The Psychology of Interruptions: Power, Anxiety, and Disregard in Everyday Talk

Interruptions might seem like small conversational slip-ups, but they reveal far more than we think. In this episode, Professor RJ Starr unpacks the psychology of interruptions: how they function as power moves, how they arise from anxiety, and how cultural and relational contexts shape their meaning. From political debates to family dinners, cutting someone off is never neutral—it reflects status, insecurity, or hidden social contracts. Starr explores the consequences of repeated interruptions, why they can silence voices over time, and what it takes to repair them. By the end, you’ll see interruptions not as minor annoyances but as windows into respect, hierarchy, and human connection.