Why We Do What We Do

A common refrain in acknowledging, justifying, or explaining behavior is "that's just how my brain works." For some people, this is the case. For others, it is a mischaracterization of our development and a commitment to a lack of change. This episode is a quick exploration of that way of thinking. A yam... what a yam!

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Links: 

1. https://read.dukeupress.edu/poetics-today/article-abstract/31/2/331/21026/Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh-Exodus-3-14-God-s-Narrative?redirectedFrom=fulltext

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It is easy to dismiss some behaviors as "just" imitation. However, this is a crucial developmental skill that we rely on throughout our lifetimes. We explore the philosophy of what imitation is, how it develops, and when people struggle with it. 

Recommendations

• Abraham: Sagrada: Artisans (https://floodgate.games/products/sagrada-artisans?srsltid=AfmBOooELu9aa2H_Wc60JxmxQF2GqyRECy328sy1Kkkp3qbrLZZUGZWd)
• Shane: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2049403/)

Holidays (09/25/24)

• Banned Websites Awareness Day
• Binge Day
• Comic Book Day
• Math Story Telling Day
• National Bakery Day
• National Cooking Day
• National Food Service Employees Day
• National Lobster Day
• National One-Hit Wonder Day
• National Psychotherapy Day
• National Research Administrators Day
• National Tune Up Day
• World Ataxia Awareness Day
• World Dream Day
• World Pharmacists Day
• World School Milk Day
• Banned Books Week
• Deaf Dog Awareness Week
• International Interpreters and Translators Week
• Minimally Invasive Surgery Week
• National Dog Week
• National Farm Animals Awareness Week
• Sea Otter Awareness Week
• Tolkien Week
• National Hispanic Heritage Week
• Remember to Register to Vote Week

Links and References:

1. https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-child-focused/what-is-imitation-and-why-is-it-important/#:~:text=Imitation%20is%20a%20crucial%20aspect,and%20peers%20perform%20these%20behaviors.
2. https://jacobsfoundation.org/why-imitation-in-early-childhood-is-crucial/

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

Neoliberalism is a a name that might be misleading. It is not "liberal" as in left-wing politics. We will describe what neoliberalism is and offer our own ideas about its proposal.

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Links and References: 

• https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/neoliberalism/
• https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/neoliberalism.asp
• https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/what-is-neoliberalism/

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

Why did humans to raise some people or allow them to raise themselves above even the highest "classes" of society? We trace the history of royalty, the privilege of royalty, and the features of royalty. It was a strange practice that both has and hasn't stood the test of time. Learn all about how monarchy governments work.

Recommendations

• Abraham: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (https://www.furiosaamadmaxsaga.com/)
• Shane: The Iron Claw (https://a24films.com/films/the-iron-claw)

Holidays (09/18/24)

• First Love Day
• Chiropractic Founders Day
• Hug a Greeting Card Writer Day
• International Read an eBook Day
• National Ceiling Fan Day
• National Cheeseburger Day
• National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
• National Rehabilitation Day
• National Respect Day
• National School Backpack Awareness Day
• Rice Krispies Treats Day
• World Bamboo Day
• World Water Monitoring Day
• Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week
• Astronomy Week
• Balance Awareness Week
• Build a Better Image Week
• Constitution Week
• International Clean Hands Week
• Malnutrition Awareness Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.worldhistory.org/Egyptian_Government/
2. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/kingdom/
3. https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/royalty.htm#pt1
4. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/imperial-chinas-dynasties/6th-grade/
5. https://www.britannica.com/topic/monarchy/Premodern-monarchies
6. https://youtu.be/TZNQDxBCC20?si=xY5f1qyMMd1MdOAJ
7. https://youtu.be/YYPAFqQgbqE?si=uMq86ywGih6B6NPt
8. https://www.britannica.com/place/Caliphate
9. https://www.history.com/news/7-influential-african-empires
10. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/tut-dna-dobbs#:~:text=And%20while%20royal%20families%20in,frequently%20married%20among%20close%20relatives.
11. https://journals.openedition.org/transatlantica/525#:~:text=Thus%20what%20is%20dubbed%20%E2%80%9CHawaiian,were%20considered%20with%20much%20respect.

