Shows
Something You Should KnowThe Secrets to Achieving Your Goals & Origin Stories of Our Favorite Phrases - SYSK ChoiceSpeed reading might sound impressive, but research shows that slowing down can actually improve comprehension, retention, and enjoyment. In this opening segment, we explore why reading at a slower pace could be the real key to getting the most out of your books and articles. https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-slow-reading-is-actually-a-good-thing-because-being-a-speed-reader-is-overrated-73092
On average, people juggle about 22 goals at any given time — but chasing all of them often leads to frustration and burnout. My guest, Jon Acuff, bestselling speaker and author of nine books, including All It Takes is a Goal (https://amzn.to/3PtSiOF), shares a fresh, mo...
2025-09-1349 minSomething You Should KnowThe Mysteries of Your Subconscious Mind & Is An Electric Car in Your Future?When people see someone in public having a heart attack or stroke or other medical emergency, they often pull out their phones? Bad idea. This episode begins with something ER doctors want you to do and NOT do in a medical emergency. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14372699/er-doctor-medical-emergency-darria-gillespie-jay-ladde.htmlSo much of what you do is driven by your subconscious mind. You don’t have to think to blink or have to consciously remember how to walk, or sit or eat – you just do these things. Join me as we t...
2025-02-1755 minSomething You Should KnowWhy You Should Take Fun Seriously & Electricity’s Amazing Story - SYSK ChoiceSometimes your willpower seems pretty good but other times - especially right when you need it – it disappears. What if there was a way to boost your will power right when you need it most? This episode begins with a technique that can help you resist whatever that temptation when it is right in front of you. https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/clenched-muscles-assist-self-contro-10-10-20/When you think about it, being happy isn’t something you do. Happiness is the result of something you enjoy. In other words, you must do something fun first, then happiness will...
2025-01-1153 minSomething You Should KnowThe Secret to Getting Things Done & The Brain Fog Fix - SYSK ChoiceEveryone orders pizza at some point. So, everyone should that there is one size pizza that is a lousy deal almost every time. I begin this episode by revealing a mathematical formula that will save you money on pizza from this day forward. https://lifehacker.com/the-math-equation-that-explains-why-you-should-always-b-1784641566We could probably all stand to be a little more organized. And here with some rock-solid, proven strategies is David Allen. He is an internationally recognized expert in productivity and organization and author of the book Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (https://amzn.to/32Vr6Or). He...
2024-08-2450 minSomething You Should KnowGreat Stories of Extraordinary Success & Why You Should Care About Black HolesYour chances of winning the lottery are horrible. Still, a lot of people play. This episode starts by revealing a few things worth knowing about playing the lottery – even though you likely won’t ever win the big jackpot. https://www.wired.com/video/watch/lottery-strategyStories of how great ideas become successful are always fascinating – particularly when those ideas are so different than anything that came before it. Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, Twitch, Twitter are all successful companies that broke a lot of rules on the road to success. They had to. Here to reveal how they and oth...
2024-07-1151 minSomething You Should KnowHow to Nail Those Important Goals & The Odd Words and Phrases We All UseThere is a perceived advantage to reading fast. However, reading slower may actually be more beneficial for a lot of reasons. This episode opens with some important reasons to slow down your reading for maximum impact. https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-slow-reading-is-actually-a-good-thing-because-being-a-speed-reader-is-overrated-73092The average person has 22 goals they want to accomplish. So what’s the best way to go after them? Here with a refreshing and exciting take on setting and achieving goals is Jon Acuff. He is a speaker and author of 9 books. His latest is called All It Takes is a Goal (https://amzn.to/3Pt...
2023-09-1149 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: The New Science of Human Metabolism & The Real Reasons Wars ExistIf you are into stories of success and what it takes to be the best, you will sometimes here someone quote a study about the importance of goal setting. The study happened at Yale University in 1953. You should NOT pay attention to that study and this episode begins with the reason why.. https://www.fastcompany.com/27953/if-your-goal-success-dont-consult-these-gurus People may think they know what causes weight gain and weight loss – but what people think is often wrong according to my guest Herman Pontzer. He is one of the foremost researchers in the area of human metabolism and author of t...
2023-03-2548 minSomething You Should KnowThe Proven Benefits of Having More Fun & How We Tamed ElectricityWouldn’t it be great if you had a way to turbocharge your will power when you are faced with temptation? Well, you do have such a way. This episode begins with a simple technique that will help you resist whatever is tempting you in the moment and keep you on the straight and narrow. http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/clenched-muscles-assist-self-contro-10-10-20/Everyone wants to be happy but being happy isn’t something you do, it's the result of doing something you enjoy. You must first have fun, then happiness follows. This is according to orga...
