Why We Do What We Do podcast

Mini: 666 We have a fascination with assigning meaning to various numbers. Actually, many cultures enjoy assigning meaning to numbers as well. In western traditions, we have a particularly special number that is the most evil: 666. We explore how this number came to be associated with the Devil and the why its not. But hey, I guess it is now.  Get ad-free episodes and help us be a show: Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/666.htm - https://academic.oup.com/jts/article-abstract/69/1/309/4917823?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false - https://www.britannica.com/topic/number-of-the-beast - https://www.fusionglobal.org/connections/why-is-666-the-number-of-the-beast/?srsltid=AfmBOopwGFHFRt_D306RTVF_RBvOthZFzPAtxpg3Y6W3FlyOH2JY30sa - https://uscatholic.org/articles/202310/glad-you-asked-what-is-666-in-the-bible/ - https://medium.com/illuminations-mirror/this-symbolic-number-has-opposite-meanings-in-different-cultures-bdb891d04547 - https://www.britannica.com/topic/gematria - https://www.gematrix.org/?word=dondrumpf Don Drumpf = 666

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: 666" on @Spreaker #bible #biblicalhistory #christianity #dei #happyhalloween #history #numberofthebeast #numerology #science #skepticism #thebeast #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

I Want To Take You To The Bermuda Triangle Some spooky topics are geographically creepy. Arguably, the most famous scary geography is lovingly called The Bermuda Triangle. This portion of the world is credited with a supernatural ability to vanish airplanes and ships... out of the thousands that use this as a shipping route. We dig into the history that inspired the mythical lore attribute to this portion of ocean. Despite its infamy, insurance happily covers shipping vessels that traverse the curious Bermuda Triangle.  Recommendations: - Abraham: “Psych 3: This is Gus” (https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/movies/psych-3-this-is-gus/4695aa38-6632-3b3f-aa14-9edf3b70d24a) - Shane: Atomic Rule - With Skull Crushing Force EP (https://open.spotify.com/album/6ybCbYsqHt3PT974rC6Mt4?si=QkBxu8MRRtOBMad1v6i3Og) Holidays (10/08/2025): - American Touch Tag Day - Bring your Teddy Bear to Work Day - Bullying Prevention Day - Dyslexia Day - Emergency Nurses Day - International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction - International Lesbian Day - International Top Spinning Day - Latina Women’s Equal Pay Day - National Children’s Day - National Fluffernutter Day - National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day - National Curves Day - National Pet Obesity Awareness Day - National Pierogi Day - Stem Cell Awareness Day - World Octopus Day - Active Aging Week - Animal Welfare Week - Cephalopod Awareness Week - Death Penalty Focus Week - Great Books Week - Mystery Series Week - Truffle Days in Croatia - World Space Week Links and References:  - https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/i-survived-a-trip-to-the-bermuda-triangle/ - https://www.history.com/articles/bermuda-triangle - https://travel.earth/what-is-the-bermuda-triangle-all-you-must-know/ - https://www.marinalife.com/articles/the-mystery-of-the-bermuda-triangle - https://www.gotobermuda.com/inspiration/article/legends-lore-bermuda-triangle - https://centerforinquiry.org/news/solving-the-mystery-of-the-bermuda-triangle-in-skeptical-inquirer/ - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/bermuda-triangle-mystery-solved-latest-theories-dr-karl-kruszelnicki-debunked-unexplained-disappearances-ships-planes-aeroplanes-vanish-conspiracy-lost-flight-19-alien-abduction-atlantis-methane-gas-vincent-gaddis-a7861731.html  - https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/10-unsolved-mysteries-that-have-been-solved.htm?s1sid=wqdp2epa7vz7u29d8v03h2hg&srch_tag=jqpeigono5nhpzyajtpkqf5577cv72bq#pt2 

📣 New Podcast! "I Want To Take You To The Bermuda Triangle" on @Spreaker #bermudatriangle #creepy #doubt #flight19 #geography #halloween #history #psychology #science #skepticism #skeptoid #spooky #thebermudatriangle #usscyclops #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: R.I.P. This is our first Halloween mini of 2025! RIP is a well-wishing, a command, and an indication of your relationship to person or idea being bid farewell. We break down the history, meaning, and language functions of using RIP. Requiescat in Pace! Help us keep doing our thing! Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://biblehub.com/q/what_does_'rest_in_peace'_(rip)_mean.htm#:~:text=Those%20contemplating%20life's%20meaning%20find,Conclusion - https://www.dictionary.com/e/pop-culture/rest-in-peace/ - https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/does-rest-in-peace-rip-have-a-christian-origin.html

