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The most well-recognized psychotherapy in the world is also the most widely researched. You've likely heard that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the evidence-based intervention for... pretty much every mental health condition. But, do you know how it works? We will spend the next couple of episodes dissecting the components of CBT and reviewing some of the research. If you like this episode, the next one is going to be even better! Recommendations Abraham: The Pitt (season 2; https://www.hbomax.com/shows/pitt-2024/e6e7bad9-d48d-4434-b334-7c651ffc4bdf) Shane: Chew (https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/chew) Holidays (4/22/2026): Administrative Professionals DayApril Showers DayChemists Celebrate the Earth DayEarth DayGlobal Selfie Earth DayInternational Mother Earth DayNational Jelly Bean DayNational Library Outreach DayBedbug Awareness WeekCleaning for a Reason WeekEvery Healthy Kid WeekNational Coin WeekNational Infertility Awareness WeekNational Lingerie WeekNational Pet ID Week Links and References:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioralJacobson, N. S., Dobson, K. S., Truax, P. A., Addis, M. E., Koerner, K., Gollan, J. K., Gortner, E., & Prince, S. E. (1996). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 64(2), 295–304. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.64.2.295 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8871414/Borkovec, T. D., Newman, M. G., Pincus, A. L., & Lytle, R. (2002). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and the role of interpersonal problems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(2), 288–298. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.70.2.288 https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-02267-003Arora PG, Baker CN, Marchette LK, Stark KD. Components Analyses of a School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Depression. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2019;48(sup1):S180-S193. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2017.1280800. Epub 2017 Feb 16. PMID: 28278602; PMCID: PMC6131063. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6131063/#:~:text=Results%20indicated%20that%20higher%20quality,behavioral%20and%20relational%20intervention%20components. https://utswmed-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/0784677c-19b5-4163-aac7-08bec804219d/contentArco, L. (2024). Toward a synthesis of cognitive behaviour therapy via component analysis of self‐regulation. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 31(1), Article e2918. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2918https://www.cognbehavther.com/expert-consensus-components-cbt/https://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1264&context=masters_thesesChand SP, Kuckel DP, Huecker MR. Cognitive Behavior Therapy. [Updated 2023 May 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/Taylor, A., Tallon, D., Kessler, D., Peters, T. J., Shafran, R., Williams, C., & Wiles, N. (2020). An expert consensus on the most effective components of cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with depression: a modified Delphi study. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 49(3), 242–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2019.1641146https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health/transformational-stories-cbt/ 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 ambiguously titled discussion is about the practice of stretching piercings to become large holes. We talk about the history of this practice, how it's done, and why it's done. This practice is commonly called "gauging," and although it looks painful, it is actually a slow process that uses the natural flexibility of skin to gradually increase the size of the piercing. Do you have gauged piercings or know someone who does? Tell us your story! Support us on Patreon! Links and References https://www.urbanbodyjewelry.com/pages/the-history-of-ear-stretching?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11380961953&gbraid=0AAAAADwwbrcORN3qttYF1gi9XVew8HF_m&gclid=CjwKCAjwhe3OBhABEiwA6392zLNzwcrsTvbtoKkAm1tLySYDM8AVclOrTVieusNu0f9OlyImRJu97hoCo9sQAvD_BwEhttps://www.customplugs.com/pages/history-of-plugs-and-ear-stretching?srsltid=AfmBOooV2p2Kn1JMFHL6PBqSFSIbYeRo1C5XAqTknLH8Alc7hyFKliI9https://bodyartforms.com/blog/the-history-of-piercing-stretching?srsltid=AfmBOop15v2qWinlXdokX2bjQMfeX37U3Nh9fW9U9RI5Ojeo-2ZI7YVQhttps://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A12%3A11230828/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A149338166&crl=c&link_origin=scholar.google.com 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

Dr. Kevorkian was a controversial figure in the 1990s when he began providing unsanctioned assisted suicide service to terminally-ill patients. Kevorkian believed he was helping put an end to pain and suffering for people, but doing so without approval from governing bodies and medical boards, which landed him in a lot of trouble. We review his life and controversy as well as the top of medical aid in dying in general. We'll share our thoughts and perspectives on this complex topic.  Recommendations Abraham: Shrinking (season 3; https://tv.apple.com/us/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs)Shane: The Silo Series (https://hughhowey.com/books/) Holidays (4/15/2026): Anime DayBanana DayIncome Tax Pay DayJackie Robinson DayMicrovolunteering DayNational ASL DayNational Griper’s DayOne Boston DayOne Day Without ShoesRubber Eraser DaySchool Librarian DayThat Sucks DayTitanic Remembrance DayUniversal Day of CultureWorld Art DayCanada Book WeekHolocaust Remembrance WeekInternational Trombone Week Links and References:  https://www.biography.com/scientists/jack-kevorkian?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_bio_md_pmx_prog_mix_us_23714526419&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23709185673&gbraid=0AAAAApTwOX01mKncxazFbedZzW3FKJnvL&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkMjOBhC5ARIsADIdb3cDx891VSAYDiwrS-NA6xusSRJuVnDalBpeVTVHca8Bd7dRO2NQJ6gaArVWEALw_wcBhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9588508/https://www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/key-statistics/https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/why-we-need-change/the-facts-about-assisted-dying/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8655630/https://www.heritage.org/health-care-reform/report/four-problems-physician-assisted-suicidehttps://aul.org/physician-assisted-suicide/history/https://daily.jstor.org/history-euthanasia-movement/ 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

