Something You Should Know

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The Real Dangers of Too Much Pleasure & Why You Should Celebrate Every Failure Oct 18, 2018

Show notes

So you get ready to make a salad and you rinse the lettuce and carrots and tomatoes under the faucet for a few seconds. Does that really get rid of the pesticides and bacteria? We explore that very important question and you really need to hear the answer. http://www.menshealth.com/how-to-wash-produce

Do you understand the difference between pleasure and happiness? It’s an important distinction because the more pleasure you seek, the less happy you become. That’s the contention of Dr Robert Lustig, author of The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains https://amzn.to/2yp2xMf. Dr. Lustig sees some troubling developments in our quest for pleasure and I think you’ll be interested in what he has to say.

It’s become a cliché to say that great ideas come in the shower. But the fact is – they do! And there is actually a psychological explanation for why that is. We begin this episode with a look at the reason for this common experience. http://mentalfloss.com/article/52586/why-do-our-best-ideas-come-us-shower

Nobody likes failure – but maybe we should all rethink that. Failure turns out to have a silver lining – and not just in the way that “Every cloud has a silver lining.” Chris Gethard is a pretty successful stand-up comedian who has written a book about failure called Lose Well https://amzn.to/2CpJcgz. Although Chris has had some clearly successful moments (his own HBO special and his own sitcom on Comedy Central for example) he has also had some colossal failures. He joins me to discuss why failure is inevitable and really something to be celebrated on your journey to success.

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What You MUST Know if You Fly Commercial Airlines & The Amazing Benefits of Taking Time for Yourself Oct 15, 2018

Show notes

Spending time with annoying and irritating people can be hazardous to your mental health! That’s according to some research from my alma mater, the University of Southern California. I begin this episode with that and how to bulletproof yourself from the negative effects of those most irritating people. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Annoying-people-can-slow-down-your-brain-Study/articleshow/16765621.cms

When you fly on a commercial airplane, I know you have questions about how commercial aviation works – or sometimes DOESN’T work very well. Patrick Smith is a commercial airline pilot and blogger at www.askthepilot.com and author of the book, Cockpit Confidential: Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel https://amzn.to/2CfqIPY. He joins me to answer some of the questions you think about when you are sitting and wondering in your airline seat.

Sometimes in winter, you have to stay warm. And as the weather cools off, it is a good time to discuss what’s really important to staying warm in cold weather and how the body reacts to preserve itself when temperatures drop. http://theweek.com/article/index/254754/how-to-keep-warm-outside-5-science-based-tips

We live in a time when productivity is essential. There is always more to do - but wait! Is striving to do more actually an effective strategy? What if I told you that taking time to unwind, relax and nurture yourself actually makes you MORE productive? You need to hear some important research from Jamie Gruman, professor of Organizational Behavior and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Jamie is author of the book Boost: The Science of Recharging Yourself in an Age of Unrelenting Depends https://amzn.to/2pSD8G0. He joins me to challenge everything you’ve ever thought about productivity and getting more done. And you are really going to like what he has to say.

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Why Some Things & People Become Popular & How to Use Logic Effectively Oct 11, 2018

Show notes

Anyone who has ever cooked pasta has thought about using HOT tap water instead of cold to speed up the process. After all, hot tap water takes less time to boil. But is it really a good idea to cook with hot tap water? We begin this episode with a discussion on why it is such a bad idea. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/health/29real.html

It may seem as if it's luck or chance that causes some things catch on and become popular or go viral. But it isn’t luck really. If you’ve ever wondered why some restaurants succeed while others fail or why some books, TV shows or movies do great but others go nowhere, you will want to listen to this segment. Jonah Berger, is a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and author of the book Contagious: Why Things Catch On https://amzn.to/2IQAn0s. Jonah joins me to explains the science of popularity – and it really is a science.

Conventional wisdom is that you should change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles. And it is a great example of just how wrong conventional wisdom is. Now it used to be accurate but not with cars today. Listen as I reveal how often you should REALLY change your oil. http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/stop-changing-your-oil.html?mktcat=maintenance-article&kw=stop+changing+your+oil&mktid=ob61762858&msite=w

Logic is sometimes misunderstood. For example, can you be logical AND emotional? (That was always an issue for Mr. Spock on Star Trek). Is there only one logical way to get to a conclusion? How does logic really work? We all need logic and to help you understand it is Eugenia Cheng. She is Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago and author of the book The Art of Logic in an Illogical World https://amzn.to/2QHth15. She joins me to explain logic and how you can use logic more effectively in your life.

