Something You Should Know

Latest Episodes:

Is Processed Food Really That Bad? & Why We Love to Drive Jul 20, 2020

Show notes

Is there a way to drink without getting drunk or feeling the effects of alcohol? Kinda. This episode begins with the story of how a professional beer taster drinks a lot of beer and stays pretty sober. And it is a pretty simple trick. http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/how-to/a26328/how-not-to-get-drunk/

You have probably heard the advice that you shouldn’t eat foods that have a long ingredient list or have ingredients your grandmother wouldn’t recognize – but is that really good advice? Is a food with a lot of added ingredients less healthy than an all-natural food? Listen to my guest George Zaidan. He is an MIT trained chemist who created National Geographic’s web series Ingredients: The Stuff Inside Your Stuff and he is author of the book Ingredients: The Strange Chemistry of What We Put in Us and on Us (https://amzn.to/2Zykgij) . He explains what these ingredients are in processed food, why they are there and just how dangerous or healthy they are.

Did you know a lot of salmon is dyed pink? Otherwise it would be gray. Did you know that bananas are actually berries, but strawberries are not berries? These are just a few of the fascinating food facts you will learn by listening to today’s episode. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/17/food-facts_n_4788746.html

There are a lot of people who really enjoy driving. I am one of them. So the idea of driver-less cars has little appeal to me and – as it turns out – to most Americans. There is something very special about taking the wheel and heading down the open road. Joining me to discuss driving and why we love it so is Matthew B. Crawford author of the book Why We Drive. (https://amzn.to/3fDXcUR).

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SYSK Choice: The Secrets of Being Fascinating & Amazing Household Hacks You Never Knew Jul 18, 2020

Show notes

You have likely been the victim of the Doorway Effect. It’s when you walk into a room and forget why you walked in there. We start this episode with an explanation of what this is and why it happens. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-walking-through-doorway-makes-you-forget/

Wouldn’t it be great if people regarded you as particularly fascinating? Well it turns out there are specific ways to do that according to Sally Hogshead, speaker and author of the book Fascinate: The 7 Triggers to Persuasion and Captivation (http://amzn.to/2BBZT4I) . Sally reveals what you can do so that others find you interesting and how to use your personal fascination to great benefit.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that whenever you cry, you get a runny nose. Why? Listen and find out. http://www.popsci.com/article/science/why-does-crying-make-my-nose-run

Sooner or later – and probably sooner, you will need to clean something. And no one knows better how to keep your life clean and sparkly bright than Jolie Kerr. Jolie is an advice columnist and host of the podcast, “Ask a Clean Person.” She is also author of the book, My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag (http://amzn.to/2Df2BPL). NO ONE loves to clean like Jolie and you will love her cleaning hacks that I know you will use within hours if not minutes after hearing them.

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Understanding the Science and Mysteries of the Universe & How to Create a Powerful Apology Jul 16, 2020

Show notes

A lot of times it seems that being healthy takes a lot of work. This episode begins with some really simple things you can do that will help your overall health that just take a minute and hardly any effort at all. http://www.menshealth.com/health/ways-to-be-healthier

Why does time only go in one direction? Every moment we move into the future, but we cannot go back into the past. Why not? And what about intelligent life on other planets – or traveling to other planets or even other galaxies. Will people really do that in our lifetime? Here to discuss these big questions is Paul Sutter. He is an astrophysicist at Stony Brook University, host of the Ask a Spaceman podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-a-spaceman/id958825741) and author of the book How to Die in Space (https://amzn.to/3iXh9rP).

The snooze on just about every alarm clock is 9 minutes. Not 10 – not 8 but 9. Why? There is actually a really interesting reason and I explain it in this episode. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/22761/why-does-snooze-button-give-you-only-9-more-minutes-sleep

Apologizing is something we all have to do, yet I suspect you never had any formal instruction on how to deliver a good apology. When you think about it, a good apology can save a relationship or at least make it so everyone doesn’t feel so horrible about whatever went wrong. Molly Howes is a Harvard trained clinical psychologist and author of the book A Good Apology: Four Steps to Make Things Right (https://amzn.to/3euUzmN) and she joins me to offer some excellent advice on how to apologize to make everyone feel better.

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What Everyone Needs to Know About Design & The Science of Conversation Jul 13, 2020

Show notes

Ever notice that the more money you have in your wallet, the more likely you are to spend it? Well, it is actually more complicated than that. This episode begins with some interesting psychology that will help you spend less so you keep more of your money. http://www.forbes.com/video/4061993829001/

Ever hire someone to design a logo or brochure or website and have them present it to you and ask, “What do you think”? It has happened to me and my problem is, I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what makes a well-designed brochure or website. I don’t know what people will think when they see it or what motivates people to respond. If you have ever found yourself in the same boat you will want to listen to my guest Susan Weinschenk. Susan has a Ph.D. in Psychology, she is the Chief Behavioral Scientist and CEO at The Team W, Inc. (https://theteamw.com/) as well as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin. She is also author of the book 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (https://amzn.to/323kNKK). Listen as she explains how people react to design elements and how to better design anything.

