Podcast
Why We Do What We Do
Hosted by Abraham · EN
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.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Mini: Car-Sick
2d ago00:15:51Tap to summarizeSometimes we get nauseaus when riding around in or on vehicles. What is going on with this? We explore motion sickness and what you can do about it... if anything.Support us on Patreon!Links and References: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12782-motion-sicknesshttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-reading-in-a-mov/https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/travel-air-sea/motion-sickness.htmlhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4112051/https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/motion-sickness-how-you-can-prevent-symptoms-and-enjoy-travel/2024/05 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
Transcribe →Antimetabole and Chiasmus
1w ago00:52:44Tap to summarizeThere is a form of rhetoric that is suprrisingly effective at persuading people to adopt beliefs regardless of their accuracy. These are called "antimetabole." They are not necessarily inherently wrong, but we'll explain how to spot them and determine how they are trying to manipulate you. RecommendationsAbraham: Learn ASL! (lifeprint.com; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w1ZDaE-whc&list=PLMN7QCuj6dfaUwmtdkdKhINGZzyGwp7Q1) Shane: Mortal Kombat II (https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/mortal-kombat-ii)Holidays (5/20/2026):Eliza Doolittle DayEmancipation Day (Florida)Emergency Medical Services DayFlower DayInternational Clinical Trials DayNational Juice Slush DayNational Quiche Lorraine DayNational Rescue Dog DayPick Strawberries DayWeights and Measure DayWorld Bee DayWorld Metrology DayInternational Pickle WeekBand director’s dayNational Foul Ball WeekLinks and References: https://mralancooper.medium.com/antimetabole-1d95057c9658https://rhetoric.byu.edu/Figures/A/antimetabole.htmhttps://www.americanrhetoric.com/figures/antimetabole.htmhttps://www.southfloridawriters.org/post/antimetaboles-and-chiasmuses-and-expletives-oh-myhttps://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/antimetabolehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimetabole https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/digital-humanities/articles/10.3389/fdigh.2018.00010/full https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6050388/ https://gretchenschmelzer.com/blog-1/2015/1/11/understanding-learning-and-memory-the-neuroscience-of-repetition 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
Transcribe →Mini: Evidence of Bigfoot?
1w ago00:13:49Tap to summarizeIn several interviews, Jane Goodall explained why she believed there was evidence of Bigfoot. While she was a wonderful natural scientist, a good science communicator, and radically changed the way we think about animals, she also had some biases that prevented a healthy skepticism from driving her perspective. We explain the "evidence" and why it is not evidence. Support us on Patreonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ukvQfUlAogmichigansthumb.com/opinion/article/Jane-Goodall-making-monkey-out-of-average-Bigfoot-17018324.phpBecome 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
Transcribe →English Accents
2w ago00:56:33Tap to summarizeWhy do American and UK Accents sound so dissimilar? Could a couple hundred years of infrequent communciation result in that much drift? Did the Americans change or did the English change? Back in the 1700s, American English and British English sounded basically identical to.... American English today! We dive into the divergence of the various UK accents, as well as unique American accents. Language is weird. RecommendationsAbraham: Big Mistakes (season 1; https://www.netflix.com/title/81734605) Shane: Goldentone Studios (https://www.discogs.com/label/281800-Goldentone-Studios?srsltid=AfmBOop0QkSpSlHdHzsHVnu6F6Z1dX_20fCHQ0iE_ai_cXXo2tZa1QCl)Holidays (5/13/2026):Cough Drop DayDonate a Day’s Wages to CharityFrog Jumping DayInternational Hummus DayNational Apple Pie DayNational Leprechaun DayNational Root Canal Appreciation DayTop Gun DayTulip DayWorld Orienteering DayFood Allergy Awareness WeekInternational Coaching WeekNational Bike WeekLinks and References: https://youtu.be/vnkOFZKN0Dk?si=IPeNuwtYoU_m86uehttps://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-24703-3_6 https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180207-how-americans-preserved-british-englishhttps://www.voices.com/blog/mid-atlantic-accent/https://beelinguapp.com/blog/the-transatlantic-accent:-what-is-it-&-how-do-you-talk-in-ithttps://www.cmdnyc.com/blog/2016/5/3/what-happened-to-the-mid-atlantic-accenthttps://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-phonetic-association/article/abs/effects-of-dialect-on-vowel-acoustics-and-intelligibility/EE3A72D1A6D39C5216EDA4F5D337538Ahttps://www.studiocambridge.co.uk/a-brief-guide-to-british-accents-and-dialects/https://www.ef.edu/blog/language/why-us-and-uk-english-sound-so-different/ 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
Transcribe →Mini: Designer Genes
2w ago00:18:07Tap to summarizeThere are pros and cons to the trajectory of genetic engineering research. Eventually, we will be confronted by a systemic drive to apply these interventions to human beings. On the one hand, genetic engineering could alleviate a tremendous amount of suffering for people with horrible genetic diseases. On the other, we don't understand these processes well enough to anticipated the unintended consequences of manipulating something as complex as a genome. What do you think about the future of genetic engineering in humans? Email us at info@wwdwwdpodcast.comBlue Sky@wwdwwdpodcast.bsky.socialFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/wwdwwdpodcastSupport us on PatreonLinks and References: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/topics/genome-editing/the-pros-and-cons-of-genome-editinghttps://theweek.com/news/science-health/959606/pros-and-cons-of-gene-editing-babiesBecome 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
