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

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

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:  - https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/12/2390 - https://www.hartz.com/truth-or-myth-cats-only-meow-to-humans/ - https://mrfrs.org/ask-a-vet-with-dr-sam-cats-only-meow-at-humans/ - 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

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 (http://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:  - https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/ - https://www.nilc.org/resources/immigrant-participation-in-protests-rights/ - https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr/publications/35-rule-how-small-minority-can-change-world - https://www.americanprogress.org/article/how-peaceful-protest-by-just-3-5-percent-of-americans-could-force-major-policy-changes-from-the-trump-administration/ - https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2021/06/15/world-changing-protests-you-should-know-about

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:  - https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2007/05/how-do-they-measure-the-sweetness-of-sugar-substitutes.html - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8009737/  - https://www.sweetenerbook.com/assets/blogs/measure.html  - https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/artificial-sweetener.htm?srch_tag=elzr3h5bpjo6owafwknxzobucfhzpm3s 

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/wwdwwdpodcast Recommendations (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 Action - Christa McAuliffe Day - Daisy Day - Global Community Engagement Day - International Lego Day - International Reducing Co2 Emissions Day - Library Shelfie Day - National Blueberry Pancake Day - National Data Privacy Day - National Kazoo Day - National Pediatrician Day - Pop Art Day - Rubber Ducky Day - Data PRivacy Week - International Hot Air Balloon Week - Kiss a Shark Week - National Clean Out Your Inbox Week - National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week Links and References:  - https://history.burningman.org/ - https://history.burningman.org/timeline/ - https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/iconic-events/burning-man - https://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-c0719e9f20a8 - https://burningman.org/about-us/ - https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/everything-people-get-wrong-about-burning-man-19726500.php - https://www.theransomnote.com/art-culture/events/the-misconceptions-of-burning-man-a-reflection/ - https://www.businessinsider.com/burning-man-festival-attendee-negatives-warning-advice-2023-8 - https://www.treehugger.com/time-to-rethink-burning-man-7965803 - https://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%20homeland - https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/burning-mangoers-share-their-craziest-stories-from-the-festival-10496942.html - https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/i-was-wrong-about-burning-man-21024611.php - https://burningman.org/news/ 

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

There is a unique annual art event that is hours from civilization in the blistering hot sun that culminates the incineration of humungous humanoid effigy. This four-decade long tradition is a celebration of art, creativity, individuality, community, and self-expression. But, it is not without it's flaw and foibles. We spend two episodes unpacking the history and contemporary features of this event and the criticisms leveled at it. Recommendations (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 Action - Christa McAuliffe Day - Daisy Day - Global Community Engagement Day - International Lego Day - International Reducing Co2 Emissions Day - Library Shelfie Day - National Blueberry Pancake Day - National Data Privacy Day - National Kazoo Day - National Pediatrician Day - Pop Art Day - Rubber Ducky Day - Data PRivacy Week - International Hot Air Balloon Week - Kiss a Shark Week - National Clean Out Your Inbox Week - National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week Links and References:  - https://history.burningman.org/ - https://history.burningman.org/timeline/ - https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/iconic-events/burning-man - https://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-c0719e9f20a8 - https://burningman.org/about-us/ - https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/everything-people-get-wrong-about-burning-man-19726500.php - https://www.theransomnote.com/art-culture/events/the-misconceptions-of-burning-man-a-reflection/ - https://www.businessinsider.com/burning-man-festival-attendee-negatives-warning-advice-2023-8 - https://www.treehugger.com/time-to-rethink-burning-man-7965803 - https://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%20homeland - https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/burning-mangoers-share-their-craziest-stories-from-the-festival-10496942.html - https://www.sfgate.com/travel/burningman/article/i-was-wrong-about-burning-man-21024611.php - https://burningman.org/news/ 

Many people avoid or even advocate against having conversations about confrontational topics. We disagree. We explain how it is important to have these dififcult discussion and that failure to do so is likely a contributing factor to the division we face today.  https://www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Link:  - https://claesjonasson.medium.com/why-we-need-to-talk-more-about-politics-and-religion-not-less-6a4e96331959

