Off The Data Provided

About Off 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. The aims of this podcast are to make you more ethical and effective with your interpersonal communication, give you a better understanding of how technology impacts interpersonal communication, and hopefully improve your interpersonal communication relationships.

Publisher

Dr. Marcus C. Shepard

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Jan 2025

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

42 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Passion, Pets, and Promises: Navigating Relationship Growth Phases

   In this latest episode, Dr. Marcus C. Shepard revisits cuffing season and walks listeners through the key growth phases of committed romantic relationships. He frames cuffing season as a process (pre-cuffing (scouting), drafting, and tryouts) and explains how people use this time to test compatibility. The episode breaks the growth phase into six steps: individuality (know your needs and non-negotiables), invitational communication (show interest clearly), explorational communication (discuss goals and dealbreakers), intensifying communication (build shared rules and relationship culture), revising communication (air grievances and evaluate fit), and commitment (decide and invest). Dr. Shepard also explains important communication rules—regulative (when and where to talk), constitutive (what counts as affection or flirting), and shall-not rules (things you won’t tolerate)—and urges partners to define meanings rather than assume them. Towards the end of the episode, he touching on later stages, he sketches navigation (working through problems) and deterioration (when patterns break down, leading to social fallout, grave-dressing, and eventual moving on). Takeaways: know who you are, set and keep your non-negotiables, be explicit and ethical in communication, and don’t skip the conversations that build a solid foundation. To submit an Ask Dr. Shepard question, email offthedataprovided@gmail.com.

2. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Making Miles Matter: Practical Tips for LDR Success

   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 couples to be slow to assume or judge, to check in when unsure, and to set a realistic end goal so the distance is temporary if both want to eventually live in the same city. He also suggests using technology to deepen emotional intimacy to learn about one another quickly and intentionally. Finally, Dr. Shepard acknowledges the risks (a significant portion of LDRs end when partners move in together) but emphasizes that many succeed and that every relationship teaches valuable lessons. For questions or to submit Ask Dr. Shepard, email offthedataprovided@gmail.com.

3. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Stop the Games: Spotting and Repairing Hurtful Relationship Behaviors

   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 the healthiest choice and shows how secret tests often create more confusion. Other topics include empty apologies (the four parts of a sincere apology and why empty apologies fail), apology sincerity and its effects, and a deep look at infidelity, including internet-driven emotional and sexual infidelity and how online features (speed, anonymity, reach) can fuel betrayal. Dr. Shepard also identifies ten types of hurtful messages (evaluations, accusations, directives, informative statements, statements of desire, advising, questions, threats, jokes, and lies) and explains three common responses: active verbal responses, acquiescent responses, and invulnerable responses — with tips for defending yourself, asking for explanation, and avoiding escalation. Finally, Dr. Shepard answers an Ask Dr. Shepard about feeling left out of friend groups, advising honest self-reflection, direct conversation, and proactive planning. To submit questions, listeners can email offthedataprovided@gmail.com.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

52

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Off The Data Provided

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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