Shrink Space

What holds society together? In this episode, we explore social cohesion, the invisible force that helps people trust one another, cooperate, and feel a sense of belonging. We discuss why social cohesion matters, what happens when it weakens, and how modern challenges can strain the bonds that connect communities. We also explore a surprising source of insight: businesses. What can societies learn...

Why are so many people diagnosing themselves with ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions? In this episode, psychologists Dave and Rob discuss the rise of self-diagnosis, the role of social media in shaping mental health conversations, and whether we're becoming better informed about psychology or increasingly pathologizing normal human experiences. Can we really diag...

Why do more choices often make us feel worse? In this episode of Shrink Space, we explore choice overload, decision fatigue, and the paradox of choice. Learn why too many options can increase anxiety and how to make decisions with more confidence.

Self-help is everywhere right now, but does it actually hold up when you look at it through a psychological lens? Psychologists Rob and Dave explore self-help culture, motivational advice, and why certain messages spread so easily online. They also discuss well-known voices in the space, including Mel Robbins, and what to look out for before taking self-help advice at face value.

We’re told money is what drives us. But is it? In this episode of Shrink Space, we talk about what actually motivates people, why chasing more never seems to feel like enough, and how the hedonic treadmill keeps us stuck wanting more.

Imposter syndrome can make even capable people doubt themselves. In this episode, we unpack why it happens, what it actually means, and how to tell the difference between self-doubt and real limitations. We also talk about how to work through it and build more confidence over time.

Is AI making us dumber or enhancing us? In this episode of Shrink Space , we explore how artificial intelligence is changing the way we think, work, and make decisions. As AI becomes part of everyday life, from healthcare to simple daily tasks, we look at what that means for our effort, our skills, and our ability to think critically. We also take a step back and look at history. People have alway...

Why are some people more creative? Dave and Rob visited SXSW and got thinking about what drives creativity. Is it incentives, mindset, or something deeper? In this episode, they break down the psychology behind being creative, including the role of self-efficacy, hope, and incentives. They explore how believing your actions matter can shape your behavior, and why some people get stuck while others...

In this episode of Shrink Space , we cover major news shaping the world today: the war in Iran , political tensions, and the narratives forming around global conflict. We also talk about Donald Trump , the Epstein files , and public scrutiny of powerful figures, including Bill Clinton . Power, secrecy, and influence collide in ways that keep these stories dominating the conversation.

In this episode of Shrink Space , David and Rob talk about the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team controversy and how sports, politics, and public expectations collide. They dive into reactions to Donald Trump and Kash Patel, and explore why political moments so quickly divide people into opposing sides. David shares his frustration about the response to his recent video, leading to an honest discussion about...

People love watching competence. In this episode of Shrink Space , we talk about “competence porn” and why shows like The Pitt are so satisfying to watch. Calm, capable people handling things well has become deeply appealing, especially in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Calm is the new charisma. We also briefly touch on the Epstein files and why they’re back in the public conversation.

What is vulnerability actually—and what is it not? In this episode of Shrink Space, we break down the psychology of vulnerability, why people confuse it with oversharing, and why vulnerability is essential for trust, intimacy, and real emotional strength.📺 Watch more Shrink Space for grounded, insightful conversations where real psychology meets real life.👇 Leave a comment with your thoughts—we...

We’re all managing impressions - whether we admit it or not. At work. In relationships. Online. Even at home. In this episode of Shrink Space, we unpack impression management: the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways people shape how they’re seen—and why it matters more than we usually think. 📺 Watch more Shrink Space for grounded, insightful conversations where real psychology meets real life.👇 Leav...

In this episode, we analyze the Minneapolis ICE shooting and the psychological reactions it triggered. We explain how normalcy bias , cognitive dissonance and political identity shape the way people perceive shocking events. We also examine the public response alongside Trump’s reaction . Gain insight into the human mind under crisis and the societal factors influencing fear, bias and decision-mak...

Psychologists Rob and Dave discuss Donald Trump’s tweet about the death of Rob Reiner, exploring what may have motivated the response and whether it reflects a narcissistic injury. A focused psychological look at ego threat and defensiveness, without a political debate.

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...