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: R.I.P." on @Spreaker #death #graves #halloween #history #psychology #requeiscatinpace #restinpeace #rip #science #spooky #tombstones #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Variants of Hell Welcome to our annual month of creepy topics! We are kicking off this year's selection with an overview of various conceptuatlizations of Hell from the perspectives of different religions and denominations. How common is the idea of Hell and why do so many traditions embrace this idea? We are excited to get started! Recommendations - Abraham: Shrinking (https://tv.apple.com/us/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs)  - Shane: 28 Years Later (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10548174/) Holidays (10/01/25): - Happy spooky season, folks! - Balloons Around the World Day - CD Player Day - Homemade Cookies Day - International Coffee Day - International Day of Older Persons - International Music Day - International Raccoon Appreciation Day - Less Than Perfect Day - National Black Dog Day - National Book It Day - National Hair Day - National Pumpkin Seed Day - Pudding Season Begins - Vegan Baking Day - Willy Wonka Day - World Vegetarian Day - National Chimney Safety Week - National Drive Electric Week - National Fall Foliage Week - National Hispanic Heritage Weeks - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - AIDS Awareness Month - LGBT History Month - National Cookie Month Links and References:  - https://youtu.be/fNkyPFS5vTg?si=AzPnUdBeGBYG_WVB - https://foundations.vision.org/hell-origins-idea-626 - https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/heaven-hell/  - https://www.faithonview.com/what-is-hell/  - https://bigthink.com/high-culture/brief-history-hell/  - https://doctorspaghetti.org/heaven-and-hell-the-pastafarian-view/ 

📣 New Podcast! "Variants of Hell" on @Spreaker #afterlife #creepy #grave #hades #halloween #hell #history #psychology #religion #religioustraditions #science #tartarus #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: Colored Noise You have probably heard of white noise, but there are a variety of noise patterns that have been assigned a color. Some have proposed hypothetical benefits of these various sound patterns ranging from sleep or focus to mental health conditions. We take a scalpel and scientifically remove the fluff. Tell us what colored sounds you prefer! Links and References:  - https://www.edweek.org/leadership/brown-white-pink-what-different-colors-of-noise-mean-and-how-they-can-help-learning/2023/11#:~:text=What%20about%20other%20colors%20of,can%20do%2C%E2%80%9D%20Berlau%20said. - https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/colored-sleep-noise/#:~:text=What%20color%20noise%20is%20best,works%20best%20for%20you.%E2%80%8B  - https://www.bettersleep.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-colored-noise-exploring-the-sound-spectrum-in-colors - https://youtu.be/auCj6O9DRbs?si=DZxd5k4Hf5JwOX1O

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: Colored Noise" on @Spreaker #bluenoise #brownnoise #dei #focus #greennoise #psychology #purplenoise #science #skepticism #sleep #whitenoise #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Propaganda: How You Are Being Tricked pt. 2 In the last episode, we outlined several specific propaganda strategies. We conclude this discussion by explaining some ways we can attempt to combat propaganda. Although propaganda can be a tool for good, it is often used nefariously, and we are well served to protect ourselves against those who would manipulate us. Did we miss anything? Let us know! Recommendations - Abraham: Between the Buried and Me “The Blue Nowhere”- (https://www.betweentheburiedandme.com/) - Shane: Disney Food and Wine Festival (https://vegandisneyworld.com/2024/08/30/vegan-options-at-the-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/) Holidays (9/24/2025) - Punctuation Day - National Mofongo Day - Banned Websites Awareness Day - Festival of Latest Novelties - Gallbladder Good Health Day - Kiss Day - Lash Stylists Day - National Bluebird of Happiness Day - National Cherries Jubilee Day - National Horchata Day - National Women’s Health and Fitness Day - Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving - Banned Books Week - Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week - Deaf Dog Awareness Week - Fall Astronomy Week Links and References:  - https://disinformation-nation.org/how-propaganda-works/ - http://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691173429/how-propaganda-works?srsltid=AfmBOorUX3x7ZgsGZ1dyU_bt0OeTC-bnm_0maw2D3FZclD5sp65cJ4je - https://sjdm.org/presentations/2020-Poster-Heyman-Schrum-Cassandra-Psychology-of-Propaganda.pdf - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1938/05/the-psychology-of-propaganda/654999/ - https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2044-8341.1941.tb00312.x - http://psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-propaganda/?srsltid=AfmBOor4m2MZ7Rs4pqmagvFEui02ZN14zWIcPI7XZQ-pB4D4665LhIK6 - https://www.verywellmind.com/how-does-propaganda-work-5224974 - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201702/the-con-propaganda - https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393881516 

