Why We Do What We Do

This is the final discussion in which we "break our silence" as the click-bait headlines like to call it, on our final thoughts about diagnoses and why we believe that they have caused more harm than good. Due to the nature of separating an entire discussion into two parts after the fact, this episode jumps into the discussion pretty quickly. Recommendations (Part 2) Abraham: Flip 7 ( https://theop.games/products/flip-7?srsltid=AfmBOope-f-q_QElBRFFD56xiHxlsBbWULVkkXJHpef6OiYa02WlmfZW ) Shane: Show Me the Body - Alone Together ( https://open.spotify.com/album/2itfvUrApVCygurzgNzXJg?si=miioVowrRBSO26h1soi8lw ) Stu: https://www.youtube.com/@jetlagthegame , Call out Purple Hat DBT theses and dissertations, The Orphans of Davenport ( https://wwnorton.com/books/9781631494680 ), genArete ( https://genarete.org/ ) Holidays (09/09/26): Teddy Bear Day Sudoku Day Wienerschnitzel Day Weirdos Day Falsely Accused Day International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Spectrum Awareness Day International Box Wine Day Day to Protect Education From Attack Emergency Services Day References : Barlow, D. H., & Nock, M. K. (2009). Why can’t we be more idiographic in our research? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(1), 19–21. Beck, A. T., & Alford, B. A. (2009). Depression: Causes and treatment. University of Pennsylvania Press. Beck, A. T., Davis, D. D., & Freeman, A. (Eds.). (2015). Cognitive therapy of personality disorders. Guilford Publications. Beck, A. T., Emery, G., & Greenberg, R. L. (2005). Anxiety disorders and phobias: A cognitive perspective. Basic Books. Beltz, A. M., & Gates, K. M. (2017). Network mapping with GIMME. Multivariate behavioral research, 52(6), 789-804. Birkhoff, G. D. (1931). Proof of the ergodic theorem. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 17, 656-660. Brown, T. A., Campbell, L. A., Lehman, C. L., Grisham, J. R., & Mancill, R. B. (2001). Current and lifetime comorbidity of the DSM-IV anxiety and mood disorders in a large clinical sample. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 110(4), 585–599. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.110.4.585 Clark, L. A., Watson, D., & Reynolds, S. (1995). Diagnosis and classification of psychopathology: Challenges to the current system and future directions. Annual Review of Psychology, 46, 121–153. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ps.46.020195.001005 Fried, E. I. (2015). Problematic assumptions have slowed down depression research: why symptoms, not syndromes are the way forward. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 309. Fried, E. I., & Cramer, A. O. (2017). Moving forward: challenges and directions for psychopathological network theory and methodology. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(6), 999-1020. Galizio, A., Frye, C. C., Haynes, J. M., Friedel, J. E., Smith, B. M., & Odum, A. L. (2018). Persistence and relapse of reinforced behavioral variability. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 109(1), 210-237. Galatzer-Levy, I. R., & Bryant, R. A. (2013). 636,120 Ways to Have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 8(6), 651-662. Glick, I. D., Murray, S. R., Vasudevan, P., Marder, S. R., & Hu, R. J. (2001). Treatment with atypical antipsychotics: New indications and new populations. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 35(3), 187–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3956(01)00020-6. Hayes, S. C., Wilson, K. W., Gifford, E. V., Follette, V. M., & Strosahl, K. (1996). Experiential avoidance and behavioral disorders: A functional dimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(6), 1152-1168. Hofmann, S. G., Curtiss, J., & McNally, R. J. (2016). A complex network perspective on clinical science. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11(5), 597-605. Hofmann, S. G., & Hayes, S. C. (2019). The future of intervention science: Process-based therapy. Clinical Psychological Science, 7(1), 37-50. Hofmann, S. G., Meuret, A. E., Rosenfield, D., Suvak, M. K., Barlow, D. H., Gorman, J. M., ... & Woods, S. W. (2007). Preliminary evidence for cognitive mediation during cognitive-behavioral therapy of panic disorder. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 75(3), 374. Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617–627. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.617 . Newman, C. F., Leahy, R. L., Beck, A. T., Reilly-Harrington, N. A., & Gyulai, L. (2002). Bipolar disorder: A cognitive therapy approach. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10442-000. Lenzenweger, M. F., Lane, M. C., Loranger, A. W., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 62(6), 553–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.019 Molenaar, P. C. (2004). A manifesto on psychology as idiographic science: Bringing the person back into scientific psychology, this time forever. Measurement, 2(4), 201-218. Molenaar, P. C., & Campbell, C. G. (2009). The new person-specific paradigm in psychology. Current directions in psychological science, 18(2), 112-117. Meehl, P. E. (1978). Theoretical risks and tabular asterisks: Sir Karl, Sir Ronald, and the slow progress of soft psychology. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46(4), 806–834. McNally, R. J. (2012). The ontology of posttraumatic stress disorder: Natural kind, social construction, or causal system? Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19, 220–228. Piccirillo, M. L., & Rodebaugh, T. L. (2019). Foundations of idiographic methods in psychology and applications for psychotherapy. Clinical psychology review. Popa, A., & McDowell, J. J. (2016). Behavioral variability in an evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 105(2), 270-290. Sidman, M. (1952). A note on functional relations obtained from group data. Psychological Bulletin, 49(3), 263 Volkovysskii, R. L. & Sinai, Y. G. (1971). Ergodic properties of an ideal gas with an infinite number of degrees of freedom. Functional Analysis and Its Applications (Funktsional'nyi Analiz i Ego Prilozheniya), 5(3), 185-185. 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

