

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

8 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 11min
Episode 574: How to find yourself (understanding what you really want)
Discovering yourself is an ongoing journey, influenced by culture and emotions. The podcast delves into the complexities of identifying true desires, emphasizing that we are 'always becoming.' Change, often requiring the dismantling of old habits, is a necessary precursor to growth. Using a buffet metaphor, listeners are encouraged to explore life experiences actively rather than merely speculating. Emotional feedback is essential in recognizing what truly energizes us, helping to craft a fulfilling life.

11 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 10min
Episode 573: Body count (beyond the number)
The obsession with a woman’s 'body count' is explored, revealing why it’s a flawed metric for assessing relationship compatibility. Discover how digging into sexual history can lead to harmful consequences and why honesty around body count is often elusive. The episode also highlights the ambivalence in how women count partners and critiques the misguided link between body count and loyalty. Ultimately, it encourages a broader evaluation of relationship factors beyond mere numbers.

21 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 10min
Episode 572: The love trap (she can't fix you)
Discover the concept of the 'love trap' where men mistakenly believe a woman's affection can fill their inner void. Learn why women aren’t responsible for healing broken men and how this belief can doom relationships. The podcast emphasizes that true love stems from within and cannot be felt from others. Explore the difference between selfless love and attraction strategies, along with practical advice for healing through purpose and a connection with God. It's a thought-provoking dive into emotional independence!

23 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 11min
Episode 571: How relationships work (on value)
Explore the intriguing dynamics of relationships, where desire trumps virtue. Learn how our needs drive connections, with appearance of resources playing a crucial role. Discover the paradox of giving and how it can impact relationship longevity. Retaining means is essential for continuity, and failing to meet needs leads to disengagement. Orion shares methods for maintaining balance and fostering new desires to keep relationships vibrant and valuable. Understand these principles to enhance your personal and professional connections.

9 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 11min
Episode 570: You can't cheat yourself (understanding self love)
Discover how genuine growth stems from discipline and self-love. Explore the idea that while you can deceive others, your mind and body remain untouched by such tricks. Learn why the desire for instant results often leads to temptation and fraud. Delve into how valuing the process over outcomes can mitigate these pitfalls. Finally, understand self-love as the sacrifice of present comforts for a brighter future, reinforcing the journey of self-improvement.

23 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 11min
Episode 569: Man up (for the benefit of women)
The discussion dives into how society's definition of masculinity often serves women, leaving men to overlook their own needs. Key concepts explore why advice for men focuses on prioritizing women's interests, while male-benefiting guidance is notably absent. A thought experiment reveals the double standards in gendered expectations, warning how these cultural norms hurt young men. The call to reclaim masculinity emphasizes valuing self-definition over societal pressures, urging men to pursue their own well-being.

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.

10 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.

11 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.

57 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.