📣 New Podcast! "Propaganda: How You Are Being Tricked pt. 2" on @Spreaker #annaleenewitz #dei #firerjkjr #marketing #propaganda #psychologicalwarfare #psychology #psyops #science #skepticism #storiesareweapons #trumpiswrong #vaccines #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: Kintsugi Kinsugi is a Japanese tradition of repairing broken things rather than retiring them, and in doing so making them stronger. It has a nice metaphor for personal, social, and economic issues. We discuss the history, techniques, and metaphors of kinsugi.  Join our club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://mymodernmet.com/kintsugi-kintsukuroi/ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zabQFbChhGM&t=18s - https://kintsugi-shop.com/what-kintsugi-teaches-us/#:~:text=Kintsugi%2C%20the%20art%20of%20imperfection,not%20be%20hidden%20or%20shamed. - https://open.library.okstate.edu/introphilosophy/chapter/ship-of-theseus/#:~:text=The%20ship%20wherein%20Theseus%20and,it%20was%20not%20the%20same.  - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pop-culture-mental-health/202403/what-kintsugi-can-teach-us-about-our-emotional-health - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/aging-wisdom/202108/brokenness-and-beauty-what-the-art-kintsugi-can-teach-us 

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: Kintsugi" on @Spreaker #history #japaneseart #kinsugi #kinsukuroi #mottainai #mushin #pottery #psychology #science #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Propaganda: How You are Being Tricked pt. 1 Propaganda is remarkably effective at influencing your behavior, even if you don't recognize that it is happening. Being aware of its strategies can help prevent you from falling victim as much. But no one is immune. Propaganda is one of the ways conspiracy theories are born, for those extremely gullible among us. This issue inspires some passionate soap-boxing... although there is a lot more of that in part 2. Enjoy! Recommendations - Abraham: Upload (season 4; https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Upload/0R12OTGH71AFFIJKW1R4WQT90V) - Shane: Wool by Hugh Howey (https://www.bookhampton.com/book/9780358447849)  Holidays (9/17/2025) - Citizenship Day - Constitution Day - International Country Music Day - National Apple Dumpling Day - National Monte Cristo Day - National Professional House Cleaners Day - National Rehabilitation Day - National School Backpack Awareness Day - National Table Shuffleboard Day - Times Up Day - VFW Ladies Auxiliary Day - World Patient Safety Day - Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week - Balance Awareness Week - Constitution Week - Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week - National Drive Electric Week Links and References:  - https://disinformation-nation.org/how-propaganda-works/ - http://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691173429/how-propaganda-works?srsltid=AfmBOorUX3x7ZgsGZ1dyU_bt0OeTC-bnm_0maw2D3FZclD5sp65cJ4je - https://sjdm.org/presentations/2020-Poster-Heyman-Schrum-Cassandra-Psychology-of-Propaganda.pdf - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1938/05/the-psychology-of-propaganda/654999/ - https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2044-8341.1941.tb00312.x - http://psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-propaganda/?srsltid=AfmBOor4m2MZ7Rs4pqmagvFEui02ZN14zWIcPI7XZQ-pB4D4665LhIK6 - https://www.verywellmind.com/how-does-propaganda-work-5224974 - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201702/the-con-propaganda - https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393881516 

📣 New Podcast! "Propaganda: How You are Being Tricked pt. 1" on @Spreaker #artofwar #dei #espionage #firerfkjr #manipulation #marketing #propaganda #psychologicalwarfare #psychology #psyops #science #skepticism #suntzu #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: How Many Faces Can You Remember? A lot. Unless you have face blindness, you can remember a lot of faces. Is this all in the brian? We do our best to explain the research behind our ability to recognize a very large number of faces.  Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://www.science.org/content/article/average-person-can-recognize-5000-faces - https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/computer-models-mimic-brain-s-ease-telling-faces-apart - https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/oct/10/how-many-faces-average-person-recognises-5000

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: How Many Faces Can You Remember?" on @Spreaker #faces #facialrecognition #humans #neurology #prosopagnosia #psychology #science #skepticism #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Understanding Chiropractic Once again, we have an idea that has mostly been bogged down in the septic tank of pseudoscience. There seems to be some therapeutic benefit to chiropractic care, but there's so much crap spread on top that it's difficult to find. We dig into the aspects of this that are worth saving vs throwing out.  Recommendations - Abraham: Drop (https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-movies/drop) - Shane: Strange Pictures by Uketsu (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/strange-pictures-uketsu?variant=42921568141346) Holidays (9/10/2025): - Blame it on the Large Hadron Collider Day - International Creepy Boston Dynamics Robotic Horse Day - International Makeup Day - National Hot Dog Day - Sew Be It - Swap Ideas Day - TV Dinner Day - World Suicide Prevention Day - Direct Support Professional Recognition Week - International Air Ambulance Week - Line Dance Week - Malnutrition Awareness Week - Minimally Invasive Surgery Week - National Assisted Living Week - National Biscuit and Gravy Week - National Suicide Prevention Week - National Waffle Week - Sobriety Checkpoint Week - Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week Links and References:  - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8915715/ - https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chiropractic-adjustment/about/pac-20393513 - https://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(07)00783-X/fulltext - https://ascentchiropractic.com/the-crazy-unadulterated-history-of-chiropractic-spinal-manipulation/ - https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/chiropractic-pediatrics-conference-features-anti-vaccination-ideology-as-usual/ - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8564978/ - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK91735/#:~:text=RESULTS%3A%20Twenty%20six%20fatalities%20were,have%20occurred%20after%20chiropractic%20manipulations. - https://www.healthline.com/health/is-chiropractic-pseudoscience - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4326543/ 