2023-01-1253 minSomething You Should KnowHow to Organize, Prioritize and Get Things Done & How to Achieve Peak PerformanceIt’s a good thing you learned math in school. Why? Because when you apply math to pizza, you will realize that there is one size pizza that is almost always a lousy deal. This episode begins with a mathematical formula that will save you real dough on your next pizza order. http://lifehacker.com/the-math-equation-that-explains-why-you-should-alwaysb-1784641566Most of us probably wish we were a bit better at being organized so that we could prioritize tasks and do things more efficiently. Fortunately, David Allen is here to explain how to do just that. David is an internationally recognized exp...
2022-08-2549 minSomething You Should KnowIs It Good to Be Cynical? & How We All Screw Up Our Personal FinancesWhat do you crave? Well, whatever it is, the next time you crave it, there is something simple you can do that can make the craving pass quickly to help you avoid temptation. I begin this episode with this very easy tactic that has been proven to work. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psyched/201104/clenching-your-fists-increases-willpowerWould you say you are a cynical person? A cynic is someone who doesn’t put much faith in the goodness of others. Many cynics say they are just realists - that people can’t be trusted because humans are motivated by g...
2022-01-2053 minSomething You Should KnowHow Metabolism Really Works & Why Humans Fight and Go to WarThere is an often-quoted study about the importance of goal setting and success that happened at Yale University in 1953. This episode begins with an explanation of why you should NOT pay attention to this study at all. https://www.fastcompany.com/27953/if-your-goal-success-dont-consult-these-gurusEveryone knows what causes people to gain weight and lose weight - and, it turns out, everybody is wrong! That’s according to Herman Pontzer. Herman is one of the foremost researchers in human metabolism and author of the book Burn: New Research Blows the Lid Off How We Really Burn Calories, Lose Weight, and St...
2021-03-2948 minSomething You Should KnowWhat to Say to Get What You Want & How We Judge People Based on How They TalkBlue jeans have been in fashion for a very long time. How did that happen? After all, they started out as work clothes. This episode begins by exploring the origins of jeans and how they became so popular. Source: James Sullivan, author of Jeans: A Cultural History of an American Icon (https://amzn.to/2F0wyID)How often have you looked back on a conversation and wish you had said something different – something brilliant? Well now you can. Listen to my guest Phil M. Jones, author of the book Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for In...
2020-09-1050 minSomething You Should KnowWhat Really Influences Your Food Choices & How Technology Puts Stress On Your BodyWatching a scary movie can be terrifying and unpleasant. So why do people do it? This episode begins with a discussion on the appeal of scary movies and what watching them actually does for people. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070725152040.htmEver wonder why you chose to eat the foods you eat? The fact is there are a lot of things that influence food choice and many of those influences make it hard to eat a healthy diet. To help you sort out how to make better food choices and resist those negative influences so you can...
2020-09-0753 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: What Is The Truth? & How Systems FailWe have a lot of devices – cellphones, tablets, laptops – and they all need to be charged up constantly. How much does that cost? And how much does it cost to run a television, light bulb or a Tesla every year? Listen to discover the answers. http://www.forbes.com/pictures/ekhf45ellkj/ipad-1-50-per-year/It seems as if the truth has taken a beating in recent years. Your truth may not be my truth and then, of course, there is alternative truth. Huh? It’s time we take a closer look at what the truth is and is...
2020-09-0547 minSomething You Should KnowHow, Why and When Doctors Make Mistakes & How Creatures and People Actually EvolveWhen someone is sick or in the hospital, it is customary to send them flowers. Who doesn’t love flowers? But do flowers actually help sick people heal? This episode begins with a discussion on some interesting research that connects healing with plants and nature. http://askinyourface.com/2012/05/06/the-healing-power-of-flowers/Everyone makes mistakes, including doctors. But medical errors can have serious consequences. It has been reported that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in America. Could that be true? What is being done to prevent medical errors and what can we as patients do to ma...
2020-09-0355 minSomething You Should KnowYour Fascinating Sense of Smell & How to Time The Important Experiences in Your LifeHow many things are taking up space in your house that you will never, ever, ever use again? This episode begins with some simple advice that will help you clear out some things from your home or office and free up some space for what’s really important. Source: Barbara Hemphill author of “Love It or Lose It (https://amzn.to/31wfIdq)Your sense of smell is fascinating. Still, it is the one sense that people would be most likely to give up if they had to. That’s likely because people don’t realize how important smell is...
2020-08-3151 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: How Luck Happens & Questioning What We Tell OurselvesPeople hate unsolicited advice – and they seldom follow it. Still, that doesn’t stop us from dishing it out to those we are trying to help. Well maybe there is a better and more effective way to influence people other than just telling them what we think they should do. I’ll tell you what it is. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/do-the-right-thing/201407/giving-people-advice-rarely-works-doesSome people have all the luck. But why? Why are some people luckier than others? Can you create a life that has more luck in it? Can you be one of tho...
