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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.
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9 FEB 2026 · Do cat's only meow at humans? What does their meowing mean? We once again spend a mini reviewing the interesting feline behavior of meowing. Yes, they mostly only meow at humans. No, humans aren't great an interpreting their meows. But, we'll explain in more detail in the episode. Are you good at understanding your cat?
Get ad free episodes and support the show: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast.com
Links and References:
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/12/2390
- https://www.hartz.com/truth-or-myth-cats-only-meow-to-humans/
- https://mrfrs.org/ask-a-vet-with-dr-sam-cats-only-meow-at-humans/
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/meowing-and-yowling
https://bioacoustics.stackexchange.com/questions/997/is-it-true-that-cats-dont-really-meow-at-each-other-but-rather-at-humans-as-a 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
Transcribed
4 FEB 2026 · Once again, we find ourselves in distressing and troubled times. Those of us inspired to action have taken to the streets in peaceful demonstrations and protests around the country. When we do this, we undertake a certain amount of risk. So, we have put together a list of strategies to keep in mind to protest safely in a episode originally published in 2020. In this nostalgia release, we add new information about how to protect yourself legally with ICE detaining and murdering American civilians and attacking people who aren't white. We may have forgotten to mention a strategy to take a photocopy of your ID with you (not your real ID), so consider that an additional tidbit. Good luck and god speed!
Recommendations
- Abraham: Reese’s Plant-Based Peanut Butter Cups (http://www.hersheyland.com/products/reeses-plant-based-oat-chocolate-confection-and-peanut-butter-cups-1-4-oz.html)
- Shane: Go to live sporting events
- Bonus Recommendation: Consider donating money to immigration defense organizations that support legal fees, legislative action, and direct support for families.
- https://wearecasa.org/policy-agenda/immigration/abolishice/
- https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/donate/
- Second Bonus Recommendation: Abolish ICE
Holidays (2/4/2026):
- Global School Play Day
- Homemade Soup Day
- I Heart Horror Day
- International Day of Human Fraternity
- Liberace Day
- National Create a Vacuum Day
- National Girls and Women in Sports Day
- National Hemp Day
- National Signing Day
- National Stuffed Mushroom Day
- National Thank a Mailman Day
- National Wicker Day
- Quacker Day
- Sweater Day
- Torture Abolition Day
- African Heritage & Health Week
- Burn Awareness Week
Links and References:
- https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/
- https://www.nilc.org/resources/immigrant-participation-in-protests-rights/
- https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr/publications/35-rule-how-small-minority-can-change-world
- https://www.americanprogress.org/article/how-peaceful-protest-by-just-3-5-percent-of-americans-could-force-major-policy-changes-from-the-trump-administration/
- https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2021/06/15/world-changing-protests-you-should-know-about 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
Transcribed
2 FEB 2026 · What does it mean to say something is sweeter than something else? What does 200 times sweeter even taste like? We explain the method scientists use to measure the sweetness of something and thereby make comparisons about how sweet things are. Check it out, it's pretty sweet.
Get ad-free episodes at patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast.com
Links and References:
- https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2007/05/how-do-they-measure-the-sweetness-of-sugar-substitutes.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8009737/
- https://www.sweetenerbook.com/assets/blogs/measure.html
- https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/artificial-sweetener.htm?srch_tag=elzr3h5bpjo6owafwknxzobucfhzpm3s 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
Transcribed
28 JAN 2026 · In part 2, we continue through the history of the Burning Man event. Then, we get into what to expect what how to prepare if you plan to attend Burning Man. Finally, we conclude with some criticisms and arguments people have made against Burning Man either in general or with respect to its most recent iteration. Would you ever go to Burning Man? Have you ever been? Tell us what you think!
Join our supporters club:
www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
Recommendations (Part 2)
- Abraham: Lure (https://www.allplay.com/board-games/lure/)
- Shane: Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred (https://diablo4.blizzard.com/en-us/)
Holidays (28 Jan 2026):
- American Immigration Lawyers Association Day of Action
- Christa McAuliffe Day
- Daisy Day
- Global Community Engagement Day
- International Lego Day
- International Reducing Co2 Emissions Day
- Library Shelfie Day
- National Blueberry Pancake Day
- National Data Privacy Day
- National Kazoo Day
- National Pediatrician Day
- Pop Art Day
- Rubber Ducky Day
- Data PRivacy Week
- International Hot Air Balloon Week
- Kiss a Shark Week
- National Clean Out Your Inbox Week
- National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week
Links and References:
- https://history.burningman.org/
- https://history.burningman.org/timeline/
- https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/iconic-events/burning-man
- https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2024/08/20/burning-man-history-purpose-origins-black-rock-city/74874537007/
- https://burningman.org/black-rock-city/preparation/first-timers-guide/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/BurningMan/comments/12z7avo/things_you_wish_you_knew_before_going_to_your/
- https://rocknheavy.net/burning-man-a-complete-guide-c0719e9f20a8
- https://burningman.org/about-us/
- https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/everything-people-get-wrong-about-burning-man-19726500.php
- https://www.theransomnote.com/art-culture/events/the-misconceptions-of-burning-man-a-reflection/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/burning-man-festival-attendee-negatives-warning-advice-2023-8
- https://www.treehugger.com/time-to-rethink-burning-man-7965803
- https://www.hcn.org/articles/desert-what-are-the-real-impacts-on-burning-mans-playa/#:~:text=Some%20other%20environmental%20concerns%20include:%20*%20**Commodification,up%20after%20themselves%20*%20Respect%20their%20homeland
- https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/burning-mangoers-share-their-craziest-stories-from-the-festival-10496942.html
- https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/i-was-wrong-about-burning-man-21024611.php
- https://burningman.org/news/ 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
Transcribed
26 JAN 2026 · One of the most spine-tingling, misophonia-inducing sounds (for some) is the sound of teeth grinding together. Bruxism, teeth-grinding, is a habit that can occur wihle asleep or awake and can have potentially serious side-effects. We will discuss who does it and why and what you can do about it.
