Very few men think of relationships in the frame of the “sexual marketplace,” although the rules and principles of attraction and connection can very much be understood as an economic model, of sorts, of perceived value. And, the man who offers the most perceived value, is the man who gets the girl. Whether you’re married or single, understanding the intricacies and nuance of what makes a man attractive to a woman will help him get more of what he wants from her.
My guest today, psychologist Orion Taraban joins me to discuss these dynamics between men and women so we all get more of what we’re after in relationships. We cover the importance of knowing your value and knowing what is valuable to the opposite sex, why love has little or nothing to do with attraction, what is known as the “Madonna-Whore Complex,” the concepts of Captains and Passengers as it relates to dating and mating, the difference between talking and communicating, and how best to make yourself more attractive.
Orion Taraban is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Napa, California. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. His focus is men’s mental health, healthy masculinity, relationship dynamics, and personal development.
He’s the creator of PsycHacks, a popular YouTube channel and podcast that offers brief, thought-provoking videos on psychological topics drawn from his clinical work. Since launching in mid-2021, the channel has amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers and over 140 million views. Taraban has also authored The Value of Others, a book exploring an economic model of relationships in the modern dating landscape. His work has sparked discussions across platforms where he’s both praised for his incisive logic and critiqued for his provocative and controversial takes takes on intimacy and gender dynamics.
The Iron Council is more than just a group—it’s a brotherhood of like-minded men committed to taking ownership of every aspect of their lives. If you're tired of drifting through life without direction, this is where you build a battle plan, set clear objectives, and stay accountable to men who won’t let you settle. With weekly calls, powerful frameworks, and team-level accountability, the Iron Council helps you forge discipline, purpose, and momentum—no fluff, just real results.
Joining the Iron Council means stepping into a tribe that values growth, strength, and integrity. Whether you’re aiming to become a better father, husband, leader, or man, this community surrounds you with men who are on the same mission. You’ll gain access to exclusive tools, challenges, and insights designed to push you beyond your limits—and the brotherhood to walk through the fire with you. If you're ready to lead yourself so you can lead others, the time to step up is now.
Free tools, tactics and techniques to help you be the man you were meant to be.
Notifications