2020-08-2943 minSomething You Should KnowOptimizing Nonverbal Communication & Eating For Cognitive PowerIf you flip a coin and it comes up heads a couple of times in a row, chances are you would bet the next flip will come up tails. That is the perfect example of the “gambler’s fallacy.” Because the next flip is NOT more likely to come up tails. It gets gamblers in Las Vegas in trouble but it can also get you in trouble if you let it enter in to your decision making process. http://news.tamhsc.edu/?post=committing-the-gamblers-fallacy-may-be-in-the-cards-new-research-showsYou instinctively know about body language. When people act a certain way or don’t m...
2020-08-2747 minSomething You Should KnowAmazing Ways Insects Improve Your Life & How Too Much Success Can Be a ProblemIf you’ve ever taken over-the-counter cough and cold medicine, you may have noticed that it isn’t always that effective in relieving the symptoms. Recent research indicates that there is something in your kitchen cupboard that is more effective and is totally free of side effects. This episode begins with a home remedy that truly works. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-8641173/Honey-beats-antibiotics-curing-colds-Study-shows-effective-medication.htmlInsects are often regarded as pests but actually, insects do a lot of things that make your life a lot better and easier. Edward Melillo is professor of history and environmental stud...
2020-08-2449 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Surprising Forces Behind Our Purchases & How to Have Conversations That MatterHandwriting analysis sounds like it might be scientific. After all some courts allow it during trials and it has helped to convict defendants. But how reliable is it really? When put to the test, do handwriting experts do better in spotting a forgery or confirming a signature than you or me? Listen and find out. http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/grapho.htmlYou like to think that when you buy something, you do it for sound smart and logical reasons. And maybe YOU do. But most people don’t. Marketing expert Harry Beckwith, author of the boo...
2020-08-2245 minSomething You Should KnowUnderstanding The Fear of Missing Out & How to Make Your Immune System StrongerYour computer keyboard looks a lot like the typewriter keyboard that was invented in the 1800s. The letters are in the same places now as they were then. Why are the letters of the QWERTY keyboard in the order they are in and why hasn’t anyone come up with anything better? This episode begins with an explanation. https://www.cnet.com/news/a-brief-history-of-the-qwerty-keyboard/Several years ago, Patrick McGinnis coined the term “Fear of Missing Out” or FOMO. It has now become part of the language and life experience for many people. The problem is, FOMO doesn’t do any...
2020-08-2055 minSomething You Should KnowHow The Room You Are In Affects Health and Performance & How to Do What Really MattersEveryone has felt shy. It really depends on the situation. So how can you get over your shyness so you can engage with the people around you? This episode begins with some excellent advice from one of the leading shyness experts on how to work through those shy feelings in the moment – and it is really quite simple. Source: Bernardo Carducci author of Shyness (https://amzn.to/2XWCgl8)You’ve probably heard something somewhere about how indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. And yes that is true but that is just the tip of the iceb...
2020-08-1749 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: The Quirkiness of Genius & How Cats WorkTV networks manipulate programs to make more time for commercials – a LOT more time. I’ll discuss that and you might want to watch this YouTube video that demonstrates just how it works. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6i1VVikRu0. And here is the source for this story: http://www.wsj.com/articles/cable-tv-shows-are-sped-up-to-squeeze-in-more-ads-1424301320We all have our little quirks and idiosyncrasies. But why is that great innovators like Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Marie Curie and others seem weird and “off the charts” quirky compared to the rest of us? Meliss...
2020-08-1545 minSomething You Should KnowHacks to Learn Better & Quirks of Your Brain That Drive You CrazyWhere do you keep your car keys at night? This episode begins with an explanation as to why you might want to keep those keys within easy reach of wherever you are sleeping. http://worldofwonder.net/lifehack-put-car-keys-beside-bed-night/What’s the best way to learn anything new? IT is probably NOT reading information over and over. There are better ways to engage the brain so material really sticks. Here to explain what those methods are is Ulrich Boser who has spent a lot of time understanding the science of learning. He is founder and CEO of The Learning Age...
2020-08-1353 minSomething You Should KnowUncommon Knowledge You Need to Know & How to Handle All the Paper in Your LifeOutdoor cooking and eating can be fun and tasty. Still, there are some potential dangers we all need to be aware of. For example, when was the last time you really cleaned your grill? If you think the fire burns off all the bad stuff, think again. That’s just one of the things about outdoor cooking I discuss as we begin this episode. http://www.menshealth.com/health/5-cookout-mistakes-that-make-you-sickCarrots were not originally orange. Expensive weddings are a bad idea. The Mediterranean Sea will disappear one day. These are just a few items of fascinating knowledge I...
