Episodes

  • Mini: Iran, Deal? pt. 1

    Mini: Iran, Deal? pt. 1
    Jun 29 2026
    Every once in a while, something so monumental happens, we decide to release a topical episode rather than a timeless one. The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), perhaps better known as the Iran deal, is a catostrophic failure and will cost the US a jaw-dropping amount of money. But you don't even have to take our word for it, we'll just give you the facts and let you decide on your own. In a rare move, we are releasing a two-part mini to cover these events.

    Support us on Patreon

    Links and References:
    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zqiTJDmddg
    2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tehYRuem0A
    3. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/middle-east-experts-weigh-terms-of-u-s-iran-deal-and-who-came-out-ahead
    4. https://2009-2017.state.gov/p/nea/p5/index.htm
    5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp8HrM0hEH8&t=17s
    6. 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
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    15 mins
  • AAVE pt. 2

    AAVE pt. 2
    Jun 24 2026
    This follow-up discussion gets into the grammar mechanics and and cultural, structural aspects of AAVE. We add our own interpretation and philosophical discussion to bring some additional understanding to this topic. Tell us your thoughts and experiences with AAVE!Recommendations (Part 2)Abraham: Zevo (https://zevoinsect.com/)Shane: Absolute BatmanHolidays (6/24/2026)Celebration of the SensesInternational Fairy DayMuseum Comes to Life DayNational Parchment Cooking DayNationale Pralines DaySwim a Lap DayAmateur Radio WeekCarpenter Ant Awareness WeekFish are Friends, Not Food WeekNational Forgiveness WeekLinks and References: https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/hooked/https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/timeline/https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/aave.htmlhttps://commonwealthtimes.org/2021/02/18/aave-is-not-your-internet-slang-it-is-black-culture/https://certifiedlanguages.com/blog/african-american-vernacular-english-is-a-legitimate-dialect/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00957984970233002https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61882/chapter-abstract/547712638?redirectedFrom=fulltext#547712638https://www.garfieldmessenger.org/6418/articles/news/a-brief-history-of-aave/https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28056/chapter-abstract/212002865?redirectedFrom=fulltexthttps://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/wls_fac/70/https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/african-american-language-factshttps://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/language/article/abs/language-and-linguistics-on-trial-hearing-rachel-jeantel-and-other-vernacular-speakers-in-the-courtroom-and-beyond/7DCD0B43230E3D17A2C4B43936341A48https://globalvoices.org/2019/06/25/language-is-also-a-form-of-resistance/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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    53 mins
  • Mini: Autistic Pets

    Mini: Autistic Pets
    Jun 22 2026
    With the increased awareness of neurodivergence in humans, we find many people turning to one of our favorite pasttimes: superimposing human emotions and experiences onto animals around us. So, there have been efforts to identify the extent to which our pets may be autistic. To what end to people do this? Great question. We'll explain how this has been approached and what there may or may not be to learn about this.

    Join on Patreon

    Links and References:
    1. https://theconversation.com/autistic-dogs-neurodiversity-in-our-pets-and-what-it-might-mean-for-us-265888
    2. https://www.advancedautism.com/post/can-animals-have-autism
    3. https://www.hiddengemsaba.com/articles/can-animals-have-autism
    4. https://www.hiddengemsaba.com/articles/what-animals-can-have-autism
    5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3088489/
    6. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn.2016.183


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    Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast
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    18 mins
  • AAVE pt. 1

    AAVE pt. 1
    Jun 17 2026
    AAVE is a dialect of English that is often derided by racists. However, linguists have shown that this is a fully realized dialect like any dialect of any language. We explain the history and current understanding of African American Vernacular English and some court cases that sparked controversy around it. This is only a part one as we will get into the mechanics of the dialect in the next episode. Recommendations (Part 1)Abraham: Hailey Williams “Ego Death at Bachelorette Party” (https://music.apple.com/us/album/ego-death-at-a-bachelorette-party/1850011909)Shane: David Sedaris “Holidays on Ice” (https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/david-sedaris/holidays-on-ice/9780316073639/?lens=little-brown)Holidays (6/17/2026):Bunker Hill DayEat All Your Veggies DayGlobal Garbage Man DayLGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness DayNational Apple Strudel DayStewarts Root Beer DayWorld Croc DayWorld Day to Combat Desertification and DroughtAnimal Rights Awareness WeekIslamic New YearLearning Disabilities WeekNational Clay WeekNational Flag WeekNational Hermit WeekNational Water Safety WeekLinks and References: https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/hooked/https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/AAVE/timeline/https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/aave.htmlhttps://commonwealthtimes.org/2021/02/18/aave-is-not-your-internet-slang-it-is-black-culture/https://certifiedlanguages.com/blog/african-american-vernacular-english-is-a-legitimate-dialect/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00957984970233002https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61882/chapter-abstract/547712638?redirectedFrom=fulltext#547712638https://www.garfieldmessenger.org/6418/articles/news/a-brief-history-of-aave/https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28056/chapter-abstract/212002865?redirectedFrom=fulltexthttps://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/wls_fac/70/https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/african-american-language-factshttps://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/language/article/abs/language-and-linguistics-on-trial-hearing-rachel-jeantel-and-other-vernacular-speakers-in-the-courtroom-and-beyond/7DCD0B43230E3D17A2C4B43936341A48https://globalvoices.org/2019/06/25/language-is-also-a-form-of-resistance/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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    49 mins
  • Mini: Feedback for Grant Reform

    Mini: Feedback for Grant Reform
    Jun 15 2026
    Last week, we released an episode dsicussing the rise of authoritarian takeover of science by controlling what science can be conducted and how it can be interpreted. We put out a call to action to respond to their proposal. However, it is important to craft the message so that it is effectively received. So, in this mini, we explain how to create feedback for responding to this horrible proposal.

