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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.

science social sciences

All Episodes

65:08

Inside Out: A Commentary

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/02/25

Why We Do What We Do goes to the movies! A couple of movies have directly taken on representing the inner world of our behavior, and we finally decided that we'd weigh in on these movies. So, we summarize the film and describe what they get wrong and what they get right. Join us in a fun trip to the movies. Let us know what you think about our commentary on the film.RecommendationsAbraham: Greatfull Gardens (https://www.greatfullgardens.com/)Shane: JD Salinger - Nine Stories

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17:03

Mini: Rock, Paper, Scissors

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/02/23

Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot! This 5-second two-player game to settle disputes began in ancient China and quickly spread throughout the world. Some research has also attempted to use game theory to understand decisions in this game and were surprised by the results, but we weren't! You'll see why. Join our supporters' club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwpodcastLinks and

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50:10

N-Rays

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/02/18

Not to be confused with Neutron Imaging, which is also sometimes called N Rays, N-Rays were a scientific discovery at the turn of the 1900s that promised a bright future for humanity... except that that didn't really exist. In the flurry of ground-breaking discoveries around radiation, N-Rays emerged as the elusive new-kid-on-the-block that could only be seen out of the corner of your eye in an extremely dark room. Red flag. But, science quickly correct course as science does and this phenomeon died

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16:58

Mini: Red Light Therapy

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/02/16

Shining red lights on our bodies is all the rage in the "wellness" space. Red lights are purported to do a hole host of incredible things, which raised our skeptical hackles. We discuss what red lights are, what they do, and where we think this trend is going. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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58:47

Guess Who..?

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/02/11

In a departure from our standard episode format, Abraham will profile three people and see if Shane can guess who they are. You can play along! Send us in your guesses by emailing us or post them to us on social media. RecommendationsAbraham: The Naked Gun (2025) https://www.paramountplus.com/movies/video/61gdvpY7mURqcXbL67yYKiiQzEuRQZwW/ Shane: Pet Semetary by Stephen King (https://stephenking.com/works/novel/pet-sematary.html)Holidays (2/11/2026):Be Electrific DayDaytona Pole DayDon’t Cry Over

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13:07

Mini: The Cat's Meow

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/02/09

Do cat's only meow at humans? What does their meowing mean? We once again spend a mini reviewing the interesting feline behavior of meowing. Yes, they mostly only meow at humans. No, humans aren't great an interpreting their meows. But, we'll explain in more detail in the episode. Are you good at understanding your cat?Get ad free episodes and support the show: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast.comLinks and

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91:42

Nostalgia: How to Protest Safely

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/02/04

Once again, we find ourselves in distressing and troubled times. Those of us inspired to action have taken to the streets in peaceful demonstrations and protests around the country. When we do this, we undertake a certain amount of risk. So, we have put together a list of strategies to keep in mind to protest safely in a episode originally published in 2020. In this nostalgia release, we add new information about how to protect yourself legally with ICE detaining and murdering American civilians and

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14:42

Mini: The Sweetness

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/02/02

What does it mean to say something is sweeter than something else? What does 200 times sweeter even taste like? We explain the method scientists use to measure the sweetness of something and thereby make comparisons about how sweet things are. Check it out, it's pretty sweet. Get ad-free episodes at patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast.comLinks and

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68:06

Burning Man pt. 2

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/01/28

In part 2, we continue through the history of the Burning Man event. Then, we get into what to expect what how to prepare if you plan to attend Burning Man. Finally, we conclude with some criticisms and arguments people have made against Burning Man either in general or with respect to its most recent iteration. Would you ever go to Burning Man? Have you ever been? Tell us what you think!Join our supporters club:www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastRecommendations (Part 2)Abraham: Lure

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12:02

Mini: Teeth Grinding

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/01/26

One of the most spine-tingling, misophonia-inducing sounds (for some) is the sound of teeth grinding together. Bruxism, teeth-grinding, is a habit that can occur wihle asleep or awake and can have potentially serious side-effects. We will discuss who does it and why and what you can do about it. Join our cool-kids club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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52:51