When your doctor takes your blood pressure – does he check both arms or just one? There is a really good reason to check both. Listen as I explain why there is likely a difference between the blood pressure in your arms and what it could potentially mean. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195749.htm

Think about how many times a day do you engage in conversation. It is the primary way we communicate with others. Yet, you likely don’t know much about the science of conversation. Interestingly, conversation can beautiful and brilliant or it can be awkward and difficult. Understanding how it works can make you a better conversationalist. Here to explain the science of conversation is David Crystal. David is a writer and editor and his latest book is called Let's Talk: How English Conversation Works (https://amzn.to/32e4qLF).

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SYSK Choice: Why Timing REALLY is Everything & How We Lie and Why Jul 11, 2020

Show notes

Sure, it’s great to want more money but if you don’t have the time to enjoy it – what’s the point? We begin this episode with a look at why spending more of your money on things that actually create more free time for you can make your life much more enjoyable. http://www.menshealth.com/guy-wisdom/buying-time-makes-you-happier

While the phrase “timing is everything” is tossed around a lot, it turns out there is a lot of wisdom in it. In short, it is not just WHAT you do in your life that is important it – it is also WHEN you decide to do it. Daniel Pink, author of the book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing (http://amzn.to/2Dne4Ml) reveals why timing is so important and how to time events in your life to be more successful.

There is a fascinating limitation of the human brain you must know about. It seems you cannot keep track of more than 3 things at once unless this condition is met. What is it? Listen and find out. https://bit.ly/38NRywO

Since you were a child you’ve heard that honesty is the best policy. However, dig as little deeper and you’ll find that most of us think a little dishonesty is probably okay. The fact is we do think dishonesty is acceptable as long as it is not too much and as long as it is not too overt. Dan Ariely, author of the book, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone–Especially Ourselves (http://amzn.to/2Dg1FtE) explains the little ways we are all a bit dishonest and why we think it is perfectly fine – so maybe it is.

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The Fascinating Ways Things Spread & How Technology Controls You – If You Let It Jul 09, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever wanted to get someone to disclose more about themselves? This episode begins with a very simple strategy that will loosen someone up and get them to tell you a lot more about the details of their life. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12110-015-9225-8#page-1

How do things spread? By that I mean not just viruses like the flu or corona virus but also rumors and viral videos or fake news stories – why do some of these things gather steam and spread like wildfire? And then, why do they stop? Every year people catch the flu and then in the summer, it just stops. What stops it? Listen to my guest Adam Kucharski, he is an epidemiologist and author of the book The Rules of Contagion: Why Things Spread and Why They Stop (https://amzn.to/3f7oJh5).

What’s the connection between arguments and hunger? Well if you want to get along better with the people or person you live with – you need to hear me explain this interesting science. http://www.independent.ie/style/sex-relationships/are-you-rowing-with-your-partner-you-might-just-behangry-30191887.html

You know that feeling of being a slave to your phone or to email? That feeling of always being available is taking a toll on you whether you know it or not. Journalist Ian Douglas has studied this extensively and has written a book called Is Technology Making Us Sick? (https://amzn.to/3f65wfX) Ian joins me to explain how you are being manipulated into always staying available and what it is doing to your health. He also has some excellent strategies to deal with the problem without having to turn all your electronics off.

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How DNA Works and How It Solves Crimes & Understanding Food Culture Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

Don’t you hate it when you put on a mask to go out in public and your glasses get all fogged up? This episode begins with a few tips to keep your glasses clear as a bell while you are wearing a face mask. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-your-glasses-fog-free-while-wearing-a-mask/

You hear a lot about DNA today – there are test kits that can trace your DNA and locate your ancestors and on TV it seems DNA can solve a lot of crimes. So what is DNA exactly, how does it work, where does it come from and is it really as good at solving crime as it appears on TV? Here to explain all about is Alan McHughen who is a scientist, educator, DNA expert and author of the book DNA Demystified (https://amzn.to/3eUNihl).