How we understand, talk about, and think about life expectancy is sometimes misunderstood by some flukes of math. Understanding how numbers work can illuminate a clearer picture of history and mortality. Long story short, (or short story shorter, this is a mini afterall), there have been old people who lived to be old (very old) for most or all of human history. Support us on Patreon! Links: https://ourworldindata.org/life-expectancy https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/usa/united-states/life-expectancy#google_vignette https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4861644/ https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/lifeexpectancies/articles/howhaslifeexpectancychangedovertime/2015-09-09 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

This continues our discussion with Dr. Stu Law. We further elaborate on the issues with a diagnostic system for mental health and what the pitfalls are, including faulty underlying assumptions. After recording, we had enough content in this discussion for two separate episodes. So, we awkwardly added a post-hoc conclusion in this discussion and a similar intro to the next episode. Recommendations Part 2 Abraham: Rick & Morty Season 9 (https://www.hbomax.com/?utm_id=sa|22393148778|180575663513|297385727722&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22393148778&gbraid=0AAAAApH9fnpTr6yDijXdlc51psz-wvFmK&gclid=CjwKCAjwtKrUBhAhEiwAr77ZosVPKgR3u_fZCszdZHzumdiOcQNAKwT0a7Nf_f0fizQrw8F_yunqPBoC2nAQAvD_BwE) Shane: Unwed Sailor - High Remembrance (https://open.spotify.com/album/0U5ebcuEkgaH7nYtQ01puI?si=TJaLAOzySAS6YynsVxegoA) Holidays (9/2/2026): Bison-Ten Yell Day Calendar Adjustment Day Global Talent Acquisition Day National Blueberry Popsicle Day National No Patrick Day Pierce Your Ears Day Spalding Baseball Day V-J Day World Coconut Day References : Barlow, D. H., & Nock, M. K. (2009). Why can’t we be more idiographic in our research? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(1), 19–21. Beck, A. T., & Alford, B. A. (2009). Depression: Causes and treatment. University of Pennsylvania Press. Beck, A. T., Davis, D. D., & Freeman, A. (Eds.). (2015). Cognitive therapy of personality disorders. Guilford Publications. Beck, A. T., Emery, G., & Greenberg, R. L. (2005). Anxiety disorders and phobias: A cognitive perspective. Basic Books. Beltz, A. M., & Gates, K. M. (2017). Network mapping with GIMME. Multivariate behavioral research, 52(6), 789-804. Birkhoff, G. D. (1931). Proof of the ergodic theorem. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 17, 656-660. Brown, T. A., Campbell, L. A., Lehman, C. L., Grisham, J. R., & Mancill, R. B. (2001). Current and lifetime comorbidity of the DSM-IV anxiety and mood disorders in a large clinical sample. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 110(4), 585–599. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.110.4.585 Clark, L. A., Watson, D., & Reynolds, S. (1995). Diagnosis and classification of psychopathology: Challenges to the current system and future directions. Annual Review of Psychology, 46, 121–153. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ps.46.020195.001005 Fried, E. I. (2015). Problematic assumptions have slowed down depression research: why symptoms, not syndromes are the way forward. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 309. Fried, E. I., & Cramer, A. O. (2017). Moving forward: challenges and directions for psychopathological network theory and methodology. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(6), 999-1020. Galizio, A., Frye, C. C., Haynes, J. M., Friedel, J. E., Smith, B. M., & Odum, A. L. (2018). Persistence and relapse of reinforced behavioral variability. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 109(1), 210-237. Galatzer-Levy, I. R., & Bryant, R. A. (2013). 636,120 Ways to Have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 8(6), 651-662. Glick, I. D., Murray, S. R., Vasudevan, P., Marder, S. R., & Hu, R. J. (2001). Treatment with atypical antipsychotics: New indications and new populations. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 35(3), 187–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3956(01)00020-6. Hayes, S. C., Wilson, K. W., Gifford, E. V., Follette, V. M., & Strosahl, K. (1996). Experiential avoidance and behavioral disorders: A functional dimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(6), 1152-1168. Hofmann, S. G., Curtiss, J., & McNally, R. J. (2016). A complex network perspective on clinical science. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11(5), 597-605. Hofmann, S. G., & Hayes, S. C. (2019). The future of intervention science: Process-based therapy. Clinical Psychological Science, 7(1), 37-50. Hofmann, S. G., Meuret, A. E., Rosenfield, D., Suvak, M. K., Barlow, D. H., Gorman, J. M., ... & Woods, S. W. (2007). Preliminary evidence for cognitive mediation during cognitive-behavioral therapy of panic disorder. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 75(3), 374. Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617–627. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.617 . Newman, C. F., Leahy, R. L., Beck, A. T., Reilly-Harrington, N. A., & Gyulai, L. (2002). Bipolar disorder: A cognitive therapy approach. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10442-000. Lenzenweger, M. F., Lane, M. C., Loranger, A. W., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 62(6), 553–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.019 Molenaar, P. C. (2004). A manifesto on psychology as idiographic science: Bringing the person back into scientific psychology, this time forever. Measurement, 2(4), 201-218. Molenaar, P. C., & Campbell, C. G. (2009). The new person-specific paradigm in psychology. Current directions in psychological science, 18(2), 112-117. Meehl, P. E. (1978). Theoretical risks and tabular asterisks: Sir Karl, Sir Ronald, and the slow progress of soft psychology. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46(4), 806–834. McNally, R. J. (2012). The ontology of posttraumatic stress disorder: Natural kind, social construction, or causal system? Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19, 220–228. Piccirillo, M. L., & Rodebaugh, T. L. (2019). Foundations of idiographic methods in psychology and applications for psychotherapy. Clinical psychology review. Popa, A., & McDowell, J. J. (2016). Behavioral variability in an evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 105(2), 270-290. Sidman, M. (1952). A note on functional relations obtained from group data. Psychological Bulletin, 49(3), 263 Volkovysskii, R. L. & Sinai, Y. G. (1971). Ergodic properties of an ideal gas with an infinite number of degrees of freedom. Functional Analysis and Its Applications (Funktsional'nyi Analiz i Ego Prilozheniya), 5(3), 185-185. 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