📣 New Podcast! "Understanding Chiropractic" on @Spreaker #chiropractic #chiropractor #medicine #orthopedic #osteopathy #pseudoscience #psychology #science #sciencebasedmedicine #skeptic #skepticism #spine #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: That Time Humans Loved Radiation This is another exploration of bad idea history. At one point, humans got really into consuming and surrounding themselves with irradiated materials. This idea stands out because the origins can be traced back to a clear starting point and "logic." FYI: Don't consume or put yourself (or anyone else) near radium. We'll explain why. Become a member and support the show: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://search.library.wisc.edu/catalog/9912414468002121 - https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/what-is-radiation/ionising-radiation

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: That Time Humans Loved Radiation" on @Spreaker #dei #history #mariecurie #medicalhistory #medicine #pseudoscience #psychology #quackery #radiation #radiationpoisoning #radium #rfkjr #science #skepticism #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Fast Fashion Fast fashion is a business model that emphasizes extremely high volume, cheap clothing designed to only last a short amount of time. This strategy produces an staggering amount of waste, consumes mllions of tons of raw materials, and contributes more to climate change than all internatinal flights and maritime vessels combined. However, it also employs millions of people, boosts the economy, and provides affordable clothing around the world. We examine the human behaviors invovled and the forces that drive this endeavor. Recommendations - Abraham: The Faculty (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133751/) - Shane: Deftones - private music (https://open.spotify.com/album/1gmWnG5TeRj91Tdm2lpEvJ?si=O-TDMIOXTW-YwdA0xrYIlw) Holidays (9/3/2025): - Global Talent Acquisition Day - National Skyscraper Day - National Welsh Rarebit Day - Penny Press Day - International Enthusiasm Week - National Childhood Injury Prevention Week - National Nutrition Week - National Payroll Week - Play Days - Self-University Week - Hispanic Heritage Month - National Honey Month - National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month - National Suicide Prevention Month Links and References:  - https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-fast-fashion - https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/  - https://www.aup.edu/evolution-sustainable-fashion-timeline  - https://www.vogue.com/article/what-is-fast-fashion  - https://www.homebyames.com/en-us/ho/closetmaid/  - https://www.thesustainablefashionforum.com/pages/the-psychology-of-fast-fashion-exploring-the-complex-emotions-fast-fashion-evokes-in-consumers 

📣 New Podcast! "Fast Fashion" on @Spreaker #affordability #clothing #economics #economy #employment #fairlabor #fashion #fastfashion #globaleconomy #psychology #science #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: Do Our Pets Understand Us? We have very special relationships with our pets. We usually try to talk to them. Do they understand what we are saying? Do they know their names? We quickly explore what it means for our pets to "understand" us or to "know" their names. There are some things we know about this and some things we don't.  Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIgM1qN4Lo - https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/can-dogs-understand-humans/ - https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/lifestyle/how-much-do-dogs-understand-humans/

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: Do Our Pets Understand Us?" on @Spreaker #animalpsychology #animals #behaviorism #language #neurology #pets #psychology #science #skepticism #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

The early release of our mini episode for this coming Monday just dropped for our Patreon supporters. Here's a little preview

I suppose I should try to use this social media platform more interactively...
So, we are planning a mini on Rock Paper Scissors (as discussed in our recent episode on Peer Review. Why did this come up in peer review?)
What are the different ways that y'all play (and spell?) Row-Sham-Bow?

The Importance of Peer Review One could argue there are two ways of aggregating knowledge: by guessing or by verifying information. The current system for verifying is by checking one another's work through peer review, a process by which experts first review the quality of the work submitted for publication and only allowing information through that is rigorous in its method or arguments. This is not without its flaws, however. Bias and blinding (or lack thereof) can prevent legitimate science from being disseminated or too eagerly publish bad science that is favorable to the reviewers. We explain the ins and outs of the peer review system and some ways it might improve.  Recommendations - Abraham: Sonora (board game: https://www.bluehighwaygames.com/sonora.html) - Shane: Radical Care Issue #1 (https://tr.ee/VdAMZ8pUZF) Holidays (8/27/2025): - Banana Lover’s Day - Just Because Day - Kiss Me Day - National Petroleum Day - National Pots de Creme Day - Slow Art Day - Tarzan Day - The Duchess Who Wasn’t Day - Tug of War Day - Willing to Lend a Hand Wednesday - World Rock Paper Scissors Day - Be Kind to Humankind Week - Brake Safety Week - Health Unit Coordinators Week - National Composites Week - National Safe at Home Week - Rabi ‘al Awwal - World Water Week Links and References:  - https://authorservices.wiley.com/Reviewers/journal-reviewers/what-is-peer-review/types-of-peer-review.html  - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11804526/ - https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.210681 - https://researchintegrityjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41073-020-00092-1 - https://publications.aap.org/hospitalpediatrics/article/12/11/e409/189689/Research-Methods-How-to-Perform-an-Effective-Peer?autologincheck=redirected - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4975196/ - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5999550/

