The Psychology of Us
"The Psychology of Us" examines human behavior, interpersonal dynamics, and the psychological forces that shape our inner world. Hosted by academic psychologist, educator and author RJ Starr, this podcast integrates theory, narrative, and reflective analysis to make complex ideas accessible and relevant. Designed for students, practitioners, and curious minds, each episode explores why people think, feel, and behave as they do, engages foundational questions, and deepens understanding of the human experience.
Episodes
Why does waiting feel so unbearable? What’s happening in our minds when we’re stuck in traffic, refreshing an email inbox, or counting down the days to a big event? In this episode, Professor RJ Starr explores the psychology of patience and impatience, diving into the neuroscience of dopamine and delayed gratification, the role of time perception and cognitive biases, and how modern society has reshaped our expectations for instant...
Anywhere But Here: Longing, Escape, and the Myth of Arrival is a deeply reflective episode exploring the psychological and emotional complexity behind our desire to be somewhere else—somewhere quieter, freer, better aligned with who we imagine ourselves to be. Drawing from personal insight and psychological theory, this episode unpacks the real meaning behind the phrase “anywhere but here,” and why it continues to echo through so m...
This is a spoken narration of my essay titled You Can’t Light the Fire and Then Complain About the Heat: The Psychology of Regret, Denial, and Self-Inflicted Harm. If you’d like to read along: https://medium.com/@ProfRJStarr/the-psychology-of-denial-in-a-crumbling-america-25f593bb285b.
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In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr examines a widespread and deeply unsettling psychological pattern: th...
The Psychology of Self-Preservation: Understanding Silence in Leadership and Everyday Life
What makes a person look the other way when truth is being trampled? Why do institutions, especially those tasked with protecting the public good, so often go quiet when their voices are needed most? And more importantly—what does that have to do with the rest of us?
In this compelling episode of The Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr, we...
Have you ever tried to quit a habit only to find yourself indulging in it even more before finally letting go? Or ignored someone’s message, only to receive a flood of follow-ups? Welcome to the world ofextinction bursts—the brain’s last-ditch effort to hold onto old patterns before they fade away.
In this episode ofThe Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the fascinating psychological phenomenon of extinction bursts, expla...
"The lack of emotional intelligence represented by the American populace in this thread was staggering."
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What happens when a nation confuses outrage with strength, and cruelty with conviction? In this powerful, special-edition episode, Professor RJ Starr examines the emotional and psychological collapse unfolding in our public discourse. From the comment sections of embassy posts to the halls of political power, we...
We are drowning in information but starving for understanding. In today’s fast-paced digital world, we consume knowledge in bite-sized pieces—quick summaries, viral TikToks, catchy headlines—believing we’ve grasped the full picture. But have we?
In this episode ofThe Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr, we break downthe illusion of understanding—why wethink we know more than we do, how social media fuels overconfidence in knowl...
Why do you do what you do? Why do you think the way you think, speak the way you speak, or spend your time the way you do? In this episode ofThe Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the deep psychological forces that shape our motivations—often without our awareness.
Fromintrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan, 1985) to the role ofcognitive dissonance (Festinger, 1957) andbehavioral conditioning (Skinner), we br...
Why does it feel harder than ever to focus? Why do we skim articles, half-watch videos, and multitask endlessly without truly absorbing anything? In this episode ofThe Psychology of Us with Professor RJ Starr, we explore thepsychological reasons behind our shrinking attention spans and how the modern world is shaping the way we think, learn, and connect.
FromCognitive Load Theory to theZeigarnik Effect, we uncover why our brains str...
Why do people hold onto beliefs with absolute certainty, even without evidence? What makes us trust misinformation, conspiracy theories, or deeply ingrained ideas that defy logic? In this episode ofThe Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the fascinating psychology behind belief—how our minds form, defend, and reinforce ideas, even in the face of contradictory facts.
This episode breaks belief down into five key parts: the ...
Bullying is more than just schoolyard cruelty—it’s a social and psychological phenomenon that follows us into adulthood, shaping self-perception, relationships, and even workplace dynamics. In this episode ofThe Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the psychology behind bullying: Why do people bully? Why do some individuals become targets? And why do bystanders so often stay silent?
Drawing from psychological research, case...
Why do we lie, even when the truth seems simpler? In this episode, we explore the psychology of dishonesty—what drives people to deceive, how the brain processes lying, and why some lies feel justified while others carry lasting consequences. From small white lies to elaborate fabrications, dishonesty is a universal human behavior shaped by survival instincts, social pressures, and personal fears. By understanding the motivations b...
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, its roots go much deeper, stemming from our innate need for connection and belonging. Through a blend of psychological theory and personal anecdotes, Professor Starr delves into why we experience FOMO, how it imp...
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 psychology of overthinking.
We’ll explore why our minds get caught in endless loops of rumination and worry, how anxiety and perfectionism fuel the cycle, and the emotional and physical costs of chronic overthinkin...
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 censorship isn't just about banning books or silencing speech, it’s about shaping minds, controlling narratives, and influencing what people believe is true.
Drawing from psychological theories, real-world case ...
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-reflection, and personal growth.
Why do some people seek solitude while others fear it? What happens to the mind when we spend extended time alone? And in an age of constant digital connection, are we unknowingly cre...
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 it’s trying to tell us, and how we can manage it in healthier, more constructive ways.
Anger is often misunderstood. It’s not just an explosive reaction—it’s a complex emotional signal, a response to deeper feel...
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 cognitive biases that amplify minor frustrations, we explore why some things bother us more than others. You’ll learn how irritation serves as an emotional signal, revealing deeper truths about your values, boundaries, ...
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 prepared. In this episode, psychology professor RJ Starr explores the science of stress and performance, breaking down the Yerkes-Dodson law to explain why a little anxiety can boost productivity—until it becomes...
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 conflicted? Why do people sometimes feel lost, even when they appear successful? The answer often lies in whether we are truly aligned with our core values.
Drawing from psychological research, including Schwartz’...
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