Democratized education lead by trained professionals and experts has resulted in unprecidented growth in progress and improvements in quality of life. Sex is something humans do to maintain the species population. Put those two things together and you get sex education. Some, however, have argued for the idealistic view that all humans be monogamous and abstinent until marriage. We investigate the research and work through the philosophy to see how abstinence-only education works (it doesn't). Recommendations - Abraham: Stranger Things: Season 5 (https://www.netflix.com/title/80057281)  - Shane: The Last Night of the Earth Poems by Charles Bukowski ( https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-last-night-of-the-earth-poems-charles-bukowski?variant=32116708540450) Holidays 14 January 2026: - Cesarean Section Day - Feast of the Ass - International Kite Day - Makar Sankranti - National Dress Up Your Pet Day - National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day - National Undhiya Day - Novy God (Russian New Year) - Organize your Home Day - Orthodox New YEar - Ratification Day - St. Basil’s Day - Take the Stairs Day - World Logic Day - Cuckoo Dancing Week - Home Office Safety and Security Week - International Printing Week - National Mocktail Week - National Pizza Week Links and References:  - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5913747/ - https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/abstinence-only-education-failure - https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/issues/sex-education/abstinence-only-programs - https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/sex-education - https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/sex-education-programs-definitions-funding-and-impact-on-teen-sexual-health/ - https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(05)00276-4/fulltext - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jad.12365 - https://www.aclu.org/documents/what-research-shows-government-funded-abstinence-only-programs-dont-make-grade#:~:text=Some%20abstinence-only-until-,preventing%20STDs%20and%20unintended%20pregnancy. - https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/08/23/545289168/abstinence-education-is-ineffective-and-unethical-report-argues#:~:text=The%20analysis%20confirms%20previous%20public,domestic%20violence%2C%20the%20report%20notes.  - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3194801/  - https://sexedconference.com/the-history-of-sex-education/  - https://www.acog.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/adolescent-health/comprehensive-sexuality-education#:~:text=Comprehensive%20sexuality%20education%20(CSE)%20teaches,to%20name%20just%20a%20few.  - https://siecus.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/If-Then-Sexual-Assault-Final.pdf   

Psychic, telepathic mind-reading is complete nonsense logistically, philosophically, practically... all of the "ally's." We will explain why in some detail. But, there is a version of something like mind reading that does exist that's more like intuitive, and astute observation that comes from experience and intimate knowledge. Come read our minds and we'll read yours. Get ad-free episodes and bonus content: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/mind-reading - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24948740/#:~:text=Abstract,the%20next%20by%20verbal%20instruction. - https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1243091 - https://www.thebsps.org/short-reads/mind-reading-schulz/#:~:text=The%20second%20common%20way%20to,cultures%20are%20mind%2Dreading%20literate. - https://cognitionandculture.net/wp-content/uploads/Science-2014-Heyes-.pdf - https://carta.anthropogeny.org/events/mind-reading-human-origins-and-theory-mind - https://www.thebsps.org/short-reads/mind-reading-schulz/  - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0147176723000238  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-the-ordinary/202510/nonspeaking-autism-the-telepathy-tapes-and-who-gets-to-be-heard

The idea of personal responsibility will seem like common sense to some. Scientifically, however, it is an interesting concept to understand. How does it arise? Why do some people seem to lack it? We do our best to unpack the environmental and behavioral variables that contribute to the development of personal responsibility. Recommendations - Abraham: Wake Up Dead Man (https://www.netflix.com/title/81458424)  - Shane:  Fulltone OCD Overdrive guitar pedal (https://www.fulltoneusa.com/products/ocd-v2) Holidays (1/7/2026): - Welcome to 2026! - Distaff Day - Harlem Globetrotter’s Day - I’m Not Going to Take It Anymore Day - International Programmer’s Day - National Bobblehead Day - National Pass Gas Day - National Tempura Day - Old Rock Day - Orthodox Christmas Day - Celebration of Life Week - Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week - Diet Resolution Week - National Lose Weight-Feel Great Week - National Thank Your Customers Week - National Time Consciousness Week - Silent Record Week - Someday We’ll Laugh About This Week Links and References:  - https://www.etymonline.com/word/responsibility - https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/theories-of-international-responsibility-law/from-respondere-to-responsibility/6726884E24137102F990B6903624391D - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-not-to-think/202403/where-does-responsibility-come-from#:~:text=%E2%80%9CTotal%20responsibility%20means%20taking%20full,can%20move%20forward%20and%20adapt.&text=This%20radical%20idea%20challenges%20us,we%20taught%20helplessness%20or%20resilience?  - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201102/taking-full-responsibility-your-life#:~:text=It%20means%20recognizing%20that%20how,a%20practicing%20Buddhist%20since%201989 - https://medium.com/@salmanhaf2ez/nietzsches-philosophy-of-personal-responsibility-ab14cf1a8edb 

