Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

One of the most iconic and well-established horror stories in the world, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a masterpiece of literature. The talented director Guillermo del Toro will soon be releasing his vision of this story. So, in advance of his film, we discuss the author, how the story came to be, a brief synopsis of the plot, and some of the science behind the potential reality of such a thing. Tell us your favorite horror stories!RecommendationsAbraham: Warbreaker (book by Brandon Sanderson; https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/warbreaker-introduction)Shane: The Long Walk (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10374610/)Holidays (10/15/2025):Blind Americans Equality DayBRA Day USABreast Health DayGlobal Dignity DayGlobal Handwashing DayHagfish DayI Love Lucy DayLove Your Body DayNational Cheese Curd DayNational Fossil DayNational Grouch DayNational Mushroom DayNational Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness DayNational Pug DayNational Take Your Parents to Lunch DayWhite Cane Safety DayBone Joint Health Action WeekImprove Your Home Office WeekInfection Control WeekMediation WeekPet Peeve WeekSchool Lunch WeekTeen Read WeekLinks and References: https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/the-science-behind-mary-shelleys-frankenstein/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6492819/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6174037/https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/archive/2016/01/headtransplants/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9805622/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444632876000099https://daily.jstor.org/will-reanimating-dead-brains-inspire-the-next-frankenstein/https://askabiologist.asu.edu/frankenstein-physiologyBecome 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 have a fascination with assigning meaning to various numbers. Actually, many cultures enjoy assigning meaning to numbers as well. In western traditions, we have a particularly special number that is the most evil: 666. We explore how this number came to be associated with the Devil and the why its not. But hey, I guess it is now. Get ad-free episodes and help us be a show: Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/666.htmhttps://academic.oup.com/jts/article-abstract/69/1/309/4917823?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=falsehttps://www.britannica.com/topic/number-of-the-beasthttps://www.fusionglobal.org/connections/why-is-666-the-number-of-the-beast/?srsltid=AfmBOopwGFHFRt_D306RTVF_RBvOthZFzPAtxpg3Y6W3FlyOH2JY30sahttps://uscatholic.org/articles/202310/glad-you-asked-what-is-666-in-the-bible/https://medium.com/illuminations-mirror/this-symbolic-number-has-opposite-meanings-in-different-cultures-bdb891d04547https://www.britannica.com/topic/gematriahttps://www.gematrix.org/?word=dondrumpfDon Drumpf = 666Become 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

Some spooky topics are geographically creepy. Arguably, the most famous scary geography is lovingly called The Bermuda Triangle. This portion of the world is credited with a supernatural ability to vanish airplanes and ships... out of the thousands that use this as a shipping route. We dig into the history that inspired the mythical lore attribute to this portion of ocean. Despite its infamy, insurance happily covers shipping vessels that traverse the curious Bermuda Triangle. Recommendations:Abraham: “Psych 3: This is Gus” (https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/movies/psych-3-this-is-gus/4695aa38-6632-3b3f-aa14-9edf3b70d24a)Shane: Atomic Rule - With Skull Crushing Force EP (https://open.spotify.com/album/6ybCbYsqHt3PT974rC6Mt4?si=QkBxu8MRRtOBMad1v6i3Og)Holidays (10/08/2025):American Touch Tag DayBring your Teddy Bear to Work DayBullying Prevention DayDyslexia DayEmergency Nurses DayInternational Day for Natural Disaster ReductionInternational Lesbian DayInternational Top Spinning DayLatina Women’s Equal Pay DayNational Children’s DayNational Fluffernutter DayNational Hydrogen and Fuel Cell DayNational Curves DayNational Pet Obesity Awareness DayNational Pierogi DayStem Cell Awareness DayWorld Octopus DayActive Aging WeekAnimal Welfare WeekCephalopod Awareness WeekDeath Penalty Focus WeekGreat Books WeekMystery Series WeekTruffle Days in CroatiaWorld Space WeekLinks and References: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/i-survived-a-trip-to-the-bermuda-triangle/https://www.history.com/articles/bermuda-trianglehttps://travel.earth/what-is-the-bermuda-triangle-all-you-must-know/https://www.marinalife.com/articles/the-mystery-of-the-bermuda-trianglehttps://www.gotobermuda.com/inspiration/article/legends-lore-bermuda-trianglehttps://centerforinquiry.org/news/solving-the-mystery-of-the-bermuda-triangle-in-skeptical-inquirer/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/bermuda-triangle-mystery-solved-latest-theories-dr-karl-kruszelnicki-debunked-unexplained-disappearances-ships-planes-aeroplanes-vanish-conspiracy-lost-flight-19-alien-abduction-atlantis-methane-gas-vincent-gaddis-a7861731.html https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/10-unsolved-mysteries-that-have-been-solved.htm?s1sid=wqdp2epa7vz7u29d8v03h2hg&srch_tag=jqpeigono5nhpzyajtpkqf5577cv72bq#pt2 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 first Halloween mini of 2025! RIP is a well-wishing, a command, and an indication of your relationship to person or idea being bid farewell. We break down the history, meaning, and language functions of using RIP. Requiescat in Pace!Help us keep doing our thing! Patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://biblehub.com/q/what_does_'rest_in_peace'_(rip)_mean.htm#:~:text=Those%20contemplating%20life's%20meaning%20find,Conclusionhttps://www.dictionary.com/e/pop-culture/rest-in-peace/https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/does-rest-in-peace-rip-have-a-christian-origin.htmlBecome 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

