Why We Do What We Do
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Why We Do What We Do episodes

  • O.K.
    English, particularly American English, is not only a weird hodgepodge of many other languages and cultures from around the world and at different times, but it is also full of expressions and sayings that, without context, sound like nonsense gibberish. Why do we say these things? What do they mean? And where do these sayings come from? Strap in because we are all in the same boat as we paint the town red in our deep dive about idioms! We had a lot of fun and hopefully you'll think it's oll korrect as well.

    Recommendations
    Abraham recommended the 2021 film, Nobody (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7888964/)
    Shane recommended the 90s pop-punk band, Mock Orange. He even made you a playlist! (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Ppf6t5C9v6xBz2p0T9CAN?si=80e8b4d379654528)

    Links and References
    1. https://bestlifeonline.com/strange-american-sayings/
    2. https://isaccurate.com/blog/weird-american-sayings-and-expressions
    3. https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-do-people-use-idioms
    4. https://www.britannica.com/list/7-everyday-english-idioms-and-where-they-come-from
    5. https://prowritingaid.com/art/1065/a-complete-guide-to-idioms.aspx
    6. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/81624/origins-19-skin-expressions

    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
    59 min
  • Rating Performance Evaluations
    Most people sat through a painful routine performance appraisal, likely an annual one. How many of these are effectively designed to be productive? How many people actually remember what they were supposed to work on from that last review in the fall right before the chaos of the holidays? If done correctly, an appraisal can identify help performance improve as well as highlight employee achievement and growth. Few are done correctly. Avoiding falling into familiar traps of ineffective feedback may be fundamental to success. Today’s episode will identify several strategies that can strengthen employee review systems to help both the employee and the company find the best outcomes possible.

    Recommendations

    Abraham: Antlers (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7740510/)
    Shane: Radical Candor by Kim Scott (https://www.radicalcandor.com/)

    Links and References
    -Carr et al. (2013) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3680147/
    -Friman (2021) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jaba.816
    -DiNovi & Gavoni (2021) https://www.amazon.com/5-Scientific-Laws-Life-Leadership/dp/1954759258/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1407096W1LT9I&keywords=dinovi+gavoni&qid=1647779916&sprefix=dinovi+gavoni%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-2
    -https://hbr.org/2011/11/delivering-an-effective-perfor
    -https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/giving-performance-feedback

    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
    54 min
  • Astrology: It's All Fun Until Someone Gets Hurt
    Horoscopes are mostly harmless bits of fun. But how do they work? Why do we believe them? And why does the episode title imply harm? Learn more and another vocab term.

    Recommendations:
    Abraham recommended the exercise phone case: Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Arm Band (https://www.tribefitnessusa.com/products/armband)
    Shane recommended the new film adaptation of Dune (https://www.dunemovie.com/). What did you think? Do you have any recommendations for book adaptations?

    Links and References:

    1. https://gizmodo.com/why-believing-in-astrology-is-not-as-harmless-as-you-th-1595802206
    2. https://statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2020/04/11/42552/
    3. https://www.britannica.com/topic/astrology/Purposes-of-astrology
    4. https://www.thehoroscope.co/birthday-analyser/January-18-1986-horoscope-and-zodiac-sign-meanings-13176.html
    5. https://jungleworks.com/technology-and-the-2-2-billion-astrology-market-why-is-online-astrology-getting-so-popular/#:~:text=Blog%20Panther-,Technology%20%26%20the%20%242.2%20Billion%20Astrology%20Market%3A%20Why%20is,Online%20Astrology%20Getting%20so%20Popular%3F&text=A%20study%20revealed%20that%20the,in%20the%20United%20States%20alone!
    6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886921007686
    7. https://www.academia.edu/33516637/The_Negative_Effects_of_Excessive_Belief_in_Astrology
    8. https://ijmaberjournal.org/index.php/ijmaber/article/view/111
    9. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210205-why-astrology-is-so-popular-now
    10. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/psaprocbienmeetp.1978.1.192639
    11. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2466/pr0.1997.81.3.1035
    12. https://time.com/5867647/nasa-zodiac-star/

    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
    59 min
  • Why We Need the Crunch
    This is the episode to make you want to snack. Or maybe want to hurl if you had talk of chewing. We investigated the reason crunchy food is so appealing to us. Why do we NEED the crunch? Turns out, there are some interesting answers! Tell us about your favorite crunchy food.

