
PsycHacks
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 21, 2025 • 18min
Episode 514: How to meet women (the four pathways)
Explore the four primary pathways to meet women: dating apps, cold approaches, social circles, and social media. Discover the trade-offs between speed and success, as faster methods often yield lower connection rates. Dive into the emotional hurdles of rejection and learn the importance of developing confidence in social settings. Understand the role of mutual feelings and commitment in both traditional and digital dating landscapes. This insightful discussion offers fresh perspectives on modern dating challenges and effective strategies.

7 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 16min
Episode 513: The beginning of the end (how men lose power in relationships)
The podcast dives into the intriguing dynamics of power in romantic relationships. It reveals how men often lose control over time due to emotional fears. The concept of 'frame' is highlighted, emphasizing men’s role in navigating these dynamics. Listeners learn about the consequences of yielding power and the strategies to maintain balance and authenticity. It also addresses the subtle shifts that lead to relationship dissatisfaction, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the psychology of love and power.

7 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 13min
Episode 512: Who speaks for men? (the disappearance of male space)
Explore the surge of charismatic figures filling the void left by traditional male role models. Delve into the rise of new male communities and the implications for gender dynamics. Uncover the significant mental health challenges men face, particularly in light of alarming suicide rates. Discuss the complexities of advocating for men's issues in an often polarized environment. Discover the necessity for supportive male spaces to foster genuine conversations and promote understanding.

28 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 13min
Episode 511: Attachment can change (overcoming relational insecurity)
Explore the fascinating evolution of attachment styles, debunking the myth that they are fixed for life. Learn how personal growth can reshape your relational experiences. The discussion highlights various insecure attachment styles and their impact on relationships, emphasizing actionable strategies to foster healthier connections. Join the journey beyond comfort zones to transform relational insecurity into strength.

6 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 12min
Episode 510: Not everyone can be happy (your thoughts create your reality)
Happiness thrives under the right mental conditions, much like plants in suitable soil. The podcast explores how judgment and negativity can hinder our emotional well-being. It reveals that while thoughts can be free, feelings often follow their lead, affecting our happiness. Practical strategies for cultivating a positive mindset are discussed, aimed at transforming internal states and overcoming life's challenges.

Mar 17, 2025 • 13min
Episode 509: Staying for the kids (responding to the arguments)
Exploring the heavy dilemma of staying in a toxic marriage for the sake of children, the discussion highlights how enduring conflict may cause more harm than good. It delves into the challenging dynamics of abusive relationships and their ripple effects on family life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of modeling healthy behaviors to ensure future generations thrive, arguing that a peaceful environment trumps simply maintaining the status quo. Ultimately, it encourages reflection on what kind of legacy to leave for children.

11 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 13min
Episode 508: Men need friends (the loneliness problem)
Men are increasingly facing loneliness, impacting their mental health and leading to higher addiction rates. The podcast discusses the necessity of emotional connections for well-being and the common barriers that hinder male friendships. Cultural norms often pressure men to appear self-sufficient, complicating their ability to express emotional needs. Listeners learn about the dynamics of male friendships, the clash between personal connections and responsibilities, and the importance of prioritizing friendships over societal productivity pressures.

Mar 3, 2025 • 13min
Episode 507: The Easter egg hunt (how women get men to lose)
Is it merely a coincidence that women's success in the West has coincided with the widespread use of tactics designed to demotivate men? Using an anecdote from my own life -- the Easter egg hunt -- I discuss the PSA (pity, shame, anger) strategy to alter male behavior in the service of female achievement. This is how women get men to lose. Unfortunately, the use of this strategy is ultimately counterproductive for women, as it undermines their social success.
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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 #women #success

11 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 10min
Episode 506: Winning to lose (what do you hope to gain?)
Navigating relationships often comes with a trade-off between personal desires and the allure of a desirable partner. The concept of 'winning to lose' highlights how people may compromise their preferences just to secure a connection. This discussion uncovers the bittersweet nature of such sacrifices, prompting introspection about what one truly hopes to gain in their relationships. Ultimately, the choice between attraction and satisfaction emerges as a subtle dance that many face in their pursuit of love.

18 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 13min
Episode 505: Creating a monster (how men ruin their relationships)
Discover how men often contribute to their own relationship troubles by unintentionally rewarding bad behavior. Learn about the dangerous cycle of reinforcing poor dynamics that can lead to worsening conflicts. Delve into the importance of choosing compatible partners and respecting self-worth in relationships. Gain insights on the impact of parenting on adult interactions and the significance of setting boundaries. Finally, explore practical strategies for navigating commitment and maintaining healthy relationships.
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