This episode summarizes a Swedish longitudinal sibling-comparison study (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10680-024-09722-6) showing that cohabiting people have mortality risks between single and married individuals, with differences growing with age. Dr. Marcus C. Shepard discusses health benefits of partnership, implications for aging and COVID-19, and ideas for future research on cohabitation and community health.

Dr. Marcus C. Shepard reviews a new multi-country study reported by the Institute for Family Studies showing that couples who met in person report higher relationship satisfaction and stronger experiences of intimacy, passion, and commitment than couples who met online (https://ifstudies.org/blog/couples-around-the-world-who-met-in-real-life-are-happier-than-those-who-met-online). The episode discusses possible reasons—such as shared contexts, transparency, and selection criteria—offers practical advice for using dating apps (including setting non-negotiables and timelines), and explores limitations of the research. The episode closes with an Ask Dr. Shepard segment advising a student on how to repair a strained relationship with a professor: request a meeting during office hours, document the conversation by email, and keep a respectful paper trail if problems continue.

Dr. Marcus C. Shepard explains how verbal communication creates meaning—covering symbols, arbitrariness, abstraction, ambiguity, brute vs. institutional facts, and how language evaluates and organizes experience.He outlines communication rules (regulative and constitutive), punctuation, totalizing, loaded language, and offers practical guidelines: use person-centered language, specify levels of abstraction, qualify generalizations, and own your feelings with I-statements.In Ask Dr. Shepard, he advises a listener who feels excluded to have one-on-one conversations using I-language to clarify feelings and consider hosting or re-engaging to repair friendships.

In this episode Dr. Marcus C. Shepard explores nonverbal communication—what it includes, how it interacts with words, and types like kinesics, haptics, proxemics, paralanguage, and environmental cues—plus practical guidelines for monitoring and interpreting nonverbals to avoid miscommunication.The episode closes with an Ask Dr. Shepard segment about ghosting, offering a respectful “pre-ghosting” message template and advice on how to respond (or not) when communication fades in dating.

Dr. Margaret C. Shepard examines the Institute for Family Studies article "The Sex Recession," (https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-sex-recession-the-share-of-americans-having-regular-sex-keeps-dropping) explaining how the share of Americans having regular sex has fallen from 55% in 1990 to 37% in 2024. The  decline is linked to fewer partnered adults, reduced face-to-face time, and shifting socialization driven by smartphones and digital media. The episode explores causes like decreased in-person interaction, rising anxiety and depression among younger generations, and the role of the pandemic. Dr. Shepard emphasizes the importance of interpersonal communication skills and the social contexts that foster relationships. Dr. Shepard closes with "Ask Dr. Shepard" where he offers practical tips for students looking to build social confidence and make new friends as the semester begins.

Host Dr. Marcus C. Shepard breaks down what emotions are and how framing rules, feeling rules, surface acting, deep acting, emotional intelligence, and emotional competence shape the way we feel and express ourselves. He offers practical guidelines for owning feelings, using specific language, and creating a supportive climate for emotional conversations.The episode closes with an Ask Dr. Shepard segment on dating fatigue, offering concrete online-dating rules and strategies—like setting response limits, having a sell-by date for app conversations, and prioritizing assertive communication—to avoid feeling jaded and communicate more authentically.

In this episode of Off the Data Provided, Dr. Marcus C. Shepard delves deep into the realm of modern friendships, exploring a compelling CNN article by Christian Rogers titled "Some of You Are Bad Friends, and That's Why You're Lonely" (https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/02/health/signs-you-are-a-bad-friend-wellness)  The discussion touches on the increasing challenges men face in forming friendships, the importance of the friendship formula - investment, emotional closeness, trust, and support - and the impact of societal norms and desire on interpersonal relationships. Dr. Shepard also highlights personal anecdotes and insights into the dynamics of friendship and the significance of investing in meaningful connections amidst the sensationalism of media narratives and cultural shifts. Drawing on both professional perspective and personal experiences, this episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and challenges them to foster genuine connections beyond superficial interactions.

Join Dr. Marcus C. Shepard in an insightful episode of "Off the Data Provided" as we delve into the art of creating positive communication climates. Explore essential terms and concepts like confirmation and disconfirmation, defensive and supporting climates, and the role of conflict in communication. Discover valuable guidelines for nurturing healthy communication climates, ensuring your interactions foster understanding and connection.Stay tuned for the "Ask Dr. Shepard" segment, where Dr. Shepard addresses listener inquiries, providing practical advice for building relationships and improving communication in various contexts. Don't miss this enlightening discussion, designed to equip you with the tools for better interpersonal communication.

In this episode of "Off the Data Provided," host Dr. Marcus C. Shepard delves into the complexities of making, building, and maintaining friendships in adulthood. Exploring concepts like the seeds of connection and parasocial relationships, the discussion revisits key elements such as investment, emotional closeness, trust, support, and external pressures affecting modern friendships. With insights backed by studies and expert viewpoints, listeners are guided on ways to create meaningful bonds and overcome common hurdles in adult social life. Stay tuned for the "Ask Dr. Shepard" segment, offering advice on exiting the casual dating merry-go-round to find genuine connections.

