Why We Do What We Do

A lot. Unless you have face blindness, you can remember a lot of faces. Is this all in the brian? We do our best to explain the research behind our ability to recognize a very large number of faces. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://www.science.org/content/article/average-person-can-recognize-5000-faceshttps://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/computer-models-mimic-brain-s-ease-telling-faces-aparthttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/oct/10/how-many-faces-average-person-recognises-5000Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Once again, we have an idea that has mostly been bogged down in the septic tank of pseudoscience. There seems to be some therapeutic benefit to chiropractic care, but there's so much crap spread on top that it's difficult to find. We dig into the aspects of this that are worth saving vs throwing out. RecommendationsAbraham: Drop (https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-movies/drop)Shane: Strange Pictures by Uketsu (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/strange-pictures-uketsu?variant=42921568141346)Holidays (9/10/2025):Blame it on the Large Hadron Collider DayInternational Creepy Boston Dynamics Robotic Horse DayInternational Makeup DayNational Hot Dog DaySew Be ItSwap Ideas DayTV Dinner DayWorld Suicide Prevention DayDirect Support Professional Recognition WeekInternational Air Ambulance WeekLine Dance WeekMalnutrition Awareness WeekMinimally Invasive Surgery WeekNational Assisted Living WeekNational Biscuit and Gravy WeekNational Suicide Prevention WeekNational Waffle WeekSobriety Checkpoint WeekSubstitute Teacher Appreciation WeekLinks and References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8915715/https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chiropractic-adjustment/about/pac-20393513https://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(07)00783-X/fulltexthttps://ascentchiropractic.com/the-crazy-unadulterated-history-of-chiropractic-spinal-manipulation/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/chiropractic-pediatrics-conference-features-anti-vaccination-ideology-as-usual/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8564978/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK91735/#:~:text=RESULTS%3A%20Twenty%20six%20fatalities%20were,have%20occurred%20after%20chiropractic%20manipulations.https://www.healthline.com/health/is-chiropractic-pseudosciencehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4326543/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

This is another exploration of bad idea history. At one point, humans got really into consuming and surrounding themselves with irradiated materials. This idea stands out because the origins can be traced back to a clear starting point and "logic." FYI: Don't consume or put yourself (or anyone else) near radium. We'll explain why.Become a member and support the show: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://search.library.wisc.edu/catalog/9912414468002121https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/what-is-radiation/ionising-radiationBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Fast fashion is a business model that emphasizes extremely high volume, cheap clothing designed to only last a short amount of time. This strategy produces an staggering amount of waste, consumes mllions of tons of raw materials, and contributes more to climate change than all internatinal flights and maritime vessels combined. However, it also employs millions of people, boosts the economy, and provides affordable clothing around the world. We examine the human behaviors invovled and the forces that drive this endeavor.RecommendationsAbraham: The Faculty (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133751/)Shane: Deftones - private music (https://open.spotify.com/album/1gmWnG5TeRj91Tdm2lpEvJ?si=O-TDMIOXTW-YwdA0xrYIlw)Holidays (9/3/2025):Global Talent Acquisition DayNational Skyscraper DayNational Welsh Rarebit DayPenny Press DayInternational Enthusiasm WeekNational Childhood Injury Prevention WeekNational Nutrition WeekNational Payroll WeekPlay DaysSelf-University WeekHispanic Heritage MonthNational Honey MonthNational Spinal Cord Injury Awareness MonthNational Suicide Prevention MonthLinks and References: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-fast-fashionhttps://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/ https://www.aup.edu/evolution-sustainable-fashion-timeline https://www.vogue.com/article/what-is-fast-fashion https://www.homebyames.com/en-us/ho/closetmaid/ https://www.thesustainablefashionforum.com/pages/the-psychology-of-fast-fashion-exploring-the-complex-emotions-fast-fashion-evokes-in-consumers Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

We have very special relationships with our pets. We usually try to talk to them. Do they understand what we are saying? Do they know their names? We quickly explore what it means for our pets to "understand" us or to "know" their names. There are some things we know about this and some things we don't. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIgM1qN4Lohttps://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/can-dogs-understand-humans/https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/lifestyle/how-much-do-dogs-understand-humans/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

