Shrink Space

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...

In this episode of  Shrink Space , two psychologists take a close look at spiritual narcissism . What does it really mean? How does it differ from authentic humility? And how can you recognize it in others or even in yourself? We explain the psychological traits of narcissism, examine how ego can show up in spiritual or self-growth spaces, and look at how these patterns appear in public figures an...

Do personality tests like MBTI, GRIT, and StrengthsFinder really reveal who you are? In this episode of  Shrink Space , Rob and Dave dive into popular personality tests, exploring their pros and cons, how they’re used in recruitment and team building, and the psychology behind them. Learn about the Barnum effect, Carl Jung’s influence, and practical tips for using these tools effectively. Key topi...

Why does success sometimes leave you feeling anxious, empty, or unsure what's next? In this episode of Shrink Space, we explain the catastrophe of success: that surprising feeling of pressure or emptiness after reaching a big goal. David shares his theory that anxiety is what keeps us moving and that the absence of anxiety might even feel like depression. Rob doesn’t fully agree. Is it possibl...

In this episode, we’re back with part 2 of our series on John Gottman’s relationship principles. We’re talking about the practical stuff – how to strengthen your relationship daily. We go through things like building better love maps, how to keep appreciation alive, why those little moments of connection matter, and what to do when you’re stuck having the same fight over and over again. If you’ve...

The Four Horsemen of Relationships – Are You Doing These Without Knowing It? We’re finally back from our spring break! In this first part of two, we explain why Dr. John Gottman’s 4 signs that predict divorce—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—are so powerful, and how they often show up without us even realizing it. We break these down by analyzing a viral clip of Alec and Hilari...

Dr. Dana Borchert sits down with Rob and Dave to push back on their views about toxic masculinity, non-violent communication, and more. It’s a fun, honest conversation where Dana offers fresh insights and challenges the guys to think differently about some things they’ve said before. Hit play and join the conversation! 🎧🧠 Don't forget to like and subscribe if you like our content! 👍 Dr. Dana Bo...

In this episode of Shrink Space , we explain the psychology of loyalty in politics, the workplace, and personal relationships through the lens of one of today’s most polarizing geopolitical dynamics: Donald Trump vs. Volodymyr Zelensky . - What drives loyalty, even in the face of conflict? - How do political leaders influence public trust and allegiance? - What parallels can we draw between politi...

How does someone become an abuser? Is it trauma, control issues, or something even darker? In this episode, psychologists Dave and Rob break down the psychology behind abusive behavior—what creates someone like Brian Laundrie, what triggers violence, and whether abusers even recognize what they’re doing. They also explain the cycle of abuse, the mistakes police made when they encountered Gabby Pet...

What do we really mean by toxic masculinity? And does toxic femininity exist too? In this episode of Shrink Space, psychologists Dave and Rob discuss what masculinity is, what makes traits toxic and how it may impact our children. Hit play and let's discuss! <br>Do you agree with what we're saying or do you think we missed something? Let us know in the comments and don't forget t...

In this episode, Rob and Dave discuss the complex dynamics of cancel culture. Rob shares his recent health struggles and his evolving views on language and communication. They explore the balance between addressing societal issues and the potential unintended consequences of cancel culture, particularly its impact on relationships and societal discourse. They also delve into the nuances of communi...