Why We Do What We Do

Creepy pasta is/was a democratized way ot telling scary stories that are just on the edge of believability. They seem to have dissipated into various other formats over time. Yet, the brief story of creepy pastas is an interesting one and appropriate for the spooky season. What's your favorite creepy pasta?

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Links and References: 

1. https://www.creepypasta.com/
2. https://medium.com/@lukewhenderson/what-makes-a-creepypasta-4e5ac00897bf 

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One of the most iconic and well-established horror stories in the world, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a masterpiece of literature. The talented director Guillermo del Toro will soon be releasing his vision of this story. So, in advance of his film, we discuss the author, how the story came to be, a brief synopsis of the plot, and some of the science behind the potential reality of such a thing. Tell us your favorite horror stories!

Recommendations

• Abraham: Warbreaker (book by Brandon Sanderson; https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/warbreaker-introduction)
• Shane: The Long Walk (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10374610/)

Holidays (10/15/2025):

• Blind Americans Equality Day
• BRA Day USA
• Breast Health Day
• Global Dignity Day
• Global Handwashing Day
• Hagfish Day
• I Love Lucy Day
• Love Your Body Day
• National Cheese Curd Day
• National Fossil Day
• National Grouch Day
• National Mushroom Day
• National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
• National Pug Day
• National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day
• White Cane Safety Day
• Bone Joint Health Action Week
• Improve Your Home Office Week
• Infection Control Week
• Mediation Week
• Pet Peeve Week
• School Lunch Week
• Teen Read Week

Links and References: 

1. https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/the-science-behind-mary-shelleys-frankenstein/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6492819/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6174037/
4. https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/archive/2016/01/headtransplants/
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9805622/
6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444632876000099
7. https://daily.jstor.org/will-reanimating-dead-brains-inspire-the-next-frankenstein/
8. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/frankenstein-physiology

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We have a fascination with assigning meaning to various numbers. Actually, many cultures enjoy assigning meaning to numbers as well. In western traditions, we have a particularly special number that is the most evil: 666. We explore how this number came to be associated with the Devil and the why its not. But hey, I guess it is now. 

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Links and References: 

1. https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/666.htm
2. https://academic.oup.com/jts/article-abstract/69/1/309/4917823?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false
3. https://www.britannica.com/topic/number-of-the-beast
4. https://www.fusionglobal.org/connections/why-is-666-the-number-of-the-beast/?srsltid=AfmBOopwGFHFRt_D306RTVF_RBvOthZFzPAtxpg3Y6W3FlyOH2JY30sa
5. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202310/glad-you-asked-what-is-666-in-the-bible/
6. https://medium.com/illuminations-mirror/this-symbolic-number-has-opposite-meanings-in-different-cultures-bdb891d04547
7. https://www.britannica.com/topic/gematria
8. https://www.gematrix.org/?word=dondrumpf

Don Drumpf = 666


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Some spooky topics are geographically creepy. Arguably, the most famous scary geography is lovingly called The Bermuda Triangle. This portion of the world is credited with a supernatural ability to vanish airplanes and ships... out of the thousands that use this as a shipping route. We dig into the history that inspired the mythical lore attribute to this portion of ocean. Despite its infamy, insurance happily covers shipping vessels that traverse the curious Bermuda Triangle. 

Recommendations:

• Abraham: “Psych 3: This is Gus” (https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/movies/psych-3-this-is-gus/4695aa38-6632-3b3f-aa14-9edf3b70d24a)
• Shane: Atomic Rule - With Skull Crushing Force EP (https://open.spotify.com/album/6ybCbYsqHt3PT974rC6Mt4?si=QkBxu8MRRtOBMad1v6i3Og)

Holidays (10/08/2025):

• American Touch Tag Day
• Bring your Teddy Bear to Work Day
• Bullying Prevention Day
• Dyslexia Day
• Emergency Nurses Day
• International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction
• International Lesbian Day
• International Top Spinning Day
• Latina Women’s Equal Pay Day
• National Children’s Day
• National Fluffernutter Day
• National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day
• National Curves Day
• National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
• National Pierogi Day
• Stem Cell Awareness Day
• World Octopus Day
• Active Aging Week
• Animal Welfare Week
• Cephalopod Awareness Week
• Death Penalty Focus Week
• Great Books Week
• Mystery Series Week
• Truffle Days in Croatia
• World Space Week

