In 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!

Recommendations

• Abraham: The Miniature Wife (TV series; https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/the-miniature-wife)
• Shane: Performing Live

Holidays (4/29/2026):

• Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
• Denim Day
• International Dance Day
• International Guide Dog Day
• International Noise Awareness Day
• Peace Rose Day
• Poem in your Pocket Day
• Stop Food Waste Day
• We Jump the World Day
• World Wish Day
• Zipper Day
• Go Diaper Free Week
• International Mariachi Week
• National Auctioneers Week
• National Scoop the Poop Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610
2. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
3. Jacobson, 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/
4. 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/2002-02267-003
5. Arora 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. 
6. https://utswmed-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0784677c-19b5-4163-aac7-08bec804219d/content
7. Arco, 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.2918
8. https://www.cognbehavther.com/expert-consensus-components-cbt/
9. https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1264&context=masters_theses
10. Chand 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/
11. 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/10.1080/16506073.2019.1641146

https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/transformational-stories-cbt/




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In 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. 

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Links for the Stroop Test:

1. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/ready.html
2. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readyd.html
3. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readyn.html
4. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readya.html
5. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/pdf/shape_stroop.pdf

Other references:

1. https://www.focusaur.com/pages/stroop-effect-test
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroop_effect 
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1988818/
4. https://www.apa.org/research-practice/conduct-research/stroop-effect
5. https://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Stroop/

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The 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!

Recommendations

• Abraham: 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 Day
• April Showers Day
• Chemists Celebrate the Earth Day
• Earth Day
• Global Selfie Earth Day
• International Mother Earth Day
• National Jelly Bean Day
• National Library Outreach Day
• Bedbug Awareness Week
• Cleaning for a Reason Week
• Every Healthy Kid Week
• National Coin Week
• National Infertility Awareness Week
• National Lingerie Week
• National Pet ID Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610
2. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
3. Jacobson, 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/
4. 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/2002-02267-003
5. Arora 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. 
6. https://utswmed-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0784677c-19b5-4163-aac7-08bec804219d/content
7. Arco, 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.2918
8. https://www.cognbehavther.com/expert-consensus-components-cbt/
9. https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1264&context=masters_theses
10. Chand 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/
11. 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/10.1080/16506073.2019.1641146

https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/transformational-stories-cbt/



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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

This ambiguously titled discussion is about the practice of stretching piercings to become large holes. We talk about the history of this practice, how it's done, and why it's done. This practice is commonly called "gauging," and although it looks painful, it is actually a slow process that uses the natural flexibility of skin to gradually increase the size of the piercing. Do you have gauged piercings or know someone who does? Tell us your story!

Support us on Patreon!

Links and References

1. https://www.urbanbodyjewelry.com/pages/the-history-of-ear-stretching?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11380961953&gbraid=0AAAAADwwbrcORN3qttYF1gi9XVew8HF_m&gclid=CjwKCAjwhe3OBhABEiwA6392zLNzwcrsTvbtoKkAm1tLySYDM8AVclOrTVieusNu0f9OlyImRJu97hoCo9sQAvD_BwE
2. https://www.customplugs.com/pages/history-of-plugs-and-ear-stretching?srsltid=AfmBOooV2p2Kn1JMFHL6PBqSFSIbYeRo1C5XAqTknLH8Alc7hyFKliI9
3. https://bodyartforms.com/blog/the-history-of-piercing-stretching?srsltid=AfmBOop15v2qWinlXdokX2bjQMfeX37U3Nh9fW9U9RI5Ojeo-2ZI7YVQ
4. https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A12%3A11230828/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A149338166&crl=c&link_origin=scholar.google.com

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Dr. Kevorkian was a controversial figure in the 1990s when he began providing unsanctioned assisted suicide service to terminally-ill patients. Kevorkian believed he was helping put an end to pain and suffering for people, but doing so without approval from governing bodies and medical boards, which landed him in a lot of trouble. We review his life and controversy as well as the top of medical aid in dying in general. We'll share our thoughts and perspectives on this complex topic. 

Recommendations

• Abraham: Shrinking (season 3; https://tv.apple.com/us/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs)
• Shane: The Silo Series (https://hughhowey.com/books/)

Holidays (4/15/2026):

• Anime Day
• Banana Day
• Income Tax Pay Day
• Jackie Robinson Day
• Microvolunteering Day
• National ASL Day
• National Griper’s Day
• One Boston Day
• One Day Without Shoes
• Rubber Eraser Day
• School Librarian Day
• That Sucks Day
• Titanic Remembrance Day
• Universal Day of Culture
• World Art Day
• Canada Book Week
• Holocaust Remembrance Week
• International Trombone Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.biography.com/scientists/jack-kevorkian?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_bio_md_pmx_prog_mix_us_23714526419&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23709185673&gbraid=0AAAAApTwOX01mKncxazFbedZzW3FKJnvL&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkMjOBhC5ARIsADIdb3cDx891VSAYDiwrS-NA6xusSRJuVnDalBpeVTVHca8Bd7dRO2NQJ6gaArVWEALw_wcB
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9588508/
3. https://www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/key-statistics/
4. https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/why-we-need-change/the-facts-about-assisted-dying/
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8655630/
6. https://www.heritage.org/health-care-reform/report/four-problems-physician-assisted-suicide
7. https://aul.org/physician-assisted-suicide/history/
8. https://daily.jstor.org/history-euthanasia-movement/

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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Have you ever noticed that you always make the same typo when writing? Or, that you repeatedly misspeak some phrase or mispronounce some word when talking? When you make the same mistake often enough (sometimes, once is enough!), it starts to become a habit in that context. We discuss these "chained in" errors and what you can do about them. What are your chained in errors?

