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 from organizations that successfully create trust, shared purpose, and cooperation among diverse groups of people?

A conversation about psychology, connection, leadership, community, and the foundations of healthy societies.

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 diagnose ourselves, or can self-diagnosis sometimes do more harm than good?

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 always been skepticalof new technology, even as far back as Socrates. So is this just a familiar pattern, or is AI fundamentally different?

We talk about effort avoidance, the trade-off between convenience and skill, how AI might impact critical thinking, who is most affected, and where AI can genuinely add value.

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 move forward.

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 online criticism and how intentions can be misunderstood. Rob and Dave also examine in-group vs. out-group thinking, why people get defensive about politics, and how identity and belonging shape the way we listen, argue, and respond to each other.