The ivy league school club is enduringly exclusive. We trace the origins of the term "ivy league," the history of those schols, and the factors that perpetuate their olympian status in the eyes of the general public. Welcome to the big ivy leagues!

Recommendations

• Abraham: Squid Game (season 2) https://www.netflix.com/title/81040344
• Shane: Corporate Rock Sucks (https://www.jimruland.net/?page_id=2561) 

Holidays (1/8/2024):

• Argyle Day
• Bubble Bath Day
• Earth’s Rotation Day
• International Typing Day
• Midwife’s Day
• National English Toffee Day
• National Joygerm Day
• National Snuggle a Chicken Day
• National Winter Skin Relief Day
• Show and Tell Day at Work
• Take the Stairs Day
• War on Poverty Day
• World Literary Day
• Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
• National Lose Weight/Feel Great Week
• National Soccer Coaches of America Week
• National Thank Your Customer’s Week
• New Years’ Resolution Week
• Someday We’ll Laugh About This Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/1958/what-are-ivy-league-universities.html
2. https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/
3. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/ivy-league-schools
4. https://chibe.upenn.edu/news/psychology-today-how-elite-colleges-divide-us-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/
5. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/25/opinion/vance-trump-republicans-elite.html
6. https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/139-fruits-of-the-ivy-vine#:~:text=Foundings%3A%20By%20clergy%2C%20for%20clergy,Testaments%20in%20their%20original%20languages.
7. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/aug/07/trump-republicans-harvard-yale
8. https://www.scotusblog.com/2023/06/supreme-court-strikes-down-affirmative-action-programs-in-college-admissions/
9. https://eimpartnerships.com/articles/dei-program-reductions-in-higher-ed-navigating-a-changing-landscape

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Start with: What is the purpose of education? If the answer is to produce intelligent, competent individuals, that means we care about how effective education is. If we care about how effective it is, then we should consider variables we know impact effectiveness. One of those is classroom size. The smaller the ratio of students to teachers, the better the outcomes. We'll explain better in the episode. 

Support us on Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 

1. https://nwef.org/2021/08/23/do-class-sizes-impact-student-outcomes/#:~:text=%60%60Overall%2C%20research%20shows%20that%20students%20in%20smaller,the%20National%20Council%20of%20Teachers%20of%20English. 
2. https://www.furman.edu/blogs/benefits-of-a-small-class-size/#:~:text=Correlation%20between%20class%20size%20and%20student%20achievement,-Small%20classes%20facilitate&text=One%20study%20found%20that%20one,give%20immediate%20feedback%20on%20assignments. 
3. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/southeast/aar/u_03-2019.asp#:~:text=At%20primary%20and%20secondary%20levels,tables%20and%207%20figures.)%22 
4. https://educationdata.org/public-education-spending-statistics 
5. Dee, T. S., & West, M. R. (2011). The Non-Cognitive Returns to Class Size. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 33(1), 23-46. https://doi.org/10.3102/0162373710392370

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

The tongue map neatly divides taste into salty, sweet, sour, and bitter zones on which we can taste only those specific flavors. Turns out, it’s wrong. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating science of taste, debunking myths, exploring how our taste buds really work, and uncovering why this debunked idea keeps coming back.

Become a member: patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 

1. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/neat-and-tidy-map-tastes-tongue-you-learned-school-all-wrong-180963407/
2. https://www.wired.com/video/watch/taste-map

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

It's Christmas! Let's finish out the year with a chill retrospective on the year we are leaving behind. We recap our year as podcast, movies and TV we watched, and books we read. Plus we review some of our stats and accomplishments. Happy holidays and see you for full length episodes in 2025!

Links: 

1. https://www.princeton.edu/news/2024/03/28/daniel-kahneman-pioneering-behavioral-psychologist-nobel-laureate-and-giant-field
2. https://thehill.com/opinion/international/4824199-2024-paris-olympics-takeaways/

12/25/24

• Pumpkin Pie Day
• Day of Winter Walks
• Decembeard
• any others…? Oh yeah, Christmas!

Recommendations

• Abraham: Start or join a secular social group
• Shane: Baking 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Another continuation of our discussion about the fall-out of the recent US election. In this discussion, we consider the implications for immigration on the economy, civil liberties, and democracy in our country. Its small but mighty, if we do say so ourselves. Let's fight for our fellow humans from wherever they hail! We are stronger together than apart. 