Teenagers can easily sleep until noon – but it’s a lot harder when you get older. Why? That’s one of the things I discuss about sleep and just how important it is to get enough sleep and how it can wreak havoc with your health if you don’t. http://www.menshealth.com/health/sleep-and-age

There is a really fascinating food culture today. Young people especially spend a great deal of their time and money eating certain foods, watching cooking shows on TV, going to trendy restaurants and identifying themselves by the food they eat – or don’t eat (I’m a vegan!) . The question is -why? Why are people getting so wrapped up in this food culture and spending so much money on it? Eve Turow-Paul has been living in and researching all about food culture around the world and she joins me with some really interesting insight. Eve is author of the book Hungry: Avocado Toast, Instagram Influencers, and Our Search for Connection and Meaning (https://amzn.to/38lrc54).

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SYSK Choice: How to Have a Voice You’ll Love & Proven Money Strategies for Every Day Jul 04, 2020

Show notes

Do you often find yourself in the slowest line at the supermarket? Me too. Is it bad luck or just your perception? I’ll explore what’s behind this universal annoyance and suggest a better way to handle this. http://www.wired.com/2014/07/whats-up-with-the-other-line-is-always-faster/

It seems everyone hates the sound of their voice when they hear it played back. But what if you LOVED the sound of your voice? Vocal coach Roger Love explains how anyone can have a beautiful voice – you are not stuck with the one you have now. Listen to this episode and you will instantly have the tools to improve the sound of your voice. Here is the link to Roger’s website: http://www.theperfectvoice.com

Have you heard that it is a good idea to let your cellphone battery run all the way down to zero? Supposedly that is to help it last longer and keep a better charge. Is it true? We’ll find out. http://lifehacker.com/5875162/how-often-should-i-charge-my-gadgets-batteryto-prolong-its-lifespan

All of us have asked some basic financial questions at some point such as: Is it better to own or rent a home; buy or lease a car; pay off debt of save money? Jack Otter, editor at Barrons.com and author of the book, Worth It…Not Worth It? (http://amzn.to/2FCjtRm), has examined these questions, done the math and come up with the answers. Listen as Jack may surprise you with what he has to say about what you should do with your money.

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Understanding Your Passion and Purpose & Why Messy Relationships Are Often the Best Jul 02, 2020

Show notes

Some people really love spicy food. Why? This episode begins with an explanation of that and what to do if you put something in your mouth that is way too spicy. http://lifehacker.com/how-to-actually-enjoy-the-painful-pleasure-of-spicy-foo-1794616828

If you have a passion, does that mean that is what you are meant to do? And what if you don’t really have a passion or you have one that doesn’t lend itself to a career? Before you blindly try to “Follow your passion,” listen to Brad Stulberg author of the book The Passion Paradox (https://amzn.to/2Bjuw4H). Bruce explains some interesting facts and science about what passion really is and what you should – and should not do with your passion. He is also host of The Growth Equation Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growth-equation-podcast/id1505257676

If you have outdoor allergies, there are some things you may be doing to make your symptoms worse than they need to be. Listen as I explain what to do and not do to clear the air and breathe better with fewer allergy symptoms. http://www.finlandiapharmacy.com/treating-allergies-naturally/

The assumption is that a harmonious relationship is the best kind of relationship. Well, it turns out a little trouble, messiness and chaos is also good for a relationship. Listen as I am joined by Ed Tronick PhD. Ed is a developmental neuroscientist and clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School and author of the book The Power of Discord (https://amzn.to/3dHMta6). He explains why striving for a perfectly happy relationship is a prescription for trouble.

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How to Make Change in Life That Really Stick & The Dangers of Relying on Experts Jun 29, 2020

Show notes

People tend to like reruns. We like to watch old TV shows and movies over and over again, we often order the same meal at a restaurant that we have had before, we listen to the same songs over and over again. Why? This episode begins with an explanation. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-you-like-to-watch-the-same-thing-over-and-over/

How often have you tried to make an important change in your life only to have your efforts fail? Why is change so hard – and is there a way to make it easier? Listen to my conversation with Ross Ellenhorn. He is a sociologist, psychotherapist and social worker and he is author of the book How We Change (and 10 Reasons We Don’t) (https://amzn.to/2VeIUSx) He has some important advice on how to approach change so it is more likely to stick.

If you have a problem, chances are there is some expert or some piece of technology that will tell you how to fix it. While advice is good, it is also important to think for ourselves. Some people say we are losing our ability to think critically and make our own decisions. Instead we let experts decide for us. Vikram Mansharamani is a lecturer at Harvard and author of the book Think For Yourself: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence. (https://amzn.to/2A30BNs). Listen as he makes the case for more critical thinking when it comes to the big decisions in life.

Did you know spring fever is a real thing – with real symptoms? Listen as I explain what they are and what they are trying to tell you, if you have them. https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/diseases_cures/2010/04/29/spring_fever_has_scientific_basis_psychologist.html

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