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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

16:07

Mini: Author Book-Signings

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/04/07

A signed copy of a first edition book might fetch you a high price down the road. But why? How does a signature increase the resale value of a book when it doesn't even increase the MSRP of a book? Is it even worth it for authors to spend dozens or even hundreds of hours signing books? We talk about the effect of authors signatures on books and why it increases the value and desirability. Join our supporter group!www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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57:12

Unhoused pt. 2

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/04/02

Our second discussion regarding houselessness we finish our review of some of the myths of houselessness as well as some potential solutions. It is a complicated issue, but this means that it will require nuanced, and idiosyncratic solutions. Let's remember our humanity and compassion when considering the people who have the least, and use our best tool, science, to help us resolve the issue. Recommendations:Abraham: Finspan

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14:32

Mini: Fake News

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/03/31

Fake news is a triple threat for manipulating an audience. Boiled down, it is essentially a propaganda technique. We quickly expoore fake news, how it works, and the dangers it poses. Support us on Patreonwww.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://guides.lib.umich.edu/fakenewshttps://www.webwise.ie/teachers/what-is-fake-news/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

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65:56

Unhoused pt. 1

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/03/26

There are a lot of ideas, hypothesis, opinions, and judgements about the issue of houselessness (formerly known as homelessness, sorry RV dwellers). However, there is logic, understanding, and science in this space. We'll explore the turbulent world of the unhoused, what people get wrong, and in the next episode, what we can do about it. Check out the first part of this two-part series. RecommendationsAbraham: Heat: Pedal to the Metal (https://www.daysofwonder.com/game/heat/)Shane: The Boys (Comic

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16:41

Mini: Predictor of Future Behavior

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/03/24

Conventional wisdom is often wrong One maxim in particular asserts that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. Given that every opportunity to do anything is a learning opportunity, the implication of this saying is that no one ever learns anything. We'll tackle this saying, why people believe it, and what is really going on. Become a supporter on Patreon:

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63:49

Daylight Saving Time

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/03/19

We all just endured slogging through yet another ritual of the mysterious tradition of "daylight saving time." This unloved, uniquely bitartisan practice has been excused as energy savings or just fun. You might be surprised at how recent this actually is to be so firmly established throughout all of our society's systems and even across continents. Learn about where daylight saving time comes from and how it affects us psychologically. RecommendationsAbraham: What We Do In The Shadows

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14:04

Mini: Brain Freeze

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/03/17

Do you impulsively consume smoothies, slushies, or ice cream at a speed that gives you a cold headache? We do. We were wondering what is going on with sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia (brain freeze). We explain why this happens and what you can do about it. Go forth and eat cold stuff to your heart's content!Get ad-free content and bonus materials when you support us on patreon! www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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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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