You've probably noticed people talking to themselves and had some thought or comment about that. Perhaps something along the lines of: "That person might be crazy." Well, turns out it is much more normal than you might think. What do you talk to yourself about? Join our amazing fan club Links and References: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/talking-to-yourself https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5986836/ https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/news-events/all-news/faculty-news/is-it-normal-to-talk-to-yourself--what-it-could-really-mean.html https://elemental.medium.com/why-talking-to-yourself-is-a-secret-superpower-5eff091b896c https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/defining-memories/202502/7-benefits-of-talking-to-ourselves-aloud https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-22647-2 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11274574/ https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/62246/chapter-abstract/550947980?redirectedFrom=fulltext#550947980 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1080/17470218.2011.647039 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

Diagnosing mental health has dramatically shaped how we think about and appraoch our thinking and treatment of mental health conditions. In some ways, this effect has had a profoundly helpful impact for many people. However, in many ways, this system has had a profoundly adverse impact. This episode kicks of a three-part series arguing that diagnoses for mental health have ultimately caused more harm than good. Dr. Stu Law is a special guest helping us understand what we gain and lose in the current system of diagnostic criteria used for taxonomizing mental health. Recommendations Abraham: Within by Protest the Hero (https://protestthehero.bandcamp.com/album/within) Shane: Akai MPK Mini MK3 MIDI Board (https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-mk3/) Stu: Learning Process Based Therapy, The Anatomy of an Epidemic, Beyond the DSM, The Emperor’s New Drugs Holidays (8/26/2026): Congressional Startup Day Make Your Own Luck Day Musical Yoga Day National Cherry Popsicle Day National Dog Day National Toilet Paper Day Tug of War Day Willing to Lend a Hand Wednesday Women’s Equality Day Be Kind to Humankind Week Brake Safety Week National Safe at Home Week World Water Week References : Barlow, D. H., & Nock, M. K. (2009). Why can’t we be more idiographic in our research? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(1), 19–21. Beck, A. T., & Alford, B. A. (2009). Depression: Causes and treatment. University of Pennsylvania Press. Beck, A. T., Davis, D. D., & Freeman, A. (Eds.). (2015). Cognitive therapy of personality disorders. Guilford Publications. Beck, A. T., Emery, G., & Greenberg, R. L. (2005). Anxiety disorders and phobias: A cognitive perspective. Basic Books. Beltz, A. M., & Gates, K. M. (2017). Network mapping with GIMME. Multivariate behavioral research, 52(6), 789-804. Birkhoff, G. D. (1931). Proof of the ergodic theorem. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 17, 656-660. Brown, T. A., Campbell, L. A., Lehman, C. L., Grisham, J. R., & Mancill, R. B. (2001). Current and lifetime comorbidity of the DSM-IV anxiety and mood disorders in a large clinical sample. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 110(4), 585–599. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.110.4.585 Clark, L. A., Watson, D., & Reynolds, S. (1995). Diagnosis and classification of psychopathology: Challenges to the current system and future directions. Annual Review of Psychology, 46, 121–153. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ps.46.020195.001005 Fried, E. I. (2015). Problematic assumptions have slowed down depression research: why symptoms, not syndromes are the way forward. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 309. Fried, E. I., & Cramer, A. O. (2017). Moving forward: challenges and directions for psychopathological network theory and methodology. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(6), 999-1020. Galizio, A., Frye, C. C., Haynes, J. M., Friedel, J. E., Smith, B. M., & Odum, A. L. (2018). Persistence and relapse of reinforced behavioral variability. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 109(1), 210-237. Galatzer-Levy, I. R., & Bryant, R. A. (2013). 636,120 Ways to Have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 8(6), 651-662. Glick, I. D., Murray, S. R., Vasudevan, P., Marder, S. R., & Hu, R. J. (2001). Treatment with atypical antipsychotics: New indications and new populations. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 35(3), 187–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3956(01)00020-6. Hayes, S. C., Wilson, K. W., Gifford, E. V., Follette, V. M., & Strosahl, K. (1996). Experiential avoidance and behavioral disorders: A functional dimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(6), 1152-1168. Hofmann, S. G., Curtiss, J., & McNally, R. J. (2016). A complex network perspective on clinical science. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11(5), 597-605. Hofmann, S. G., & Hayes, S. C. (2019). The future of intervention science: Process-based therapy. Clinical Psychological Science, 7(1), 37-50. Hofmann, S. G., Meuret, A. E., Rosenfield, D., Suvak, M. K., Barlow, D. H., Gorman, J. M., ... & Woods, S. W. (2007). Preliminary evidence for cognitive mediation during cognitive-behavioral therapy of panic disorder. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 75(3), 374. Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617–627. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.617 . Newman, C. F., Leahy, R. L., Beck, A. T., Reilly-Harrington, N. A., & Gyulai, L. (2002). Bipolar disorder: A cognitive therapy approach. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10442-000. Lenzenweger, M. F., Lane, M. C., Loranger, A. W., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 62(6), 553–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.019 Molenaar, P. C. (2004). A manifesto on psychology as idiographic science: Bringing the person back into scientific psychology, this time forever. Measurement, 2(4), 201-218. Molenaar, P. C., & Campbell, C. G. (2009). The new person-specific paradigm in psychology. Current directions in psychological science, 18(2), 112-117. Meehl, P. E. (1978). Theoretical risks and tabular asterisks: Sir Karl, Sir Ronald, and the slow progress of soft psychology. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46(4), 806–834. McNally, R. J. (2012). The ontology of posttraumatic stress disorder: Natural kind, social construction, or causal system? Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19, 220–228. Piccirillo, M. L., & Rodebaugh, T. L. (2019). Foundations of idiographic methods in psychology and applications for psychotherapy. Clinical psychology review. Popa, A., & McDowell, J. J. (2016). Behavioral variability in an evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 105(2), 270-290. Sidman, M. (1952). A note on functional relations obtained from group data. Psychological Bulletin, 49(3), 263 Volkovysskii, R. L. & Sinai, Y. G. (1971). Ergodic properties of an ideal gas with an infinite number of degrees of freedom. Functional Analysis and Its Applications (Funktsional'nyi Analiz i Ego Prilozheniya), 5(3), 185-185. 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