Transcribe →Billboard Hot 100
3w ago01:05:50Tap to summarizeThis fascinating and yet entirely expected piece of Americana has shaped the music industry for better or worse (probably worse). But, why does it exist at all? We explore how the Billboard Hot 100 came to be, what it was intended to do, and how it has affected musicianship around the world. Do you follow the Hot 100?RecommendationsAbraham: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/the-fall-and-rise-of-reggie-dinkins)Shane: Project Hail Mary (https://www.penguinrandomhouseretail.com/book/?isbn=9780593135204)Holidays (5/6/2026):Great American Grump OutInternational No Diet DayNational Anxiety Disorders Screening DayNational Beverage DayNational Crepes Suzette DayNational Day to Prevent Teen and Unplanned PregnancyNational (Deaf) Interpreter DayNational Nurses DayNational Tourist Appreciation DayAir Quality Awareness WeekArson Awareness WeekBe Kind to Animals WeekLinks and References: https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2013/08/16/207879695/how-the-hot-100-became-americas-hit-barometerhttps://www.scribd.com/document/670560817/Billboard-Hot-100-2https://www.edmsauce.com/what-is-the-billboard-hot-100/https://sites.psu.edu/noahpassion/2019/10/25/the-evolution-of-billboard-and-birth-of-the-hot-100/https://www.billboard.com/pro/how-global-new-global-billboard-charts/https://www.billboard.com/charts/genre/hits-of-the-world/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_charts https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-chart-history-evolution-milestones/#:~:text=now%20Nielsen%20Music.)-,Nov.,singles%20sales%20data%20from%20SoundScan. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/683851-longest-song-to-reach-no-1-on-the-billboard-hot-100 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
Transcribe →Mini: Suicide Hotline (988)
3w ago00:14:56Tap to summarizeRecent research has evaluated the effect of changes made to the national suicide hotline in 2022 in the US. Scientists analyzed the success of this program by comparing projected trends to actual data. This underscores the importance of prcevention strategies, and support for vulnerable populations. If live in the US and you are someone you know is in crisis, call 988.Join our membershipLinks and References: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/988-crisis-hotline-linked-to-drop-in-young-adult-suicide-rates/#:~:text=Since%20July%202022%2C%20people%20in,those%20numbers%20with%20actual%20deaths.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK604162/#:~:text=In%20July%202022%2C%20the%20United,suicide%20prevention%20training%20in%20schools.https://behavioralhealthlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/988-History-Journal-Article_JohnDraper.pdf#:~:text=In%202004%2C%20SAMHSA%20awarded%20the%20hotline%20grant,with%20109%20network%20members%20in%20January%202005.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
Transcribe →Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pt. 2
4w ago00:53:53Tap to summarizeIn the last discussion, we covered the history of CBT and the cognitive aspects of the intervention. In this segment, we'll review the behavioral components, some research evaluating the most effective components, and some final thoughts. In short, the behavioral components are commonly found to be the most effective, although, there is more nuance to it than that. Tell us your thoughts, distorted or otherwise!RecommendationsAbraham: The Miniature Wife (TV series; https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/the-miniature-wife)Shane: Performing LiveHolidays (4/29/2026):Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical WarfareDenim DayInternational Dance DayInternational Guide Dog DayInternational Noise Awareness DayPeace Rose DayPoem in your Pocket DayStop Food Waste DayWe Jump the World DayWorld Wish DayZipper DayGo Diaper Free WeekInternational Mariachi WeekNational Auctioneers WeekNational Scoop the Poop WeekLinks and References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioralJacobson, N. S., Dobson, K. S., Truax, P. A., Addis, M. E., Koerner, K., Gollan, J. K., Gortner, E., & Prince, S. E. (1996). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 64(2), 295–304. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.64.2.295 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8871414/Borkovec, T. D., Newman, M. G., Pincus, A. L., & Lytle, R. (2002). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and the role of interpersonal problems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(2), 288–298. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.70.2.288 https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-02267-003Arora PG, Baker CN, Marchette LK, Stark KD. Components Analyses of a School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Depression. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2019;48(sup1):S180-S193. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2017.1280800. Epub 2017 Feb 16. PMID: 28278602; PMCID: PMC6131063. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6131063/#:~:text=Results%20indicated%20that%20higher%20quality,behavioral%20and%20relational%20intervention%20components. https://utswmed-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0784677c-19b5-4163-aac7-08bec804219d/contentArco, L. (2024). Toward a synthesis of cognitive behaviour therapy via component analysis of self‐regulation. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 31(1), Article e2918. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2918https://www.cognbehavther.com/expert-consensus-components-cbt/https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1264&context=masters_thesesChand SP, Kuckel DP, Huecker MR. Cognitive Behavior Therapy. [Updated 2023 May 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/Taylor, A., Tallon, D., Kessler, D., Peters, T. J., Shafran, R., Williams, C., & Wiles, N. (2020). An expert consensus on the most effective components of cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with depression: a modified Delphi study. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 49(3), 242–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2019.1641146https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/transformational-stories-cbt/ 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
Transcribe →Mini: Stroop Test
Apr 2700:18:54Tap to summarizeIn 1935 John Ridley Stroop published an article with a new experiment showing that people struggle to name things when there is a conflicting word corresponding with those things. While mostly a novelty, this test has found relevance in diagnostic testing such as for ADHD. We'll explain the test and how it works. Get ad-free episodes by joining us on Patreon:www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks for the Stroop Test:https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/ready.htmlhttps://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readyd.htmlhttps://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readyn.htmlhttps://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readya.htmlhttps://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/pdf/shape_stroop.pdfOther references:https://www.focusaur.com/pages/stroop-effect-testhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroop_effect https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1988818/https://www.apa.org/research-practice/conduct-research/stroop-effecthttps://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Stroop/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
Transcribe →Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pt. 1
Apr 2200:58:54Tap to summarizeThe most well-recognized psychotherapy in the world is also the most widely researched. You've likely heard that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the evidence-based intervention for... pretty much every mental health condition. But, do you know how it works? We will spend the next couple of episodes dissecting the components of CBT and reviewing some of the research. If you like this episode, the next one is going to be even better!RecommendationsAbraham: The Pitt (season 2; https://www.hbomax.com/shows/pitt-2024/e6e7bad9-d48d-4434-b334-7c651ffc4bdf) Shane: Chew (https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/chew)Holidays (4/22/2026):Administrative Professionals DayApril Showers DayChemists Celebrate the Earth DayEarth DayGlobal Selfie Earth DayInternational Mother Earth DayNational Jelly Bean DayNational Library Outreach DayBedbug Awareness WeekCleaning for a Reason WeekEvery Healthy Kid WeekNational Coin WeekNational Infertility Awareness WeekNational Lingerie WeekNational Pet ID WeekLinks and References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioralJacobson, N. S., Dobson, K. S., Truax, P. A., Addis, M. E., Koerner, K., Gollan, J. K., Gortner, E., & Prince, S. E. (1996). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 64(2), 295–304. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.64.2.295 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8871414/Borkovec, T. D., Newman, M. G., Pincus, A. L., & Lytle, R. (2002). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and the role of interpersonal problems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(2), 288–298. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.70.2.288 https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-02267-003Arora PG, Baker CN, Marchette LK, Stark KD. Components Analyses of a School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Depression. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2019;48(sup1):S180-S193. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2017.1280800. Epub 2017 Feb 16. PMID: 28278602; PMCID: PMC6131063. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6131063/#:~:text=Results%20indicated%20that%20higher%20quality,behavioral%20and%20relational%20intervention%20components. https://utswmed-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0784677c-19b5-4163-aac7-08bec804219d/contentArco, L. (2024). Toward a synthesis of cognitive behaviour therapy via component analysis of self‐regulation. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 31(1), Article e2918. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2918https://www.cognbehavther.com/expert-consensus-components-cbt/https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1264&context=masters_thesesChand SP, Kuckel DP, Huecker MR. Cognitive Behavior Therapy. [Updated 2023 May 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/Taylor, A., Tallon, D., Kessler, D., Peters, T. J., Shafran, R., Williams, C., & Wiles, N. (2020). An expert consensus on the most effective components of cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with depression: a modified Delphi study. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 49(3), 242–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2019.1641146https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/transformational-stories-cbt/ 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
Transcribe →