We are taking a side journey into the delectable topic of charcuterie boards. We briefly describe what they are and then how to put one together. Do you have a great charcuterie board you've made? Let us know! Join our ad-free club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References: - https://www.wisconsincheese.com/the-cheese-life/article/153/charcuterie-history2. - https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystern/2023/01/05/charcuterie-franchise-growing-rapidly/3. - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/cooking/g45672825/charcuterie-board-ideas/?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_18399044072&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18396202201&gbraid=0AAAAADA2MEptjqsj-6fWg0aPJ0jg3-rX5&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0p7KBhCkARIsAE6XlakJLJmIPLr7dEbdSTI2lXHor8lHxnC9u0PfZ7zO-huULnEk0VjWrKkaAt3JEALw_wcB

Stream the horror movie The Conjuring: Last Rites on HBO Max. Sign up for must-see series, movies, live sports, and more.

Another year on the books. We reflect on what we discussed this year, our listener stats, and personal experiences with movies, books, and TV shows. It's our annual discussion about the year for a little peak behind the curtains. Check out Shane's playlist for 2025: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0J0qv1hwT5WXB9YAN4hHbI?si=7d742f184211491e  Happy New Year! ~ Why We Do What We Do Recommendations - Abraham: The Conjuring: Last Rites (https://www.hbomax.com/movies/conjuring-last-rites/e62d3010-ffd6-45ef-b8e7-4eed314f375c) - Shane: Shift by Hugh Howey (https://hughhowey.com/books/shift/)

Choral or Unison responding is a classroom participation strategy in which all students answer together when given an opportunity to do so. This allows the teacher to ensure participation and identify students who may be struggilng. It also keeps students engaged and increases their retention of the material. We explain how it works.  https://www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Debra-Kamps/publication/15253492_Enhanced_small_group_instruction_using_choral_responding_and_student_interaction_for_children_with_autism_and_developmental_disabilities/links/566607e808ae4931cd6267fe/Enhanced-small-group-instruction-using-choral-responding-and-student-interaction-for-children-with-autism-and-developmental-disabilities.pdf - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0198742917712968 - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1045988X.2012.682184?needAccess=true - https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ846929 - https://people.uncw.edu/kozloffm/choral.pdf - https://kyocare.com/choral-responding-a-versatile-aba-technique-to-engage-students/  - https://medium.com/inspired-ideas-prek-12/why-unison-response-works-in-the-classroom-1c867e53acf3 https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/20/article/717782/pdf

Different cultures around the world have unique perspectives on disability. We survey several different cultural values and approaches to thinking about and talking about disability. Of course, culture is not ubiquitous throughout a given region, so these are broad generalizations. But, it is useful to think about different ways people think about this topic that affects so many of us.  Recommendations - Abraham: Fan-designed bird promos for Wingspan (https://store.stonemaiergames.com/collections/wingspan-fan-designed-promo-packs) - Shane: Coquito! Holidays (12/24/2025): - Christmas Eve - Last Minute Shopper’s Day - National Eggnog Day - Christmas Bird Count Week - Posadas Links and References:  - https://www.ohio.edu/cas/psychology/addressing-model - https://theconversation.com/traditional-beliefs-inform-attitudes-to-disability-in-africa-why-it-matters-138558 - https://asylos.org/nigeria-report/ - https://www.cepal.org/notes/74/Titulares2 - https://pwd.org.au/about-us/about-disability/history-of-australias-disability-movement/ - https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/01/17/personas-con-discapacidad-america-latina - https://www.thewashingtoncouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/F505-slides.pdf - https://www.worldforgottenchildren.org/blog/developmental-disabilities-in-children-across-different-cultures/22 - https://www.umassp.edu/inclusive-by-design/who-before-how/understanding-disabilities - https://ncpd.org.za/how-do-different-cultures-view-disability/ - https://miusa.org/resource/tip-sheets/global-disability-culture-101/ - https://kidsnewtocanada.ca/mental-health/developmental-disability - https://rootedinrights.org/the-cultural-implications-of-being-disabled-in-india/ - https://dsq-sds.org/article/id/789/

