The Psychology of Us

In this special guest-hosted episode of The Psychology of Us , Cultural Psychology student Lilian Chantarakorn sits down with her professor, RJ Starr , for a powerful conversation on the stereotypes, discrimination, and objectification faced by Asian women . From the damaging perception of Asian women as submissive or hypersexualized to the struggles of invisibility and fetishization, this discuss...

Have you ever been ghosted? One day, you're talking to someone—maybe a friend, a romantic partner, or even a family member—and then, without warning, they vanish. No explanation. No goodbye. Just silence. Ghosting is one of the most frustrating and confusing social behaviors, but it’s also one of the most common. In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr explores the psychologic...

Why do we procrastinate, even when we know it will make things harder in the long run? Is it laziness, a lack of discipline, or something deeper? In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we break down the real science behind procrastination and explore why we put things off—even when we don’t want to. Professor Starr takes you inside the brain to reveal the psychological a...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often misused as a casual label for neatness or perfectionism. But what is OCD really? In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we dive deep into the science, psychology, and lived experiences of OCD. Join Professor RJ Starr, an expert in psychology, as he explores the neurologic...

In this episode, Professor RJ Starr is interviewed by graduate student Gabriella Jamison to explore the concept of McVulnerability —a term describing the curated, performative nature of emotional sharing on social media. They discuss how vulnerability, once deeply personal, has become a strategic tool for engagement, how social media rewards emotional expression, and why audiences often struggle t...

Have you ever walked away from a conversation questioning your own memory, your perception—even your sanity? Gaslighting is one of the most insidious forms of psychological manipulation, designed to make you doubt your reality and erode your self-trust. In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we take a deep dive into the psychology of gaslighting —how it works, why it’s s...

Why do societies erupt into moral panic? Why does every cultural shift spark outrage, fear, and reactionary backlash? In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr breaks down the psychological forces behind moral panic—how fear hijacks our thinking, why social identity fuels cultural backlash, and how media and political figures manipulate these anxieties to maintain control. Throu...

SPECIAL EPISODE: In this special edition episode, we explore the beauty and complexity of aging, diving into the emotional and psychological growth that comes with embracing life’s later chapters. Aging isn’t about becoming less—it’s about becoming more. More attuned to the beauty in the everyday, more open to meaningful connections, and more at peace with who you’ve become. We’ll talk about letti...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we delve into the fascinating world of political theater and its profound psychological impact on society. As we witness the beginning of a new presidential administration, with executive orders sparking both celebration and fear, we explore how political theater is strategically designed to manipulate emotions, create division, and...

Jealousy is a universal emotion—uncomfortable, complex, and often misunderstood. In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we explore the roots of jealousy, from its evolutionary origins as a survival mechanism to its manifestations in today’s modern, comparison-driven world. Learn how cultural norms, attachment styles, and social media influence jealousy and why it affects...

Why do some leaders and public figures seem to thrive on creating division? In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr explores the psychological principles behind divisive behavior. From the manipulation of in-groups and out-groups to the role of fear, anger, and loyalty, we unpack why conflict is such a powerful tool for those in authority. With insights into social identity th...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we explore how social media is shaping the way we see ourselves and each other. From the dopamine rush of likes to the pressure of curating the "perfect" profile, social media can be both empowering and harmful. How does it influence your self-esteem? What role does it play in forming your identity? And most importantly, how can you...

In this profound and thought-provoking episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores one of life’s greatest mysteries: the act of dying. Is death truly the end, or is it part of a greater continuum that we don’t yet fully understand? Blending psychological theories, personal reflections, and compelling stories, this episode delves into the perspectives of both the living and the dyi...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we dive deep into the concept of cultural anxiety, exploring how it arises during periods of significant societal change and rapid transformation. From its historical roots during the Industrial Revolution and Cold War to its modern manifestations in technology, climate change, and globalization, cultural anxiety remains a recurring...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we dive into the transformative power of emotional intelligence (EI). Discover how developing self-awareness and self-regulation can help you better understand and manage your emotions, while empathy and social awareness strengthen your connections with others. Through personal anecdotes, case studies, and insights from Daniel Golem...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr takes you on a journey into the transformative power of self-awareness. What does it really mean to know yourself? Why is it so essential for personal growth, meaningful relationships, and navigating life’s challenges? From the psychological foundations of self-awareness to practical strategies for cultivating it, this episode explores h...

In this debut episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr introduces listeners to the podcast's mission of exploring the fascinating world of human behavior, relationships, and shared experiences. Drawing from his extensive background as a psychology educator, and author, Professor Starr shares his vision for making psychology accessible and engaging. Listeners will get a glimpse of the t...