Burning Man pt. 1

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/01/21

There is a unique annual art event that is hours from civilization in the blistering hot sun that culminates the incineration of humungous humanoid effigy. This four-decade long tradition is a celebration of art, creativity, individuality, community, and self-expression. But, it is not without it's flaw and foibles. We spend two episodes unpacking the history and contemporary features of this event and the criticisms leveled at it.Recommendations (Part 2)Abraham: Lure

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19:58

Mini: Hard Conversations

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/01/19

Many people avoid or even advocate against having conversations about confrontational topics. We disagree. We explain how it is important to have these dififcult discussion and that failure to do so is likely a contributing factor to the division we face today. Join our PatreonLink: https://claesjonasson.medium.com/why-we-need-to-talk-more-about-politics-and-religion-not-less-6a4e96331959Become a supporter of this podcast:

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52:36

Abstinence Only Education

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/01/14

Democratized education lead by trained professionals and experts has resulted in unprecidented growth in progress and improvements in quality of life. Sex is something humans do to maintain the species population. Put those two things together and you get sex education. Some, however, have argued for the idealistic view that all humans be monogamous and abstinent until marriage. We investigate the research and work through the philosophy to see how abstinence-only education works (it

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15:10

Mini: Mind Reading

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/01/12

Psychic, telepathic mind-reading is complete nonsense logistically, philosophically, practically... all of the "ally's." We will explain why in some detail. But, there is a version of something like mind reading that does exist that's more like intuitive, and astute observation that comes from experience and intimate knowledge. Come read our minds and we'll read yours.Get ad-free episodes and bonus content: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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52:36

My Cross to Bear

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/01/07

The idea of personal responsibility will seem like common sense to some. Scientifically, however, it is an interesting concept to understand. How does it arise? Why do some people seem to lack it? We do our best to unpack the environmental and behavioral variables that contribute to the development of personal responsibility.RecommendationsAbraham: Wake Up Dead Man (https://www.netflix.com/title/81458424) Shane: Fulltone OCD Overdrive guitar pedal

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13:46

Mini: Charcuterie Boards

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/01/05

We are taking a side journey into the delectable topic of charcuterie boards. We briefly describe what they are and then how to put one together. Do you have a great charcuterie board you've made? Let us know!Join our ad-free club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References:

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50:48

2025 Wrap-Up

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/12/31

Another year on the books. We reflect on what we discussed this year, our listener stats, and personal experiences with movies, books, and TV shows. It's our annual discussion about the year for a little peak behind the curtains. Check out Shane's playlist for 2025: Shane’s Spotify Playlist Happy New Year!~ Why We Do What We DoRecommendationsAbraham: The Conjuring: Last Rites (https://www.hbomax.com/movies/conjuring-last-rites/e62d3010-ffd6-45ef-b8e7-4eed314f375c)Shane: Shift by Hugh Howey

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14:03

Mini: Choral Responding

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/12/29

Choral or Unison responding is a classroom participation strategy in which all students answer together when given an opportunity to do so. This allows the teacher to ensure participation and identify students who may be struggilng. It also keeps students engaged and increases their retention of the material. We explain how it works. Support us on Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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56:11

Culture and Disability

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/12/24

Different cultures around the world have unique perspectives on disability. We survey several different cultural values and approaches to thinking about and talking about disability. Of course, culture is not ubiquitous throughout a given region, so these are broad generalizations. But, it is useful to think about different ways people think about this topic that affects so many of us. RecommendationsAbraham: Fan-designed bird promos for Wingspan

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13:03

Mini: Circular Breathing

Why We Do What We Do ·

2025/12/22

Have you ever heard of circular breathing? For musicians who play instruments that require blown air, circular breathing is a technique to produce continuous notes without being interrupted by breathing in. However, circular breathing isn't a very accurate name for it. We'll explain what it is, how to do it, and briefly touch on circular breathing as it relates to mindfulness and throat singing. Have you tried circular breathing?Get ad-free episodes and support the show:

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