131 | Lead Poisoning Our Brains | Why We Do What We Do
131 | Lead Poisoning Our Brains | Why We Do What We Do

Shane and Abraham summarize and highlight the history of how humans came to have a loving relationship with lead. However, like some relationships, this was doomed to fail because lead was secretly plotting to kill us all along. We discussed what was so attractive about lead. What we learned about why it was bad for us. Why we increased our use of it anyway. And how lead intrudes into our brains to poison us. What a downer! But a fun and informative downer…

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Children, Psychological History, The BrainScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Lead, Shane, Shanebraham, Shane Spiker, Lead poisoning, Poison, Poisoning, children, Conspiracy, Violence, History, Leaded Gasoline, automobiles, Cars, Lead paint, health, unhealthy, contraception, sweetener, cosmetics, metalComment
130 | The Psychology of Humor (Our Funniest Episode Ever!) | Why We Do What We Do
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.

ATTENTION! We are doing a special promotion! If you complete a listener survey, you will earn a WWDWWD sticker in the mail and get entered to win a free t-shirt! The survey shouldn’t take longer than 3-10 minutes and is completely private. We will NOT share your data or information with anyone else. Follow this link https://forms.gle/ogarcXvK7RFZXytS8 to receive a sticker, be entered to win a free shirt, and to help us make the best show for you!

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Interview, Philosophy, How ToScott Abraham MillerAbraham, RyanO, Stu Law, Humor, Comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Anit-humor, Jokes, Deadpan, Stand-up, hilarious, funny, culture, Politically Correct, hahaComment
129 | Tapping Meridian Points | Why We Do What We Do
129 | Tapping Meridian Points | Why We Do What We Do

Meridian points are the gateways through which “chi” flows into our bodies. These specialized pores in our skin conduct chi such that with an appropriate balance we find ourselves in good physical and mental health, but with imbalance we find ourselves in poor mental and physical health. Traditionally accomplished through acupuncture, many argue the same outcome is accessible through applying any kind of attention or pressure to meridian points. Except that every single thing about this is not backed by science, medicine, logic, or common sense. Learn about the damning history of meridian points and why we can and should forever let go of this way of magical thinking.

ATTENTION! We are doing a special promotion! If you complete a listener survey, you will earn a WWDWWD sticker in the mail and get entered to win a free t-shirt! The survey shouldn’t take longer than 3-10 minutes and is completely private. We will NOT share your data or information with anyone else. Follow this link https://forms.gle/ogarcXvK7RFZXytS8 to receive a sticker, be entered to win a free shirt, and to help us make the best show for you!

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Human Bias, Myth-Busting, PseudoscienceScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Meridian Points, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Reflexology, Jim Kwik, Pseudoscience, Skepticism, Skeptical Activism, Placebo, Motivated ReasoningComment
128 | Zombie Bugs | Why We Do What We Do
128 | Zombie Bugs | Why We Do What We Do

Although the idea of zombies comes from folklore and mystical traditions, there are real zombies in the world. Specifically, the cordyceps fungus that infects insects such as ants, kills them, and then drives their “reanimated” corpse around to find a place to spread spores to infect more insects. It is diabolical and creepy! But how does this brainless organism understand how to move the ant’s body? How does it know how to spread to other insects? We do our best to unpack what is understood and what might be happening.

ATTENTION! We are doing a special promotion! If you complete a listener survey, you will earn a WWDWWD sticker in the mail and get entered to win a free t-shirt! The survey shouldn’t take longer than 3-10 minutes and is completely private. We will NOT share your data or information with anyone else. Follow this link https://forms.gle/ogarcXvK7RFZXytS8 to receive a sticker, be entered to win a free shirt, and to help us make the best show for you!

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Spooky, The Brain, AnimalsScott Abraham MillerAbraham, October Spooky Psychology 2019, Zombies, Real-life zombies, Zombie Bugs, Zombie Ants, Zombie Spiders, Cordyceps, Creepy, Chilling, Scary, Brazil, Dementer Wasp, Fungus, Spores, Carpenter Ants, Re-animated corpseComment
127 | Sleep Paralysis: Demons and Ghosts in the Night | Why We Do What We Do
127 | Sleep Paralysis: Demons and Ghosts in the Night | Why We Do What We Do

Experiencing ghosts, aliens, curses, or a demon sitting on your chest while you sleep are common reports from people who have experienced sleep paralysis. Although distressing, sleep paralysis is not indicative of some cognitive or neurological disorder. We try and set the stage for why this process feels so frightening, who experiences it, why we experience, and how often we experience it. Whether you have heard about it or not, there is probably something new for you to learn!

