Why We Do What We Do

With the increased awareness of neurodivergence in humans, we find many people turning to one of our favorite pasttimes: superimposing human emotions and experiences onto animals around us. So, there have been efforts to identify the extent to which our pets may be autistic. To what end to people do this? Great question. We'll explain how this has been approached and what there may or may not be to learn about this. 

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Links and References: 

1. https://theconversation.com/autistic-dogs-neurodiversity-in-our-pets-and-what-it-might-mean-for-us-265888
2. https://www.advancedautism.com/post/can-animals-have-autism
3. https://www.hiddengemsaba.com/articles/can-animals-have-autism
4. https://www.hiddengemsaba.com/articles/what-animals-can-have-autism
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3088489/ 
6. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn.2016.183 

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

AAVE is a dialect of English that is often derided by racists. However, linguists have shown that this is a fully realized dialect like any dialect of any language. We explain the history and current understanding of African American Vernacular English and some court cases that sparked controversy around it. This is only a part one as we will get into the mechanics of the dialect in the next episode. 

Recommendations (Part 1)

• Abraham: Hailey Williams “Ego Death at Bachelorette Party” (https://music.apple.com/us/album/ego-death-at-a-bachelorette-party/1850011909)
• Shane: David Sedaris “Holidays on Ice” (https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/david-sedaris/holidays-on-ice/9780316073639/?lens=little-brown)

Holidays (6/17/2026):

• Bunker Hill Day
• Eat All Your Veggies Day
• Global Garbage Man Day
• LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day
• National Apple Strudel Day
• Stewarts Root Beer Day
• World Croc Day
• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
• Animal Rights Awareness Week
• Islamic New Year
• Learning Disabilities Week
• National Clay Week
• National Flag Week
• National Hermit Week
• National Water Safety Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/hooked/
2. https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/timeline/
3. https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/aave.html
4. https://commonwealthtimes.org/2021/02/18/aave-is-not-your-internet-slang-it-is-black-culture/
5. https://certifiedlanguages.com/blog/african-american-vernacular-english-is-a-legitimate-dialect/
6. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00957984970233002
7. https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61882/chapter-abstract/547712638?redirectedFrom=fulltext#547712638
8. https://www.garfieldmessenger.org/6418/articles/news/a-brief-history-of-aave/
9. https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28056/chapter-abstract/212002865?redirectedFrom=fulltext
10. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/wls_fac/70/
11. https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/african-american-language-facts
12. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/language/article/abs/language-and-linguistics-on-trial-hearing-rachel-jeantel-and-other-vernacular-speakers-in-the-courtroom-and-beyond/7DCD0B43230E3D17A2C4B43936341A48
13. https://globalvoices.org/2019/06/25/language-is-also-a-form-of-resistance/

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

Last week, we released an episode dsicussing the rise of authoritarian takeover of science by controlling what science can be conducted and how it can be interpreted. We put out a call to action to respond to their proposal. However, it is important to craft the message so that it is effectively received. So, in this mini, we explain how to create feedback for responding to this horrible proposal. 

Support us on Patreon

Links and References: 

1. Submit your feedback here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001 
2. https://www.cogr.edu/blog/tips-submitting-effective-comments-regulationsgov
3. https://federalstrategy.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/Tips-for-Submitting-Effective-Comments-1.pdf 
4. https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/How%20to%20Comment%20on%20Federal%20Regulations%20Final.pdf
5. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/comment-vid-tipsheet.pdf

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

How to kill science is also how to kill humans. The incompetent "leadership" in the United States is racing toward dictatorship in their desire to kill all humans. They are proposing to rewrite science so that any government funding that pays for research gets to dictate what that research is and how it is interpreted. Either you say what the government wants, or else you don't get any research funding. It is an unprecedented move that no president has ever tried in history, becuase it is a terrible, horrible, stupid, counterproductive idea. But, that's what happens when you get a bunch of republicans in charge. We'll break down the details of this incredible stupidity and provide some guidance on what you can do about it. See the first link where you can register your complaints. Note that, in a rare event, we are going to tell you that next week's mini is all about how to craft public comment for maximum effect. Let your voice be heard!

