Why We Do What We Do

Abraham
  • 4.5 (87)
  • 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. 4d ago

    Nostalgia: Altruism

    An all truism about altruism. We are reflecting on this earlier episode with a more nuanced view than the first time around. When it comes to matters of philosophy, definitions are important (and, some might argue, not important at all). So, we are replaying this past episode and adding a bit of an updated discussion at the end, plus some new recommendations. Tell us what you think about altruism! Recommendations Abraham: Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (https://www.searchlightpictures.com/ready-or-not-2-here-i-come)Shane: The Bear (Season 5) and the Gary episode (https://www.hulu.com/series/gary-8c779d24-233d-4453-a22d-455a1862f913) Holidays (7/15/2026): Be A Dork DayI Love Horses DayNational Give Something Away DayDevelopmental Disability Professional DayNational Stamp Out Spiking DayNational Gummi Worm DayNational Hot Dog DayNational Pet Fire Safety DayNational Respect Canada DayNational Tapioca Pudding DayTake Your Poet to Work DayNational Baby Food WeekNational Ventriloquism WeekOperation Safe Driver WeekRabbit Week Links and References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33705185/2.     https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62652-13. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13504851.2022.20366784.      https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/isre.2020.09495.     https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37751434/6.   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38748709/ 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

  2. 6d ago

    Mini: How Many Senses Do We Have?

    How many senses do we have? Like so many things, it depends entirely on how you define "senses." If the question is how many distinct things can we sense? Then, we have a number of sense so large it doesn't make any sense (pun intended). But, we'll get into some of the senses that can be reasonably argued to exist to paint a picture of how many potentially overlooked "senses" we might have. Join us on Patreon! Links and References:  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208233832.htmhttps://www.sciencealert.com/humans-may-actually-have-over-30-senses-scientists-sayhttps://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/how-many-senses-do-we-have/https://www.sensorytrust.org.uk/blog/how-many-senses-do-we-have 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

  3. Jul 8

    American Sign Language pt. 2

    In this discussion, we get into the grammar and structure of ASL. We also talk about non-manual markers and their importance in communication for ASL speakers. We describe how to do several signs and get into a functional analysis of sign language. Of course, we get into some various interesting tidbits (tidboints, as we sometimes like to call them) and some things to know about deaf culture.  Recommendations (Part 2) Abraham: Widow’s Bay (https://tv.apple.com/us/show/widows-bay/umc.cmc.1zzly0vah46bnvnwf0qkrjhh2)Shane: GOD//MAN - LOVES YOU EP  Holidays (7/8/2026) Be a Kid Again DayCoca Cola DayMath 2.0 DayNational Freezer Pop DayNational Ice Cream Sundae DayNational Milk Chocolate with Almonds DaySCUD Day (Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama)Air Conditioning Appreciation DaysBe Nice to New Jersey WeekNational Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee WeeksNude Recreation WeekendBlueberry DayWorld Allergy DayShark Week Links and References:  https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congenital_hearing_losshttps://www.bridgesfordeafandhh.org/deaf-historyhttps://www.historytoday.com/archive/history-matters/no-longer-deaf-pasthttps://sk.sagepub.com/ency/edvol/the-sage-deaf-studies-encyclopedia/chpt/deaf-history-antiquity#_ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy3mD7rH1aY https://www.northwestschool.com/programs/s-e-e-classes/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVNSrGy8lIw https://www.tactilecommunications.org/Resources/ProTactile 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

  4. Jul 6

    Mini: Iran Deal pt. 2

    In our strange decision to record a two-part mini, we are following up last week's mini with more information about the recent Iran "deal." Of course, we recorded this well before the cease-fire broke again. And who knows what will happen between scheduling this episode and its publication. Check out this discussion for the discussion around the contents of the actual recent agreement and how incredibly incompetent it is.  Support us on Patreon! Links and References:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zqiTJDmddghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tehYRuem0Ahttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/middle-east-experts-weigh-terms-of-u-s-iran-deal-and-who-came-out-ahead https://2009-2017.state.gov/p/nea/p5/index.htmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp8HrM0hEH8&t=17s https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-us-attack-iran-trump-administration/  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

