Why We Do What We Do

In several interviews, Jane Goodall explained why she believed there was evidence of Bigfoot. While she was a wonderful natural scientist, a good science communicator, and radically changed the way we think about animals, she also had some biases that prevented a healthy skepticism from driving her perspective. We explain the "evidence" and why it is not evidence. 

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1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ukvQfUlAog
2. michigansthumb.com/opinion/article/Jane-Goodall-making-monkey-out-of-average-Bigfoot-17018324.php

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Why do American and UK Accents sound so dissimilar? Could a couple hundred years of infrequent communciation result in that much drift? Did the Americans change or did the English change? Back in the 1700s, American English and British English sounded basically identical to.... American English today! We dive into the divergence of the various UK accents, as well as unique American accents. Language is weird. 

Recommendations

• Abraham: Big Mistakes (season 1; https://www.netflix.com/title/81734605) 
• Shane: Goldentone Studios  (https://www.discogs.com/label/281800-Goldentone-Studios?srsltid=AfmBOop0QkSpSlHdHzsHVnu6F6Z1dX_20fCHQ0iE_ai_cXXo2tZa1QCl)

Holidays (5/13/2026):

• Cough Drop Day
• Donate a Day’s Wages to Charity
• Frog Jumping Day
• International Hummus Day
• National Apple Pie Day
• National Leprechaun Day
• National Root Canal Appreciation Day
• Top Gun Day
• Tulip Day
• World Orienteering Day
• Food Allergy Awareness Week
• International Coaching Week
• National Bike Week

Links and References: 

1. https://youtu.be/vnkOFZKN0Dk?si=IPeNuwtYoU_m86ue
2. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-24703-3_6 
3. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180207-how-americans-preserved-british-english
4. https://www.voices.com/blog/mid-atlantic-accent/
5. https://beelinguapp.com/blog/the-transatlantic-accent:-what-is-it-&-how-do-you-talk-in-it
6. https://www.cmdnyc.com/blog/2016/5/3/what-happened-to-the-mid-atlantic-accent
7. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-phonetic-association/article/abs/effects-of-dialect-on-vowel-acoustics-and-intelligibility/EE3A72D1A6D39C5216EDA4F5D337538A
8. https://www.studiocambridge.co.uk/a-brief-guide-to-british-accents-and-dialects/
9. https://www.ef.edu/blog/language/why-us-and-uk-english-sound-so-different/ 

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There are pros and cons to the trajectory of genetic engineering research. Eventually, we will be confronted by a systemic drive to apply these interventions to human beings. On the one hand, genetic engineering could alleviate a tremendous amount of suffering for people with horrible genetic diseases. On the other, we don't understand these processes well enough to anticipated the unintended consequences of manipulating something as complex as a genome. What do you think about the future of genetic engineering in humans? Email us at [email protected]

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Links and References: 

1. https://www.leopoldina.org/en/topics/genome-editing/the-pros-and-cons-of-genome-editing
2. https://theweek.com/news/science-health/959606/pros-and-cons-of-gene-editing-babies

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 fascinating and yet entirely expected piece of Americana has shaped the music industry for better or worse (probably worse). But, why does it exist at all? We explore how the Billboard Hot 100 came to be, what it was intended to do, and how it has affected musicianship around the world. Do you follow the Hot 100?

Recommendations

• Abraham: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/the-fall-and-rise-of-reggie-dinkins)
• Shane: Project Hail Mary (https://www.penguinrandomhouseretail.com/book/?isbn=9780593135204)

Holidays (5/6/2026):

• Great American Grump Out
• International No Diet Day
• National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
• National Beverage Day
• National Crepes Suzette Day
• National Day to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
• National (Deaf) Interpreter Day
• National Nurses Day
• National Tourist Appreciation Day
• Air Quality Awareness Week
• Arson Awareness Week
• Be Kind to Animals Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2013/08/16/207879695/how-the-hot-100-became-americas-hit-barometer
2. https://www.scribd.com/document/670560817/Billboard-Hot-100-2
3. https://www.edmsauce.com/what-is-the-billboard-hot-100/
4. https://sites.psu.edu/noahpassion/2019/10/25/the-evolution-of-billboard-and-birth-of-the-hot-100/
5. https://www.billboard.com/pro/how-global-new-global-billboard-charts/
6. https://www.billboard.com/charts/genre/hits-of-the-world/
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_charts 
8. https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-chart-history-evolution-milestones/#:~:text=now%20Nielsen%20Music.)-,Nov.,singles%20sales%20data%20from%20SoundScan. 
9. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/683851-longest-song-to-reach-no-1-on-the-billboard-hot-100 

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Recent research has evaluated the effect of changes made to the national suicide hotline in 2022 in the US. Scientists analyzed the success of this program by comparing projected trends to actual data. This underscores the importance of prcevention strategies, and support for vulnerable populations. If live in the US and you are someone you know is in crisis, call 988.