Links and References: 

1. https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/i-survived-a-trip-to-the-bermuda-triangle/
2. https://www.history.com/articles/bermuda-triangle
3. https://travel.earth/what-is-the-bermuda-triangle-all-you-must-know/
4. https://www.marinalife.com/articles/the-mystery-of-the-bermuda-triangle
5. https://www.gotobermuda.com/inspiration/article/legends-lore-bermuda-triangle
6. https://centerforinquiry.org/news/solving-the-mystery-of-the-bermuda-triangle-in-skeptical-inquirer/
7. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/bermuda-triangle-mystery-solved-latest-theories-dr-karl-kruszelnicki-debunked-unexplained-disappearances-ships-planes-aeroplanes-vanish-conspiracy-lost-flight-19-alien-abduction-atlantis-methane-gas-vincent-gaddis-a7861731.html 
8. https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/10-unsolved-mysteries-that-have-been-solved.htm?s1sid=wqdp2epa7vz7u29d8v03h2hg&srch_tag=jqpeigono5nhpzyajtpkqf5577cv72bq#pt2 

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This is our first Halloween mini of 2025! RIP is a well-wishing, a command, and an indication of your relationship to person or idea being bid farewell. We break down the history, meaning, and language functions of using RIP. Requiescat in Pace!

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Links and References: 

1. https://biblehub.com/q/what_does_'rest_in_peace'_(rip)_mean.htm#:~:text=Those%20contemplating%20life's%20meaning%20find,Conclusion
2. https://www.dictionary.com/e/pop-culture/rest-in-peace/
3. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/does-rest-in-peace-rip-have-a-christian-origin.html

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Welcome to our annual month of creepy topics! We are kicking off this year's selection with an overview of various conceptuatlizations of Hell from the perspectives of different religions and denominations. How common is the idea of Hell and why do so many traditions embrace this idea?
We are excited to get started!

Recommendations

• Abraham: Shrinking (https://tv.apple.com/us/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs) 
• Shane: 28 Years Later (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10548174/)

Holidays (10/01/25):

• Happy spooky season, folks!
• Balloons Around the World Day
• CD Player Day
• Homemade Cookies Day
• International Coffee Day
• International Day of Older Persons
• International Music Day
• International Raccoon Appreciation Day
• Less Than Perfect Day
• National Black Dog Day
• National Book It Day
• National Hair Day
• National Pumpkin Seed Day
• Pudding Season Begins
• Vegan Baking Day
• Willy Wonka Day
• World Vegetarian Day
• National Chimney Safety Week
• National Drive Electric Week
• National Fall Foliage Week
• National Hispanic Heritage Weeks
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• AIDS Awareness Month
• LGBT History Month
• National Cookie Month

Links and References: 

1. https://youtu.be/fNkyPFS5vTg?si=AzPnUdBeGBYG_WVB
2. https://foundations.vision.org/hell-origins-idea-626
3. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/heaven-hell/ 
4. https://www.faithonview.com/what-is-hell/ 
5. https://bigthink.com/high-culture/brief-history-hell/ 
6. https://doctorspaghetti.org/heaven-and-hell-the-pastafarian-view/ 

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You have probably heard of white noise, but there are a variety of noise patterns that have been assigned a color. Some have proposed hypothetical benefits of these various sound patterns ranging from sleep or focus to mental health conditions. We take a scalpel and scientifically remove the fluff. Tell us what colored sounds you prefer!


Links and References: 

1. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/brown-white-pink-what-different-colors-of-noise-mean-and-how-they-can-help-learning/2023/11#:~:text=What%20about%20other%20colors%20of,can%20do%2C%E2%80%9D%20Berlau%20said.
2. https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/colored-sleep-noise/#:~:text=What%20color%20noise%20is%20best,works%20best%20for%20you.%E2%80%8B 
3. https://www.bettersleep.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-colored-noise-exploring-the-sound-spectrum-in-colors
4. https://youtu.be/auCj6O9DRbs?si=DZxd5k4Hf5JwOX1O

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In the last episode, we outlined several specific propaganda strategies. We conclude this discussion by explaining some ways we can attempt to combat propaganda. Although propaganda can be a tool for good, it is often used nefariously, and we are well served to protect ourselves against those who would manipulate us. Did we miss anything? Let us know!

