The Doc Analyzes Anything

We’re talking human behavior, communication, war, politics, and why violence keeps showing up in human history even when it makes absolutely no sense. From how language shapes the way we think and react, to how power, reinforcement, and political incentives keep conflict alive, we try to unpack what’s really driving it all. This conversation bounces between psychology, history, and modern global conflict — not from a “here’s the an...

Happy Holidays! We talk all the holiday stuff—how different cultures see Santa, favorite Christmas movies, weird and fun traditions, festive foods, and even creepy myths like Krampus and how they influence behavior. We bounce around to Christmas traditions from all over the world, mixing in random personal stories and stuff we find interesting. It goes from why some people put spider ornaments on their trees, to the Icelandic Yule ...

Taylor joins for a battle royale! In this episode, we explore various aspects of human behavior focusing on gender roles and stereotypes in household dynamics, cooking, etc.The challenges women face in professional settings due to gender biases is also touched on, and Steve defends his love of the Air Force One sneaker (or tennis shoe, or shoe...).

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Human Behavior Analysis

03:00 Taylor Welcomed to the ...

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Sparks explores the complexities of addiction, discussing its definitions, the differences between physical and mental addiction, and the role of environment, culture and learning history in shaping addictive behaviors. We talk various forms of addiction, including substance abuse, gambling, and sex addiction, while also examining the impact of technology on modern addiction. The discussion highlig...

Summary

Dr. Sparks and the crew take an all-over-the-place dive into human behavior and perspective taking. We cover everything from why naming your cookies before eating them feels a bit sadistic, to how we all see colors a little differently, to the way our learning history shapes the way we look at the world. We also get into selective attention, brand loyalty, food preferences, and why some snacks just feel better than others. ...

Join us in this thrilling episode of TDAA as we dive into the world of daredevils! From the legendary Evel Knievel to modern-day thrill-seekers, we explore the psychology and motivations behind these adrenaline-fueled feats. Discover the stories of those who risk it all for fame, fortune, and the ultimate rush. Whether it's jumping over buses or walking tightropes, this episode is packed with daring tales and insightful analysis. D...

Keywords

motivation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, psychology, behavior, evolution, learning

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Sparks discusses the complexities of motivation, challenging the common belief that intrinsic motivation is superior to extrinsic motivation. He argues that intrinsic motivation is essentially an evolved form of extrinsic motivation, prompting a reevaluation of how we understand these concepts...

We dive into the origins and evolution of Halloween, exploring its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, the cultural practices associated with it, and how it has transformed into the modern celebration we know today. Black cats, the merging of pagan and Catholic traditions, and the commercialization of Halloween festivities: let's analyze it! Dr. Sparks gets into the cultural significance of Halloween, discussing its origins, t...

In this episode, Dr. Sparks Kyle and Brad dive into the complexities of anxiety, exploring its role as both a motivator and a challenge in our daily lives. From historical perspectives to modern-day implications, the discussion covers how anxiety can drive us to action or become a debilitating force

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-doc-analyzes-anything/id1818413411

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3a...

Keywords

psychology, human behavior, stimulus pairing, Pavlovian conditioning, addiction, sensory stimuli, environmental cues, unlearning behaviors

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Steve and friends explore the peculiar phenomenon of feeling the urge to use the restroom in specific public places.

Takeaways

• The urge to use the restroom in public places can be linked to psychological conditioning.
• Stimulus pairing can create strong...

Keywords

autism, Tylenol, human behavior, psychology,, reinforcement, sensory processing, genetics, environmental factors, vaccines

Takeaways

• The connection between Tylenol and autism is largely unfounded.
• Autism is defined by specific social and behavioral criteria.
• Social interaction deficits are a key aspect of autism.
• Reinforcement plays a crucial role in learning behaviors.
• Genetics may contribute to autism but are not ...

Keywords

social interactions, political violence, human history, fear, social media, positive reinforcement, media accountability, mental health, gun control, skepticism, empathy, negativity, technology

Takeaways

Navigating social interactions can be challenging in a digital age.

Political violence is on the rise and affects societal well-being.

Understanding human history helps contextualize current violence.

Fear influences deci...

In this episode, Dr. Steve, Kyle, and Chad hit the brakes on everyday chatter to dive into the science of traffic safety.

We unpack the research from Ron Van Houten at Western Michigan University, look at what the data really says about speeding and distracted driving campaigns, and even watch Kyle struggle (with love) to remember what his master’s thesis was about (spoiler: contingency management).

It’s equal parts research, real ...

Dr. Sparks joins Kyle and Chad to explore one of the most fascinating topics in human behavior: invention, ingenuity, and genius. Are these forms of creativity the result of innate talent, or can they be explained through environmental contingencies, reinforcement histories, problem-solving under multiple control, and complex combinations of both physiological and operant conditions?

In this episode, we unpack how behavior analysis...

The Doc Analyzes Anything | The Chameleon (Frédéric Bourdin)

This week, the gang dives into the unbelievable story of Frédéric Bourdin—known as The Chameleon—who impersonated children and adults hundreds of times across the globe before finally getting caught. From his wild deceptions to the families, investigators, and systems he fooled along the way, this case is stranger than fiction. We break it down from a behavioral perspecti...

The gang discusses self-diagnosis; what it is, why it might be gaining popularity, and the pros and cons from both a behavioral standpoint and cultural perspective. They explore how self-identifying can impact access to resources, mental health awareness, and social support, while also considering potential pitfalls like misinformation or mislabeling. Join us for a nuanced conversation that looks beyond the buzzwords and dives into...