Join our cool-kids club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
Links and References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism
- https://www.cedars-sinai.org/stories-and-insights/expert-advice/teeth-grinding
- https://dentistrycharlottesville.com/the-grind-of-stress-how-teeth-grinding-impacts-your-health-and-how-to-manage-it/
- https://www.columbiadoctors.org/news/you-may-be-grinding-your-teeth-without-even-knowing-it
- https://health.mil/News/Articles/2022/02/28/Teeth-Grinding-You-Wont-Believe-How-Harmful-it-Really-Is
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36448332/#:~:text=A%20large%2Dscale%20polysomnographic%20study%20found%20that%2049.7%25,index%20*%20Higher%20percentage%20of%20N1%20sleep
- https://www.jewelautismcentre.com/how-habit-reversal-training-can-help-reduce-teeth-grinding-in-adolescents-with-autism/#:~:text=Habit%20Reversal%20Training%20is%20a,to%20look%20at%20behavior%20holistically. 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
Transcribed
21 JAN 2026 · There is a unique annual art event that is hours from civilization in the blistering hot sun that culminates the incineration of humungous humanoid effigy. This four-decade long tradition is a celebration of art, creativity, individuality, community, and self-expression. But, it is not without it's flaw and foibles. We spend two episodes unpacking the history and contemporary features of this event and the criticisms leveled at it.
Recommendations (Part 2)
- Abraham: Lure (https://www.allplay.com/board-games/lure/)
- Shane: Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred (https://diablo4.blizzard.com/en-us/)
Holidays (28 Jan 2026):
- American Immigration Lawyers Association Day of Action
- Christa McAuliffe Day
- Daisy Day
- Global Community Engagement Day
- International Lego Day
- International Reducing Co2 Emissions Day
- Library Shelfie Day
- National Blueberry Pancake Day
- National Data Privacy Day
- National Kazoo Day
- National Pediatrician Day
- Pop Art Day
- Rubber Ducky Day
- Data PRivacy Week
- International Hot Air Balloon Week
- Kiss a Shark Week
- National Clean Out Your Inbox Week
- National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week
Links and References:
- https://history.burningman.org/
- https://history.burningman.org/timeline/
- https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/iconic-events/burning-man
- https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2024/08/20/burning-man-history-purpose-origins-black-rock-city/74874537007/
- https://burningman.org/black-rock-city/preparation/first-timers-guide/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/BurningMan/comments/12z7avo/things_you_wish_you_knew_before_going_to_your/
- https://rocknheavy.net/burning-man-a-complete-guide-c0719e9f20a8
- https://burningman.org/about-us/
- https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/everything-people-get-wrong-about-burning-man-19726500.php
- https://www.theransomnote.com/art-culture/events/the-misconceptions-of-burning-man-a-reflection/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/burning-man-festival-attendee-negatives-warning-advice-2023-8
- https://www.treehugger.com/time-to-rethink-burning-man-7965803
- https://www.hcn.org/articles/desert-what-are-the-real-impacts-on-burning-mans-playa/#:~:text=Some%20other%20environmental%20concerns%20include:%20*%20**Commodification,up%20after%20themselves%20*%20Respect%20their%20homeland
- https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/burning-mangoers-share-their-craziest-stories-from-the-festival-10496942.html
- https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/i-was-wrong-about-burning-man-21024611.php
- https://burningman.org/news/ 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
Transcribed
19 JAN 2026 · Many people avoid or even advocate against having conversations about confrontational topics. We disagree. We explain how it is important to have these dififcult discussion and that failure to do so is likely a contributing factor to the division we face today.
https://www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
Link:
- https://claesjonasson.medium.com/why-we-need-to-talk-more-about-politics-and-religion-not-less-6a4e96331959 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
Transcribed
14 JAN 2026 · Democratized education lead by trained professionals and experts has resulted in unprecidented growth in progress and improvements in quality of life. Sex is something humans do to maintain the species population. Put those two things together and you get sex education. Some, however, have argued for the idealistic view that all humans be monogamous and abstinent until marriage. We investigate the research and work through the philosophy to see how abstinence-only education works (it doesn't).
