Episode 568: My new book (why you should read it)

Nov 7, 2025

Discover the inspiration behind a new historical fiction book centered on Vincent van Gogh's last days. Delve into themes of genius, madness, and the complexities of love, as well as the poignant questions surrounding male loneliness and suicide. Learn about the contrasting realities of Van Gogh's fame posthumously and his struggles with mental illness. The narrative captivates by showing profound psychological truths without explicit analysis, making it a unique philosophical experience that resonates deeply.

09:49

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ANECDOTE

Lifelong Obsession With Van Gogh

Orion Taraban has been obsessed with Van Gogh's death since his teens and even wrote a play about it at NYU.
He highlights that Van Gogh shot himself but lingered lucidly for two days, which fascinated him.

insights

INSIGHT

Genius Ignored, Idolized Later

Van Gogh's life shows how genius can be ignored in life and idolized after death, revealing social blindness to talent.
The book asks why genius often goes unrecognized and how to love people despite their paradoxes.

insights

INSIGHT

Fiction Shows What Nonfiction Tells

Taraban chose fiction to show psychological truths through narrative rather than explain them directly.
He believes fiction lets readers discover lessons more deeply than nonfiction telling does.

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Why I Wrote a Historical Fiction About Van Gogh

00:10 • 1min

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The Two-Day Death and Its Mystery

01:11 • 25sec

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Van Gogh's Life: Fame, Poverty, and Paradox

01:36 • 54sec

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Themes: Genius, Recognition, and Loving Complexity

02:30 • 31sec

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Fiction vs Nonfiction: Showing Instead of Telling

03:01 • 50sec

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Cross-Promotion: The Value of Others Mention

03:51 • 43sec

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Why Van Gogh's Story Attracts Readers

04:33 • 24sec

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Male Loneliness and Suicide Questions

04:58 • 39sec

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Theo's Role and Caregiver Burden

05:37 • 1min

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Gachet and Vincent: Physician and Patient Views

07:02 • 24sec

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A Philosophical Novel in the Tradition of Camus

07:27 • 23sec

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Short Form Storytelling and Reading Time

07:49 • 26sec

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Publication Plans and Author Satisfaction

08:15 • 33sec

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Call to Action: Share and Comment

08:48 • 21sec

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Further Offerings: Newsletter, Consultations, Community

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Albert Camus

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The Value of Others

Orion Taraban

I'm proud to announce that I've recently completed my new book, Starry Night. Since it's a bit different from my usual fare, I thought I would make an episode on why you should read it. Starry Night is a piece of historical fiction relating the final days of the painter, Vincent van Gogh. Through multiple perspectives, the story explores genius, madness, love, and the tragedy of suicide. It’s a philosophical novel that reveals profound psychological truths through narrative rather than analysis. Deep, emotional, and unforgettable — Starry Night is unlike anything you’ve read before.

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Presented by Orion Taraban, Psy.D. PsycHacks provides viewers with a brief, thought-provoking video several days a week on a variety of psychological topics, inspired by his clinical practice. The intention is for the core idea contained within each video to inspire viewers to see something about themselves or their world in a slightly different light. The ultimate mission of the channel is to reduce the amount of unnecessary suffering in the world.

#psychology #vangogh #books

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