There have been some advocates to reduce or eliminate homework altogether. It begs the question of what is the purpose of homework anyway? What would we lose by eliminating it? What do we gain by keeping it. We briefly explore the science and recommendations with respect to what is gained or lost by requiring homework. What are your thoughts? Join our super cool membership program on Patreon Links and References: https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/education-inequity-and-homework/ https://www.healthline.com/health-news/children-more-homework-means-more-stress-031114#Pressure-to-work-as-hard-as-adults-takes-a-toll https://time.com/4740297/homework-should-be-banned-from-schools/ https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2014/03/too-much-homework-031014 https://www.edutopia.org/visual-essay/the-pros-and-cons-of-homework-in-6-charts/ https://www.hmhco.com/blog/benefits-of-no-homework?srsltid=AfmBOopoMq0OQcXz8KJUHLGU2FowSkNoJG2gxZV9RNB0ZM-Jf5Gk6TDW https://hub.jhu.edu/2024/01/17/are-we-assigning-too-much-homework/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11409198/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/yassprize/2025/10/23/no-homework-no-barriers/ https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/the-case-for-and-against-homework 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

In the fourth and final installment of our series on Functional Analyses, we finally discuss some of the controversies and disagreements among practitioners. We also offer our own hot takes and personal opinions to bring further nuance, critique, and skepticism to the conversation. Let us know if you agree or disagree! Recommendations pt. 4 Abraham: Wingspan Pocket ( https://stonemaiergames.com/games/wingspan/wingspan-pocket/ ) Shane: The Odyssey (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33764258/) Holidays (8/19/2026) International Bow Day International Orangutan Day National Aviation Day National Hot and Spicy Food Day National Medical Dosimetrist Day National Root Beer Float Day National Sandcastle and Sculpture Day National Soft Ice Cream Day Potato Day World Humanitarian Day World Photography Day Minority Enterprise Development Week Links and References: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1994.27-197?sid=nlm%3Apubmed https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111?sid=nlm%3Apubmed https://scubed.io/blog/aba-data-collection-methods-explained-frequency-duration-and-interval-recording https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.1999.32-175 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jaba.7 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-51 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.2008.41-97 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07263869500035621 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4841258/ Hanley, G. (2012). BAP https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1284147/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11317985/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jaba.106 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

