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
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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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
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Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
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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
Recommendations
- Abraham: 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...
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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
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Get ad free episodes and support the show: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast.com
Links and References:
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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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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.
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Get ad-free episodes at patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast.com
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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...
Join our supporters club:
www.patreon.com/wwd...
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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.
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Join our cool-kids club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
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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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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.
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Link:
Become a supporter of this podcast:...
Join our Patreon
Link:
- 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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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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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...
Get ad-free episodes and bonus content: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpo...
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January 7, 2026 • 52 mins
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.
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Abraham: Wake Up Dead Man (https://www.netflix.com/title/81458424)
- Shane: Fulltone OCD O...
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January 5, 2026 • 13 mins
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/wwdwwdpodcast
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Join our ad-free club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
Links and References:
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December 31, 2025 • 50 mins
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 Do
Recommendations
Happy New Year!
~ Why We Do What We Do
Recommendations
- Abraham: The Conjuring: Last Rites (https://www.hbomax.com/movies/conjuring-last-rites/...
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December 29, 2025 • 14 mins
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/wwdwwdpodcast
Links and References:
Support us on Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
Links and References:
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December 24, 2025 • 56 mins
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.
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Abraham: Fan-designed bird ...
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December 22, 2025 • 13 mins
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?
Ge...
Ge...
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December 17, 2025 • 47 mins
Conditions that differ from "normal," sometimes called disability, don't preclude people with those conditions from being able to do regular vocational activities, and may even give them an advantage. Many employers have found financial and cultural benefits to hiring people with disabilities, people with disabilities have demonstrated their ability to thrive an be unique and meaningful contributions, and some activities are perfor...
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December 15, 2025 • 11 mins
Because this was selected the "word of the year," we decided we may as well discuss it. If you've been lucky enough to miss this trend, sorry to end your lucky streak. If you've been hearing this and don't understand what it means, we'll explain the history and what it means (spoiler, you're not missing anything). If you are a big fan of the "six seveeeen" craze, then maybe there's something here for you to learn as well. We hope y...
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