Shrink Space

Would you like a song less if you found out it was made entirely by AI? Why can learning that something was created with AI change how we feel about it, even when we still enjoy the final product? In this episode of Shrink Space , Dave and Rob explore the psychology of AI, authenticity, creativity, and effort. We look at why the person behind a creation matters to us, why we can feel frustrated or even angry about AI-generated content, and how knowing something's origin can change the way we experience and value it. What does the creator have to do with the creation? And why does knowing whether something was made by a human or AI matter so much to us?

Content Warning: This episode discusses self-harm and self-harming behaviors. If this type of content may be triggering or upsetting for you, please take care of yourself and consider skipping this episode. What can drive someone toward self-harm, and why might someone engage in these behaviors? In this episode of Shrink Space , David and Rob examine the psychology behind Perez Hilton’s recent public incident and explore the factors that may contribute to self-harming behavior.

What happens when we start outsourcing parts of being human? AI can write our emails, answer our questions, help us study, recommend what to watch, and even provide companionship. But as technology becomes more capable, what happens to the skills and experiences that make us human? Psychologists Rob and Dave explore the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence. They discuss AI's impact on critical thinking, learning, decision-making, relationships, and emotional connection, while asking an important question: How do we use technology without letting it replace parts of ourselves? Whether you're excited about AI, skeptical of it, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how technology is shaping modern life.

Grief is something every one of us will experience, yet no one really teaches us how to handle it. If you've ever wondered, "Am I grieving the right way?" or "Will this ever get easier?", you're not alone. In this episode, we explain the psychology of grief, how grief works, why it is so often misunderstood, and how we can carry loss without letting it define our lives. From the emotions that come with loss to the ways we make sense of grief, this conversation offers a deeper look at one of the most universal human experiences.

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.

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 watch. Calm, capable people handling things well has become deeply appealing, especially in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Calm is the new charisma. We also briefly touch on the Epstein files and why they’re back in the public conversation.

What is vulnerability actually—and what is it not? In this episode of Shrink Space, we break down the psychology of vulnerability, why people confuse it with oversharing, and why vulnerability is essential for trust, intimacy, and real emotional strength.📺 Watch more Shrink Space for grounded, insightful conversations where real psychology meets real life.👇 Leave a comment with your thoughts—we might feature it in the next episode!#PsychologyPodcast #impressions #motivation #selfawareness #ShrinkSpace #PopPsych #DavidColarossi #RobPattersonFollow us on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/shrinkspaceshow/https://www.tiktok.com/@shrinkspaceshow

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 unpack impression management: the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways people shape how they’re seen—and why it matters more than we usually think. 📺 Watch more Shrink Space for grounded, insightful conversations where real psychology meets real life.👇 Leave a comment with your thoughts—we might feature it in the next episode!#PsychologyPodcast #burnout #ShrinkSpace #PopPsych #DavidColarossi #RobPattersonFollow us on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/shrinkspaceshow/https://www.tiktok.com/@shrinkspaceshow

In this episode, we analyze the Minneapolis ICE shooting and the psychological reactions it triggered. We explain how normalcy bias , cognitive dissonance and political identity shape the way people perceive shocking events. We also examine the public response alongside Trump’s reaction . Gain insight into the human mind under crisis and the societal factors influencing fear, bias and decision-making. Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok

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 reflects a narcissistic injury. A focused psychological look at ego threat and defensiveness, without a political debate.

We analyze Sean Combs: The Reckoning through a psychological lens. This episode explores Sean Combs’ upbringing, behavioral patterns, and the hedonic treadmill to show how ambition and influence shape decisions and relationships.