📣 New Podcast! "The Importance of Peer Review" on @Spreaker #bias #dei #ethics #gatekeeping #peerreview #psychology #science #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: Victim vs. Warrior There is a proposal that there is a dichotomy in human activities (specifically the cognitive ones) that can be characterized as a "warrior" mentality or a "victim" mentality. Any dichotomy that attempts to clasffiy behavior this way is going to have substantial limitations. We suggest that this discinction can be helpful in some ways, but seems highly toxic in others.  Support us on Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://mwangijoyce82.medium.com/are-you-a-victim-or-warrior-your-mindset-is-the-only-arsenal-you-need-4c6852e38748 - https://thebipolarbattle.org/are-you-a-warrior-survivor-victim-fighter-or-something-different/ - https://medium.com/imagine-foundation/mindsets-warrior-mindset-vs-victim-mindset-imagine-special-edition-96c460544306  - https://www.proquest.com/openview/178c1e9f765fd3efb81f7145e8c0222f/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y 

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: Victim vs. Warrior" on @Spreaker #dei #psychology #science #skepticism #toxicmasculinity #victimmentality #victimvswarrior #warrior #warriormentality #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

The Psychology of Pain Pain can be conceptualized physiologically, neurologically, and behaviorally. We review the physiological and neurological components of pain, and then spend considerable time considering the behavioral aspects of pain. It's a subject that seems straight forward on the surface, but has a surprising amount of complexity, nuance, and disagreement. It might seem nice to not be able to feel pain, but this is actually very dangerous. Also, so plants feel pain? Recommendations - Abraham:  Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie (https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-movies/mr-monks-last-case-a-monk-movie) - Shane: Let This Radicalize You: Organizing and the Revolution of Reciprocal Care by Kelly Hays and Mariame Kaba (https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/1922-let-this-radicalize-you) Holidays (8/20/2025): - International Day of Medical Transporters - Lemonade Day - National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day - National Medical Dosimetrist Day - National Radio Day - Virtual Worlds Day - World Mosquito Day - Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - Minority Enterprise Development Week - National Aviation Week Links and References:  - https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/pain5.htm - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3690315/ - American Pain Society. "Pain: Current Understanding of Assessment, Management, and Treatments."http://www.ampainsoc.org/ce/enduring.htm - Besson, JM. "The Neurobiology of Pain." Lancet 353: 1610-1615, 1999.http://www.ub.uio.no/umn/farm/pbl/artikler/Neurobiology%20of%20pain.pdf - Fine P, Portenoy RK. "Opioid Analgesia." McGraw Hill, 2004 - Hamilton, PS. "Michigan: Pain and Symptom Management."http://www.criticalcareceu.com/courses/151/index_ccare.html - Hudspith, MJ et al. "Physiology of Pain."http://intl.elsevierhealth.com/e-books/pdf/1198.pdf - Jackson, M. "Pain and Its Mysteries." Adapted from "Pain the Fifth Vital Sign," 2002.http://fleen.psych.udel.edu/articles/AEP04.3.12.PDF - Koman, K. "The Science of Hurt." Harvard Magazine, Nov.-Dec. 2005.http://www.harvardmagazine.com/on-line/110523.html - Krames, E. "The Neurobiology of Pain."http://pacpain.com/docs/PPTC_Neurobiology-painforweb.pdf - Massage & Bodywork Magazine. "Making Sense of Back Pain Part One."http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/JuneJuly2006/backpain.html - Massage & Bodywork Magazine. "Making Sense of Back Pain Part Two."http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/AugSep2006/backpain.html - Massage & Bodywork Magazine. "The Pain Game Part One."http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/JuneJuly2006/paingame.html - Massage & Bodywork Magazine. "The Pain Game Part Two."http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/AugSep2006/paingame.html - McMahon, S and D Bennett. "Pain Mechanisms, Nature Reviews Neuroscience" poster.http://www.nature.com/nrn/posters/pain/nrn_pain_poster.pdf - Nat. Acad. Sciences Colloquium. "The Neurobiology of Pain." National Academies Press, 1999.http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309065488 - NCI: Pain Control. "A Guide for People with Cancer and Their Families."http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/paincontrol/page1 - "Neuroscience for Kids: Pain"http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/pain.html - NIDCR/NIH, Converging Pathways of Pain Research at NIDCR.http://history.nih.gov/exhibits/pain/index.html - Pace, MC et al. "Neurobiology of Pain." J Cell Physiol 209: 8-12, 2006.http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/112641486/PDFSTART - Payne, R. "Cancer Pain: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology."Cancer 63: 2266-2274, 1989.http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/112673169/PDFSTART - Purves, D et al, "Neuroscience Chapter 10: Pain."http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=neurosci.chapter.675#top - Society for Neuroscience. http://www.sfn.org/ - Brain Facts. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainFacts - Nociceptors and Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_nociceptors - Gender and Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_Gender_and_Pain - Neuropathic Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_neuropathic - Killing Cells to Kill Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_killing - CellsToKillPain Cannabinoids and Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm? - New Targets for Pain Relief. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_painRelief - Spine-health.com. "Modern Theories of Chronic Pain."http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/pain/chronic_pain_theories/chronic_pain_theory01.html - StopPain.org. "Introduction to Chronic Pain."http://www.healingchronicpain.org/content/introduction/default.asp - Zichtermann, A. "Opioid Pharmacology and Considerations in Pain Management." US Pharmacisthttp://www.uspharmacist.com/index.asp?page=ce/105473/default.htm

