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PODCAST

Why We Do What We Do

We explain popular and weird, little-known ideas in psychology. Whether you are a little curious about psychology, or a student, or even a professional, we have something for everyone.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

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All Episodes

69:03

Nostalgia: Imposter Syndrome

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/03/12

We originally published this episode February 26, 2020. Today we revisit with some updated research. Listen in to brush up on your imposter syndrome knowledge with some fresh insights into what we have learned in the last five years. RecommendationsAbraham: Meati (https://www.meati.com/)Shane: Grave Conversations with Dave Dastmalchian (https://www.instagram.com/graveconversationsshow/?hl=en)Holidays (3/12/2025):Aztec New YearGirl Scouts DayNational Alfred Hitchcock DayNational Baked Scallops

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13:31

Mini: Amuse-Bouche

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/03/10

A mini episode seems like th perfect venue for this mini food. This is a very elite/priviliged way to think about food as it is supposed to relate to food themes and presentation styles. We'll talk a little about its history, what it is, and why we do it. Support us on Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/kitchen-language-what-is-amuse-bouche#:~:text=The%20Science%20Behind%20It,nuggets%20packed%20with%20umami%20goodness.Become a supporter

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58:01

The Paradox of Tolerance

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/03/05

The paradox of tolerance is a philosphical thought experiment inspired in part by a curiosity about what gave rise to Hitler. The inquiry extrapolates what happens when allowing in ideas includes allowing in ideas that demand shutting out ideas. More directly, when you tolerate intolerance, you end up with no tolerance, but you must be intolerant to allow tolerance... paradoxically. Be prepared to hear the word "toleranace." Despite being an argument from logic, it may offer some pragmatic future

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14:22

Mini: Variables That Influence Behavior

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/03/03

Do thoughts cause behavior? A common question about behavior is how we understand the variables of behavior to be external if we can observe our own internal behavior. That is, how do we umderstand the relation between thoughts and behavior? We explain a concept called the "locus of control" as it relates to unerstanding how behavior is shaped. Support us at patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLink and

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52:30

DEI

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/02/26

The current trend to discontinue and dismantle DEI motivated us to look into this suddently controversial issue. DEI will be another corpse on the pile of convenient corpses that were easy targets. But, what does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean? What are the impacts it has had? What will happen when it's gone? The implications are further reaching than you might think.RecommendationsAbraham: Put “DEI” into everythingShane: Captain America: Brave New World

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18:43

Mini: Musings and Prognostications 3: Goodbye Farms

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/02/24

Yet another check-in with the nightmare fuel that is the news. We consider the ramifications of cutting programs that prevent disease from spreading and keep many American businesses and farms afloat. Who needs weight-loss drugs when you can just not have food be available? Should we shorten the name of these to M&P? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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84:50

Nostalgia: Do Babies Recognize Good & Evil?

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/02/19

This classic episode revisits some old "research" attempting to assess the inherent morality of humans found in the gaze of babies looking at puppets. If that sounds silly, it's because it is. Updated research further debunks this claim, indicating that the original studies were either flawed or fraud. Check it out with us!RecommendationsAbraham: Stamp Swap (https://store.stonemaiergames.com/products/stamp-swap?srsltid=AfmBOooiSGaFABDded13WGAuRsBhIQfMioQhfLInfjolangZWXPwLlre) Shane: SexABA

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19:29

Frisson: Musical Shivers

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/02/17

Do you get goosebumps and shivers when you hear certain songs? There is a name for this experience: frisson. We discuss frisson and what psychological variables influence this experience. Support us on Patreon (www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast)Links and

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62:14

True-ish Crime: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/02/12

Not the BPA that is commonly advertised as being not in our water bottles (at least I don't think so...), bloodstain pattern analysis is an investigative tool for analyzing crime scenes. Made popular by the TV show, Dexter, BPA attempts to reverse engineer and recreate a crime scene so as to determine important clues. But in real crime scenes, the evidence is very messy, and analysis can become practically impossible. Real experts caution against certainty in using BPA. We will share our findings on

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17:40

Mini: High Dive Into a Tiny Pool

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/02/10

We plunge into the perilous yet enthralling world of stunt diving into shallow pools—a practice in which the stakes are as high as the platforms. From the daring exploits of Roy Fransen, who set records by jumping into pools merely 8 feet deep from heights of 110 feet, to Darren Taylor, who in 2014 soared from 37.9 feet into a pool just 12 inches deep, these stunt divers push the limits of human bravery and physical precision. Don't do this. It is extremely dangerous. Get ad-free episodes and