COMMENT ON THIS ISSUE HERE:

• Abraham: Ghosts (season 5; https://www.cbs.com/shows/ghosts/)
• Shane: The Mandalorian and Grogu (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30825738/)

Holidays (6/10/2026):

• Ball Point Pen Day
• Herbs & Spices Day
• National Black Cow Day
• National Iced Tea Day
• America The Beautiful Week
• Bedbug Awareness Week
• Meet a Mate Week
• National Automotive Service Professional Week
• National Body Piercing Week
• National Frozen Yogurt Week
• National Little League Baseball Week
• Pet Appreciation Week
• Shampoo Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.science.org/content/article/white-house-seeks-tighten-political-oversight-grantmaking
2. https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/29/nih-grants-uniform-guidance-proposal-political-control/
3. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/white-house-proposes-new-rules-giving-political-appointees-final-say-on-research-grants/
4. https://blog.carnegieinvest.com/the-u.s.-governments-growing-role-in-the-private-sector 
5. https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/nvidia-us-government-to-boost-ai-infrastructure-and-rd-investments/ 
6. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/15/trump-stock-trade-tech-oge.html
7. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-10817.pdf

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

Mosh pits are the rough-house style dancing/bopping that people do at music concerts. But where and why did this start? And why are they called mosh pits? We'll describe what is happening in mosh pits and what it all means. 

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Links and References: 

1. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3aptcw/what_are_the_origins_of_mosh_pits_and_how_did/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moshing
3. https://www.facebook.com/EricAlperPR/posts/the-term-mosh-pit-originated-in-1979-when-bad-brains-hr-yelled-mash-it-during-a-/1164248955370779/
4. https://metal.fandom.com/wiki/Moshing
5. https://wknc.org/2018/08/20/shut-up-mosh-moshing-101/
6. https://thenubianmessage.com/12033/opinion/the-dangerous-history-of-moshing/
7. https://globalnews.ca/news/11727325/history-of-mosh-pits/
8. https://www.councilofthelost.com/2021/03/01/history-of-moshpit/ 
9. https://abcnews.com/Health/story?id=4804513&page=1 

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

Professional magicians tell you that they are tricking you for entertainment. Charlatan, con artist magicians tell you that they are performing real magic that will cure you of your ails. Cynical grifters, faith healers perform theatrical stunts to convince people to give them money. They'd cyphon off someone's last dime if given the chance. We explain how faith healers perform their tricks and to the best of our ability, why people fall for it. 

Recommendations

• Abraham: Fallout (Season 2; https://www.amazon.com/Fallout-Season-2/dp/B0FLSZBRZJ)
• Shane: Project Hail Mary (the movie)

Holidays (6/3/2026):

• Chimborazo Day
• Global Running Day
• Impersonate Authority Day
• Love Conquers All Day
• National Chocolate Macaroon Day
• National Egg Day
• National Itch Day
• Repeat Day
• World Bicycle Day
• World Clubfoot Day
• Canadian Environment Week
• National CPR and AED Awareness Week
• Stepparents Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE21g91Heh8
2. https://www.businessinsider.com/scam-everlasting-after-25-years-debunked-faith-healer-still-preaching-debt-relief-scam-2011-9
3. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/1997/11/faith-healing-hoax/
4. https://evidenceunseen.com/theology/practical-theology-ethics/faith-healers
5. https://www.heraldnet.com/2006/08/04/dont-fall-for-prayer-rug-watchdog-group-urges/
6. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-31057337
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_healing
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24301874/ 
9. https://www.gq.com/story/peter-popoff-born-again-scoundrel 
10. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/06/us/bakker-is-convicted-on-all-counts-first-felon-among-tv-evangelists.html 
11. https://roysreport.com/disgraced-televangelist-jim-bakker-pleads-for-1-million/ 
12. https://www.businessinsider.com/scam-everlasting-after-25-years-debunked-faith-healer-still-preaching-debt-relief-scam-2011-9 
13. https://wng.org/articles/same-old-scam-1620660664 
14. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=307493253281642 
15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNwHG6kIO0g 
16. https://newhumanist.org.uk/2013/07/26/getting-tough-on-the-faith-healing-scammers/
17. https://abc13.com/post/bogus-faith-healer-scams-hispanic-women/1128229/

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 old sleight of hand card trick is designed to steal your money. Be warned, you cannot win this game. It is rigged and 100% unwinable. We explain how the three-card Monte grift works so you can avoid being scammed. 