2020-08-1051 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: The REAL Motives Behind Our Actions & How Modern Manners WorkSo, what’s the deal with high fructose corn syrup? People talk about it a lot. Some say it is horrible for your health while others claim it is fine. But do you know what it actually is? Without stepping into the controversy, this episode begins with an explanation of what it is exactly and how it is different than regular corn syrup or sugar for that matter. http://www.finecooking.com/item/24865/corn-syrup-vs-high-fructose-corn-syrupWhy do you do the things you do? Everything you do has a reason. You go to school to learn and you go to...
2020-08-0846 minSomething You Should KnowWhere Great Ideas Come From & How Diet Affects Your Mood and Mental HealthIf you have blue eyes, you are related to me! That is just one of the fascinating things I discuss as I begin this episode with a fascinating look at your eyes and how they work so well to help you navigate and see the world. http://www.buzzfeed.com/acuvue/impossibly-cool-facts-you-may-not-know-about-yo#.kjpwxlkvOWhere do new ideas and innovations come from? Often, they seem to strike like lightning with no real pattern or explanation. But that is not exactly right according to my guest Matt Ridley. Matt is a journalist and businessman and author of the book...
2020-08-0652 minSomething You Should KnowThe Amazing Power of Being Friendly & The Smart Way to Get Out of Debt FastWhen you think of having a meeting, you probably imagine sitting in a room around a table. You may want to change that whole idea. This episode begins by looking at how conducting meetings in a an entirely different way can result in a much more productive and rewarding meeting. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/09/walking-meetingsat-linke_n_7035258.html?utm_hp_ref=businessYour brain is wired to be friendly. Being friendly is a good strategy most of the time. Why? Listen to Brian Hare, who is a member of the Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, a Professor in Evolutionary A...
2020-08-0356 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Effective Ways to Deal With Jerks & A Guide to Awesome Smartphone PhotosWhy do you sigh? Usually it is because you feel relief or you are sad or tired. But it turns out there is more to a sigh than you thought. In fact it turns out to be good for you. I’ll explain as I start this episode. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/75330/frequent-sighing-helps-keep-you-aliveThe world is full of jerks. And unfortunately you have to deal with them. So what’s the best way? Here with some expert help is Bob Sutton, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford and author of the book The A**hole Surv...
2020-08-0145 minSomething You Should KnowHow to Count to Infinity & Why People Believe in Aliens and Other Unbelievable ThingsYou already know it is important to drink water to stay healthy. And it also appears that drinking water can make you smarter, too. How? This episode begins by explaining how and you may find the answer quite surprising. http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/health_blog/does_drinking_water_make_you_smarter_plus_6_benefits_of_staying_hydratedWe all learned to count when we were young. Yet, it took a long time and a lot of differing theories about numbers and counting to get us to the simple ability of count things and people the way we...
2020-07-3047 minSomething You Should KnowHow to Get People To Tell the Truth & What It’s Like to Be a BirdWhen you learned to drive, you were likely told to keep your hands at 10:00 o’clock and 2:00 o’clock on the steering wheel. Is that really the best and safest place? This episode begins with a discussion on how to best steer your car. http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/9882/team-oneil-shows-how-to-position-your-hands-on-the-wheelHow do you get someone to tell you the truth when they don’t want to? Jack Schafer knows. As a former FBI agent, he has developed a technique based on some simple psychological principles, that will get people to tell you things they never m...
2020-07-2753 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Getting Beyond Revenge & How We Misthink MoneyHas anyone ever told you that you couldn’t sing or carry a tune? Kids are often told that and it can really embarrass them and leave a lasting impression. The truth is just about anyone can sing and sing well. So forget what you were told and listen to my explanation. https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2015/02/cant-sing-keep-at-it/The ability to forgive is wonderful. But while people can forgive, we also have the ability (and often the desire) to seek revenge when someone has harmed us. Psychologist Michael McCullough author of the book, Beyond Revenge (http://amzn.to...
2020-07-2545 minSomething You Should KnowHow the Internet Has Changed Our Language & Kids and Screens – How Much is Too Much?Have you ever put a little more gasoline into your tank after the nozzle has shut itself off? If so, you need to hear the beginning of this episode when I explain what topping off your tank could be doing to your car – and it is not good. https://clark.com/cars/why-you-should-never-top-off-your-gas-tank/The Internet has changed the English language. For one thing, we are all writing more than ever – texts, emails, social media posts, etc. We write so much that we have changed many of the rules for writing to make it more efficient and more expr...
2020-07-2352 minSomething You Should KnowIs Processed Food Really That Bad? & Why We Love to DriveIs there a way to drink without getting drunk or feeling the effects of alcohol? Kinda. This episode begins with the story of how a professional beer taster drinks a lot of beer and stays pretty sober. And it is a pretty simple trick. http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/how-to/a26328/how-not-to-get-drunk/You have probably heard the advice that you shouldn’t eat foods that have a long ingredient list or have ingredients your grandmother wouldn’t recognize – but is that really good advice? Is a food with a lot of added ingredients less healthy than an all...