One could argue there are two ways of aggregating knowledge: by guessing or by verifying information. The current system for verifying is by checking one another's work through peer review, a process by which experts first review the quality of the work submitted for publication and only allowing information through that is rigorous in its method or arguments. This is not without its flaws, however. Bias and blinding (or lack thereof) can prevent legitimate science from being disseminated or too eagerly publish bad science that is favorable to the reviewers. We explain the ins and outs of the peer review system and some ways it might improve. RecommendationsAbraham: Sonora (board game: https://www.bluehighwaygames.com/sonora.html)Shane: Radical Care Issue #1 (https://tr.ee/VdAMZ8pUZF)Holidays (8/27/2025):Banana Lover’s DayJust Because DayKiss Me DayNational Petroleum DayNational Pots de Creme DaySlow Art DayTarzan DayThe Duchess Who Wasn’t DayTug of War DayWilling to Lend a Hand WednesdayWorld Rock Paper Scissors DayBe Kind to Humankind WeekBrake Safety WeekHealth Unit Coordinators WeekNational Composites WeekNational Safe at Home WeekRabi ‘al AwwalWorld Water WeekLinks and References: https://authorservices.wiley.com/Reviewers/journal-reviewers/what-is-peer-review/types-of-peer-review.html  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11804526/ https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.210681https://researchintegrityjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41073-020-00092-1https://publications.aap.org/hospitalpediatrics/article/12/11/e409/189689/Research-Methods-How-to-Perform-an-Effective-Peer?autologincheck=redirected https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4975196/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5999550/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

