Something You Should Know

Latest Episodes:

The Science of Charisma & Why Midlife Is Better Than Everyone Thinks Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

If your porch light seems to attract every moth and flying insect in the neighborhood, you're not imagining it. Scientists have finally figured out why artificial lights are so irresistible to many insects—and knowing what they've discovered can help you keep more bugs away this summer. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44785-3

Some people seem to light up a room the moment they walk in. Others naturally draw people in, inspire confidence, and make lasting impressions. We call it charisma, and many assume you're either born with it or you're not. Olivia Fox Cabane says that's simply not true. In this conversation, she explains what charisma really is, why it's often misunderstood, and the surprisingly practical skills anyone can learn to become more influential and engaging. Olivia has advised leaders at Google, Deloitte, UBS, MGM, and TikTok, and is author of The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism (https://amzn.to/44kpuyI).

For decades, we've talked about "the midlife crisis" as though it's inevitable. But what if we've gotten midlife completely wrong? Research suggests that your middle years can be one of the most productive, satisfying, and influential periods of your life. So why does this stage have such a negative reputation? And what are people in midlife uniquely positioned to do that younger and older adults often can't? Margie Lachman, Professor of Psychology at Brandeis University and director of the Lifespan Lab, shares a fresh, evidence-based perspective on why midlife deserves a lot more celebration than sympathy. She is author of Primetime: A New Vision for Midlife (https://amzn.to/4bpLbRJ).

Have you ever searched everywhere for your keys or your glasses, only to discover they were sitting in plain sight the whole time? It's a surprisingly common experience, and it reveals something fascinating about how your brain decides what you do—and don't—see. https://dictionary.apa.org/inattentional-blindness

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SYSK TRENDING - Where Did the Hamburger Come From? Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Few foods are as American as the hamburger. Every year, Americans eat billions of them, and they are a staple at backyard barbecues, diners, ballparks, and restaurants around the world. Yet despite being one of the most recognizable foods on the planet, no one seems to agree on where the hamburger actually came from.

Like many great origin stories, the history of the hamburger has become tangled in myth, hometown pride, and competing claims. Over the years, dozens of people and places have been credited with inventing it, but separating fact from folklore isn't easy. That's what prompted award-winning author and historian Chris Carosa to approach the mystery the way a detective would—by following the evidence wherever it led.

Using classic investigative techniques, Chris dug through historical records, newspaper accounts, business documents, and eyewitness reports to piece together the hamburger's true story. His research reveals how the sandwich evolved, why so many people claimed to invent it, and how it eventually became one of America's most beloved foods. Along the way, he uncovers some fascinating misconceptions and surprising twists that have kept this culinary mystery alive for more than a century.

Chris Carosa is an award-winning writer, historian, and author of Hamburger Dreams: How Classic Crime Solving Techniques Helped Crack the Case of America's Greatest Culinary Mystery (https://amzn.to/2Hevorp). In this episode, he explains what the evidence really shows about the hamburger's origins, why the accepted story may be wrong, and how one simple sandwich became an enduring American icon.

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Have We Been Wrong About Posture? & How Memory Champions Think Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Take a look at your speedometer the next time you're driving. Chances are, it's lying to you. The speed you're actually traveling is probably different from what the dashboard says—and that's completely intentional. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedometer?utm

From the time we're children, we're constantly reminded to "sit up straight" and "don't slouch." We've been told that good posture prevents pain, improves health, and even makes us more confident. But how much of that is actually supported by science? According to Beth Linker, surprisingly little. In this conversation, she explores where our ideas about posture came from, why so many assumptions have gone unchallenged, and what the evidence really says about the way we sit, stand, and move. Beth is a former physical therapist, medical historian, and author of Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America (https://amzn.to/4480Hhk).