2020-07-2049 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: The Secrets of Being Fascinating & Amazing Household Hacks You Never KnewYou have likely been the victim of the Doorway Effect. It’s when you walk into a room and forget why you walked in there. We start this episode with an explanation of what this is and why it happens. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-walking-through-doorway-makes-you-forget/Wouldn’t it be great if people regarded you as particularly fascinating? Well it turns out there are specific ways to do that according to Sally Hogshead, speaker and author of the book Fascinate: The 7 Triggers to Persuasion and Captivation (http://amzn.to/2BBZT4I) . Sally reveals what you can do so t...
2020-07-1840 minSomething You Should KnowUnderstanding the Science and Mysteries of the Universe & How to Create a Powerful ApologyA lot of times it seems that being healthy takes a lot of work. This episode begins with some really simple things you can do that will help your overall health that just take a minute and hardly any effort at all. http://www.menshealth.com/health/ways-to-be-healthierWhy does time only go in one direction? Every moment we move into the future, but we cannot go back into the past. Why not? And what about intelligent life on other planets – or traveling to other planets or even other galaxies. Will people really do that in our li...
2020-07-1647 minSomething You Should KnowWhat Everyone Needs to Know About Design & The Science of ConversationEver notice that the more money you have in your wallet, the more likely you are to spend it? Well, it is actually more complicated than that. This episode begins with some interesting psychology that will help you spend less so you keep more of your money. http://www.forbes.com/video/4061993829001/Ever hire someone to design a logo or brochure or website and have them present it to you and ask, “What do you think”? It has happened to me and my problem is, I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what makes a...
2020-07-1353 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Why Timing REALLY is Everything & How We Lie and WhySure, it’s great to want more money but if you don’t have the time to enjoy it – what’s the point? We begin this episode with a look at why spending more of your money on things that actually create more free time for you can make your life much more enjoyable. http://www.menshealth.com/guy-wisdom/buying-time-makes-you-happierWhile the phrase “timing is everything” is tossed around a lot, it turns out there is a lot of wisdom in it. In short, it is not just WHAT you do in your life that is important it – it is al...
2020-07-1144 minSomething You Should KnowThe Fascinating Ways Things Spread & How Technology Controls You – If You Let ItHave you ever wanted to get someone to disclose more about themselves? This episode begins with a very simple strategy that will loosen someone up and get them to tell you a lot more about the details of their life. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12110-015-9225-8#page-1How do things spread? By that I mean not just viruses like the flu or corona virus but also rumors and viral videos or fake news stories – why do some of these things gather steam and spread like wildfire? And then, why do they stop? Every year pe...
2020-07-0950 minSomething You Should KnowHow DNA Works and How It Solves Crimes & Understanding Food CultureDon’t you hate it when you put on a mask to go out in public and your glasses get all fogged up? This episode begins with a few tips to keep your glasses clear as a bell while you are wearing a face mask. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-your-glasses-fog-free-while-wearing-a-mask/You hear a lot about DNA today – there are test kits that can trace your DNA and locate your ancestors and on TV it seems DNA can solve a lot of crimes. So what is DNA exactly, how does it work, where does it come from and is it...
2020-07-0652 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: How to Have a Voice You’ll Love & Proven Money Strategies for Every DayDo you often find yourself in the slowest line at the supermarket? Me too. Is it bad luck or just your perception? I’ll explore what’s behind this universal annoyance and suggest a better way to handle this. http://www.wired.com/2014/07/whats-up-with-the-other-line-is-always-faster/It seems everyone hates the sound of their voice when they hear it played back. But what if you LOVED the sound of your voice? Vocal coach Roger Love explains how anyone can have a beautiful voice – you are not stuck with the one you have now. Listen to this episode and you will i...
2020-07-0445 minSomething You Should KnowUnderstanding Your Passion and Purpose & Why Messy Relationships Are Often the BestSome people really love spicy food. Why? This episode begins with an explanation of that and what to do if you put something in your mouth that is way too spicy. http://lifehacker.com/how-to-actually-enjoy-the-painful-pleasure-of-spicy-foo-1794616828If you have a passion, does that mean that is what you are meant to do? And what if you don’t really have a passion or you have one that doesn’t lend itself to a career? Before you blindly try to “Follow your passion,” listen to Brad Stulberg author of the book The Passion Paradox (https://amzn.to/2Bjuw4H). Bruce ex...
