Episodes

  • N-Rays

    N-Rays
    Feb 18 2026
    Not to be confused with Neutron Imaging, which is also sometimes called N Rays, N-Rays were a scientific discovery at the turn of the 1900s that promised a bright future for humanity... except that that didn't really exist. In the flurry of ground-breaking discoveries around radiation, N-Rays emerged as the elusive new-kid-on-the-block that could only be seen out of the corner of your eye in an extremely dark room. Red flag. But, science quickly correct course as science does and this phenomeon died out. It stands as a cautionary tale about human bias and a triumphant demonstration of the self-correcting nature of science.

    Recommendations
    • Abraham: The ‘Burbs (season 1; https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/the-burbs)
    • Shane: Converge - Love Is Not Enough (https://www.epitaph.com/news/article/converge-release-long-awaited-new-lp-love-is-not-enough)
    Holidays (2/18/2026):
    • Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day
    • Crab-Stuffed Flounder Day
    • Drink Wine Day
    • Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
    • National Battery Day
    • National Hate Florida Day
    • Pluto Day
    • Thumb Appreciation Day
    • Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Staff Education Week
    • Build a Better Trade Show Image Week
    • Love Teaching Week
    • National Condom Week
    • National Date Week (Fruit)
    • National Green Week
    • National Pancake Week
    • Ramadan

    Links and References:
    1. https://www.aps.org/archives/publications/apsnews/200708/history.cfm
    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-ray
    3. https://www.aps.org/apsnews/2007/08/robert-wood-debunks-nrays
    4. https://www.phoenixneutronimaging.com/insights-and-updates/n-rays-vs-n-rays-will-the-real-n-ray-please-stand-up
    5. https://www.wired.com/2014/09/fantastically-wrong-n-rays/
    6. https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-radiation#:~:text=Radiation%20is%20energy%20that%20can%20be%20described,and%20science**%20Nuclear%20techniques%20and%20materials%20production




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    Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
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    50 mins
  • Mini: Red Light Therapy

    Mini: Red Light Therapy
    Feb 16 2026
    Shining red lights on our bodies is all the rage in the "wellness" space. Red lights are purported to do a hole host of incredible things, which raised our skeptical hackles. We discuss what red lights are, what they do, and where we think this trend is going.

    Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

    Links and References:
    1. https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/red-flags-for-red-light-therapy/
    2. https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/02/red-light-therapy-skin-hair-medical-clinics.html
    3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13643-025-02902-3


    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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    17 mins
  • Guess Who..?

    Guess Who..?
    Feb 11 2026
    In a departure from our standard episode format, Abraham will profile three people and see if Shane can guess who they are. You can play along! Send us in your guesses by emailing us or post them to us on social media.

    Recommendations
    • Abraham: The Naked Gun (2025) https://www.paramountplus.com/movies/video/61gdvpY7mURqcXbL67yYKiiQzEuRQZwW/
    • Shane: Pet Semetary by Stephen King (https://stephenking.com/works/novel/pet-sematary.html)
    Holidays (2/11/2026):
    • Be Electrific Day
    • Daytona Pole Day
    • Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
    • Get Out Your Guitar Day
    • Grandmother Achievement Day
    • International Day of Women & Girls in Science
    • Make a Friend’s Day
    • National Inventor’s Day
    • National Make a Friend Day
    • National Shut-In Visitation Day
    • Peppermint Patty Day
    • Promise Day
    • White T-Shirt Day
    • World Day of the Sick
    • Celebration of Love Week

    Links and References:
    1. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-complex-legacy-of-saddam-hussein
    2. https://youtu.be/aD7-VRqR_d0?si=5umLrI1o5b0-kcTN
    3. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/saddam-hussein-rise-and-fall-of-a-strongman-idUSL30809867/
    4. https://www.aei.org/articles/kim-jong-il-road-to-ruin/
    5. https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/keeping-kim-how-north-koreas-regime-stays-power
    6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dj8G72pUgc
    7. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/how-did-adolf-hitler-happen
    8. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-nazi-rise-to-power
    9. https://www.annefrank.org/en/anne-frank/go-in-depth/germany-1933-democracy-dictatorship/
    10. https://www.history.com/articles/adolf-hitler




    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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    59 mins
  • Mini: The Cat's Meow

    Mini: The Cat's Meow
    Feb 9 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:
    1. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/12/2390
    2. https://www.hartz.com/truth-or-myth-cats-only-meow-to-humans/
    3. https://mrfrs.org/ask-a-vet-with-dr-sam-cats-only-meow-at-humans/
    4. 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
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    13 mins
  • Nostalgia: How to Protest Safely

    Nostalgia: How to Protest Safely
    Feb 4 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 (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:
    1. https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/
    2. https://www.nilc.org/resources/immigrant-participation-in-protests-rights/
    3. https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr/publications/35-rule-how-small-minority-can-change-world
    4. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/how-peaceful-protest-by-just-3-5-percent-of-americans-could-force-major-policy-changes-from-the-trump-administration/
    5. 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
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • Mini: The Sweetness

    Mini: The Sweetness
    Feb 2 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:
    1. https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2007/05/how-do-they-measure-the-sweetness-of-sugar-substitutes.html
    2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8009737/
    3. https://www.sweetenerbook.com/assets/blogs/measure.html
    4. 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
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    15 mins
  • Burning Man pt. 2

    Burning Man pt. 2
    Jan 28 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/wwdwwdpodcastRecommendations (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 ActionChrista McAuliffe DayDaisy DayGlobal Community Engagement DayInternational Lego DayInternational Reducing Co2 Emissions DayLibrary Shelfie DayNational Blueberry Pancake DayNational Data Privacy DayNational Kazoo DayNational Pediatrician DayPop Art DayRubber Ducky DayData PRivacy WeekInternational Hot Air Balloon WeekKiss a Shark WeekNational Clean Out Your Inbox WeekNational Cowboy Poetry Gathering WeekLinks and References: https://history.burningman.org/https://history.burningman.org/timeline/https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/iconic-events/burning-manhttps://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-c0719e9f20a8https://burningman.org/about-us/https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/everything-people-get-wrong-about-burning-man-19726500.phphttps://www.theransomnote.com/art-culture/events/the-misconceptions-of-burning-man-a-reflection/https://www.businessinsider.com/burning-man-festival-attendee-negatives-warning-advice-2023-8https://www.treehugger.com/time-to-rethink-burning-man-7965803https://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%20homelandhttps://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/burning-mangoers-share-their-craziest-stories-from-the-festival-10496942.htmlhttps://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/i-was-wrong-about-burning-man-21024611.phphttps://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
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Mini: Teeth Grinding

    Mini: Teeth Grinding
    Jan 26 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:
    1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095
    2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism
    3. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/stories-and-insights/expert-advice/teeth-grinding
    4. https://dentistrycharlottesville.com/the-grind-of-stress-how-teeth-grinding-impacts-your-health-and-how-to-manage-it/
    5. https://www.columbiadoctors.org/news/you-may-be-grinding-your-teeth-without-even-knowing-it
    6. https://health.mil/News/Articles/2022/02/28/Teeth-Grinding-You-Wont-Believe-How-Harmful-it-Really-Is
    7. 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
    8. 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
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    12 mins