Imagine remembering names almost instantly, recalling conversations in remarkable detail, or memorizing enormous amounts of information with ease. It may sound like a rare gift, but Nelson Dellis says it's a skill almost anyone can learn. As a six-time USA Memory Champion, a two-time Guinness World Record holder and Grandmaster of Memory. He has mastered techniques that dramatically improve recall—and they're far simpler than most people imagine. In our conversation, Nelson explains how memory really works, why we forget so much, and the practical strategies you can start using immediately to remember more of what matters. He is author of Everyday Genius: Hacks to Boost Your Memory, Focus, Problem-Solving, and Much More (https://amzn.to/3Rlxpc7).

Tennis balls haven't always been bright yellow. For decades they were white, just as many people assume they always were. So why did manufacturers change one of the most recognizable pieces of sports equipment in the world? Interestingly, the answer has very little to do with tennis players—and everything to do with the people watching the match. https://www.itftennis.com/media/2280/balls-history-of-tennis-balls.pdf

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The Surprising Power of Being Polite & Job Interview Secrets That Really Work-SYSK Choice Jul 18, 2026

Show notes

Can simply believing a treatment will work actually help it work better? Surprisingly, yes. Researchers have found that your expectations can have a powerful effect on how your body responds to medication—even when the treatment itself hasn't changed. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/placebo-effect

Most of us think of politeness as little more than saying "please" and "thank you." But good manners do much more than make social interactions pleasant. They help build trust, strengthen relationships, reduce conflict, and even influence how people judge our competence and character. So why are some people naturally more polite than others? Do the rules of politeness change depending on where you are or who you're talking to? And can you be blunt—or even rude—and still earn people's respect? Louise Mullany has spent more than 25 years studying the science of politeness. She is Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Nottingham and author of Polite: The Art of Communication at Home, at Work and in Public (https://amzn.to/3xVN9Jo).

You can outsource your résumé, polish your LinkedIn profile, and even use AI to help write a cover letter. But when it's time for the interview, it's all on you. Too many candidates hope they'll "just answer the questions," only to discover they weren't nearly as prepared as they thought. Sam Owens explains what hiring managers are really looking for, the mistakes that immediately hurt your chances, and how a little preparation can dramatically improve your performance—whether you're interviewing in person or over Zoom. Sam is founder of Sam's Career Talk (https://www.samscareertalk.com/) and author of I Hate Job Interviews: Stop Stressing. Start Performing. Get the Job You Want (https://amzn.to/4f7xJSX).

MSG has had a bad reputation for decades. Many people avoid it because they believe it's unhealthy or causes unpleasant reactions. But where did that belief come from? And does today's science actually support it? The answer is much more surprising than most people realize. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-msg-really-harmful

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The Mystery of Accents and the Dangerous Habit of Rumination Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever pushed on a door that was supposed to be pulled—or pulled when you should have pushed? It feels embarrassing, but don't blame yourself. It turns out the problem usually isn't you. It's the door. https://uxdesign.cc/intro-to-ux-the-norman-door-61f8120b6086

Everyone has an accent—even if they don't think they do. The way you speak tells a story about where you've been, who influenced you, and sometimes even how other people perceive you before you've said more than a few words. Why do accents develop? Why are they so difficult to lose? And do people with accents realize they have one, or do they think everyone else sounds different? Erik Singer, one of Hollywood's leading dialect coaches, explains the fascinating science, history, and psychology behind the way we speak. He has analyzed accents from around the world for millions of viewers online (https://www.eriksinger.com/) and is author of the forthcoming book The Case of the Disappearing R.

We all replay conversations in our heads. We rethink decisions, relive embarrassing moments, and imagine what we should have said or done differently. It feels productive—as if we're solving a problem. But more often than not, we're simply trapped in a mental loop called rumination. Far from helping, rumination can fuel anxiety, depression, stress, and self-doubt while making it harder to move forward. Science journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa explains why our brains get caught in these loops, why they're so difficult to break, and what actually works to quiet an overactive mind. She is author of Mind Drama: The Science of Rumination and How to Outwit Your Inner Defeatist (https://amzn.to/4vKWiNs).

