Why We Do What We Do

Do you wake up after sleeping? Do you eat food when you are hungry? You might have ADHD! Not because of those things... those just mean you are human and alive. But, people are constantly posting about symptoms of ADHD that are not symptoms of ADHD. We'll break down a few examples. 

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Links: 
https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/adhd_toolkit/adhd19-assessment-table1.pdfhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889#:~:text=Attention%2Ddeficit%2Fhyperactivity%20disorder%2C,being%20hyperactive%20and%20bei...

How do we start talking about disabiliity? First, we need to understand how people thinking about and appraoch disability. This episode kicks off a suite of episodes in which we will be discussing various issues in disability and accessibility. The models of disability are the different ways people have approached and treated disability and people with disabilities. We have a favorite.

Recommendations
Abraham: Acacia Strain: You are Safe From God Here (https://youaresafefromgodhere.com/)Shane: Writing and recording your own music Holidays (11/5/2025)
American Football DayBank Transfer DayCommercial TV Broadcast DayFirewood DayGuy Fawkes D...

The "Thin Blue Line" has a probable origin in military history. It has been employed as a symbol of law enforcement, but commoly applied in contrast to other social causes. We discuss the history of the Thin Blue Line, the origin of the modern flag with a blue stripe interpretation of this idea, criticisms of the Thin Blue Line, and enumerate the controvertial uses of this iconography... all within the scope of a single mini! 

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Links and References: 
https://www.police1.com/police-history/ar...

Our final Halloween episode tackles a grizzly topic: Ritual Sacrifices. We explore some of the practices and reasons for sacfrifice throughout history. Note that there are somewhat graphic descriptions of some violent acts toward humans and animals. If you're going to sacrifice something, make it an inanimate effigy or other symbolic object. Happy Halloween 2025!

Recommendations
Abraham: Novocaine: https://www.paramountmovies.com/movies/novocaineShane: Nine Inch Nails - Tron:Ares OST (https://open.spotify.com/album/47pjW3XDPW99NShtkeewxl?si=4fV1oxzNTaaCMyDasdFkWw)Holidays (10/29/2025):
International Internet DayHappy Early HalloweenNational Cat DayNational Hermit DayNational Oatmeal...

There is a mysterious castle in Czechia with defensive structures pointed inward toward the caste. There are also stories of a hole in the ground of unknown depth with horror stories about attempts to explore it. We'll discuss the truth of Houska Castle. 

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Source: 
https://www.discoveryuk.com/mysteries/the-real-truth-behind-houska-castle/

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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Wearing a mask changes the way our social word interacts with us. This might mean access to rewards that we might not otherwise try to access, but the anonymity of a mask means doing so may be less likely to be met with punishment. Furthermore, our social environment affects our behavior. So, to answer the title: Yes kind of, but maybe not in the way you might think. Do you notice a difference in your behavior when you wear a mask? Let us know!

Recommendations
Abraham: Is it Cake: Halloween (https://www.netflix.com/title/81927149...

Creepy pasta is/was a democratized way ot telling scary stories that are just on the edge of believability. They seem to have dissipated into various other formats over time. Yet, the brief story of creepy pastas is an interesting one and appropriate for the spooky season. What's your favorite creepy pasta?

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Links and References: 
https://www.creepypasta.com/https://medium.com/@lukewhenderson/what-makes-a-creepypasta-4e5ac00897bf 

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One of the most iconic and well-established horror stories in the world, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a masterpiece of literature. The talented director Guillermo del Toro will soon be releasing his vision of this story. So, in advance of his film, we discuss the author, how the story came to be, a brief synopsis of the plot, and some of the science behind the potential reality of such a thing. Tell us your favorite horror stories!

Recommendations
Abraham: Warbreaker (book by Brandon Sanderson; https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/warbreaker-introduction)Shane: The Long...

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. 

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Links and References: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/666.htmhttps://academic.oup.com/jts/article-abstract/69/1/309/4917823?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=falsehttps://www.britannica.com/topic/number-of-the-beasthttps://www.fu...

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-aa14-9edf3b...

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!

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Links and References: 
https://biblehub.com/q/what_does_'rest_in_peace'_(rip)_mean.htm#:~:text=Those%20contemplating%20life's%20meaning%20find,Conclusionhttps://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

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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 DayCD Player DayHomemade C...

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%20y...

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 DayNational Mofongo DayBanned Websites Awareness DayFestival of Late...