  5. Jul 1

    American Sign Language pt. 1

    There are an estimated 70 million deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing impaired people in world. Given that language globably developed through auditory communication using speech, deaf people in history were often mistreated. At least, in western and European countries. American Sign Language (ASL) developed from French Sign Language, Martha's Vineyard Sign Language and other regional signs. This discussion will largely expore the history of deaf people and the development of sign language.  Recommendations (Part 1) Abraham: The Sheep Detectives (https://letterboxd.com/film/the-sheep-detectives/)Shane: Toy Story 5 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29355505/) Holidays (7/1/2026): American Zoo DayBlink 182 DayCanada DayCreative Ice Cream Flavor DayEarly Bird DayGingersnap DaySecond half of the year dayTelevision Heritage DayInternational Joke DayInternational Reggae DayNational Financial Freedom DayNational Postal Workers DayUS Postage Stamp DayZip Code DayClean Beaches WeekHellen Keller - Blind Awareness WeekNational Prevention of Eye Injuries Awareness Links and References:  https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congenital_hearing_losshttps://www.bridgesfordeafandhh.org/deaf-historyhttps://www.historytoday.com/archive/history-matters/no-longer-deaf-pasthttps://sk.sagepub.com/ency/edvol/the-sage-deaf-studies-encyclopedia/chpt/deaf-history-antiquity#_ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy3mD7rH1aY https://www.northwestschool.com/programs/s-e-e-classes/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVNSrGy8lIw https://www.tactilecommunications.org/Resources/ProTactile 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

  6. Jun 29

    Mini: Iran, Deal? pt. 1

    Every once in a while, something so monumental happens, we decide to release a topical episode rather than a timeless one. The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), perhaps better known as the Iran deal, is a catostrophic failure and will cost the US a jaw-dropping amount of money. But you don't even have to take our word for it, we'll just give you the facts and let you decide on your own. In a rare move, we are releasing a two-part mini to cover these events.  Support us on Patreon Links and References:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zqiTJDmddghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tehYRuem0Ahttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/middle-east-experts-weigh-terms-of-u-s-iran-deal-and-who-came-out-ahead https://2009-2017.state.gov/p/nea/p5/index.htmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp8HrM0hEH8&t=17s https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-us-attack-iran-trump-administration/ 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

  7. Jun 24

    AAVE pt. 2

    This follow-up discussion gets into the grammar mechanics and and cultural, structural aspects of AAVE. We add our own interpretation and philosophical discussion to bring some additional understanding to this topic. Tell us your thoughts and experiences with AAVE! Recommendations (Part 2) Abraham: Zevo (https://zevoinsect.com/)Shane: Absolute BatmanHolidays (6/24/2026) Celebration of the SensesInternational Fairy DayMuseum Comes to Life DayNational Parchment Cooking DayNationale Pralines DaySwim a Lap DayAmateur Radio WeekCarpenter Ant Awareness WeekFish are Friends, Not Food WeekNational Forgiveness Week Links and References:  https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/hooked/https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/timeline/https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/aave.htmlhttps://commonwealthtimes.org/2021/02/18/aave-is-not-your-internet-slang-it-is-black-culture/https://certifiedlanguages.com/blog/african-american-vernacular-english-is-a-legitimate-dialect/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00957984970233002https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61882/chapter-abstract/547712638?redirectedFrom=fulltext#547712638https://www.garfieldmessenger.org/6418/articles/news/a-brief-history-of-aave/https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28056/chapter-abstract/212002865?redirectedFrom=fulltexthttps://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/wls_fac/70/https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/african-american-language-factshttps://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/7DCD0B43230E3D17A2C4B43936341A48https://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

  8. Jun 22

    Mini: Autistic Pets

    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.  Join on Patreon Links and References: https://theconversation.com/autistic-dogs-neurodiversity-in-our-pets-and-what-it-might-mean-for-us-265888https://www.advancedautism.com/post/can-animals-have-autismhttps://www.hiddengemsaba.com/articles/can-animals-have-autismhttps://www.hiddengemsaba.com/articles/what-animals-can-have-autismhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3088489/ 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

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4.5
out of 5
87 Ratings

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
    599
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Context Media
  • Show Website
    Why We Do What We Do

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