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.

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.

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.