2020-07-0250 minSomething You Should KnowHow Make Change in Life That Really Sticks & The Dangers of Relying on ExpertsPeople tend to like reruns. We like to watch old TV shows and movies over and over again, we often order the same meal at a restaurant that we have had before, we listen to the same songs over and over again. Why? This episode begins with an explanation. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-you-like-to-watch-the-same-thing-over-and-over/How often have you tried to make an important change in your life only to have your efforts fail? Why is change so hard – and is there a way to make it easier? Listen to my conversation with Ross Ellenhorn. He is a s...
2020-06-2945 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Amazing Ways Genes Affect Your Behavior & How Calming Your Brain Makes You StrongerDo 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.htmlYou probably know that your genes influence things your eye color or hair color. But did you know that your genes also i...
2020-06-2739 minSomething You Should KnowHow to Stop Your Thoughts From Ruining Your Day & How to Take Better Care of Your SkinWhen 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.htmlYou 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...
2020-06-2549 minSomething You Should KnowBehind the Scenes of White House Diplomacy & How to Take Advantage of Lucky MomentsDo 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 an...
2020-06-2254 minSomething You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Proven Ways to Be Instantly Happier & The Magic of MathYou 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-habitsDid 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 Se...
2020-06-2041 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Change Your Personality & How to Manage The Faster Speed of LifeIf 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-painfulYou 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 ma...
2020-06-1847 min
Something You Should KnowHow Your Indoor Environment Affect Who You Are & Amazing Ways Language WorksEveryone 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-2014-6The 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, yo...
2020-06-1553 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: How to Change a Habit & How to Be More CourageousYou 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...
2020-06-1342 min
Something You Should KnowUnderstanding Hunger to Help You Lose Weight & Secrets of Successful RelationshipsWhat 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-routineWe 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 Profes...
2020-06-1147 min
Something You Should KnowWhy You Should Stop Giving Advice & Why It is So Hard To Admit You Are WrongPeople 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-studyWhen 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 su...
2020-06-0851 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Controlling the Flow of Time & How Influential Parenting WorksWhen 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 passi...
2020-06-0641 min
Something You Should KnowThe Amazing Benefits of Breathing Properly How to Make Better DecisionsDo 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.comYou 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...
2020-06-0452 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Get Things Done Without Stressing Out & What Other People Really Think of YouCould 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.htmlHow 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...
2020-06-0146 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: How to Cook on the Grill Perfectly & The Importance of Asking Good QuestionsJust 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-1769146595When 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...
2020-05-3042 min
Something You Should KnowThe Science of Persuasion & Understanding How the World WorksSome 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-procrastinatorsIf 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...
2020-05-2850 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Find True and Lasting Happiness & The Truly Amazing World of MushroomsDoes 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-scientistBeing 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...
2020-05-2552 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Simple Strategies for a Great Relationship & How to Better Use Your MindWhile 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 turn...
2020-05-2346 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Negotiate by Asking the Right Questions & The Fascinating Science of WalkingSmells 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.htmlIf 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...
2020-05-2152 min
Something You Should KnowHow Self-Confidence Really Works & One Thing You Can Do to Be More Careful OnlineSome 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 Busi...
2020-05-1852 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Why Your Perceptions Often Deceive You & How Smart People Fall Victim to FraudHave 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-longerBelieve 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. Dan...
2020-05-1648 min
Something You Should KnowWho Actually Discovered Fire and Other Amazing Firsts & How to Find A Job NowIt 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/1Have you ever wondered who discovered fire or who invented the wheel? You might think it was too long ago to ever figure out but Co...
2020-05-1452 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Stop Eating Plastic (and You Eat a Lot) & Understanding Your Cognitive BiasEvery year a lot of pedestrians crossing the street get hit by cars. So if you are out walking around, there is one technique that will drastically reduce your risk of getting hit. This episode begins with that explanation of that technique that will help you stay safe. http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-key-to-crossing-the-street-safely-eye-contact-1427734205Plastic is a relatively new invention. The vast majority of plastic in the world has been made only since the 1950s. Researchers are concerned about all this plastic because of its potential effects on the planet as well as on humans and other...
2020-05-1154 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: How to Heal Emotional Injury & How Trust WorksIf you use a wire brush to clean your outdoor grill – you should stop because someone could get hurt. I’ll start this episode by explaining why. http://www.aol.com/article/2016/05/31/study-highlights-serious-dangers-of-using-wire-bristle-grill-bru/21386551/We don’t hesitate to treat physical wounds – but emotional wounds are things we tend to shrug off and assume time will heal – except sometimes it doesn’t. Psychologist Guy Winch author of the book Emotional First-Aid (http://amzn.to/2qH30nb) explores these wounds caused by failure, guilt and rejection and how to treat them.Your personal and professional success depends a lot on how...