Become a supporter: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

We are now on BlueSky @wwdwwdpodcast.bsky.social

Join us Mondays for mini episodes and Wednesdays for full-length discussions

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

What is the economy, really? In this episode, we discuss the intricate maneuvering of goods, services, and decisions that shape our world. We'll unravel the myths, explore how government policies influence markets, and examine why inflation and wage growth often leave us feeling conflicted. Along the way, you'll discover that economics isn’t simple math—it’s human behavior, culture, and choices all rolled into one big, fascinating puzzle. Tune in to see how your morning coffee connects to the vast web of economic activity!

Recommendations

• Abraham: Alien: Romulus (https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/alien-romulus) 
• Shane: The Shining (Book; https://stephenking.com/works/novel/shining.html)

Holidays for 12/18/24:

• Arabic Language Day
• Bake Cookies Day
• Flake Appreciation Day
• International Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day
• International Migrants Day
• National Ham Salad Day
• National Twin Day
• National Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day
• Christmas Bird Count Week
• Cookie Exchange Week
• Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (Winter Enforcement)
• Gluten-Free Baking Week
• Saturnalia

Links and References: 

1. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/economy.asp
2. https://youtu.be/2YULdjmg3o0?si=B_SvNG8vMFDkddML
3. https://www.investopedia.com/economy-4689801
4. https://globalpeoservices.com/top-15-countries-by-gdp-in-2024/
5. https://www.investopedia.com/gdp-growth-by-president-8604042
6. https://youtu.be/2YULdjmg3o0?si=8ohYgtoD73w1fQQO
7. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/14-03-microeconomic-theory-and-public-policy-fall-2016/pages/instructor-insights/common-misconceptions-about-economics/
8. https://www.sbsun.com/2021/10/20/the-3-indicators-of-economic-well-being-and-what-they-really-tell-us/
9. https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1197965022

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

This discussion is a brief follow up to our episode reacting to the recent, 2024 US election (likely a series of minis we will continue as things unfold). We attempt peer into the crystal ball to forecast how the next administration might employ dangerous, sweeping censorship tactics, leaving us all guessing what’s really happening at home and abroad. From transparency to misinformation, we unpack what could be a wild ride for free speech and global awareness—with just a dash of humor to keep it bearable.

Join our members! www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

We are now on BlueSky @wwdwwdpodcast.bsky.social

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Cutting to the chase... we discuss vasectomies: what they are, why they work, and why some folks say they’re the best thing since sliced… tubes. With myth-busting, fun facts, and a dash of humor, it’s a snippy conversation you won’t want to miss :) 

Recommendations

• Abraham: “Randomize” by Andy Weir (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49661162-randomize)
• Shane: Gideon’s Bakehouse (https://gideonsbakehouse.com/)

Holidays 12/11/24:

• Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day
• International Mountain Day
• Kaleidoscope Day
• Magnum P.I. Day
• National App Day
• National Have a Bagel Day
• National Noodle Ring Day
• UNICEF Birthday
• Computer Science Education Week
• Human Rights Week
• Lager Beer Week
• National Groundwater Awareness Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/v/vasectomy
2. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/Surprising-Facts-About-Vasectomies
3. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/vasectomy
4. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/surgery-articles/vasectomy-trends-research
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9972380/
6. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nsfg/key_statistics/v.htm
7. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4423-vasectomy
8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy/about/pac-20384580
9. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/vasectomy#:~:text=About%20500%2C000%20men%20a%20year,a%20partner's%20vasectomy%20surgery%2C%20Dr.
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4274458/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Some people have a real problem with buts. Many of the popular airmchair psychologists love to delivery quick, simple heuristics as panacea and life-coaching advice. The idea that we shouldn't use "but" in our language is an unfortunately and non-functional tool in their arsenal. We explain why it is both conceptually and practically incorrect, and still offer that these hucksters recommendations aren't all bad, just misguided. 

Join our membership program! www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
Listen to our podcast on spreaker!
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mini-035-i-m-sorry-but--63230377
Or download it here: 
https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/63230377/download.mp3

Talk to us on social media
@wwdwwdpodcast
@wwdwwdpodcast.bsky.social


Links and references from this episode: 

1. https://medium.com/@mcpflug/using-the-word-but-a-brief-guide-to-sincerity-clarity-ab311a2af6a6#:~:text=to%20sincerity%20&%20clarity-,Mary%20Catherine%20Pflug,afford%20one%2C%20but%20not%20both.
2. https://anchorlighttherapy.com/avoid-but-in-communication-use-and-instead/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20know%20you%20are%20tired,things%20are%20moving%20too%20fast.%E2%80%9D
3. https://anchorlighttherapy.com/avoid-but-in-communication-use-and-instead/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.