

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

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.

8 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.

5 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 9min
Episode 538: Sex is about power (the fantasy of most men)
Delve into the provocative connection between sex and power. Discover how women's attraction to powerful men mirrors societal hierarchies. Uncover the roots of male sexual fantasies in the thirst for dominance, often stemming from feelings of powerlessness. Explore the darker side of desire, where aggression and taboo play key roles. The podcast reveals how pornography acts as both a reflection of and an escape from these complex power dynamics, inviting thought-provoking discussions on what really drives attraction.

Jul 21, 2025 • 11min
Episode 537: All men are incels (the bitter truth)
In a thought-provoking discussion, the podcast unpacks the idea of 'involuntary celibacy,' challenging stereotypes surrounding men and rejection. It highlights that all men experience rejection in some form, advocating for respect towards women's choices. The conversation also navigates the intricate dynamics of attraction and the emotional toll of dating, emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue. It encourages community engagement while critiquing the mockery often directed at men adhering to societal norms.

6 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 9min
Episode 536: Everything is about sex (the true power of male desire)
Dive into the intriguing connection between sex and power from a male perspective. Discover how sublimated sexual desires can fuel productivity and societal contributions. Unravel the potential dangers of unchecked sexual impulses and the importance of channeling them into positive actions. This insightful discussion sheds light on how male desire influences everything, prompting a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.

13 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 10min
Episode 535: Why men lose interest in sex: Familiarity (why closeness kills attraction)
Explore the intriguing dynamics of male sexuality and why interest in sex may wane over time. Discover the Westermarck Effect, which explains how living closely can lead to sexual indifference to prevent inbreeding. Delve into the complexities of attraction and how familiarity plays a crucial role in relationships. Learn about the importance of maintaining balance to keep the spark alive in long-term partnerships.

27 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 9min
Episode 534: Her only competition (why men end up in bad relationships)
Discover how a man's embrace of solitude deeply influences his romantic choices. Many endure negative relationships simply to escape their own company, leading to unhealthy dynamics. The discussion emphasizes the importance of valuing meaningful connections over tolerating toxicity. When men appreciate their solitude, they tend to set higher standards in relationships. Ultimately, fostering a fulfilling life alone can transform how one interacts with others.