Something You Should Know

Latest Episodes:

The Amazing Benefits of Breathing Properly How to Make Better Decisions Jun 04, 2020

Show notes

Do you like getting robocalls on your phone? Of course you don’t. So this episode begins with a simple way to stop robocalls for free – and it really works. Source: Interview with Aaron Foss founder of www.Nomorobo.com

You are breathing now – and that’s a good thing. However, you are likely not breathing correctly. When you DO breathe correctly, amazing things can happen according to journalist James Nestor, author of the book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art (https://amzn.to/36MehbD). While you might think you don’t need to learn about your breathing – listening to this segment will change your mind. And you will breathe better.

You likely have a box with old VHS video tapes that you said you were going to have transferred one day. Listen as I explain how time is running out. In fact the time may have come and gone. http://www.audioholics.com/audio-technologies/cd-and-dvd-longevity-how-long-will-they-last and http://conservativecommandosradioshow.com /facts_about_old_video_tape_deterioration_why_you_should_transfer_and_convert_now

What makes a good decision? And how do you make more of them? That’s the topic tackled by Ralph Keeney. Ralph has been studying decision making for some time now. He is Professor Emeritus at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Southern California He is also author of the book Give Yourself a Nudge: Helping Smart People Make Smarter Personal and Business Decisions (https://amzn.to/2XOwrWi). Listen and become a better decision maker for those important decisions in your life.

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-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!

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How to Get Things Done Without Stressing Out & What Other People Really Think of You Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

Could driving while dehydrated be as dangerous as driving while drunk? This episode begins with some fascinating research that shows a link between dehydration and driver error – and the results are surprising. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/driving-while-dehydrated-can-be-just-as-dangerous-as-drinkdriving-study-suggests-10187670.html

How do you get a lot of things done without feeling overwhelmed? That’s what I discuss with time management expert Sam Bennett author of the book Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists (https://amzn.to/2ZKmwDs). She discusses how to take control of your day and accomplish the important tasks – and how NOT to be one of those people who is always complaining about how much they have to do and how busy they are.

When you interact with other people you make judgments about them. You also make judgements about how they are judging you and what they are thinking. The interesting thing is that you are probably wrong according to human behavior expert Mark Bowden author of the book Truth & Lies: What People Are Really Thinking (https://amzn.to/3etmqUT). Listen as Mark explains how to size up situations and the people you deal with in a way that gets you closer to understanding what other people are REALLY thinking.

Loneliness can feel very painful. And that turns out to be a good thing. Listen as we discuss how to use the pain of loneliness to not feel lonely anymore. Source: Dr. Pat Love author of Never Be Lonely Again (https://amzn.to/2TKC3zq)

This Week's Sponsors:

-Kong Box. Get your first box free when you donate $1 to help dogs in need. Go to www.KongBox.com/something to start your subscription.

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SYSK Choice: How to Cook on the Grill Perfectly & The Importance of Asking Good Questions May 30, 2020

Show notes

Just like food, medications have expiration dates. But just how accurate are those dates? Is it better to take an expired medication or no medication at all? We’ll explore that as we begin this episode of the podcast. http://vitals.lifehacker.com/is-it-safe-to-take-expired-drugs-1769146595

When you cook on the grill, there are a lot of theories on how you should or shouldn’t do it. But a lot of those theories are wrong. To help you understand how to best use the outdoor grill to create the best flavor possible and cook food correctly is Chef Todd Mohr. Todd is a certified culinary educator and founder of WebCookingClasses.com. Listen and hear some great tips and techniques just in time for summer outdoor cooking season.

Are you good at asking questions? Former CNN reporter Frank Sesno, author of Ask More (http://amzn.to/2ncfmCZ) explains the power and rewards of being able to ask the right questions – and how to really listen to the answers.

Do you ever get up and pace when you are thinking or trying to solve a problem? Many of us do it unconsciously. But does it actually help or is it just a way to burn off nervous energy? Discover what the science says about pacing and problem solving. http://mentalfloss.com/article/64404/why-do-we-pace-when-were-thinking

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!