Join our Patreon Community

Links and References: 

1. https://www.wikihow.com/3-Card-Monte
2. https://zelmanow.medium.com/three-card-monte-a-lesson-in-spotting-rigged-games-in-life-05d74d47c57c
3. https://youtu.be/p4f9LWCwBFM?si=mBxHQymz8fCfre1X
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-card_monte
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_-u94l7weg

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

Years ago, we looked into the research on speed reading. What we found raised difficult questions about how viable this strategy really is. As we reviewed recent research for this re-release, we discovered that a) you can read at extremely speeds, you just won't actually read anything or remember any of it, and b) you can't actually read at extremely high speeds. Tell us your thoughts!

Recommendations

• Abraham: Animal Control (season 4;  https://www.hulu.com/series/animal-control-451af77e-25c4-4992-abc8-a313cbd2a2b7)
• Shane: Hum - Inlet (https://open.spotify.com/album/6SfnjkSphtKowg3tt7azDi?si=AjVsX0kzQpeOX_yYm5Chow)

Holidays (5/27/2026):

• Cellophane Tape Day
• National Grape Popsicle Day
• National Gray Day
• National Sunscreen Day
• Nothing to Fear Day
• Old Time Player Piano Day
• World Otter Day
• Hair Stylist Mental Health Day
• Eid-al-Adha
• Older Americans Mental Health Week
• Prepare Tomorrow’s Parents Month
• Scripps National Spelling Bee
• Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories

New links and references:

1. https://bigthink.com/smart-skills/neuroscience-speed-reading-bullshit/\

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

Sometimes we get nauseaus when riding around in or on vehicles. What is going on with this? We explore motion sickness and what you can do about it... if anything.

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Links and References: 

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12782-motion-sickness
2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-reading-in-a-mov/
3. https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/travel-air-sea/motion-sickness.html
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4112051/
5. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/motion-sickness-how-you-can-prevent-symptoms-and-enjoy-travel/2024/05 

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

There is a form of rhetoric that is suprrisingly effective at persuading people to adopt beliefs regardless of their accuracy. These are called "antimetabole." They are not necessarily inherently wrong, but we'll explain how to spot them and determine how they are trying to manipulate you. 

Recommendations

• Abraham: Learn ASL! (lifeprint.com; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w1ZDaE-whc&list=PLMN7QCuj6dfaUwmtdkdKhINGZzyGwp7Q1)  
• Shane: Mortal Kombat II (https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/mortal-kombat-ii)

Holidays (5/20/2026):

• Eliza Doolittle Day
• Emancipation Day (Florida)
• Emergency Medical Services Day
• Flower Day
• International Clinical Trials Day
• National Juice Slush Day
• National Quiche Lorraine Day
• National Rescue Dog Day
• Pick Strawberries Day
• Weights and Measure Day
• World Bee Day
• World Metrology Day
• International Pickle Week
• Band director’s day
• National Foul Ball Week

Links and References: 

1. https://mralancooper.medium.com/antimetabole-1d95057c9658
2. https://rhetoric.byu.edu/Figures/A/antimetabole.htm
3. https://www.americanrhetoric.com/figures/antimetabole.htm
4. https://www.southfloridawriters.org/post/antimetaboles-and-chiasmuses-and-expletives-oh-my
5. https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/antimetabole
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimetabole 
7. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/digital-humanities/articles/10.3389/fdigh.2018.00010/full 
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6050388/ 
9. https://gretchenschmelzer.com/blog-1/2015/1/11/understanding-learning-and-memory-the-neuroscience-of-repetition 

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