We’re taught to trust people who are nice—but what if that’s the mask, not the measure? In this opening episode of Inclarity Podcast, we examine the emotional sleight of hand behind likability, and why charm can sometimes be the perfect cover for subtle harm. Through the lens of social survival, self-silencing, and cognitive dissonance, we explore how niceness gets weaponized—and how to recognize when something isn’t as kind as it sounds.

We laugh when nothing’s funny—why? This five-minute episode unpacks the psychology of the fake laugh: a reflex we use to smooth tension, avoid conflict, and signal social alignment. From workplace politeness to awkward silence fillers, discover how laughter becomes emotional camouflage, shaped by status, discomfort, and the pressure to keep things okay.

Some apologies aren’t spoken—they’re performed. In this shorter debut episode of Inclarity Podcast, we examine the subtle ways people shrink themselves to seem agreeable, likable, or safe. From the way we adjust our tone to the instinct to justify our presence, these behaviors often go unnoticed, but they reveal deep emotional patterns worth confronting. If you’ve ever said “sorry” just for existing, this one’s for you.

We’re taught to chase clarity—to figure things out, label everything, and move on. But what if the most honest insights live in the moments that don’t quite make sense yet?

In this short introductory episode, Professor RJ Starr shares the heart behind Inclarity Podcast—a sharp, minimal show that explores the tension beneath our everyday behaviors. Each week, we’ll pause before the answers, sit inside the friction, and look closely at what we’ve learned to ignore.

No advice. No fluff. Just clear, grounded reflection on what it means to be human.

The first full episode airs Friday, July 11, 2025. Visit inclaritypodcast.com to learn more.