Critical thinking is the vaccine against misinformation. If you learn nothing else, learn to question your own beliefs. We discuss the importance of criical thinking and some exercises to build your critical thinking muscle. Don't be hoodwinked by logical fallacies and rhetorical tricks. RecommendationsAbraham: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning pt 1 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9603212/reviews)Shane:  Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5090568/)Holidays:Eat an Extra Dessert DayGlobal Talent Acquisition DayNational Macadamia Nut DayNational Wildlife DayNewspaper Carrier DayWorld Sexual Health DayIndigenous Literacy DayNational Cogeneration DayInternational Enthusiasm WeekZero Waste WeekNational Childhood Injury Prevention WeekNational Nutrition WeekNational Payroll WeekNational Waffle WeekSelf-University WeekSobriety Checkpoint WeekHispanic Heritage MonthSourdough SeptemberAlopecia Areata Awareness MonthNational Spinal Cord Injury Awareness MonthNational Sickle Cell Awareness MonthNational Suicide Prevention MonthBeyonce’s bdayLinks and References: https://www.edutopia.org/article/teaching-critical-thinking-middle-high-school/https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2014/09/teaching-strategies-to-promote-critical-thinking/https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-eight-instructional-strategies-for-promoting-critical-thinking/2021/03https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/enhance-your-thinking/critical-thinking/what-is-critical-thinkinghttps://asana.com/resources/critical-thinking-skillshttps://youtu.be/vNDYUlxNIAA?si=o_RW2cxx1QWDxeZLhttps://youtu.be/dItUGF8GdTw?si=LxQ3M9l1fPYQ87Ewhttps://youtu.be/NHjgKe7JMNE?si=iYrr_0L5mvGg_Kd5https://www.theskepticsguide.org/our-bookNovella, S., Novella, B., Maria, C. S., Novella, J., & Bernstein, E. (2018). The Skeptics Guide to the Universe: How to know what’s really real in a world increasingly full of fake. New York, NY: Grand Central Publishing.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

One defense that lawyers have successfuly used is the supposition that people can become temporarily unable to tell the difference between right and wrong. What does it mean to be temporarily insane? We discuss the implications of the use and idea behind temporary insanity and even briefly touch on the legal system in general.Join the club! www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://www.tba.org/index.cfm?pg=LawBlog&blAction=showEntry&blogEntry=28336https://criminal.laws.com/murder/homicide/non-criminal-homicide/insanity-claims/famous-cases#:~:text=High%20profile%20criminal%20court%20cases,of%20the%20%22Twinkie%20Defense.%22https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/decoding-madness/202106/brief-history-the-insanity-defensehttps://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/temporary_insanity#:~:text=In%20a%20criminal%20trial%2C%20temporary,wrongfulness%20of%20the%20defendant's%20acts.https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/criminal-defense/not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity.htmlBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

This discussion expands on the first episode, which covered the history of the electoral college, by explaining the arguments for and against this system. Further, we briefly touch on some alternative strategies that have been proposed. This system, as it exists, is you uniquely American and most people don't want it. We'll give our final thoughts at the closing of this discussion. Recommendations Part 2Abraham: Godzilla Minus One  (https://www.netflix.com/title/81767635)Shane: Naked by David Sedaris (https://www.davidsedarisbooks.com/titles/david-sedaris/naked/9780316073622/)Holidays:Spumoni DayFinance Brokers DayBrazilian Blowout DayInternational Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of TerrorismInternet Self Care DayNational Medical Dosimetrist DayPoet’s DaySenior Citizen’s DayWorld Goat DayDrive Sober or Get Pulled Over (Week)Minority Enterprise Development WeekNational Aviation WeekLittle League World SeriesHayden Panettiere’s bdayLinks and