There is a proposal that there is a dichotomy in human activities (specifically the cognitive ones) that can be characterized as a "warrior" mentality or a "victim" mentality. Any dichotomy that attempts to clasffiy behavior this way is going to have substantial limitations. We suggest that this discinction can be helpful in some ways, but seems highly toxic in others. Support us on Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://mwangijoyce82.medium.com/are-you-a-victim-or-warrior-your-mindset-is-the-only-arsenal-you-need-4c6852e38748https://thebipolarbattle.org/are-you-a-warrior-survivor-victim-fighter-or-something-different/https://medium.com/imagine-foundation/mindsets-warrior-mindset-vs-victim-mindset-imagine-special-edition-96c460544306 https://www.proquest.com/openview/178c1e9f765fd3efb81f7145e8c0222f/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Pain can be conceptualized physiologically, neurologically, and behaviorally. We review the physiological and neurological components of pain, and then spend considerable time considering the behavioral aspects of pain. It's a subject that seems straight forward on the surface, but has a surprising amount of complexity, nuance, and disagreement. It might seem nice to not be able to feel pain, but this is actually very dangerous. Also, so plants feel pain?RecommendationsAbraham:  Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie (https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-movies/mr-monks-last-case-a-monk-movie)Shane: Let This Radicalize You: Organizing and the Revolution of Reciprocal Care by Kelly Hays and Mariame Kaba (https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/1922-let-this-radicalize-you)Holidays (8/20/2025):International Day of Medical TransportersLemonade DayNational Chocolate Pecan Pie DayNational Medical Dosimetrist DayNational Radio DayVirtual Worlds DayWorld Mosquito DayDrive Sober or Get Pulled OverMinority Enterprise Development WeekNational Aviation WeekLinks and References: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/pain5.htmhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3690315/American Pain Society. "Pain: Current Understanding of Assessment, Management, and Treatments."http://www.ampainsoc.org/ce/enduring.htmBesson, JM. "The Neurobiology of Pain." Lancet 353: 1610-1615, 1999.http://www.ub.uio.no/umn/farm/pbl/artikler/Neurobiology%20of%20pain.pdfFine P, Portenoy RK. "Opioid Analgesia." McGraw Hill, 2004Hamilton, PS. "Michigan: Pain and Symptom Management."http://www.criticalcareceu.com/courses/151/index_ccare.htmlHudspith, MJ et al. "Physiology of Pain."http://intl.elsevierhealth.com/e-books/pdf/1198.pdfJackson, M. "Pain and Its Mysteries." Adapted from "Pain the Fifth Vital Sign," 2002.http://fleen.psych.udel.edu/articles/AEP04.3.12.PDFKoman, K. "The Science of Hurt." Harvard Magazine, Nov.-Dec. 2005.http://www.harvardmagazine.com/on-line/110523.htmlKrames, E. "The Neurobiology of Pain."http://pacpain.com/docs/PPTC_Neurobiology-painforweb.pdfMassage & Bodywork Magazine. "Making Sense of Back Pain Part One."http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/JuneJuly2006/backpain.htmlMassage & Bodywork Magazine. "Making Sense of Back Pain Part Two."http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/AugSep2006/backpain.htmlMassage & Bodywork Magazine. "The Pain Game Part One."http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/JuneJuly2006/paingame.htmlMassage & Bodywork Magazine. "The Pain Game Part Two."http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/AugSep2006/paingame.htmlMcMahon, S and D Bennett. "Pain Mechanisms, Nature Reviews Neuroscience" poster.http://www.nature.com/nrn/posters/pain/nrn_pain_poster.pdfNat. Acad. Sciences Colloquium. "The Neurobiology of Pain." National Academies Press, 1999.http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309065488NCI: Pain Control. "A Guide for People with Cancer and Their Families."http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/paincontrol/page1"Neuroscience for Kids: Pain"http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/pain.htmlNIDCR/NIH, Converging Pathways of Pain Research at NIDCR.http://history.nih.gov/exhibits/pain/index.htmlPace, MC et al. "Neurobiology of Pain." J Cell Physiol 209: 8-12, 2006.http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/112641486/PDFSTARTPayne, R. "Cancer Pain: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology."Cancer 63: 2266-2274, 1989.http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/112673169/PDFSTARTPurves, D et al, "Neuroscience Chapter 10: Pain."http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=neurosci.chapter.675#topSociety for Neuroscience. http://www.sfn.org/Brain Facts. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainFactsNociceptors and Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_nociceptorsGender and Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_Gender_and_PainNeuropathic Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_neuropathicKilling Cells to Kill Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_killingCellsToKillPain Cannabinoids and Pain. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?New Targets for Pain Relief. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_painReliefSpine-health.com. "Modern Theories of Chronic Pain."http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/pain/chronic_pain_theories/chronic_pain_theory01.htmlStopPain.org. "Introduction to Chronic Pain."http://www.healingchronicpain.org/content/introduction/default.aspZichtermann, A. "Opioid Pharmacology and Considerations in Pain Management." US Pharmacisthttp://www.uspharmacist.com/index.asp?page=ce/105473/default.htmBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Autostereograms, better known as "Magic Eye" puzzles, are a unique 2D art in which repeated images create a 3D image, but you have to focus your eyes in just the right way to see it. We explain the history of this illusion, how it works, and how to see it. Futher, we explain why you see it as either 3D or inverted. Do you see the illusion? Get ad-free episodes and help us continue doing our thing: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/puzzles/eye-puzzles.htm?s1sid=4smf3pkhna4lnqzen1jh9sb0&srch_tag=dp5hyoro5ijjte5xvqeo4asj5xls3paw https://www.clarkeeye.com/the-science-behind-magic-eye-illusions#:~:text=A%20Magic%20Eye%20image%20starts,brain%20perceives%20the%20hidden%20picture.* Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Large musical movements are large cultural movements. Rap, rock, country, and other genres often galvanized or reflected social changes and values. Punk rock is a particularly iconoclast movement with an interesting history. We discuss the history of punk music as a genre of music and to an extent as a category of social behaviors. Even if you don't necessarily like punk, you may enjoy music that inspired it or was inspired by it. Let us know your favorite punk music and stories. Rock the casbah.Shane's punk playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Sb9ZSv9cd9VYRa3bX1oV9?si=tobbOaJcTnKHbYjw_hFspARecommendationsAbraham: “The Frugal Wizards Handbook For Surviving Medieval England” by Brandon Sanderson (https://www.dragonsteelbooks.com/products/the-frugal-wizards-premium-hardcover)Shane: Sigur Ros - Takk…(https://open.spotify.com/album/12tw1A9HmwE3MHvPfHhdoP?si=F5nKhJhCSCuv3Jd19jPtag)Holidays (8/13/2025):International Lefthander’s DayNational Prosecco DayWorld Calligraphy DayFeeding Pets of the Homeless WeekNational Chef’s Appreciation WeekNational Resurrect Romance WeekNational Scrabble WeekNational Smile WeekSafe + Sound WeekLinks and References: https://www.soundoflife.com/blogs/mixtape/history-punk-musichttps://timeline.carnegiehall.org/genres/punk-alt-rockhttps://www.britannica.com/art/punkhttps://www.rareformaudio.com/blog/birth-of-punk-rockhttps://www.masterclass.com/articles/punk-rock-music-guidehttps://dspace.cuni.cz/handle/20.500.11956/43078https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/phc3.12145 https://blogs.bl.uk/english-and-drama/2016/08/from-shakespeare-to-rock-music-the-history-of-the-word-punk.html https://www.joeflipmusic.com/blog/blues-rock-and-roll-and-its-musical-evolution Shane's brainBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

