Shrink Space (Rob Patterson, Ph.D. David Colarossi, Ph.D.)

Are you an A-hole? What makes someone an A-hole? And at what point do they cross the line from a pretentious douche bag/ narcissist to an asshole? Is it something that people choose? Or is it something that is an innate part of the psyche? This week Dave and Rob dive in to the weeds on this one, and they go deep into the nuances around "assholes" and whether or not you may be one.

For more Shrink Space content, be sure to subscribe to the channel and leave a review!

On this weeks episode of Shrink Space, Rob and Dave dive into an age old debate: are soul mates real? We would all like to believe so. We would all like to believe in our one true love. But is it that simple? Could we possibly be compatible with more than one person? What are the factors that play into this? What would happen if our current "soul mate" passed on? Would we move on? All of this and more! If you'd like to see more Shrink Space, make sure to like this episode and subscribe to the channel!

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 sure to like this video, and subscribe to the channel!

Today on the show, Dave and Rob, dive into conspiracy theories. You know, tin foil hats, lizard people, the whole 9 yards. Except not every conspiracy theory has turned out to be crazy. And not every conspiracy theorist is crazy either. Today we go deep down the rabbit hole to show you. If you'd like to see more Shrink Space content, be sure to like this video and subscribe to this channel

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!

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 political loyalty and commitment in our personal and professional lives?

Tune in for a discussion about the psychological and social factors that shape who we stand by and why.

🎧 Subscribe now for more expert insights into human behavior and psychology

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, celebrity influence, and the psychological need for belonging and meaning. Strategies to prevent mass formation and promote critical thinking are also examined. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up00:50 Fires in California01:05 Theme Parks and Personal Experiences04:05 Societal Reactions to Tragedies08:28 Mass Formation and Group Think13:37 Mass Formation Psychosis Debate19:29 Media Influence and Public Perception27:23 The Origin of the Fires27:48 Psychological Motivations Behind Arson28:29 The Role of Narratives in Social Movements29:52 The Power Dynamics in Everyday Actions31:25 Mass Formation and Its Implications37:04 Strategies to Prevent Mass Formation42:19 The Importance of Mindfulness and Self-Awareness48:03 Public Perception and Anonymity in Surveys52:07 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections If you want to see more Shrink Space, like this video and subscribe to the channel!

Today, Rob and Dave talk about power, and why some people just can't let go. From athletes who refuse to retire, to politicians who refuse to step down, to your grandma who needs to turn in those car keys, we all see examples of power in our lives and people who don't want to give it up. Rob and Dave take a deep dive to cover all of this and more. If you want to see more of Shrink Space, be sure to like this video and subscribe to this channel!

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 for a deep dive into the complex intersection of mental health, pop culture, and societal values. 00:00 Introduction and Unexpected Pivot 01:56 Who is Lily Phillips? 02:39 The Documentary Breakdown 04:36 Public Reaction and Moral Debate 05:26 Psychological Analysis of Lily's Actions 08:44 Comparing Self-Harm and Sex Work 14:22 Societal Judgments and Personal Values 22:35 The Role of Social Media 28:51 The Paradox of Compassion and Judgment 30:20 The Role of Society and Friends 31:44 Shifting Gears: The Male Perspective 33:49 Psychological Impact of Pornography 35:25 Moral Gray Areas and Societal Norms 48:31 The Gender Double Standard 52:25 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics If you want to see more Shrink Space, make sure to like this video and subscribe to the channel!

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 Borchert's Instagram

Follow us on Social Media

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

Timestamps

(00:00) - Coming up
(00:26) - Introduction: Who is Dr. Dana Borchert?
(04:06) - Rob's wall update
(05:16) - Dana challenges our take on toxic masculinity
(12:52) - Rob's conversation with his wife
(16:06) - The problem with the term "toxic masculinity"
(22:23) - Non-violent communication
(26:39) - The benefits of non-violent communication
(28:53) - Facing our insecurities
(33:04) - What is toxic femininity?
(36:34) - The trad wife movement
(41:16) - Raising emotionally aware boys & the "Mrs. degree"
(43:22) - Why do we need rules and restraints in conversations?

Today on the show, Dave and Rob, discuss the popular axiom that in social exchanges Impact is more important than Intent.

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 gurus, political figures, and the impact of social media. The conversation also includes insights into gender differences, the motivations behind these relationships, and personal anecdotes about their own parasocial connections. Join the discussion and share your thoughts on the phenomenon of parasocial relationships. 00:00 Reunion and Legoland Adventures 03:02 Listener Suggestion: Parasocial Relationships 03:44 Taylor Swift and Parasocial Bonds 09:10 Defining Parasocial Relationships 15:48 The Impact of Social Media on Fame 22:34 Curated Content and Social Division 29:10 Fan Loyalty and Celebrity Obsession 31:09 Degrees of Parasocial Relationships 33:42 Age and Gender Differences in Parasocial Relationships 42:07 The Role of Self-Help Gurus 47:06 Personal Parasocial Experiences 51:42 Building Parasocial Relationships with Shrink Space If you want to see more Shrink Space, like this video and subscribe to the channel!

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 a three-part series focused on making your holiday season more manageable and enjoyable. 00:00 Reconnecting and Setting Up 01:24 The Cat Hoodie Dilemma 01:57 Carhartt and Caterpillar Stories 05:35 Holiday Stress Series Introduction 08:03 Personal Experiences with Holiday Stress 17:56 Financial Strain and Expectations 25:49 The Container Store Obsession 28:01 Holiday Expectations and Disappointments 29:16 The Stress of Hosting and Impressing 31:59 Family Dynamics and Emotional Work 39:08 Anxiety About Aging Relatives 43:39 Nostalgia and Changing Traditions 49:28 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead If you want to see more Shrink Space, make sure to like this video and subscribe to the channel!