Welcome to our annual month of creepy topics! We are kicking off this year's selection with an overview of various conceptuatlizations of Hell from the perspectives of different religions and denominations. How common is the idea of Hell and why do so many traditions embrace this idea?We are excited to get started!RecommendationsAbraham: Shrinking (https://tv.apple.com/us/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs) Shane: 28 Years Later (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10548174/)Holidays (10/01/25):Happy spooky season, folks!Balloons Around the World DayCD Player DayHomemade Cookies DayInternational Coffee DayInternational Day of Older PersonsInternational Music DayInternational Raccoon Appreciation DayLess Than Perfect DayNational Black Dog DayNational Book It DayNational Hair DayNational Pumpkin Seed DayPudding Season BeginsVegan Baking DayWilly Wonka DayWorld Vegetarian DayNational Chimney Safety WeekNational Drive Electric WeekNational Fall Foliage WeekNational Hispanic Heritage WeeksBreast Cancer Awareness MonthAIDS Awareness MonthLGBT History MonthNational Cookie MonthLinks and References: https://youtu.be/fNkyPFS5vTg?si=AzPnUdBeGBYG_WVBhttps://foundations.vision.org/hell-origins-idea-626https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/heaven-hell/ https://www.faithonview.com/what-is-hell/ https://bigthink.com/high-culture/brief-history-hell/ https://doctorspaghetti.org/heaven-and-hell-the-pastafarian-view/ 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 have probably heard of white noise, but there are a variety of noise patterns that have been assigned a color. Some have proposed hypothetical benefits of these various sound patterns ranging from sleep or focus to mental health conditions. We take a scalpel and scientifically remove the fluff. Tell us what colored sounds you prefer!Links and References: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/brown-white-pink-what-different-colors-of-noise-mean-and-how-they-can-help-learning/2023/11#:~:text=What%20about%20other%20colors%20of,can%20do%2C%E2%80%9D%20Berlau%20said.https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/colored-sleep-noise/#:~:text=What%20color%20noise%20is%20best,works%20best%20for%20you.%E2%80%8B https://www.bettersleep.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-colored-noise-exploring-the-sound-spectrum-in-colorshttps://youtu.be/auCj6O9DRbs?si=DZxd5k4Hf5JwOX1OBecome 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 last episode, we outlined several specific propaganda strategies. We conclude this discussion by explaining some ways we can attempt to combat propaganda. Although propaganda can be a tool for good, it is often used nefariously, and we are well served to protect ourselves against those who would manipulate us. Did we miss anything? Let us know!RecommendationsAbraham: Between the Buried and Me “The Blue Nowhere”- (https://www.betweentheburiedandme.com/)Shane: Disney Food and Wine Festival (https://vegandisneyworld.com/2024/08/30/vegan-options-at-the-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/)Holidays (9/24/2025)Punctuation DayNational Mofongo DayBanned Websites Awareness DayFestival of Latest NoveltiesGallbladder Good Health DayKiss DayLash Stylists DayNational Bluebird of Happiness DayNational Cherries Jubilee DayNational Horchata DayNational Women’s Health and Fitness DaySchwenkfelder ThanksgivingBanned Books WeekChild Passenger Safety Awareness WeekDeaf Dog Awareness WeekFall Astronomy WeekLinks and References: https://disinformation-nation.org/how-propaganda-works/http://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691173429/how-propaganda-works?srsltid=AfmBOorUX3x7ZgsGZ1dyU_bt0OeTC-bnm_0maw2D3FZclD5sp65cJ4jehttps://sjdm.org/presentations/2020-Poster-Heyman-Schrum-Cassandra-Psychology-of-Propaganda.pdfhttps://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1938/05/the-psychology-of-propaganda/654999/https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2044-8341.1941.tb00312.xpsychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-propaganda/?srsltid=AfmBOor4m2MZ7Rs4pqmagvFEui02ZN14zWIcPI7XZQ-pB4D4665LhIK6https://www.verywellmind.com/how-does-propaganda-work-5224974https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201702/the-con-propagandahttps://wwnorton.com/books/9780393881516 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