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Why You Have Trouble Sleeping and How to Fix It & How to Succeed When You Feel Like You Don’t Belong Oct 08, 2018

Show notes

Even the best drivers get in serious accidents – usually because of bad drivers. So we start this episode with a look at why good drivers get into accidents and how to steer clear of them http://www.smartmotorist.com/traffic-and-safety-guideline/how-good-drivers-get-killed.html

A lot of us don’t’ sleep very well. Often the problem is so chronic that we convince ourselves that it is normal but it is not according to Dr. Barry Krakow. Dr. Krakow is a board certified internist and sleep disorders specialist and author of the book Sound Sleep Sound Mind: 7 Steps to Sleeping Through the Night (https://amzn.to/2RvmGbf). He joins me with effective strategies to improve your sleep. By the way his website is www.sleeptreatment.com

Ever been in a situation where you really need to feel powerful and confident but were feeling exactly the opposite? Well, there is a very effective tactic that can really boost your power and confidence and it only takes a moment. http://www.businessinsider.com/a-simple-exercise-to-make-you-powerful-2015-10

Just about everyone has felt a bit out of place at work or other professional setting. But maybe that’s a good thing. Jennifer Romolini felt like an outcast all her professional life yet managed to use that to her advantage and succeed anyway. In fact she took what she discovered along the way and put it in a book called Weird in a World That's Not (https://amzn.to/2NlWGvO). If you have ever felt like a nerd or that you didn’t belong in an organization, listen as Jennifer explains how to use your uniqueness to reach your goals.

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Why You Are Drawn to Distractions and How to Stop It & Why You Need More Fun at Work Oct 04, 2018

Show notes

Is it illegal to kill a praying mantis? Not that you would want to – but could you actually be fined or go to jail if you got caught? We begin this episode of the podcast with a look at what the law really says and why you would never want to kill one anyway. https://www.thoughtco.com/is-it-illegal-to-kill-praying-mantis-1968526

Funny thing about distractions… it seems that more you need to stay focused on your work, the more irresistible those distractions become. So how do you make those distractions less appealing so you can focus on what needs to be done? That’s what I discuss with productivity expert Chris Bailey. He is the author of the book HYPERFOCUS: how to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction (https://amzn.to/2Nl6ohY) and he has some very practical suggestions for keeping you on task when you need to be.

If you’ve ever lost your wallet – even for just a little while - you know what a terrible feeling that can be. If you did leave it somewhere, there is something you can do to help substantially increase the odds of getting it back. I’ll reveal a little trick that will make whoever finds your wallet want to give it back. https://thebark.com/content/lost-wallets

Work is serious business – but should it be? Could a little more humor and fun actually be good for the workplace and the people who work there? Scott Christopher thinks so. He is the co-author of the book The Levity Effect: Why it Pays to Lighten Up https://amzn.to/2IzFCS8 . Scott joins me to explain why fun and work really do mix and why the results of doing so are amazing.

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The Amazing Reason You Get Disgusted & Inventions that Could’ve Happened Much Sooner Oct 01, 2018

Show notes

Not long ago I went to the supermarket only to find everything had been moved around. Nothing was where it used to be. Why? I’ll explain why they do that and other little tricks supermarkets play on you. http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Supermarket-Psychology-Tricks-18344600?stream_view=1#photo-

Ever wonder why certain things disgust you? The things you find disgusting may be perfectly acceptable – even pleasing to someone else. Disgust turns out to be a fascinating human emotion. No other animals get disgusted by the things we do. And this emotion has served us well. Rachel Herz, a teacher at Brown University is also author of the book, That’s Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion (https://amzn.to/2xTcjVG) joins me to discuss why we get disgusted.

Very few people think they look great in photographs. So I have some advice from top photographers on what to do so you look great in every photograph you are in – no matter who is taking the picture. https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/nation/how-to-look-better-in-photos-best-ways-to-pose-for-pictures

It is amazing to think that so many inventions that changed how we live could’ve been invented a lot sooner. The stethoscope, the compass, human flight and other inventions took way too long to materialize since the technology for them was around a long time ago. It's just that no one figured out how to put it all together. Ryan North, author of the book How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler (https://amzn.to/2DFFLoy) takes us on a journey back in time and explains what went wrong.

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Where Conspiracy Theories Come From & Which Do Humans Prefer – Strict or Loose Rules? Sep 27, 2018

Show notes

You probably just assume food grown organically is healthier – and maybe it is. But you also probably think that organic food tastes better. You may not think you think that – but you do. We start this episode with an explanation as to why. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2302835/Organic-food-labels-trick-thinking-food-healthier-tastier.html

Conspiracy theories abound! I’m sure you’ve heard that some people believe the U.S. government was behind the 9/11 attacks or the Holocaust never happened or that the mafia really killed President Kennedy – or was it Castro? Where do these theories come from? Why do people believe them? And how do you have a conversation with someone if you think what they believe is crazy? Mick West, author of the book, Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories using Facts, Logic, and Respect (https://amzn.to/2R1HyXI) has researched conspiracy theories and the people who believe them and he has some great insight and advice for the next time you find yourself talking to someone who believes the world is really flat!