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This is less of a "why" or the inner workings of the industry and more of a definition unpacking. This is largely in response to the "I can't define it, but I know it when I see it" type answer that is often given. Sometimes, we have to define things more functionally than formally, as we will attempt to do here. Although there is some description of the content of porn, it is more procedural than graphic. But just in case, WARNING: Some of the language in this episode may not be suitable for sensitive audiences. 

Join us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References

1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pornography
2. https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-LB-4558
3. https://history.wustl.edu/i-know-it-when-i-see-it-history-obscenity-pornography-united-states

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

We revisit this classic episode in a discussion about how lack of experience leads to a false-sense of competence, or maybe there is something else going on? The Dunning-Kruger effect famously relates data that demonstrates a lack of skill associated with a high rate of confidence and a lack of confidence associated with a high level of skill. Some people question how robust this effect may be. We will share what we find and weigh in ourselves. 


Recommendations

• Abraham: Despicable Me 4 (https://www.despicable.me/)
• Shane: The Conscious Plant Kitchen (https://www.theconsciousplantkitchen.com/) 

Holidays (09/11/24):

• 9/11 Remembrance Day
• Emergency Number Day
• I Want to Start My Own Business Day
• Libraries Remember Day
• Make Your Bed Day
• National Day of Service and Remembrance Day
• National Emergency Responder Day
• National Hot Cross Bun Day
• National No News is Good News Day
• Odd Day (last one was 9/11/13)
• Patriot Day
• Remember Freedom Day
• Women’s Baseball Day
• Direct Support Professional Week
• International Air Ambulance
• International Housekeepers Week
• Line Dance Week
• National Assisted Living Week
• National Biscuit and Gravy Week
• National Environmental Services Week
• National Suicide Prevention Week

Links: 

1. Simons D. J. (2013). Unskilled and optimistic: overconfident predictions despite calibrated knowledge of relative skill. Psychonomic bulletin & review, 20(3), 601–607. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-013-0379-2
2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-dunning-kruger-effect-isnt-what-you-think-it-is/
3. https://youtu.be/kcfRe15I47I?si=LjHyXs6zIZykp2qs

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

Another exploration of the weird things we say. The word "duh" is an interesting one with more recent roots than you might think. Enjoy our quick dive into more word discussions in which we talk about words, duh.

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

Links and References: 

1. https://wgntv.com/morning-news/66-the-origin-of-duh/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Oxford%20English,or%20feigned%20ignorance%20or%20stupidity.%E2%80%9D
2. https://youtu.be/wlGtSS9UZOc?si=VkUJb4WtPO8gJXb2

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

Critical thinking is the vaccine against misinformation. If you learn nothing else, learn to question your own beliefs. We discuss the importance of criical thinking and some exercises to build your critical thinking muscle. Don't be hoodwinked by logical fallacies and rhetorical tricks. 

Recommendations

• Abraham: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning pt 1 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9603212/reviews)
• Shane:  Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5090568/)

Holidays:

• Eat an Extra Dessert Day
• Global Talent Acquisition Day
• National Macadamia Nut Day
• National Wildlife Day
• Newspaper Carrier Day
• World Sexual Health Day
• Indigenous Literacy Day
• National Cogeneration Day
• International Enthusiasm Week
• Zero Waste Week
• National Childhood Injury Prevention Week
• National Nutrition Week
• National Payroll Week
• National Waffle Week
• Self-University Week
• Sobriety Checkpoint Week
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Sourdough September
• Alopecia Areata Awareness Month
• National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
• National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
• National Suicide Prevention Month
• Beyonce’s bday

Links and References: 

1. https://www.edutopia.org/article/teaching-critical-thinking-middle-high-school/
2. https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2014/09/teaching-strategies-to-promote-critical-thinking/
3. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-eight-instructional-strategies-for-promoting-critical-thinking/2021/03
4. https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/enhance-your-thinking/critical-thinking/what-is-critical-thinking
5. https://asana.com/resources/critical-thinking-skills
6. https://youtu.be/vNDYUlxNIAA?si=o_RW2cxx1QWDxeZL
7. https://youtu.be/dItUGF8GdTw?si=LxQ3M9l1fPYQ87Ew
8. https://youtu.be/NHjgKe7JMNE?si=iYrr_0L5mvGg_Kd5
9. https://www.theskepticsguide.org/our-book
10. Novella, S., Novella, B., Maria, C. S., Novella, J., & Bernstein, E. (2018). The Skeptics Guide to the Universe: How to know what’s really real in a world increasingly full of fake. New York, NY: Grand Central Publishing.

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

One defense that lawyers have successfuly used is the supposition that people can become temporarily unable to tell the difference between right and wrong. What does it mean to be temporarily insane? We discuss the implications of the use and idea behind temporary insanity and even briefly touch on the legal system in general.

Join the club! www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 

1. https://www.tba.org/index.cfm?pg=LawBlog&blAction=showEntry&blogEntry=28336
2. https://criminal.laws.com/murder/homicide/non-criminal-homicide/insanity-claims/famous-cases#:~:text=High%20profile%20criminal%20court%20cases,of%20the%20%22Twinkie%20Defense.%22
3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/decoding-madness/202106/brief-history-the-insanity-defensehttps://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/temporary_insanity#:~:text=In%20a%20criminal%20trial%2C%20temporary,wrongfulness%20of%20the%20defendant's%20acts.
4. https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/criminal-defense/not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity.html

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

This discussion expands on the first episode, which covered the history of the electoral college, by explaining the arguments for and against this system. Further, we briefly touch on some alternative strategies that have been proposed. This system, as it exists, is you uniquely American and most people don't want it. We'll give our final thoughts at the closing of this discussion. 

Recommendations Part 2

• Abraham: Godzilla Minus One  (https://www.netflix.com/title/81767635)
• Shane: Naked by David Sedaris (https://www.davidsedarisbooks.com/titles/david-sedaris/naked/9780316073622/)

Holidays:

• Spumoni Day
• Finance Brokers Day
• Brazilian Blowout Day
• International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
• Internet Self Care Day
• National Medical Dosimetrist Day
• Poet’s Day
• Senior Citizen’s Day
• World Goat Day
• Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (Week)
• Minority Enterprise Development Week
• National Aviation Week
• Little League World Series
• Hayden Panettiere’s bday

Links and References: 

1. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/its-time-to-abolish-the-electoral-college/
2. https://saveourstates.com/blog/yes-other-countries-have-electoral-colleges-too
3. https://people.howstuffworks.com/10-countries-besides-us-have-electoral-colleges.htm
4. https://www.usa.gov/electoral-college
5. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/11/22/among-democracies-u-s-stands-out-in-how-it-chooses-its-head-of-state/
6. https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/history#:~:text=The%20Founding%20Fathers%20established%20the,popular%20vote%20of%20qualified%20citizens.
7. https://www.heritage.org/the-essential-electoral-college/the-current-threat#:~:text=If%20the%20Electoral%20College%20was%20eliminated%2C%20the%20power%20to%20elect,voice%20of%20smaller%20populated%20states.
8. https://stanfordmag.org/contents/should-we-abolish-the-electoral-college
9. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/05/23/killing-electoral-college-means-rural-americans-would-be-serfs-column/3770424002/
10. https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/publications/youraba/2019/october-2019/q--the-electoral-college--is-it-open-for-interpretation-by-the-c/
11. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/09/25/majority-of-americans-continue-to-favor-moving-away-from-electoral-college/
12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi7uownWRmQ
13. https://youtu.be/ajavsMbCapY?si=vXojc85LpkmDbCrb
14. https://www.history.com/news/presidents-electoral-college-popular-vote
15. https://www.history.com/news/electors-chosen-electoral-college

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