Why We Do What We Do

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.

Episodes

Nostalgia: Mithridatism

March 18, 2026 • 57 mins
This is another nostalgia, re-release of a previous episide with a brief update at the end. This is a discussion of the idea to ingest poison to build a tolerance to it? Is the poisonous juice worth the proverbial squeeze? No, probably not. You might just be slowly causing permanent damage to your insides. Enjoy!

Recommendation
Abraham: Avatar: Way of Water (https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-e6ef640e-787e-4477-aba4-9e05925ebac...
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Mini: Computer Music

March 16, 2026 • 21 mins
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)

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Links and References: 
  1. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/ai...
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Nostalgia: 10 Ways to Ruin Your Sleep

March 11, 2026 • 65 mins
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)

Recommendations
  • Abraham: Famous by Blake Crouch (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790216/famous-by-blake-crouch/)  
  • Shane: Bugonia ( https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12300742/)

Holidays (1...
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Mini: Top 100

March 9, 2026 • 17 mins
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/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 
  1. https://lionel-kesztenbaum.site.ined.fr/en/everything_about_population/demographic-facts-sheets/f...
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Inside Out 2: A Commentary

March 4, 2026 • 74 mins
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 wha...
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Mini: LARP

March 2, 2026 • 16 mins
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/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 
  1. htt...
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Inside Out: A Commentary

February 25, 2026 • 65 mins
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.

Recommendations
  • Abraham: Greatfull Gardens (https://www.greatfu...
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Mini: Rock, Paper, Scissors

February 23, 2026 • 17 mins
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/wwdwwpodcast

Links and References: 
  1. https://www.annarahmanan.com/the-history-of-rock-paper-...
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N-Rays

February 18, 2026 • 50 mins
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, s...
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Mini: Red Light Therapy

February 16, 2026 • 16 mins
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/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 
  1. https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/red-flags-for-red-light-therapy/
  2. https://med.stanford.edu/news/i...
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Guess Who..?

February 11, 2026 • 58 mins
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. 

Recommendations
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Mini: The Cat's Meow

February 9, 2026 • 13 mins
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.com

Links and References: 
  1. https://www....
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Nostalgia: How to Protest Safely

February 4, 2026 • 91 mins
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 you...
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Mini: The Sweetness

February 2, 2026 • 14 mins
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.com

Links and References: 
  1. https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2007/05/how-do-they-measure-the-sweetness-o...
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Burning Man pt. 2

January 28, 2026 • 68 mins
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/wwd...
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    Mini: Teeth Grinding

    January 26, 2026 • 12 mins
    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/wwdwwdpodcast

    Links and References: 
    1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/sym...
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    Burning Man pt. 1

    January 21, 2026 • 52 mins
    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.

    ...
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    Mini: Hard Conversations

    January 19, 2026 • 19 mins
    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 Patreon

    Link: 
    1. https://claesjonasson.medium.com/why-we-need-to-talk-more-about-politics-and-religion-not-less-6a4e96331959


    Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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    Abstinence Only Education

    January 14, 2026 • 52 mins
    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 phil...
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    Mini: Mind Reading

    January 12, 2026 • 15 mins
    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/wwdwwdpo...
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