Off The Data Provided

Navigating Sexual Communication and Consent

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.

Unmasking the Self: Mastering Impression Management

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.

AI, Loneliness, and Amiendships

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.

Navigating AI Companionship: A Communication Crisis?

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.

Unlocking the Friendship Formula: Navigating Loneliness and Social Connections

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.

Decoding Love: Exploring Symbolic Words and Love Styles

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.

End of the Road: The Deterioration Phase of Romantic Relationships

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.

Navigating Modern Love: From Disney Dating to Relational Dialectics

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. 

The Relationship Recession

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. 

Building Bonds: The 200-Hour Friendship Theory

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.