ladder filter operation

[Christopher MacDonald]

Could someone describe how a ladder filter works?  I've been tinkering
with a diode ladder filter for a while on my breadboard and I'm
realizing that actually understanding how the circuit operates might be
useful...

BTW does anyone else out there spend hours listening to the same
sawtooth wave while turning knobs, swapping components, and staring at
an oscilloscope or have I just completely lost my mind?   :)

-Chris MacDonald