Shrink Space

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...

Are Awards Really Important? A Deep Dive with Rob and DaveIn this episode, Rob and Dave discuss the significance of awards, specifically focusing on entertainment awards like the Grammys and Oscars. They share personal experiences and perspectives on why people care about awards, whether they are still relevant, and the psychological impact of recognition and status. They also debate intrinsic ver...

In this episode, Dave and Rob dive headfirst into the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni drama. They react to the voice memo Justin left Blake at 2 AM and explore the nuances behind their conflict. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Disappointment 00:53 Switching Topics: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni 02:56 Deep Dive: The Movie and Promotional Issues 05:22 Allegations and Controversies 08:40 Voice Memo...

In this episode, Dave and Rob catch up on their recent adventures and dive deep into the topic of parasocial relationships. They discuss the nuances of these one-sided relationships, using examples like Taylor Swift, Kevin Hart, and even sports teams to illustrate their points. They explore the types, benefits, and potential downsides of parasocial interactions, making connections to self-help gur...

In this episode, hosts Rob and Dave delve into the concept of mass formation and group think, discussing how society reacts to significant stressors such as the fires in California. They explore how people construct narratives and find scapegoats to make sense of chaotic events, sometimes leading to misguided and harmful behaviors. The discussion also touches on the implications of social media, c...

In this episode, Dave and Rob discuss their holiday experiences, share hilarious stories about their kids, and dive into the topic of personal change. They explore how behaviors, habits, and environments influence our ability to change, especially in the context of the new year. Rob shares insights from his dissertation on organizational change resistance, and both hosts set their own New Year's r...

In this episode, Rob and Dave share their personal holiday experiences, discussing common family dynamics and challenges during the festive season. They dive into various personality types that often surface at holiday gatherings, such as the 'drunk uncle,' the passive-aggressive parent, and the family member who insists on confronting issues head-on. The conversation alsocovers strategies for dea...

Psychologists David and Rob delve into a recent controversial documentary about Lily Phillips, a successful OnlyFans star. The discussion covers the psychological aspects of her extreme behaviors, the reactions of society, and the differing perceptions based on gender. They also explore the social and moral implications of such events and the role of social media in shaping public opinion. Tune in...

In this episode, Rob and Dave discuss the various psychological and situational stressors that arise during the holiday season. They explore the pressures of family expectations, financial strain, nostalgia, and the challenges of managing relationships. The conversation also includes personal anecdotes and tips on how to handle the stress that comes with holiday gatherings. Tune in for part two of...

Psychologists Rob and Dave explain best practices/strategies that can be used to survive your family over the holiday. If you want to see more Shrink Space, make sure to like this video, and subscribe to the channel!

Join Rob and Dave as they dive into the theme of gratitude just in time for Thanksgiving. Hear about their personal Thanksgiving traditions, thoughts on gratitude practices like journals, and the psychological benefits and downsides of focusing on the positive. The episode is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and meaningful reflections on what they're thankful for this year. If you want to se...

In this episode, Psychologists David and Rob use the presidential election to delve into the psychological concept of the False Consensus Effect. They discuss how it impacts political perspectives in the United States, and explore cultural influences, social media's role in polarization, and the effects of individualistic versus collectivist societies. If you want to see more Shrink Space, make su...

Some of us are competitive. Like, we flip the Monopoly board because we just had to pay taxes on boardwalk and just went to jail, again, kind of competitive. Some of us are not competitive at all. Some people really don't care if they win or lose. Today, Rob and Dave dive into the concept of competition and if being competitive is good or bad, why we love to compete, why we don't love to compete,...

Join Rob and David on Shrink Space as they dive into the Dunning-Kruger Effect, exploring how overconfidence and lack of knowledge play out in politics and everyday life. The conversation unfolds around election season in the U.S., highlighting the importance of humility and questioning in understanding public policies. Don't miss this insightful and engaging discussion!

What makes a good cult leader? Why would anyone join a cult? In today's episode, Rob and Dave take a deep dive into the underlying psychological mechanisms that create cults. If you'd like to see more Shrink Space content, be sure to like this video and subscribe to this channel

You know that feeling - when you are 'so right' about something? In this episode Rob and David discuss benefits and pitfalls of feeling like you have the moral and intellectual high ground. If you'd like to see more Shrink Space content, be sure to like this video and subscribe to this channel