Something You Should Know

Latest Episodes:

SYSK Choice: How You Got Your Personality & Why You Click With Some People Apr 18, 2020

Show notes

Noise is more than just annoying. Noise can affect your health, your work and your mood. This episode begins with a look at just how much trouble noise can cause in your life. http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/7-ways-noise-can-affect-your-health

Your personality is what makes you – you. But where did it come from? Can you improve your personality? Professor Brian Little, author of the book, Who Are You, Really? The Surprising Puzzle of Personality (http://amzn.to/2vWHYm7) examines why you are who you are and how much of your personality is changeable and how much is set in stone.

If you think someone is lying to you, there are a few words and phrases to look out for. Liars tend to use certain language that can help you determine if they are being truthful or not and I’ll tell you what to listen for to spot a liar. Source: You Can’t Lie To Me (https://amzn.to/3elH4an) by Janine Driver

Also, have you ever just clicked with someone? You know that feeling of instant connection? It can happen in a romantic way but also happens platonically and with people at work. Ori Brafman, author of the book Click (http://amzn.to/2vWATSC) has studied this phenomenon and believes strongly that these relationships are special. Ori says we shouldn’t just brush it off as “love at first sight.” Listen and understand why these relationships are worth exploring.

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How to Think Like a Rocket Scientist & How Coffee Became the World’s Beverage Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

You know you shouldn’t go food shopping when you are hungry because you will end up buying more junk food. It turns out that when you are hungry, you shouldn’t go shopping for ANYTHING – not just food. Listen as I explain why. http://www.womansday.com/life/work-money/default/a49921/dont-buy-anything-on-an-empty-stomach/

You know the phrase, “It’s not rocket science.”? The implication of that is that rocket science is really hard and rock scientists must be really smart. And they probably are. So how can you think like one? Former rocket scientist Ozan Varol joins me to explain. Ozan is now retired from rocket science. Today he is a law professor and podcaster (his podcast is called Famous Failures) and he is author of the book, Think Like A Rocket Scientist (https://amzn.to/2VxeHh1).

We all know that eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health and your looks. Listen as I discuss how eating produce can also make you more attractive. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296758/

It’s weird to think that such a huge portion of the world’s population drinks coffee every day. Why is that – is it really because it tastes so good or is it just that we are hooked on the caffeine? And how did drinking coffee become so popular? Augustine Sedgewick spent a long time investigating the origins of our love affair with coffee and he joins me to share this remarkable story. Augustine is a teacher at City University in New York , got his PhD from Harvard – and he is author of the book Coffeeland: One Man’s Dark Empire and the Making of Our Favorite Drug (https://amzn.to/3b642jW).

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-AirMedCare Network.Go to www.AirMedCareNetwork.com/something and get up to a $50 gift card when you use the promo code: something

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Common Medical Practices You Should Stop Doing & What Happens if You Have No Will Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

Want to be more attractive? There has actually been some interesting research on what makes people appealing to others and this episode begins by exploring ways you can instantly make other people notice you – and like what they see. http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-attract-the-opposite-sex-2013-7?op=1

It is conventional medical wisdom to take a pill to lower your fever or to put ice on a sprain or to be sure to take all your antibiotic pills even if you feel all better. Yet all those common practices and others, are bad medicine according to Dr. Paul Offit, a professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia and author of the book Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far (https://amzn.to/2RoRAUp). Listen and Dr. Offit offers an eye opening explanation of why we persist in doing these types of things and what we should be doing instead.

It is easy to let exercise slip, especially with gyms and parks being closed and all of us cooped up inside. Yet exercise is exactly what we need to help get us through. Listen as I explain some of the amazing benefits of exercise that you may not have heard before. http://www.businessinsider.com/psychological-benefits-of-exercise-2015-6

Are you prepared to die? What I mean by that is, do you have everything in order, or do you at least have a will? More than half the U.S. population does not yet every single one of those people will die someday. Chanel Reynolds’ husband didn’t have a will and when he was suddenly killed in a car crash, she had to navigate and figure out what to do since he left no instructions. She has since become an advocate to get people to plan for the inevitable. She wrote a book called What Matters Most (https://amzn.to/3aPU7P8) and she joins me to explain the importance of having a will and other legal documents ready as well as the nightmare it creates when you don’t.

Her website is www.ChanelReynolds.com

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-The Zebra. Compare and save money on car insurance. Go to www.TheZebra.com/sysk

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SYSK Choice: Fixing Flaws in Your Thinking & the Good News About Failure Apr 11, 2020

Show notes

Many grocery stores now boast that they sell “locally grown” produce. Perhaps you’ve wondered just how local it is – where does that locally grown produce actually come from? We begin this episode with an explanation of just how far away produce can originate and still be called – locally grown. http://time.com/2970505/organic-misconception-local/

Also, let’s take a look at how you think. In particular, a look at the flaws in how you think. Matthew May is an innovation strategist, speaker and author of, Winning the Brain Game: Fixing the 7 Fatal Flaws of Thinking (http://amzn.to/2tRYBiL). He joins me to explain how we so often go wrong when we solve problems, make decisions or come up with ideas. He has tested thousands of people and found that almost all of us make some pretty common mistakes that prevent us from coming up with the right solution. Listen as he offers simple strategies to get your thinking back on track.