2020-05-0940 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Deal with Defensive People & Understanding the Mother-Son RelationshipWhy are names so hard to remember? This episode begins with an explanation and an experiment that explains why so many of us forget people’s names and what we can do to remember names better. http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2017/03/the-moses-illusion-explains-why-you-cant-remember-names.htmlDo you ever get defensive? Actually we all do. We also have to deal with others who get defensive with us. What is going on here? Why do people get defensive? It turns out to be all about fear according to Jim Tamm. For 20 years, Jim worked as a judge helping defensive people resolve their di...
2020-05-0749 min
Something You Should KnowInteresting Secrets of Great Entrepreneurs & How to Speak in Public Like a ProBirds are building nests and laying eggs all over the place this time of year. And you have probably heard that if a baby bird falls out of the nest you shouldn’t put it back because the mother will abandon the baby. Is that true? Listen to hear the surprising answer. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2287/if-you-handle-baby-birds-will-their-parents-shun-themAlmost everyone dreams of being a successful entrepreneur. So, what separates the good entrepreneurs from the truly great ones? That is what Christopher Lochhead set out to discover. Christopher is a CEO marketing coach, speaker and author of th...
2020-05-0454 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: How to Learn Anything Better and Faster & Are People Inherently Good or Evil?Have you ever heard of misophonia? It’s a real thing. If you have it, that means that certain sounds – like someone chewing their food with their mouth open or slurping their soup – drive you crazy. But people who have misaphonia also have something else going for them that is actually pretty good. I’ll explain what that is. http://www.newsy.com/videos/hate-chewing-sounds-call-yourself-creative-then-just-deal/Have you ever wanted to learn something new like a foreign language or a musical instrument? Maybe you didn’t bother because it would just take too long to get proficient at it. Well...
2020-05-0245 min
Something You Should KnowThe Benefits of Doing Nothing (or At Least Less) & When Math Goes Terribly WrongHave you ever had a headache that seemingly came on for no apparent reason? This episode begins with an interesting and unusual list of reasons why headaches happen and you likely haven’t heard of many of them before. https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/common-headaches-17/mild-moderate/slideshow-headache-triggersAre humans meant to work long hours? Could it be that working less could actually make us more productive and happier? That’s the case made journalist Celeste Headlee author of the book, Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving (https://amzn.to/3cKMOJ8). Celeste reveals the...
2020-04-3054 min
Something You Should KnowWhat Happens When You Stop Complaining & How to Make Worry Work For YouYou probably never think about it until you get a rental car – but why do some cars have the gas tank door on the left side and others have it on the right? This episode begins with the unusual and very practical reason why. http://www.rd.com/advice/travel/car-gas-tanks/Everyone complains. Some people complain A LOT more than others. Yet, when you stop and think about it, complaining does little good and it tends to turn other people off. Will Bowen has spent a long time exploring the world of complainers. He speaks on the su...
2020-04-2752 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: A Little Known Secret for Success & Why Perfection is So OverratedDo you swear? Sometimes – at least for some of us – it is hard NOT to. And it just may be appropriate when you are in pain. Some fascinating research offers some real benefits of profanity – when used sparingly. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4826634/Swearing-raise-tolerance-pain-study-reveals.htmlThere is an interesting phenomenon in sports – and that is, how some teams dominate a sport for several years. They become a dynasty. So what is it that causes that? Is it superstar players or excellent coaching? No. Those things are important but not the differentiating factor according to Sam Walker...
2020-04-2549 min
Something You Should KnowThe Science of Friendship & What You Need to Know About Computer CodingYou probably aren’t spending as much time outside as you used to and that can be a big problem. This episode begins with the important reasons why you should be spending more time outside – even if you have to wear a mask or be all by yourself. http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/benefits-of-nature/Having friends is vital. You may be realizing that now more than ever since you aren’t able to be with friends like before. Friendship seems to be a human need according to Lydia Denworth, a science journalist, contributing editor at Scientific Americ...
2020-04-2350 min
Something You Should KnowThe Power of Validating a Person’s Feelings & How to Develop Mental ToughnessSince you only have one chance to make a good first impression, this episode begins with some scientifically tested techniques that will instantly make you look better and smarter to the people you meet. http://www.menshealth.com/best-life/12-ways-to-look-smarterWe all know it is important to be a good listener – but beyond listening is “validation.” When you can validate the person you are talking to, amazing things happen according to Michael Sorenson who is a podcaster, coach and author of the book I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships (https://amzn.to/2Kao7JL). H...
2020-04-2050 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: How You Got Your Personality & Why You Click With Some PeopleNoise 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-healthYour 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 se...
2020-04-1842 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Think Like a Rocket Scientist & How Coffee Became the World’s BeverageYou 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 explai...
2020-04-1650 min
Something You Should KnowCommon Medical Practices You Should Stop Doing & What Happens if You Have No WillWant 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=1It 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...
