Best RJ Starr Podcasts (2025)

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The Psychology of Honor: Reclaiming a Lost Virtue in an Age of Image and Convenience 25:27

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21m ago25:27

25:27

We rarely hear the word honor anymore. It sounds outdated—like something from another era. But behind that old-fashioned sound lies a living psychological structure: the alignment between who we believe ourselves to be and how we actually live. In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the modern meaning of honor—not as m…

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PD Side Quests – Knights of the Round Table – Sir Gaheris – E09 26:04

2h ago26:04

26:04

Yo Dickheads! Another Knight. Another Brother of the Orkney Clan – Sir Gaheris! Spoiler alert. He killed his own mom Enjoy

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The Hidden Anxiety of Thanksgiving: Why Togetherness Doesn’t Always Feel Like Connection 23:19

5d ago23:19

23:19

Thanksgiving looks like connection from the outside—the full table, the smell of sage and pie, the laughter that fills a familiar room. But beneath the warmth, many people feel a quiet unease they can’t quite name. In this expanded Thanksgiving episode of The Psychology of Us, RJ Starr explores the hidden anxiety behind togetherness: the deep fatig…

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The Psychology of Manifestation: When Belief Feels Like Magic 23:56

13d ago23:56

23:56

People often speak about manifestation as if it’s magic—think the law of attraction, divine timing, or the universe conspiring to deliver what we desire. But what’s really happening when a thought seems to become reality? In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the psychological mechanics that make belief feel spiritual…

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Outer Worlds 2 Special Investigative Series – E05 – Starfield Sucks 48:11

7d ago48:11

48:11

Hey Dickheads, Been taking a break from writing to play video games. Rj did too. We talked about it. It was loose and fun! Full episodes will be back soon enough! Enjoy

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The Psychology of the Commons: Why Some People Care When No One’s Watching 24:34

16d ago24:34

24:34

Why do some people care for the spaces we share while others act as if they exist outside of them? You see it everywhere—the neighbor who breaks down their boxes, the driver who stays within the limit on an empty road, the employee who feels a quiet duty to leave things better than they found them. And then there are the others: the ones who walk a…

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The Psychology of Having an Opinion: Why We Care How Other People Live 21:19

23d ago21:19

21:19

It began as a light moment in class on Halloween morning. Students were chatting about their plans—costumes, haunted houses, parties—when one young woman casually said she always puts up her Christmas tree that night. She doesn’t do anything for Halloween, so every October 31st, she decorates for Christmas instead. Her classmates immediately reacte…

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PD Side Quests – Knights of the Round Table – Sir Gareth (feat. Kristy Janssen) – E08 28:23

24d ago28:23

28:23

Well Dickheads, another knight Today you get to learn about soft hands the kitchen knight and his rainbow coloured enemies. Oh yeah, Kristy is here!! YES Enjoy!

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The Whaley House – HALLOWEEN SPECIAL – PD 88 1:01:20

1M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Do you believe in ghosts? Can places become haunted? Especially in a place where there was many violent deaths? Let us answer these questions and more in our Halloween Special about the Whaley house. All we had to do to solve this case was investigate the following websites; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whaley_House_(San_Diego,_California) https:/…

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Becoming Real: The Psychology of Selfhood in an Imitative Age 21:47

1M ago21:47

21:47

We live in a time when being “authentic” has become its own kind of performance. In this lecture, Professor RJ Starr explores how the modern self is shaped by imitation, validation, and attention — and what psychology reveals about the struggle to feel real in a performative age. Drawing on theories of individuation, emotional development, and iden…

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The Psychology of Restraint: The Quiet Strength Within 23:37

1M ago23:37

23:37

In a world that rewards immediacy, restraint has become an endangered virtue. Every platform encourages reaction, every moment invites commentary, and silence has started to feel like weakness. But what if the real measure of strength isn’t in how quickly we express ourselves, but in how deliberately we hold back? In The Psychology of Restraint: Th…

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Beware of Dark Water – Natalie Wood (feat. Nick Beaton) – PD 87 1:24:44

1M ago1:24:44

1:24:44

Today we had Comedian Nick Beaton come and discuss one of the biggest Hollywood mysteries of modern time Did Natalie Wood fall off her yacht and die by accident, or did someone throw her in? What did Christopher Walken see? Robert Wagner seems suspicious. Prince Valiant my butt. All we had to do to solve this case was investigate the following webs…

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The Psychology of Self-Righteousness 21:10