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!

Rob and Dave share their reactions to the Presidential Debate, and discuss the psychological concept of Naïve Realism. For more Shrink Space content, be sure to subscribe to the channel and leave a review! Reach out with questions/Feedback: ShrinkSpaceShow@gmail.com Subscribe on YouTube @ShrinkSpace  Follow us on Social Media Facebook @ShrinkSpaceShow Instagram @ShrinkSpaceShow TikTok @ShrinkSpaceShow

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 dealing with these situations, as well as the responsibilities and frustrations around holiday gift-giving. Join them for insights, humor, and practical advice on navigating family interactions and ensuring a joyful holiday.

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 resolutions while providing practical advice for making lasting changes. Tune in for a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable tips on achieving your goals in the new year. 00:00 Catch-Up After the Holidays 00:41 Holiday Mishaps and Norovirus 03:15 Family Conversations and Political Views 07:11 Do People Really Change? 14:24 Challenges of Changing Habits 26:20 The Comfort of Coffee and Snacks 27:31 College Eating Habits and Rewards 29:03 Breaking Unhealthy Patterns 29:20 Environmental Influence on Change 33:14 Resistance to Organizational Change 42:19 New Year's Resolutions and Behavioral Change 44:45 Strategies for Successful Habit Change 46:48 Personal Resolutions and Accountability 51:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts If you want to see more Shrink Space, make sure to like this video and subscribe to the channel!

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 Analysis 15:29 Psychological Insights and Reactions 29:45 Respect and Deference in Communication 30:29 Building Relationships Through Voice Memos 32:06 Coaching and Intimidation 33:37 Directness vs. Deference in Leadership 34:18 Industry-Specific Communication Styles 35:59 Navigating Creative Partnerships 38:31 Addressing Past Experiences and Apologies 45:08 Public Perception and Assumptions 48:25 Celebrity Culture and Public Fascination 56:15 Final Thoughts and Viewer Engagement

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 see more Shrink Space, make sure to like this video, and subscribe to the channel!

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 to like the video! 👍💬<br>
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(00:21) Update on the situation with our boss
(01:51) The talent show
(04:22) Today's Topic: Toxic Masculinity
(07:38) What does it mean to be masculine?
(11:00) Defending your wife
(13:51) What is TOXIC masculinity?
(18:39) Are we just trying to erase masculinity?
(20:17) Are we expecting boys to suppress their masculine traits?
(22:45) Masculinity as a trait
(23:31) Self-destructive behaviors
(24:25) Toxic Femininity: Does it exist?
(27:13 )The difference between Toxic Masculinity and Toxic Femininity
(30:41) Why do we label toxic behaviors with gender?
(32:57) Moms vs. dads: How they interact with their kids differently
(36:04) Is masculine behavior learned or innate?
(38:10) How we show affection with our kids
(40:12) How we interact with other men
(42:06) Toxic Masculinity on social media
(43:04) Rob's relationship with his father-in-law
(44:40) Crying in public
(48:21) Final thoughts

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 Petito, and the similarities between abusers and cult leaders. If you want to understand the warning signs before it’s too late, this is the episode for you.

David and Rob are speaking on this topic using their backgrounds in psychology. However, the purpose of this podcast is informational and entertainment. As a result, the information presented here is not intended as psychological advice.

If you think you might be in an abusive relationship or are concerned that someone you know might be, you can find resources at https://www.thehotline.org

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

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 communication within professional and informal settings, touching on the importance of directness versus sensitivity. Tune in for an insightful conversation that challenges the extremes and seeks a balanced perspective.00:00 Introduction and Catching Up00:37 Rob's Health Struggles02:33 Language and Communication Rant04:02 Psych Speak in Everyday Life07:03 The Impact of Over-Politeness10:51 Nonviolent Communication Debate12:35 The Unraveling of Society20:56 Cancel Culture Discussion30:01 The Psychology Behind Cancel Culture32:04 The Emotional Reward of Canceling Celebrities34:24 The Value and Downsides of Cancel Culture37:03 The Role of the Me Too Movement39:30 Comedy and Cancel Culture41:48 The Impact of Cancel Culture on Society45:23 Navigating Sensitivity and Authenticity50:45 Concluding Thoughts on Cancel Culture

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

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 versus extrinsic motivation, the subjective nature of awards, and if these accolades genuinely reflect the best in a field. Join them for a nuanced conversation about awards, recognition, and what truly matters in creativity and achievement.00:00 Catching Up: Parenting Challenges01:11 Award Shows and the Grammys02:19 Fashion Highlights and Critiques04:26 Kanye West and Bianca's Entrance09:32 The Relevance of Award Shows13:28 Personal Connection to Awards18:35 The Value of Awards and Recognition29:42 The Distortion of Rewards31:34 Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation32:19 The Impact on Creativity33:59 The Changing Landscape of Movies35:48 The Role of Status and Recognition40:19 Subjectivity and Bias in Awards43:06 Personal Reflections on Awards47:15 The Future of Awards53:51 Conclusion and Viewer Engagemen

Rob and Dave share Discuss Diddy and the implications of being diagnosed with Anti Social Personality Disorder For more Shrink Space content, be sure to subscribe to the channel and leave a review! Reach out with questions/Feedback: ShrinkSpaceShow@gmail.com Subscribe on YouTube @ShrinkSpace Follow us on Social Media Facebook @ShrinkSpaceShow Instagram @ShrinkSpaceShow TikTok @ShrinkSpaceShow

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, and other things sprinkled with that good ole childhood trauma and insecurities. If you want to see more Shrink Space, make sure to like this video, and subscribe to the channel!