Have you ever noticed that you always make the same typo when writing? Or, that you repeatedly misspeak some phrase or mispronounce some word when talking? When you make the same mistake often enough (sometimes, once is enough!), it starts to become a habit in that context. We discuss these "chained in" errors and what you can do about them. What are your chained in errors? Ad-free and bonus content for supporters: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1702402/https://paloaltou.edu/resources/business-of-practice-blog/behavioral-chain-analysishttps://linksaba.com/how-to-use-behavior-chain-interruption-strategy-bcis/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250169897_The_Behavior_Chain_Interruption_Strategy_A_Review_of_Research_and_Discussion_of_Future_Directionshttps://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5708&context=etd 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

Nearly a century ago, a groundbreaking philosopher of psychology was way ahead of his time. J.R. Kantor developed a theory of psychology that finally rooted psychology in a natural science perspective. Unfortunately, his ideas did not spread to mainstream psychology or science. But this philosophy persists in the works of brilliant scholars following in the natural science tradition. It may sound complicated, but it is as straightforward as any other natural science, in a sense. We do our best to break down the basic concepts of interbehaviorism. Are you a convert? Let us know! 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

Symbols are weird. Actually, there are fairly intuitive in many cases, but many are surprisingly new. We explore the recent history of the arrow symbol and the way that it is able to direct human behavior pretty much regardless of language or culture despite only being a few lines.  Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1702402/https://paloaltou.edu/resources/business-of-practice-blog/behavioral-chain-analysishttps://linksaba.com/how-to-use-behavior-chain-interruption-strategy-bcis/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250169897_The_Behavior_Chain_Interruption_Strategy_A_Review_of_Research_and_Discussion_of_Future_Directionshttps://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5708&context=etd 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

Perhaps this would have made a good Halloween episode? Probably not. Anyway, this episode honors April Fool's day by examining a foolish endeavor: Scared Straight programs. We review the scientific research and philosophy underlying the idea of Scared Straight. Unsurprisingly, this is an idea that is so bad that even the cops don't like it. So, why does it persist...?  Recommendations Abraham: Zootopia 2 Shane: A Wilhelm Scream - Cheap Heat (https://open.spotify.com/album/4fcuCuXF4E22R8Imztwbio?si=62c224dddd324aa6) Holidays (4/1/2026): April Fools DayBoomer Bonus DayEdible Book DayFossil Fools DayInternational Tatting DayLibrary Snap Shot DayLupus Alert DayNational Atheist DayNational Fun DayNational Jump in Muddy Puddles DayNational One Cent DayNational Sourdough Bread DayPoetry and The Creative Mind DaySt. Stupid DayAPAWS International Pooper Scooper WeekGolden Rule WeekLaugh at Work WeekMedication Safety WeekTesticular Cancer Awareness Week Links and References:  https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter/content.ashx/cops-p288-pub.pdfhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7783688/https://www.wested.org/resource/scared-straight/https://sites.bu.edu/daniellerousseau/2018/12/12/do-all-juvenile-prevention-programs-work/http://users.soc.umn.edu/~uggen/Petrosino_Annals_03.pdfhttps://methods.cochrane.org/equity/scared-straighthttps://www.prindleinstitute.org/2021/06/re-examining-scared-straight-programs/https://www.djj.state.fl.us/content/download/23879/file/scared-straight-(july-2018).pdf?version=2https://www.americanprogress.org/article/doing-what-doesnt-work/ Petrosino, Anthony, Carolyn Turpin-Petrosino, Meghan E. Hollis-Peel, Julia G. Lavenberg, and Alexis Stern. 2014. Scared Straight and Other Juvenile Awareness Programs for Preventing Juvenile Delinquency. No. 12 of Crime Prevention Research Review. Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.Petrosino A, Turpin-Petrosino C, Hollis-Peel ME, Lavenberg JG. 'Scared Straight' and other juvenile awareness programs for preventing juvenile delinquency. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD002796. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002796.pub2.https://www.college.police.uk/research/crime-reduction-toolkit/scared-straight https://www.wsipp.wa.gov/ReportFile/1033/Wsipp_Evidence-Based-Public-Policy-Options-to-Reduce-Crime-and-Criminal-Justice-Costs-Implications-in-Washington-State_Full-Report.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