References: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/its-time-to-abolish-the-electoral-college/https://saveourstates.com/blog/yes-other-countries-have-electoral-colleges-toohttps://people.howstuffworks.com/10-countries-besides-us-have-electoral-colleges.htmhttps://www.usa.gov/electoral-collegehttps://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/11/22/among-democracies-u-s-stands-out-in-how-it-chooses-its-head-of-state/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/history#:~:text=The%20Founding%20Fathers%20established%20the,popular%20vote%20of%20qualified%20citizens.https://www.heritage.org/the-essential-electoral-college/the-current-threat#:~:text=If%20the%20Electoral%20College%20was%20eliminated%2C%20the%20power%20to%20elect,voice%20of%20smaller%20populated%20states.https://stanfordmag.org/contents/should-we-abolish-the-electoral-collegehttps://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/05/23/killing-electoral-college-means-rural-americans-would-be-serfs-column/3770424002/https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/publications/youraba/2019/october-2019/q--the-electoral-college--is-it-open-for-interpretation-by-the-c/https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/09/25/majority-of-americans-continue-to-favor-moving-away-from-electoral-college/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi7uownWRmQhttps://youtu.be/ajavsMbCapY?si=vXojc85LpkmDbCrbhttps://www.history.com/news/presidents-electoral-college-popular-votehttps://www.history.com/news/electors-chosen-electoral-collegeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Did you ever notice those stickers on commercial vehicles that ask "How is my driving?" with a corresponding phone number? We were curious, what is the purpose of this sticker? Is it for the driver? For other drivers on the road? For praise? For cricitism? We do a quick investigation into this sticker, where it came from and how it works. Join the club! www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://www.safetyalert.com/about.htmlhttps://blog.drivedifferent.com/blog/why-your-company-needs-a-hows-my-driving-decal-programhttps://www.azuga.com/blog/how-is-my-driving-stickerhttps://www.automotive-fleet.com/145469/do-hows-my-driving-programs-really-workhttps://www.ttnews.com/articles/does-it-do-any-good-call-hows-my-driving-phone-numberBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

The electoral college is a strange system in the United States by which the president is "chosen" by a slate of people who represent the will of the voters, except when it doesn't. In this first episode, we explore the history of the electoral college and some of the unique instances in which a president achieved office without the majority of votes from the people because this system allows it. Next time, we will unpack the arguments for and against the electoral college. RecommendationsAbraham: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes  (https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/kingdom-of-the-planet-of-the-apes)Shane: Press Club - Late Teens LP ( https://open.spotify.com/album/0qTuN1DHKnuCKMIkSxZR9a?si=c3G1KIU5SHO2o_pD9POy6A)Holidays for 08/21/2024:Spumoni DayFinance Brokers DayBrazilian Blowout DayInternational Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of TerrorismInternet Self Care DayNational Medical Dosimetrist DayPoet’s DaySenior Citizen’s DayWorld Goat DayDrive Sober or Get Pulled Over (Week)Minority Enterprise Development WeekNational Aviation WeekLittle League World SeriesHayden Panettiere’s bdayLinks and References: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/its-time-to-abolish-the-electoral-college/https://saveourstates.com/blog/yes-other-countries-have-electoral-colleges-toohttps://people.howstuffworks.com/10-countries-besides-us-have-electoral-colleges.htmhttps://www.usa.gov/electoral-collegehttps://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/11/22/among-democracies-u-s-stands-out-in-how-it-chooses-its-head-of-state/https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/history#:~:text=The%20Founding%20Fathers%20established%20the,popular%20vote%20of%20qualified%20citizens.https://www.heritage.org/the-essential-electoral-college/the-current-threat#:~:text=If%20the%20Electoral%20College%20was%20eliminated%2C%20the%20power%20to%20elect,voice%20of%20smaller%20populated%20states.https://stanfordmag.org/contents/should-we-abolish-the-electoral-collegehttps://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/05/23/killing-electoral-college-means-rural-americans-would-be-serfs-column/3770424002/https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/publications/youraba/2019/october-2019/q--the-electoral-college--is-it-open-for-interpretation-by-the-c/https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/09/25/majority-of-americans-continue-to-favor-moving-away-from-electoral-college/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi7uownWRmQhttps://youtu.be/ajavsMbCapY?si=vXojc85LpkmDbCrbhttps://www.history.com/news/presidents-electoral-college-popular-voteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

In the small field of Behavior Analysis, there is a smaller subset of practitioners who champion the use of a particular data graphing display called the "Standard Celeration Chart." We explain what is going on with this weird blue chart.Support us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLearn more about the Standard Celeration Chart: www.celeration.orgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

This discussion concludes by exploring how empathy develops. This can result in people with extremely high empathy and extremely low empathy. Where do you fall on the spectrum of empathy? Consider that wherever you, you can be somehwere else on this spectrum. Recommendations:Abraham: Deadpool & Wolverine (https://www.marvel.com/movies/deadpool-and-wolverine)Shane: Try a nutritionistLinks and References: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathyLuciano, et al. (2020). Perspective taking, empathy, and compassion. In Applied Behavior Analysis of Language and Cognition (Fryling et al, Eds). Oakland, CA: Context PressWilson, D. S., & Hayes, S. C. (2018). Evolution and contextual behavior science. Oakland, CA: Context Press. Barnes-Holmes et al. (2001). Psychological development. In Relational Frame Theory: A Post-Skinnerian Account of Human Language and Cognition. New York, NY: Klewur Acadmic/Plenum PressSkinner, B. F. (1974). About behaviorism. New York, NY: Random House.https://www.humintell.com/2019/05/the-cultural-significance-of-smiling/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6169872/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10427576/#:~:text=Several%20studies%20showed%20that%20adults,develop%20alexithymia%20and%20low%20empathy.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1541204020939647https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-88174-004https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13554794.2013.826695https://uktherapyguide.com/empathy-disorder-what-is-it-symptoms-and-how-to-overcome-ithttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/apr/29/confessions-of-a-hyper-empathhttps://www.verywellmind.com/hyper-empathy-in-autism-8426957https://www.theedgetreatment.com/hyper-empathy-disorder-what-happens-when-you-feel-too-much/https://www.psychalive.org/empaths/https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-finesse/202202/the-challenges-being-empathBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

These are the things we cut our teeth on... Did you know what a "trick cyclist" was? We didn't. Some sayings stick around in the lexicon, some seem to fade into obscurity. We have a lot of fun exploring the history of weird things English speakers have said that we likely wouldn't recognize today. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and references:https://promova.com/blog/vocabulary-from-the-early-2000shttps://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/25-english-expressions-might-encounter/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Empathy is a common term that has an elusive definition and nebulous parameters. In this first episode, we set out to walk through definitions of empathy and try to narrow it down to its most critical features. Further, we describe the scientific attempts to objectively measure empathetic observation. Next week, we will explain the development of empathy and when people become extremely empathetic or deficient in empathy. Recommendations part 1Abraham: The Bear (season 3; https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-bear)Shane: Gojira performing at the Olympics (https://loudwire.com/gojira-first-metal-band-play-olympics-opening-ceremony-watch/)Holidays (08/07/2024:Aged Care Employee Day (Australia)Mom’s Equal Pay DayNational Beach Party DayNational Lighthouse DayNational Psychiatric Technician Appreciation DayNational Raspberries and Cream DayNational Opportunity DayNational Sea Serpent DayParticularly Preposterous Packaging DayProfessional Speakers DayPurple Heart DayExercise with your Child WeekInternational Assistance Dog WeekInternational Clown WeekInternational Mathematicians WeekNational Bargain Hunting WeekNational Minority Donor Awareness WeekSimply Your Life weekWeird Contest WeekWorld Breastfeeding WeekMarine WeekChild Vision Awareness MonthNational Breastfeeding MonthBeautiful in your Skin MonthCheerleading Safety MonthLinks and References:Links: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathyLuciano, et al. (2020). Perspective taking, empathy, and compassion. In Applied Behavior Analysis of Language and Cognition (Fryling et al, Eds). Oakland, CA: Context PressWilson, D. S., & Hayes, S. C. (2018). Evolution and contextual behavior science. Oakland, CA: Context Press. Barnes-Holmes et al. (2001). Psychological development. In Relational Frame Theory: A Post-Skinnerian Account of Human Language and Cognition. New York, NY: Klewur Acadmic/Plenum PressSkinner, B. F. (1974). About behaviorism. New York, NY: Random House.https://www.humintell.com/2019/05/the-cultural-significance-of-smiling/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6169872/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10427576/#:~:text=Several%20studies%20showed%20that%20adults,develop%20alexithymia%20and%20low%20empathy.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1541204020939647https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-88174-004https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13554794.2013.826695https://uktherapyguide.com/empathy-disorder-what-is-it-symptoms-and-how-to-overcome-ithttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/apr/29/confessions-of-a-hyper-empathhttps://www.verywellmind.com/hyper-empathy-in-autism-8426957https://www.theedgetreatment.com/hyper-empathy-disorder-what-happens-when-you-feel-too-much/https://www.psychalive.org/empaths/https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-finesse/202202/the-challenges-being-empathBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Today, wiping our anuses after defectating seems so natural as to be just a part of being human. But, most animals do not wipe their anuses. And, toilet paper is a relatively recent invention. How did toilet paper become the ubiquitous necessity that it is now? We explore a brief history of toilet paper in this mini.Links and References: https://youtu.be/5vZ4-UHszs4?si=jZi61Go5u0nQmEYhhttps://youtu.be/IVTRpTHPs3o?si=cvQs7cSm7TV3sZtjhttps://youtu.be/50_O6YWJPMk?si=KyNJ07QxrX6SI73Dhttps://www.history.com/news/toilet-paper-hygiene-ancient-rome-chinahttps://www.livescience.com/42921-why-humans-need-toilet-paper.htmlBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

The second part of this discussion explores that actual attempts at implementing some version of UBI in various parts of the world. It sounds good, but would it even work? If so, how? There are many reasons to be skeptical that anything like this will ever work at scale, but let's see what we can learn about how it has performed and what, if anything, that tells us about what we can do in the future. Recommendations:Abraham: Abbot Elementary (https://abc.com/show/e4f28254-2fc4-4cc1-b9bb-eee0564c178e)Shane: DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation by Dr. Eric Sprankle (https://www.drsprankle.com/)Holidays (07/31/24):Cotton Candy DayJump for Jelly Beans DayShredded Wheat DayNational Avocado DayNational Raspberry Cake DayNational Mutt DayNational Jump for Jelly Beans DayBlack Tot DayWorld Ranger DayUncommon Instrument Awareness DayNational Marine WeekBeans MonthAnti-Boredom MonthLinks and References: https://youtu.be/m25YLByFVRw?si=n684PjQnuWhFLRd3https://youtu.be/Sgcvtjoi8Bs?si=-XQ5oXxR5qx9D7Ashttps://youtu.be/UqESogRgrYw?si=IY5EwFEYgioO8aGKhttps://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/11/25/20973151/givedirectly-basic-income-kenya-study-stimulusHoynes, H., & Rothstein, J. (2019). Universal basic income in the United States and advanced countries. Annual Review of Economics, 11(1), 929–958. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-economics-080218-030237https://www.procon.org/headlines/universal-basic-income-top-3-pros-and-cons/https://college.unc.edu/2021/03/universal-basic-income/https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/basic-income.asphttps://www.denverbasicincomeproject.org/research#:~:text=The%20Denver%20Basic%20Income%20Project,guaranteed%20income%20for%20unhoused%20people.https://www.businessinsider.com/denver-basic-income-reduces-homelessness-food-insecurity-housing-ubi-gbi-2024-6#:~:text=Denver%20gave%20people%20experiencing%20homelessness,participants%20said%20they%20had%20housing.&text=The%20Denver%20Basic%20Income%20Project%20gave%20cash%20to%20more%20than,payment%20structures%20might%20benefit%20them.https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-deep-and-enduring-history-of-universal-basic-income/#:~:text=Joseph%20Charlier%2C%20a%20Belgian%20utopian,persistent%20poverty%20despite%20economic%20progress.https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2022/10/24/universal-basic-income/https://www.cato.org/commentary/universal-basic-income-might-fix-our-broken-welfare-system-give-it-serious-scholarlyhttps://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/michigans-55m-experiment-guaranteed-income-begins-flint-momsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

How much money is your life worth? In the transactional scheme of our modern world, some people have taken on the somewhat macabre task of assigning a dollar amount to human lives. So, how is this calculated? We'll tell you all about it here. Support us at www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks: https://www.kotaklife.com/insurance-guide/about-life-insurance/how-to-calculate-human-life-valuehlvBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Universal Basic Income is a policy proposal to provide everyone in a closed system with a no-strings-attached cash infusion on a regular schedule such as every month. Some people love it, some people hate it, most people have never heard of it. In part one, we mostly review the history and arguments for and against this idea. Would you like $1,000 just because?RecommendationsAbraham: Toshiba: https://www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/us/air-conditioners/portable-air-conditioners/14000-btu-ashrae-1200-btu-saccsmart-inverter-portable-air-conditioner1Shane:  The Flow Trip (https://shop.flow.life/products/subscribe-to-the-flow-trip)Holidays (7/24/2024)Amelia Earhart DayCousins Day (George RR Martin’s day)International Self-Care DayNational Drive-Thru DayNational Tequila DayNational Thermal Engineers DayNational “Talk to Us” dayPioneer Day (State Holiday in Utah)Tell an Old Joke DayNational Independent Retailers WeekNational Moth WeekNational Scrabble WeekNational Zoo Keeper WeekRestless Leg Syndrome Education & Awareness WeekLinks and References: https://youtu.be/m25YLByFVRw?si=n684PjQnuWhFLRd3https://youtu.be/Sgcvtjoi8Bs?si=-XQ5oXxR5qx9D7Ashttps://youtu.be/UqESogRgrYw?si=IY5EwFEYgioO8aGKhttps://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/11/25/20973151/givedirectly-basic-income-kenya-study-stimulusHoynes, H., & Rothstein, J. (2019). Universal basic income in the United States and advanced countries. Annual Review of Economics, 11(1), 929–958. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-economics-080218-030237https://www.procon.org/headlines/universal-basic-income-top-3-pros-and-cons/https://college.unc.edu/2021/03/universal-basic-income/https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/basic-income.asphttps://www.denverbasicincomeproject.org/research#:~:text=The%20Denver%20Basic%20Income%20Project,guaranteed%20income%20for%20unhoused%20people.https://www.businessinsider.com/denver-basic-income-reduces-homelessness-food-insecurity-housing-ubi-gbi-2024-6#:~:text=Denver%20gave%20people%20experiencing%20homelessness,participants%20said%20they%20had%20housing.&text=The%20Denver%20Basic%20Income%20Project%20gave%20cash%20to%20more%20than,payment%20structures%20might%20benefit%20them.https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-deep-and-enduring-history-of-universal-basic-income/#:~:text=Joseph%20Charlier%2C%20a%20Belgian%20utopian,persistent%20poverty%20despite%20economic%20progress.https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2022/10/24/universal-basic-income/https://www.cato.org/commentary/universal-basic-income-might-fix-our-broken-welfare-system-give-it-serious-scholarlyhttps://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/michigans-55m-experiment-guaranteed-income-begins-flint-momsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Another quick review of a a logical fallacy. This time, we dive into the Middle of the Road logical fallacy, which many people inadvertently fall prey to. Of course, all you smart people already know this. But hopefully, this refresher will heighten everyone's sensitivity to it for a little while. Support us at www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks: https://youtu.be/VDGp04CfM4Mhttps://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/middle-groundBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Many of us will blame our most instinctual behaviors, impulses, and drives on the vestigial, reptilian parts of our brains. My lizard brain made me do it! What is the science and evolution behind this impulsive little humunculous? RecommendationsAbraham: Daich Coatings (https://daichcoatings.com/shop/luxrock-solid-surface-countertop/)Shane: Dope (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3850214/) Holidays:Disneyland’s AnniversaryNational Hot Dog DayNational Peach Ice Cream DayNational Tattoo DayTake your Poet to Work DayWorld Day for International Criminal JusticeWorld Emoji DayWrong Way Corrigan DayYellow Pig DayCoral Reef Awareness WeekEvery Body Deserves a Massage WeekHemingway Look Alike DaysNational Baby Food WeekNational Ventriloquism WeekPerseid Meteor ShowersSport Cliche WeekNational Hemp MonthBank Account Bonus MonthCell Phone Courtesy MonthLinks and References: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/managing-your-memory/201712/don-t-listen-your-lizard-brainhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/where-addiction-meets-your-brain/201404/your-lizard-brainhttps://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/limbic-systemhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4406946/https://www.earth.com/news/differences-in-the-mammalian-and-reptilian-brain-revealed/https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/triune-brainhttps://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/brain-the-inside-story/your-emotional-brain/beyond-our-lizard-brainhttps://www.biotechniques.com/neuroscience/10x_sptl_so_no-we-dont-have-a-lizard-brain/https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2020/study-finds-classically-mammalian-brain-region-reptilian-brains/https://brain.mpg.de/88758/research-labshttps://www.sciencealert.com/you-dont-actually-have-a-lizard-brain-evolutionary-study-revealshttps://bigthink.com/neuropsych/carl-sagan-reptile-brain/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Employers should consider what they are incentivizing and de-incentivizing when they put certain policies in place. One such common policy is to make employees to use their PTO when taking sick days. This can seriously backfire. Psychology to the rescue!Links: https://www.trinet.com/insights/if-an-employee-gets-sick-after-using-all-of-their-paid-time-off-pto-for-the-year-am-i-obligated-to-grant-them-additional-paid-time-for-sick-leaveBecome a member! Support us at www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

People often invoke our impulses by referencing the lizard part of our brains. What is this vistigial reptillian cortex that weilds so much power over our most base instincts? We'll unpack what this term is supposed to mean. Further, we explore the evolutionary, psychological, and scientific history of this idea and the "evidence" for it. Join us for a romping good take down.RecommendationsAbraham: Orbital SandersShane: Fables comics series (https://www.goodreads.com/series/54296-fables)Holidays:Don’t Step on a Bee DayInternational Nikola Tesla DayNational Kitten DayNational Pina Colada DayPick Blueberries DayTeddy Bears’ Picnic DayU.S. Energy Independence DayAir Conditioning Appreciation DaysBe Nice to New Jersey WeekCreative Maladjustment DayDog Days of SummerFreedom WeekNational Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee WeekNational Farriers WeekNude Recreation WeekendOperation Safe Driver WeekLinks: Schumann & Ross (2010). The benfits, cost, and paradox of revenge. Social and Psychology Personality Compass. https://www.pittcorelab.com/uploads/1/1/5/5/115561629/paradox_of_revenge_10.pdfUniacke, S. (2000). Why is revenge wrong? Journal of Value Inquiry, 34. 61-69). https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jrnlvi34&div=7&id=&page=Jackson, J.C.,  et al. (2019). Revenge: A multi-level view and synthesis. Annual Review of Psychology, 70.https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010418-103305. https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-psych-010418-103305Stillwell, A. M., et al. (2010). We’re all victims here: Toward a psychology of revenge. Basic and  Applied Social Psychology, 30(3). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01973530802375094https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/the-complicated-psychology-of-revengehttps://tnsr.org/2017/11/blunt-not-heart-enrage-psychology-revenge-deterrence/Price, M. (2009, June 1). Revenge and the people who seek it. Monitor on Psychology, 40(6). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2009/06/revengehttps://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-revenge/https://www.scienceofpeople.com/the-psychology-of-revenge/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

We can broadly categorize our levels of confidence or purpose of scientific data based on the amount of and quality of the information we have about the phenomenon of interest. People hear these terms but don't fully understand what we mean when we call something a "theory," "law," or "hypothesis." We explain them here today.Support us at Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks: https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Introductory_Chemistry/01%3A_The_Chemical_World/1.06%3A_Hypothesis_Theories_and_Laws#:~:text=A%20hypothesis%20is%20a%20tentative,summarizes%20the%20relationship%20between%20variables.https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/10/31/1209683893/how-the-u-s-gun-violence-death-rate-compares-with-the-rest-of-the-worldhttps://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/04/26/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we needed to release another nostalgia episode this week. This was our second most popular episode ever. Dr. Steven Hayes ("Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life") joins us to discuss the concept of "grit" as well as share several personal anecdotes. Enjoy this rerun of a popular classic. Support us at Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Mood rings change color to inform the external world about our emotional states. How does this magical jewelry make our most private, inner experiences overtly observable? Most people know this is temperature-based reaction... and it is. But, we'll explain how and what it means, if anything. Links: https://thebannercsi.com/2020/03/22/the-science-and-history-behind-mood-rings/https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/was-the-mood-ring-a-gateway-drug-to-an-era-of-self-obsessionhttps://wholesalejewelrywebsite.com/products/mood-ring-color-chart-cfr7043https://people.howstuffworks.com/mood-rings.htmBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.