📣 New Podcast! "The Psychology of Pain" on @Spreaker #biology #centralnervoussystem #chronicpain #dei #neurology #pain #painresearch #psychology #science #skepticism #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: Magic Eye Autostereograms, better known as "Magic Eye" puzzles, are a unique 2D art in which repeated images create a 3D image, but you have to focus your eyes in just the right way to see it. We explain the history of this illusion, how it works, and how to see it. Futher, we explain why you see it as either 3D or inverted. Do you see the illusion?  Get ad-free episodes and help us continue doing our thing: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/puzzles/eye-puzzles.htm?s1sid=4smf3pkhna4lnqzen1jh9sb0&srch_tag=dp5hyoro5ijjte5xvqeo4asj5xls3paw  - https://www.clarkeeye.com/the-science-behind-magic-eye-illusions#:~:text=A%20Magic%20Eye%20image%20starts,brain%20perceives%20the%20hidden%20picture.* 

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: Magic Eye" on @Spreaker #3dimage #autostereogram #dei #illusions #magiceye #neurology #psychology #science #stereogram #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Punk Rock Legacy Large musical movements are large cultural movements. Rap, rock, country, and other genres often galvanized or reflected social changes and values. Punk rock is a particularly iconoclast movement with an interesting history. We discuss the history of punk music as a genre of music and to an extent as a category of social behaviors. Even if you don't necessarily like punk, you may enjoy music that inspired it or was inspired by it. Let us know your favorite punk music and stories. Rock the casbah. Recommendations - Abraham: “The Frugal Wizards Handbook For Surviving Medieval England” by Brandon Sanderson (https://www.dragonsteelbooks.com/products/the-frugal-wizards-premium-hardcover) - Shane: Sigur Ros - Takk…(https://open.spotify.com/album/12tw1A9HmwE3MHvPfHhdoP?si=F5nKhJhCSCuv3Jd19jPtag) Holidays (8/13/2025): - International Lefthander’s Day - National Prosecco Day - World Calligraphy Day - Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week - National Chef’s Appreciation Week - National Resurrect Romance Week - National Scrabble Week - National Smile Week - Safe + Sound Week Links and References:  - https://www.soundoflife.com/blogs/mixtape/history-punk-music - https://timeline.carnegiehall.org/genres/punk-alt-rock - https://www.britannica.com/art/punk - https://www.rareformaudio.com/blog/birth-of-punk-rock - https://www.masterclass.com/articles/punk-rock-music-guide - https://dspace.cuni.cz/handle/20.500.11956/43078 - https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/phc3.12145  - https://blogs.bl.uk/english-and-drama/2016/08/from-shakespeare-to-rock-music-the-history-of-the-word-punk.html  - https://www.joeflipmusic.com/blog/blues-rock-and-roll-and-its-musical-evolution  - Shane's brain

📣 New Podcast! "Punk Rock Legacy" on @Spreaker #dei #history #iconoclast #music #musichistory #nofx #poppunk #psychology #punk #punkrock #rebellion #rock #rockmusic #science #ska #skepticism #theclash #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: What is a Repertoire? We often talk about what students can do by referring to their repertoire. But what does it mean to refer to their repertoire? A lot of philosohpy in one little mini episode! Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York, NY: The Free Press.  - Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. Cambridge, MA: Prentice Hall. - Skinner, B. F. (1974). About Behaviorism. New York, NY: Vintage Press. - Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson.