Manatees are remarkable and gentle creatures. Possibly the source of mermaid stories of old, these strange aquatic mammals live life on the slow side. Some researchers have learned a lot about their behavior and cognition in recent experiments, so we are going to break down what we understand about manatee behavior and the conundrum of their complex cognitive and social repertoires with their proportionally small brains. Have you seen a manatee up close? Send us pictures! Join our supporters' club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/manatee-authority/10-fun-facts-you-didnt-know-about-manatees/https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/10/manatees#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20study%20by%20Gordon%20Bauer%2C,150%20hertz%20using%20only%20their%20body%20hairshttps://www.research.ufl.edu/publications/explore/v07n2/manatees.html#:~:text=To%20conclude%20from%20the%20manatee's,large%20clusters%20of%20nerve%20cells.https://mote.org/research/program/manatee-research/#:~:text=The%20MCRP's%20research%20includes:%20*%20**Unmanned%20Aerial,levels%20and%20long%2Dterm%20sublethal%20effects%20of%20stressorshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12021893/ 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

Psychosis is an experience that some people have in which they struggle with the ability to discern their experience from the current ongoing reality. This tends to arise from a variety of possibly traumas. But, the sooner it is treated, the better the prognosis. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek help from a professional. Recommendations Abraham: Project Hail Mary (movie; https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/project-hail-mary/umc.cmc.7jxdlxvz304lj3iwhtrhbe8fv)Shane: Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad (https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/michael-azerrad/our-band-could-be-your-life/9780316787536/) Holidays (25 Mar 2026): American Red Cross Giving DayBed in for Peace DayGreen Independence DayInternational Day of Remembrance of the Victims of slavery and the Transatlantic Slave TradeInternational Waffle DayManatee Appreciation DayNational Cerebral Palsy DayNational Michele Chafer Half-Moon Cookie DayNational Pecan DayOld New Year’s DayTolkien Reading DayAutism Acceptance WeekEnglish Tourism WeekNational Cleaning WeekNational Tsunami Awareness Week Links and References:  https://dbh.ohio.gov/get-help/treatment-services/coordinated-specialty-care-for-first-episode-psychosis/first-episode-pyschosis/what-is-first-episode-psychosishttps://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/mental-health-substance-use-disorder/first-episode-psychosishttps://www.mhealthfairview.org/condition/psychosis-first-episodehttps://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/00485713-20250102-01https://portal.ct.gov/dmhas/initiatives/evidence-based/first-episode-psychosishttps://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/step/psychosis/ https://psicosis.som360.org/en/blog/cognitive-symptoms-psychosis  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

Does your name mean anything? Many cultures around the world choose names because they have some explicit, intended meaning, while others assign names for familial connections, or just because they like the way certain names sounds. We review a handful of naming conventions around the world. Let us know what your name means. support us on Patreon Links and References: https://www.uslanguageservices.com/blog/naming-traditions-across-cultures-and-languages/#:~:text=In%20many%20African%20cultures%2C%20names,and%20the%20Akan%20in%20Ghana.https://blog.duolingo.com/naming-traditions-around-the-world/ 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 another nostalgia, re-release of a previous episide with a brief update at the end. This is a discussion of the idea to ingest poison to build a tolerance to it? Is the poisonous juice worth the proverbial squeeze? No, probably not. You might just be slowly causing permanent damage to your insides. Enjoy! Recommendation Abraham: Avatar: Way of Water (https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-e6ef640e-787e-4477-aba4-9e05925ebac2) Holidays (03/18/26) Sloppy Joe DaySmall Bussiness Development Centers DayAwkward Moments DayTransit Driver Appreciation DayForgive Mom and Dad dayLacy Oatmeal Cookies DayBlack Pudding Day Updated reference:  https://www.iflscience.com/mithridatism-can-you-really-become-immune-to-poison-by-taking-microdoses-69576 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

AI music is not only here to stay, it is rapidly gaining in mainstream popularity. We briefly discuss the history of computer music, the changes it has made to music and where we think the future of music is headed in the AI zeigeist. Stay for the AI song tribute at the end of the episode (this song is the AI generated content flagged for this episode) support us on Patreon Links and References: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/ai-generated-music-is-going-viral-should-the-music-industry-worry.htmlhttps://www.loudly.com/blog/ai-in-music-production-key-trends-shaping-the-future-beyond-2025https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/13/ai-music-spotify-billboard-charts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_music https://symphony.org/study-music-getting-louder-more-homogenous/ https://www.economist.com/babbage/2012/07/26/same-old-song?fsrc=scn%2Ftw%2Fte%2Fbl%2Fsameoldsonghttps://pudding.cool/2018/05/similarity/ 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 episode includes AI-generated content.

