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You may have played with a yo-yo before -- perhaps you've even walked the dog -- but do you know about the physics behind what makes a yo-yo sleep and wake up? Learn all about inertia, angular momentum and the history of the yo-yo in this episode of SYSK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since more than 1 billion people have played it, you're probably familiar with the board game Monopoly, but we bet you don't know its secret origins as a left-wing socialist teaching tool. Learn about the history, rules and cultural impact of Monopoly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you love Play-Doh? Chuck and Josh certainly love to talk about it, from its interesting history as a wall cleaner, to its more scientific chemical properties. It's everything you ever wanted to know about the pliable children's toy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Action figures have a long and glorious history. From GI Joes to Star Wars figures, these offshoots of dolls came along at just the right time to capture the hearts and minds of children everywhere. Learn all about the partial history of action figures right here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Surprisingly, Cabbage Patch Kids have turned up on SYSK almost as much as the Nazis or Seinfeld. It’s finally time to dive all the way into CPKs, from their controversial origins to the Christmas craze of ‘83 to their alter egos, Garbage Pail Kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've covered our fair share of pop-culture icons and here is another - Hula-Hoops. They've been around since ancient time in some form or another, but made their name in during the Hoop Boom of the 1950s. Learn all about this popular fad and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever since Cabbage Patch Kids came along in 1983, there’s been an annual holiday frenzy around one particular toy – the must-have Christmas toy of the year. But what makes a toy a must-have toy? Josh and Chuck investigate (and kick off the holidays).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world has seen a lot of weird investment bubbles in its time, but few of them rival the fever that gripped the world in the 90s after Beanie Babies took off. Let’s visit this strange chapter in toy history together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the holidays in 1986 (and ’87) (and ’88) the most stupendous, most wanted, most amazing thing any kid could possibly get – outside of a pony, *maybe* – was the NES. That year, video games came back from the dead and changed forever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you're an American who had a childhood, you probably have some nostalgia for Hot Wheels. Get your engines revved for this trip down memory lane as we discuss these fun and iconic toys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Easy Bake Ovens are as iconic as a toy can get, as American as apple pie or baseball. Learn all about these light bulb cooking, working ovens that endanger children to this day, in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Etch A Sketch is yet another classic toy that Josh and Chuck love and respect. Learn all about this Hall of Fame entry today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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
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
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
Co-producer Ben knocked it out of the park again, taking the two classic horror stories we read for our annual Spooktacular - Caterpillars and The Deep Drowse – and creating a moody Halloween masterpiece for your spooky listening enjoyment. So enjoy it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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
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
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
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
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
Long before we knew what serial killers were, a family in remote Kansas was disposing of victims at their family farm. Listen in to the Tale of the Bloody Benders if you dare!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a small town in Iowa in 1912 eight people were murdered in the grisliest of ways while they slept. Local reputations were ruined when accusations flew, but could a drifting serial killer working across the Midwest have been behind it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On one terrible day in Chicago in 1982, seven people died suddenly and mysteriously. In just a matter of hours, it becomes clear, someone has poisoned bottles of Extra-Strength Tylenol, one of the most trusted and widely-used products in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The largest ever kidnapping case in the United States went down in the small town of Chowchilla, CA. Learn all about it today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The panic that began in Chicago spreads and begins to change the world. The investigation into the murders turns up leads and suspects, but still no one has ever been charged with the murders. It remains unsolved to this day. Find out the extent of what we know in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Josh and Chuck live from Seattle as they (sky)dive into one of the most brazen robberies in the annals of crime and the only unsolved airline hijacking in American history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In August of 1980 a bomb containing 1,000 pounds of dynamite was quietly delivered to Harvey’s, a casino and resort at Lake Tahoe. This kicked off a whirlwind caper that lasted 30 hours and ended up nearly demolishing the 11-story resort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The murder of Ken McElroy comes off like a story from a cheap paperback book you’d get to read on a plane. But this is a true crime story, set in Missouri in the early 80s. And boy does it pack a punch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tune in today to listen to the story of when North Hollywood became a war zone after a brazen bank robbery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In July 1966, three women out for a day at the beach waded into the water of Lake Michigan, got onto a boat and were never heard from again. To this day, not a trace of them has ever turned up and theories of what became of them abound.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1963, 15 men got together in England to pull off one of the most daring heists in history. The Great Train Robbery was the crime of the century, capturing the public's attention and leaving them torn on who to root for - the cops or the robbers. Learn all about England's greatest heist in today's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1922, a little farm in the woods of Bavaria became the site of what would become Germany’s most famous unsolved murder, when six people were brutally killed with a pick axe. What led up to it and followed is nothing short of bizarre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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
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