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The Science of Persuasion & Understanding How the World Works May 28, 2020

Show notes

Some days it is just hard to get up and get going. So this episode begins with some interesting ways to get motivated and accomplish your goals on those days. All these strategies I discuss have been scientifically researched. http://www.purewow.com/wellness/time-management-tips-for-procrastinators

If you would like to be more persuasive, you really need to hear what James Crimmins has to say. James has spent his career in advertising and the world of persuasion. He has a unique definition of what persuasion is and discusses the science that anyone can use to help get people to do what you want. James is the author of the book 7 Secrets of Persuasion (https://amzn.to/2LVqf97)

If you own land, how far down do your rights extend – and how far up in the sky. Listen as I explain how much of the earth and sky is yours. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/3216/how-far-down-do-property-lines-go

Would you consider yourself “globally literate”? To be globally literate is to understand how the world works, who the key players are, where the trouble is and who the troublemakers are. Someone who can help you be a lot more globally literate is Richard Haas. He has advised 4 U.S. presidents and is currently the president of the Council on Foreign Relations. He served as the senior Middle East adviser to President George H. W. Bush, as director of the Policy Planning Staff under Secretary of State Colin Powell, and as the U.S. envoy to both the Cyprus and Northern Ireland peace talks. A recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal, the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award – and he is author of several books – his latest is big best seller called The World: A Brief Introduction. (https://amzn.to/36uddsH). Listen as he explains – how the world works.

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How to Find True and Lasting Happiness & The Truly Amazing World of Mushrooms May 25, 2020

Show notes

Does a full moon really bring out craziness in people? Does it cause more car accidents and hospital admissions? This episode begins with a look at whether or not the moon really affects human behavior – or at least why so many people believe it does. http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/stop-blaming-the-moon-says-ucla-scientist

Being happy is a big goal for almost everyone. And finding it is often a struggle. Joining me with some insight and science regarding how we can all be happier is Tim Bono, a lecturer at Washington University in St. Louis where he teaches courses on the Science of Happiness and author of the book Happiness 101: Simple Secrets to Smart Living & Well-Being (https://amzn.to/3cPVgY3).

Every child is told a million times to “stop fidgeting!” However, in some cases fidgeting may be the perfect thing to do. Listen as I discuss how fidgeting can help you learn better and improve cognitive performance, despite what your grandmother told you. http://www.inc.com/thompson-wall/how-fidgeting-at-work-can-promote-creative-thinking.html

I never thought I would be discussing mushrooms on this podcast. However it turns out that mushrooms and all fungi are absolutely fascinating. If we didn’t have fungus – life would be very different. Biologist Merlin Sheldrake has studied the world of fungus in great detail and you are about to discover things about the mushrooms you eat and all other fungi that will amaze you. Merlin is the author of the book Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures (https://amzn.to/2Xfdb3F)

This Week's Sponsors

-Better Help. Get 10% off your first month by going to www.BetterHelp.com/sysk and use the promo code: sysk

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SYSK Choice: Simple Strategies for a Great Relationship & How to Better Use Your Mind May 23, 2020

Show notes

While it is hard NOT to get angry sometimes, anger can take a toll on your health and lifespan. I’ll discuss some research that explains what is and isn’t worth getting angry about.

What does it take to have a happy relationship? You are going to hear some of the simplest, smartest and easiest advice to follow that can instantly start to transform your relationship. And it comes from Arielle Ford, author of The Soulmate Secret (https://amzn.to/36dpn97). Her website is www.soulmatesecret.com.

Why are unhappy people so unhappy? It turns out that unhappy people often get stuck being unhappy because of certain behaviors that keep them stuck. Listen to discover what those behaviors are and what to do to break out of them.

Also, are you using your mind correctly? The demands of the world require your mind to adapt but it doesn’t always adapt very well. For example, we think we multi-tasking is a good way to get more done – when in fact, it is not. It’s just not what the brain is wired for. Thomas Sterner, author of the book, The Practicing Mind (https://amzn.to/3g7STSD) explores better way to use your mind that will allow you to be more productive and happier.

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How to Negotiate by Asking the Right Questions & The Fascinating Science of Walking May 21, 2020

Show notes

Smells can have a really interesting effect on you. They can make you happy, improve concentration and boost your energy. This episode begins with an explanation of which scents do what. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/26/scents-and-wellbeing_n_5193609.html

If the thought of having to negotiate with someone turns you off – you will love this. Alexandra Carter is an expert at negotiating and her approach is fascinating and simple to understand and execute. It’s all about asking the right questions. Alexandra is a Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School and author of the book Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything (https://amzn.to/2T6WaY8)

If your computer has a camera, it is important to remember that hackers could be watching you. Listen as I explain how to protect yourself from hackers hijacking your camera and watching you when you are unaware. http://us.norton.com/yoursecurityresource/detail.jsp?aid=webcam_hacking

