Episode two, Why We're Rude, investigates the psychology and sociology behind bad behavior. Maya explores accidental offenders who are oblivious to their impact, examining how stress, exhaustion, and decision fatigue collapse our self-monitoring abilities. The episode then examines intentional transgressors who use rudeness to assert power and dominance, retaliate for hurt, or experience the thrill of transgression. Finally, Maya analyzes the systems that enable bad manners—digital anonymity that removes accountability, incentive structures that reward aggressive behavior, and leadership that models incivility. The episode reveals how pandemic-era collective trauma shortened everyone's fuses and how rudeness gets amplified through social media algorithms. Understanding these causes doesn't excuse bad behavior, but provides insight into addressing it effectively. https://amzn.to/42YoQGI This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.