Kintsugi is a Japanese tradition of repairing broken things rather than retiring them, and in doing so making them stronger. It has a nice metaphor for personal, social, and economic issues. We discuss the history, techniques, and metaphors of kinsugi. Join our club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://mymodernmet.com/kintsugi-kintsukuroi/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zabQFbChhGM&t=18shttps://kintsugi-shop.com/what-kintsugi-teaches-us/#:~:text=Kintsugi%2C%20the%20art%20of%20imperfection,not%20be%20hidden%20or%20shamed.https://open.library.okstate.edu/introphilosophy/chapter/ship-of-theseus/#:~:text=The%20ship%20wherein%20Theseus%20and,it%20was%20not%20the%20same. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pop-culture-mental-health/202403/what-kintsugi-can-teach-us-about-our-emotional-healthhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/aging-wisdom/202108/brokenness-and-beauty-what-the-art-kintsugi-can-teach-us 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

Propaganda is remarkably effective at influencing your behavior, even if you don't recognize that it is happening. Being aware of its strategies can help prevent you from falling victim as much. But no one is immune. Propaganda is one of the ways conspiracy theories are born, for those extremely gullible among us. This issue inspires some passionate soap-boxing... although there is a lot more of that in part 2. Enjoy!RecommendationsAbraham: Upload (season 4; https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Upload/0R12OTGH71AFFIJKW1R4WQT90V)Shane: Wool by Hugh Howey (https://www.bookhampton.com/book/9780358447849) Holidays (9/17/2025)Citizenship DayConstitution DayInternational Country Music DayNational Apple Dumpling DayNational Monte Cristo DayNational Professional House Cleaners DayNational Rehabilitation DayNational School Backpack Awareness DayNational Table Shuffleboard DayTimes Up DayVFW Ladies Auxiliary DayWorld Patient Safety DayAdopt a Less Adoptable Pet WeekBalance Awareness WeekConstitution WeekMitochondrial Disease Awareness WeekNational Drive Electric WeekLinks and References: https://disinformation-nation.org/how-propaganda-works/http://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691173429/how-propaganda-works?srsltid=AfmBOorUX3x7ZgsGZ1dyU_bt0OeTC-bnm_0maw2D3FZclD5sp65cJ4jehttps://sjdm.org/presentations/2020-Poster-Heyman-Schrum-Cassandra-Psychology-of-Propaganda.pdfhttps://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1938/05/the-psychology-of-propaganda/654999/https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2044-8341.1941.tb00312.xpsychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-propaganda/?srsltid=AfmBOor4m2MZ7Rs4pqmagvFEui02ZN14zWIcPI7XZQ-pB4D4665LhIK6https://www.verywellmind.com/how-does-propaganda-work-5224974https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201702/the-con-propagandahttps://wwnorton.com/books/9780393881516 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

A lot. Unless you have face blindness, you can remember a lot of faces. Is this all in the brian? We do our best to explain the research behind our ability to recognize a very large number of faces. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://www.science.org/content/article/average-person-can-recognize-5000-faceshttps://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/computer-models-mimic-brain-s-ease-telling-faces-aparthttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/oct/10/how-many-faces-average-person-recognises-5000Become 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