The War for Seventeen Feet of Asphalt

Why do people become unrecognizable behind the wheel? Why does a simple lane change provoke rage, entitlement, or a need to “teach someone a lesson”? In this sharp and psychologically grounded episode, Professor RJ Starr examines the emotional dysfunction behind road rage, traffic aggression, and the strange power plays we perform in our cars. From speeding up to block a merge to laying on the horn in a quiet fury, these behaviors aren’t random—they’re revealing. What looks like impatience or frustration is often a masked panic about control, visibility, and self-worth. This episode unpacks the car as a psychological costume, the emotional immaturity behind everyday driving decisions, and the deeper story we’re telling about power when no one can hold us accountable.

You won’t find quick fixes here—but you will see the unspoken script that turns traffic into a performance of dominance, shame, and status.

If you’ve ever caught yourself muttering under your breath at a stranger who can’t hear you, or if you’ve ever been surprised at how quickly you lost your cool in traffic, this one’s for you.