Shrink Space
Episodes
Is AI Making Us Dumber? | Shrink Space E.66
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Why Some People Take Action and Others Don’t | Shrink Space E.65
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why do some people take action while others don’t?After visiting SXSW, Dave and Rob dive into what really drives motivation. Is it incentives, minds...
Iran, Trump, and the Epstein Files | Shrink Space E.64
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 g...
Silence vs Stepping In: Politics and the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team | Shrink Space E.63
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Competence Porn: Calm is the New Charisma | Shrink Space E.62
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
People love watching competence. In this episode of Shrink Space, we talk about “competence porn” and why shows like The Pitt are so satisfying to...
Why Vulnerability Matters (And Why Most People Get It Wrong) | Shrink Space E.61
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is vulnerability actually—and what is it not? In this episode of Shrink Space, we break down the psychology of vulnerability, why people confus...
Who Are You Trying to Impress?: Why we change to be liked | Shrink Space E.60
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We’re all managing impressions - whether we admit it or not.At work. In relationships. Online. Even at home. In this episode of Shrink Space, we unp...
The Minneapolis Shooting: Cognitive Dissonance, Identity Threat, and Politics | Shrink Space E.59
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we analyze the Minneapolis ICE shooting and the psychological reactions it triggered. We explain how normalcy bias, cognitive dissona...
When Ego Replaces Leadership: Trump's Reaction to Rob Reiner's Murder | Shrink Space E.58
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologists Rob and Dave discuss Donald Trump’s tweet about the death of Rob Reiner, exploring what may have motivated the response and whether it...
When Wealth Stops Protecting You: Sean Combs and the Psychology of Power | Shrink Space E.57
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We analyze Sean Combs: The Reckoning through a psychological lens. This episode explores Sean Combs’ upbringing, behavioral patterns, and the hedoni...
People Don’t Change… Or Do They? | Shrink Space E.56
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can people actually change? It’s one of the oldest questions in psychology — and one we get asked all the time. In this episode of Shrink Space, D...
Virtuous Victimhood: Britney, Bieber and the Psychology Behind It | Shrink Space E.55
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we dig into the psychology of virtuous victimhood and how it plays out in both everyday life and celebrity culture. We start with an A...
GRATEFUL? – Psychologists Ask If Gratitude Is Overrated | Shrink Space Ep. 54
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re bringing back an old favorite for the holiday season. In this reissued episode, Rob and Dave talk Thanksgiving traditions, the hype around gra...
The Outsider’s Dilemma: When You Think Someone’s Relationship Is a Mistake | Shrink Space E.53
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder if someone’s relationship is a mistake? We explore why people stay, how your perspective can mislead you, and smart ways to give advice ...
Why Your Brain Can’t Stand Being Wrong | Shrink Space E.52
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why does your brain resist being wrong? In this episode of Shrink Space we explore cognitive dissonance, the tension that happens when your actions an...
Do You Really Have Burnout? | Shrink Space E.51
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Shrink Space episode, Dr. David Colarossi and Dr. Rob Patterson dive deep into the psychology behind Burnout It’s funny, honest, and surpris...
The hidden flaw in the 5 Love Languages | Shrink Space E.50
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Shrink Space episode, Dr. David Colarossi and Dr. Rob Patterson dive deep into the psychology behind The 5 Love Languages — and why the fram...
Living Out Loud: Extroverts and Introverts at Work and Home | Shrink Space E.49
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert?In this episode of Shrink Space, psychologists David Colarossi and Rob Patterson explore how personality ...
Success Against All Odds: An Interview with John Brink | Shrink Space E.48
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Rob and David sit down with John A. Brink — an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author whose life reads like a blueprint for grit ...
Living with a Loud Mind: Psychology of Neuroticism | Shrink Space E.47
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you an overthinker or highly sensitive to everything around you? That might be neuroticism. In this episode of Shrink Space, we explore what neuro...
Why Charlie Kirk’s Death Sparked a Firestorm | Shrink Space E.46
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reach out to our new sponsor: "Patterson Consulting Group" at [email protected]. You can also find out more information about their se...
Soulmates, Conspiracies, and AITA: One Year of Shrink Space | Shrink Space E.45
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are celebrating one year of Shrink Space by revisiting some of our most talked about episodes. Psychologists David Colarossi, Ph.D. and Rob Patters...
ChatGPT Isn’t Your Therapist | Shrink Space E.44
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Shrink Space, we explore the psychology of AI and what happens when people turn to ChatGPT for advice. We look at when ChatGPT can ...
Pull of the Past: The Psychology of Nostalgia | Shrink Space E.43
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do childhood memories, old songs, or cultural movements make us feel a deep longing? Psychologists David Colarossi, PhD, and Rob Patterson, PhD, b...
Is Everything “Trauma”? Discussing Concept Creep in Psychology | Shrink Space E.42
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rob and Dave take on the psychology of “concept creep,” the slow expansion of mental health terms into everyday life. Why is stress now called tra...
What Pop Culture Gets Wrong About Self-Care | Shrink Space E.41
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 br...
After the Affair: What Survivors and Offenders Both Need to Know | Shrink Space E.40
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Shrink Space, we dive into the emotional wreckage left behind after an affair. Whether you were betrayed, were the one who strayed,...
How We Parent: Two Psychologists Discuss Triggers, Values, and Emotional Growth | Shrink Space E.39
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Parenting can bring up big emotions and hard questions. In this episode of Shrink Space, we talk about common challenges like parenting triggers, kids...