In this episode of Off the Data Provided, Dr. Marcus C. Shepard dives into the intricate world of Celine Song's new film, "Materialist." Join us as we unravel the complexities of modern relationships through the lens of two love types: Eros and Pragma. Through engaging discussions, we explore the contrasts of romantic passion and the practicality of love.The conversation highlights how these dynamics play out in the lives of the film's protagonist, Lucy, and her entanglements with Harry and John. With a keen eye on the evolving dating economy, Dr. Shepard dissects how technology and personal preferences shape our pursuit of love.Tune in to also hear this week's "Ask Dr. Shepard" segment, where he offers advice on dealing with unsupportive friends in the realm of romantic relationships. Discover insights on blending love and logic in today's fast-paced dating landscape.

Welcome to Off the Data Provided, hosted by Dr. Marcus C. Shepard. In this episode, we dive into critical aspects of sexual communication, tackling subjects like consent, self-disclosure, and the stigma surrounding STIs. Dr. Shepard guides us through understanding sexual health and the importance of equitable communication in relationships, stressing the value of verbal and enthusiastic consent at every stage of intimacy.We explore the misconceptions and pressures surrounding sexual expectations, highlighting the necessity of self-disclosure concerning STI status well before entering intimate scenarios. Understand the dynamics of power and communication preferences, including nonverbal signals and their potential for misinterpretation.In the Ask Dr. Shepard segment, Dr. Shepard offers insightful advice on crafting a fulfilling life without the need for traditional relationship scripts. Discover how to build a life enriched by friendships and personal passions, rather than defined solely by romantic pursuits.

Welcome to Off the Day to Provide, your go-to podcast for exploring the nuances of interpersonal communication. In this episode, hosted by Dr. Marcus C. Shepard, we delve into the depths of understanding the self and the art of impression management. Discover how interactions with others, ranging from family members to social media acquaintances, shape our self-perception through concepts like direct and indirect definitions, reflected appraisal, and attachment styles. Dr. Shepard explores the complexities of self-development, addressing challenges like social comparison, scripts, and the ever-relevant topic of catfishing in today's digital age. To cap things off, Dr. Shepard shares valuable tips on how to enhance your sense of self by committing to personal growth, fostering a supportive environment, and seeking guidance from mentors. Plus, stay tuned for a heartfelt segment of 'Ask Dr. Shepard' where we tackle the delicate task of formally ending a friendship.

In this episode of Off the Data Provided, host Dr. Marcus C. Shepard delves into a variety of intriguing topics around interpersonal communication and friendships. The conversation kicks off with a recent interview featuring Mark Zuckerberg, exploring the implications of AI companions on the growing loneliness epidemic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYXeQbTuVl0). Dr. Shepard offers a critical analysis of AI's potential role in supplementing human connections. Further into the episode, Dr. Shepard introduces the concept of the friendship formula, emphasizing key components like investment, emotional closeness, trust, and support. This leads into an insightful discussion of "amienship," a term he coined to describe a unique form of modern relationships fostered online. The episode is rich with guidance on enhancing communication and friendships, including techniques for being more present, honest, and open to differences within personal relationships. As always, listeners can look forward to the "Ask Dr. Shepard" segment, where real-life friendship dilemmas are discussed and advice is offered.

In this thought-provoking episode of Off the Data Provided, Dr. Marcus C. Shepard explores the implications of a recent Harvard Business Review poll (https://hbr.org/2025/04/how-people-are-really-using-gen-ai-in-2025) on the use of generative AI for companionship and relationship advice. As AI technology becomes more integrated into our lives, Dr. Shepard highlights the complexities and nuances of interpersonal communication that AI simply cannot replicate or address. The discussion delves into the core elements of a healthy communication climate, such as investment, commitment, trust, and comfort with relational dialectics, and how these elements contrast starkly with AI interactions. Dr. Shepard provides insight into overcoming communication obstacles and underscores the importance of personal knowledge, metacommunication, and adapting to individual needs. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the ethical and practical implications of using AI in relationships, and the podcast provides tips on cultivating effective human connections amidst the growing presence of technology. Tune in to understand why Dr. Shepard believes that human relationships cannot be reduced to algorithms and codes.

In this episode of "Off the Data Provided," we explore the complexities of male loneliness and social relationships. Host Dr. Marcus C. Shepard bridges insights from NPR's "It's Been a Minute" (https://www.npr.org/2025/02/17/1263527043/its-been-a-minute-male-loneliness-epidemic-real) with a fresh look at Pew Research data (https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2025/01/16/men-women-and-social-connections/), focusing on how men and women navigate loneliness differently. We delve into the concept of the Friendship Formula and discuss how societal norms and toxic masculinity influence men's social connections. From exploring the life cycle of friendships to offering practical advice in "Ask Dr. Shepard," this episode provides a roadmap for building and maintaining meaningful relationships that enhance emotional well-being.