Ad-free and bonus content for supporters: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1702402/
2. https://paloaltou.edu/resources/business-of-practice-blog/behavioral-chain-analysis
3. https://linksaba.com/how-to-use-behavior-chain-interruption-strategy-bcis/
4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250169897_The_Behavior_Chain_Interruption_Strategy_A_Review_of_Research_and_Discussion_of_Future_Directions
5. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5708&context=etd

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

Nearly a century ago, a groundbreaking philosopher of psychology was way ahead of his time. J.R. Kantor developed a theory of psychology that finally rooted psychology in a natural science perspective. Unfortunately, his ideas did not spread to mainstream psychology or science. But this philosophy persists in the works of brilliant scholars following in the natural science tradition. It may sound complicated, but it is as straightforward as any other natural science, in a sense. We do our best to break down the basic concepts of interbehaviorism. Are you a convert? Let us know!

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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Symbols are weird. Actually, there are fairly intuitive in many cases, but many are surprisingly new. We explore the recent history of the arrow symbol and the way that it is able to direct human behavior pretty much regardless of language or culture despite only being a few lines. 

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1702402/
2. https://paloaltou.edu/resources/business-of-practice-blog/behavioral-chain-analysis
3. https://linksaba.com/how-to-use-behavior-chain-interruption-strategy-bcis/
4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250169897_The_Behavior_Chain_Interruption_Strategy_A_Review_of_Research_and_Discussion_of_Future_Directions
5. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5708&context=etd

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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Perhaps this would have made a good Halloween episode? Probably not. Anyway, this episode honors April Fool's day by examining a foolish endeavor: Scared Straight programs. We review the scientific research and philosophy underlying the idea of Scared Straight. Unsurprisingly, this is an idea that is so bad that even the cops don't like it. So, why does it persist...? 

Recommendations

• Abraham: Zootopia 2 
• Shane: A Wilhelm Scream - Cheap Heat (https://open.spotify.com/album/4fcuCuXF4E22R8Imztwbio?si=62c224dddd324aa6)

Holidays (4/1/2026):

• April Fools Day
• Boomer Bonus Day
• Edible Book Day
• Fossil Fools Day
• International Tatting Day
• Library Snap Shot Day
• Lupus Alert Day
• National Atheist Day
• National Fun Day
• National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day
• National One Cent Day
• National Sourdough Bread Day
• Poetry and The Creative Mind Day
• St. Stupid Day
• APAWS International Pooper Scooper Week
• Golden Rule Week
• Laugh at Work Week
• Medication Safety Week
• Testicular Cancer Awareness Week

Links and References: 

1. https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter/content.ashx/cops-p288-pub.pdf
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7783688/
3. https://www.wested.org/resource/scared-straight/
4. https://sites.bu.edu/daniellerousseau/2018/12/12/do-all-juvenile-prevention-programs-work/
5. http://users.soc.umn.edu/~uggen/Petrosino_Annals_03.pdf
6. https://methods.cochrane.org/equity/scared-straight
7. https://www.prindleinstitute.org/2021/06/re-examining-scared-straight-programs/
8. https://www.djj.state.fl.us/content/download/23879/file/scared-straight-(july-2018).pdf?version=2
9. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/doing-what-doesnt-work/ 
10. Petrosino, Anthony, Carolyn Turpin-Petrosino, Meghan E. Hollis-Peel, Julia G. Lavenberg, and Alexis Stern. 2014. Scared Straight and Other Juvenile Awareness Programs for Preventing Juvenile Delinquency. No. 12 of Crime Prevention Research Review. Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
11. Petrosino A, Turpin-Petrosino C, Hollis-Peel ME, Lavenberg JG. 'Scared Straight' and other juvenile awareness programs for preventing juvenile delinquency. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD002796. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002796.pub2.
12. https://www.college.police.uk/research/crime-reduction-toolkit/scared-straight 

https://www.wsipp.wa.gov/ReportFile/1033/Wsipp_Evidence-Based-Public-Policy-Options-to-Reduce-Crime-and-Criminal-Justice-Costs-Implications-in-Washington-State_Full-Report.pdf



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Manatees are remarkable and gentle creatures. Possibly the source of mermaid stories of old, these strange aquatic mammals live life on the slow side. Some researchers have learned a lot about their behavior and cognition in recent experiments, so we are going to break down what we understand about manatee behavior and the conundrum of their complex cognitive and social repertoires with their proportionally small brains. Have you seen a manatee up close? Send us pictures!

Join our supporters' club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 

1. https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/manatee-authority/10-fun-facts-you-didnt-know-about-manatees/
2. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/10/manatees#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20study%20by%20Gordon%20Bauer%2C,150%20hertz%20using%20only%20their%20body%20hairs
3. https://www.research.ufl.edu/publications/explore/v07n2/manatees.html#:~:text=To%20conclude%20from%20the%20manatee's,large%20clusters%20of%20nerve%20cells.
4. https://mote.org/research/program/manatee-research/#:~:text=The%20MCRP's%20research%20includes:%20*%20**Unmanned%20Aerial,levels%20and%20long%2Dterm%20sublethal%20effects%20of%20stressors
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12021893/

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