Have you ever heard of circular breathing? For musicians who play instruments that require blown air, circular breathing is a technique to produce continuous notes without being interrupted by breathing in. However, circular breathing isn't a very accurate name for it. We'll explain what it is, how to do it, and briefly touch on circular breathing as it relates to mindfulness and throat singing. Have you tried circular breathing? Get ad-free episodes and support the show: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-today/winter-2012/the-woodshed/circular-breathing - https://www.healthline.com/health/circular-breathing - https://clarinet.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Circular-Breathing.pdf - https://musicforbrass.com/blogs/students/circular-breathing-when-and-how-to-use-it?srsltid=AfmBOoraj42qmdEDlo2DNNb_CuAlJWFfp5S6JveqstCB_WKE_5SId3NE 

Conditions that differ from "normal," sometimes called disability, don't preclude people with those conditions from being able to do regular vocational activities, and may even give them an advantage. Many employers have found financial and cultural benefits to hiring people with disabilities, people with disabilities have demonstrated their ability to thrive an be unique and meaningful contributions, and some activities are performed more economically. efficiently, or competenty by  people with disabilities. We give some concrete examples. Recommendations - Abraham: Recursion (Blake Crouch; https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42046112-recursion) - Shane: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52180399-the-only-good-indians)  Holidays (17 December 2025): - Clean Air Day - International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers - National Maple Syrup Day - Pan American Aviation Day - Wright Brothers Day - Christmas Bird Count Week - Cookie Exchange Week - Hanukkah - Human Rights Week - Saturnalia Links and References:  - https://rockfordisability.com/2023/01/13/10-perks-of-being-a-disabled-person/ - https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/observations/the-case-for-disabled-astronauts/ - https://eri-wi.org/fact-sheet-employers/#:~:text=The%20Business%20Benefits%20of%20Hiring%20People%20with%20Disabilities&text=Businesses%20that%20hire%20and%20support,resilience%2C%20boosting%20overall%20team%20productivity.&text=With%20unemployment%20rates%20among%20people,who%20are%20ready%20to%20contribute.&text=Employers%20may%20qualify%20for%20tax,offset%20accommodation%20and%20accessibility%20costs.&text=Higher%20employee%20retention%20reduces%20turnover,investment%20outweighs%20the%20initial%20costs.&text=Businesses%20that%20reflect%20their%20customer,a%20wide%20range%20of%20needs. - https://hbr.org/2023/07/disability-as-a-source-of-competitive-advantage - https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/blog/entry/5_reasons_to_hire_people_with_disabilities - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29392591/  - https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/work-opportunity-tax-credit - https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/research/research-highlights/disability-as-a-source-of-competitive-advantage  - https://www.physicianleaders.org/articles/disability-as-a-source-of-competitive-advantage 

Because this was selected the "word of the year," we decided we may as well discuss it. If you've been lucky enough to miss this trend, sorry to end your lucky streak. If you've been hearing this and don't understand what it means, we'll explain the history and what it means (spoiler, you're not missing anything). If you are a big fan of the "six seveeeen" craze, then maybe there's something here for you to learn as well. We hope you enjoy!  Get extra content by joining our membership club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-news-the-mystery-of-67-why-dictionary-com-chose-a-number-instead-of-a-word-and-why-is-everyone-talking-about-it/articleshow/125008609.cms?from=mdr - https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/18/us/6-7-meme-slang-explained-cec#:~:text=(He%20stands%20at%206%20feet,are%20you%20a%20party%20pooper?%E2%80%9D  - https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/67 - https://screenshot-media.com/culture/internet-culture/six-seven-trend-meaning/#:~:text=Skrilla%20admitted%20as%20much%20to%20The%20Wall,definition%20is%20%60%60why%20everybody%20keeps%20saying%20it - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dictionary-67-2025-word-of-the-year-meaning/#:~:text=U.S.-,Dictionary.com%20picks%20%2267%2C%22%20a%20%22nonsensical%20and,2025%20word%20of%20the%20year&text=Nicole%20Brown%20Chau%20is%20a%20deputy%20managing%20editor%20for%20CBSNews.com. https://whyy.org/articles/meaning-6-7-skrilla-philadelphia/#:~:text=The%20phrase%20comes%20from%20a,cooler%20group%20of%20their%20peers.%E2%80%9D