Kintsugi 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. 

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Links and References: 
https://mymodernmet.com/kintsugi-kintsukuroi/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zabQFbChhGM&t=18shttps://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%20wa...

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)  Duration: 01:16:17

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-faceshttps://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/computer-models-mimic-brain-s-ease-telling-faces-aparthttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/oct/10/how-many-faces-average-person-recognises-5000

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

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 DayInternational Creepy Boston Dynamics Robotic Horse DayInternational Makeup D...

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/9912414468002121https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/what-is-radiation/ionising-radiation

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.s...

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...

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=ktIgM1qN4Lohttps://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/can-dogs-understand-humans/https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/lifestyle/how-much-do-dogs-understand-humans/

Be...

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...

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. 

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Links and References: https://mwangijoyce82.medium.com/are-you-a-victim-or-warrior-your-mindset-is-the-only-arsenal-you-need-4c6852e38748https://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/178c1e9f765fd3...

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...

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? 

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Links and References: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/puzzles/eye-puzzles.htm?s1sid=4smf3pk...

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.

Shane's punk playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Sb9ZSv9cd9VYRa3bX1...

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.
Duration: 00:16:33

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 DayCorporate Baby Name DayFarmworker Appreciation DayHiroshima DayNational Fresh Breath DayNational Gossip DayNational Psychiatric Technician Appreciation DayNational Root Beer Float DayWiggle Your Toes DayExercise with your Child WeekGallop International Tribal In...

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.

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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 T...

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. 

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Links and References: 
What is Learning?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 Psyc...

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 G...

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.

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Links and References: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201005/field-guide-the-backseat-driver-pedal-the-meddlehttps://www.foxnews.com/auto/20-reasons-why-you-may-be-a-backseat-driverhttps://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/ 

Become a sup...

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...

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)

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Links: 
https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Psychology-Behind-Nail-Biting.aspxhttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/nail-biting-when-does-it-go-too-farhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3004689/



Becom...

Tipping is another oddly American tradition that we all pretty universally hate. Perhaps you did not know that the modern conception of tipping arose during reconstruction as a means to not have to pay black people for their labor. We explore the origins of this strange, uniquely American tradition, why it persists, and what is probably going to make this problem much, much worse. 

Recommendations
Abraham: Unconscious Mind (https://luckyduckgames.com/usa/?srsltid=AfmBOor3zWBbHAlhJyg2tsekDN2j6PpVGbsEfOw5nXwKAJYmT7PnPmJV)Shane: Hotline TNT - Raspberry Moon (https://open.spotify.com/album/3MVdeSmUl32TTzLy6dFFtZ?si=t...

Some people use this term incorretly, some don't know it at all. To help get everyone on the same page, we are going to review the history of research that first described this phenomenon. Then, we will give examples of what this might look like in real-life scenarios. 

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Links and References: Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis, 3rd Ed. Pearson.Seligman, M. E., & Maier, S. F. (1967). Failure to escape traumatic shock. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 74(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0024514Maie...

Special guests Jennifer Farris, Meg Solomon, and Dr. Mari Cerda join us to talk about their new book about developing a compassionate care model. They outline the critical elemtents of their discussion, and share personal stories to help illustrate their recommendations. At the end, they join us in giving their own recommendations for things that bring them joy. We could all use a little more joy. 

Find the Book Here:
https://www.amazon.com/Reframe-Framework-Developing-Compassionate-Instructional/dp/1300540478?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Recommendations:
Dr. Mari Cerda: Mindful moments outside; Shrinking (T...

Can you walk around being skeptical all day long? At what point do you need to let your guard down? We suggest that not only can you go about your day being skeptical, it is better if you do. We'll explain.

Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links: 
https://www.theskepticsguide.org/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

There is a unique type of brain trauma that destroys lives and cuts them short and we can't even tell that it has happened until after your death. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy occurs when there is repeated head trauma, even if it is mild. The result can manifest as forgetfulness, impulsivity, violence, and an early death. Mercifully, it is relatively preventable. Unfortunately, few people care to prevent it. Protect Your Brain!

Recommendations:
Abraham: Mickey 17 (https://www.max.com/movies/mickey-17/fbe17356-9db7-4ab3-928e-32978e0cfbc7) Shane: 1908 Bakery (https://bakery1908.com/)Holidays (6/25/2025): Duration: 01:00:45