Perhaps you’ve heard that many people now cover up their webcam with a piece of tape to prevent hackers from spying on them. Is that really necessary? I’ll explain what the experts say you should do. http://www.rd.com/advice/work-career/laptop-camera/

Plus, we explore the importance of failure. Sure, failing at something really sucks but sometimes it is necessary – and it isn’t the end of the world. Megan McArdle, author of The Upside of Down: Why Failing Well is the Key to Success (http://amzn.to/2vJGPQp) explains why it is important to embrace failure as a process toward success. It isn’t just the old clichés of “learn from your mistakes”, failure serves a real purpose if you don’t let knock you down.

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How to Make Money Quickly in a Crisis & Why We Are Getting Fatter and How to Stop It Apr 09, 2020

Show notes

The best way to solve your problems may be to pretend they are someone else’s. This episode begins with an interesting way to look at your problems that can help you come up with much better solutions. http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/06/09/0956797614535400

The coronavirus shutdown has many of us worried about money. Joining me to discuss ways you can make money quickly as well as into the future is Chris Guillebeau. Chris is the host of the podcast Side Hustle School (https://sidehustleschool.com/) and author of several books including his latest, The Money Tree: The Story About Finding a Fortune in Your Own Back Yard (https://amzn.to/2Rab2nQ). Chris has been a guest before and he is really good at helping people find news ways to make company.

Do CDs and mp3s make music sound worse? Some people think so. Could you tell the difference between a CD and a high-resolution recording? Listen as I discuss what your ears may or may not be missing out on. https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/rec.music.classical.recordings/m_kbHvHuQm0/QmhFwKbT5McJ

Why are Americans so much heavier today than ever? What happened? More importantly, what can be done about it? Andy Boyle is a journalist who investigated why we have grown fatter. Andy reveals the causes and the solution that can help anyone lose weight. In fact Andy followed these simple practices and lost 100 pounds! He joins me to discuss his investigation and his journey to a slimmer self. Andy is the author of the book Big Problems: A Former Fat Guy’s Look at Why We’re Getting Fatter and What You Can Do to Fix It (https://amzn.to/3dRZMGn)

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-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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Why You Have So Much Stuff and What to Do With It & How To Be A Great Communicator Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

Need something to pass the time? This episode begins with an activity you and the family can do that will kill some time and also put money in the bank. http://lifehacker.com/what-to-do-with-all-that-loose-change-youve-been-hoardi-1792821108

Unless you are careful, it is easy to accumulate a lot of stuff. It is not a stretch to say that Americans have too much stuff. So how did we get it and what should we do with it? To the rescue is Peter Walsh. Peter has been helping people organize and declutter - as a coach, a TV host, a writer and on YouTube. His latest book is called Let It Go (https://amzn.to/3dKkb0a). Listen as he offers some incredible insight into why we accumulate so much stuff and has some great techniques that can help you evaluate whether you should keep it, toss it or give it away.

How many times have we all heard about the importance of good communication? So how does a good communicator – communicate? Leadership and communications consultant Alain Hunkins, author of the book Cracking The Leadership Code (https://amzn.to/39vSAMB) joins me to explain what it means to be a good communicator and offers excellent suggestions that will help you communicate better. His website is www.alainhunkins.com

Chopping onions is one of the most unpleasant jobs in the kitchen because onions make you cry. But they don’t have to. Listen as I explain some simple ways to chop onions without the tears. https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2013/04/tested-the-best-tear-free-tricks-for-cutting-onions/

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-AirMedCare Network.Go to www.AirMedCareNetwork.com/something and get up to a $50 gift card when you use the promo code: something

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SYSK Choice: Is There Life After Death? & The Good News About Procrastination Apr 04, 2020

Show notes

I suspect we all mispronounce words from time to time. Either we learned them wrong or we get lazy. I know I usually pronounce affidavit as if it has a D on the end instead of a t because it is just easier. It’s wrong but it is easier. We start today’s episode by looking at some commonly mispronounced words because some people will judge you harshly when you don't say words correctly. http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/style-and-usage/mispron.html

What happens when you die? Of course we don’t know for sure – or do we? Dr. Mary Neal is a medical doctor who drowned in a kayaking accident in Chile several years ago. She was dead for 30 minutes. But she came back. Wait until you hear the story she tells of her experience of dying and returning to tell the tale. Dr. Neal is the author of the best-selling book To Heaven and Back. (http://amzn.to/2yFC7EL)

