What really separates a peaceful protest from a riot? And why do some crowds stay calm while others spiral into chaos?

In this episode, we dig into the psychology of mass gatherings, why emotions run high, and what causes some protests to turn violent. We break down the difference between a protest, a riot, and a mob, and talk through real-world examples like the No Kings riot and January 6th.

Also in this episode:

• Rob shares a health update

• The latest on the Trump vs. Musk bet

• A shocking murder involving a Minnesota state rep

• Gavin Newsom’s possible role in protest narratives

• The Stanford Prison Experiment and what it teaches us about power

• Whether protests actually lead to real change or just make people feel better

In this episode, we dive into the explosive Twitter feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. We read their tweets, discuss whether both show signs of narcissism, and explain what narcissistic injury is and why it happens.

If you have a narcissist in your life, we share practical advice on handling conflict, setting boundaries, and protecting your mental health.

Tune in for psychology, current events, and hands-on tips you can use today.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction and Rob’s back issues
(05:31) Breaking down the Musk and Trump tweets
(11:09) Is Donald Trump a narcissist?
(13:07) What is narcissistic injury? Psychology behind the feud
(20:07) How to handle having a narcissist in your life
(25:03) Effective strategies for conflict with a narcissist
(33:15) What to do after a conflict with a narcissist ends
(35:33) Should you protect a narcissist’s ego?
(37:43) How to plan your reaction before conflict starts
(39:48) Why being the bigger person can leave you emotionally drained

In this episode of Shrink Space, two psychologists take a close look at spiritual narcissism. What does it really mean? How does it differ from authentic humility? And how can you recognize it in others or even in yourself?

We explain the psychological traits of narcissism, examine how ego can show up in spiritual or self-growth spaces, and look at how these patterns appear in public figures and influencers. We also discuss whether atheists can be spiritual narcissists and why sincerity does not always mean truth.

Whether you're curious about narcissism, spiritual influencers, or mental health, this episode offers clear insights grounded in psychology.

What You’ll Learn:
• What spiritual narcissism is
• Key signs and red flags
• The difference between narcissism and true humility
• How to spot spiritual narcissists in real life and online
• Whether belief or intention matters
• Can atheists also be spiritual narcissists?

Follow Shrink Space for weekly conversations on psychology, culture, and human behavior.

Topics Covered:

(07:19) What Is Spiritual Narcissism(09:51) Defining Narcissism
(14:59) Humility versus ego
(17:00) Influencers and examples like Will Smith
(29:08) Does belief matter?
(30:35) How to spot spiritual narcissism
(34:54) Being convinced to ignore your gut
(41:56) Can atheists be spiritual narcissists?