You've probably heard the advice that couples who want happier relationships should simply have sex more often. It sounds logical—but research suggests the relationship between sex and happiness may work very differently than most people assume. https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2015/may/more-sex-does-not-lead-to-happiness.html

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SYSK TRENDING - A Different View of Success Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

What does it really mean to be successful? Most people would probably say it's about making more money, climbing the career ladder, earning recognition, or becoming well known. But what if we've been measuring success all wrong?

After spending years traveling the country as host of Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe met thousands of people whose work is essential but rarely celebrated. Welders, plumbers, linemen, mechanics, farmers, and countless others showed him that fulfillment, purpose, and success often have very little to do with prestige—and a lot to do with attitude, craftsmanship, and showing up when it matters.

In this fascinating conversation, Mike challenges many of the assumptions we've come to accept about work, education, persistence, efficiency, and what it really takes to build a satisfying life. Even if you don't agree with all of his conclusions, his perspective is thoughtful, refreshing, and guaranteed to make you reconsider some deeply held beliefs.

Mike Rowe is creator and longtime host of Dirty Jobs, founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation (www.mikeroweworks.com), host of the podcast The Way I Heard It (https://mikerowe.com/podcast/), and author of the bestselling book The Way I Heard It (https://amzn.to/34Dikog).

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Has Therapy Gone Too Far? & The Hidden Genius of Birds Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Need a favor? The way you ask may matter as much as what you're asking for. Researchers have found that a few simple changes in how you make a request can dramatically increase the chances someone will say yes—and most people overlook them completely. https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/francis-flynn-if-you-want-something-ask-it

Going to therapy has become more common—and more socially accepted—than ever before. For many people, it has been life-changing. At the same time, anxiety, depression, and loneliness continue to rise, prompting an important question: Are we asking therapy to solve problems it was never designed to solve? Should everyone have a therapist, even if nothing is seriously wrong? Where is the line between normal struggles and issues that truly require professional treatment? In this thoughtful conversation, therapist Jonathan Alpert explores who benefits most from therapy, where it can fall short, and why resilience, personal responsibility, and strong relationships still play an essential role in emotional wellbeing. Jonathan has spent more than two decades treating patients and is author of Therapy Nation: How America Got Hooked on Therapy and Why It's Left Us More Anxious and Divided (https://amzn.to/4xMXS2I).

Birds are so common that it's easy to stop noticing them. Yet they are among the most extraordinary creatures on Earth. Every feather is a masterpiece of engineering. Their bones are optimized for flight. Some navigate across continents with astonishing accuracy, others build intricate nests without blueprints, and many possess abilities that scientists are still trying to understand. Even more remarkable, every bird alive today is a living descendant of the dinosaurs. Lorna Gibson, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT and lifelong bird enthusiast, reveals the hidden science behind feathers, flight, migration, and the incredible adaptations that make birds some of nature's greatest engineering achievements. She is author of Birds Up Close: An Engineer Explores Their Hidden Wonders (https://amzn.to/4eOiE9C).

The next time you open a bag of potato chips, pay attention to the sound it makes. That loud crinkling isn't an accident. Food manufacturers carefully engineer snack bags to produce a particular sound because what you hear can actually influence what you think about the freshness and quality of what's inside. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/food/noisy-chip-bags

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The Human Need We're Neglecting & The Mystery of Great Ideas - SYSK Choice Jul 11, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever forgotten a phone number, birthday, or why you walked into a room because you knew your phone would remember it for you? Many people joke about "digital dementia." While it isn't a real medical diagnosis, researchers are becoming increasingly concerned that our growing dependence on technology may be changing how we remember, think, and solve problems. https://www.neurocenternj.com/blog/digital-dementia-how-screens-and-digital-devices-impact-memory/

Most of us pay attention to our physical health and, increasingly, our mental health. But what about our social health? Research suggests the quality of your relationships may have a profound impact on your happiness, resilience, and even how long you live. Yet many people today have fewer close connections than ever before. Kasley Killam explains why social health matters so much and how to build stronger, more meaningful relationships. She has advised organizations including Google, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the World Economic Forum, and is author of The Art and Science of Connection: Why Our Social Health Is the Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier (https://amzn.to/4cynFRi).

