Something You Should Know

Latest Episodes:

SYSK Choice: Amazing Ways Genes Affect Your Behavior & How Calming Your Brain Makes You Stronger Jun 27, 2020

Show notes

Do you keep stuff? You know, things from your past that you have a hard time giving up even though you don’t use them anymore? This episode begins with some interesting advice on what to keep and what to toss or give away – and why it’s a good idea to get rid of things you will never ever need again. http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/info-09-2010/Kick_Clutter_And_Lose_Weight.html

You probably know that your genes influence things your eye color or hair color. But did you know that your genes also influence your behavior? Jay Phelan, an evolutionary biologist at UCLA and author of the book, Mean Genes: From Sex to Money to Food, Taming Our Primal Instincts (http://amzn.to/2CJZgXF), explains how your genes make you want to do things that are often not good for you (like overeat or drink too much).

Did you know you have more than five senses? For example, when you move your foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal when you drive, you are using another sense that allows you to find those pedals without looking or using any other of your five senses. I’ll explain what it is and what it is called. http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/12/propioception-body-parts-sense-research/420765/

There is real power in calming down. That’s according to Gyatri Devi, M.D., author of the book, A Calm Brain: How to Relax Into a Stress-Free, High-Powered Life (http://amzn.to/2on2EoX) Because our brains are always active – checking texts and emails and rushing around, we don’t have the down time” we need that allows the brain to perform at its best. Dr Devi has some ways to do that and she reveals the amazing benefits of a calm brain.

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How to Stop Your Thoughts From Ruining Your Day & How to Take Better Care of Your Skin Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

When you are in the drive-through or waiting for a train to pass, is it better to turn off your car’s engine or let it idle? This episode begins with an explanation and advice on when it becomes more efficient to turn off your car. https://slate.com/technology/2008/05/is-it-more-efficient-to-leave-your-car-idling.html

You are thinking thoughts all day long. That’s what humans do – we think. Sometimes though, your thoughts get in the way. They can become toxic and ruin your day, they can mess up your perception of the world and interfere with relationships. Here to discuss how to take control of your thoughts and see them for what they really are is Andrea Bonior, PhD. Andrea is a journalist, who writes the popular "Baggage Check" advice column for the Washington Post. She serves on the faculty of Georgetown University and she is author of the book, Detox Your Thoughts: Quit Negative Self-Talk for Good and Discover the Life You've Always Wanted (https://amzn.to/2AXyPlQ).

If you share a bed, how far apart do the two of you sleep? Listen as I discuss why the distance apart and the direction you face while in bed may say a lot about the state of your relationship. http://time.com/64966/what-your-sleeping-position-says-about-your-relationship/

Do you take good care of your skin? What are the most important things to do – or not do - to keep your skin healthy and looking good? Monty Lyman, M.D., is a doctor in at Oxford University and author of the book The Remarkable Life of the Skin (https://amzn.to/3dnvcD0). He joins me to explain the latest research and best practices to take care of your skin and keep it looking young.

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Behind the Scenes of White House Diplomacy & How to Take Advantage of Lucky Moments Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

Do dolphins really have their own language? Why is it warmer in the summer? Does lightning ever strike the same place twice? This episode begins with a short and fun science quiz. Let’s see how well you score. https://thebestschools.org/magazine/25-popular-science-myths-debunked/

We all use diplomacy when we deal with people. There are certain rules we all follow to make interactions pleasant and productive – that’s diplomacy. Joining me to discuss how diplomacy works and to share some great stories of diplomacy from the White House is Capricia Penavic Marshall who was social secretary to Bill and Hilary Clinton and the Chief of Protocol for President Obama. Capricia is also author of the book Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You (https://amzn.to/2AJyl2E)

Want to be a better cook? If so, listen as I explain some great ideas to help you become a master of the kitchen from what kind of chicken to buy, where to keep your lemons to why you need a new ice tray for the freezer. http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/best-cooking-advice-ever-article

Some people just seem to be lucky. But is it just chance or is it that those people just know how to capitalize on lucky moments that come along in everyone’s life? Here to discuss that is Christian Busch, PhD, Director of the Global Economy Program at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs and author of the book, The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck (https://amzn.to/30VClYu)

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SYSK Choice: Proven Ways to Be Instantly Happier & The Magic of Math Jun 20, 2020

Show notes

You probably think you are a good driver. But what do other people think about your driving? Listen to take this simple driving test to see whether or not you do things that really annoy other drivers. https://www.thrillist.com/cars/nation/14-ways-people-drive-like-dicks-most-annoying-driving-habits

Did you know that pessimistic and unhappy people are more likely to look down at the ground when they walk? And that happy people tend to look up? This is one of the really interesting and unusual finding about happy people I discuss with David Niven, researcher and author of the book 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People (https://amzn.to/2C5oPHr). Listen as David offers some really interesting ways to be happier and explains what it means to be a happy person.