This is a re-run (nostalgia) of our fun-spirited discussion about how to ruin your sleep. We play the entire episode, plus some added research from the last five years. Have you taken on the challenge to never sleep again? (Please don't) Recommendations Abraham: Famous by Blake Crouch (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790216/famous-by-blake-crouch/)  Shane: Bugonia ( https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12300742/) Holidays (11 March 2026): 311 DayDebunking DayDream DayJohnny Appleseed DayNational Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition DayNational Immune System DayNational No-Code DayNational Sofrito DayOatmeal Nut Waffles DayWash Your Nose DayWorld Day of Muslim Culture, Peace, Dialogue, and FilmWorld Plumbing DayGirl Scout WeekNational Aardvark WeekNational Bubble Gum WeekLinks and References:  https://en.hdbuzz.net/better-sleep-better-function-new-study-links-sleep-quality-to-clinical-outcomes-in-huntingtons-disease/https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250905-how-your-microbiome-affects-your-sleephttps://news.asu.edu/20260227-health-and-medicine-study-uncovers-another-reason-not-skimp-sleephttps://news.asu.edu/20260227-health-and-medicine-study-uncovers-another-reason-not-skimp-sleephttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945725005441 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6033330/#:~:text=Epidemiologic%20research%20has%20shown%20that,is%20related%20to%20sleep%20disorders  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 our 100th mini! So, we spend the mini talking about the number 100! Things that humans, make, some facts about non-human animals... and human animals. A random smorgasbord of things about 100. Enjoy! Become our 100th patron by signing up 99 friends and then joining yourself. www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References: https://lionel-kesztenbaum.site.ined.fr/en/everything_about_population/demographic-facts-sheets/focus-on/the-inexorable-rise-of-centenarians-and-supercentenarians#:~:text=Until%20the%20mid%2D20th%20century,in%202070%20(Blanpain%202023).https://www.bu.edu/articles/2022/why-do-people-live-to-100-and-how/#:~:text=Takeaways,to%20much%20later%20in%20life.https://www.nathab.com/blog/animals-that-live-to-100 https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2021/12/29/7-longest-living-ocean-animals/ https://www.threads.com/@podcastingbusinessschool/post/DTquU6vDgF7/only-of-podcasters-make-it-to-episodes-this-is-unfortunate-because-your-first https://www.theigc.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/Yeo%20Thompson%20et%20al.%20Working%20Paper%20September%202024_0.pdf https://qz.com/994937/on-average-it-now-takes-at-least-four-different-writers-to-craft-a-hit-pop-song https://www.billboard.com/lists/every-artist-with-100-hot-100-chart-hits-drake-taylor-swift/ https://blogs.baylor.edu/soe/2019/08/08/fun-facts-about-the-number-100-08-08-2019/  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

Why We Do What We Do goes back to the movies! Last week, we reviewed Disney + Pixar's Inside Out, so we are taking on the sequel. In many ways, this film exceeds its predacessor in the way it portrays psychological functions, and in some ways it detracts. Either way, it is a fantastic film. We once again critique some of the portrayals of psychological processes and also praise the beautifully constructed metaphors. Let us know what you thought about the movies or our reactions to the movies. Recommendations Abraham: Wingspan: Americas Expansion (https://stonemaiergames.com/games/wingspan/wingspan-americas-expansion/)Shane: The Help (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454029/) Holidays (3/4/2026): Brain Injury Awareness DayCourageous Follower DayDiscover What Your Name Means DayEqual Pay DayGlobal Day of the EngineerMarch Forth Do Something DayNational Dance the Waltz DayNational Grammar DayNational Pound Cake DayNational Snack DayOld Inauguration DayWorld Obesity DayChocolate Chip Cookie WeekEndometriosis WeekNational Cheerleading WeekNational Dental Assistants Recognition WeekNational Ghostwriters Week Links and References:  https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-ec9f9fa3-fbae-4a25-b722-12c3b8ab0ef4https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-the-whole-beautiful/202406/insights-on-inside-out-2 https://www.psychiatrypodcast.com/psychiatry-psychotherapy-podcast/episode-225-inside-out-2-adolescent-emotions-psychology-analysis  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