    Support us on Patreon

    Links and References:
    1. Submit your feedback here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001
    2. https://www.cogr.edu/blog/tips-submitting-effective-comments-regulationsgov
    3. https://federalstrategy.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/Tips-for-Submitting-Effective-Comments-1.pdf
    4. https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/How%20to%20Comment%20on%20Federal%20Regulations%20Final.pdf
    5. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/comment-vid-tipsheet.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
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    14 mins
  • How to Kill Science

    How to Kill Science
    Jun 10 2026
    How to kill science is also how to kill humans. The incompetent "leadership" in the United States is racing toward dictatorship in their desire to kill all humans. They are proposing to rewrite science so that any government funding that pays for research gets to dictate what that research is and how it is interpreted. Either you say what the government wants, or else you don't get any research funding. It is an unprecedented move that no president has ever tried in history, becuase it is a terrible, horrible, stupid, counterproductive idea. But, that's what happens when you get a bunch of republicans in charge. We'll break down the details of this incredible stupidity and provide some guidance on what you can do about it. See the first link where you can register your complaints. Note that, in a rare event, we are going to tell you that next week's mini is all about how to craft public comment for maximum effect. Let your voice be heard!

    COMMENT ON THIS ISSUE HERE:
    • Abraham: Ghosts (season 5; https://www.cbs.com/shows/ghosts/)
    • Shane: The Mandalorian and Grogu (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30825738/)
    Holidays (6/10/2026):
    • Ball Point Pen Day
    • Herbs & Spices Day
    • National Black Cow Day
    • National Iced Tea Day
    • America The Beautiful Week
    • Bedbug Awareness Week
    • Meet a Mate Week
    • National Automotive Service Professional Week
    • National Body Piercing Week
    • National Frozen Yogurt Week
    • National Little League Baseball Week
    • Pet Appreciation Week
    • Shampoo Week


    Links and References:
    1. https://www.science.org/content/article/white-house-seeks-tighten-political-oversight-grantmaking
    2. https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/29/nih-grants-uniform-guidance-proposal-political-control/
    3. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/white-house-proposes-new-rules-giving-political-appointees-final-say-on-research-grants/
    4. https://blog.carnegieinvest.com/the-u.s.-governments-growing-role-in-the-private-sector
    5. https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/nvidia-us-government-to-boost-ai-infrastructure-and-rd-investments/
    6. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/15/trump-stock-trade-tech-oge.html
    7. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-10817.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
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    54 mins
  • Mini: Mosh Pits

    Mini: Mosh Pits
    Jun 8 2026
    Mosh pits are the rough-house style dancing/bopping that people do at music concerts. But where and why did this start? And why are they called mosh pits? We'll describe what is happening in mosh pits and what it all means.

    Join us on Patreon!

    Links and References:
    1. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3aptcw/what_are_the_origins_of_mosh_pits_and_how_did/
    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moshing
    3. https://www.facebook.com/EricAlperPR/posts/the-term-mosh-pit-originated-in-1979-when-bad-brains-hr-yelled-mash-it-during-a-/1164248955370779/
    4. https://metal.fandom.com/wiki/Moshing
    5. https://wknc.org/2018/08/20/shut-up-mosh-moshing-101/
    6. https://thenubianmessage.com/12033/opinion/the-dangerous-history-of-moshing/
    7. https://globalnews.ca/news/11727325/history-of-mosh-pits/
    8. https://www.councilofthelost.com/2021/03/01/history-of-moshpit/
    9. https://abcnews.com/Health/story?id=4804513&page=1


    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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    16 mins
  • Faith Healing

    Faith Healing
    Jun 3 2026
    Professional magicians tell you that they are tricking you for entertainment. Charlatan, con artist magicians tell you that they are performing real magic that will cure you of your ails. Cynical grifters, faith healers perform theatrical stunts to convince people to give them money. They'd cyphon off someone's last dime if given the chance. We explain how faith healers perform their tricks and to the best of our ability, why people fall for it. RecommendationsAbraham: Fallout (Season 2; https://www.amazon.com/Fallout-Season-2/dp/B0FLSZBRZJ)Shane: Project Hail Mary (the movie)Holidays (6/3/2026):Chimborazo DayGlobal Running DayImpersonate Authority DayLove Conquers All DayNational Chocolate Macaroon DayNational Egg DayNational Itch DayRepeat DayWorld Bicycle DayWorld Clubfoot DayCanadian Environment WeekNational CPR and AED Awareness WeekStepparents WeekLinks and References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE21g91Heh8https://www.businessinsider.com/scam-everlasting-after-25-years-debunked-faith-healer-still-preaching-debt-relief-scam-2011-9https://www.motherjones.com/politics/1997/11/faith-healing-hoax/https://evidenceunseen.com/theology/practical-theology-ethics/faith-healershttps://www.heraldnet.com/2006/08/04/dont-fall-for-prayer-rug-watchdog-group-urges/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-31057337https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_healinghttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24301874/ https://www.gq.com/story/peter-popoff-born-again-scoundrel https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/06/us/bakker-is-convicted-on-all-counts-first-felon-among-tv-evangelists.html https://roysreport.com/disgraced-televangelist-jim-bakker-pleads-for-1-million/ https://www.businessinsider.com/scam-everlasting-after-25-years-debunked-faith-healer-still-preaching-debt-relief-scam-2011-9 https://wng.org/articles/same-old-scam-1620660664 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=307493253281642 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNwHG6kIO0g https://newhumanist.org.uk/2013/07/26/getting-tough-on-the-faith-healing-scammers/https://abc13.com/post/bogus-faith-healer-scams-hispanic-women/1128229/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