We often talk about what students can do by referring to their repertoire. But what does it mean to refer to their repertoire? A lot of philosohpy in one little mini episode!Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York, NY: The Free Press. Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. Cambridge, MA: Prentice Hall.Skinner, B. F. (1974). About Behaviorism. New York, NY: Vintage Press.Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Has it been so long? Abraham discusses his favorite discussion topic: Board games! Also ,there's been new research since that that further supports that board games are beneficial for cognitive and brain health. Prepare for fun, fun, fun, FUN. RecommendationsAbraham: Fantastic Four: First Steps (https://movies.disney.com/the-fantastic-four-first-steps) Shane: Happy Gilmore 2 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31868189/)Holidays (8/6/2025):Balloons to Heaven DayCorporate Baby Name DayFarmworker Appreciation DayHiroshima DayNational Fresh Breath DayNational Gossip DayNational Psychiatric Technician Appreciation DayNational Root Beer Float DayWiggle Your Toes DayExercise with your Child WeekGallop International Tribal Indian PowwowInternational Assistance Dog WeekInternational Clown WeekInternational Lace WeekWeird Contest WeekNational Dog MonthNational Hair Loss Awareness MonthNational Brownies at Brunch MonthBlack Business MonthNational Immunization Awareness MonthLinks and References: https://bransonboardgamecafe.com/the-science-of-why-we-love-board-games/https://medium.com/@cook.benjamin/the-psychology-of-board-games-why-we-love-to-play-a2ca695069e1https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969698921000722https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-full-picture/202412/word-puzzles-and-board-games-boost-brain-health Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Do you ever feel an nearly uncontrollable urge to move your legs? If you do, you probably still don't have RLS, but it may be worth getting tested for a diagnosis. Please don't self-diagnose just because we talked about it. Restless Leg Syndome is mostly what it sounds like: A powerful urge to move your legs or get up and move around. Rather than just sitting for too long, this usually has a specific etiology and some specific treatments and tends to affect people's sleep. We'll explain the psychology involved here as well.Get these episodes ad-free and join our cool community: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377168https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9497-restless-legs-syndromehttps://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndromehttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377174https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/restless-legs-syndrome-rlsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

SEX! Now that we have your attention, this episode reviews some of the paraphilias that exist. More importantly, we try to understand with a compassionate and critical lens. Some paraphilias are simply different than what might be considered "normal" sexual behavior, but in which no one is hurt, or exploited, and everything is consensual. However, there are paraphilias that include lack of consent, expoitation, or harm. There is no black and white way to classify this, so we need nuance and critical thinking. RecommendationsAbraham: Jurassic World: Rebirth (https://www.jurassicworld.com/)Shane: BK Adventure Tours (https://www.bkadventure.com/)Holidays (7/30/2025):Father In Law DayHealth Care Now! Medicare’s BirthdayInternational Day of FriendshipNational Cheesecake DayNational Chicken and Waffles DayNational Support Public Education DayNational Whistleblowers Appreciation DayPaperback Book DayShare a Hug DayWorld Day Against Trafficking in PersonsWorld Snorkeling DayHepatitis Awareness WeekInternational Listening Association WeekLinks and References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554425/2.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/paraphilias3.https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/paraphilias-and-paraphilic-disorders/overview-of-paraphilias-and-paraphilic-disorders4https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S10564993183055225https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S00472352220010156https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/291419-overview7https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26941021/8https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S17436095153353239.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-024-00835-410https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Prevalence-of-Experience-at-Least-Once-in-Lifetime-With-Paraphilic-Behaviors-Among_tbl1_28936825411.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1079063223119931812https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/paraphilias-and-paraphilic-disorders/overview-of-paraphilias-and-paraphilic-disorders13.https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/introduction-to-sexual-disordersBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

You would think we would want a full length for this topic. Maybe we still will do one! But for now, we figured we can at least help clear up some misunderstandings or lack of understanding that some may have. Get ad free and bonus content: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: What is Learning?Donahoe, J. W., & Palmer, D. C. (2004). Learning and Complex Behavior. Ledgetop Publishing: Richmond, MA.Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. The Free Press: New York, NY.Kantor, J. R., & Smith, N. W. (1975). The Science of Psychology: An Interbehavioral Survey. Principia Press: Chicago, IL.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast