Posts in Philosophy

156 | Why? Our 3-Year Anniversary With Special Guests!

We turned 3! In celebration, the whole team gathered for a live stream in which we answered: Why do we use the word “why?” Why do we feel bored? What do we or don’t we physical distance? Why are we gross? and Why do we listen to podcasts? We also invite a special guest and audience participation with Q&A.

You can view the live stream event here: https://youtu.be/g2pw5jbVY70

We recommended several podcasts:

No Dogs in Space (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-dogs-in-space/id1495604041)
I Don’t Wanna Hear It (https://i-dont-wannahearit-podcast.com/)
Joe Rogan Podcast (http://podcasts.joerogan.net/)
The Brendon Show (https://brendon.com/podcast/)
The Hyper Conscious Podcast (https://www.thehyperconsciouspodcast.com/)
The Skeptics Guide to the Universe (https://www.theskepticsguide.org/)
Ask Women (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-women-podcast-what-women-want/id651219242)
Intelligence Matters (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intelligence-matters/id1286906615)
99% Invisible (https://99percentinvisible.org/)
Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard (https://armchairexpertpod.com/)

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

152 | Why and How We Grieve

There have been proposed “stages” of grief and various ways of managing grief. Circumstances of trauma can also impact grief such as whether the event was expected or if it was a surprise. Furthermore, there is a clear behavioral process of how grieving works and implicated steps for managing grief in a healthy way.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

Philosophy, ACTScott Abraham MillerApril 15, 2020Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Grief, Sadness, Harris, Russ Harris, ACT, Stages of Grief, Kessler, Kubler-Ross, Cues, Reminders, Skepticism, Loss, Autism, Disorder, Diagnosis, Death, Dying, COVID-19, Coronovirus, Pandemic, Why We Grieve, How We GrieveComment

146 | Right and Left Brain Personality

Begun in the work on patients with epilepsy, split-brain research suggested maybe people generally rely on one hemisphere of their brain over the other. Except, that doesn’t actually make any sense when you understand how the brain works. Although most people already know this, we expanded on this by elaborating on the history of this idea, and the one or two researchers who have continued to push this line of research despite its lack of fruitful outcomes… or general utility. Still, a lot to learn about this seemingly obvious urban myth.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

145 | Imposter Syndrome

We are not worthy! Many people who have accomplished a great deal in life nevertheless feel as though they don’t deserve their credentials, responsibilities, or accolades. This can manifest as people overworking themselves, procrastinating, or generally having the experience of fear and anxiety about themselves. Furthermore, people might fail to make contributions where they would otherwise be able to because they don’t trust themselves to fulfill the expectations that have been bestowed on them. Have you ever felt this way? You’re not alone. Let us know!

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

Philosophy, ACT, Human BiasScott Abraham MillerFebruary 26, 2020Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Imposter, Lone Wolf, Expert, Fraud, Unworthy, Acccomplished, Accolades, Success, FailureComment

144 | Default Mode Network of the Brain

We do our best to define altruism through the ways others have defined it. We break down the philosophical traditions that have tried to define, explain, and promote altruism. We read from some religious texts on altruism. We failed to point out in this discussion that if someone were to intend harm and do good, that would technically meet the definition of altruism but also not be something we’d want to promote. In the end, we advocate for prosocial behavior and point out that the definition is not particularly helpful right now.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

Autism, The Brain, PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerFebruary 19, 2020Abraham, RyanO, Ryan, Default Mode Network, DMN, Brain, Neurology, Neuroimaging, Brain Science, Science, Autism, Alzheimers, SkepticismComment

142 | Altruism | Why We Do What We Do

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PBIS, PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerFebruary 5, 2020Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Shane Spiker, Altruism, Selflessness, Selfless, Unselfish, Religion, Christianity, Buddhism, Siddartha, Zen, Prosocial, GoodnessComment

140 | Sensory Integration Therapy | Why We Do What We Do

A potentially controversial issue in which we take on sensory integration therapy. Important to note that we are NOT criticizing occupational therapists. We dug deep into the literature on sensory integration therapy and told the story that the data present. That is, we take as diplomatic and charitable a position as we can while remaining honest. Science does not paint a flattering picture.

Survey ends in January!

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138 | Why People Do Stupid Things (Part 2) | Why We Do What We Do

This is a continuation of our discussion on the “stupid” things that people do. In this discussion, we cover procrastinating, eating junk food, buying super over-priced non-essentials, fashion, being late to things, and refusing to learn new things. We also summarize some basic themes of why people do things that appear to be stupid.

Survey ends in January!

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

ACT, Human Bias, PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerJanuary 8, 2020Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Perspective-Taking, Stupidity, Why People Do Stupid Things, Rubbernecking, Parking, recyclingComment

137 | Why People Do Stupid Things (Part 1) | Why We Do What We Do

Happy new year! This is a nice light-hearted episode in which we armchair some explanations for why people do “stupid” things. Ultimately, stupid things aren’t really stupid after all. In a sense, this is an exercise in perspective-taking. We tackle 8 things in part one and 7 more in part two.

Survey ends in January!

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

ACT, Human Bias, PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerJanuary 1, 2020Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Perspective-Taking, Stupidity, Why People Do Stupid Things, Rubbernecking, Parking, recyclingComment

130 | The Psychology of Humor (Our Funniest Episode Ever!) | Why We Do What We Do

Jokes and comedy! Or at least a general discussion of the psychology of humor. We brought in a special Guest, Stu Law, a behavioral psychologist, to discuss what he has learned about studying humor and comedy. We tell jokes, dissect humor, and prescribe ways to be funnier. Kind of. Mostly we discuss why certain things make us laugh and the process by which humor shifts and changes over time.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

Links for Today:

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/11/how-the-zombie-fungus-takes-over-ants-bodies-to-control-their-minds/545864/ (narrative description of the cordyceps fungus taking over ants)
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/04/cordyceps-zombie-fungus-takes-over-ants/ (mostly images of insects infected with cordyceps fungus)
https://youtu.be/XuKjBIBBAL8 (video documentary of the cordyceps fungus in ants)
https://www.livescience.com/51764-wasp-spider-zombies.html (zombie spiders! When wasps plant their larva in spiders)
https://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/mind-controlling-wasps-enslave-zombie-spiders-build-them-perfect-nest/ (elaboration on wasps turning spiders into zombies)
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2018/08/zombie-flies-mind-control-fungus-animals/ (video of flies being zombified by fungus; gross)

Interview, Philosophy, How ToScott Abraham MillerNovember 13, 2019Abraham, RyanO, Stu Law, Humor, Comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Anit-humor, Jokes, Deadpan, Stand-up, hilarious, funny, culture, Politically Correct, hahaComment

121 | A Brief Introduction to Punishment | Why We Do What We Do

We’ve all heard of it. We all know what it is. But technically most people use the term imprecisely relative to behavior scientists. Did you know that there is a distinction between positive and negative punishment? Or that perhaps one of the biggest take aways that punishment is an effect, not a process? This discussion briefly introduces the concept of punishment without an in-depth and nuanced explanation for now. We are just laying the groundwork for grander things to come!

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

119 | Twin Studies | Why We Do What We Do

In 2018, astronaut Scott Kelly went into space for a year while his identical twin brother stayed on earth. The purpose was to study genetic changes that occur by spending time in space. Twin studies have been a staple of psychological research since the late 1800s. But many people don’t know about the underlying philosophy of twin studies, how they have been used, and what we can learn from them. Turns out this research method is a lot less robust than it seems. Learn about what the “shared experience” hypothesis is and how it weakens the execution of psychological research and testing using twins.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

118 | Positive and Negative Reinforcement in Schools | Why We Do What We Do

Positive and Negative Reinforcement are very misunderstood terms. Both of these are incidental processes that occur without deliberate manipulation from teachers or administrators. However, teachers and administrators do intentionally use positive and negative reinforcement strategies. Listen in to learn what these might look like in a school setting and a thorough description of what those processes are.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerAugust 21, 2019Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Behavior Modification, Behaviorism, Bmod, Learning, Behavior Analysis, Habits, Positive Intervention and Supports, Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Schools, School Discipline, Good Behavior GameComment

117 | Who Still Uses Behavior Modification? | Why We Do What We Do

Many people have expressed concern over various corporations using “behavior modification” to increase consumer engagement. Specifically, there is concern that these strategies create addictive behaviors. We thought this would be a good time to answer the questions: what is behavior modification? Who still uses behavior modification? And, how does behavior modification work? You might be surprised to learn how common this process is and how many places this still occurs.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerAugust 14, 2019Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Behavior Modification, Behaviorism, Bmod, Learning, Behavior Analysis, Habits, Addiction, Social MediaComment

116 | Why Are Some People Picky Eaters? | Why We Do What We Do

Why are some people picky eaters? Is it because of evolution? Parenting? Some combination of both? The outcomes of poor nutrition from food selectivity go further than the health effects. Learn about the psychological damage of picky eating and how it starts in the first place. Shane and Abraham summarize a slew of research articles that explain how and why some people become picky eaters.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerAugust 7, 2019Abraham, Shane Spiker, Call of the Void, High Place Phenomenon, Don't Jump, Suicide, Imp of the Perverse, Death Drive, Drive to Return to an Inanimate State, Will to Live, Survival, Curiosity Comments

115 | Leaning Over the Edge: The Call of the Void | Why We Do What We Do

Sometimes you might find yourself entertaining self-destructive thoughts such as jumping from a high place, or driving off the road. Edgar Allen Poe referred to this as the “Imp of the Perverse.” But why do we experience these things? Does everyone experience this? What does it all mean? Shane and Abraham take the jump and dive into this topic that lures us over the edge. Listen in as we unpack what is happening when we have these strange impulses to do harm.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerJuly 31, 2019Abraham, Shane Spiker, Call of the Void, High Place Phenomenon, Don't Jump, Suicide, Imp of the Perverse, Death Drive, Drive to Return to an Inanimate State, Will to Live, Survival, CuriosityComment

114 | A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock 'N Roll: The Psychology of Music Preference | Why We Do What We Do

Why do people like the types of music that they like? Is it a reflect of your inner personality? Is it just what your friends or parents listened to? Is it hardwired in your brain? Is it some combination of all of those things? If you’ve ever wondered why people like music that seems baffling to you, or wondered why you like the music that you prefer, then this is the episode for you! If not, then we still have a really fun discussion with the classic duo Abraham and RyanO.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

113 | You Know Less Than You Think: The Dunning-Kruger Effect | Why We Do What We Do

A common cognitive bias we have is that we tend to think we are better informed and experienced in things that we really are. The examples are practically endless and everyone does it. What are you worse at than you think? Listen in as Shane and Abraham (Shanebraham) describe the study that started a tsunami of research on basic human fallibility. Also, find out what lemons have to do with a bank robbery in the late 1990’s…

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

Human Bias, Psychological History, PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerJuly 17, 2019Detention, Dunning-Kruger Effect, Cognitive Bias, You Know Less Than You Think, McArthur Wheeler, Skepticism, Shanebraham, Shane, Abraham, Lemon JuiceComment

104 | Why We Do What We Do Turns 2! | Why We Do What We Do

Hey, we are pretty excited that we have been able to be sharing our podcast with you for two years! Today we discuss where we’ve been and what we have planned for the next year. We are excited to announce some new things, and we’ll recall some of the bright spots of the last two years. Here’s to another year.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerMay 15, 2019General DiscussionComment

038 │ Jonathan Tarbox Talks Defusion and the Idolatry of the Mind │ Why We Do What We Do

In this episode, Abraham and RYANO In this episode, Miranda, Abraham and RYANO welcome Dr. Johnathan Tarbox onto the show to talk about the tendency to worship the mind and ways to work around the barriers that it can create.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

ACT, Interview, Philosophy, TherapyScott Abraham MillerJanuary 31, 2018Comment

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