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: What is a Repertoire?" on @Spreaker #aba #behavioranalysis #beheviorism #philosophy #psychology #science #skepticism #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Nostalgia: Board Games Has it been so long? Abraham discusses his favorite discussion topic: Board games! Also ,there's been new research since that that further supports that board games are beneficial for cognitive and brain health. Prepare for fun, fun, fun, FUN.  Recommendations - Abraham: Fantastic Four: First Steps (https://movies.disney.com/the-fantastic-four-first-steps)  - Shane: Happy Gilmore 2 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31868189/) Holidays (8/6/2025): - Balloons to Heaven Day - Corporate Baby Name Day - Farmworker Appreciation Day - Hiroshima Day - National Fresh Breath Day - National Gossip Day - National Psychiatric Technician Appreciation Day - National Root Beer Float Day - Wiggle Your Toes Day - Exercise with your Child Week - Gallop International Tribal Indian Powwow - International Assistance Dog Week - International Clown Week - International Lace Week - Weird Contest Week - National Dog Month - National Hair Loss Awareness Month - National Brownies at Brunch Month - Black Business Month - National Immunization Awareness Month Links and References:  - https://bransonboardgamecafe.com/the-science-of-why-we-love-board-games/ - https://medium.com/@cook.benjamin/the-psychology-of-board-games-why-we-love-to-play-a2ca695069e1 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969698921000722 - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-full-picture/202412/word-puzzles-and-board-games-boost-brain-health 

📣 New Podcast! "Nostalgia: Board Games" on @Spreaker #boardgames #cardgames #dei #dicegames #fun #learning #playforyourbrain #psychology #science #skepticism #tabletopgames #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: Restless Leg Syndrome Do you ever feel an nearly uncontrollable urge to move your legs? If you do, you probably still don't have RLS, but it may be worth getting tested for a diagnosis. Please don't self-diagnose just because we talked about it. Restless Leg Syndome is mostly what it sounds like: A powerful urge to move your legs or get up and move around. Rather than just sitting for too long, this usually has a specific etiology and some specific treatments and tends to affect people's sleep. We'll explain the psychology involved here as well. Get these episodes ad-free and join our cool community: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377168 - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9497-restless-legs-syndrome - https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377174 - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/restless-legs-syndrome-rls

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: Restless Leg Syndrome" on @Spreaker #biology #dei #psychology #restlesslegsyndrome #rls #science #sleep #urgetomove #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

The Paraphilia Episode SEX! Now that we have your attention, this episode reviews some of the paraphilias that exist. More importantly, we try to understand with a compassionate and critical lens. Some paraphilias are simply different than what might be considered "normal" sexual behavior, but in which no one is hurt, or exploited, and everything is consensual. However, there are paraphilias that include lack of consent, expoitation, or harm. There is no black and white way to classify this, so we need nuance and critical thinking.  Recommendations - Abraham: Jurassic World: Rebirth (https://www.jurassicworld.com/) - Shane: BK Adventure Tours (https://www.bkadventure.com/) Holidays (7/30/2025): - Father In Law Day - Health Care Now! Medicare’s Birthday - International Day of Friendship - National Cheesecake Day - National Chicken and Waffles Day - National Support Public Education Day - National Whistleblowers Appreciation Day - Paperback Book Day - Share a Hug Day - World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - World Snorkeling Day - Hepatitis Awareness Week - International Listening Association Week Links and References - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554425/2. - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/paraphilias3. - https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/paraphilias-and-paraphilic-disorders/overview-of-paraphilias-and-paraphilic-disorders4 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S10564993183055225 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S00472352220010156 - https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/291419-overview7 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26941021/8 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S17436095153353239. - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-024-00835-410 - https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Prevalence-of-Experience-at-Least-Once-in-Lifetime-With-Paraphilic-Behaviors-Among_tbl1_28936825411. - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1079063223119931812 - https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/paraphilias-and-paraphilic-disorders/overview-of-paraphilias-and-paraphilic-disorders13. - https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/introduction-to-sexual-disorders

📣 New Podcast! "The Paraphilia Episode" on @Spreaker #consent #dei #fetish #lgbtq #paraphilia #psychology #science #sex #sexualbehavior #skepticism #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

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Mini: What is "Learning?" You would think we would want a full length for this topic. Maybe we still will do one! But for now, we figured we can at least help clear up some misunderstandings or lack of understanding that some may have.  Get ad free and bonus content: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://youtu.be/-iDfJkJdg3E?si=BsqX0HOArlzKJiwX - Donahoe, J. W., & Palmer, D. C. (2004). Learning and Complex Behavior. Ledgetop Publishing: Richmond, MA. - Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. The Free Press: New York, NY. - Kantor, J. R., & Smith, N. W. (1975). The Science of Psychology: An Interbehavioral Survey. Principia Press: Chicago, IL.