    Abraham recommended the Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Lover's Chocolate Bar (https://www.sweetontraderjoes.com/2021/07/trader-joes-dark-chocolate-lovers-chocolate-bar-review.html). What sweet treats would you recommend?

    Shane Recommend the gothic-y, macabre-y online retailer Black Craft Cult (blackcraftcult.com). What quirky underground clothes should he check out next?

    References and Link
    1. https://www.scienceabc.com/humans/why-do-we-like-crunchy-food.html
    2. https://www.food24.com/the-science-behind-why-we-love-crispy-food-4-reasons-we-love-the-crunch/
    3. https://www.myrecipes.com/extracrispy/why-humans-love-crispy-food-so-much
    4. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/531186/science-behind-why-we-crave-loud-and-crunchy-foods
    5. https://www.mashed.com/651353/why-we-love-crunchy-foods-according-to-science/
    6. https://audiology-web.s3.amazonaws.com/migrated/NoiseChart_Poster-%208.5x11.pdf_5399b289427535.32730330.pdf
    7. https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/science-diction/articles/how-did-the-cosmic-crisp-apple-get-its-name

    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
    55 min
  • A Behavioral Analysis of Depression pt. 2
    We expand on the environmental processes that create a context for depression. We elaborate on the pros and cons of the "diagnosis" of depression and how a behavior analyst would approach a client with depression. Listen in for part 2!

    Recommendations
    Abraham: Upload Season 2 (https://www.amazon.com/Upload-Season-2/dp/B09J1LD25Y)
    Shane: Drug Church - Hygiene (https://drugchurch.bandcamp.com/album/hygiene)

    Links and Resources
    References/Links
    Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts. Littleton, CO: Author.

    Biglan, A. (1991). Distressed behavior and its context. The Behavior Analyst, 14(2), 157-169. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392566

    Kanter, J. W., Cautilli, J. D., Busch, A. M., & Baruch, D. E. (2005). Toward a comprehensive functional analysis of depressive behavior: Five environmental factors and a possible sixth and seventh. The Behavior Analyst Today, 6(1), 65-81. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0100055

    Reisinger, J. J. (1972). The treatment of “anxiety-depression” via positive reinforcement and response cost. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5(2), 125-130.

    Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Free Press.

    Truschel, J. (2020, September 25). Depression definition and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. https://www.psycom.net/depression-definition-dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria/

    World Health Organization. (2021, September 13). Depression. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

    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
    46 min
  • A Behavioral Analysis of Depression pt. 1
    Depression is a major mental health diagnosis and concern worldwide. A variety of treatment options have been developed by many disciplines, but a behavior analytic alternative has yet to enter the mainstream. Today’s episode will offer a behavior analytic interpretation of depression as it related to behavior patterns and contingencies, and offer a basis of treatment that could produce positive outcomes for a variety of clients.

    Recommendations
    Abraham: The Litter Genie (https://www.littergenie.com/)
    Shane: Unreal Deli (https://unrealdeli.com/)

    References/Links
    Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts. Littleton, CO: Author.

    Biglan, A. (1991). Distressed behavior and its context. The Behavior Analyst, 14(2), 157-169. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392566

    Kanter, J. W., Cautilli, J. D., Busch, A. M., & Baruch, D. E. (2005). Toward a comprehensive functional analysis of depressive behavior: Five environmental factors and a possible sixth and seventh. The Behavior Analyst Today, 6(1), 65-81. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0100055

    Reisinger, J. J. (1972). The treatment of “anxiety-depression” via positive reinforcement and response cost. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5(2), 125-130.

    Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Free Press.

    Truschel, J. (2020, September 25). Depression definition and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. https://www.psycom.net/depression-definition-dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria/

    World Health Organization. (2021, September 13). Depression. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

    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
    42 min
  • Exercise For What Ails You
    Is exercise good for your mental health? A lot of people certain think so. We dig into the research and philosophy about if exercise is mentally healthy and if so, how?

