When Shame Changed Sides

Randy Unscripted · Jul 9, 2026 · 20m · transcript

What is shameful?

It’s a question that seems simple at first, but the answer depends a lot on when—and where—you ask it. Inspired by a thought-provoking quote from Jerry Seinfeld, this episode explores how society’s understanding of shame, embarrassment, and social expectations has changed over time.

From privacy and humility to self-promotion and public attention, we examine how cultural standards have shifted over the past several decades. Along the way, we ask whether shame has actually disappeared or whether it has simply been redirected toward different behaviors, beliefs, and values.

In…