Join our membership

Links and References: 

1. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/988-crisis-hotline-linked-to-drop-in-young-adult-suicide-rates/#:~:text=Since%20July%202022%2C%20people%20in,those%20numbers%20with%20actual%20deaths.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK604162/#:~:text=In%20July%202022%2C%20the%20United,suicide%20prevention%20training%20in%20schools.
3. https://behavioralhealthlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/988-History-Journal-Article_JohnDraper.pdf#:~:text=In%202004%2C%20SAMHSA%20awarded%20the%20hotline%20grant,with%20109%20network%20members%20in%20January%202005.

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In the last discussion, we covered the history of CBT and the cognitive aspects of the intervention. In this segment, we'll review the behavioral components, some research evaluating the most effective components, and some final thoughts. In short, the behavioral components are commonly found to be the most effective, although, there is more nuance to it than that. Tell us your thoughts, distorted or otherwise!

Recommendations

• Abraham: The Miniature Wife (TV series; https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/the-miniature-wife)
• Shane: Performing Live

Holidays (4/29/2026):

• Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
• Denim Day
• International Dance Day
• International Guide Dog Day
• International Noise Awareness Day
• Peace Rose Day
• Poem in your Pocket Day
• Stop Food Waste Day
• We Jump the World Day
• World Wish Day
• Zipper Day
• Go Diaper Free Week
• International Mariachi Week
• National Auctioneers Week
• National Scoop the Poop Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610
2. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
3. Jacobson, N. S., Dobson, K. S., Truax, P. A., Addis, M. E., Koerner, K., Gollan, J. K., Gortner, E., & Prince, S. E. (1996). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 64(2), 295–304. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.64.2.295 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8871414/
4. Borkovec, T. D., Newman, M. G., Pincus, A. L., & Lytle, R. (2002). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and the role of interpersonal problems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(2), 288–298. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.70.2.288 https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-02267-003
5. Arora PG, Baker CN, Marchette LK, Stark KD. Components Analyses of a School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Depression. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2019;48(sup1):S180-S193. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2017.1280800. Epub 2017 Feb 16. PMID: 28278602; PMCID: PMC6131063. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6131063/#:~:text=Results%20indicated%20that%20higher%20quality,behavioral%20and%20relational%20intervention%20components. 
6. https://utswmed-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0784677c-19b5-4163-aac7-08bec804219d/content
7. Arco, L. (2024). Toward a synthesis of cognitive behaviour therapy via component analysis of self‐regulation. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 31(1), Article e2918. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2918
8. https://www.cognbehavther.com/expert-consensus-components-cbt/
9. https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1264&context=masters_theses
10. Chand SP, Kuckel DP, Huecker MR. Cognitive Behavior Therapy. [Updated 2023 May 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/
11. Taylor, A., Tallon, D., Kessler, D., Peters, T. J., Shafran, R., Williams, C., & Wiles, N. (2020). An expert consensus on the most effective components of cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with depression: a modified Delphi study. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 49(3), 242–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2019.1641146

https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/transformational-stories-cbt/




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In 1935 John Ridley Stroop published an article with a new experiment showing that people struggle to name things when there is a conflicting word corresponding with those things. While mostly a novelty, this test has found relevance in diagnostic testing such as for ADHD. We'll explain the test and how it works. 

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Links for the Stroop Test:

1. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/ready.html
2. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readyd.html
3. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readyn.html
4. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readya.html
5. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/pdf/shape_stroop.pdf

Other references:

1. https://www.focusaur.com/pages/stroop-effect-test
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroop_effect 
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1988818/
4. https://www.apa.org/research-practice/conduct-research/stroop-effect
5. https://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Stroop/

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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

The most well-recognized psychotherapy in the world is also the most widely researched. You've likely heard that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the evidence-based intervention for... pretty much every mental health condition. But, do you know how it works? We will spend the next couple of episodes dissecting the components of CBT and reviewing some of the research. If you like this episode, the next one is going to be even better!