1M ago21:10

21:10

Self-righteousness is one of those habits of mind that can feel powerful in the moment but quietly corrodes everything around it. The conviction that one’s own perspective is morally superior doesn’t just close doors to dialogue, it hardens people against growth and turns everyday disagreements into battles for dominance. This episode takes a close…

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Mean World Syndrome: The Psychology of Fearful Perception 15:01

2M ago15:01

15:01

Mean world syndrome is the belief that the world is more dangerous than it is, shaped by fear-saturated media. In this episode, Professor RJ Starr explains the psychology behind this distortion: cultivation theory, availability bias, negativity bias, and the slide into hypervigilance and mistrust. Professor RJ Starr traces the path from television …

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Circumstantial Evidence Only – Is Scott Peterson Guilty? – PD 86 1:43:45

2M ago1:43:45

1:43:45

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The Psychology of Interruptions: Power, Anxiety, and Disregard in Everyday Talk 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

Interruptions might seem like small conversational slip-ups, but they reveal far more than we think. In this episode, Professor RJ Starr unpacks the psychology of interruptions: how they function as power moves, how they arise from anxiety, and how cultural and relational contexts shape their meaning. From political debates to family dinners, cutti…

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The Bandit Queen – Belle Starr – PD 85 1:14:39

2M ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Howdy Dickheads, This episode we go to the wild west! We learn about someone who was known back then as the Bandit Queen or the Female Jesse James She was badass. A grumpy bad ass, but a bad ass none the less. Now we may not agree with everything she did, we do agree that she was quite interesting Who killed this lady? Her murder is unsolved to thi…

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The Psychology of Dehumanization and Moral Disengagement 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

Why do ordinary people justify cruelty they would otherwise condemn? In this episode, Professor RJ Starr examines the psychology of dehumanization and moral disengagement—the processes that strip others of empathy and silence our conscience. Drawing on social psychology, history, and modern life, Starr explores how propaganda, language, humor, and …

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SPECIAL EDITION: Psychology of the Current Cultural Chaos 19:00

2M ago19:00

19:00

In this special edition of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr steps outside the usual episode format to respond to the turbulence of our cultural moment. The constant noise, outrage, and division in public life have left many people feeling powerless, angry, or lost. This episode is not another commentary on the headlines—it is an existential…

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The Psychology of Entitlement: Why Some People Always Feel Owed 22:31

3M ago22:31

22:31

Why do some people act as if the rules should bend for them? In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores entitlement as more than arrogance—it’s a worldview that blurs desire and deserving. From childhood overindulgence or neglect to cultural messages that promise constant reward, entitlement takes root when limits are neve…

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The Psychology of Empathy: Why It Matters More Than You Think 15:52

3M ago15:52

15:52

Empathy is one of those words we hear constantly—be more empathetic, teach children empathy, demand it from leaders. Yet for all the talk, very few people can actually explain what empathy really is. Most confuse it with being nice, polite, or sympathetic. But sympathy says, “I feel bad for you.” Empathy goes further. It’s the ability to step into …

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The German’s, A Coal Fire, A Murder Plot, A Cursed Mummy or many more… – Titanic Mysteries – PD 84 58:20

3M ago58:20

58:20

DICKHEADS! Did you know that there are some tin foil hat wearing assholes that don’t think the Titanic sinking was a tragic accident but a murder plot? Or an insurance scam? Some people even think it was the curse of a mummy that brought down the old beast. Whatever it was, we now know what happened for sure, cause RJ was really super into this and…

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The Need to Be Offended: A Psychological Look at Outrage Culture 21:24

3M ago21:24

21:24

Why does it feel like people are constantly on the hunt for something to be offended by? A passing remark, a careless joke, even the tone of a post can ignite outrage that spreads like wildfire. In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr examines the psychology behind outrage culture and the human need to be offended. Drawing on so…

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BONUS – Missy Bevers Supplemental – PD 83.5 47:34

3M ago47:34

47:34

We were supposed to post this last week!! Sorry everyone Here is that bonus episode Richard promised you with all the audio that he went through when writing the episode. I know you can find this yourself, but here it is with Richard. We will be back in two weeks with a proper episode!

