Sometimes all it takes is one little fact or one little piece of wisdom to change your life forever. That's the purpose and the hope of "Something You Should Know." In each episode, host Mike Carruthers interviews top experts in their field to bring you fascinating information and advice to help you…
Mike Carruthers / OmniCast Media
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The Something You Should Know podcast is truly a gem in the world of podcasts. Hosted by Mike Carruthers, this show covers a wide variety of topics that are guaranteed to keep you engaged and entertained. Whether you're interested in human behavior, animal instincts, or the importance of microbes, there's something for everyone on this podcast.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the depth and breadth of knowledge that is shared in each episode. With every installment, listeners have the opportunity to learn new and interesting facts about a wide range of subjects. The guests featured on the show are experts in their respective fields, providing valuable insights and perspectives that make each episode informative and thought-provoking.
Another highlight of this podcast is Mike Carruthers' interviewing style. He asks thoughtful questions that go beyond surface-level information, pushing his guests to provide deeper insights and engage in meaningful conversations. His ability to bring out the best in his guests makes for an engaging listening experience.
While there may be some who prefer the format of other similar shows like Stuff You Should Know with Josh and Chuck, it's important to recognize that The Something You Should Know podcast brings something unique to the table. By featuring guest experts in every episode, listeners are exposed to new voices, opinions, and perspectives that add depth and variety to each topic.
In conclusion, The Something You Should Know podcast is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys learning something new with every episode. Mike Carruthers does an excellent job of providing compelling content that is both easy to listen to and full of valuable information. Whether you're looking for entertainment or personal growth, this podcast has it all. Give it a listen – you won't be disappointed!
Every December, millions of people around the world track Santa's journey in real time using the NORAD Santa Tracker. But why is a military defense organization keeping tabs on Santa Claus in the first place? This bonus holiday episode begins with the surprisingly charming and accidental origin of that tradition. https://www.noradsanta.org/en/about/ Why do people kiss under the mistletoe? Why do we decorate Christmas trees with ornaments? And how did Jingle Bells — a song originally written for Thanksgiving — become one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time? Ace Collins joins me to share the fascinating stories behind many of our favorite Christmas traditions and songs. Ace is author of Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas (https://amzn.to/2QfN1NA) and Stories Behind the Best Loved Songs of Christmas (https://amzn.to/2Up4wtg). And if you put up a real Christmas tree, there's a very good chance you're making a common mistake before it ever goes into the stand. We wrap up with some simple but important tips that will help keep your tree fresher, safer, and better-looking throughout the rest of holiday season. https://homegrown.extension.ncsu.edu/2019/12/05/caring-for-your-christmas-tree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you fall short on sleep, can you really “catch up” the next night? Many people think so — but our bodies don't quite work that way. This episode begins with what science says about recovering from poor sleep and how to optimize deep sleep when your schedule gets disrupted. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a40511210/deep-sleep/ What makes a song a hit? Trends, personal taste, timing, and luck all play a role — but today, technology shapes popular music more than ever. From how songs are created to how they spread, the path to a hit is constantly evolving. Chris Dalls Riva joins me to unpack it all. He's Senior Product Manager at Audiomack, a musician and writer, creator of the newsletter Can't Get Much Higher, and author of Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us About the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves. (https://amzn.to/4pODklu). All kinds of things can be explained by math – from the beauty of a rainbow to the incredible pattern of sunflower seeds to why we have some left-handed people but not too many. Joining me to drill into the numbers on all this is Eddie Woo. He is the head mathematics teacher at Cherrybrook Technology High School in Sydney, Australia. In 2012, he began recording his lessons and posting them on YouTube and created Wootube https://misterwootube.com/ which has more than 600,000 subscribers and over 33 million views. He's also author of It's a Numberful World: How Math Is Hiding Everywhere (https://amzn.to/3KOHPOb). There are 12 core workplace skills that shape how well we perform — and everyone has strengths and weaknesses across them. Understanding yours can make a big difference in how you work and how others work with you. Insights come from Chuck Martin, author of Smarts.(https://amzn.to/3KzlaWc) PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. SHOPIFY: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sometimes the perfect words show up when you need them most. We start with a surprisingly powerful bit of holiday inspiration from Mr. Rogers — a reminder of kindness and humanity that still resonates today. Source: The World According to Mr. Rogers (https://amzn.to/3RKWfzC) Science is completely rethinking what it means to grow old. It's not just about adding years — it's about adding healthy years. And while diet and exercise play their part, researchers are uncovering far more advanced ways to slow aging at a cellular level. Some of the most intriguing experiments can literally make worms appear younger, think better, and live twice as long. Coleen Murphy, professor at Princeton University and Director of Princeton's Glenn Foundation for Research on Aging, explains where longevity science is heading and what it may one day mean for us. She is author of How We Age: The Science of Longevity (https://amzn.to/3GKDKF5). Most of us have avoided doing something — trying out, speaking up, taking a shot — because we feared what other people might think. That fear is powerful, and it holds people back in ways we rarely acknowledge. High-performance psychologist Michael Gervais joins me to explain why this fear is so universal, how it shapes everyday decisions, and what we can do to break free from it. He is host of the Finding Mastery podcast (https://findingmastery.com/podcasts/) and author of The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying about What People Think of You. (https://amzn.to/3RtsDoW). With the new year approaching, many people start thinking about career moves. We wrap up with the personality traits employers value most — qualities that often matter more than experience or credentials. Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2012/10/04/top-five-personality-traits-employers-hire-most/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lotwhen your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot.Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. SHOPIFY: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Christmas tree fires are frightening, but they're not the leading cause of house fires in the U.S. What's surprising is how many fires start from everyday habits and household choices most people never think twice about. This episode begins with a look at several common yet overlooked causes of home fires. Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/fire-safety/#.Viz3ILerTIU We alter our own memories far more than we realize. We forget details, highlight the good parts, and unintentionally distort events over time. Now scientists are exploring how to deliberately modify specific memories — softening painful recollections and strengthening positive ones. Steve Ramirez explains how memory really works and where this groundbreaking research is headed. He is an associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at Boston University, a TED speaker, and author of How to Change a Memory: One Neuroscientist's Quest to Alter the Past (https://amzn.to/3KFiLJp). Wildlife encounters seem to be increasing — bears on porches, coyotes in yards, bobcats strolling down suburban streets. Are these animals getting more comfortable with humans? Are we building into their territory? And what should you actually do during a close encounter? Randi Minetor, author of more than 90 books including The Bear at the Bird Feeder: Why We're Seeing More Wild Animals in Our Neighborhoods and How We Can Live in Harmony with Them (https://amzn.to/4pHy5UM), offers insight and practical advice. Seeing flashing police lights in your rearview mirror is enough to make anyone nervous. Once you're pulled over, what should you do — and just as important, what should you not do — when the officer approaches your window? We wrap up with key tips to help keep the encounter calm and trouble-free. Source: https://www.aamva.org/law-enforcement/what-to-do-when-stopped-by-law-enforcement PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lotwhen your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot.Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. SHOPIFY: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Christmas decorations are meant to be cheerful — but some have been anything but. Over the years, certain holiday decorations have turned out to be creepy, hazardous, and even deadly. This episode begins with some of the strangest and most dangerous examples. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/radioactivity-antiques?utm Many classic Christmas songs have surprising backstories. Brenda Lee was only 13 when she recorded Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was tossed in the trash before becoming a holiday staple. Music journalist Annie Zaleski joins me to share these and many other stories. She is author of This Is Christmas, Song by Song: The Stories Behind 100 Holiday Hits (https://amzn.to/3ZomPBn). There's a lot of myth and speculation surrounding The Twelve Days of Christmas. We take a closer look at where the song came from, what it was really about, and how much all those gifts would actually cost if you bought them today. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/12-facts-about-12-days-christmas-180967569/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lotwhen your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot.Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. SHOPIFY: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some people crave sweets, while others reach for salty snacks — and it's not just habit. Your flavor preference is shaped by biology and brain chemistry. We begin with a look at what determines whether you're wired for sugar or salt. Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19931521/why-some-people-have-a-sweet-tooth/ The holidays promise joy but often deliver stress. We push for perfection, try to meet expectations, and forget that the season is really about connection — not flawless decorations or perfect moments. Psychotherapist Niro Feliciano shares some powerful advice for a healthier, calmer holiday season. Niro appears regularly on the TODAY show, writes the “Is This Normal?” column for Today.com, and is the author of All Is Calmish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays (https://amzn.to/48qLdGM). Animals often behave in strange ways — and those quirks almost always trace back to evolution. From dogs and cats to bees and humans, behavior is shaped by survival. David Stipp, former staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal and senior writer at Fortune, explores some of the most surprising evolutionary stories. He's the author of Why Rats Laugh and Jellyfish Sleep: And Other Enchanting Stories of Evolution.