Sometimes investment groups will purchase and then unify individually-owned, small businesses that provide care for people with disabilities. Once they've acquired enough businesses, they'll turn around and sell the conglomerated entity to the highest bidder. There are some advantages... kind of... if you're being generous. But ther are a lot of disadvantages. We do our best to be fair while also explaining the reality of the situation.  Recommendations - Abraham: Wicked: For Good (https://www.wickedmovie.com/)  - Shane: Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII by Chester Nez and Judith Schiess Avila Holidays (10 December 2025): - Dewey Decimal System Day - Festival for the Souls of Dead Whales - Human Rights Day - International Animal Rights Day - Jane Addams Day - National Day of Animal Rights - National Lager Day - Nobel Prize Day - Computer Science Education Week - Human Rights Week - Lager Beer Week - National Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Week - National Groundwater Awareness Week - National Handwashing Awareness Week - National Influenza Vaccination Week Links and References:  - https://www.urblaw.com/the-effects-of-private-equity-firms-on-disability-services/#:~:text=Takeaways,extract%20significant%20short-term%20profits. - https://www.statnews.com/2025/03/18/private-equity-ownership-care-homes-intellectual-developmental-disabilities/#:~:text=Private%20equity%20firms%20are%20acquiring,population's%20health%20care%20is%20growing. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr-Cyx795p8&t=124s - https://stateline.org/2025/05/16/private-equity-snaps-up-disability-services-challenging-state-regulators/#:~:text=By:%20Anna%20Claire%20Vollers%20-%20May,that%20is%20to%20cut%20costs.%E2%80%9D - https://prospect.org/2025/03/18/2025-03-18-private-equity-vultures-care-facilities-disabled/#:~:text=Private%20equity%20giants%20have%20spent,More%20from%20Daniel%20Boguslaw - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2821686 - https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/120220%20Life%20at%20Cypress%20House%20-%20An%20Examination%20of%20Care%20Provided%20by%20MENTOR%20Oregon.pdf - https://apps.ahca.myflorida.com/dm_web/DMWeb_DocsFO/13871688.pdf  - https://pestakeholder.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PESP_Report_IDD_2025.pdf 

This is not about the movie(s). Amazingly, that didn't even occur to us before, during, or even immediately after recording this... This is about the ability some people have to identify or possibly produce exact notes, called perfect pitch, or natural pitch, or absolute pitch. Is it genetic? Is it learned? Are those nonsensical questions? We'll explain a bit of the research on perfect pitch (and relative pitch, which is technically different).  Give the gift of supporting us as a one time donation, or as a sustaining member: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links and References:  - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002929707634867#:~:text=Absolute%20pitch%20(AP)%2C%20also%20known%20as%20%E2%80%9Cperfect,musical%20tone%2C%20without%20an%20external%20reference%20pitch. - https://www.huddlestone.es/en/perfect-pitch/ - https://news.uchicago.edu/explainer/what-is-perfect-pitch - https://www.musical-u.com/learn/perfect-pitch-is-not-magic/

A touchy topic that some people don't want to touch is sexuality as it relates to disability. There is some "moral" prudishness that borders on (if not explicitly crosses into) eugenics for those who think sex is not a topic for diability. People with disabilities are people, and people have sexual motivations. We mostly dispell some myths people may have sex and disability as well as share some fun things you may not know. Recommendations - Abraham: Origin Story (board game; https://stonemaiergames.com/games/origin-story/) - Shane: My band’s new records! GOD//MAN - DREAMSEEKER (https://godman.bandcamp.com/album/dreamseeker) and Cyberbully - Welcome to the Internet (2k25 Demo) (https://cyberbullyhc.bandcamp.com/album/welcome-to-the-internet-demo-2k25) Holidays (12/3/2025): - International Day of Persons with Disabilities - International Spirit of the Game Day - Let’s Hug Day - Make a Gift Day - National Apple Pie Day - National Green Bean Casserole Day - National Package Protection Day - National Roof Over Your Head Day - Women Wednesday - Cookie Cutter Week Links: - https://www.independenceaustralia.com.au/health-articles/health-disabilities-and-sex/ - https://shq.org.au/2022/09/common-myths-sexuality-disability/ - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20131952/ - https://sexualityanddisability.org/having-sex/mythbusting/  

The industry around sex equipment has been leading the charge in the development of equipment for different bodies and impairments. This mini describes some of the advances and innovations that have developed for various body types and impairments to engage in safe, sexual activities.  Join our supporters club: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast Links:  - https://www.intimaterider.com/ - https://dds.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dds/publication/attachments/Oct%202018%20-%20Adaptive%20Devices%20for%20Intimacy%20and_or%20Sexual%20Engagement.pdf - https://abilitymagazine.com/disability-sex-and-adult-toys-by-and-for-people-with-disabilities/