Episodes

In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores one of the most pervasive feelings in modern life: the fear of missing out, or FOMO. While FOMO may feel like a recent phenomenon driven by social media, it...

Overthinking—it’s something we’ve all experienced, but why does it happen? And more importantly, how can we break free from it? In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we take a deep dive into the ps...

Welcome to The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , the podcast that explores the hidden forces shaping human thought, behavior, and society. In this episode, The Psychology of Censorship and Control, we uncover how cen...

In a world that never stops talking, what happens when we choose to step away? In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we explore eremitism —the act of withdrawing from society for solitude, self-ref...

Why do we lose our cool? What’s really happening beneath the surface when anger takes hold? In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr, we dive deep into the psychology of anger—where it comes from, what ...

Why do certain people and behaviors get under our skin? In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr unpacks the fascinating psychology behind irritation. From the biological roots of annoyance to the cognitiv...

This podcast episode is a gift to my psych students, and to all students around the world. Enjoy! Midterm exams can feel overwhelming, but understanding the psychology behind stress can help you stay focused, motivated, and p...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr explores the profound impact of focusing on your values and how they shape every aspect of your life. Why do some decisions feel effortless while others leave you c...

In this special guest-hosted episode of The Psychology of Us , Cultural Psychology student Lilian Chantarakorn sits down with her professor, RJ Starr , for a powerful conversation on the stereotypes, discrimination, and objec...

Have you ever been ghosted? One day, you're talking to someone—maybe a friend, a romantic partner, or even a family member—and then, without warning, they vanish. No explanation. No goodbye. Just silence. Ghosting is one of t...

Why do we procrastinate, even when we know it will make things harder in the long run? Is it laziness, a lack of discipline, or something deeper? In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we break down...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often misused as a casual label for neatness or perfectionism. But what is OCD really? In this episode of The Psychology of Us wit...

In this episode, Professor RJ Starr is interviewed by graduate student Gabriella Jamison to explore the concept of McVulnerability —a term describing the curated, performative nature of emotional sharing on social media. They...

Have you ever walked away from a conversation questioning your own memory, your perception—even your sanity? Gaslighting is one of the most insidious forms of psychological manipulation, designed to make you doubt your realit...

Why do societies erupt into moral panic? Why does every cultural shift spark outrage, fear, and reactionary backlash? In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr breaks down the psychological forces behind mo...

SPECIAL EPISODE: In this special edition episode, we explore the beauty and complexity of aging, diving into the emotional and psychological growth that comes with embracing life’s later chapters. Aging isn’t about becoming l...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we delve into the fascinating world of political theater and its profound psychological impact on society. As we witness the beginning of a new presidential ad...

Jealousy is a universal emotion—uncomfortable, complex, and often misunderstood. In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we explore the roots of jealousy, from its evolutionary origins as a survival ...

Why do some leaders and public figures seem to thrive on creating division? In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr explores the psychological principles behind divisive behavior. From the manipulation of...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we explore how social media is shaping the way we see ourselves and each other. From the dopamine rush of likes to the pressure of curating the "perfect" profi...

In this profound and thought-provoking episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores one of life’s greatest mysteries: the act of dying. Is death truly the end, or is it part of a greater continuum that we don’...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we dive deep into the concept of cultural anxiety, exploring how it arises during periods of significant societal change and rapid transformation. From its his...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr , we dive into the transformative power of emotional intelligence (EI). Discover how developing self-awareness and self-regulation can help you better understand...

In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr takes you on a journey into the transformative power of self-awareness. What does it really mean to know yourself? Why is it so essential for personal growth, meani...