Are we actually wired to follow rules?

In this episode of The Doc Analyzes Anything, Steve, Kyle and Brad take a behavioral look at rule-following, rule-breaking, and the social norms that shape what we consider “acceptable” behavior.

Answer: Cultural selection, reinforcement, punishment. Question: why do people follow rules even when nobody is explicitly forcing them to? The group digs into why some rules survive while others disappear, and how countercultures can challenge and evening change societal norms.

And, naturally, we'll get spectacularly sidetracked.

Is breaking a rule always a bad thing? When does challenging a social norm become meaningful change? And how much of our behavior is really about following rules versus avoiding punishment and accessing reinforcement?

Have an idea for an episode topic? Email [email protected].

In the scope of human history, dating used to be associated with courtship, family pressure, and survival. Now it’s app fatigue, mixed signals, and wondering whether a first date or a first text is somehow harder.

Dr. Steve, Kyle, and Dr. Meow Meow unpack what changed, why it changed, and examine everything from old-school engagement timelines and Christian purity culture to the rise of online dating.

What makes human language different from communication in other animals? And how does language shape the way we think, learn, interact, and understand the world?

What is the FOXP2 gene? We're not entirely positive, but we'll take a look at it.

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We got a cure for what ales ya! We're talking snake oil today. From grifters to modern-day alternatives, scientific evidence be danged! We talk the history, the promises, and implications of snake oil and its salespeople.

Have a topic you want us to tackle? Email [email protected]

Niche interests! Are you a competitive unicyclist? LARPing extraordinaire? From ancient human behaviors to modern hobbies like car collecting and home theater setups, we discuss why people develop these passions, how communities form around them, and what drives our obsession with the obscure. In this episode, we explore a variety of niche interests, hobbies, and the cultural phenomena behind them, from hobby horses to unicycling and pinball. We also touch on nostalgia, social norms, and the importance of embracing what makes us unique. Have a behavior you'd like analyzed?

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Ever notice that when something bad happens, part of you almost wants it to be really bad? Why is a broken bone more validating than a sprain? Why are people disappointed when the "storm of the century" turns into a few inches of snow? Why do some people seem to find comfort in talking about their suffering?

In this episode of The Doc Analyzes Anything, Dr. Steven Sparks, Kyle, and Dr. Meow Meow explore the behavioral science behind why misfortune can sometimes become reinforcing. From injuries and medical diagnoses to near misses, storms, and even oddly satisfying cyst-popping videos, the conversation dives into how attention, validation, excitement, and learning history can shape our reactions to adversity.

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#BehaviorAnalysis #Psychology #ABA #BehaviorScience #HumanBehavior #MentalHealth #Learning #Reinforcement #Podcast #TheDocAnalyzesAnything

Today we're providing order to the chaotic world of hoarding and digital clutter. When does the concept of "waste not" mean you can't walk to your own bathroom? Is it psychology? Learning history? Is there anything even wrong with hoarding?

Also, what kind of pickles person are you? 

We're here for it today.

As always, email [email protected] if you have a topic you'd like us to tackle!

Extreme behavior! What is it and can we analyze it like any other human behavior? Also, who is playing Brad in the biopic? Lisa Nowak and the diaper journey, survival situations, and social norms. Dig into the real-life stories, psychological insights, and the thin line between normal and extreme actions today.

Have a behavior you'd like to see us analyze? Email [email protected]

Today we explore the dark history of societal attitudes and policies concerning individuals with disabilities, from ancient times to today. With this context we then discuss a recent opinion released by the DOJ suggesting a reversal of policy precedent for home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities, an opinion at odds with the decisions of the Olmstead Act of 1999. This one wasn't too fun, but context for the very real implications of this memo is important!

Have a topic you'd like us to analyze? Email [email protected]

In this 50th episode (woo hoo!) , we dive into the strange and entertaining world of conspiracy theories. From secret tunnels beneath Disney parks and hidden moon bases to claims that birds are government drones, we explore why these ideas capture people's imaginations. Along the way, we talk about what psychology tells us about conspiracy thinking, why our behavior may be prone to finding patterns and explanations during uncertain times, and how evidence-based thinking can help us separate compelling stories from reality. Whether you're just curious or you've gone down a few internet rabbit holes yourself, this episode takes a thoughtful look at why conspiracy theories are so hard to resist.

email us at [email protected] with your suggestions!