Why We Do What We Do

Fan fiction is whn fans take liberties with their favorite characters and put them in new situations or contexts, creating their own stories. It's a way to imagine an intellectual propery in your own strange way. Wouldn't it be great if Lost had a better ending? Sometimes the stories are romantic, sometimes they're action-packed, and sometimes they're just plain weird. And it's not just porn.

Recommendations

• Abraham: The Last of Us https://www.hbo.com/the-last-of-us)
• Shane: Cult of the Lamb (https://www.cultofthelamb.com/)

Links:

1. https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/learning/fanfiction-books#fifty-shades-of-grey-by-e-l-james-2
2. https://theportalist.com/golden-age-of-science-fiction-books
3. https://medium.com/@ysgomez/from-the-fluff-to-the-angst-the-most-popular-fanfiction-genres-270379d2559#:~:text=the%20%E2%80%9CAngst%E2%80%9D.-,The%20most%20popular%20Fanfiction%20genres,them%20to%20classify%20the%20stories.
4. https://thenovelsmithy.com/why-write-fanfiction/#:~:text=Most%20fan%20writers%20write%20fanfiction,existing%20characters%20in%20new%20situations.
5. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27784341
6. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2304/elea.2006.3.2.170
7. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5250/storyworlds.3.2011.0001
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304422X14000825
9. https://www.businessinsider.com/fifty-shades-of-grey-started-out-as-twilight-fan-fiction-2015-2

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"Feral" is a fancy word for describing something that's wild, untamed, and unaccustomed to human contact - kinda like that one coworker who always brings a live snake to the office. Feral animals are like free-spirited rebels who don't follow the rules, while feral kids are like tiny cavemen who've somehow found their way into the 21st century. In short, if you see something feral, you might wanna give it some space - or at least a Snickers bar.

Recommendations

• Abraham: Social Media Diet
• Shane: Slutty Vegan (https://sluttyveganatl.com/)

Links and references:

1. https://www.etymonline.com/word/feral
2. https://www.treehugger.com/feral-animals-wreaking-environmental-havoc-4869042
3. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/invasive-species-can-sometimes-help-an-ecosystem/
4. https://www.adoptananimalkits.com/advocate/companion-animals/params/post/1281181/feral-cats-are-an-important-part-of-the-environment
5. https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/protect-water-and-land/land-and-water-stories/invasive-plant-species-invasive-species-education-1/
6. https://allthatsinteresting.com/feral-children

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Spartan culture was all about being tough and ready for battle. They trained hard, ate tough, and had no time for luxuries like haircuts or personal hygiene. They were so tough, they even made their children run away from home at a young age to fend for themselves. They were also known for their legendary battle cry "This is Sparta!" which they shouted while kicking people into wells. All in all, Spartan culture was pretty intense and not for the faint of heart. But hey, at least they had a good sense of humor about it. After all, laughter is the best medicine... unless you're in the middle of a battle. Then, a sharp spear is probably better.

Recommendations

• Abraham: The Devil’s Hour TV show (https://www.amazon.com/The-Devils-Hour-Season-1/dp/B0B5LFBYJW)
• Shane: Using cookbooks

Links and References

1. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sparta
2. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/military/the-spartan-way-the-mindset-and-tactics-of-a-battle-ready-warrior/
3. https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/sparta#:~:text=Spartan%20culture%20was%20centered%20on,emphasized%20duty%2C%20discipline%20and%20endurance.
4. https://www.thecollector.com/role-spartan-women-ancient-greece/
5. https://dailyhistory.org/What_Caused_the_Decline_of_Sparta
6. https://www.filmstories.co.uk/features/300-a-film-more-historically-accurate-than-its-given-credit-for/
7. https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Thermopylae-Greek-history-480-BC
8. https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/eugenics-program-in-ancient-sparta-and-the-unexpected-results
9. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/342/agoge-the-spartan-education-program/
10. https://sites.psu.edu/thehopliteexperience/the-phalanx/

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It has been suggested that consuming too much ultra-processed food can lead to a decrease in cognitive abilities, particularly in areas such as decision-making and impulse control. Some experts even say that these foods are like "brain junk food," filling your stomach but leaving your brain feeling unsatisfied. There are also critics who point to flaws in this argument including inconsistencies, arbitrariness, and the inherent priviledge afforded by that argument. Or, you could just blame it on the food and continue on with your habits.