Recommendations

• Abraham: The Pitt (season 2; https://www.hbomax.com/shows/pitt-2024/e6e7bad9-d48d-4434-b334-7c651ffc4bdf) 
• Shane: Chew (https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/chew)

Holidays (4/22/2026):

• Administrative Professionals Day
• April Showers Day
• Chemists Celebrate the Earth Day
• Earth Day
• Global Selfie Earth Day
• International Mother Earth Day
• National Jelly Bean Day
• National Library Outreach Day
• Bedbug Awareness Week
• Cleaning for a Reason Week
• Every Healthy Kid Week
• National Coin Week
• National Infertility Awareness Week
• National Lingerie Week
• National Pet ID Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610
2. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
3. Jacobson, N. S., Dobson, K. S., Truax, P. A., Addis, M. E., Koerner, K., Gollan, J. K., Gortner, E., & Prince, S. E. (1996). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 64(2), 295–304. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.64.2.295 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8871414/
4. Borkovec, T. D., Newman, M. G., Pincus, A. L., & Lytle, R. (2002). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and the role of interpersonal problems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(2), 288–298. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.70.2.288 https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-02267-003
5. Arora PG, Baker CN, Marchette LK, Stark KD. Components Analyses of a School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Depression. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2019;48(sup1):S180-S193. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2017.1280800. Epub 2017 Feb 16. PMID: 28278602; PMCID: PMC6131063. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6131063/#:~:text=Results%20indicated%20that%20higher%20quality,behavioral%20and%20relational%20intervention%20components. 
6. https://utswmed-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0784677c-19b5-4163-aac7-08bec804219d/content
7. Arco, L. (2024). Toward a synthesis of cognitive behaviour therapy via component analysis of self‐regulation. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 31(1), Article e2918. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2918
8. https://www.cognbehavther.com/expert-consensus-components-cbt/
9. https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1264&context=masters_theses
10. Chand SP, Kuckel DP, Huecker MR. Cognitive Behavior Therapy. [Updated 2023 May 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/
11. Taylor, A., Tallon, D., Kessler, D., Peters, T. J., Shafran, R., Williams, C., & Wiles, N. (2020). An expert consensus on the most effective components of cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with depression: a modified Delphi study. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 49(3), 242–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2019.1641146

https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/transformational-stories-cbt/



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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

This ambiguously titled discussion is about the practice of stretching piercings to become large holes. We talk about the history of this practice, how it's done, and why it's done. This practice is commonly called "gauging," and although it looks painful, it is actually a slow process that uses the natural flexibility of skin to gradually increase the size of the piercing. Do you have gauged piercings or know someone who does? Tell us your story!

Support us on Patreon!

Links and References

1. https://www.urbanbodyjewelry.com/pages/the-history-of-ear-stretching?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11380961953&gbraid=0AAAAADwwbrcORN3qttYF1gi9XVew8HF_m&gclid=CjwKCAjwhe3OBhABEiwA6392zLNzwcrsTvbtoKkAm1tLySYDM8AVclOrTVieusNu0f9OlyImRJu97hoCo9sQAvD_BwE
2. https://www.customplugs.com/pages/history-of-plugs-and-ear-stretching?srsltid=AfmBOooV2p2Kn1JMFHL6PBqSFSIbYeRo1C5XAqTknLH8Alc7hyFKliI9
3. https://bodyartforms.com/blog/the-history-of-piercing-stretching?srsltid=AfmBOop15v2qWinlXdokX2bjQMfeX37U3Nh9fW9U9RI5Ojeo-2ZI7YVQ
4. https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A12%3A11230828/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A149338166&crl=c&link_origin=scholar.google.com

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Dr. Kevorkian was a controversial figure in the 1990s when he began providing unsanctioned assisted suicide service to terminally-ill patients. Kevorkian believed he was helping put an end to pain and suffering for people, but doing so without approval from governing bodies and medical boards, which landed him in a lot of trouble. We review his life and controversy as well as the top of medical aid in dying in general. We'll share our thoughts and perspectives on this complex topic. 

Recommendations

• Abraham: Shrinking (season 3; https://tv.apple.com/us/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs)
• Shane: The Silo Series (https://hughhowey.com/books/)

Holidays (4/15/2026):

• Anime Day
• Banana Day
• Income Tax Pay Day
• Jackie Robinson Day
• Microvolunteering Day
• National ASL Day
• National Griper’s Day
• One Boston Day
• One Day Without Shoes
• Rubber Eraser Day
• School Librarian Day
• That Sucks Day
• Titanic Remembrance Day
• Universal Day of Culture
• World Art Day
• Canada Book Week
• Holocaust Remembrance Week
• International Trombone Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.biography.com/scientists/jack-kevorkian?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_bio_md_pmx_prog_mix_us_23714526419&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23709185673&gbraid=0AAAAApTwOX01mKncxazFbedZzW3FKJnvL&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkMjOBhC5ARIsADIdb3cDx891VSAYDiwrS-NA6xusSRJuVnDalBpeVTVHca8Bd7dRO2NQJ6gaArVWEALw_wcB
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9588508/
3. https://www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/key-statistics/
4. https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/why-we-need-change/the-facts-about-assisted-dying/
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8655630/
6. https://www.heritage.org/health-care-reform/report/four-problems-physician-assisted-suicide
7. https://aul.org/physician-assisted-suicide/history/
8. https://daily.jstor.org/history-euthanasia-movement/

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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast