Shrink Space
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© Rob Patterson, Ph.D. David Colarossi, Ph.D.
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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 debate key psychological concepts, shedding light on the fascinating principles that shape our everyday lives. From unraveling the mysteries of human behavior to diving into the latest research—or just having a good laugh along the way—Shrink Space is your go-to podcast for a lively mix of insights, spirited debates, and plenty of laughs that will make you think twice about what makes us tick.
50 Episodes
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Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert?In this episode of Shrink Space, psychologists David Colarossi and Rob Patterson explore how personality shapes the way we connect, lead, and show up. Discover the strengths of introverts, practical ways to share your ideas, and how anyone can boost charisma and executive presence.Packed with tips and insights, this episode helps you show up charismatic while staying true to yourself.
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 and reinvention.Born in Nazi-occupied Holland and liberated by Canadian soldiers at age five, John immigrated to Canada with just $25.47 in his pocket. Over the next five decades, he built Brink Forest Products, one of North America’s largest secondary lumber manufacturers, employing hundreds and exporting worldwide.We talk about his early years, the mindset that carried him across continents, and what drives him to keep creating opportunities for others.Chapters: If you are curious about personality traits, self-understanding, and personal growth, this episode is for you.#JohnBrink #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Resilience #AgainstAllOdds #Inspiration #BusinessStory #Motivation #CanadianSuccess #TradesEducation #PopPsych #ShrinkSpacePodcast
Are you an overthinker or highly sensitive to everything around you? That might be neuroticism. In this episode of Shrink Space, we explore what neuroticism really is, the upsides and downsides, and practical ways to handle it in daily life.We cover:What neuroticism is and how it shapes personalitySurprising benefits of being neuroticDownsides like overthinking, emotional intensity, and sensitivityStrategies to manage and make the most of neurotic traitsThis episode is perfect for anyone interested in personality, self-understanding, and personal growth.Follow us on social media: Instagram | TikTok
Reach out to our new sponsor: "Patterson Consulting Group" at info@Pattersonconsultinggroup.com. You can also find out more information about their services on their website: https://www.pattersonconsultinggroup.com.In this episode of Shrink Space, David and Rob discuss the death of Charlie Kirk, exploring the psychological mechanisms that drive our collective response. We dive into why society feels the need to politicize and polarize the tragic event, and what this reveals about us.#charliekirkshooting #charliekirk #PoliticalPolarizationSubscribe to Shrink Space for more deep dives into psychology, pop culture, and the strange corners of the internet.Follow us on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/shrinkspaceshow/https://www.tiktok.com/@shrinkspaceshow#aita #psychologyexplained #psychologypodcast #epsteinfiles #conspiracytheory #relationships #humanbehavior #humanbehaviorinsights
We are celebrating one year of Shrink Space by revisiting some of our most talked about episodes. Psychologists David Colarossi, Ph.D. and Rob Patterson, Ph.D. take a fresh look at Reddit’s AITA stories, ask if soulmates are real, and break down the psychology behind conspiracy theories and the Epstein files.This anniversary special is full of reflection, surprising insights, and the internet’s wildest stories. If you love psychology, relationships, and exploring why people believe what they do, this episode has it all.Subscribe to Shrink Space for more deep dives into psychology, pop culture, and the strange corners of the internet.Follow us on social media: Instagram | TikTok
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 make mistakes, the real benefits of using AI, and whether it can act as a therapist. We also discuss whether humans can form relationships with ChatGPT and what that reveals about us. Finally, we tackle a big question of today: is ChatGPT taking our jobs or creating new opportunities?Join us for a conversation that blends psychology, technology, and real-world impact to understand the promise and risks of AI.👉 Subscribe for more episodes on psychology, mental health, and the way we make sense of the world.Follow us on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/shrinkspaceshow/https://www.tiktok.com/@shrinkspaceshow
Why do childhood memories, old songs, or cultural movements make us feel a deep longing? Psychologists David Colarossi, PhD, and Rob Patterson, PhD, break down the science of nostalgia and why it shapes our emotions, identity, and even politics.In this episode of Shrink Space, we explore:What nostalgia really isWhy we feel it and its different typesWhen nostalgia helps and when it holds us backHow political movements like “Make America Great Again” tap into nostalgic feelingsShrink Space is a psychology podcast where Rob and Dave unpack mental health and human behavior in ways that are thought-provoking, accessible, and sometimes a little unsettling.Follow us on social media: Instagram | TikTok
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 trauma, or conflict called bullying? This episode looks at how psychological language evolves, what gets lost when labels stretch too far, and how social media and generational shifts drive these changes. It’s a conversation about psychology, resilience, and the way we make sense of human struggles.
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.Follow us on Social Media InstagramTikTok
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, or you're both trying to rebuild what was lost. #psychologypodcast #Infidelity #PsychologyPodcast #Coldplay #CheatingExplained #TherapistReact #MoneyAndPower #AffairPsychology #CouplesTherapy #PopPsychology #AndyByron #KristinCabot
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 InstagramTikTok
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
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.
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
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
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 updateThe latest on the Trump vs. Musk betA shocking murder involving a Minnesota state repGavin Newsom’s possible role in protest narrativesThe Stanford Prison Experiment and what it teaches us about powerWhether protests actually lead to real change or just make people feel better
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
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?
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 personality tests, exploring their pros and cons, how they’re used in recruitment and team building, and the psychology behind them. Learn about the Barnum effect, Carl Jung’s influence, and practical tips for using these tools effectively.Key topics:What is MBTI and why it’s popular (05:17)The Barnum effect and test limitations (10:39)StrengthsFinder for team building and growth (21:04)Using personality tests in recruitment (30:01)David’s thoughts on personal change (35:06)Best ways to use personality tools (40:07)Follow us on social media! Instagram TikTok
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 success: that surprising feeling of pressure or emptiness after reaching a big goal.David shares his theory that anxiety is what keeps us moving and that the absence of anxiety might even feel like depression. Rob doesn’t fully agree. Is it possible to just feel content without always striving for more? If you’ve ever wondered why success doesn’t always bring happiness, this episode is for you. Follow Shrink Space for more insights into psychology and human behavior.Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more! Timestamps (00:00) Our trip to Cancun (13:27) Introducing today’s topic: the catastrophe of success (19:22) Does public success add pressure to keep achieving? (22:00) Is anxiety what drives us forward? (28:28) Rob’s story about purpose and fulfillment (42:14) Does the age of success change how we cope? (48:30) Is it possible to just feel content? Follow us on social media! Instagram TikTok
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