Recommendation

• Abraham: His Dark Materials (https://www.hbo.com/his-dark-materials)
• Shane: High on Fire (https://highonfiremerch.com/)

Links:

1. https://ihu.unisinos.br/images/ihu/2022/12/jamaneurology_gomes_gonalves_2022_oi_220079_166915485121698.pdf
2. https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/2A9776922A28F8F757BDA32C3266AC2A/S1368980017000234a.pdf/div-class-title-the-un-decade-of-nutrition-the-nova-food-classification-and-the-trouble-with-ultra-processing-div.pdf
3. https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/digital-exclusives/why-nova-misses-the-mark
4. https://www.google.com/search?q=nova+carlos+monteiro&oq=NOVA&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j0i67j46i67i433j46i67i613j0i67j69i60j69i61.1617j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:efff45ec,vid:wucc_Ra4wuo,st:1

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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

This is not about authors. Authoritarians represent an oppressive governmental structure including "communism" and dictatorships. Although different in theory, they are similar in practice. We describe what authoritarianism is, how it works, why it works, and why a relatively substantial amount of people absolutely love it. And Abraham says "... and that sort of thing" a lot.

Recommendations

• Abraham: Avenue Sweets Vegan Caramels (https://www.avenuesweets.com/dairy-free-vegan)
• Shane: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (https://www.tompetty.com)

References:

• https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/20/growing-up-with-the-family-inside-anne-hamilton-byrnes-sinister-cult
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Family_(Australian_New_Age_group)#History
• http://cvltnation.com/ant-hill-kids-break-legs-sledgehammer-go-hell/
• Solt, F. (2012). The Social Origins of Authoritarianism. Political Research Quarterly, 65(4), 703–713.
• https://freedomhouse.org/
• https://www.philosophytalk.org/blog/appeal-authoritarianism
• https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2022/global-expansion-authoritarian-rule

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WARNING: There is some discussion about suicide.
John Broadus Watson was a giant historical figure in the history of psychology and is often referred to as the father of behaviorism. He developed several hypothesis, experiments, and strategies that advanced the science of psychology. In many things, he was at least partially correct, but often politically or scientifically incorrect. We highlight the particulars of his life and level some of our own opinions of him. This is for all you history buffs.

Recommendations

• Abraham: The Menu (https://www.searchlightpictures.com/the-menu/)
• Shane: Top Shelf Records (https://www.topshelfrecords.com/)

Links and references:

1. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-B-Watson
2. https://www.verywellmind.com/john-b-watson-biography-1878-1958-2795550
3. https://isenbergmarketing.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/creating-the-coffee-break-marketing-and-the-manipulation-of-demand/
4. https://kids.kiddle.co/John_B._Watson
5. https://headstuff.org/culture/history/terrible-people-from-history/john-b-watson-dark-psychologist/

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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Turns out the method of persuasion we have all grown to love being on the receiving end of, condescending lectures and rhetorical questions, might not be the most effective way of connecting with someone and helping them change their mind. Motivational interviewing is not only a non-combative counseling style, it is also a strategy for being a good listener. You have probably heard something about it, so listen in to get the bigger picture.

Recommendations

- Abraham: Soda Stream (https://sodastream.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAoY-PBhCNARIsABcz773g7lXUjExBBaztaFBw3aH_rMaTGxz2ydVupd10yAnsN93DKKJoPYkaAlHZEALw_wcB)

- Shane: Vegan birria tacos

Sources and additional content

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686983/

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3808251/

- Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick (book)

- https://www.amazon.com/talking-start-communicating-Motivational-Interviewing/dp/B089M1FBLF

Search and rescue is an amazing, generous, and honorable activity... that is also dangerous and requires training. If you want to join search and rescue efforts, you can go through training or donate to the cause (https://greatnonprofits.org/categories/view/search-and-rescue-squads_). People might join this effort as a natural segue from their current line of work, to gain notoriety, to feel helpful, or because they're bored. There are also several types of search and rescue. Learn about it by listening to our episode.

