

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

12 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 12min
Episode 586: What do you want to have for dinner? (no straight answers)
The question of what to have for dinner reveals deeper dynamics between men and women. Conversations often serve to gather varying types of information; men focus on explicit desires while women seek relational signals. This seemingly simple query tests a man's valuation of a woman through indirect cues. The discussion highlights how thoughtful anticipation and unasked gifts can enhance feelings of value and attraction, offering insights into communication and emotional investment in relationships.

34 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 12min
Episode 585: Women are dirty (understanding their dark desires)
The discussion delves into the complexities of women's sexual fantasies, challenging the notion that they're all sweet and innocent. It uncovers how women's desires often revolve around socially taboo themes. The reexamination of classic tales, like Beauty and the Beast, reveals deeper attractions to danger and conquest. The conversation also highlights adult fiction trends, where monstrous protagonists reign, and notes a rise in female porn consumption, often with edgy themes. Ultimately, it reassures men about the varied attractions women can have.

16 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 10min
Episode 584: Become a monster (owning your darkness)
Explore the intriguing concept that the monster you fear may actually be a part of you. Delve into how dreams reveal our inner complexities, showcasing roles like victim and predator. Discover the primal nature that resides within all humans, encompassing rage and destruction. Uncover why many suppress their darker impulses and how this leads to projecting negativity onto the world. Finally, learn how embracing and integrating your 'monster' can reduce fear and empower personal growth.

8 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 10min
Episode 583: Staying at home (no one wants to do it)
Delve into the fascinating debate about the realities of staying home with kids. Both men and women often push the idea, yet few actually want to take on full-time parenting. Explore the unique challenges of caregiving versus workplace struggles. Discover how the monotony of young children's play can lead to boredom for caregivers. The isolation of modern motherhood contrasts starkly with past social networks, highlighting how work offers a vital sense of belonging. It's time to rethink the narratives around work and home life.

12 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 11min
Episode 582: Women walking away (are men to blame?)
Women report higher dissatisfaction in relationships compared to men, but is that the whole story? Exploring the possibility that women's discontent extends beyond relationships, the discussion touches on job satisfaction and mental health. Could leaving a relationship actually improve satisfaction? As alternatives are proposed, the conversation challenges conventional blame directed at men, suggesting that women might generally express discontent across multiple areas of life.

32 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 15min
Episode 581: Sex and attention (the most reinforcing good)
In this intriguing discussion, sex is revealed as the ultimate reinforcement for men, while attention holds that same power for women. The host explores the unequal trade dynamics in relationships, highlighting how women often seek attention in exchange for sexual opportunity. Unique insights are shared about the behavioral differences between stated preferences and actual choices. The episode dives deep into how exclusivity creates power imbalances and the societal norms that perpetuate these asymmetries, making for a thought-provoking listen.

20 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 14min
Episode 580: Modern women (you can't have it both ways)
This discussion explores the evolving roles of modern women in society, highlighting their struggle to balance sexual freedom with the desire for respectability. Historical contrasts reveal how the expectations of 19th-century courtship differ drastically from today’s dating scene. The podcast delves into the implications of using terms like 'lady' in contemporary contexts, while examining the idea that traditional roles may be fading. Engaging insights on the economics of dating add a unique perspective to these cultural shifts.

23 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 14min
Episode 579: Death of the lady (where are all the real men?)
Modern complaints about chivalry are examined through the historical lens of ladies versus prostitutes. The podcast dives into how these roles shaped male behavior and the dynamics of respectability versus freedom. It discusses why ladies delayed sex until marriage and the mutual animosity between both groups. The need for each other in the social construct of the sexual marketplace is highlighted, alongside the varying costs of sexual opportunities. It challenges the notion of who can truly embody the role of a 'lady' today.

15 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 13min
Episode 578: Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? (single is not a flex)
Is it cringe for women to have boyfriends? The discussion dives into societal views on relationships, revealing they often mask deeper issues of validation and identity. Women may downplay femininity in the competitive dating scene, while relationships can signal social status. The critique emphasizes that staying single isn't a badge of empowerment; rather, finding a committed partner is an achievement. Ultimately, the debate highlights the intricate dynamics between politics, gender, and personal identity in modern dating.

36 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 11min
Episode 577: Get better (advice for men)
The discussion dives into the notion that telling men to "get better" often lacks clarity and reflects external expectations. Orion highlights the importance of strength, wealth, and attractiveness as inherent goods that can improve one's life. He critiques cultural narratives that undermine these qualities and emphasizes their role in enhancing social status and relationship stability. Listeners are encouraged to start investing in themselves now, noting that visible changes can happen in just a year or two.