First impressions are important and they happen faster than you think. Listen as I explain how important first impressions are and how to make a good one.

You will love math a little bit more when you listen to my conversation with Arthur Benjamin. Arthur finds and explains the magic in math and explains why math is so important to learn and understand. Arthur is a professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California and he is author of the book The Magic of Math (https://amzn.to/3d6GriW).

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How to Change Your Personality & How to Manage The Faster Speed of Life Jun 18, 2020

Show notes

If you have ever gotten a paper cut (and who hasn’t), you may have wondered why a tiny little cut from a piece of paper can hurt so much. This episode begins with the explanation and the best way to treat that paper cut. http://www.menshealth.com/health/why-are-paper-cuts-so-painful

You probably think your personality is pretty much set in stone. In fact, it is changing all the time whether you like it or not. Organizational psychologist Benjamin Hardy joins me with a fascinating discussion on how your personality changes over time and how you can manipulate those changes to become the person you want to be. Benjamin is a contributor to Inc., and Psychology Today and he is author of the book Personality Isn’t Permanent (https://amzn.to/3e14e5s).

Why can’t you find your keys or wallet? What is it that makes them so easy to lose? Listen as I explain why you likely misplaced them and the best way to figure where you left them. http://lifehacker.com/the-two-factors-that-make-you-forgetful-1563418168

The pace of life sure seems a lot faster than it used to. While a lot of people don’t like it, it isn’t going to slow down any time soon. So perhaps the better approach is to learn to mange the speed of life and make it work for you. That’s the recommendation and advice of Vincent Poscente, former Olympic speed-skier and author of best selling book, The Age of Speed (https://amzn.to/2UGj8Gm).

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How Your Indoor Environment Affect Who You Are & Amazing Ways Language Works Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

Everyone has had that "pins and needles" feeling when your foot or arm falls asleep. Why does it happen? A lot of people believe it is because you cut off circulation. But that’s not it. Listen as this episode of the podcast begins with an explanation of why your limbs fall asleep and what that tingly sensation actually is. https://www.businessinsider.com/what-causes-feet-and-legs-to-fall-asleep-2014-6

The buildings and the rooms you spend time in have a powerful impact on all aspects of your life. And you probably never realized it. Your health, your mood, your work, your ability to think – even your relationships are influenced by your indoor environment. To discuss how this happens is Emily Anthes , a science journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Wired, Slate, Businessweek and elsewhere. She is also author of the book The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of How Buildings Shape Our Behavior, Health, and Happiness (https://amzn.to/2Yr8ip3).

Human language is amazing. It is one of the main things that distinguishes us from other animals. Without it, communication would be very difficult. The complexities of languages and how it changes are really fascinating and important. Joining me to discuss this is David Adger. He is Professor of Linguistics at Queen Mary University of London and author of the book Language Unlimited: The Science Behind Our Most Creative Power (https://amzn.to/37huAxr)

What brand of dishwashing liquid is sitting on your kitchen sink? Everyone has their favorite but does one really do a better job than the others? Listen as I explain what Consumer Reports says after testing a bunch of them. https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/appliances/laundry/937114224001/testing-dishwashing-liquids/

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SYSK Choice: How to Change a Habit & How to Be More Courageous Jun 13, 2020

Show notes

You can manipulate your brain to change your mood. How? Biofeedback. For example, when you are happy you smile. But it also works in reverse – if you smile, that makes you happy. And there are other ways I’ll discuss that you can improve your mood by doing very simple things. It’s fascinating. https://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/12/make-you-happy-3/

Then, have you ever wanted to create a new habit or break an old one? Charles Duhigg author of the book, The Power of Habit (http://amzn.to/2yKznVb) joins me to discuss the science of habits. He offers some great techniques to start new habits and explains why you should never really try to “break” a habit. There is something else you should do instead.

If you want to improve any relationship, there are 2 little things that can make all the difference. Listen to this advice from John Gottman, one of the best-known experts in the field of relationship psychology, and it could transform your relationship forever. http://www.businessinsider.com/lasting-relationships-rely-on-2-traits-2014-11

Plus, do you ever wish you were more courageous? Are there things you haven’t done because you lacked the courage to do them? Speaker and consultant Bill Treasurer author of the book Courage Goes to Work, (http://amzn.to/2CjBotT) will help you realize you probably have more courage than you think and how to become more courageous in spite of the fear you face.