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Their View, Your Mirror: The Psychology of Envy 19:14

3M ago19:14

19:14

We don’t like to talk about envy. It’s one of those emotions that feels petty, even shameful — something we’d rather deny than admit. Most people will tell you they’re “happy” for someone else, maybe even “inspired” by their success. But behind those polite words, there can be something sharper: a quiet mental inventory of what we don’t have, what …

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I Could, But I’m Not Going To The Quiet Power of Values in Action 27:27

4M ago27:27

27:27

What does it actually mean to live by your values? Not to write them down. Not to say them out loud. But to live them—especially when no one’s watching. Especially when you’re tempted to do otherwise. In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores one of the most powerful forms of agency we rarely talk about: restraint. The ki…

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The Psychology of Needing to Be First 18:59

4M ago18:59

18:59

Why does being second feel so uncomfortable? You’re already going fast. The car in front of you is, too. But something in your chest tightens. You feel the pressure to pass, to get ahead—even if it changes nothing about your arrival time. This episode explores that exact moment: the psychological discomfort of not being first. In this episode of Th…

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Sometimes Dead is Better – Missy Bevers (feat. Courtney Racicot) – PD 83 1:16:47

4M ago1:16:47

1:16:47

Richard was trying to find unknown cases and in his arrogance he found one that he thought was not famous. Wrong, very famous case Who killed Missy Bevers? There is video, there is evidence how can there still be a mystery? Could it be cause no one actually cares? Find out. All we had to do to solve this case was investigate the following websites;…

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The Psychology of Sarcasm 17:05

4M ago17:05

17:05

We think of sarcasm as funny. Harmless. Witty. But what if sarcasm is doing more than making people laugh? In this episode of The Psychology of Us, we take a deeper look at sarcasm—not as a personality trait or comedic style, but as a psychological strategy. Why do people use sarcasm in the first place? What are they protecting? And what’s the emot…

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The Quiet Panic of Being Alive 20:54

4M ago20:54

20:54

You’ve done everything right. You’ve shown up. You’ve taken care of people. You’ve made it through the day. And now, finally, it’s quiet. There’s no immediate crisis pulling at you, no emergency to fix, no one urgently needing your attention. But instead of peace, you feel… off. Not panicked. Not depressed. Just… unmoored. Restless. Like something’…

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Too Many Services for Homeless Youth – Where is Justin Pollari? (feat. Odi Mane) – PD 82 51:45

4M ago51:45

51:45

DickheadsIts summer and listenership is down. That means I'm covering lesser known cases.Please listen and enjoy, Justin could use some coverage.We solved this one easy though.All we needed to solve this case was investigate the following websites;https://www.cyc-net.org/today2003/today031210.htmlhttps://www.sootoday.com/local-news/opp-re-open-just…

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PD Side Quests – The Knights of the Round Table – Sir Bleoberis – E07 29:01

4M ago29:01

29:01

Another knight2 days lateSir Bleoberis or Blueberries as Richard knew him as a kidEnjoy!

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Why Jealousy Hits So Hard: The Psychology of Rivalry, Love, and Insecurity 25:01

4M ago25:01

25:01

Jealousy isn't just about insecurity—and it's definitely not just about trust. In this episode, Professor RJ Starr explores the deeper psychology behind romantic jealousy: where it comes from, why it shows up even in healthy relationships, and what it’s really trying to reveal. Drawing from evolutionary biology, attachment theory, and emotional dev…

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Let Them Tell the Story: Aging, Memory, and the Right to Re-imagine 23:55

5M ago23:55

23:55

In this intimate episode, Professor RJ Starr explores the deep emotional and psychological importance of storytelling in old age. Why do the elderly revisit and revise their memories? Why do we feel the urge to correct them? And what do we miss when we interrupt someone who’s trying to make meaning of their life? This is an invitation to pause, to …

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PD Side Quests – The Knights of the Round Table – Sir Accolon – E06 23:37

5M ago23:37

23:37

Another knight!Sir Accolon is the man, you're gonna love him!I love doing these!Leave us a rating will ya!

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Beyond the Mirror: The Psychology of Self-Perception, Aging, and Identity 29:54

5M ago29:54

29:54

Why is it that the person we see in the mirror so rarely matches the one we feel ourselves to be on the inside? Why does aging feel like a betrayal of the image we’ve carried for decades? And why do we often hold onto outdated or distorted visions of ourselves, even long after we’ve grown? In this powerful and emotionally resonant episode of The Ps…

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Alexander Hamilton – Not Throwin’ Away My Shot – PD 81 (Uncut for your pleasure) 1:25:45

5M ago1:25:45

1:25:45

Hey we recorded this way too late and Richard wanted this episode to be a July 4th special. So he didn't do any editing this week. You're welcome.America's youngest founding father. First secretary of the Treasury. George Washington's little bitch. Star of a broadway musical. Most ambitious person you'll ever read about. Very interesting historyAnd…

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When Dreams Get Loud: What Your Mind Is Trying to Tell You 16:53

5M ago16:53

16:53

Have you ever woken up from a dream that felt too loud to sleep through—full of noise, emotion, or urgency that clung to you long after morning came? In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr answers a listener’s question about dreams that feel overwhelming, vivid, even audibly intense. Drawing from neuroscience, emotional regulat…

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The Psychology of Confident Ignorance 22:44

5M ago22:44

22:44

What happens when we stop thinking—but still feel sure of ourselves? In this episode, RJ Starr breaks down the psychology of confident ignorance: why we mistake familiarity for understanding, how modern distraction and mental shortcuts make us overconfident, and what it costs us when life demands real clarity. From gist-level processing to the Dunn…

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BONUS – Micheal Owes RJ a Microphone (feat. MJSYPod) – PD 79.5 46:20

5M ago46:20

46:20

Micheal was hammered.Richard kept the microphone recording.It was funny.Micheal owes RJ a microphone.

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The Psychology of Attire: How Clothing Shapes Identity and Perception 19:53

6M ago19:53

19:53

What we wear is more than just fabric—it’s psychology in motion. In this episode ofThe Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the powerful relationship between clothing and the mind. How does attire influence confidence, cognition, and self-perception? Why has society shifted toward over-casualization, and what are the psychological conseque…

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The Many Lies of Casey Anthony pt 2 – (feat. Micheal and Jeremy Steal Your Podcast) – PD 80 1:59:01

6M ago1:59:01

1:59:01

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The Psychology of Approval: Why Being Liked Feels Like Survival 20:51

6M ago20:51

20:51

Why does disapproval feel dangerous, even when we know better? In this episode, Professor RJ Starr unpacks the psychological roots of our need to be liked—from evolutionary survival patterns to social rejection and identity formation. You’ll learn how approval-seeking sneaks into your tone, posture, and choices, and what it means to start telling t…

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Regret and the Mind: Why We Dwell on What Could Have Been 15:28

6M ago15:28

15:28

Have you ever found yourself lost in the past, replaying decisions and wondering how life might have turned out if you'd chosen differently? Regret is a universal human experience, but why does it linger? Why do our minds fixate on missed opportunities, unspoken words, and paths not taken? In this episode, our warm and wise psychology professor eme…

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The Psychology of Ethics, Dogma, and Morality: How We Decide What’s Right and Wrong 21:55

6M ago21:55

21:55

Why do we feel so certain about our moral beliefs while others seem misguided—even dangerous? In this thought-provoking episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the deep psychological forces that shape our sense of right and wrong. From moral development and cognitive biases to the rigid nature of dogma, we examine how ethics ar…

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The Many Lies of Casey Anthony (feat. Micheal and Jeremy Steal Your Podcast) – PD 79 2:17:50

6M ago2:17:50

2:17:50

Dickhead - Micheal and Jeremy are here from Micheal and Jeremy Steal Your PodcastRichard went a little nuts and did way too much research on Casey Anthony.So now you get two episodes.I promise you'll enjoy, even though Micheal and RJ get bored and talk about Magic Cards.All we had to do to solve this case was investigate the following websites;http…

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Why Smart People Make Dumb Emotional Decisions 28:44

6M ago28:44

28:44

Why do intelligent, high-functioning people so often make emotionally reckless or baffling decisions? In this episode, Professor RJ Starr unpacks the psychological gap between intellectual intelligence (IQ) and emotional maturity (EQ), exploring why insight alone isn’t enough to navigate relationships, conflict, or inner life. Drawing on foundation…

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The Psychology of Hostile Elders: Aging, and the Decline of Social Grace 17:20

6M ago17:20

17:20

Why do so many older adults seem angrier, more impatient, and less socially graceful than previous generations? What happened to the dignity, composure, and manners that once defined aging? In this episode, we explore the psychological, cultural, and social factors that have contributed to the rise of hostility among some Baby Boomers and older adu…

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Why We Need to Be Liked: The Emotional Cost of Validation 38:14

6M ago38:14

38:14

Why does a compliment feel like oxygen—and silence feel like a threat? Why do we keep checking for reactions, even when we tell ourselves we don’t care? In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr unpacks the hidden layers behind our need for validation, exploring how the craving for approval shapes our identity, our relationships, …

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Why We Love Violence: The Dark Psychology Behind Our Social Urge to Win, Control, and Punish 40:53

6M ago40:53

40:53

Why We Love Violence: The Dark Psychology Behind Our Social Urge to Win, Control, and PunishWhy are we so drawn to violence—not just in movies and media, but in everyday life? From binge-watching brutal TV shows to shouting matches on highways and social media, this episode explores the unsettling truth about our emotional appetite for conflict. Pr…