Why We Do What We Do

What does it mean to say something is sweeter than something else? What does 200 times sweeter even taste like? We explain the method scientists use to measure the sweetness of something and thereby make comparisons about how sweet things are. Check it out, it's pretty sweet. 

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Links and References: 

1. https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2007/05/how-do-they-measure-the-sweetness-of-sugar-substitutes.html
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8009737/ 
3. https://www.sweetenerbook.com/assets/blogs/measure.html 
4. https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/artificial-sweetener.htm?srch_tag=elzr3h5bpjo6owafwknxzobucfhzpm3s 

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In part 2, we continue through the history of the Burning Man event. Then, we get into what to expect what how to prepare if you plan to attend Burning Man. Finally, we conclude with some criticisms and arguments people have made against Burning Man either in general or with respect to its most recent iteration. Would you ever go to Burning Man? Have you ever been? Tell us what you think!

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www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Recommendations (Part 2)

• Abraham: Lure (https://www.allplay.com/board-games/lure/)
• Shane: Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred (https://diablo4.blizzard.com/en-us/)

Holidays (28 Jan 2026):

• American Immigration Lawyers Association Day of Action
• Christa McAuliffe Day
• Daisy Day
• Global Community Engagement Day
• International Lego Day
• International Reducing Co2 Emissions Day
• Library Shelfie Day
• National Blueberry Pancake Day
• National Data Privacy Day
• National Kazoo Day
• National Pediatrician Day
• Pop Art Day
• Rubber Ducky Day
• Data PRivacy Week
• International Hot Air Balloon Week
• Kiss a Shark Week
• National Clean Out Your Inbox Week
• National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week

Links and References: 

1. https://history.burningman.org/
2. https://history.burningman.org/timeline/
3. https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/iconic-events/burning-man
4. https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2024/08/20/burning-man-history-purpose-origins-black-rock-city/74874537007/
5. https://burningman.org/black-rock-city/preparation/first-timers-guide/
6. https://www.reddit.com/r/BurningMan/comments/12z7avo/things_you_wish_you_knew_before_going_to_your/
7. https://rocknheavy.net/burning-man-a-complete-guide-c0719e9f20a8
8. https://burningman.org/about-us/
9. https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/everything-people-get-wrong-about-burning-man-19726500.php
10. https://www.theransomnote.com/art-culture/events/the-misconceptions-of-burning-man-a-reflection/
11. https://www.businessinsider.com/burning-man-festival-attendee-negatives-warning-advice-2023-8
12. https://www.treehugger.com/time-to-rethink-burning-man-7965803
13. https://www.hcn.org/articles/desert-what-are-the-real-impacts-on-burning-mans-playa/#:~:text=Some%20other%20environmental%20concerns%20include:%20*%20**Commodification,up%20after%20themselves%20*%20Respect%20their%20homeland
14. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/burning-mangoers-share-their-craziest-stories-from-the-festival-10496942.html
15. https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/i-was-wrong-about-burning-man-21024611.php
16. https://burningman.org/news/ 

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One of the most spine-tingling, misophonia-inducing sounds (for some) is the sound of teeth grinding together. Bruxism, teeth-grinding, is a habit that can occur wihle asleep or awake and can have potentially serious side-effects. We will discuss who does it and why and what you can do about it. 

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Links and References: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism
3. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/stories-and-insights/expert-advice/teeth-grinding
4. https://dentistrycharlottesville.com/the-grind-of-stress-how-teeth-grinding-impacts-your-health-and-how-to-manage-it/
5. https://www.columbiadoctors.org/news/you-may-be-grinding-your-teeth-without-even-knowing-it 
6. https://health.mil/News/Articles/2022/02/28/Teeth-Grinding-You-Wont-Believe-How-Harmful-it-Really-Is
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36448332/#:~:text=A%20large%2Dscale%20polysomnographic%20study%20found%20that%2049.7%25,index%20*%20Higher%20percentage%20of%20N1%20sleep
8. https://www.jewelautismcentre.com/how-habit-reversal-training-can-help-reduce-teeth-grinding-in-adolescents-with-autism/#:~:text=Habit%20Reversal%20Training%20is%20a,to%20look%20at%20behavior%20holistically.

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Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

There is a unique annual art event that is hours from civilization in the blistering hot sun that culminates the incineration of humungous humanoid effigy. This four-decade long tradition is a celebration of art, creativity, individuality, community, and self-expression. But, it is not without it's flaw and foibles. We spend two episodes unpacking the history and contemporary features of this event and the criticisms leveled at it.