ATTENTION! We are doing a special promotion! If you complete a listener survey, you will earn a WWDWWD sticker in the mail and get entered to win a free t-shirt! The survey shouldn’t take longer than 3-10 minutes and is completely private. We will NOT share your data or information with anyone else. Follow this link to receive a sticker, be entered to win a free shirt, and to help us make the best show for you!

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Spooky, Diagnosis, Disorders, Psychological HistoryScott Abraham MillerAbraham, October Spooky Psychology 2019, Unconscious, sleep paralysis, demons, ghosts, witches, curse, parasomnias, sleep, disorder, sleep disorder, alien abduction, conspiracy theories, nightmareComment
126 | Where Our Superstitions Come From | Why We Do What We Do
126 | Where Our Superstitions Come From | Why We Do What We Do

Knocking on wood, blessing a sneeze, crossing your fingers for luck, and the belief that saying something will happen jinxes the likelihood of that happening are all examples of just a few of the crazy superstitions people have. Some culture-specific superstitions have the opposite meaning across cultures. What you may not know is that most of us have superstitions we don’t even recognize that we have! What are your superstitions? Listen in as Shane and Abraham explain where our superstitions come from, that is, why people become superstitious, as well as revealing our own silly superstitions, at least the ones we know about…

ATTENTION! We are doing a special promotion! If you complete a listener survey, you will earn a WWDWWD sticker in the mail and get entered to win a free t-shirt! The survey shouldn’t take longer than 3-10 minutes and is completely private. We will NOT share your data or information with anyone else. Follow this link to receive a sticker, be entered to win a free shirt, and to help us make the best show for you!

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Spooky, Human BiasScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Shanebraham, October Spooky Psychology 2019, Unconscious, Habits, Superstition, Superstitious Behavior, Sports, Sports Superstition, Black Cats, Ladders, Money, Knock on wood, sneezing, saying bless youComment
125 | Why People Like Horror Movies | Why We Do What We Do
125 | Why People Like Horror Movies | Why We Do What We Do

Welcome to spooky psychology month! Shane and Abraham are choosing 5 topics in psychology that related to horror or Halloween themed topics. The next entry in the saga of creepy psychology is understanding why we like scary movies. What is it about being creeped out that keeps people coming to the movie theaters and directors making these movies? There are many different theories that we discuss, but primarily we will reveal that it is a combination of factors including our social groups. Do you love or hate scary movies or fall somewhere in between? Let us know how you feel and which theory you relate to.

ATTENTION! We are doing a special promotion! If you complete a listener survey, you will earn a WWDWWD sticker in the mail and get entered to win a free t-shirt! The survey shouldn’t take longer than 3-10 minutes and is completely private. We will NOT share your data or information with anyone else. Follow this link to receive a sticker, be entered to win a free shirt, and to help us make the best show for you!

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Spooky, The BrainScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Science, Shanebraham, October Spooky Psychology 2019, Skepticism, Scary Movies, Horror Movies, Terror, Horror, Fear, Fright, Slasher Films, Films, Movies, Entertainment, Social ReinforcementComment
124 | Crying Wolf: Clinical Lycanthropy | Why We Do What We Do
124 | Crying Wolf: Clinical Lycanthropy | Why We Do What We Do

Welcome to spooky psychology month! Shane and Abraham are choosing 5 topics in psychology that related to horror or Halloween themed topics. The first entry is about the psychological condition called Clinical Lycanthropy in which people believe that they turn into non-human animals. Although werewolves are common, beliefs range across just about every known animal or human-animal hybrid. But how common is this? How is it diagnosed? How is it treated? Unfortunately, little is known. But we were able to dig up some dirt on this mysterious affliction!

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Diagnosis, Myth-Busting, SpookyScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Science, Shanebraham, Werewolves, Clinical Lycanthropy, October Spooky Psychology 2019, Delusions, Skepticism, Psychological WerewolvesComment
123 | Seizure Disorders | Why We Do What We Do
123 | Seizure Disorders | Why We Do What We Do

Seizure disorders are when someone experiences electrochemical convulsions over repeated episodes. Seizures can impact learning, daily functioning, and quality of life. However, many people live with seizure disorders and have rich fulfilling lives. Shane and Abraham describe what seizure are, how they impact learning and development, how they affect the brain, and what to do if you are around someone who has a seizure.