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59:12

Adrenaline Junkies

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/02/05

Think adrenaline junkies are just chasing the thrill? Think again. From BASE jumping to bull riding, the real high might not be what you think. Join us as we dive into the science of thrill-seeking, break down the myths about adrenaline addiction, and find out what’s really fueling our need for speed and intense stimulation. With extreme sports legends, wild experiments, and a dash of history, we'll explore the motives behind these restless folks 💥🏄‍♂️🎙️RecommendationsAbraham: Silo (season 2;

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18:40

Mini: Why Are Wedding Veils a Thing?

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/02/03

Ever stop to think about how strange it is that women wear fabric over their entire faces during wedding ceremonies? We did, and so we looked into the history of this very strange and very sexist tradition. It's not NOT about warding off evil spirits, in the pagan religions of the past... Get episodes early and ad free by joining our exclusive Patreon club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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66:15

Bullying

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/01/29

Bullies are all around us. What drives these proto-criminals to be the jerks that they are? It's complicated. A tragedy of errors the drives people to be the worst versions of themselves. Let us explain...RecommendationsAbraham: Agatha All Along (https://www.disneyplus.com/series/agatha-all-along/6Nf0RIVHbJnh?v=var1) Shane: Haxtec dice (https://haxtec.com/)Holidays (1/29/2025):Chinese New YearCurmudgeons DayFreethinkers DayKansas DayKorean New YearLunar New YearNational Carnation DayNational Corn

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12:24

Mini: Watching Zits Pop

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/01/27

Some of us have a nearly irresistable fascination with watching sores, boils, pustules, and zits be drained of their viscous contents. Some of us are repulsed by that very sentence. But for those who find enjoyment in that sort of thing, what is going on there? We do a quck dive into the mind of someone who loves popping zits or watching them pop.Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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62:23

Why We Love Competition

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/01/22

Why do we love to compete? From Olympic games to trivia nights, competition is everywhere—but what drives us to strive, push, and sometimes obsess over being the best? In this episode, we explore the origins of competition, its role in evolution and society, and why it’s both thrilling and necessary. Whether it's sports, art, or even board games, we unpack how competition connects us, challenges us, and shapes the world we live in.RecommendationsAbraham: Bonk (by Mary Roach;

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18:02

Mini: Stop Looking at Me, Swan!

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/01/20

Being stared at can be disconcerting the piont of sparking violent conflict. But why? Do other animals similarlty react to staring? We explore what it is about staring that can give rise to such intense reactions. Join our supporters club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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59:16

Stendhal Syndrome

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/01/15

What is Stendhal Syndrome? Also known as an “Art Attack,” this is a psychosomatic experience triggered by overwhelming encounters with art. Learn how stress, travel, and cognitive overload combine to create intense physical and emotional reactions in art lovers worldwide. From its origins in Florence to its curious scientific underpinnings, we explore the beauty—and mystery—of this unique phenomenon.RecommendationsAbraham: Ichika Nito - Metaphor

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17:14

Mini: How Science Names Things

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/01/13

Why is that every animals as a latin "sciency" name? How are these names created? This is the area of the esoterically named binomial nomenclature. These are some of the questions given to us that we attempt to answer. New full length episodes on Wednesdays. Support us on patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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54:17

Welcome to the Big Ivy League

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/01/08

The ivy league school club is enduringly exclusive. We trace the origins of the term "ivy league," the history of those schols, and the factors that perpetuate their olympian status in the eyes of the general public. Welcome to the big ivy leagues!RecommendationsAbraham: Squid Game (season 2) https://www.netflix.com/title/81040344Shane: Corporate Rock Sucks (https://www.jimruland.net/?page_id=2561) Holidays (1/8/2024):Argyle DayBubble Bath DayEarth’s Rotation DayInternational Typing DayMidwife’s

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20:04

Mini: Student to Teacher Ratio

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/01/06

Start with: What is the purpose of education? If the answer is to produce intelligent, competent individuals, that means we care about how effective education is. If we care about how effective it is, then we should consider variables we know impact effectiveness. One of those is classroom size. The smaller the ratio of students to teachers, the better the outcomes. We'll explain better in the episode. Support us on Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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203 results

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