndPower #AffairPsychology #CouplesTherapy #PopPsychology #AndyByron #KristinCabot

Parenting can bring up big emotions and hard questions. In this episode of Shrink Space, we talk about common challenges like parenting triggers, kids favoring one parent, emotional breakdowns, and raising entitled children. We also explore how to teach values like empathy and resilience, and how different parenting styles shape a child’s development. 👇 Let us know what you think in the comments,...

Why do people cheat? In this episode of Shrink Space, we discuss the infidelity revealed at the Coldplay concert. We discuss the psychology behind cheating, the role of personality, environment, and wealth. We explore:The psychological roots of infidelityCommon triggers and vulnerabilitiesHow wealth and status can distort relationship boundariesWhat people misunderstand about cheating #psychologyp...

Why do adult friendships fade, and what can we do about it? In this episode of Shrink Space, we explore the common reasons people lose touch with friends in adulthood. From busy schedules and life transitions to changes in values and routines, friendship drift is more common than you think. We also offer practical tips for making new friends as an adult, navigating awkward social moments, and rebu...

Elon Musk is back at it. This is a quick reaction from David and Rob about Musk's new plan to start a new political party. If you find this episode insightful, hit like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this.#trumpvsmusk #narcissismexplained #narcissisticinjury #elonmusk #donaldtrump #twitterdrama #psychologypodcast #humanbehavior #narcissism #narcissistic #currentevents #con...

This episode offers a psychological deep dive into the Diddy verdict — exploring why some people continue to support him, and how trauma bonding may have kept his victims emotionally tied to their abuser.👇 Let us know what you think in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes. Follow us on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/shrinkspaceshow/https://www.tiktok.com/@shrinkspac...

What really separates a peaceful protest from a riot? And why do some crowds stay calm while others spiral into chaos? In this episode, we dig into the psychology of mass gatherings, why emotions run high, and what causes some protests to turn violent. We break down the difference between a protest, a riot, and a mob, and talk through real-world examples like the No Kings riot and January 6th . Al...

In this episode, we dive into the explosive Twitter feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. We read their tweets, discuss whether both show signs of narcissism, and explain what narcissistic injury is and why it happens. If you have a narcissist in your life, we share practical advice on handling conflict, setting boundaries, and protecting your mental health. Tune in for psychology, current even...