If you are a wine drinker, you have no doubt gone to take a sip only to see a fruit fly swimming in your glass. Should you toss out the fly and drink the wine or start all over? There is a little science you need to hear. https://www.winespectator.com/articles/can-fruit-fly-ruin-glass-wine-53891

Why are procrastinators made to feel bad that they always wait until the last minute to accomplish a task? What does it matter as long as it gets done? According to clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Lamia, author of the book, What Motivates Getting Things Done: Procrastination, Emotions, and Success (http://amzn.to/2zGr0Md), procrastinators should stop feeling bad and stop trying to change. First of all it is almost impossible to change and secondly, there is no reason to. She explains all of that in today’s episode.

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What You Need to Know About Cars and How to Buy One & How to Stop Overthinking Apr 02, 2020

Show notes

Would you like to hear some really good and solid advice that will make your life simpler and easier? This episode begins with some excellent bits of wisdom I am sure you will use in your life. http://www.raptitude.com/2015/02/67-short-pieces-of-advice-you-didnt-ask-for/

If you ever have or ever will buy, sell or drive a car, you must listen to my conversation with Jack Gillis. Each year for 40 years, Jack has written a new edition of The Car Book (https://amzn.to/2X0tFOP) which details virtually every new car that model year in terms of safety, maintenance, customer complaints etc. He joins me to discuss what every driver needs to know about cars and offers some great advice on how to buy one.

Are you holding a grudge against someone? If so – or if you ever have in the past, I have some wonderful insight into how a grudge does you absolutely no good and why you need to let it go. (Source: Interview with Fred Luskin Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Project)

Do you ever find yourself ruminating and overthinking things over and over again? If so you may have noticed it is not very productive and in fact in can be harmful. Anne Bogel is a blogger, podcaster and author of the book Don't Overthink It (https://amzn.to/2JgntKA). She joins me to discuss why we overthink, the damage it can do and how to stop it.

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-Grubhub. For $10 off any order of $15 or more (for new diners only), download the Grubhub app and use promo code SYSK

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How to Solve Problems Before They Happen & How to Be Productive Working From Home Mar 30, 2020

Show notes

Don’t you just hate it when you burn your tongue from drinking or eating something too hot? This episode begins with some first-aid for the next time you inadvertently put something in your mouth that is way too hot. http://www.yogawiz.com/blog/home-remedies/home-remedies-remedy-for-healing-burnt-burning-tonguepain-sensation.html

Wouldn’t it be great if you could solve problems BEFORE they happen? You can – in fact you do. You change the oil in your car to prevent problems before they happen. With a slightly different way of thinking, we can solve a lot of problems that way according to Dan Heath author of the book Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen (https://amzn.to/3atB1Os). Listen as he explains this fascination method of problem solving.

Is it better to exercise first thing in the morning or in the afternoon? Listen as I explain the pros and cons to both. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/best-time-to-work-out-to-lose-weight

Many people are working from home during the coronavirus pandemic who don’t normally work from home. If you are one of them, you have likely discovered that it is more difficult and challenging than you probably thought. Productivity expert Maura Nevel Thomas author of the book Attention Management (https://amzn.to/3ajnskJ) joins me to discuss how people working from home can overcome the distractions and stay focused.

This Week's Sponsors

-AirMedCare Network.Go to www.AirMedCareNetwork.com/something and get up to a $50 gift card when you use the promo code: something

-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: How to Be More Persuasive & Networking Strategies That Really Work Mar 28, 2020

Show notes

You know when you head up the entrance ramp on a freeway, you have to really “floor it” to get your car up to speed. Is that good for your engine to put the pedal to the metal like that? This episode begins by explaining what revving your engine actually does. http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a25286/how-to-make-you-car-last-longer/

Would you like to be more persuasive? Jay Heinrichs is a real expert at this, having written several books on the topic. One of those books is Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion (http://amzn.to/2uDWt1U). Jay joins me for a lively discussion on what works –and doesn’t work in persuading other people to understand your point of view.

When you have to shut down your Wi-Fi or other device, the advice is often to leave it off for 30 seconds or so before restarting. What’s the reason? And do you really have to? http://serverfault.com/questions/32787/where-did-wait-30-seconds-before-turning-it-back-on-come-from

And, we take a look at the practice of networking. We have all been told how important it is to get out there and meet people because, well, it can lead to something. But often it only seems to lead to a big pile of business cards and not much else. Larry Mohl, former Chief Learning Officer for Motorola Cellular and American Express and is author of the book Networking is Dead, (http://amzn.to/2tjFpKC) explains how traditional networking doesn’t usually work – and he offers some more efficient and effective ways to connect with people who can help you.

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The Zebra. Compare and save money on car insurance. Go to www.TheZebra.com/sysk

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