Off The Data Provided

What Your Body Says: Mastering Nonverbal Communication

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.

The Sex Recession: Why Young Adults Are Becoming Less Intimate

Dr. Marcus 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.

Emotional IQ, Dating Burnout, and How to Speak Your Feelings

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.

"From Bad Friends to True Companions: A Deep Dive"

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.

Navigating Conflict with Supportive Communication Strategies

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.

Friendship in Adulthood: Building Bonds Amidst Modern Hurdles

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.

Exploring Love Types in 'Materialist': Eros vs Pragma

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.

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.