Over half the population has foot problems that hamper their daily lives. So I reveal some proven strategies to help alleviate and/or prevent those problems so your feet stay happy. http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-footpain-ess.html

Every culture is governed by rules – whether it is a nation, an organization, group or a family. Some cultures have very tight and strict rules while others take a more laid back approach. But which is better? Do you humans excel under strict regulations or is loose and easy a better way? Well, it all depends, according to cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand author of the book, Rule Makers Rule Breakers : How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World (https://amzn.to/2xRrRcE). She joins me to explain the fascinating reasons why different cultures adopt tight or loose controls and how those rules impact the lives of people they affect.

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Fascinating Mysteries that Baffle Science & The Incredible Story of Human Spaceflight Sep 24, 2018

Show notes

You tip the waiter at the end of a meal for a job well done. But when it comes to tipping the maid and other people at a hotel, it is actually better to tip them at the beginning of your stay so you get better service in the days to come. That’s just one of the very savvy travel tips with which we begin this episode of the podcast. http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/travel-mistakes-to-avoid-20131217/packing-for-the-long-haul

Do we really have free will? Does the placebo effect actually work? Have aliens tried to contact us? These are some of the fascinating mysteries that still baffle scientists. Science writer Michael Brooks, author of the book 13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Baffling Scientific Mysteries of Our Time (https://amzn.to/2NvuAmO) joins me to explore some of these mysteries and explains what we do know and what we don’t know about them.

Chewing gum may not be proper etiquette in many social situations but chewing gum does have some real benefits – particularly when you are stressed out. I’ll explain why have some gum in your pocket is almost always a good idea. https://greatist.com/happiness/does-chewing-gum-reduce-anxiety

2018 marks the 60th anniversary of NASA. And while space launches aren’t quite the big deal they once were, NASA is still doing a lot of impressive work. John Logsdon has been keeping his eye on NASA for a long time. John is the founder of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, former member of the NASA Advisory Council and he served on the Columbia Space Shuttle Accident Investigation Board in 2003. He is the editor of a new book that just came out celebrating 60 years of NASA called The Penguin Book of Outer Space Exploration (https://amzn.to/2DoYWmm) and joins me to discuss some really interesting stories about the US space program you probably never knew.

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How to Have a Good Day (Almost) Everyday & Extremely Fascinating Facts You Never Knew Sep 20, 2018

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I’ve lived with dogs most of my life (and one pretty cool cat) so I am fascinated by doggy behavior. And did you know that even though dogs will eat almost anything – they actually prefer two distinct flavors. We begin this episode of the podcast with that and some other interesting facts about what your dog is really thinking. (Paulette Cooper author of 27 Secrets Your Dog Wants You To Know) https://amzn.to/2xoCi83

You have good days and you have bad days. So what if you could control that so that you had far more good days than bad ones? Caroline Webb, author of the book How to Have a Good Day (https://amzn.to/2pnE0Ct) reveals the psychology, neuroscience and behavioral science that can help you greatly improve the odds that today and tomorrow will be fabulous!

If you have to present something at a meeting or make a proposal – do your best to NOT go first. I’ll discuss why and when in the meeting is a more optimal time to speak up. (Sarah McGinty author of the book Power Talk https://amzn.to/2plWwej0

What do 46% of people in Japan do when the doorbell rings? Why do astronauts have to sleep near a fan so they don’t die? This is just two of a bunch of facts you’ll hear from John Lloyd, creator of the Q.I television program in the UK and contributor to the book, 1,342 Quite Interesting Facts To Leave You Flabbergasted (https://amzn.to/2NREHll). If you like interesting facts to dazzle people at a cocktail party – this will be fun!

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Fascinating Ways Your Brain Works & Amazing Advice for People Who Are “Too Sensitive” Sep 17, 2018

Show notes

You may not have ever noticed this but hotels rarely offer milkshakes on their room service menu. And yet, if a hotel has a kitchen there is a good chance they have ice cream milk and a blender. But if you try to order a milkshake you probably won’t get it. Why not? The answer is simple, ridiculous and points out a big problem in American business today. (Steve Little author of The Milkshake Moment)

Why does time seem to go by faster as we get older? Why do people love kitten videos? How can you spot a liar? These and other fascinating psychology questions are what we tackle in my discussion with Art Markman, Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin, co-host of the podcast Two Guys on Your Head and author of the book Brain Briefs https://amzn.to/2xcxdyJ. It’s an interesting discussion that will help you better understand how your brain works.

Art Markman's website is http://www.smartthinkingbook.com/

A lot of new cars have a keyless ignition. And while that is convenient, it also makes it easier to forget to turn the car off and leave it running. That has caused some real problems. I’ll explain why and what to do to make sure it doesn’t happen to you. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/hidden-dangers-of-push-button-start

Do you know what an empath is? It is a person who prefers solitude and is extremely sensitive to noises, smells, crowds and social stimulation. It turns out there are a lot of people who fall into the category of “extremely sensitive” and being this way makes it a bit harder to navigate the world. Psychologist Judith Orloff, author of the book The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People https://amzn.to/2OvEiBV is in fact one of these extremely sensitive types and she has some insight and advice for other empaths and the people who must deal with them every day.

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