Recommendations (Part 2)

• Abraham: Lure (https://www.allplay.com/board-games/lure/)
• Shane: Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred (https://diablo4.blizzard.com/en-us/)

Holidays (28 Jan 2026):

• American Immigration Lawyers Association Day of Action
• Christa McAuliffe Day
• Daisy Day
• Global Community Engagement Day
• International Lego Day
• International Reducing Co2 Emissions Day
• Library Shelfie Day
• National Blueberry Pancake Day
• National Data Privacy Day
• National Kazoo Day
• National Pediatrician Day
• Pop Art Day
• Rubber Ducky Day
• Data PRivacy Week
• International Hot Air Balloon Week
• Kiss a Shark Week
• National Clean Out Your Inbox Week
• National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week

Links and References: 

1. https://history.burningman.org/
2. https://history.burningman.org/timeline/
3. https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/iconic-events/burning-man
4. https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2024/08/20/burning-man-history-purpose-origins-black-rock-city/74874537007/
5. https://burningman.org/black-rock-city/preparation/first-timers-guide/
6. https://www.reddit.com/r/BurningMan/comments/12z7avo/things_you_wish_you_knew_before_going_to_your/
7. https://rocknheavy.net/burning-man-a-complete-guide-c0719e9f20a8
8. https://burningman.org/about-us/
9. https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/everything-people-get-wrong-about-burning-man-19726500.php
10. https://www.theransomnote.com/art-culture/events/the-misconceptions-of-burning-man-a-reflection/
11. https://www.businessinsider.com/burning-man-festival-attendee-negatives-warning-advice-2023-8
12. https://www.treehugger.com/time-to-rethink-burning-man-7965803
13. https://www.hcn.org/articles/desert-what-are-the-real-impacts-on-burning-mans-playa/#:~:text=Some%20other%20environmental%20concerns%20include:%20*%20**Commodification,up%20after%20themselves%20*%20Respect%20their%20homeland
14. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/burning-mangoers-share-their-craziest-stories-from-the-festival-10496942.html
15. https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/i-was-wrong-about-burning-man-21024611.php
16. https://burningman.org/news/ 

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Many people avoid or even advocate against having conversations about confrontational topics. We disagree. We explain how it is important to have these dififcult discussion and that failure to do so is likely a contributing factor to the division we face today. 

Join our Patreon

Link: 

1. https://claesjonasson.medium.com/why-we-need-to-talk-more-about-politics-and-religion-not-less-6a4e96331959

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Democratized education lead by trained professionals and experts has resulted in unprecidented growth in progress and improvements in quality of life. Sex is something humans do to maintain the species population. Put those two things together and you get sex education. Some, however, have argued for the idealistic view that all humans be monogamous and abstinent until marriage. We investigate the research and work through the philosophy to see how abstinence-only education works (it doesn't).

Recommendations

• Abraham: Stranger Things: Season 5 (https://www.netflix.com/title/80057281) 
• Shane: The Last Night of the Earth Poems by Charles Bukowski ( https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-last-night-of-the-earth-poems-charles-bukowski?variant=32116708540450)

Holidays 14 January 2026:

• Cesarean Section Day
• Feast of the Ass
• International Kite Day
• Makar Sankranti
• National Dress Up Your Pet Day
• National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
• National Undhiya Day
• Novy God (Russian New Year)
• Organize your Home Day
• Orthodox New YEar
• Ratification Day
• St. Basil’s Day
• Take the Stairs Day
• World Logic Day
• Cuckoo Dancing Week
• Home Office Safety and Security Week
• International Printing Week
• National Mocktail Week
• National Pizza Week

Links and References: 

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5913747/
2. https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/abstinence-only-education-failure
3. https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/issues/sex-education/abstinence-only-programs
4. https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/sex-education
5. https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/sex-education-programs-definitions-funding-and-impact-on-teen-sexual-health/
6. https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(05)00276-4/fulltext
7. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jad.12365
8. https://www.aclu.org/documents/what-research-shows-government-funded-abstinence-only-programs-dont-make-grade#:~:text=Some%20abstinence%2Donly%2Duntil%2D,preventing%20STDs%20and%20unintended%20pregnancy.
9. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/08/23/545289168/abstinence-education-is-ineffective-and-unethical-report-argues#:~:text=The%20analysis%20confirms%20previous%20public,domestic%20violence%2C%20the%20report%20notes. 
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3194801/ 
11. https://sexedconference.com/the-history-of-sex-education/ 
12. https://www.acog.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/adolescent-health/comprehensive-sexuality-education#:~:text=Comprehensive%20sexuality%20education%20(CSE)%20teaches,to%20name%20just%20a%20few. 
13. https://siecus.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/If-Then-Sexual-Assault-Final.pdf 

 

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Psychic, telepathic mind-reading is complete nonsense logistically, philosophically, practically... all of the "ally's." We will explain why in some detail. But, there is a version of something like mind reading that does exist that's more like intuitive, and astute observation that comes from experience and intimate knowledge. Come read our minds and we'll read yours.