Recommendations

Abraham recommended Everdell the board game (https://www.starling.games/everdell)

Shane recommended the album "Welcome to the Nightmare" by Section H8 (https://flatspotrecords.bandcamp.com/album/fsr56-welcome-to-the-nightmare)

Join us on Patreon!

patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links:

1. https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/brief-history-search-rescue/

2. https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/the-evolution-of-the-uscgs-search-and-rescue-mission

3. https://www.bts.gov/content/us-coast-guard-search-and-rescue-statistics-fiscal-year

4. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/11/18/these-charts-show-most-common-reasons-people-need-rescues-national-parks/rmxtZQhUBrPDx76XIaexrI/story.html

5. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/11/18/these-charts-show-most-common-reasons-people-need-rescues-national-parks/rmxtZQhUBrPDx76XIaexrI/story.html

6. https://www.insarag.org/

7. https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/search-and-rescue.htm

8. https://kyem.ky.gov/Who%20We%20Are/Documents/SAR%20Field%20Search%20Methods.pdf

9. https://learn.org/articles/First_Responder_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_First_Responder.html

10. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-get-search-and-rescue-job

11. https://skyaboveus.com/wilderness-survival/How-to-Join-a-Search-and-Rescue-Team

12. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26993653_A_Brief_Summary_of_Search_and_Rescue_Literature_A_Report_to_COT_Netherlands

13. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/089124101030002001

14. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02744/full

15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449496/

16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5996094/

17. https://www.history.com/news/most-dramatic-rescues-in-history-baby-jessica-chilean-miners-andrea-doria

18. https://bangordailynews.com/2016/09/14/opinion/what-motivates-someone-to-join-search-and-rescue/

We are cataloguing the strange, modern custom of intentionally/unintentionally starting massive wild-fires because of the excitement about what kind of equipment might be between a babies legs. Of course, we are talking aboutGender-reveal parties: WHY oh WHY do we still do them? All you wanted to (and didn’t want to) know about the strange need to celebrate this.

Recommendations

- Abraham: Umbrella Academy Season 1 (https://www.netflix.com/title/80186863)

- Shane: Nolan Batman Trilogy (https://www.imdb.com/list/ls074982207/)

Resources

1. https://www.npr.org/2019/07/28/745990073/woman-who-popularized-gender-reveal-parties-says-her-views-on-gender-have-change

2. Nahata, Leena (November 24, 2017). "The Gender Reveal: Implications of a Cultural Tradition for Pediatric Health". Pediatrics. 140 (6): e20171834. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-1834. ISSN 0031-4005. PMID 29175971.

3. Gieseler, Carly (February 9, 2017). "Gender-reveal parties: performing community identity in pink and blue". Journal of Gender Studies. 27 (6): 661–671. doi:10.1080/09589236.2017.1287066. ISSN 0958-9236. S2CID 151390917.

4. https://www.babyshowereasy.com/blog/international-gender-reveal - This is absolutely ridiculous - link to page where they give (very biased) ideas about gender reveal parties that you can do themed for different countries.

5. Karvunidis, Jenna (September 7, 2020). "Oh my god NO. The fire that evacuated parts of California is from a GENDER REVEAL PARTY". www.facebook.com. High Gloss And Sauce. Retrieved September 19,2020.

The past few decades in America have been some of the most financially challenging for a number of reasons. Professionals and academics have debated the exact reasons, looking at spending habits, recessions, the pandemic, and other factors that contribute to such phenomena. Still, saving money yields great potential for later-life comfort and prosperity. Everyone deserves a healthy and bountiful retirement, or at least a chance at achieving their financial goals. Through a series of small steps, one can make big waves on later goals one step at a time. It might not be easy up front, but it will nearly always yield a great return later on.

Links

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/14/heres-how-many-americans-are-not-saving-any-money-for-emergencies-or-retirement-at-all.html

https://bethebudget.com/10-reasons-you-cant-save-money/

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/15/the-no-1-reason-why-americans-struggle-to-save-money-isnt-debt.html

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/04/why-dont-americans-save-money/478929/

https://smartasset.com/checking-account/5-reasons-you-cant-save-money

https://www.thebalance.com/ways-to-be-better-with-money-960664

Recommendations

- Abraham: Dexter: New Blood (https://www.sho.com/dexter-new-blood)

- Shane: The Philosopher’s Flight by Tom Miller (https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Philosophers-Flight/Tom-Miller/The-Philosophers-Series/9781476778167)