Where do great ideas come from? Is imagination something you're born with, or can you actually develop it? According to Albert Read, imagination is more like a muscle than a mysterious gift—it grows stronger the more you understand and use it. In this conversation, he explains how creativity works, why ideas sometimes seem to appear out of nowhere, and how anyone can become more imaginative. Albert is Managing Director of Condé Nast Britain and author of The Imagination Muscle: Where Good Ideas Come From (https://amzn.to/4cw9xrw).

Sending flowers to someone who is sick or recovering from surgery seems like a thoughtful gesture. But can flowers actually help someone heal? Surprisingly, research suggests they may do more than brighten a room—they may have measurable effects on mood, stress, and recovery. https://www.floweraura.com/blog/healing-power-get-well-soon-flowers-scientific-perspective

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The Proven Magic of Being Outdoors & The Curious History of A, B, C Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Many ballpoint pens have a particular design feature intended to save your life – if necessary. It's one of those clever features most people never notice and hopefully never have to use yet millions of pens contain it. https://www.iflscience.com/theres-a-surprising-reason-why-pen-caps-have-holes-in-them-47723/

Most of us instinctively know that spending time outdoors feels good. A walk in the park, sitting on a patio, hiking a trail, or simply being outside seems to improve our mood. But scientists are discovering that the benefits go much deeper than just "feeling better." Modern humans spend the vast majority of their lives indoors, surrounded by artificial light, recycled air, screens, and environments our bodies were never designed for. What happens when we step outside—even for a few minutes—can have powerful effects on our brain, sleep, immune system, stress levels, and overall health. Dr. John LaPuma, a board-certified internist and author of Indoor Epidemic (https://amzn.to/4epGmtL), explains why being outdoors may be one of the most underappreciated health tools available—and why as little as 17 minutes can make a measurable difference.

The alphabet is one of the first things we learn as children, yet most of us never stop to wonder where it came from. Why is A the first letter? Why does Q almost always need a U? Why does C make different sounds in different words? Who decided these rules, and why have we kept them? As it turns out, our alphabet is the product of thousands of years of evolution, accidents, adaptations, and surprising historical twists. Danny Bate, linguist, broadcaster, and author of Why Q Needs U (https://amzn.to/3QZcJ9F), takes us on a fascinating journey through the hidden history of the letters we use every day and reveals why the alphabet is far stranger than it appears.

When it comes to attraction, many men assume women are primarily looking for physical traits like height, muscularity, or six-pack abs. The research tells a more interesting story. Some of the characteristics women consistently find most attractive aren't necessarily the ones most men spend their time worrying about. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10480979/

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SYSK TRENDING-How Your Circadian Rhythm Runs Your Life Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

Can you train yourself to become a night owl—or an early bird? Millions of people try. They force themselves to stay up later, wake up earlier, or work overnight because that's what life demands. But can your body really adapt? Or is there a biological clock inside you that simply refuses to cooperate?

Scientists now know that your circadian rhythm governs much more than when you feel sleepy. It helps regulate your energy, mood, memory, metabolism, immune system, hormones, and even your risk for a surprising number of chronic diseases. When that internal clock falls out of sync with the schedule you keep, the consequences can range from feeling groggy and unfocused to serious long-term health problems.

So how much control do you really have over your body clock? Why do some people naturally spring out of bed at dawn while others come alive after dark? What actually happens when you regularly ignore your body's signals? And what are the simple changes that can help you work with your circadian rhythm instead of constantly fighting it?

Russell Foster joins me to explain the remarkable science of the body's internal clock and why understanding it may be one of the most important—and overlooked—keys to better sleep, better health, and better performance.

Russell is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience and Director of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford. He is author of Life Time: Your Body Clock and Its Essential Roles in Good Health and Sleep (https://amzn.to/3QQGZ6v).

Whether you think of yourself as an early bird, a night owl, or somewhere in between, this conversation may completely change the way you think about sleep—and about time itself.

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