Recommendations

• Abraham: Between the Buried and Me “The Blue Nowhere”- (https://www.betweentheburiedandme.com/)
• Shane: Disney Food and Wine Festival (https://vegandisneyworld.com/2024/08/30/vegan-options-at-the-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/)

Holidays (9/24/2025)

• Punctuation Day
• National Mofongo Day
• Banned Websites Awareness Day
• Festival of Latest Novelties
• Gallbladder Good Health Day
• Kiss Day
• Lash Stylists Day
• National Bluebird of Happiness Day
• National Cherries Jubilee Day
• National Horchata Day
• National Women’s Health and Fitness Day
• Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving
• Banned Books Week
• Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week
• Deaf Dog Awareness Week
• Fall Astronomy Week

Links and References: 

1. https://disinformation-nation.org/how-propaganda-works/
2. http://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691173429/how-propaganda-works?srsltid=AfmBOorUX3x7ZgsGZ1dyU_bt0OeTC-bnm_0maw2D3FZclD5sp65cJ4je
3. https://sjdm.org/presentations/2020-Poster-Heyman-Schrum-Cassandra-Psychology-of-Propaganda.pdf
4. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1938/05/the-psychology-of-propaganda/654999/
5. https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2044-8341.1941.tb00312.x
6. psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-propaganda/?srsltid=AfmBOor4m2MZ7Rs4pqmagvFEui02ZN14zWIcPI7XZQ-pB4D4665LhIK6
7. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-does-propaganda-work-5224974
8. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201702/the-con-propaganda
9. https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393881516 

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Kintsugi is a Japanese tradition of repairing broken things rather than retiring them, and in doing so making them stronger. It has a nice metaphor for personal, social, and economic issues. We discuss the history, techniques, and metaphors of kinsugi. 

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Links and References: 

1. https://mymodernmet.com/kintsugi-kintsukuroi/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zabQFbChhGM&t=18s
3. https://kintsugi-shop.com/what-kintsugi-teaches-us/#:~:text=Kintsugi%2C%20the%20art%20of%20imperfection,not%20be%20hidden%20or%20shamed.
4. https://open.library.okstate.edu/introphilosophy/chapter/ship-of-theseus/#:~:text=The%20ship%20wherein%20Theseus%20and,it%20was%20not%20the%20same. 
5. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pop-culture-mental-health/202403/what-kintsugi-can-teach-us-about-our-emotional-health
6. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/aging-wisdom/202108/brokenness-and-beauty-what-the-art-kintsugi-can-teach-us 

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Propaganda is remarkably effective at influencing your behavior, even if you don't recognize that it is happening. Being aware of its strategies can help prevent you from falling victim as much. But no one is immune. Propaganda is one of the ways conspiracy theories are born, for those extremely gullible among us. This issue inspires some passionate soap-boxing... although there is a lot more of that in part 2. Enjoy!

Recommendations

• Abraham: Upload (season 4; https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Upload/0R12OTGH71AFFIJKW1R4WQT90V)
• Shane: Wool by Hugh Howey (https://www.bookhampton.com/book/9780358447849) 

Holidays (9/17/2025)

• Citizenship Day
• Constitution Day
• International Country Music Day
• National Apple Dumpling Day
• National Monte Cristo Day
• National Professional House Cleaners Day
• National Rehabilitation Day
• National School Backpack Awareness Day
• National Table Shuffleboard Day
• Times Up Day
• VFW Ladies Auxiliary Day
• World Patient Safety Day
• Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week
• Balance Awareness Week
• Constitution Week
• Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week
• National Drive Electric Week

Links and References: 

1. https://disinformation-nation.org/how-propaganda-works/
2. http://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691173429/how-propaganda-works?srsltid=AfmBOorUX3x7ZgsGZ1dyU_bt0OeTC-bnm_0maw2D3FZclD5sp65cJ4je
3. https://sjdm.org/presentations/2020-Poster-Heyman-Schrum-Cassandra-Psychology-of-Propaganda.pdf
4. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1938/05/the-psychology-of-propaganda/654999/
5. https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2044-8341.1941.tb00312.x
6. psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-propaganda/?srsltid=AfmBOor4m2MZ7Rs4pqmagvFEui02ZN14zWIcPI7XZQ-pB4D4665LhIK6
7. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-does-propaganda-work-5224974
8. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201702/the-con-propaganda
9. https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393881516 

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