Something You Should Know

Latest Episodes:

Behind the Scenes at Your Grocery Store & The Difference Between Risk and Uncertainty Sep 28, 2020

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You may be a good driver but there are a lot of bad ones out there. So how do you protect yourself from those people? This episode begins with some interesting intel on where and how serious traffic accidents happen and how to avoid them. Source: Reader’s Digest & author of an article titled “How Good Drivers Get Killed”

Your neighborhood grocery store is a fascinating place. Did you know, for example, that some of the “fresh produce” could be over a year old? Did you know that selling groceries isn’t the only way your store makes money? Have you ever wondered why a store like Trader Joe’s has such fanatically loyal customers? Benjamin Lorr has taken a peek behind the curtain of the grocery business and you will be fascinated by what you hear in our discussion. Benjamin is the author of The Secret Life of Groceries (https://amzn.to/2RVd0Iy).

Have you heard that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human mouth? Listen and find out if that could possibly be true. http://tristanmed.com/blog/entry/mythbusters-dogs-mouth-cleaner-than-humans

It seems to be human nature to want to know what will happen in the future. That’s why we want experts to predict the stock market or why we try to choose winning lottery numbers. Of course predictions are usually wrong. Most of life is unpredictable. That is why it is pointless to try and predict it. So what’s a better strategy? Here to tell you that is John Kay, a leading British economist and author of the book Radical Uncertainty: Decision-Making Beyond the Numbers (https://amzn.to/32WqnP6). He explains how to prepare for the future even though you cannot predict it and he reveals the important difference between risk and uncertainty.

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SYSK Choice: The Sleep Solution & How Virtual Reality Is Changing Our Lives Sep 26, 2020

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You obviously know better than to talk on your phone while driving – but you should also tell other people in the car to stay off their phones as well. This episode starts with a discussion on why passenger’s phone conversation can be trouble for the driver. http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2010/05/half-heard-phone-conversations-reduce-performance

How well do you sleep? Before you answer you should know that you may not HAVE the answer. So many people sleep so poorly, they don’t even know what good sleep is – or feels like. For some real insight into how people sleep and how we can all sleep better, listen as I speak with sleep medicine specialist Chris Winter, M.D., author of the book, The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It (https://amzn.to/2JVEHMd)

Anyone who spends time on Facebook knows that feeling of, “Why does everyone else’s life seem so wonderful compared to mine?” There is now research that proves this happens to everyone who goes on Facebook and that actually people’s lives aren’t any better than yours – it just looks that way. Listen and I’ll explain. http://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2015/April/040415FaceookStudy

Do you know much about virtual reality? You are about to. Peter Rubin, senior editor at Wired magazine knows a lot about it. In fact he is the author of a new book on the topic called Future Presence: How Virtual Reality is Changing Human Connection, Intimacy and the Limits of Ordinary Life (https://amzn.to/2HeLUFD ). Peter joins me to explore some of the fascinating and fun parts of virtual reality and also some of the concerns about how it will impact how we humans live our lives.

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What Makes You Who You Are & Could You Be A Genius? Sep 24, 2020

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Everyone knows what “riding shotgun” means. And most people think they know where it came from, which is from the days of stagecoaches. But that is not exactly correct. This episode begins by revealing the real origins of the phrase. Source: Cecil Adams author of The Straight Dope (https://amzn.to/3iPlGfp)

What are you? It’s a fascinating question because we often don’t think about what we are made of. It turns out we are made from atoms that have been recycled and have been parts of stars, dinosaurs and even other people. Science writer Brian Clegg author of the book What Do You Think You Are? The Science of What Makes You You (https://amzn.to/35TifRq) reveals the latest science about what goes in to making you - you and how you are different from everything else on this planet and in the universe.

If you ever got a bad grade in school, you were probably told to work harder to get better at that subject. While maybe that is a good idea sometimes, it basically sends the message that you should try to improve at things you are not especially good at. And that turns out to be some pretty bad advice, as I explain. Source: Kathryn D. Cramer, PhD, author of Change The Way You See Everything (https://amzn.to/2FW1tpC)

What do you think of when you think of a genius? Is it how smart someone is or is it much more than that? Can anyone be a genius or is it something you are born with. Joining me to discuss the whole concept of genius is Professor Craig Wright, creator of Yale University’s popular “Genius Course” and who has devoted more than two decades to exploring the nature of genius. He is author of the book The Hidden Habits of Genius (https://amzn.to/2HjA69S) and I think you will be surprised by what he has to say about genius and encouraged by your chances of becoming one.

