

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

11 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 11min
Episode 548: Don't waste her time (how women set themselves up to fail)
The discussion dives into societal pressures on women in their 30s, emphasizing the need for patience in dating and career paths. It critiques the rush to achieve milestones, arguing that overextension can lead to failure. The importance of focus is highlighted, encouraging women to prioritize individual goals instead of juggling too many at once. Meaningful progress, both in relationships and careers, is portrayed as a journey that requires careful consideration and time.

Aug 25, 2025 • 13min
Episode 547: The core of respect (approaching the O word)
Discover why respect may be more crucial than love for men in relationships. The discussion highlights the often-overlooked connection between obedience and respect, suggesting that understanding this dynamic can lead to healthier partnerships. A cafe analogy illustrates the balance of authority and compliance in dating. Dive into the complexities of social norms and how empathy can transform relationship expectations, showing that genuine connection thrives on mutual respect and understanding.

10 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 11min
Episode 546: Getting vs. keeping (emotional labor in dating)
Delve into the dynamics of emotional labor in dating, where men and women play distinct yet crucial roles. The discussion reveals how the effort to secure a relationship often differs from the effort needed to maintain it. Learn why proactive engagement is essential and how raising your standards can lead to more fulfilling connections. Unpacking the costs of getting vs. keeping reveals important truths that everyone navigating dating should consider.

30 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 12min
Episode 545: Don't be her option (why you get left on read)
Delve into the dynamics of modern romance, where many men find themselves as mere options rather than priorities. Discover how overcommitting can make you less appealing and the vital role of confidence in attraction. The conversation also touches on negotiation techniques that apply to both dating and career choices, showcasing how patience and maintaining leverage can lead to superior outcomes. Explore these fascinating insights for better relationships and personal value!

14 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 10min
Episode 544: Go f**k myself (how to accelerate your growth)
Cultivating a 'fuck you' attitude can help you achieve your goals without needing external approval. But a 'fuck me' attitude—consciously overriding your habits—may be even more crucial for growth. The discussion dives into the balance between the active self and the passive self, emphasizing the need for personal assertion. Listeners learn how willpower can be strengthened to combat internal resistance, allowing for more effective action toward personal dreams. Join a supportive community for ongoing self-improvement!

26 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 11min
Episode 543: Why men lose interest in sex: Love (where men love they do not desire)
Explore the intricate intersection of love and male sexuality. Discover how emotional connections can shift sexual urges, highlighting the contrast between tenderness and aggression. Dive into the Madonna/Whore Complex, revealing its surprising prevalence among men and its influence on intimacy. Unpack the psychological complexities that shape perceptions of women, and learn how to navigate the tension between love and desire for a richer sexual experience. This conversation offers eye-opening insights for understanding male desire in relationships.

27 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 10min
Episode 542: The magic ring (marriage isn't the answer)
The discussion challenges the belief that marriage is a quick fix for relationship woes, highlighting that a ring cannot resolve existing problems. It tackles societal pressures that lead to insecurities about commitment and warns against hasty decisions. Listeners are encouraged to rethink what commitment truly means, viewing marriage as a celebration of a stable partnership rather than a remedy for issues. This insightful conversation invites reflections on the foundations of love and commitment.

18 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 14min
Episode 541: Why men lose interest in sex: Habituation (the allure of the new)
Delve into the intriguing concept of habituation and its impact on male sexuality. Discover the Coolidge Effect, which explains why novelty attracts men. Explore the emotional challenges of maintaining attraction in long-term relationships. Learn about coping mechanisms that men use to navigate diminished libido and societal pressures. This discussion sheds light on the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires, providing insightful solutions to enhance intimacy.

Aug 1, 2025 • 16min
Episode 540: Spilling the tea (why men will walk away)
A new dating app claims to enhance safety for women but faces backlash for potentially harming the dating scene. Publicly shaming men identified as problematic could escalate aggression rather than promote constructive dialogue. The app's anonymous reviews raise safety concerns, possibly scaring away good men and leaving only the desperate in the dating pool. The conversation challenges the effectiveness of such platforms in modern romance and questions their impact on genuine connections.

6 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 13min
Episode 539: Pet or partner? (you can't have it both ways)
Delve into the dynamics of romantic relationships versus pet ownership. Discover how emotional attachment often tips toward pets and the importance of balancing roles in partnerships. Explore the nuances of equality and effort needed in both human connections and pet care. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their desires for connection and the pitfalls of unrealistic expectations. Understanding these differences can lead to more fulfilling relationships, whether with a partner or a pet.