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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

21:16

Mini: Computer Music

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/03/16

AI music is not only here to stay, it is rapidly gaining in mainstream popularity. We briefly discuss the history of computer music, the changes it has made to music and where we think the future of music is headed in the AI zeigeist. Stay for the AI song tribute at the end of the episode (this song is the AI generated content flagged for this episode)support us on PatreonLinks and

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65:36

Nostalgia: 10 Ways to Ruin Your Sleep

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/03/11

This is a re-run (nostalgia) of our fun-spirited discussion about how to ruin your sleep. We play the entire episode, plus some added research from the last five years. Have you taken on the challenge to never sleep again? (Please don't)RecommendationsAbraham: Famous by Blake Crouch (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790216/famous-by-blake-crouch/) Shane: Bugonia ( https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12300742/)Holidays (11 March 2026):311 DayDebunking DayDream DayJohnny Appleseed DayNational

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17:03

Mini: Top 100

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/03/09

This is our 100th mini! So, we spend the mini talking about the number 100! Things that humans, make, some facts about non-human animals... and human animals. A random smorgasbord of things about 100. Enjoy!Become our 100th patron by signing up 99 friends and then joining yourself. www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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74:09

Inside Out 2: A Commentary

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/03/04

Why We Do What We Do goes back to the movies! Last week, we reviewed Disney + Pixar's Inside Out, so we are taking on the sequel. In many ways, this film exceeds its predacessor in the way it portrays psychological functions, and in some ways it detracts. Either way, it is a fantastic film. We once again critique some of the portrayals of psychological processes and also praise the beautifully constructed metaphors. Let us know what you thought about the movies or our reactions to the

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16:19

Mini: LARP

Why We Do What We Do ·

2026/03/02

Humans love to play. Some of us are willing to be more immersed in that play than others. Those who live for the immersion will often dress up for their character and stage elaborate scenarios with other players. They call this Live Action Role Playing, or LARPing. We discuss a brief history, what it is, and why people do it. Tell us your LARP stories!Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and

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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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