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The Brain, Diagnosis, EducationScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Science, Shanebraham, Siezure, Seizure Disorder, Epilepsy, CBD, Health, Medicine, Science Based MedicineComment
122 | Brain Food | Why We Do What We Do
122 | Brain Food | Why We Do What We Do

There are certain foods that can improve your cognitive performance. Or maybe not. There is evidence supporting the health benefits of some diets over others, but none that shows the neurological benefits of a specific food. Although the claims that brain-food proponents make are not totally inaccurate and are generally good advice, they wildly exaggerate the outcomes of their programs and trick you into buying their stuff. In this discussion, we review the science behind antioxidants, supplements, and other “brain foods,” which ones work and which ones don’t.

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Myth-Busting, Pseudoscience, The BrainScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Skepticism, Diet, Food, Brain Food, Supplements, Lisa Misconi, Max Lugavere, Shanebraham, Harriet Hall, Science, Quack Watch, Science Based MedicineComment
121 | A Brief Introduction to Punishment | Why We Do What We Do
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!

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Myth-Busting, PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Skepticism, Shanebraham, Punishment, Torture, Corporal Punishment, Behaviorism, B.F. Skinner, Behavior Analysis, Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Modification, Positive Punishment, Negative Punishment, Brief Overview, Theories of PunishmentComment
120 | Sign Language With Primates | Why We Do What We Do
120 | Sign Language With Primates | Why We Do What We Do

People have been curious about the language of other species, and specifically if other species can learn human language. In the 1960’s and 1970’s some researchers in the United States believed that they had broken the species language barrier by teaching primates sign language. But where are all of the signing apes now? Shane and Abraham discuss the history and controversy of the trials and attempts to teach language to primates.

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Psychological History, Human Bias, Myth-BustingScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Poor Science, Sign Language, Chimps, Monkeys, Skepticism, Nim Chimpsky, Herbert Terrace, Washoe, Apes, Chimpanzees, Communication, Language Barrier, LiguistComment
119 | Twin Studies | Why We Do What We Do
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.

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Psychological History, Research, Philosophy, GeneticsScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Twins, Twin Studies, Monozygotic Twins, Dizygotic Twins, Embryo, Zygote, Birth, Pregnancy, Research, Bubble Bursting, Shared Environments, Poor Science, ExperimentationComment
118 | Positive and Negative Reinforcement in Schools | Why We Do What We Do
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.

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PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerAbraham, 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
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.

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PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerAbraham, 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
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.

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PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerAbraham, 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
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.

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PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerAbraham, 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
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.

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Philosophy, The BrainScott Abraham MillerSkepticism, Abraham, RyanO, Music, A Little Country, A Little Rock 'N Roll, Psychology of Music, Musical Preference, Heavy Metal, Country, Rap, Hip Hop, Electronic, EDM, Personality, Theory of Musical Preference, Indie, Pop, Punk, Dubstep, Contextual Exposure HypothesisComment
113 | You Know Less Than You Think: The Dunning-Kruger Effect | Why We Do What We Do
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…

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Human Bias, Psychological History, PhilosophyScott Abraham MillerDetention, Dunning-Kruger Effect, Cognitive Bias, You Know Less Than You Think, McArthur Wheeler, Skepticism, Shanebraham, Shane, Abraham, Lemon JuiceComment
112 | Expelled: Racial Inequality in School Discipline With Dr. Kent McIntosh | Why We Do What We Do
112 | Expelled: Racial Inequality in School Discipline With Dr. Kent McIntosh | Why We Do What We Do

When you control for other factors, minorities are far more likely to receive office discipline referrals, detention, and expulsion. How far does racial inequality go in school discipline? What can be done to mitigate this problem? Dr. Kent McIntosh is the director for Educational and Community Supports in the College of Education at the University of Oregon and an expert in disproportionality in school discipline. He joined us for a discussion on this important topic that goes deeper than you might think.

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Human Bias, PBIS, EducationScott Abraham MillerDetention, Positive Intervention and Supports, Kent McIntosh, Expulsion, Racial Inequality, Disproportionality, School DisciplineComment