(https://amzn.to/4opHQpE) What word comes to mind when you think of an owl? Wise? While owls are often portrayed as wise in myths and stories – do they actually possess wisdom? Are they smarter than other birds? Listen as I reveal just how smart these wise birds are? https://www.mentalfloss.com/animals/birds/are-owls-actually-wise PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lotwhen your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot.Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. SHOPIFY: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Winter brings cold and flu season—and when symptoms first appear, it can be hard to tell which one you've got. Fortunately, early signs can offer helpful clues, so you can take the right steps quickly. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/is-it-cold-flu During the holidays especially, people feel a heightened need for connection. Yet many of us struggle with the social skills that make connection possible—skills like how to be a great conversationalist, how to apologize well, how to end a conversation gracefully, or how to sit with someone who's suffering. These are the abilities that help us truly see one another. Here to offer insight is David Brooks, New York Times op-ed columnist, contributor to The Atlantic, regular commentator on the PBS Newshour, and author of How To Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen (https://amzn.to/483ge1N). Humans and dogs have lived side-by-side for thousands of years, forming a bond that seems to benefit both. But why does this relationship work so well? Why do so many people say their dog improves their mental and emotional well-being? Jen Golbeck understands this bond better than most. Her writing has appeared in Slate, The Atlantic, Psychology Today, and Wired. She and her husband rescue senior and medically fragile golden retrievers, and she's author of The Purest Bond: Understanding the Human–Canine Connection (https://amzn.to/3TeMhre). If you've ever wondered what your dog thinks of you, you'll want to hear this. Does putting a wet phone in a bowl of rice actually save it? It might—but there's an even better method that increases your chances of rescuing your device. https://gizmodo.com/how-to-rescue-wet-gadgets-5951415 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DAVID GREENE IS OBSESSED: We love the "David Greene Is Obsessed" podcast! Listen at https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK or wherever you get your podcasts. QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Cyber Monday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're having a rough day, there's one oddly specific body part you can wash that appears to boost your mood—even though the science behind it makes little sense. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21707206/ When it comes to communicating, influencing, or connecting with others, some words are far more powerful than others. Jonah Berger, marketing professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way (https://amzn.to/3FctHIE), explains how small shifts in language can drastically change how people respond. Can someone be sick and healthy at the same time? According to Tamen Jadad-Garcia, coauthor of Healthy No Matter What: How Humans are Hardwired to Adapt (https://amzn.to/3L1POoR), the answer is yes. She reveals how adaptation shapes our definition of health and how anyone can improve their health and longevity by changing the way they perceive it. Want to sleep better tonight? There's a surprisingly simple trick that can dramatically improve the quality of your sleep. https://www.besthealthmag.ca/list/6-ways-to-improve-your-sleep-hygiene/?slide=2#0QEJXJSRL7wAxmyT.97 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DAVID GREENE IS OBSESSED: We love the "David Greene Is Obsessed" podcast! Listen at https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK or wherever you get your podcasts. QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Cyber Monday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eggnog is one of the strangest holiday traditions we have — a creamy mix of eggs, milk, spices, and often a splash of rum. Yet people look forward to it every December. Where did this unusual drink come from, and how did it become tied so closely to Christmas? We start with the surprising history behind this centuries-old holiday concoction. Source: https://time.com/3957265/history-of-eggnog/ Chances are you have a favorite Christmas movie — White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, or one of dozens of others that seem to define the season. Film historian Jeremy Arnold, in collaboration with Turner Classic Movies, has chronicled the backstories behind 30 beloved holiday films. He joins me to reveal the little-known details, production tales, and cultural trivia that shaped some of the most iconic Christmas movies ever made. He is author of Christmas in the Movies: 30 Classics To Celebrate the Season (https://amzn.to/3GzDZ3S). If you feel stuffed-up, sneezy, or irritated during the holidays, your Christmas tree may be the culprit. Real trees can carry mold spores and other irritants that trigger allergy-like symptoms. We explore why this happens and what you can do to minimize the problem — without giving up the tree. Source: https://www.entandallergyspecialists.com/uncategorized/can-christmas-trees-cause-allergy-symptoms/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DAVID GREENE IS OBSESSED: We love the "David Greene Is Obsessed" podcast! Listen at https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK or wherever you get your podcasts. QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Cyber Monday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A yawn spreads quickly. You see someone yawn, you think about yawning, or you even read the word “yawn”—and suddenly you're doing it too. This episode begins by looking at why yawning is so contagious, what theories actually hold up, and what science still can't explain. https://www.livescience.com/human-behavior/why-is-yawning-contagious A Christmas tree seems like such a natural part of the holiday season, but the tradition behind it is rich, surprising, and deeply woven into American history. Why an evergreen? Where did the practice originate? How do they select the giant tree for Rockefeller Center every year? Here to explain the story and the symbolism behind the Christmas tree is Trent Preszler, professor of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University and author of the book Evergreen: The Trees That Shaped America. (https://amzn.to/43NUVSj). Dining out today is nothing like it was just a few years ago. Prices are higher, tipping culture has shifted, customer expectations are changing, and restaurants face tighter margins than ever. Adam Reiner joins me with a behind-the-scenes look at what's really happening in the industry and offers practical advice for getting the best experience when you eat out. Adam is a food writer whose work has appeared in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and New York Magazine, and he's author of The New Rules of Dining Out (https://amzn.to/3Xhg0kf). You would think eating food should satisfy you—yet some foods do the opposite. Highly processed foods digest so quickly and trigger such different responses in your body that they can actually leave you hungrier. I explain what the science shows and why these foods can lead to overeating. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/eating-highly-processed-foods-linked-weight-gain PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DAVID GREENE IS OBSESSED: We love the "David Greene Is Obsessed" podcast! Listen at https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK or wherever you get your podcasts. QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Cyber Monday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who doesn't love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree? That unmistakable pine scent isn't just nostalgic — it may actually have measurable benefits. We start this episode with a look at why the aroma of pine can lift your mood, help you relax, and enhance your holiday season. Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/the-healing-power-of-pine Audiences are remarkable. Whether it's a play, a movie, or a concert, something special happens when people gather — a shared energy that shapes how we feel and how performers respond. But how did audiences become “a thing”? Why do we applaud? And how did we learn the unspoken rules of audience behavior? Theatre historian Robert Viagas, Editor-in-Chief of Encore Monthly and longtime Playbill veteran, joins me to explore the fascinating evolution of audiences. He's author of Right This Way: A History of the Audience. (https://amzn.to/46F8lOS) We love certainty — confident leaders, clear answers, and firm decisions. Yet uncertainty can be surprisingly powerful. Journalist Maggie Jackson explains how not knowing can spark curiosity, deepen thinking, and ultimately lead to better choices. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Business Week, Vanity Fair, and Wired.com. She's the author of Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure. (https://amzn.to/3Gli42b) Want to get more done in less time? We wrap up with three simple but highly effective productivity techniques from expert Don Wetmore that can help streamline your day and boost your efficiency. Source: https://productivity-institute.com/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. DAVID GREENE IS OBSESSED: We love the "David Greene Is Obsessed" podcast! Listen at https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK or wherever you get your podcasts. QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Cyber Monday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you're asked to “sign in blue or black ink,” is that actually the law — or just an outdated rule we all obey? We begin with the surprising truth about which ink colors really matter when you're signing checks, contracts, or legal documents. Source: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061314/dont-sign-legal-pitfalls-signatures.asp Why are humans endlessly fascinated by aliens? For thousands of years, every culture has looked to the sky and wondered who—or what—might be out there. Today, that fascination fuels movies, conspiracy theories, and serious scientific searches for extraterrestrial life. Science journalist Becky Ferreira, contributor to NPR's Science Friday, The New York Times, Wired, and Popular Science, joins me to explain why our obsession runs so deep. She's the author of First Contact: The Story Of Our Obsession with Aliens.