Why We Cheat: The Psychology Behind Infidelity | Shrink Space E.38
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do people cheat? In this episode of Shrink Space, we discuss the infidelity revealed at the Coldplay concert. We discuss the psychology behind che...
Where Did All My Friends Go? Friendships in Adulthood | Shrink Space E.37
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 frie...
Shrink Space Short Takes: Elon Musk’s America Party
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 in...
The Diddy Verdict: Trauma, Power, and Public Perception | Shrink Space E.35
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode offers a psychological deep dive into the Diddy verdict — exploring why some people continue to support him, and how trauma bonding may...
Crowd Control: The Psychology of Protests and Riots | Shrink Space E.34
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Wounded Ego: Trump, Musk, and Narcissistic Injury | Shrink Space E.33
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
When Ego Wears a Halo: Two Psychologists Discuss Spiritual Narcissism | Shrink Space Podcast E.32
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 authe...
Typecast: Myers-Briggs & Other Personality Tests | Shrink Space E. 31
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
The Catastrophe of Success: Why Success Can Feel Like Failure | Shrink Space E.30
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to Strengthen Your Relationships: John Gottman Part 2 | Shrink Space E.29
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Four Horsemen: John Gottman and Romantic Relationships Part 1 | Shrink Space E.28
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, w...
FIRST GUEST INTERVIEW! David & Rob Discuss Cancel Culture and Other Topics with Dr. Dana Borchert (She doesn’t agree) | Shrink Space E.27
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
TRUMP VS ZELENSKY: Whose Side Are You On? Loyalty in Politics, Work, and Relationships | Shrink Space E.26
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Shrink Space, we explain the psychology of loyalty in politics, the workplace, and personal relationships through the lens of one o...
HOW TO SPOT AN ABUSER – Lessons from the Gabby Petito Case | Shrink Space E.25
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
TOXIC MASCULINITY: What Is It Really? | Psychologists Discuss Toxic Personality Traits | Ep.24
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
CANCEL CULTURE | Psychologists discuss (David rants) about the implications of Cancel Culture Ep 23
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Rob and Dave discuss the complex dynamics of cancel culture. Rob shares his recent health struggles and his evolving views on languag...
WHY DO WE NEED AWARD SHOWS? | Psychologists React to the Grammys Ep. 22
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are Awards Really Important? A Deep Dive with Rob and DaveIn this episode, Rob and Dave discuss the significance of awards, specifically focusing on e...
VOICE MEMO Analysis: Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni | Psychologists React Ep. 21
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Why do you like TAYLOR SWIFT? Psychologists explain PARASOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS | Ep. 20
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
MASS FORMATION (Not Psychosis) Psychologists discuss reactions to LA Fires & Luigi Mangione | Ep. 19
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Rob and Dave delve into the concept of mass formation and group think, discussing how society reacts to significant stressors s...
WHY DON'T PEOPLE CHANGE? | Psychologists share STRATEGIES for behavior change | Shrink Space Ep. 18
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dave and Rob discuss their holiday experiences, share hilarious stories about their kids, and dive into the topic of personal change....
TIPS & TRICKS to Navigate the Holidays | PSYCHOLOGISTS share their strategies | Shrink Space Ep. 17
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Rob and Dave share their personal holiday experiences, discussing common family dynamics and challenges during the festive season. T...
LILY PHILLIPS | PSYCHOLOGISTS REACT | Why she did it. Why the men did it. Shrink Space Ep.16
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologists David and Rob delve into a recent controversial documentary about Lily Phillips, a successful OnlyFans star. The discussion covers the p...
PSYCHOLOGISTS EXPLAIN | Why Families Create Stress over the Holidays | Shrink Space Ep. 15
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Rob and Dave discuss the various psychological and situational stressors that arise during the holiday season. They explore the press...
Psychologists' guide to Surviving your Family over the Holidays | Shrink Space Ep. 14
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Shrin...
UNGRATFUL - Psychologists Question the Value of being Thankful | Shrink Space Ep. 13
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Rob and Dave as they dive into the theme of gratitude just in time for Thanksgiving. Hear about their personal Thanksgiving traditions, thoughts...
Trump Won - Why are you Surprised? | Shrink Space Ep. 12
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Psychologists David and Rob use the presidential election to delve into the psychological concept of the False Consensus Effect. They...
Shrink Space Ep. 11 | Competition - Blessing or Curse
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 compe...
Shrink Space Ep. 10 | Voting Blind - Psychologists discuss voter bias
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 politic...
Shrink Space Ep. 9 | The Psychology behind Cults
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 mech...
Shrink Space Ep. 8 | The Power of Self Righteousness
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Shrink Space Ep. 7 | What is more important - Impact or Intent?
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, Dave and Rob, discuss the popular axiom that in social exchanges Impact is more important than Intent.
Shrink Space Ep. 6 | Are some conspiracy theories real?
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 conspirac...
Shrink Space Ep. 5 | Are you the A-hole?
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Shrink Space Ep. 4 | Two Psychologists React to DIDDY - Is being a psychopath adaptive?
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rob and Dave share Discuss Diddy and the implications of being diagnosed with Anti Social Personality Disorder For more Shrink Space content, be sure...
Shrink Space Ep. 3 | Two Psychologists React to the DEBATE - Naïve Realism
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rob and Dave share their reactions to the Presidential Debate, and discuss the psychological concept of Naïve Realism. For more Shrink Space conten...
Shrink Space Ep. 2 | Are soul mates real?
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
Shrink Space Ep. 1 | Let's talk about power, and why people won't give it up
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...