Recommendations
- Abraham: Stranger Things: Season 5 (https://www.netflix.com/title/80057281)
- Shane: The Last Night of the Earth Poems by Charles Bukowski ( https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-last-night-of-the-earth-poems-charles-bukowski?variant=32116708540450)
Holidays 14 January 2026:
- Cesarean Section Day
- Feast of the Ass
- International Kite Day
- Makar Sankranti
- National Dress Up Your Pet Day
- National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
- National Undhiya Day
- Novy God (Russian New Year)
- Organize your Home Day
- Orthodox New YEar
- Ratification Day
- St. Basil’s Day
- Take the Stairs Day
- World Logic Day
- Cuckoo Dancing Week
- Home Office Safety and Security Week
- International Printing Week
- National Mocktail Week
- National Pizza Week
Links and References:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5913747/
- https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/abstinence-only-education-failure
- https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/issues/sex-education/abstinence-only-programs
- https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/sex-education
- https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/sex-education-programs-definitions-funding-and-impact-on-teen-sexual-health/
- https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(05)00276-4/fulltext
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jad.12365
- https://www.aclu.org/documents/what-research-shows-government-funded-abstinence-only-programs-dont-make-grade#:~:text=Some%20abstinence-only-until-,preventing%20STDs%20and%20unintended%20pregnancy.
- https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/08/23/545289168/abstinence-education-is-ineffective-and-unethical-report-argues#:~:text=The%20analysis%20confirms%20previous%20public,domestic%20violence%2C%20the%20report%20notes.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3194801/
- https://sexedconference.com/the-history-of-sex-education/
- https://www.acog.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/adolescent-health/comprehensive-sexuality-education#:~:text=Comprehensive%20sexuality%20education%20(CSE)%20teaches,to%20name%20just%20a%20few.
- https://siecus.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/If-Then-Sexual-Assault-Final.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
Transcribed
12 JAN 2026 · Psychic, telepathic mind-reading is complete nonsense logistically, philosophically, practically... all of the "ally's." We will explain why in some detail. But, there is a version of something like mind reading that does exist that's more like intuitive, and astute observation that comes from experience and intimate knowledge. Come read our minds and we'll read yours.
Get ad-free episodes and bonus content: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
Links and References:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/mind-reading
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24948740/#:~:text=Abstract,the%20next%20by%20verbal%20instruction.
- https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1243091
- https://www.thebsps.org/short-reads/mind-reading-schulz/#:~:text=The%20second%20common%20way%20to,cultures%20are%20mind%2Dreading%20literate.
- https://cognitionandculture.net/wp-content/uploads/Science-2014-Heyes-.pdf
- https://carta.anthropogeny.org/events/mind-reading-human-origins-and-theory-mind
- https://www.thebsps.org/short-reads/mind-reading-schulz/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0147176723000238
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-the-ordinary/202510/nonspeaking-autism-the-telepathy-tapes-and-who-gets-to-be-heard 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
Transcribed
7 JAN 2026 · The idea of personal responsibility will seem like common sense to some. Scientifically, however, it is an interesting concept to understand. How does it arise? Why do some people seem to lack it? We do our best to unpack the environmental and behavioral variables that contribute to the development of personal responsibility.
Recommendations
- Abraham: Wake Up Dead Man (https://www.netflix.com/title/81458424)
- Shane: Fulltone OCD Overdrive guitar pedal (https://www.fulltoneusa.com/products/ocd-v2)
Holidays (1/7/2026):
- Welcome to 2026!
- Distaff Day
- Harlem Globetrotter’s Day
- I’m Not Going to Take It Anymore Day
- International Programmer’s Day
- National Bobblehead Day
- National Pass Gas Day
- National Tempura Day
- Old Rock Day
- Orthodox Christmas Day
- Celebration of Life Week
- Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
- Diet Resolution Week
- National Lose Weight-Feel Great Week
- National Thank Your Customers Week
- National Time Consciousness Week
- Silent Record Week
- Someday We’ll Laugh About This Week
Links and References:
- https://www.etymonline.com/word/responsibility
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/theories-of-international-responsibility-law/from-respondere-to-responsibility/6726884E24137102F990B6903624391D
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-not-to-think/202403/where-does-responsibility-come-from#:~:text=%E2%80%9CTotal%20responsibility%20means%20taking%20full,can%20move%20forward%20and%20adapt.&text=This%20radical%20idea%20challenges%20us,we%20taught%20helplessness%20or%20resilience?
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201102/taking-full-responsibility-your-life#:~:text=It%20means%20recognizing%20that%20how,a%20practicing%20Buddhist%20since%201989
- https://medium.com/@salmanhaf2ez/nietzsches-philosophy-of-personal-responsibility-ab14cf1a8edb 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
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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.
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| Author | Abraham |
| Organization | Abraham |
| Categories | Social Sciences , Education , Philosophy |
| Website | www.spreaker.com |
| info@wwdwwdpodcast.com |
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