

PsycHacks
Orion Taraban
Presented by Orion Taraban, Psy.D. PsycHacks provides listeners with a brief, thought-provoking episode several days a week on a variety of psychological topics, inspired by my clinical practice. The intention is for the core idea contained within each episode to inspire listeners to see something about themselves or their world in a slightly different light.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 7, 2025 • 10min
Episode 568: My new book (why you should read it)
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.

8 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 11min
Episode 567: If he wanted to (maybe he would)
Explore the intriguing dynamics behind the viral meme 'if he wanted to, he would.' Delve into how male effort correlates with attraction and why unrealistic 'princess treatment' shouldn’t be the standard. Discover how women's social media posts serve as strategic signaling among peers and potentially attract more desirable partners. Uncover the nuances of jealousy traps and the cultural differences between female bragging and male boasting. This conversation reveals layers of motivation behind what may seem like simple memes.

5 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 11min
Episode 566: The primary lie (you can't always get what you want)
Dive into the primary lie that fuels relationship dysfunction: the belief you can bond with anyone. Explore how attraction often misleads expectations, leaving us disappointed. Discover the profit-driven industries that capitalize on this delusion and why therapy can't create lasting change. Using a sports analogy, uncover the absurdity of mismatched roles in relationships. Learn that real communication stems from emotional capacity, not age, and that true gratitude hinges on the willingness of others.

48 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 11min
Episode 565: As little as possible (why men need to do the bare minimum)
This discussion delves into why men might benefit from doing the bare minimum in the early stages of dating. Over-investing too soon can create unrealistic expectations. By starting small, men can maintain flexibility while identifying women who are genuinely interested rather than those after benefits. The conversation compares dating dynamics to employment, emphasizing a reward system that incentivizes positive behavior. It's a thought-provoking look at modern courtship and relationship psychology.

Oct 24, 2025 • 11min
Episode 564: Garden tools (how to capture male attention)
This discussion explores the concept of 'hoeish' behavior and its surprising effectiveness in capturing male attention. It dives into why attempts to change someone's core attraction often fail and how controlling tactics can backfire. Instead of trying to reform partners, men are encouraged to find women who naturally meet their preferences. The conversation also suggests ways to cultivate intimacy by starting with traditionally 'good' partners and exploring private dynamics. Self-reflection on attraction can lead to healthier relationship outcomes.

20 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 11min
Episode 563: The prison planet (the nature of existence)
Delve into the thought-provoking concept of the prison planet, where unfreedom explains much of human suffering. Explore the idea that those in power often act as bullies rather than leaders. Discover how our past actions contribute to our current state of incarceration and consider Earth as a possible hell or purgatory. Unpack the nature of karma, interpreting it as a causal chain rather than literal past lives. Finally, find out how remembering and understanding causality can lead to personal liberation.

8 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 11min
Episode 562: Bait your hook (how will you be used?)
In this discussion, the metaphor of fishing captures the art of dating and relationships. Presenting attractive 'bait' is essential, as unappealing approaches repel potential partners. It's revealed that attraction can sometimes be transactional, yet it opens useful doors. Expanding your reach and appealing to others’ preferences can increase your chances of finding suitable partners. Emphasizing kindness may not always attract initial interest. Ultimately, playing to your strengths while navigating the dating pool is crucial to avoid being exploited.

22 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 10min
Episode 561: The spark (dating for feels)
Explore the elusive concept of 'the spark' in dating, defined as limerence, and learn why it’s often prioritized. Discover how childhood attachment templates influence romantic impulses and the importance of secure attachment for reliable connections. Uncover the dangers of following feelings blindly and the potential for dysfunctional matches, alongside practical advice on evaluating parental relationships. Remember, real affection grows slowly, so patience is key in finding lasting love.

6 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 10min
Episode 560: Dread (understanding evil)
Explore the concept of dread as an emotional response to mortality and how its repression leads to persistent unease. Discover harmful avoidance strategies like drugs and excessive work that people use to escape this feeling. Learn about 'foreclosure,' where impulsive choices arise from the need to eliminate uncertainty. Delve into the darker aspects of human instinct tied to destruction and death. Finally, find practical approaches like shadow work and embracing absurdity to courageously coexist with our inevitable fate.

17 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 12min
Episode 559: She can cry (how to deal with an emotional woman)
Discover the nuances of emotional autonomy as men learn that women have the right to express their feelings without needing to be fixed. Explore why a woman's tears can trigger discomfort in men and how rewarding such emotions may reinforce future crying. Silence can often be the best response, allowing emotional self-regulation. Orion introduces 'dad sense' to help determine when to intervene or simply provide reassurance. Reflecting on our reactions to tears offers a pathway for personal growth and understanding in relationships.


