This follow-up to our first discussion on Montessori School, Abraham shares some stories of experience with students who attended Montessori style schools. We point out that Montessori may have been involuntarily watered down by regulations. We also compare and contrast Montessori with other evidence-based educational practices. Plus, some discussion around random topics in movies and other things.

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150 | Montessori Schooling (Part 1)

Running around covered in marker and glitter! In the first part of this discussion, we will highlight the background of Maria Montessori’s educational theory and practice. This theory proposes unique learning materials, a child-directed approach, and why it may or may not be beneficial for different age groups. Having maintained its popularity for over 100 years, the Montessori approach is not without some unanswered questions. We will unpack the Montessori approach and see how it compares to other more researched and familiar practices, and what some of the benefits are.

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149 | Understanding Dyslexia

At the time that we recorded this, we had no idea how pervasive the coronavirus was going to become, so we made no mention of it. Forgive the lack of discussion about this topic. However, perhaps this is an opportunity to focus on something else for a while. We discuss the history of dyslexia, some of the factors that may have contributed to the increase in prevalence, and diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, we describe some of the interventions and curriculum that has been designed to help individuals with dyslexia.

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148 | False Memories: The Mandela Effect

The Mandela Effect is widespread false memories that often carry cultural significance. In this discussion, we describe several examples of the Mandela Effect, what it is, and why it happens. We probably name several things that you thought were true but aren’t, or thought happened but didn’t. Reality isn’t real!

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Human BiasScott Abraham MillerMarch 18, 2020Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Skepticism, False Memories, Memory, Mandela Effect, Nelson Mandela, Jiff Peanut Butter, Darth Vader, Star Wars, Kazaam, Shaq, Cognitive Bias, Cognitive Error, CultureComment

147 | Criminal Profiling

Criminal profiling may seem like a sham. In many cases, it is. However, we were surprised to learn that there are some researchers putting real science into criminal profiling to better catch criminals such as murderers. It’s nothing like you see on TV shows where the brilliant detective predicts every move and accurately identifies everything about the criminal. Instead, it is much more interesting when science is used to understand real patterns that might occur and put probabilities to the test to solve a case. Fans of true crime are especially likely to find something to enjoy in this one!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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

143 | How to Tell if Someone is Flirting With You | Why We Do What We Do

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How ToScott Abraham MillerFebruary 12, 2020Abraham, RyanO, Ryan, Flirting, Romance, Romantic, Relationships, Significant Other, Attraction, Valentine's Day, Valentine's, Consent, ConsensualComment

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

141 | Are Kids Losing Their Attention Span? | Why We Do What We Do

Throughout time, adults have been frustrated by… oh look at that cloud… just kidding :) But really, there is this myth that kids have shorter attention spans than ever before. This is fueled in part by a “study” that apparently doesn’t exist, but nevertheless got picked up by the news. Movies are sometimes used as a metric for shortening attention spans, but it is likely an artifact of competing for people’s time. Also, goldfish are a terrible comparison for attention. In short, no kids are not losing their attention span. Actually, we are probably getting increasingly efficient at identifying and regulating our attention to things that are or aren’t worth our time. Myth busted.

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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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139 | Berserkers | Why We Do What We Do

Going berserk! We discuss the etymology of the term “berserk” and the possible history of the eponymous people. Their “weapon” may have been running into battle practically naked screaming their heads off. Long ago, a priest speculated that consuming a specific mushroom caused their crazed bloodlust. However, there is reason to believe that it wasn’t mushrooms but instead may have been the nightshade plant, Henbane, or a lot of alcohol, or neither of those things. Also, historians want you to know that the berserkers may have bitten their shields in battle for some reason. Some interesting psychology to unpack with berserkers!

Survey ends in January!

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Psychological HistoryScott Abraham MillerJanuary 15, 2020Abraham, RyanO, The Daily BA, Berserkers, Berserk, Warriors, Fighters, War, Battle, Bear-skin, Boar Skin, Intimidation, Psychedelics, MushroomsComment

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!

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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!

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

136 | Psychedelics in Therapy With Stu Law (Part 3) | Why We Do What We Do

Happy Holidays! Welcome to our third and final episode on psychedelics with Stu Law. In this discussion, we end with a note of optimism for what psychedelics might actually have to benefit people. Also, Stu makes jokes and is generally funny and engaging.

Survey ends in January!

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135 | Psychedelics in Therapy With Stu Law (Part 2) | Why We Do What We Do

A continuation of our discussion from the previous episode. This episode covers more of the process by which psychedelics work and more cautionary tales about what to be skeptical about in the wave of enthusiasm about research into psychedelic drugs for therapy.

Survey ends in January!

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134 | Psychedelics in Therapy With Stu Law (Part 1) | Why We Do What We Do

A skeptical but optimistic discussion about the use of psychedelic drugs for mental health. Stu and Abraham mostly unpack the history of psychedelics in this discussion. There are some jokes and light-heartedness, but the message is an important one. There are things to be excited about in the future of therapy with the assistance of psychedelics, but if we are not careful, then we might be plunged back in the dark ages of psychedelics for medicinal value.

Survey ends in January!

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133 | Prion Diseases | Why We Do What We Do

This was a creepy discussion that maybe would have been better suited to a Halloween episode. We break down the process of brain deterioration from misfolded proteins called “prions” [pree-awnz]. Perhaps you’ve heard of Mad Cow disease, Crutzfeldt-Jakob disease. These are types of prion diseases. Unfortunately, prion diseases have no cure and cannot be prevented by heating or otherwise chemically treating food containing prions. Prion diseases have a 100% fatality rate within 2-3 years of diagnosis. Furthermore, it is unlikely to be diagnoseable until destruction is nearly complete. The only strategy we have is to try and prevent this disease by avoiding consuming things that are likely to cause it.

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The Brain, Animals, Diagnosis, GeneticsScott Abraham MillerDecember 4, 2019Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Shane Spiker, neurons, Prions, Prion, Prion Diseases, Mad Cow Dissease, Neurology, Neurodegenerative Diseases, High Fatality, GeneticsComment

132 | The Ghosts of Limbs Past: Phantom Limb Pain | Why We Do What We Do

WARNING! In this episode, we discuss topics that involve severe harm to humans and animals. If this is a sensitive issue for you, consider skipping this episode. For the most part, we made attempts to avoid the description of actual physical violence. Instead, we explore what phantom limb pain is and some of the hypotheses around why we have it. Have you ever wondered whether people born without limbs would feel phantom limb pain? Or where the pain is located in the missing body part? We describe the research on how common this experience is and what researchers believe they understand about why people experience pain in missing body parts after those body parts are no longer there, sometimes long after they are gone!

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)

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