Get ad-free episodes and bonus content: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References: 

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/mind-reading
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24948740/#:~:text=Abstract,the%20next%20by%20verbal%20instruction.
3. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1243091
4. https://www.thebsps.org/short-reads/mind-reading-schulz/#:~:text=The%20second%20common%20way%20to,cultures%20are%20mind%2Dreading%20literate.
5. https://cognitionandculture.net/wp-content/uploads/Science-2014-Heyes-.pdf
6. https://carta.anthropogeny.org/events/mind-reading-human-origins-and-theory-mind
7. https://www.thebsps.org/short-reads/mind-reading-schulz/ 
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0147176723000238 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-the-ordinary/202510/nonspeaking-autism-the-telepathy-tapes-and-who-gets-to-be-heard

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The idea of personal responsibility will seem like common sense to some. Scientifically, however, it is an interesting concept to understand. How does it arise? Why do some people seem to lack it? We do our best to unpack the environmental and behavioral variables that contribute to the development of personal responsibility.

Recommendations

• Abraham: Wake Up Dead Man (https://www.netflix.com/title/81458424) 
• Shane:  Fulltone OCD Overdrive guitar pedal (https://www.fulltoneusa.com/products/ocd-v2)

Holidays (1/7/2026):

• Welcome to 2026!
• Distaff Day
• Harlem Globetrotter’s Day
• I’m Not Going to Take It Anymore Day
• International Programmer’s Day
• National Bobblehead Day
• National Pass Gas Day
• National Tempura Day
• Old Rock Day
• Orthodox Christmas Day
• Celebration of Life Week
• Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
• Diet Resolution Week
• National Lose Weight-Feel Great Week
• National Thank Your Customers Week
• National Time Consciousness Week
• Silent Record Week
• Someday We’ll Laugh About This Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.etymonline.com/word/responsibility
2. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/theories-of-international-responsibility-law/from-respondere-to-responsibility/6726884E24137102F990B6903624391D
3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-not-to-think/202403/where-does-responsibility-come-from#:~:text=%E2%80%9CTotal%20responsibility%20means%20taking%20full,can%20move%20forward%20and%20adapt.&text=This%20radical%20idea%20challenges%20us,we%20taught%20helplessness%20or%20resilience? 
4. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201102/taking-full-responsibility-your-life#:~:text=It%20means%20recognizing%20that%20how,a%20practicing%20Buddhist%20since%201989
5. https://medium.com/@salmanhaf2ez/nietzsches-philosophy-of-personal-responsibility-ab14cf1a8edb 

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We are taking a side journey into the delectable topic of charcuterie boards. We briefly describe what they are and then how to put one together. Do you have a great charcuterie board you've made? Let us know!

Join our ad-free club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

Links and References:

1. https://www.wisconsincheese.com/the-cheese-life/article/153/charcuterie-history2.
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystern/2023/01/05/charcuterie-franchise-growing-rapidly/3.
3. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/cooking/g45672825/charcuterie-board-ideas/?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_18399044072&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18396202201&gbraid=0AAAAADA2MEptjqsj-6fWg0aPJ0jg3-rX5&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0p7KBhCkARIsAE6XlakJLJmIPLr7dEbdSTI2lXHor8lHxnC9u0PfZ7zO-huULnEk0VjWrKkaAt3JEALw_wcB

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Another year on the books. We reflect on what we discussed this year, our listener stats, and personal experiences with movies, books, and TV shows. It's our annual discussion about the year for a little peak behind the curtains. Check out Shane's playlist for 2025: Shane’s Spotify Playlist 

Happy New Year!

~ Why We Do What We Do

Recommendations

• Abraham: The Conjuring: Last Rites (https://www.hbomax.com/movies/conjuring-last-rites/e62d3010-ffd6-45ef-b8e7-4eed314f375c)
• Shane: Shift by Hugh Howey (https://hughhowey.com/books/shift/)

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