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Understanding Hunger to Help You Lose Weight & Secrets of Successful Relationships Jun 11, 2020

Show notes

What should you do when you get a fever? Some people say you should take medicine to knock it down – some say to leave it alone. Who’s right? This episode begins with an answer to that question. http://www.menshealth.com/health/clean-up-your-health-routine

We tend to think of hunger as one thing. However, there is solid research to show that we have several different hungers – 5 actually. Stephen Simpson has studied this and explains how understanding different hungers can help you eat less and control your weight. Stephen is Academic Director of the Charles Perkins Centre and Professor in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney in Australia and author of the book Eat Like the Animals (https://amzn.to/36Z66sJ).

When was the last time you really cleaned your car’s steering wheel or dashboard or gear shift? After you hear this, you will probably want to attend to that right away. http://www.medicentre.co.uk/dirty_cars_breed_bacteria.html

All romantic relationships start out with high hopes. Still, many don’t last. So what can you do to make sure you find the right person and then keep the relationship happy and healthy? Here with some great advice is Joanne DaVila. She has been studying and speaking about romantic relationships as a professor at Stony Brook University. She is author of the book The Thinking Girl's Guide to the Right Guy (https://amzn.to/2Y4ZdSt) and she has a great TED Talk on the skills for healthy romantic relationships. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh5VhaicC6g)

This Week's Sponsors

-Kong Box. Got to www.KongBox.com/something to make a $1 donation to help less fortunate dogs and your first Kong Box is free!

-Pindrop. Listen to the new podcast Pindrop https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pindrop/id1514010062

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Why You Should Stop Giving Advice & Why It is So Hard To Admit You Are Wrong Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

People often say they are attracted to people who have a good sense of humor. But it is actually more complicated than that. The truth is that humor can bring people together but it can also pull them apart. Listen as this episode begins with an explanation about humor and couples. https://www.theknot.com/content/couples-who-share-sense-of-humor-study

When someone asks you for advice, it is quite normal to offer it up. After all, they asked. However, you may be much better off by keeping quiet and withholding your advice, at least for a while. That’s the suggestion of Michael Bungay Stanier. Last year Michael was named #1 Thought Leader in Coaching and he is considered to be one of the top coaches in the world. He is also author of a book called The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever (https://amzn.to/36WEUdY). Michael joins me to explain why you might want to be a little less free with your advice.

We all somehow justify our mistakes and poor decisions to ourselves. When we do something wrong it doesn’t line up with our beliefs about ourselves as good as honest people so we make excuses or we decide there were extenuating circumstances because we know we are not bad people – we are good people who made a mistake. This whole process is called cognitive dissidence. Everyone does it and it can get us into trouble according to social psychologist Carol Tavris author of the book Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts (https://amzn.to/2ADP2Mw). She joins me to discuss this fascinating topic and explain why we do this.

How do you cut your lawn – side to side? Front to back? Listen and I’ll tell you what the experts say which is the best way to mow. https://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/lawn-care/the-most-efficient-way-to-mow-the-grass/

This Week's Sponsors

-Kong Box. Got to www.KongBox.com/something to make a $1 donation to help less fortunate dogs and your first Kong Box is free!

-Pindrop. Listen to the new podcast Pindrop https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pindrop/id1514010062

Summary

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SYSK Choice: Controlling the Flow of Time & How Influential Parenting Works Jun 06, 2020

Show notes

When you talk to your partner, there is something you do – or don’t do, that can predict with amazing accuracy whether or not your relationship will survive and thrive or crash and burn. I start this episode with an explanation of what that is exactly. http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/06/happily-ever-after/372573/

Time may be constant but we all experience time differently in different situations. Marney Makridakis author of the book, Creating Time: Using Creativity to Reinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life (http://amzn.to/2yjzCr3) reveals how to improve the way you experience the passing of time. She also explains how you can make time – or at least the way you perceive it – either speed up or slow down.

You know you should drink a lot of water but you may not know all the reasons why. When you hear them, you may just want to go get yourself some water. http://www.bustle.com/articles/121825-5-ways-drinking-enough-water-changes-your-body

No one ever said parenting was easy. Psychologist Wes Crenshaw author of the book, Dear Dr. Wes: Real Life Advice for Parents of Teens (http://amzn.to/2hr182v) offers some straight forward, down-to-earth advice for parents to be more effective parents and to make the process of parenting simpler.

This Week's Sponsors

-Kong Box. Got to www.KongBox.com/something to make a $1 donation to help less fortunate dogs and your first Kong Box is free!

-Pindrop. Listen to the new podcast Pindrop https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pindrop/id1514010062

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