HeyJaredOff The Data Provided
Off The Data Provided is an interpersonal communication podcast hosted by Dr. Marcus C. Shepard, where he walks you through different interpersonal communication concepts, theories, and skills.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 5
- Latest publication
- Sep 16, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 15, 2026
Latest episodes
Making Miles Matter: Practical Tips for LDR Success (opens the original)
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In this episode about long distance relationships, Dr. Shepard discusses how to make long-distance romantic relationships work by centering clear communication, setting shared expectations, and practicing metacommunication (communication about communication). He recommends scheduled check-ins that remain optional so partners can opt out when they need space, planning regular meetups (aim to keep two on the calendar), and being mindful of time-zone differences and finances. Dr. Shepard urges coup
Stop the Games: Spotting and Repairing Hurtful Relationship Behaviors (opens the original)
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In this episode, Dr. Shepard breaks down destructive relationship behaviors and offers clear guidance for being more ethical and effective in how we relate to others. The episode focuses on secret testing (indirect strategies people use to reduce uncertainty) and explains seven common tests: directness, reactiveness, endurance, indirect suggestions, presenting the relationship to outsiders, separation, third-party, and triangle tests. Dr. Shepard emphasizes that direct communication is usually t
Lock In or Log Off? Decoding Sabrina's Viral 'Social Savvy Friend' Skit (opens the original)
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In this episode, Dr. Shepard reacts to Sabrina Brier’s viral video (https://x.com/sabrinabrier/status/2089902047420141919) about the “social savvy” friend who tells a pal to “lock in” with mutual friends instead of passively liking posts. He summarizes the skit, explains the heated debate it started, and frames the moment around the podcast’s core idea: investment in friendships. Dr. Shepard further explores what investment means: time, energy, emotional and material resources, as well as how it
Cuffing Season Decoded (opens the original)
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On the latest episode of Off The Data Provided, Dr. Marcus C. Shepard breaks down cuffing season in terms of what it is, where the term came from, and how shorter days and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can drive a desire for closeness during the colder months. Dr. Shepard outlines the typical cuffing season timeline (scouting in August, drafting in September–October, official cuffing in November–December, holiday romance, and post-breakup in spring) and compares cuffing to situationships, hi
When Trust Breaks: Rethinking Infidelity and What It Reveals (opens the original)
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In this episode, Dr. Shepard explores infidelity: why it hurts, what it reveals about relationships, and how we might respond. Prompted by viral stories and listener questions, Dr. Shepard frames cheating as more than a moral failing and urges a clearer, less binary conversation. The episode outlines key themes of commitment as action, the roles of fidelity, loyalty, desire, jealousy, truth-telling and forgiveness, and the importance of naming non-negotiables in relationships. Drawing on insight
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