We got to 400 episodes! Let's take a look back into the past... not really, but we'll stalk about nostalgia—what it is, how it works, and why it’s more than just longing for the good old days. From its origins as a “psychological burden” to its modern role in fostering social connections and shaping behavior, we uncover the science, emotions, and even the marketing power behind nostalgic experiences. What do Mario Kart, Grandma’s cooking, and political slogans have in common? 

Recommendations

• Abraham: BlueSky (https://bsky.app/)
• Shane: Heatonist (https://heatonist.com)

Holidays:

• New Years Day (Happy New Year!)
• Apple Gifting Day
• Bonza Bottler Day
• Commitment Day
• Ellis Island Day
• First Foot Day
• Haitian Independence Day
• National Hangover Day
• New Year’s Dishonor List Day
• Polar Bear Plunge or Swim Day
• Public Domain Day
• Ring a Bell Day
• World Day of Peace
• Diet Resolution Week
• End of Kwanzaa
• National Time Consciousness Week
• Silent Record Week
• National Bath Safety Month
• National Black Diamond Month
• National Blood Donor Month
• National Mentoring Month
• National Oatmeal Month
• National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Links and references: 

1. https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/nostalgia.htm?s1sid=lsz8dq0gz6mg5d24830y74aa&srch_tag=rul2ujrdy7iu2nqaub2m4svysdlqvoyj
2. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/benefits-of-nostalgia_n_4031759
3. Sedikides C, Wildschut T, Arndt J, and Routledge C. (2008). "Nostalgia: Past, Present, and Future." Current Directions in Psychological Science.  http://www.wildschut.me/Tim_Wildschut/home_files/Sedikides,%20Wildschut,%20Arndt,%20%26%20Routledge,%202008,%20CDir.pdf
4. https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/nostalgia-cowbells-meaning-life
5. https://www.the-scientist.com/death-by-nostalgia-1688-69596
6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X22002445#:~:text=Nostalgia%20regulates%20pain%20through%20the,also%20early%20sensory%2Drelated%20processes.
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X22002664#:~:text=Nostalgia%20(a%20sentimental%20longing%20for,most%20defining%20and%20impactful%20characteristics.
8. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/nostalgia-brain-science-memories
9. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/nostalgia
10. https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/nostalgia4.htm
11. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mar.21872
12. https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/edcollchap/book/9781529214789/ch005.xml
13. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X22002767

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