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?

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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)

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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?

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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 to strengthen your relationship daily.

We go through things like building better love maps, how to keep appreciation alive, why those little moments of connection matter, and what to do when you’re stuck having the same fight over and over again.

If you’ve ever felt like you love your partner but keep missing each other, or like small issues keep snowballing, this one’s for you.

If you liked this episode, let us know in the comments and don't forget to subscribe!

Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction

(02:38) Today's topic: John Gottman part 2 – How to strengthen your relationship

(08:23) Enhancing your love maps – Know your partner’s world and stay curious

(17:37) Nurturing fondness and admiration – Focus on what you appreciate about your partner

(23:12) Turning toward each other – Why small bids for connection matter

(28:49) Let your partner influence you – Making decisions as a team

(33:32) Solving solvable problems – Start with the small stuff

(39:12) Overcoming gridlock – Move from conflict to meaningful dialogue

(44:12) Creating shared meaning – Build a life you both value

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, we explain why Dr. John Gottman’s 4 signs that predict divorce—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—are so powerful, and how they often show up without us even realizing it.

We break these down by analyzing a viral clip of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, using it as a real-life example of how these patterns play out in everyday relationships.

Timestamps (00:00) Coming up in this episode
(01:31) Dave’s Caribbean cruise
(04:51) Analyzing the Alec and Hilaria Baldwin clip
(17:38) Today’s topic: John Gottman’s Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work – The 4 Horsemen of Relationships
(26:03) The first horseman: Criticism – when complaints turn into character attacks
(31:53) The second horseman: Contempt – the most dangerous relationship killer
(37:46) The third horseman: Defensiveness – why it makes things worse
(42:11) The fourth horseman: Stonewalling – the silent relationship shutdown
(47:15) How can you avoid the Four Horsemen?

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, honest conversation where Dana offers fresh insights and challenges the guys to think differently about some things they’ve said before. Hit play and join the conversation! 🎧🧠

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Timestamps

(00:00) - Coming up
(00:26) - Introduction: Who is Dr. Dana Borchert?
(04:06) - Rob's wall update
(05:16) - Dana challenges our take on toxic masculinity
(12:52) - Rob's conversation with his wife
(16:06) - The problem with the term "toxic masculinity"
(22:23) - Non-violent communication
(26:39) - The benefits of non-violent communication
(28:53) - Facing our insecurities
(33:04) - What is toxic femininity?
(36:34) - The trad wife movement
(41:16) - Raising emotionally aware boys & the "Mrs. degree"
(43:22) - Why do we need rules and restraints in conversations?

In this episode of Shrink Space, we explain the psychology of loyalty in politics, the workplace, and personal relationships through the lens of one of today’s most polarizing geopolitical dynamics: Donald Trump vs. Volodymyr Zelensky.

- What drives loyalty, even in the face of conflict?
- How do political leaders influence public trust and allegiance?
- What parallels can we draw between political loyalty and commitment in our personal and professional lives?

Tune in for a discussion about the psychological and social factors that shape who we stand by and why.

🎧 Subscribe now for more expert insights into human behavior and psychology