In a totally unscripted, candid conversation, we ask one another: what is the weirdest thing you believe? It's a conversation bound to leave you a little surprised, confused, and maybe disappointed. Or maybe thinking about things a little differntly. What's the weirdest thing you believe? We did not use any references for this! Click Here to Support us on Patreon! 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

This is the third installment in what will turn out to be a four-part series on the functional anlaysis technology employed by behavior analysts to identify casues and motivations for challenging behavior, particularly among those with disabilities who lack strategies to communicate their needs. That was a very long sentence. This discussion breaks down some of the innovations that were developed in Functional Analysis (FA) implementation strategies. Recommendations pt. 3 Abraham: Spider-man: Brand New Day (https://www.marvel.com/movies/spider-man-brand-new-day) Shane: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary ( https://www.bonorong.com.au/ ) Holidays (8/12/2026): Baseball Fans Day IBM PC Day International Youth Day Julienne Fries Day Middle Child Day National Sewing Machine Day Truck Driver Day Vinyl Record Day World Calligraphy Day World Elephant Day Elvis Week National Bargain Hunting Week National Resurrect Romance Week Safe + Sound Week Links and References: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1994.27-197?sid=nlm%3Apubmed https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111?sid=nlm%3Apubmed https://scubed.io/blog/aba-data-collection-methods-explained-frequency-duration-and-interval-recording https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.1999.32-175 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jaba.7 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-51 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.2008.41-97 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07263869500035621 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4841258/ Hanley, G. (2012). BAP https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1284147/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11317985/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jaba.106 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

Are you already skeptical? Do you think you know? Are you a true believer? We take a scientific lens to the idea of the midlife crisis. Consider that this might be cultural, which would indicate that it is not inevitable or inherent. This further leads us to the conclusion that it is circumstantial... if it even exists at all. We'll explain the research and understanding behind the commonly accepted idea that many people experience a dramatic shift as they enter their middle years. Click Here to Join our Patreon membership! Links and References: https://www.helpguide.org/aging/healthy-aging/midlife-crisis https://www.meawisdom.com/midlife-crisis-men/ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/midlife-crisis-psychology https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/14/health/midlife-crisis-the-conversation-wellness https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/probing-question-mid-life-crisis-myth https://www.apa.org/monitor/apr03/researchers https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/midlife-reimagined/202310/the-7-biggest-myths-about-midlife 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

In our ongoing discussion about the tool used to determine why we do what we do, the functional analysis, we explore more about the various research initiatives that pioneered ways to improve on the functionality of this tool. This discussion focuses on the methodological developments and refinements that evolved over a couple of decades of research. Recommendations Abraham: Tzolk’in (board game; https://www.czechgames.com/games/tzolkin-the-mayan-calendar) Shane: Dungeon Crawler Carl (Books 1-4; Ongoing Recommendation) Holidays (8/5/2026): Green Peppers Day International Albarino Day International Traffic Light Day National Oyster Day National Psychiatric Technician Appreciation Day National Underwear Day Work Like a Dog Day Links and References: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1994.27-197?sid=nlm%3Apubmed https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111?sid=nlm%3Apubmed https://scubed.io/blog/aba-data-collection-methods-explained-frequency-duration-and-interval-recording https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.1999.32-175 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jaba.7 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-51 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.2008.41-97 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07263869500035621 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4841258/ Hanley, G. (2012). BAP https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1284147/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11317985/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jaba.106 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