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: What is "Learning?"" on @Spreaker #behavioranalysis #behaviorism #education #learning #pedagogy #psychology #science #skepticism #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwd #wwdwwdpodcast

Jonestown pt. 2 This second part completes the story of the tragedy of the murders at Jonestown. In addition, we expand on this conversation by unpacking the mentality of the participants, and dig a little bit into how charismatic leaders can develop a following that seems baffling from the outside. It is an analysis on where we were as a country, and as a species, as well as where we are now and where we are going.  Recommendations: - Abraham: Superman (2025); https://www.superman.com/ - Shane: Jimmy Eat World Live (https://www.jimmyeatworld.com/) Holidays (7/23/2025): - Gorgeous Grandma Day - Hot Enough For ya Day - Mosquito Day - National Vanilla Ice Cream Day - Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day - Sprinkle Day - World Sjorgren’s Day - Yada, Yada, Yada Day - Hemingway Look Alike Days - National Independent Retailers Day - National Moth Week - National Parenting Gifted Children Week - National Triathlon Week - National Zoo Keeper Week - Restless Leg Syndrome Education and Awareness Week Links and References:  - https://adst.org/2012/11/the-jonestown-massacre/ - https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/november-18/mass-suicide-at-jonestown - https://www.annemergmed.com/article/S0196-0644(11)01340-0/fulltext - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/17/an-apocalyptic-cult-900-dead-remembering-the-jonestown-massacre-40-years-on - https://www.britannica.com/event/Jonestown - https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/yorklr2&div=6&id=&page= - https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjso.12772 - https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/jonestown.htm?s1sid=a48k3z9p1i7wvnlvcw1lrfbq&srch_tag=ben5nf7at4ksnp6j5hq3de3buxzfctat 

📣 New Podcast! "Jonestown pt. 2" on @Spreaker #cultbehavior #cults #faith #history #jonestown #massmurder #psychology #religion #science #skepticism #truecrime #truemurder #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: Backseat Driving We all hate it. Yet, some of us do it. We talk about why people do it, how recipients perceive it, and how passenger commentary/critique/analysis affects driving behavior and safety. Join our member club for ad-free content and other bonus content: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201005/field-guide-the-backseat-driver-pedal-the-meddle - https://www.foxnews.com/auto/20-reasons-why-you-may-be-a-backseat-driver - https://www.margietherapy.com/backseat-driver-plagued-one/#:~:text=Your%20brain%2C%20if%20it%20works,would%20a%20driver%20perceive%20criticism? - https://observer.case.edu/faccenda-put-the-brakes-on-backseat-driving/  - https://www.kars4kids.org/hub/backseat-drivers-the-dangerous-karens-who-risk-our-lives/ 

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Jonestown pt. 1 One of the largest mass murders of American citizens in history took place in 1978 in Guyana at the hands of cult leader, Jim Jones. This discussion delves into the circumstances that gave rise to Jones' power and influence of hundreds of people that lead to a tragic mass death of hundreds of people young and old. This first episode chronicles Jones' life as he rose to prominence and eventually moved his congregation to South America. The next episode will unravel the tragedy that took place in 1978, as well as an discussion about how this cult was so influential, whether this could happen again, and what we can do about it.  Recommendations - Abraham: Saosin by Saosin (https://open.spotify.com/album/2osTPStH5H7i4fMHS7eauR)  - Shane: The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57693406-the-kaiju-preservation-society) Holidays (7/16/2025): - Guinea Pig Appreciation Day - Hot Dog Night - National Corn Fritters Day - National Fresh Spinach Day - National Personal Chef’s Day - Take Your Poet to Work Day - World Snake Day - Captive Nations Week - Coral Reef Awareness Week - Every Body Deserves a Massage Week - National Baby Food Week - National Ventriloquism Week - Operation Safe Driver Week - Rabbit Week - Sports Cliche Week Links and References:  - https://adst.org/2012/11/the-jonestown-massacre/ - https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/november-18/mass-suicide-at-jonestown - https://www.annemergmed.com/article/S0196-0644(11)01340-0/fulltext - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/17/an-apocalyptic-cult-900-dead-remembering-the-jonestown-massacre-40-years-on - https://www.britannica.com/event/Jonestown - https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/yorklr2&div=6&id=&page= - https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjso.12772 - https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/jonestown.htm?s1sid=a48k3z9p1i7wvnlvcw1lrfbq&srch_tag=ben5nf7at4ksnp6j5hq3de3buxzfctat 

📣 New Podcast! "Jonestown pt. 1" on @Spreaker #cults #extremism #guyana #history #jonestown #jonestownmassacre #massmurder #peoplestemple #psychology #religion #rhetoric #science #skepticism #socialpsychology #truemurder #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast

Mini: Nail Biting Do you bite your fingernails or know someone who does? Why do we do this weird, self-destructive thing? What can we do to stop it? We quickly explore the conditions under which we bite our fingernails and some strategies for reducing the frequency of this habit. Tell us your experiences with nail biting (info@wwdwwdpodcast.com; ‪@wwdwwdpodcast.bsky.social‬) Join our supporter's club: patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links:  - https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Psychology-Behind-Nail-Biting.aspx - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/nail-biting-when-does-it-go-too-far - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3004689/

📣 New Podcast! "Mini: Nail Biting" on @Spreaker #fingernails #habitreversal #manicures #nailbiting #psychology #science #skepticism #whywedowhatwedo #wwdwwdpodcast