(https://amzn.to/43HzgLp). Loneliness is rising, especially during the holidays. And the science is clear — friendships and social ties aren't just emotionally important; they directly affect your longevity, immune system, and overall health. Ken Stern, founder of the Longevity Project, former CEO of NPR, and author of Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives (https://amzn.to/4ranyTB) , reveals why social connection is essential and how to build it, even if it feels hard. Finally, is sitting with your legs crossed actually bad for you? You've probably heard it causes varicose veins or circulatory issues — but is that true? We share what a top vascular surgeon says about the real risks (and the myths). Source: https://www.medicaldaily.com/no-sitting-your-legs-crossed-wont-harm-you-heres-how-seated-posture-affecting-your-357926 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. DAVID GREENE IS OBSESSED: We love the "David Greene Is Obsessed" podcast! Listen at https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK or wherever you get your podcasts. QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Cyber Monday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There was a time when the office Christmas party was the highlight of the corporate year — big budgets, elaborate celebrations, and stories that still get whispered decades later. But how did this tradition start? Who decided employers should host a holiday bash in the first place? This special holiday bonus episode looks at the surprising origins of the office Christmas party and why it evolved into the event it is today - usually a bit tamer and more subdued. That's what we explore as we kick off this special holiday bonus episode. https://www.ncnewsonline.com/archives/workplace-the-wild-history-of-holiday-office-parties/article_4895ce64-538c-59ce-810f-1f37fa71b816.html Every holiday season, people shoot hours of video — and most of it ends up dull, shaky, or misses the magic entirely. Yet your phone has the power to capture truly great moments if you know a few simple techniques. Steve Stockman joins me to explain how to get crisp, compelling holiday video using equipment you already own. Steve has directed hundreds of TV commercials and shows and created the popular video course and bestselling book, How To Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck (https://amzn.to/46Q7E5y). Steve's video course: https://stevestockman.com/ And if holiday shopping leaves you exhausted before you ever set foot in a store, it might not be the crowds — it's the parking. You'll hear a simple strategy that makes finding a spot much less stressful so the whole trip is more enjoyable. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204026804577098451316357124 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. DAVID GREENE IS OBSESSED: We love the "David Greene Is Obsessed" podcast! Listen at https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK or wherever you get your podcasts. QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Cyber Monday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ever wonder why some people seem naturally gifted at music? It turns out your personality may have more to do with musical ability than you think. This episode begins with research identifying which personality traits actually predict innate musical potential — and which ones don't. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151013135831.htm Are we too worried about getting scammed? Most of us would rather lose money through an honest mistake than fall victim to a con — and that hyper-vigilance affects far more of our decision-making than we realize. My guest, Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, a University of Pennsylvania law professor and psychologist, argues that our fear of “being the sucker” often makes us worse off. She is the author of Fool Proof: How Fear of Playing the Sucker Shapes Our Selves and the Social Order–And What We Can Do About It (https://amzn.to/3jMqrfo). She explains why this deeply human fear is so powerful — and how putting it in perspective can make us happier, more confident, and even more generous. Food brings out some strong and unusual beliefs. Some people insist eggplant is dangerous… others worry that burnt toast or charred meat causes cancer… and many assume artificial sweeteners wreak havoc on gut bacteria. To separate fact from fiction, I speak with Dr. Joe Schwarcz, Director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society and author of 19 books, including his latest, Better Not Burn Your Toast: The Science of Food and Health (https://amzn.to/3JMmYe3). He breaks down what's real, what's rumor, and what you actually need to know to eat smarter. Finally, what's the right way to stay warm in cold weather? Is it true that you lose most of your body heat through your head? We look at the real science of staying warm, avoiding frostbite, and protecting yourself when temperatures drop. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2025/01/03/what-cold-weather-does-to-the-body-and-how-to-protect-yourself-this-winter PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. DAVID GREENE IS OBSESSED: We love the "David Greene Is Obsessed" podcast! Listen at https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK or wherever you get your podcasts. QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Cyber Monday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Does your place in the family — firstborn, middle child, or youngest — really shape who you are? Birth-order theory has been debated for decades. This episode begins by exploring what science actually says about how sibling order affects personality, achievement, and relationships. https://psychcentral.com/blog/birth-order-and-personality#birth-order-and-personality Around the holiday season, many of us feel a wave of nostalgia — longing for people, places, and moments from the past. Once thought of as a sign of weakness, nostalgia is now proven to be a powerful source of emotional strength and meaning. Psychologist Clay Routledge, PhD, explains how revisiting fond memories can improve mood, boost motivation, and even help you plan a better future. Clay is author of Past Forward: How Nostalgia Can Help You Live a More Meaningful Life. (https://amzn.to/3uC1sAs). Why do humans love to play games — from chess to Monopoly? According to mathematician Marcus du Sautoy, games are far more than fun diversions; they're a reflection of human creativity, problem-solving, and evolution itself. Marcus, professor of mathematics at Oxford and author of Around the World in Eighty Games (https://amzn.to/3MV5Lxm), reveals what games can teach us about life, luck, and strategy — and why Monopoly may be the most misunderstood game of all. And if you share your home with a cat this holiday season, you know what happens when feline meets Christmas tree. Don't worry — there's a fix. I'll share a few clever tricks (involving tin foil and double-sided tape) to keep your tree upright and your cat entertained elsewhere. https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/how-keep-cats-out-christmas-tree PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you're congested with a cold or flu, getting a good night's sleep can feel impossible. This episode begins with smart, science-backed ways to clear your sinuses so you can breathe easier and finally get some much needed rest. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/sleep-better-cold-flu Few emotions are as powerful — or as good for you — as awe. That feeling of wonder you get when gazing at the stars, hearing incredible music, or standing in front of something vast and beautiful can actually improve your physical and mental health. My guest Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and author of Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life (https://amzn.to/3YYVMvh), explains the remarkable science behind awe — and how to experience more of it every day. Explore the site Dacher references: https://ggia.berkeley.edu/ Our attention spans are shrinking — and it's taking a toll on our judgment, productivity, and happiness. Psychologist Gloria Mark, professor at UC Irvine and author of Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity (https://amzn.to/3XmFCL4), reveals why our brains struggle to stay focused in a world full of distractions — and how to take back control. And finally: did you know the color of your plate can change how your food tastes? Listen as I reveal the fascinating link between color and flavor perception. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51841254 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ever wonder what was actually served at the very first Thanksgiving? Much of what we learned in school doesn't hold up. In this special bonus holiday episode, we unpack some of the most surprising — and misunderstood — moments in Thanksgiving history. We start with a beloved modern ritual: the presidential turkey pardon. It's a quirky White House tradition with roots that go all the way back to the 1800s. I reveal how this annual ceremony really began and why it stuck. https://www.whitehousehistory.org/questions/which-president-started-the-tradition-of-pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey Then we dive into the truth behind that famous 1621 feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag. What did they actually eat? And what parts of our holiday table didn't appear until centuries later? My guest Leslie Landrigan, author of Historic Thanksgiving Foods: And the People who Cooked Them, 1607 to 1955 (https://amzn.to/4i32IkP), helps untangle myth from history. Finally, why are we talking about “Jingle Bells” in a Thanksgiving episode? Because the song wasn't written for Christmas at all — it was a Thanksgiving tune. I share the surprising backstory behind this holiday crossover classic. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2016/jingle-bells-history/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you look up information online, you may find that it's harder to remember later. It's a frequent phenomenon called digital amnesia. This episode begins by explaining why it happens so often — and what you can do about it. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1332030/full Oz Pearlman is probably the world's greatest mentalist. He doesn't claim to read minds — he reads people. Recently featured on 60 Minutes, topping bestseller lists, and even guessing Joe Rogan's ATM PIN on his podcast, Oz brings his uncanny intuition to Something You Should Know. In our conversation, he even guesses something from my childhood he couldn't possibly know. He also reveals what he's learned about success, handling rejection, and making powerful impressions. His book is Read Your Mind: Proven Habits for Success from the World's Greatest Mentalist. (https://amzn.to/47MP9S7) Of all creatures on Earth, humans are the only ones who keep pets — and love them like family. So how did this relationship begin? Why do some people choose exotic pets? And what are the real benefits of pet ownership for both human and animal? Science broadcaster Jay Ingram, host of two national science programs in Canada and author of twenty books, joins me to explore the fascinating science behind our bond with pets. His latest book is The Science of Pets. (https://amzn.to/43ilq1S). Walking is one of the simplest ways to stay healthy, but here's a twist: you can burn more calories simply by walking differently. Listen as I explain how changing your pace can make every step count. https://engineering.osu.edu/news/2015/10/new-study-shows-varying-walking-pace-burns-more-calories?utm PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Texting and email may be convenient, but sometimes a phone call is the best way to make a real connection. So how do you ensure the person actually calls you back? I'll reveal a few clever tricks — backed by communication science — that can dramatically increase your chances. Source: Bill Jensen, author of Simplicity Survival Handbook (https://amzn.to/3MMDmt7) Have you ever achieved something big… only to feel restless right after? That's the strange emotional hangover of success — what my guest Laura Gassner Otting calls Wonderhell. It's that moment when your achievement opens the door to an even bigger dream — and with it, pressure, doubt, and possibility. Laura, frequent guest on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Harvard Business Review, joins me to unpack this fascinating space between accomplishment and ambition from her book Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should and What to Do About It (https://amzn.to/40EycFi). Do we truly have free will — or are all our choices predetermined by biology and circumstance? Some scientists say free will is an illusion. Others, like Kevin Mitchell, argue that evolution gave us control over our decisions. Kevin, associate professor of genetics and neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin and author of Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will (https://amzn.to/49vncy2), joins me to explore what neuroscience, genetics, and philosophy reveal about human choice — and why it matters for everything from morality to justice. (For the counterargument, check out my earlier conversation with Robert Sapolsky: https://www.somethingyoushouldknow.net/566-do-we-really-have-free-will-how-to-handle-rejection-better/) And finally — you've probably heard people say, “That's a whole nother story.” But is nother even a real word? The answer is surprisingly nuanced. https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/whole-nother PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some cars have gullwing doors, like the DeLorean in Back to the Future. They look amazing — but why don't more cars have them? As you'll hear, there are several surprising (and practical) reasons why this futuristic design never became mainstream and probably never will. https://www.dacemotorgroup.co.uk/blog/the-history-of-gullwing-doors-and-why-they-were-so-rare If you've ever felt truly hopeless, you already understand the extraordinary power of hope — because when it's gone, everything changes. Hope gives us direction, energy, and purpose. It's what gets us up in the morning and helps us persevere through uncertainty. Psychologist and researcher Dr. Julia Garcia, author of The 5 Habits of Hope: Stories and Strategies to Help You Find Your Way (https://amzn.to/4hKtWNd), joins me to explore how hope works in the brain, how to build more of it in your life, and why it's one of the most powerful forces in human psychology. You have a sixth sense — and it's not psychic. It's called interoception, your ability to sense what's happening inside your body. Hunger, thirst, fatigue, and even intuition are all part of this hidden system that connects body and mind. Science journalist Caroline Williams, author of Inner Sense: How the New Science of Interoception Can Revolutionize Your Health (https://amzn.to/4oN8Boo), reveals what researchers are discovering about this remarkable sense — and how tuning into it can improve your health, focus, and emotional well-being. And finally, if you've ever had a fruit fly land in your glass of wine, you know how fast they can find you — and ruin a drink. But how do they track it down so quickly, and why does even one tiny fly spoil the whole glass? The answer is both fascinating and a little gross. https://www.livescience.com/7256-fruit-flies-find-wine.html?utm PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we are sharing a special episode of the new podcast: David Greene Is Obsessed. David is one of America's most familiar voices and longtime co-host of NPR's Morning Edition. On the show, he seeks out obsessives of all kinds, while unpacking his own fixations. You'll hear actor David Arquette discuss his love for Bozo the Clown; Paula Poundstone on her house full of cats; celebrity chef Michael Symon explain why he just can't quit the Cleveland Browns, even though they often make him miserable; and so much more. It's pop psychology disguised as conversations with the world's most fascinating people. In this episode, comedian, actress, and podcast host Tig Notaro explains why she quit eating meat almost a decade ago, and hasn't looked back. Plus, she shares a really good potato recipe. Listen to David Greene Is Obsessed at https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ever stepped into an elevator and wondered, what if the cable snapped? It's a surprisingly common fear — but is it justified? I'll reveal the truth about elevator safety, how often accidents really happen, and exactly what to do if the unthinkable occurred. https://www.businessinsider.com/survive-elevator-crash-fall-2015-9 Why do so many people swear by Apple, Starbucks, or Amazon? What makes certain brands almost irresistible? Behavioral science has the answer. My guest Michael Aaron Flicker — entrepreneur, founder of the Consumer Behavior Lab, and author of Hacking the Human Mind: The Behavioral Science Secrets Behind 17 of the World's Best Brands (https://amzn.to/4oepxEB) and he explains how brilliant companies use psychology and design to tap into your subconscious desires and shape your buying habits. The English language is full of stories hiding in plain sight. Did you know there are about 20 ways to pronounce the word water? Or that the word silhouette comes from the name of a despised French bureaucrat? Journalist Martha Barnette, co-host of the popular radio show A Way with Words (https://waywordradio.org/) and author of Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland (https://amzn.to/3WBqeM5), joins me to uncover the delightful, bizarre, and surprising history behind the words we use every day. Next time you notice your grocery store has rearranged everything, that's no accident. Supermarkets often shift products on purpose to keep you wandering longer — and spending more. I'll explain the subtle psychological tricks retailers use and how you can outsmart them. https://www.businessthink.unsw.edu.au/articles/supermarket-tricks-cost-of-living PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Here is the GoFundMe link for Pearl that I mention in this episode: https://gofund.me/2aa4d537e Most people don't get enough sleep — and even a small deficit can take a big toll. Just 15 extra minutes a night can boost your health, focus, and mood more than you'd expect. This episode begins with a surprising look at how too little sleep quietly undermines your life — and how a little more can make all the difference. https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/15-minutes-extra-sleep Simple beats complicated — in business, communication, and life. Yet most of us instinctively make things harder than they need to be. Marketing entrepreneur and educator Ben Guttmann, who's helped clients from the NFL to Nobel Laureates, reveals why simplicity is the ultimate superpower and how to harness it in your ideas, writing, and daily decisions. He's the author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win—and How to Design Them (https://amzn.to/3udtVwz). You probably have pockets in nearly everything you wear — and yet, they're only about 500 years old. Where did they come from? Why are women's pockets so small? And what do they say about how people have lived through history? Hannah Carlson, a historian of clothing and author of POCKETS: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close (https://amzn.to/3SUzmef), reveals the surprisingly political, personal, and practical story of the humble pocket. Finally, anger isn't always destructive — used wisely, it can be one of your greatest motivators. Research shows that channeling anger toward a meaningful goal can actually help you focus and achieve more. I'll explain how to tap into the power of anger — without letting it take over. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/feeling-angry-may-help-people-achieve-goals-study-finds-rcna123611 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! AURA FRAMES: For a limited time, visit https://AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best-selling Carver Mat frames -named #1 by Wirecutter -by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just thinking about itching can make you start to scratch — but there's a reason for that. Scratching triggers a powerful neurological loop called the itch-scratch cycle, which can actually make the problem worse. Listen as I explain what's really happening in your brain and skin when that irresistible urge strikes to scratch that itch. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Scratching-the-Surface-Uncovering-the-Neurological-Mystery-of-Itch.aspx? We all speak secret languages — whether we realize it or not. Families, professions, and social groups develop their own slang, codes, and private phrases that only make sense to insiders. From kitchen slang in restaurants and bars to cryptic police radio chatter, these hidden languages are everywhere. My guest Ben Schott, author of Schott's Significa: A Miscellany of Secret Languages (https://amzn.to/3LdTmqg), uncovers where these coded words come from, how they evolve, and what they reveal about belonging and identity. The changing seasons bring obvious signs — leaves turning, snow falling, flowers blooming — but nature also changes in ways most of us never notice. The color of sunsets, the murkiness of rivers, even the speed at which days lengthen or shorten all follow astonishing seasonal patterns. Tristan Gooley, author of The Hidden Seasons: A Calendar of Nature's Clues (https://amzn.to/4ohNNpu), takes us on a fascinating journey through these overlooked natural shifts and shows how to read the signs of the changing world around us. Finally, the humble banana — praised by some as a perfect health food and shunned by others for its sugar and carbs — gets a scientific verdict. I'll share what nutrition research really says about bananas and whether you should eat more of them… or less. https://time.com/4017962/banana-nutrition/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It all started with a colossal Thanksgiving mistake — one that accidentally created an entire industry. The birth of the frozen meal business began with a Thanksgiving blunder. Listen and you'll hear how that blunder turned into a billion-dollar idea. https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a22792044/thanksgiving-fun-facts/ The story of Thanksgiving is full of myths and misconceptions. Much of what we think we know about that first feast — from the turkey to the Pilgrims' attire — simply isn't true. Historian Peter Mancall, professor of history and anthropology at the University of Southern California, joins me to reveal the real story behind Thanksgiving: what actually happened, how it evolved into a national holiday, and why it landed on the fourth Thursday in November. Finally, let's talk about your Thanksgiving table. Chances are there's at least one dish you eat out of obligation, not enthusiasm. Turns out, you're not alone. More Americans are swapping out the traditional menu for new favorites — and I'll tell you what's replacing turkey in many homes around the country. https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a22792044/thanksgiving-fun-facts/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Black Friday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: https://Dell.com/deals NOTION: Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/something PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you touch someone else's skin, it often feels softer than your own — but that can't be true for everyone. What's really happening is a fascinating illusion rooted in how your brain perceives touch. I'll explain this strange sensory trick as we open the episode. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580302/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Your body is filled with mysteries you probably never learned in biology class — like why you get goosebumps, why hiccups happen, or why you unconsciously favor the left side of your face. And why no other creature on Earth can even come close to our ability to throw a ball fast and far. My guest Adam Taor, author of Bodypedia: A Brief Compendium of Human Anatomical Curiosities (https://amzn.to/4hpIEc2), joins me to explore these and other quirky features of the human body. Friendship and social interaction aren't just nice to have — they're vital to your health and longevity. Neuroscientist Ben Rein, author of Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection (https://amzn.to/495Nh9p), explains how meaningful connections strengthen the brain, protect against illness, and even extend your life. He also shares surprising insights on why having a pet — or a partner — can have profound benefits for both mind and body. If you're looking for a simple, science-backed way to lose weight that isn't just another gimmick, I have one that might surprise you. It's all about water. Research shows that one glass at the right time can have impressive results. I'll share the details in the final segment. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.21167 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ever notice that every restaurant kitchen has a giant exhaust fan above the stove? There's a reason it's required by law — and it's not just about smoke. You probably have one at home too, but chances are you're not using it nearly enough. Listen as I explain why that little fan plays a surprisingly big role in keeping your home and your health safer. https://polk.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/04/how-and-why-to-use-your-kitchen-exhaust-fan/ “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” “A glass of wine keeps your heart healthy.” “Red meat is bad for you.” These are just a few of the food beliefs we've heard for years — but are they true? Cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos, author of Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: And 8 More Myths about the Food We Eat (https://amzn.to/3sjzetM) breaks down the science behind these myths and reveals what's fact, what's fiction, and what we still don't know about the foods we love. Christopher is also co-host of The Body of Evidence podcast https://www.bodyofevidence.ca/ Imagine a world without nails, wheels, or springs — it wouldn't just look different, it wouldn't work. These modest inventions quietly built modern civilization. Structural engineer Roma Agrawal, who has designed bridges and skyscrapers, joins me to explain how simple objects have had world-changing impact. She's the author of Nuts and Bolts: Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World in a Big Way (https://amzn.to/3Sr5cyF). Think you can spot a lie? According to experts, the biggest giveaway isn't in a person's body language — it's in how they tell the story. Listen as I share a fascinating linguistic clue that can help you tell truth from fiction. https://lifehacker.com/true-or-false-pay-attention-to-a-storys-structure-and-5959543 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ON POINT: We love the On Point podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We've all done it — used a big fancy word to sound smarter or more impressive. But does it actually work? Research says no. In fact, the secret to sounding intelligent and confident has nothing to do with big words at all. I'll explain what is far more powerful. https://www.businessinsider.com/use-simple-language-to-sound-smarter-2015-9 Maps are fascinating. Did you know that early maps were not made for navigation at all, and a lot of modern maps are filled with mistakes and distortions that frustrate entire countries? Jay Foreman, co-host of the hit YouTube series Map Men (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfxy4_sBQdxy3A2lvl-y3qWTeJEbC_QCp) joins me to uncover the strange, surprising, and often controversial world of mapmaking — and why maps still shape how we see the world. Jay is author of the book This Way Up: When Maps Go Wrong (And Why It Matters) (https://amzn.to/49gSlrk). Everyone remembers a time when they wish they had been more courageous. They wish they had spoken up, took a risk, or made a bold move. But what separates courage from recklessness? Harvard Business School professor Ranjay Gulati, author of How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage (https://amzn.to/42Tmg52), explains how to tap into genuine courage when it matters most — and why bravery often looks different than you think. Finally, have you ever noticed that almost every zipper in your life works flawlessly? That's no accident. One company dominates the global zipper market — and their story is a master class in precision, persistence, and quality. Listen as I reveal how this quiet manufacturing giant came to control nearly every zipper on Earth. https://ykkamericas.com/our-history/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ON POINT: We love the On Point podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you're stuck on a multiple-choice question, should you change your answer or trust your gut? Most people swear your first instinct is best — but science says otherwise. Listen as I reveal what research really shows about when to stick — and when to switch. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15898871/ Wikipedia shouldn't work. It's built on the idea that anyone, anywhere, can edit their articles. You might think people would sabotage stories all the time. Yet it's one of the most accurate and trusted sources on the internet. How is that possible? According to Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, it all comes down to trust. In this conversation, he shares what Wikipedia's success reveals about human nature and how trust fuels progress. Jimmy is also author of The Seven Rules of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last (https://amzn.to/499zKNR). Humans are born with just two fears but by adulthood, we've collected dozens more: from spiders to plane crashes to ghosts and scary monsters. So why do we fear so much, and so often the wrong things? Ruth DeFoster, assistant professor of journalism at the University of Minnesota and author of The Fear Knot: How Science, History and Culture Shape Our Fears – and How to Get Unstuck (https://amzn.to/3Jghms4), explains how fear takes hold of us, how the media amplifies it, and what we can do to loosen its grip. You can't really make yourself taller — but you can look taller. From the length of your sleeves to the shape of your belt buckle, subtle details can add (or subtract) inches from your perceived height. Listen as I share clever styling tips that create the illusion of height and confidence. https://londonimageinstitute.com/illusion-dressing-to-look-taller-slimmer-for-business/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AG1: Head to https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ON POINT: We love the On Point podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why are the numbers 1, 2, and 3 across the top of a phone keypad but across the bottom of a calculator? It's not random — and once you hear the logic, you'll never look at a keypad the same way again. That's just one of three quirky mysteries I explain at the start of this episode, along with surprising insights about portholes and time. Source: Ivan Semeniuk, co-author of Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze? (https://amzn.to/3sf8muM) Achievement can be wonderful — until it starts defining your worth. When you believe you matter only because of what you accomplish, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even shame. Journalist and social commentator Jennifer Wallace, author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It( https://amzn.to/49jkdIQ), reveals how modern “achievement culture” took hold, why it's making so many people miserable, and how to redefine success so it actually feels good. The ocean covers 70% of our planet, yet we've explored only a fraction of it. Beneath the surface lies an astonishing, interconnected system that shapes everything from our weather to our food. Physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski, author of The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works (https://amzn.to/3scCyXo), takes us on a fascinating deep dive into the hidden forces that drive the sea — and why there's really only one global ocean. According to one marriage expert, there's a remarkably simple thing any woman can do to motivate the man in her life — and it works every time. It's quick, it's easy, and the results may surprise you. Source: David Clarke, PhD, author of The Total Marriage Makeover (https://amzn.to/3QoIvZD). PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ON POINT: We love the On Point podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hooters has no male waiters. Isn't that discrimination? Or could it be that men just don't want to work there? The answer is no to both questions. Listen as I explain the answer and why it is perfectly legal. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-can-hooters-hire-only-women-2015-9 How do some people manage to get tables at “fully booked” restaurants, snag concert tickets that sell out in minutes, or get their child into the right school? It's not always luck — it's knowing how to access hidden markets. My guest, Judd Kessler, professor of business economics and public policy at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of Lucky By Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want (https://amzn.to/478Zmb0), explains how to spot and navigate these unseen systems to tip the odds in your favor. We all talk — but only a few people are truly great at it. When you meet a super conversationalist, the connection feels effortless, meaningful, and real. Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Charles Duhigg, author of Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection (https://amzn.to/48qOjfJ), reveals what the best conversationalists do differently and how you can instantly elevate your own communication skills. They say laughter is the best medicine, but it might also be a secret weight-loss tool. Research suggests that laughing stimulates your metabolism to burn calories. Listen as I share the science of laughter and weight loss. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407114617.htm PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ON POINT: We love the On Point podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People who live the longest aren't always the ones with the “perfect” body weight. In fact, research suggests that being slightly overweight can actually increase your life expectancy. It sounds counterintuitive, but the science may surprise you. Listen as I explain what's really going on. https://healthland.time.com/2013/01/02/being-overweight-is-linked-to-lower-risk-of-mortality/ Ever since the dawn of the Internet, we've been told to guard against hackers — but today's biggest threat isn't hacking, it's scamming. Cybercriminals are more cunning than ever, tricking millions into giving up money and information every day. If you think you are too clever to be taken by cyber-scammers, think again. Eric O'Neill — former FBI undercover operative, national security attorney, and cybersecurity strategist — reveals how modern scams work and how to stop them before they get to you. He's the author of Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime: Cybersecurity Tactics to Outsmart Hackers and Disarm Scammers (https://amzn.to/4nRvvv1). Imagine medicine without X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. It's impossible — these imaging breakthroughs revolutionized how doctors diagnose and treat disease. Yet not long ago, the idea of seeing inside the body without a single incision was pure fantasy. Dr. Daniel K. Sodickson, chief of innovation in radiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and author of The Future of Seeing: How Imaging Is Changing Our World (https://amzn.to/3KNz3zS), shares the fascinating story of how imaging transformed modern medicine — and what's coming next. Sarcasm might seem like just a clever way to joke around but it's actually good exercise for your brain. Using and understanding sarcasm requires multiple parts of your mind to work together. Listen as I explain why being sarcastic might make you sharper. https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=49283&utm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your grandmother was right — you should sit up straight. Posture affects far more than your appearance. It influences your mood, productivity, and even how well you think. I begin this episode with surprising research showing how simply improving your posture can boost everything from confidence to cognitive performance. https://www.deseret.com/2023/10/24/23930242/dont-slouch-minding-your-posture-good-mental-health-productivity We often hear that creativity is the key to success — but is it really? Cultural historian Samuel Franklin says the cult of creativity might be one of the most overrated ideas in modern life. He's the author of The Cult of Creativity: A Surprisingly Recent History (https://amzn.to/3MiaJUC), and he reveals how our obsession with being “creative” is a relatively new concept — and why, in many cases, getting things done matters more than thinking outside the box. Why do we love to be scared? Every Halloween, millions of people pay good money to feel terror in the theater. Science writer Nina Nesseth, author of Nightmare Fuel: The Science of Horror Films (https://amzn.to/46Let9l), joins me to explore why horror movies captivate us, how they affect our brains, and why this much-maligned genre deserves a lot more respect than it gets. And finally — are daily showers really necessary? Many of us can't imagine skipping one, but dermatologists say too much cleanliness might actually backfire. I'll explain what the science says about how often you should shower — and what happens if you overdo it. http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/daily/tips/daily-shower-skin1.htm PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ON POINT: We love the On Point podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you ask someone to recall something from deep in their memory, watch their face — they'll probably do something that actually helps them remember. You might do it too without realizing it. Listen as I reveal what it is and why it works. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ulterior-motives/201110/why-do-you-close-your-eyes-remember Have you heard of the winner's curse or the sunk cost theory? These are strange but predictable ways our brains can trick us when we take risks — especially with money. My guest, Alex O. Imas, Professor of Behavioral Science, Economics, and Applied AI at the University of Chicago, has studied these “behavioral anomalies” with Nobel Prize winner Richard Thaler. Together they co-authored The Winner's Curse: Behavioral Economics Anomalies, Then and Now. (https://amzn.to/48gycBj) . Listen to how these things work, because understanding these anomalies can help keep you from falling victim to them. We've all had to work in groups, whether it's a team we are assigned to at work, or a neighborhood committee or parents' group. Sometimes they run beautifully. Often… they don't. Why do so many groups struggle, and how can we make them more effective? Colin T. Fisher, Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at University College London, joins me to share insights that can help any team excel. Colin is author of the book The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups.(https://amzn.to/48WcuCT). Whether you cook or not, at some point you find yourself in the kitchen putting food away and you run into the problem of – sometimes the plastic wrap clings to the container and sometimes it does not. Listen to hear the secret of how to get it to stick every time. https://lifehacker.com/run-a-wet-finger-across-surfaces-to-make-plastic-wrap-s-1728185077 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ON POINT: We love the On Point podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you want to reach out to someone — to ask them on a date, invite them to an event, or simply connect — what's the best way to do it? Text? Email? A phone call? Research shows one option is far more effective, and it's not what most people assume. Listen as I reveal what science says is the best way to reach out. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/should_you_call_or_text_science_weighs_in?utm Why do people slow down to gawk at car crashes, binge true crime podcasts, or line up for horror movies? Humans are naturally drawn to the morbid, and science suggests there may be real benefits to that curiosity. My guest Coltan Scrivner is a leading expert on morbid curiosity and frightening entertainment and he is here to explain why we are drawn to things that disgust us and why we can't look away when we see them. He's the author of Morbidly Curious: A Scientist Explains Why We Can't Look Away (https://amzn.to/46FKyQQ), and his insights will change how you see your own curiosity. We call solar, wind, and battery power “clean energy” — but behind the label lies a far dirtier truth. Mining the lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper needed to power the green revolution comes at a steep cost to the planet. Ernest Scheyder, senior correspondent for Reuters and author of The War Below: Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power Our Lives (https://amzn.to/42rZtNw), pulls back the curtain on the hidden side of alternative energy. Friendship is essential at every age, but science shows teenage friendships may carry benefits that last a lifetime. Teens who build strong connections not only grow up to be more socially connected adults but also enjoy an important — and surprising — boost to long-term health. Listen as I explain this fascinating link. https://www.medicaldaily.com/adult-will-your-health-remain-strong-look-back-your-teens-and-friends-you-had-answer-350664 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ON POINT: We love the On Point podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As people age, forgetfulness often creeps in — but not all memory loss is inevitable. In fact, some of the most common causes are preventable, and with the right strategies, memory can be protected and even improved. I'll explain what really drives age-related forgetfulness and what you can do about it. Source: William Cone, PhD, author of Stop Memory Loss (https://amzn.to/3PNKIOX). Negative emotions hit us all — anger, fear, frustration, stress — but how you handle those feelings determines your “emotional power.” Leading neuropsychologist Julia DiGangi reveals the science behind emotional triggers and how your brain shapes your reactions. She's the author of Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power (https://amzn.to/463rDhu), and her insights will help you understand why you react the way you do and how to channel emotions into strength rather than struggle. Elevators are so ordinary we barely think about them — until we're standing in one, feeling awkward or even a little uneasy. Yet without elevators, skyscrapers and modern cities as we know them wouldn't exist. Dr. Lee Gray, professor of architectural history at UNC Charlotte and author of From Ascending Rooms to Express Elevators: A History of the Passenger Elevator (https://amzn.to/44ZLtsM)., takes us inside the fascinating history of elevators, from their risky beginnings to the sophisticated systems we trust today. Struggling to sleep? The problem may not be you — it could be your bedroom. Small details in your sleep environment can make the difference between tossing and turning or getting deep, restful sleep. I'll share quick and easy changes you can make tonight for a better night's rest. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/understanding-sleep-problems-basics PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What really happens when two people kiss? Far more than you think. From the brain chemistry it triggers, to the subtle information you're exchanging, to the dozens of muscles involved — kissing is a complex act with fascinating effects on both body and mind. https://www.thehealthy.com/family/relationships/6-ways-kissing-makes-you-stronger/#ixzz3kK7pLATk “Be authentic.” You've heard that advice countless times — but what does it actually mean? Do you really have one “authentic self”? And if so, why are the less admirable parts of that self rarely included in the conversation? My guest Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic — Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, professor of business psychology at University College London and Columbia University, and author of Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead) (https://amzn.to/4mBCbM9) — argues that authenticity is often misunderstood and even harmful. He reveals a smarter way to think about who you are and how you present yourself. There has never been a moment in recorded history without war. Not one. So, is war inevitable — a hardwired part of human nature? Neuroscientist Nicholas Wright explores this question, drawing from his research on the brain, technology, and security at University College London, Georgetown University, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he also advises the Pentagon Joint Staff. He's the author of Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain (https://amzn.to/42YWADU), and he offers a provocative look at whether humans are doomed to fight — or if peace is truly possible. Finally, what's in your purse or briefcase could be hurting you more than you realize. Carrying too much weight around day after day can wreak havoc on your body. In this closing segment, I'll explain the hidden dangers of an overloaded bag — and what you can do about it. https://www.lutherandowntownhospital.com/health-library/272 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We are sharing an episode of On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti. On Point is a rare public space where you hear nuanced explorations of complex topics live and in real time. Meghna leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world, with urgency, timeliness and depth. In this episode Meghna asks: Could sunlight help treat disease? She details a growing number of studies that find potential benefits of UV light therapy for conditions like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes and Crohn's disease. You can find more episodes of On Point at https://link.mgln.ai/shouldknow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ever notice how weekdays feel different from one another? Mondays carry a heavy vibe, while Fridays seem lighter and more exciting. Science has a fascinating explanation for why certain days have a stronger “feel” than others, and we kick off this episode with the surprising psychology behind it. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3209175/ Gravity is more than just the force that keeps us grounded — it's quietly affecting your health every single day. From back pain to heart disease, gravity plays a role in nearly every chronic condition. But here's the good news: there are ways to counteract its toll. Here to explain is Dr. Brennan Spiegel, director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai, professor at UCLA, co-host of The Gravity Doctors podcast (https://thegravitydoctors.com/), and author of How Gravity Shapes Your Body, Steadies the Mind, and Guides Our Health (https://amzn.to/3VAdxkd). He joins me to explain how understanding gravity's impact can help you live healthier and feel better. Most financial advisors say individual stocks are too risky — stick with mutual funds and ETFs. Jim Cramer disagrees. As host of CNBC's Mad Money, founder of TheStreet, former hedge fund manager, and bestselling author of How to Make Money in Any Market (https://amzn.to/4nLYNKW), Jim believes that finding valuable stocks is easier today than ever. In this lively conversation, he reveals why picking the right stocks can be a smarter path to wealth — and why conventional advice might be holding you back. And here's a question you've probably never thought too deeply about: when you lose weight, where does the fat actually go? It's not “burned off” as many people think. The truth is simple physics — and once you hear it, you'll never look at weight loss the same way again. https://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g7257?utm_source=chatgpt.com PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ever wondered if there's really a difference between hitting Restart and Shutdown on your PC? Turns out, there is — and knowing which one to use could save you a lot of frustration the next time your computer is acting up. I'll explain why one option is far better when it comes to fixing problems. https://computer.howstuffworks.com/restarting-shutting-down-computer.htm We all say we want to do important things — but then somehow they never get done. Why do we procrastinate on the stuff that matters most, and how does that affect our lives? Rob Dial, host of The Mindset Mentor podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-mentor/id1033048640 and bestselling author of Level Up: How to Get Focused, Stop Procrastinating, and Upgrade Your Life (https://amzn.to/48QRV8j), joins me to uncover the psychology of procrastination and share powerful motivation strategies that will get you moving on the life you really want. Denial is one of those tricky human tendencies — easy to spot in others, but hard to see in ourselves. And it can quietly wreak havoc on relationships and decision-making. Jane Greer, nationally known marriage and family therapist who has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, Dateline NBC, and more, brings fresh insights into why denial happens and how to break free from it. She's the author of six books on relationships, including her latest, Am I Lying to Myself?: How To Overcome Denial and See the Truth (https://amzn.to/48QvCzV) Negotiation doesn't have to be intimidating. In fact, there are a few simple tactics you can use that are so easy yet incredibly powerful. They come straight from master negotiator Herb Cohen, author of Negotiate This! By Caring, But Not That Much (https://amzn.to/3rXYnK6). In this segment, I'll reveal his strategies so you can walk into your next negotiation with confidence. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Expiration dates aren't always what they seem. While most packaged foods carry them, some foods — like salt — can last virtually forever. In fact, there's a surprising list of everyday staples that can outlive the labels and stay good for years. Listen as I reveal which foods never really expire. https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/long-term-food-storage-staples-that-last-forever/ AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere, but to use them well, you need more than just clear questions. The way you prompt, the way you think about the model, and even the way it was trained all play a role in the results you get. To break it all down, I'm joined by Christopher Summerfield, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Oxford and Staff Research Scientist at Google DeepMind. He's also the author of These Strange New Minds: How AI Learned to Talk and What It Means (https://amzn.to/4na3ka2), and he reveals how to get smarter, more effective answers from AI. When does a tough experience cross the line into “trauma”? And once you've been through trauma, is it destined to shape your future forever — or is real healing possible? Dr. Amy Apigian, a double board-certified physician in preventive and addiction medicine with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, shares a fascinating new way of looking at trauma. She's the author of The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It (https://amzn.to/4mrsoIu), and what she reveals may change how you view your own life experiences. Looking more attractive doesn't always come down to hair, makeup, or clothes. Science has uncovered a list of simple behaviors and traits that make people instantly more appealing — and most of them are surprisingly easy to do. Listen as I share these research-backed ways to boost your attractiveness.https://www.businessinsider.com/proven-ways-more-attractive-science-2015-7 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How you walk doesn't just reflect your mood — it can actually shape it. Research shows that adjusting your stride can boost happiness, and even a short walk outside could be the smartest thing you do today. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141015143259.htm When it comes to spending money, one-size-fits-all advice doesn't work. Should you spend on experiences? Travel? Things? The truth is, the way money makes you happy depends on you. Joining me to explore this is Morgan Housel, partner at The Collaborative Fund, award-winning journalist, and author of The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life (https://amzn.to/4gxSGrd). He reveals how your spending choices can bring real joy — or quietly sabotage your happiness. History is full of stories we've all been told — and many of them are flat-out wrong. Did slaves build the pyramids? Was Pong the first video game? Were people in the Middle Ages dirty and unwashed? Not even close. My guest, Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse — better known as The Fake History Hunter — has been debunking false historical “facts” for more than 20 years. She's the author of Fake History: 101 Things that Never Happened (https://amzn.to/46tN7FC), and she's here to set the record straight. And finally, what's the real cost of a little white lie? You might think small lies are harmless, but science shows even tiny untruths can damage your health and relationships. I'll explain why honesty really is the best policy. https://research.nd.edu/news/32485-study-telling-fewer-lies-linked-to-better-health-relationships/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're stocking up on Halloween candy, do you know which treats kids actually want the most? This episode opens with a list of the top 10 most popular Halloween candies — and it may not be what you expect. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2023/10/03/blow-pops-win-title-ohio-favorite-halloween-candy/71041875007/ Some animals live unimaginably long lives — an oyster that's over 500 years old, creatures that seem to never age at all. What if unlocking their secrets could help us extend human lifespans? Research into nature's most resilient species is already pointing the way. Joining me is Steven Austad, Distinguished Professor of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and author of Methuselah's Zoo: What Nature Can Teach Us about Living Longer, Healthier Lives (https://amzn.to/3Q5Zj8L). He reveals what the natural world is teaching us about living not just longer, but better. Why do some people come to believe things that simply aren't true? From flat-earth theories to dangerous conspiracy thinking, misbelief is everywhere — and it can have serious consequences. Dan Ariely, professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University, knows this topic intimately. He's the author of Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things (https://amzn.to/3ZNNOpB), and he shares both the science and his personal story of being the target of misbelief. This conversation might change how you view false beliefs — and those who hold them. And finally today, tossing out your empty prescription bottles might seem harmless — but it could expose you to risks you never considered. In the closing segment, I'll explain why and what you should do instead. https://www.newjerseyshredding.com/2021/09/27/the-basics-of-shredding-pill-bottles/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What really happens when you stand or sit up straight? More than you think. Posture affects your body and your mind in surprising ways. This episode begins with the science-backed benefits of tuning in to your posture. Source: https://www.medicaldaily.com/pulse/why-you-should-stand-straight-benefits-good-posture-345598 What's most likely to kill you—and what can you actually do about it? That's the urgent and practical question we explore with Dr. Tom Frieden, former Director of the CDC under President Obama and now CEO of Resolve to Save Lives. Dr. Frieden shares the latest science on the biggest threats to your health and longevity, and the powerful steps you can take to dramatically improve your odds. He's also the author of The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives—Including Your Own (https://amzn.to/4gqvMSN). Why do we treat pets, stuffed animals, and even our cars as if they were human? Anthropomorphism—projecting human qualities onto non-human things—happens across every culture on earth. But why do we do it? Is there an upside? Can it cause harm? My guest Justin Gregg, senior research associate with the Dolphin Communication Project and adjunct professor at St. Francis Xavier University, unpacks the fascinating psychology behind this universal human trait. He's also the author of Humanish: What Talking to Your Cat or Naming Your Car Reveals About the Uniquely Human Need to Humanize (https://amzn.to/4miASSg). And finally—why are we so easy to scam? Almost everyone has been tricked or swindled at some point - even the smartest among us has fallen for a clever con. We'll look at why that is, and what it reveals about the way our minds work. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201109/the-5-reasons-we-get-suckered-and-ripped-off PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but did you know there are proven ways to make them even better? Research shows that with a few simple strategies, you can maximize the happiness and memories you take away from your trip. This episode begins with science-backed tips to optimize your next getaway. https://www.vox.com/2015/7/22/9013783/vacation-science Mental health terms like “depressed,” “ADD,” and “narcissist” used to be reserved for professionals — yet now they're casually tossed around in everyday conversations. But should they be? And what happens when clinical diagnoses turn into buzzwords? Psychotherapist Joe Nucci joins me to unpack this cultural shift. He's the author of Psychobabble: Viral Mental Health Myths & the Truths to Set You Free (https://amzn.to/3IaUn1e), and he reveals why our casual use of these terms may be doing more harm than good. Photography is one of humanity's most transformative inventions. It's how we record our lives, create art, and communicate across cultures. But its origins are far more fascinating — and even dangerous — than most people realize. Writer and photo editor Anika Burgess tells the riveting story of how photography began and why it revolutionized the modern world. She's the author of Flashes of Brilliance: The Genius of Early Photography and How It Transformed Art, Science, and History (https://amzn.to/42otrSl). Finally, have you ever found bleach stains on clothes even though you didn't use bleach in the wash? It's a common mystery with an unexpected explanation. I'll reveal how it happens and what you can do to prevent it. https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/bleach-alternative PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Your new Dell PC with Intel Core Ultra helps you handle a lot when your holiday to-dos get to be…a lot. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you walked into your backyard and scooped up just a pinch of dirt, you'd be holding an entire underground universe in your fingers — one teeming with life and mysteries you've probably never imagined. I'll reveal what's really hidden in that soil. Source: David W. Wolfe, author of Tales From The Underground https://amzn.to/3tvUBIk Speaking in front of people — whether it's a handful of colleagues or a packed room — can feel nerve-wracking. But with a few simple techniques, you can transform that anxiety into confidence and make your message land with impact. Communication expert Matt Abrahams, lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and author of Think Faster: Talk Smarter (https://amzn.to/3Q6zMev), shares practical advice that will instantly make you a more effective, engaging speaker. When you pour a bowl of cereal, you probably think of brightly colored boxes from Kellogg's, Post, or General Mills. But the history of breakfast cereal stretches back centuries — and the quirky, sometimes bizarre story of how corn flakes and cold cereals became a global staple is full of fascinating characters and surprising twists. Kathryn Cornell Dolan, associate professor of English at Missouri University of Science and Technology and author of Breakfast Cereal: A Global History (https://amzn.to/3ZKV0Tz), takes us through the delicious backstory. Here's something strange: in just the last few decades, human feet have been getting noticeably bigger. Both men and women today wear larger sizes than previous generations. Why is this happening? I'll explain the prevailing theory behind the rise of bigger feet. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1239975/Female-feet-getting-larger-size-10s-demand.html PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Huge savings on Dell AI PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors are here, and they are newly designed to help you do more, faster. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Keep it classic and cool this fall with long lasting staples from Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! HERS: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit https://forhers.com/something to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why do people cheat when they know it's wrong? Whether it's on a test or in a relationship, the answer may lie in your hormones. This episode begins with surprising research that reveals the powerful role biology plays in dishonest behavior.(https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3178947/What-makes-cheat-HORMONES-People-high-levels-certain-chemicals-likely-behave-badly.html) Distractions have become a way of life — endless scrolling, constant notifications, and interruptions that destroy our ability to concentrate. Yet the ability to focus is one of the most valuable skills you can have. My guest, Dr. Zelana Montminy, behavioral scientist and author of Finding Focus: Own Your Attention in an Age of Distraction (https://amzn.to/3VNtNOA), shares practical strategies to cut through the noise, reclaim your attention, and unlock the superpower of deep focus. Emotions are a double-edged sword — they can fuel your success or sabotage your best intentions. Learning to regulate them is the key. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and professor at Yale's Child Study Center, explains how to harness emotions in a way that benefits your work, relationships, and well-being. He's the author of Dealing with Feeling: Use Your Emotions to Create the Life You Want (https://amzn.to/3VGJreH). And finally, here's something truly strange: researchers have discovered that simply looking at a disgusting image can predict your political leanings with remarkable accuracy. In this closing segment, I reveal how it works. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141029124502.htm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If I showed you some photos of yourself and asked you to pick out the one that most accurately represented what you really looked like – could you do it? Listen as I begin this episode by explaining why you most likely could not. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150623200016.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com Common knowledge is something that I know that you know, and you know that I know you know it! And so usually, we never discuss it. Sounds confusing but without common knowledge life would be amazingly difficult and tedious as you are about to discover when you listen to my conversation with Steven Pinker. Steven is a professor of psychology at Harvard University and is the author of 12 books. His latest is When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows . . .: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life (https://amzn.to/46oYRdG). Some people are chronically late. It's as if they have a completely different attitude toward time. Yet their tardiness can infuriate people who are punctual and expect other people to be. Is it rudeness or is it just a different “time personality”? There was an interesting article about this in the New York Times not long ago that got quite a bit of attention. Joining me in this episode is the author of that article, Emily Laber-Warren. She heads the health and science reporting program at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York and has been a staff editor at Popular Science, The Sciences, Scientific American Mind, and Women's Health. Here is a link to the NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/25/well/live/time-personality-polychronic-monochronic.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fE8.XJAU.mLoAAuZCOiwU&smid=url-share The next time you are in a bad mood, I have some quick, science-backed suggestions to help you snap out of it and cheer up almost instantly. https://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/advice/a51333/how-to-get-in-a-good-mood/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We've all heard the test-taking advice: “If you're stuck, trust your first answer.” But is that really the smart move? Research says no — and I begin this episode by explaining why going with your gut on exams might actually hurt your score. Source: Joseph T. Hallinan, author of Why We Make Mistakes (https://amzn.to/44PV4SQ). Feeling awkward or embarrassed is awful in the moment — but maybe it's not nearly as bad as you think. In fact, those cringeworthy moments might even be a secret weapon. Henna Pryor has studied the psychology of embarrassment and shares why embracing awkwardness can help you become braver and more resilient. She's a keynote speaker with two TEDx talks (https://www.ted.com/talks/henna_pryor_why_awkwardness_is_your_secret_weapon_for_risk_taking_at_work) and author of Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You (https://amzn.to/45Ksgwh). We take seeds for granted — but how plants grow from them is one of nature's most astonishing processes. Jennifer Jewell, gardening educator, advocate, and host of the Cultivating Place podcast (https://www.cultivatingplace.com/blog-1), reveals the hidden wonders of seeds, including fascinating insights like how seedless watermelons are grown without seeds at all. She's also the author of What We Sow (https://amzn.to/3EKxv3f), a book that will forever change the way you look at the plants around you. Parallel parking may feel like a nightmare, but it doesn't have to be. With a couple of simple tricks, it's easier than you think. In the final segment, I share a straightforward technique that can make squeezing into tight spots much less stressful. Source: Jason Roberts, author of The Learn 2 Guide (https://amzn.to/3PnPNfH). PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Huge savings on Dell AI PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors are here, and they are newly designed to help you do more, faster. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Keep it classic and cool this fall with long lasting staples from Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! HERS: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit https://forhers.com/something to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who hasn't craved something sweet and delicious? You try to resist, but your brain keeps insisting. Surprisingly, there's a simple trick that can make that craving disappear almost instantly. Listen as I reveal the science-backed way to quiet your sweet tooth. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sweet-tooth-disgusting-food_n_55afe669e4b0a9b9485360de Disruption is the force that reshapes the world — from the printing press and gunpowder to smartphones, AI, and driverless cars. Innovation has always been both thrilling and unsettling, and today it's accelerating faster than ever. To help us understand how past disruptions can teach us about the changes happening now, I talk with Scott Anthony, clinical professor of strategy at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Widely regarded as one of the world's top innovation thinkers, Scott is author of Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World (https://amzn.to/45ZjnQO). Your mom was right when she told you to go outside and play — but science now shows that the benefits of nature go far beyond fresh air. Spending time outdoors can improve your brainpower, your physical health, and even your social connections. Marc Berman, leading environmental neuroscientist and founder of the Environmental Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Chicago, joins me to explain just how powerful nature can be. He's the author of Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being (https://amzn.to/47YYeZy). Why do so many people choke under pressure — even when performing tasks they've practiced countless times? When the stakes are high, nerves can sabotage your performance. But there's a proven strategy to help keep calm and perform at your best. I'll explain how it works in this final segment. Source: Hank Weisinger author of Performing Under Pressure (https://amzn.to/4p3wM33). PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Huge savings on Dell AI PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors are here, and they are newly designed to help you do more, faster. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Keep it classic and cool this fall with long lasting staples from Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! HERS: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit https://forhers.com/something to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It might sound strange, but the way you evaluate your relationship could actually depend on the chair you're sitting in. Multiple experiments suggest that posture and stance can influence how you judge your marriage or partnership. In the opening segment, I explain this fascinating connection. https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/08/how-your-stance-may-test-your-marriage We all talk about intuition — that gut feeling when you know what to do without being able to explain why. But is intuition a real thing, or just a name we give to quick decision-making? And if it is real, can you actually strengthen it? To explore these questions, I'm joined by Laura Huang, professor of Management and Organizational Development at Northeastern University, who has also taught at Harvard Business School and the University of Pennsylvania. She's the author of You Already Know: The Science of Mastering Your Intuition (https://amzn.to/45H7iRt). Music isn't just art — it's built on math and science. From Einstein using music for inspiration, to 50,000-year-old instruments unearthed by archaeologists, to the surprising role astronomy plays in the sound of the world's most expensive violins — the links between music and science are everywhere. David Darling, science writer, music producer, and author of A Perfect Harmony: Music, Mathematics and Science (https://amzn.to/45H7zUv) joins me to uncover the hidden science behind the music we love. Finally, as summer fades, so do the mosquitoes — but have you ever wondered why some people seem to get bitten far more than others? The answer lies in how mosquitoes find their targets — and surprisingly, drinking just one common beverage can make you a mosquito magnet. I explain the science in this final segment. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0028991 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Huge savings on Dell AI PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors are here, and they are newly designed to help you do more, faster. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Keep it classic and cool this fall with long lasting staples from Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! HERS: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit https://forhers.com/something to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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