What are one-hit wonders? Why do one-hit wonders happen? Is this a real thing? What about no-hit wonders? We'll get into some of the reasons and misconceptions around one-hit wonders and answer some of those questions in this mini. What's your favoriate one-hit wonder? Join our Patreon group! Links and References: https://rocknheavy.net/the-history-of-the-one-hit-wonder-a126b2f86dc2 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

Experimental Functional Analyses (FAs) are one of the most foundational practices in contemporary behavior analysis. It emerged as a more conceptual exercise, but has since come to specifically describe a practice for experimentally evaluating the conditions that give rise to and maintain the occurence of certaing (usually challenging) behavior patterns. Over the next few weeks, we'll unpack the history and science of FAs as well as some of the arguments, criticisms, and controversies therein. Tell us your thoughts and experiences with FAs! Recommendations Abraham: The Bear (Season 5; https://www.disneyplus.com/explore/articles/the-bear-season-5) Shane: Fiddlehead - Baby, I’ll Change (https://open.spotify.com/album/1mWHUOXoulUP3q8ReXTAkM?si=WpihrG5CTWKPByLCi6WkyQ) Holidays (7/29/2026): Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day International Tiger Day National Lasagna Day National Lipstick Day Rain Day Hepatitis Awareness Week Links and References: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1994.27-197?sid=nlm%3Apubmed https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111?sid=nlm%3Apubmed https://scubed.io/blog/aba-data-collection-methods-explained-frequency-duration-and-interval-recording https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.1999.32-175 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jaba.7 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-51 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.2008.41-97 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07263869500035621 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

We did a full episode on chiropractic, but we didn't get into the application for animals. Given the questionable nature of chiropractic in the first place, applying to animals seems pretty audacious. Enough so that we thought we could unpack it fairly comprehensively in a mini format. And we did. Enjoy! Support us on Patreon! Links and References: https://skeptvet.com/2013/04/from-science-based-medicine-veterinary-chiropractic/ https://www.reddit.com/r/VetTech/comments/1ojt29c/chiropractic_skeptic/ https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/chiropractic-vertebral-subluxations-science-vs-pseudoscience/ 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

Tens of millions of people in the United States and likely hundreds of millions around the world have a shared interest in our avian friends. Birding is a hobby ranging from casual observation to expert documenting rare and common birds out in the wild. We'll describe how the hobby works, why people do, and how to get involved. Tell us your birding stories! Recommendations Abraham: “Season of Surrender” by August Burns Red Shane: Jackass - Best and Last (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt39316472/) Holidays (7/22/2026): Casual Pi Day Fragile X Awareness Day Lion’s Share Day Mango Day National Hammock Day National Penuche Fudge Day Rat Catcher’s Day Spooners (Spoonerism) Day Summer Leisure Day Captive Nations Week Coral Reef Awareness Week Hemingway Look Alike Days Massage is for Every Body Week National Moth Week National Triathlon Week National Zookeeper Week Links and References: https://magazine.avocadogreenmattress.com/birding-bird-watching/ https://www.fws.gov/story/2024-12/birdwatching-america https://www.aba.org/aba-area-big-year-rules/ https://www.audubon.org/birding https://www.nps.gov/articles/birding-for-beginners.htm https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sex-murder-and-the-meaning-of-life/202601/seven-reasons-you-should-take-up-birdwatching-this https://www.10000birds.com/reasonstobecomeabirdwatcher https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2024/jan/08/why-do-middle-aged-people-love-birds-so-much Ratcliff et al. (2008) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0013916518806952?__cf_chl_f_tk=VXtBzZ9XKT46gHdh.rztYMOeSy8BlGcd00oA2ldf9BE-1783235319-1.0.1.1-WV4Rf6a9p_VxCL6LqTTGD2WHvAhJd1GWviF4cZHvkf0 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34646931/ 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

It seems like an obvious answer to a silly question. But try to answer it and you find it can kind of spiral into more difficult conundrums. This doesn't mean that we don't value science. On the contrary, it may mean that it means science is a value unto itself and hence elusive in its aspirational origins. We'll review some old philospohical arguments and make some of our own. What do you think the point of science is? You are one click away from being an elite Patreon supporter! Links and References: https://isciencemag.co.uk/features/dear-science-students-five-philosophers-of-science-you-need-to-know-about-and-why-you-should-care/ https://undsci.berkeley.edu/the-philosophy-of-science/ 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