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Why Coincidences Happen & Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers Sep 21, 2020

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Have you ever wondered why pumpkins are associated with Halloween? After all, they aren’t particularly scary and have nothing to do with ghosts. This episode begins with an explanation of why pumpkins and Halloween go hand in hand. www.pumpkin-patch.com

I am sure you have wondered things like: Why do coincidences happen? Why is it so hard to find a 4-leaf clover? What day is best to buy a lottery ticket? Why do traffic jams happen? These are just some of the fascinating life questions tackled by Rob Eastaway, author of the book Why Do Buses Come in Threes?: The Hidden Mathematics of Everyday Life (https://amzn.to/2FEWfib)

When your “check engine” light comes on it means there is something wrong. However it may be something simple that you can fix yourself and there is a very easy way to find out. Listen and discover what it is. Source: Phil Edmonston author of The Lemon-Aid Car Guide (https://amzn.to/33wtJaC)

Some people are cautious while others seek danger and thrills. Why? Why do some people love the thrill of a wild rollercoaster or scary movie or even skydiving while other people would much rather stay home and read a book? Ken Carter has explored the minds of thrill seekers to discover what makes them seek danger and actually enjoy it while others dread the idea. Ken is a board certified clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Oxford College of Emory University and author of the book Buzz!:Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies (https://amzn.to/35FIwCn)

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SYSK Choice:The Secrets Behind Going Viral & Overcoming Social Anxiety Sep 19, 2020

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Every kid on the planet is told to, “Eat your veggies – they’re good for you!” Yet, as a parent, you probably shouldn’t say that to your kids. This episode begins with some fascinating research about what to tell kids about healthy foods and what not to tell them. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/don-t-tell-kids-why-veggies-are-good-for-them-study-suggests-1.1833274

What if I told you that nothing really goes viral? You’d probably say, “Of course it does – cat videos, songs, lots of things go viral.” Well, not according to Derek Thompson, senior editor at the Atlantic magazine and author of the book, Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction (https://amzn.to/3iwagNK). Derek reveals exactly how things become popular – and it isn’t the way you might think.

In schools today there is a lot of emphasis on typing on a keyboard rather than writing with pen and paper. So you may be surprised to hear the benefits kids receive by simply writing on paper – and maybe schools should re-think their policies that de-emphasize penmanship in early grades. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/science/whats-lost-as-handwriting-fades.html?_r=0

Who hasn’t been socially anxious? I am sure you’ve been in one of those situations where a lot is on the line or you don’t know anyone and it makes it uncomfortable and difficult. This is especially true for the millions of people who are naturally socially anxious anyway. With some help is clinical psychologist Ellen Hendriksen author of How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety (https://amzn.to/33s5jyS). She joins me to offer some rock-solid suggestions to help navigate those anxiety provoking situations so you act, look and feel like you belong.

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The Psychology of Money & Why Attractive People Get Better Treatment Sep 17, 2020

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With all we know about how medicine works, we still don’t understand the placebo effect very well. Yet, by all accounts it is very powerful. This episode begins with some interesting research that seems to show that believing you are healthy really makes it so. Source: Howard Brody, M.D. author of “The Placebo Response” (https://amzn.to/2ZzmXzH)

Money is a tricky subject for just about everyone. Of course there is the “math of money” that shows how money works numerically but there is also how we feel about money. For example, most experts agree that paying off your mortgage is a bad idea, yet many people feel great when they do it. So, who is right? Joining me to discuss why your attitudes about money are just as important as the math is Morgan Housel. He is a partner at the Collaborative Fund and has been a columnist for the Wall Street Journal and the Motley Fool. Morgan is also author of the book The Psychology of Money (https://amzn.to/2Ftrrkb)

When was the last time you cleaned your car seats? Think about all the times people come in and out of your car and all the stuff they have with them. When you hear this, you will want to clean your seats very soon and clean them very well. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8712437/Disgusting-video-proves-washing-car-seats-dark-upholstery-often.html

Everyone has witnessed a time when an attractive person got preferential treatment. Good looking people get out of speeding tickets, they get better tables at restaurants, they make more money and they get promoted faster. And it turns out that just about all of us are likely to treat attractive people better. Why? To answer that and explain the ramifications of all of this is Daniel Hamermesh. He is an economist, and a Professor of Economics at Royal Holloway, University of London and author of the book Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful. (https://amzn.to/2FskwrE)

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How Winning Streaks Work & Focused Success in a Distracted World Sep 14, 2020

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Who doesn’t like ketchup? It is one of the most universally loved American foods. Why? This episode begins with some interesting facts and history about ketchup that helps explain why there is a bottle of it in more than 97% of U.S. households. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/aug/20/why-is-ketchup-so-delicious-science-answers-big-food-questions

Have you ever had a winning streak? Maybe it was at work or in a game of tennis or chess – where you just could do no wrong. You often see winning streaks in professional sports. Interestingly, some people claim that winning streaks are a myth. However, my guest believes they are very real and that we can all learn how to do anything better by understanding how winning streaks work. Ben Cohen is a sports reporter for The Wall Street Journal and author of the book, The Hot Hand: The Mystery and Science of Streaks (https://amzn.to/32gobSl) and he joins me to offer some fascinating insight into winning and losing streaks.