Walking may seem simple and unexciting but there is a whole science to it. Walking has a profound effect on your personal well-being and the well-being of the society we live in. How? That’s what Shane O’Mara is here to explain. Shane is a professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College in Dublin and author of the book In Praise of Walking: A New Scientific Exploration (https://amzn.to/2TuNs6z)

This Week’s Sponsors

-Better Help. Get 10% off your first month by going to www.BetterHelp.com/sysk and use the promo code: sysk

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How Self-Confidence Really Works & One Thing You Can Do to Be More Careful Online May 18, 2020

Show notes

Some foods get a bad rap – and undeservedly so. This episode begins with a list of foods you probably think are unhealthy but really aren’t all that bad according to science. http://www.businessinsider.com/foods-people-think-are-bad-unhealthy-that-arent-2017-3/

When you have too little confidence, that can be a real obstacle to success at anything. Then again, having too much confidence can mess things up as well. So how do you have the right amount of confidence and use it to your advantage? Here to discuss that is Don Moore, professor of management at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and author of the book Perfectly Confident (https://amzn.to/3cuzZTr).

Do cats really care about humans or do they just tolerate us because we feed them and give them a place to live? Listen and hear some fascinating research. http://people.com/pets/study-your-cat-probably-loves-you-more-than-it-loves-food-take-that-dogs

We have all heard the advice that when you are online you need to be careful and use common sense to protect your privacy and personal information. So what does that really mean? Aren’t most of us doing that? What more should we be doing – if anything? Listen to my guest Martin Keith. He is a professor of Information Security at Royal Holloway, University of London where he has worked in cryptographic research for thirty years. He is also author of the book, Cryptography: The Key to Digital Security, How It Works, and Why It Matters. (https://amzn.to/3bBzXbr)

This Week's Sponsors

-Better Help. Get 10% off your first month by going to www.BetterHelp.com/sysk and use the promo code: sysk

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SYSK Choice: Why Your Perceptions Often Deceive You & How Smart People Fall Victim to Fraud May 16, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever put your car in “Drive” while it is still rolling backwards a little bit? People do it all the time – yet it is terrible for your car. I’ll explore this and several other things drivers do that can ruin their car and hurt the value. https://www.thrillist.com/cars/10-ways-you-didn-t-know-you-re-ruining-your-car-how-to-make-your-car-last-longer

Believe it or not, your own perceptions often deceive you. For example, would you notice something unusual if it popped out in front of you? You would think so. But it turns out you are not as observant as you think you are. Daniel Simons author of the book, The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us (http://amzn.to/2eLXgaX) explains why you completely miss much of what you think you see and how those distorted perceptions can cause you trouble.

Why do people get goose bumps? Does it serve some sort of evolutionary purpose? Listen and discover the surprising answer. http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/ever-wonder-what-causes-goosebumps

It isn’t just the elderly or dumb or greedy people who fall victim to fraud. A lot of smart people get taken too. Financial crime expert Jeffrey Robinson, author of the book, There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute (http://amzn.to/2j50Qyb) explains how big a problem fraud is, how enticing fraudsters make it all seem and how to make sure you do NOT become a victim.

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-GrubHub

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Who Actually Discovered Fire and Other Amazing Firsts & How to Find A Job Now May 14, 2020

Show notes

It is a bicyclist's nightmare – dooring! It is when someone in a car along the side of the road opens the door just as you drive by and – WHAM! It happens a lot more than you might think – and it probably ALMOST happens a lot more. There is an interesting way to prevent it that comes from the Netherlands. Listen and find out what it is. http://www.rd.com/advice/travel/open-car-door-right-hand/1

Have you ever wondered who discovered fire or who invented the wheel? You might think it was too long ago to ever figure out but Cody Cassidy has done the research and was actually able to trace it all back to discover the answers to these and other questions like who invented clothes and who drank the first beer. Cody is the author of the book Who Ate the First Oyster?: The Extraordinary People Behind the Greatest Firsts in History (https://amzn.to/2WMDa2f) and he joins me to reveal some of these fascinating firsts.

If you need a job, it may be tempting to respond to online job posts but that turns out to be an inefficient and often ineffective strategy. What works better? Listen to my guest Steve Dalton, founder and CEO of www.Contact2Colleague.com and author of the book The 2 Hour Job Search (https://amzn.to/2SXYBMC). He has developed a proven way to speed up a job search and get a job that is well suited to you.

If you want to know how sincere someone is, look at their hands. Listen as I explain what to look for. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/malleable-mind/201205/emotion-is-reversed-in-left-handers-brains

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