    Recommendations

    - Abraham: Space Force Season 2 (https://www.netflix.com/title/81021929)
    - Shane: Integrity - Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume (https://integrity.bandcamp.com/)

    References and Links

    - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055854/
    - https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise
    - https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/the-impact-of-exercise-on-your-mental-health/
    - http://psychology.iresearchnet.com/sports-psychology/history-of-exercise-psychology/
    - https://www.apadivisions.org/division-47/about/resources/what-is
    - https://www.apadivisions.org/division-47/about/resources/defining.pdf
    - https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Behavior-Analysis-in-Health-and-Fitness-Fact-Sheet_210104.pdf
    - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fit-femininity/201504/can-we-exercise-too-much

    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
    51 min
  • Why People Believe Conspiracy Theories
    The majority of people who buy into conspiracy theories are victims of fraud. Unfortunately, they can become zealous, proselytizing mouthpieces for those conspiracies, which makes them unsympathetic to many. Conspiracies primarily work by exploiting human biases and insecurities. Listen in to find out more about why your weird friend is dedicated to their crystals and mythological beliefs.

    Recommendations
    - Abraham: Spreaker.com
    - Shane: The Book of Boba Fett (https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/the-book-of-boba-fett)

    Resources and Links

    1. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/jan/23/conspiracy-theories-internet-survivors-truth
    2. https://youtu.be/ru4yrQFH1Uc
    3. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00280/full
    4. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/conspiracy-theories
    5. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0963721417718261
    6. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00205/full
    7. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/ex-qanon-followers-cult-conspiracy-theory-pizzagate-1064076/
    8. https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/12-crazy-conspiracy-theories-actually-turned-out-be-true
    9. https://www.psypost.org/2018/11/people-who-see-patterns-where-none-exist-are-more-receptive-to-pseudo-profound-bullshit-52657
    10. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejsp.2331
    11. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-some-people-believe-in-conspiracy-theories/
    12. https://www.npr.org/2021/05/13/996570855/disinformation-dozen-test-facebooks-twitters-ability-to-curb-vaccine-hoaxes
    13. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/09/technology/birds-arent-real-gen-z-misinformation.html
    14. https://news.artnet.com/opinion/curiosities-birds-arent-real-google-indie-aesthetics-2048616

    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
    1 hr 16 min
  • That Thing You Doula (Interview w/ Dr. Ashley Greenwald)
    Doulas and midwives aren't necessarily the crunchy granola hippies you might think they are. They also don't need to be female. We invited expert and certified doula Dr. Ashley Greenwald to talk to us about what doulas are and why every person preparing to a birth should have a doula around.

    Recommendations:
    Salena: "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander (https://newjimcrow.com/) and "Even the Rat Was White."
    Abraham: "The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window" (https://www.netflix.com/title/81305952)

    Sources and Links
    - National Center for Health Statistics (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/births.htm)
    - Teaching History (https://teachinghistory.org/history-content/ask-a-historian/24097)
    - History of US/North American Hospitals (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b3d0a51c3c16a31624ce3f9/t/5d9a482afc89f51722a1413d/1570392110473/A+Brief+History+of+Hospitals+in+America+Revised.pdf)
    - History of Midwives (https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/history-midwifery/)
    - Britannica: Midwifery (https://www.britannica.com/science/midwifery)
    - Midwives Act of 1902 (Britain/UK; https://navigator.health.org.uk/theme/midwives-act-1902)
    - The Making of a Male Midwife BBC (https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-41426691)
    - Why was it called the Spanish Flu? (https://www.history.com/news/why-was-it-called-the-spanish-flu)
    - The High cost of having a baby in America- The Atlantic (https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/01/how-much-does-it-cost-have-baby-us/604519/)
    - American Action Forum (Maternal Mortality in The United States; https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/maternal-mortality-in-the-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
    1 hr 4 min
  • William James
    William James, or Billy Jilly as we called him in this discussion, is often referred to as the father of modern psychology. Indeed, his writings and philosophy were instrumental in the orientation to psychology that made it a science. If you didn't know or didn't remember much about him, this is a great revisit of who he was. Also, it is likely that his accomplishments overshadow those of other because he was a white man born into wealth and privilege, and we go after a college for their history of racism and sexism.

    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
    53 min

About Why We Do What We Do

From the publisher's feed

We explain popular and weird, little-known ideas in psychology. Whether you are a little curious about psychology, or a student, or even a professional, we have something for everyone.

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