Ritual Sacrifice

Our final Halloween episode tackles a grizzly topic: Ritual Sacrifices. We explore some of the practices and reasons for sacfrifice throughout history. Note that there are somewhat graphic descriptions of some violent acts toward humans and animals. If you're going to sacrifice something, make it an inanimate effigy or other symbolic object. Happy Halloween 2025!RecommendationsAbraham: Novocaine: https://www.paramountmovies.com/movies/novocaineShane: Nine Inch Nails - Tron:Ares OST (https://open.spotify.com/album/47pjW3XDPW99NShtkeewxl?si=4fV1oxzNTaaCMyDasdFkWw)Holidays (10/29/2025):International Internet DayHappy Early HalloweenNational Cat DayNational Hermit DayNational Oatmeal DayRead for the Record DayWorld Psoriasis DayWorld Stroke DayBrain Tumor Awareness WeekDisarmament WeekInternational Magic WeekPrescription Errors Education and Awareness WeekWinter Weather Preparedness WeekWorld Origami DaysHappy birthday to Winona Ryder, Ben Foster, Bob Ross and Gabrielle UnionLinks and references: https://www.britannica.com/topic/human-sacrificehttps://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/ritual-sacrifice-0017159https://www.thecollector.com/human-sacrifice-throughout-history/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27042932/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-human-sacrifice-propped-up-the-social-order/https://www.science.org/content/article/human-sacrifice-may-have-helped-societies-become-more-complex 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 is a mysterious castle in Czechia with defensive structures pointed inward toward the caste. There are also stories of a hole in the ground of unknown depth with horror stories about attempts to explore it. We'll discuss the truth of Houska Castle. Get ad free episodes: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastSource: https://www.discoveryuk.com/mysteries/the-real-truth-behind-houska-castle/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

Wearing a mask changes the way our social word interacts with us. This might mean access to rewards that we might not otherwise try to access, but the anonymity of a mask means doing so may be less likely to be met with punishment. Furthermore, our social environment affects our behavior. So, to answer the title: Yes kind of, but maybe not in the way you might think. Do you notice a difference in your behavior when you wear a mask? Let us know!RecommendationsAbraham: Is it Cake: Halloween (https://www.netflix.com/title/81927149)Shane: Mickey’s Not So Spooky Halloween Party (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/?ef_id=Cj0KCQjwo63HBhCKARIsAHOHV_V0PneinWtYnLspJilv9P7_784jcvd2dzq-HM3jknkqsuYWHVMgMzwaAmUoEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!5060!3!593608699132!p!!g!!disney%20trick%20or%20treat!1553406632!60136156558&CMP=KNC-FY26_WDW_TRA_FLR_W365_HTK_MNSSHP_General%7CG%7C5261213.RR.AM.01.01%7CM3EHNCC%7CBR%7C593608699132&keyword_id=kwd-314468353137%7Cdc%7Cdisney%20trick%20or%20treat%7C593608699132%7Cp%7C5060:3%7C&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1553406632&gbraid=0AAAAAD_M-kbg9jCdxyq5FrgNAwHob6cpK&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo63HBhCKARIsAHOHV_V0PneinWtYnLspJilv9P7_784jcvd2dzq-HM3jknkqsuYWHVMgMzwaAmUoEALw_wcB)Why is Shane's link URL so long? I know I can change it, but it is kind of funny to me that it is ridiculously long...Holidays (10/22/25):Smart is CoolWombat dayNational nut dayMake a dog’s day, dayNational caps lock dayNational coloring dayInternational stuttering awareness dayLeave a review dayScar appreciation dayChemistry weekFree Speech WeekLinks and References: https://www.thehorrordome.com/blogs/news/the-psychology-behind-halloween-masks-why-we-love-to-disguise-ourselves?srsltid=AfmBOoq9lYAWMiuPLp6WqM6IUe3mzzKiRqI8nuAuh_BYRp5Z0DJT3WE1https://studioforchange.com/how-halloween-can-help-us-understand-the-concept-of-masking/https://everydaypsych.com/unmasking-halloween-psychology/https://marciasirotamd.com/psychology-popular-culture/halloween-masks-unveils-secretshttps://medium.com/@ashrules2016/why-do-we-wear-masks-the-deep-appeal-of-halloween-costumes-56033852703ahttps://marciasirotamd.com/psychology-popular-culture/halloween-masks-unveils-secrets https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8hx6q5js https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1976-20842-001https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/512839/ https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/10/how-halloween-makes-kids-more-monstrous/382172/ 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

Creepy pasta is/was a democratized way ot telling scary stories that are just on the edge of believability. They seem to have dissipated into various other formats over time. Yet, the brief story of creepy pastas is an interesting one and appropriate for the spooky season. What's your favorite creepy pasta?Join our member's club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcastLinks and References: https://www.creepypasta.com/https://medium.com/@lukewhenderson/what-makes-a-creepypasta-4e5ac00897bf 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

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