On this episode of "Off the Data Provided," dive into the complexities of language and love. Discover how words are symbols, carrying arbitrary, abstract, and ambiguous meanings, and how this affects our communication every day. Explore the intriguing Color Wheel Theory of Love, developed by John Allen Lee, delving into the primary and secondary love styles that shape our relationships. Further, understand the importance of love languages in expressing and receiving love effectively. Learn practical tips for identifying and understanding your own love language, and how miscommunication can arise when love languages differ. See these websites for free love langauge quizzes: https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language; https://lovestrive.com/quiz. The episode rounds off with the "Ask Dr. Shepard" segment, offering expert advice on setting up a successful online dating profile. Whether searching for love or understanding it better, this episode provides fresh insights and useful strategies. For any personal questions or stories to share, listeners are encouraged to reach out at offthedataprovided@gmail.com.

Welcome to the latest episode of "Off the Data Provided," where we delve into Steve Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown with host Dr. Marcus C. Shepard. In this episode, Dr. Shepard explores the intricate stages of relationship deterioration, from the intrapsychic to the social phase, and discusses how to navigate these challenging moments. Dr. Shepard provides insightful commentary on key concepts such as relational dialectics, gunnysacking, and the grave dressing phase. Gain a deeper understanding of how individual dissatisfaction can evolve into more significant breakdowns, and learn effective communication strategies to address these issues before they escalate. Join us as we also take on listener questions in the "Ask Dr. Shepard" segment, offering advice on handling disconnects and disagreements in friendships. Whether you're experiencing a personal relationship struggle or simply want to enhance your communication skills, this episode offers valuable guidance and support. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the expertise of Dr. Shepard and gain practical insights into improving your interpersonal interactions.

Welcome to the latest episode of Off the Data Provided, hosted by Dr. Marcus C. Shepard, where we delve into the intricate dynamics of dating, relationships, and the influence of social media. Join us as we dissect a thought-provoking Wall Street Journal article, ''Don't Touch, Don't Go Dutch and Other Tips for Dating Success” (https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/relationships/dont-touch-dont-go-dutch-and-other-tips-for-dating-success-7dd85e81), offering guidance on modern dating practices through the insights of a professional matchmaker. We'll explore concepts like Disney dating, the rule of three, physical intimacy boundaries, and the importance of intentional communication in building committed romantic relationships. This episode also dives deep into the phases of romantic relationship growth—individuality, invitational, explorational, and intensifying communication—as Dr. Shepard articulates how to navigate these stages effectively using practical examples and personal insights. Discover how relational dialectics like autonomy vs. connection, and novelty vs. predictability can impact your relationship dynamics.   Finally, Dr. Shepard addresses listeners' queries on social media interactions and offers advice on initiating connections online. If you would like to submit your question for advice, feel free to email Dr. Shepard at OffTheDataProvided@gmail.com. 

In this episode of Off the Data Provided, Dr. Marcus C. Shepard delves into the notion of a "relationship recession" and the evolving concept of love and partnership. Through an engaging discussion, he examines the insights from a Financial Times article (https://www.ft.com/content/43e2b4f6-5ab7-4c47-b9fd-d611c36dad74), Sabrina Strings's book "The End of Love: Racism, Sexism, and The Death of Romance," and C. Winter Han's book "Racial Erotics: Gay Men of Color, Sexual Racism, and the Politics of Desire." Dr. Shepard challenges traditional romantic ideals, highlighting the impact of social constructs on relationships, and emphasizes the importance of redefining romance in an increasingly diverse world. Join the conversation as he explores key terms like the romantic ideal, sexual racism, and situationships, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of modern love. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and consider paths toward more meaningful and inclusive connections, as Dr. Shepard encourages a departure from conventional romance to a more personalized understanding of love and partnership. Also, don't forget the "Ask Dr. Shepard" segment, tackling real-life communication challenges sent in by listeners. If you would like to submit your question for advice, feel free to email Dr. Shepard at OffTheDataProvided@gmail.com. 

In this episode of Off the Data Provided, Dr. Marcus C. Shepard dives into a captivating exploration of friendship dynamics as highlighted by Clare Ansberry's Wall Street Journal article, 'It Takes at Least 200 Hours to Make a Close Friendship and More to Maintain It'. Discover the underlying theories, including the Social Brain Hypothesis and the Communication Bond Belong Theory, that affect how we form and maintain meaningful connections. Dr. Shepard discusses the importance of striving behavior in fostering closeness and the pivotal role of quality communication in defining friendships. Through personal anecdotes and expert studies, listeners are guided on the journey from social snacking and small talk to building deeper, lasting bonds through striving behavior.  Whether it's navigating friendships formed online or understanding the challenges posed by limited social time, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for those seeking to enrich their interpersonal relationships. Tune in to uncover the secrets of forming and maintaining meaningful friendships over time. Also, don't forget the "Ask Dr. Shepard" segment, tackling real-life communication challenges sent in by listeners. If you would like to submit your question for advice, feel free to email Dr. Shepard at OffTheDataProvided@gmail.com.