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. 9h ago

    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

    52 min

  2. 2d ago

    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

    17 min

  3. 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

    41 min

  4. 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

    15 min

  5. 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

    53 min

  6. 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

    18 min

  7. Jun 17

    AAVE pt. 1

    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 DayEat All Your Veggies DayGlobal Garbage Man DayLGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness DayNational Apple Strudel DayStewarts Root Beer DayWorld Croc DayWorld Day to Combat Desertification and DroughtAnimal Rights Awareness WeekIslamic New YearLearning Disabilities WeekNational Clay WeekNational Flag WeekNational Hermit WeekNational Water Safety 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

    49 min

  8. Jun 15

    Mini: Feedback for Grant Reform

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

    14 min
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4.5
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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
    597
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Context Media
  • Show Website
    Why We Do What We Do

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