An all truism about altruism. We are reflecting on this earlier episode with a more nuanced view than the first time around. When it comes to matters of philosophy, definitions are important (and, some might argue, not important at all). So, we are replaying this past episode and adding a bit of an updated discussion at the end, plus some new recommendations. Tell us what you think about altruism! Recommendations Abraham: Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (https://www.searchlightpictures.com/ready-or-not-2-here-i-come) Shane: The Bear (Season 5) and the Gary episode (https://www.hulu.com/series/gary-8c779d24-233d-4453-a22d-455a1862f913) Holidays (7/15/2026): Be A Dork Day I Love Horses Day National Give Something Away Day Developmental Disability Professional Day National Stamp Out Spiking Day National Gummi Worm Day National Hot Dog Day National Pet Fire Safety Day National Respect Canada Day National Tapioca Pudding Day Take Your Poet to Work Day National Baby Food Week National Ventriloquism Week Operation Safe Driver Week Rabbit Week Links and References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33705185/ 2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62652-1 3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13504851.2022.2036678 4. https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/isre.2020.0949 5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37751434/ 6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38748709/ 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

How many senses do we have? Like so many things, it depends entirely on how you define "senses." If the question is how many distinct things can we sense? Then, we have a number of sense so large it doesn't make any sense (pun intended). But, we'll get into some of the senses that can be reasonably argued to exist to paint a picture of how many potentially overlooked "senses" we might have. Join us on Patreon! Links and References: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208233832.htm https://www.sciencealert.com/humans-may-actually-have-over-30-senses-scientists-say https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/how-many-senses-do-we-have/ https://www.sensorytrust.org.uk/blog/how-many-senses-do-we-have 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

In this discussion, we get into the grammar and structure of ASL. We also talk about non-manual markers and their importance in communication for ASL speakers. We describe how to do several signs and get into a functional analysis of sign language. Of course, we get into some various interesting tidbits (tidboints, as we sometimes like to call them) and some things to know about deaf culture. Recommendations (Part 2) Abraham: Widow’s Bay (https://tv.apple.com/us/show/widows-bay/umc.cmc.1zzly0vah46bnvnwf0qkrjhh2) Shane: GOD//MAN - LOVES YOU EP Holidays (7/8/2026) Be a Kid Again Day Coca Cola Day Math 2.0 Day National Freezer Pop Day National Ice Cream Sundae Day National Milk Chocolate with Almonds Day SCUD Day (Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama) Air Conditioning Appreciation Days Be Nice to New Jersey Week National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Weeks Nude Recreation Weekend Blueberry Day World Allergy Day Shark Week Links and References: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congenital_hearing_loss https://www.bridgesfordeafandhh.org/deaf-history https://www.historytoday.com/archive/history-matters/no-longer-deaf-past https://sk.sagepub.com/ency/edvol/the-sage-deaf-studies-encyclopedia/chpt/deaf-history-antiquity#_ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy3mD7rH1aY https://www.northwestschool.com/programs/s-e-e-classes/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVNSrGy8lIw https://www.tactilecommunications.org/Resources/ProTactile 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

In our strange decision to record a two-part mini, we are following up last week's mini with more information about the recent Iran "deal." Of course, we recorded this well before the cease-fire broke again. And who knows what will happen between scheduling this episode and its publication. Check out this discussion for the discussion around the contents of the actual recent agreement and how incredibly incompetent it is. Support us on Patreon! Links and References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zqiTJDmddg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tehYRuem0A https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/middle-east-experts-weigh-terms-of-u-s-iran-deal-and-who-came-out-ahead https://2009-2017.state.gov/p/nea/p5/index.htm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp8HrM0hEH8&t=17s https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-us-attack-iran-trump-administration/ 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