At some point in your education some teacher likely told you that you should never end a sentence with a preposition. However, anyone who writes knows that to follow that rule can be very awkward. So, is it really a rule? Listen as I explain where it came from and whether you should bother following it. Source: Patricia O’Connor author of “Woe Is I” (https://amzn.to/3igwWkT)

We all have times when we really need to do work that requires real careful concentration. Yet in today’s world of distractions, it can be hard to find the time to do that kind of work without interruption. Cal Newport has researched this problem and come up with some great insight into how to get that important work done even when your life is pulling you in all different directions. Cal is a writer and an assistant professor of computer science at Georgetown University and host of the podcast Deep Questions. https://www.calnewport.com/podcast/. He is also author of the book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World (https://amzn.to/3heGXO9).

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SYSK Choice: How to Be a Top Performer & The Beauty of Numbers Sep 12, 2020

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Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers much more than you probably realize – and it is worth knowing. For example, if you receive counterfeit money – your homeowner’s insurance may likely cover you for the loss. Who knew? And that’s only one thing we discuss about insurance you may not know. http://consumerist.com/2012/04/12/stuck-with-a-forged-check-homeowners-insurance-to-the-rescue/

How do peak performers get to the top of their field? And what separates a peak performer from everyone else? High performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais has some interesting answers that can help you become a peak performer. Michael works with top musicians, action sports stars and athletes including the Seattle Seahawks. He is also the host of the podcast, Finding Mastery: Conversations with Michael Gervais (https://findingmastery.net).

The number of people who are near-sighted has grown dramatically over the last 20 years or so. Why? You’ve probably heard that it is because we do so much “close-up” work like looking at computer screens and reading books. But that is apparently not it. So what is the reason? Listen to find out. http://www.nature.com/news/the-myopia-boom-1.17120?WT.mc_id=TWT_NatureNews

Is zero really a number? What is so important about pi? These are just two of the fascinating aspects of mathematics I explore with mathematician Ian Stewart, retired Professor at the University of Warwick in England and author of several books including The Beauty of Numbers in Nature (https://amzn.to/2DUo0fM). Even if you are not a math lover, you will find this conversation fascinating.

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What to Say to Get What You Want & How We Judge People Based on How They Talk Sep 10, 2020

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Blue jeans have been in fashion for a very long time. How did that happen? After all, they started out as work clothes. This episode begins by exploring the origins of jeans and how they became so popular. Source: James Sullivan, author of Jeans: A Cultural History of an American Icon (https://amzn.to/2F0wyID)

How often have you looked back on a conversation and wish you had said something different – something brilliant? Well now you can. Listen to my guest Phil M. Jones, author of the book Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact (http://amzn.to/2vGIR2R). Phil is one of the world’s top sales trainers and he has researched and studied what words and phrases work in what situations to help you get the outcomes you want in all areas of your life.

Laughing is so good for you and so is crying. Even better if you can do them both at the same time. Listen as I explore the fine line between laughing and crying and the benefits of both. https://www.brainpickings.org/2012/09/07/curious-behvaior-provine/

You make judgments about people based on the way they speak. And people judge you the same way. Certain accents or dialects cloud or view of people both in good ways and bad ways. But is it fair? Why should we judge someone based on their speech pattern and why do we do it in the first place? Joining me to discuss that is Katherine Kinzler a professor of psychology at the University of Chicago and author of the book How You Say It: Why You Talk the Way You Do and What it Says About You (https://amzn.to/3lSvZkU)

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What Really Influences Your Food Choices & How Technology Puts Stress On Your Body Sep 07, 2020

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Watching a scary movie can be terrifying and unpleasant. So why do people do it? This episode begins with a discussion on the appeal of scary movies and what watching them actually does for people. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070725152040.htm

Ever wonder why you chose to eat the foods you eat? The fact is there are a lot of things that influence food choice and many of those influences make it hard to eat a healthy diet. To help you sort out how to make better food choices and resist those negative influences so you can eat a healthy diet is Marion Nestle, PhD. She is the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University, she has researched and written several books about food, nutrition and the politics of food – and her latest book is Unsavory Truth: How Food Companies Skew the Science of What We Eat (https://amzn.to/2EUTGbm) She also has an amazingly simple way to lose weight that you are going to want to hear.

Millions of people sit at a computer all day – and nothing could be worse! We slouch and strain our neck and all of that can cause all sorts of physical problems. In addition, when you spend a lot of time looking down at your phone, that’s not helping either. Joining me to give some expert advice on this is Erik Peper. He is a professor of Holistic Health at San Francisco State University and co-author of the book Tech Stress: How Technology is Hijacking Our Lives, Strategies for Coping, and Pragmatic Ergonomics (https://amzn.to/2QEyZCS).

What makes it more likely that you get pulled over by the police? It turns out that it’s not just about speeding, it’s also about where you position yourself in relation to the other cars as well as other factors. Listen to hear some advice on how to improve your chances that you don’t get pulled over by the cops. Source: Interview with Eric Peters of https://www.ericpetersautos.com/

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