Why We Do What We Do

Abraham
  • 4.5 (86)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 2H AGO

    English Accents

    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 DayDonate a Day’s Wages to CharityFrog Jumping DayInternational Hummus DayNational Apple Pie DayNational Leprechaun DayNational Root Canal Appreciation DayTop Gun DayTulip DayWorld Orienteering DayFood Allergy Awareness WeekInternational Coaching WeekNational Bike Week Links and References:  https://youtu.be/vnkOFZKN0Dk?si=IPeNuwtYoU_m86uehttps://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-24703-3_6 https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180207-how-americans-preserved-british-englishhttps://www.voices.com/blog/mid-atlantic-accent/https://beelinguapp.com/blog/the-transatlantic-accent:-what-is-it-&-how-do-you-talk-in-ithttps://www.cmdnyc.com/blog/2016/5/3/what-happened-to-the-mid-atlantic-accenthttps://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-phonetic-association/article/abs/effects-of-dialect-on-vowel-acoustics-and-intelligibility/EE3A72D1A6D39C5216EDA4F5D337538Ahttps://www.studiocambridge.co.uk/a-brief-guide-to-british-accents-and-dialects/https://www.ef.edu/blog/language/why-us-and-uk-english-sound-so-different/  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

    57 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Mini: Designer Genes

    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 info@wwdwwdpodcast.com Blue Sky @wwdwwdpodcast.bsky.social Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wwdwwdpodcast Support us on Patreon Links and References:  https://www.leopoldina.org/en/topics/genome-editing/the-pros-and-cons-of-genome-editinghttps://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

    18 min

  3. MAY 6

    Billboard Hot 100

    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 OutInternational No Diet DayNational Anxiety Disorders Screening DayNational Beverage DayNational Crepes Suzette DayNational Day to Prevent Teen and Unplanned PregnancyNational (Deaf) Interpreter DayNational Nurses DayNational Tourist Appreciation DayAir Quality Awareness WeekArson Awareness WeekBe Kind to Animals Week Links and References:  https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2013/08/16/207879695/how-the-hot-100-became-americas-hit-barometerhttps://www.scribd.com/document/670560817/Billboard-Hot-100-2https://www.edmsauce.com/what-is-the-billboard-hot-100/https://sites.psu.edu/noahpassion/2019/10/25/the-evolution-of-billboard-and-birth-of-the-hot-100/https://www.billboard.com/pro/how-global-new-global-billboard-charts/https://www.billboard.com/charts/genre/hits-of-the-world/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_charts https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-chart-history-evolution-milestones/#:~:text=now%20Nielsen%20Music.)-,Nov.,singles%20sales%20data%20from%20SoundScan. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/683851-longest-song-to-reach-no-1-on-the-billboard-hot-100  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

    1h 6m

  4. MAY 4

    Mini: Suicide Hotline (988)

    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:  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.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK604162/#:~:text=In%20July%202022%2C%20the%20United,suicide%20prevention%20training%20in%20schools.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. 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

    15 min

  5. APR 29

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pt. 2

    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 WarfareDenim DayInternational Dance DayInternational Guide Dog DayInternational Noise Awareness DayPeace Rose DayPoem in your Pocket DayStop Food Waste DayWe Jump the World DayWorld Wish DayZipper DayGo Diaper Free WeekInternational Mariachi WeekNational Auctioneers WeekNational Scoop the Poop Week Links and References:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioralJacobson, 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/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/2002-02267-003Arora 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. https://utswmed-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0784677c-19b5-4163-aac7-08bec804219d/contentArco, 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.2918https://www.cognbehavther.com/expert-consensus-components-cbt/https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1264&context=masters_thesesChand 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/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/10.1080/16506073.2019.1641146https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/transformational-stories-cbt/ 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

  6. APR 27

    Mini: Stroop Test

    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.  Get ad-free episodes by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links for the Stroop Test: https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/ready.htmlhttps://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readyd.htmlhttps://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readyn.htmlhttps://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/readya.htmlhttps://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/pdf/shape_stroop.pdf Other references: https://www.focusaur.com/pages/stroop-effect-testhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroop_effect https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1988818/https://www.apa.org/research-practice/conduct-research/stroop-effecthttps://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Stroop/ 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

    19 min

  7. APR 22

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pt. 1

    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 DayApril Showers DayChemists Celebrate the Earth DayEarth DayGlobal Selfie Earth DayInternational Mother Earth DayNational Jelly Bean DayNational Library Outreach DayBedbug Awareness WeekCleaning for a Reason WeekEvery Healthy Kid WeekNational Coin WeekNational Infertility Awareness WeekNational Lingerie WeekNational Pet ID Week Links and References:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioralJacobson, 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/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/2002-02267-003Arora 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. https://utswmed-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0784677c-19b5-4163-aac7-08bec804219d/contentArco, 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.2918https://www.cognbehavther.com/expert-consensus-components-cbt/https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1264&context=masters_thesesChand 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/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/10.1080/16506073.2019.1641146https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/transformational-stories-cbt/ 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

  8. APR 20

    Mini: My, What Big Holes You Have

    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 https://www.urbanbodyjewelry.com/pages/the-history-of-ear-stretching?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11380961953&gbraid=0AAAAADwwbrcORN3qttYF1gi9XVew8HF_m&gclid=CjwKCAjwhe3OBhABEiwA6392zLNzwcrsTvbtoKkAm1tLySYDM8AVclOrTVieusNu0f9OlyImRJu97hoCo9sQAvD_BwEhttps://www.customplugs.com/pages/history-of-plugs-and-ear-stretching?srsltid=AfmBOooV2p2Kn1JMFHL6PBqSFSIbYeRo1C5XAqTknLH8Alc7hyFKliI9https://bodyartforms.com/blog/the-history-of-piercing-stretching?srsltid=AfmBOop15v2qWinlXdokX2bjQMfeX37U3Nh9fW9U9RI5Ojeo-2ZI7YVQhttps://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A12%3A11230828/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A149338166&crl=c&link_origin=scholar.google.com 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

    19 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Abraham
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    581
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Context Media
  • Show Website
    Why We Do What We Do

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