Shrink Space

Shrink Space

By Rob Patterson, Ph.D. David Colarossi, Ph.D.ScienceSocial Sciences
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Shrink Space episodes

  • What Pop Culture Gets Wrong About Self-Care | Shrink Space E.41

    Self-care is everywhere in pop culture, but is what you are being sold actually helping you? We explore how movies, influencers, and billion-dollar brands have turned it into something very different from its real purpose.

    We cover Eat Pray Love, Gwyneth Paltrow’s infamous candle, the booming self-care industry, the difference between self-care and self-soothing, and how to know if your habits are truly helping or just distracting you.

    👇 Let us know what you think in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes.

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    42 min
  • How We Parent: Two Psychologists Discuss Triggers, Values, and Emotional Growth | Shrink Space E.39

    Parenting can bring up big emotions and hard questions. In this episode of Shrink Space, we talk about common challenges like parenting triggers, kids favoring one parent, emotional breakdowns, and raising entitled children.

    We also explore how to teach values like empathy and resilience, and how different parenting styles shape a child’s development.


    👇 Let us know what you think in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes.

    Follow us on Social Media

    Instagram

    TikTok


    57 min
  • Why We Cheat: The Psychology Behind Infidelity | Shrink Space E.38

    Why do people cheat? In this episode of Shrink Space, we discuss the infidelity revealed at the Coldplay concert. We discuss the psychology behind cheating, the role of personality, environment, and wealth. We explore:The psychological roots of infidelityCommon triggers and vulnerabilitiesHow wealth and status can distort relationship boundariesWhat people misunderstand about cheating#psychologypodcast #Infidelity #PsychologyPodcast #Coldplay #CheatingExplained #TherapistReact #MoneyAndPower #AffairPsychology #CouplesTherapy #PopPsychology #AndyByron #KristinCabot

    51 min
  • Where Did All My Friends Go? Friendships in Adulthood | Shrink Space E.37

    Why do adult friendships fade, and what can we do about it? In this episode of Shrink Space, we explore the common reasons people lose touch with friends in adulthood. From busy schedules and life transitions to changes in values and routines, friendship drift is more common than you think.

    We also offer practical tips for making new friends as an adult, navigating awkward social moments, and rebuilding connections.

    42 min
  • Shrink Space Short Takes: Elon Musk’s America Party

    Elon Musk is back at it. This is a quick reaction from David and Rob about Musk's new plan to start a new political party. If you find this episode insightful, hit like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this.#trumpvsmusk #narcissismexplained #narcissisticinjury #elonmusk #donaldtrump #twitterdrama #psychologypodcast #humanbehavior #narcissism #narcissistic #currentevents #conflictresolution

    13 min
  • The Diddy Verdict: Trauma, Power, and Public Perception | Shrink Space E.35

    This episode offers a psychological deep dive into the Diddy verdict — exploring why some people continue to support him, and how trauma bonding may have kept his victims emotionally tied to their abuser.👇 Let us know what you think in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes.Follow us on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/shrinkspaceshow/https://www.tiktok.com/@shrinkspaceshow#TraumaBonding#PsychologicalAbuse#SurvivorStories#MentalHealthAwareness#AbuseAwareness#WhyTheyStayed#DiddyVerdict#Diddy#SeanCombs#CelebrityJustice#CancelCulture

    42 min
  • Crowd Control: The Psychology of Protests and Riots | Shrink Space E.34

    What really separates a peaceful protest from a riot? And why do some crowds stay calm while others spiral into chaos?

    In this episode, we dig into the psychology of mass gatherings, why emotions run high, and what causes some protests to turn violent. We break down the difference between a protest, a riot, and a mob, and talk through real-world examples like the No Kings riot and January 6th.

    Also in this episode:

    • Rob shares a health update

    • The latest on the Trump vs. Musk bet

    • A shocking murder involving a Minnesota state rep

    • Gavin Newsom’s possible role in protest narratives

    • The Stanford Prison Experiment and what it teaches us about power

    • Whether protests actually lead to real change or just make people feel better

    52 min
  • Wounded Ego: Trump, Musk, and Narcissistic Injury | Shrink Space E.33

    In this episode, we dive into the explosive Twitter feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. We read their tweets, discuss whether both show signs of narcissism, and explain what narcissistic injury is and why it happens.

    If you have a narcissist in your life, we share practical advice on handling conflict, setting boundaries, and protecting your mental health.

    Tune in for psychology, current events, and hands-on tips you can use today.

    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Introduction and Rob’s back issues
    (05:31) Breaking down the Musk and Trump tweets
    (11:09) Is Donald Trump a narcissist?
    (13:07) What is narcissistic injury? Psychology behind the feud
    (20:07) How to handle having a narcissist in your life
    (25:03) Effective strategies for conflict with a narcissist
    (33:15) What to do after a conflict with a narcissist ends
    (35:33) Should you protect a narcissist’s ego?
    (37:43) How to plan your reaction before conflict starts
    (39:48) Why being the bigger person can leave you emotionally drained

    45 min
  • When Ego Wears a Halo: Two Psychologists Discuss Spiritual Narcissism | Shrink Space Podcast E.32

    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 and influencers. We also discuss whether atheists can be spiritual narcissists and why sincerity does not always mean truth.

    Whether you're curious about narcissism, spiritual influencers, or mental health, this episode offers clear insights grounded in psychology.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • What spiritual narcissism is
    • Key signs and red flags
    • The difference between narcissism and true humility
    • How to spot spiritual narcissists in real life and online
    • Whether belief or intention matters
    • Can atheists also be spiritual narcissists?

    Follow Shrink Space for weekly conversations on psychology, culture, and human behavior.

    Topics Covered:

    (07:19) What Is Spiritual Narcissism(09:51) Defining Narcissism
    (14:59) Humility versus ego
    (17:00) Influencers and examples like Will Smith
    (29:08) Does belief matter?
    (30:35) How to spot spiritual narcissism
    (34:54) Being convinced to ignore your gut
    (41:56) Can atheists be spiritual narcissists?

    50 min

About Shrink Space

From the publisher's feed

Join Dr. Rob Patterson and Dr. David Colarossi, two friends and psychologists, as they explore the intricacies of the human mind with humor, heart, and a side of friendly banter. In each episode, they…

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