2020-04-1358 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Fixing Flaws in Your Thinking & the Good News About FailureMany 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...
2020-04-1144 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Make Money Quickly in a Crisis & Why We Are Getting Fatter and How to Stop ItThe 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/2014/06/09/0956797614535400The 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: Th...
2020-04-0952 min
Something You Should KnowWhy You Have So Much Stuff and What to Do With It & How To Be A Great CommunicatorNeed 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-1792821108Unless 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...
2020-04-0655 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Is There Life After Death? & The Good News About ProcrastinationI 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.htmlWhat happens when you die? Of course we don’t know for sure – or do we? Dr...
2020-04-0443 min
Something You Should KnowWhat You Need to Know About Cars and How to Buy One & How to Stop OverthinkingWould 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...
2020-04-0250 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Solve Problems Before They Happen & How to Be Productive Working From HomeDon’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.htmlWouldn’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...
2020-03-3050 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: How to Be More Persuasive & Networking Strategies That Really WorkYou 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 A...
2020-03-2845 min
Something You Should KnowHow the Human Mind Learns New Things & Finding Hope in the Coronavirus CrisisWhile it’s natural to brag a little about your kids or your job or anything else you are proud of., you really have to be careful. A little bragging goes a long way and too much can be a turn off. This episode begins with a discussion on how much is too much. https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/relationships/things-need-stop-bragging/Ever wonder why some things are really easy for you to learn and other things are hard? And what is the best way to learn something that doesn’t come naturally to you? Daniel Willingham is a co...
2020-03-2654 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Get People to Instantly Like You & How Complaining Makes You StupidStaying at home with nowhere to go can certainly put you in a bad mood. So this episode begins with some scientifically proven ways to improve your mood right away. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4234616/Six-ways-make-happier.htmlSome people seem to just have that ability to just be likable. How do they do it? You are about to find out when you listen to my guest Nicholas Boothman, an expert on personal communication and author of the book How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less (https://amzn.to/2TYCK8J)...
2020-03-2349 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Interesting Math of Everyday Life & Lose Weight Without Dieting Everyone knows that coffee can help you think and focus and can even improve your mood – especially that first cup in the morning. Years ago, coffee advertising contained the tagline… “Coffee, the THINK drink.” But it just may be that all the research showing how good coffee and caffeine are for mental function is flawed. If you are a coffee drinker, you are going to want to hear this. http://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2012/08/21/caffeine-the-silent-killer-of-emotional-intelligence/Then, we look at all the math you use in everyday life. Mathematician, Jordan Ellenberg, author of the book How Not to Be Wrong...
2020-03-2142 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Change Anyone’s Mind & Could Machines Really Take Over the World?You have probably been eating peanut butter since you were a kid. And that turns out to be a really good thing. This episode begins with a look at the amazing and little known health benefits of eating peanut butter – as long as it is the right kind of peanut butter. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323781#health-benefitsChanging someone’s mind is difficult if not impossible - or so it seems. However, minds do change so clearly it can be done. Jonah Berger joins me to explain how. Jonah is a marketing professor at the Wharton School at t...
2020-03-1950 min
Something You Should KnowThe Psychology of Self-Deception & How Weather Really WorksIf you have an iPhone, you have likely struggled moving the cursor around in a text message or email. However, there is a very simple way to easily maneuver the cursor to exactly where you want it to go - that many iPhone users don't know. This episode begins with an explanation of exactly how to do that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMevwmsbrTkYou are deceiving yourself about yourself. Everyone does it. We rationalize and excuse our behavior and tell ourselves things to make us feel good. Clinical psychologist Dr. Cortney Warren is an expert...
2020-03-1648 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: Weird Things that Influence What You Eat & How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t SuckIf you were to stand in downtown Detroit and start walking south for as long as it took, what is the first foreign country you would encounter? This is one of the fascinating questions/facts that I know you will find interesting – and might even win you a drink in a bar bet.Then, it is so weird what things influence your opinion and enjoyment of the food you eat. You might like to think you are too smart to be fooled by things like the color of the plate, or the music being played or the we...
2020-03-1444 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Be the Best at Anything & Why It’s Hard to Ask for Help (But Do It Anyway)What makes a good dancer? Some of it is subjective but there is one particular body part that seems to make all the difference. This episode begins with an explanation of the magic of good dancing. http://www.nature.com/articles/srep42435How do you get to be the best at something? You might think those elite performers are just naturally gifted in some way. However, science says no. Anders Ericsson has been studying what it takes to get to the top of your game for several years and he joins me to discuss the surprising results. A...
2020-03-1248 min
Something You Should KnowWhat You May Not Know About the Food You Eat & How to Get Out of a RutA lot of items you buy at the grocery store are actually a lot cheaper at the drug store. This episode begins with a look at where the bargains are in your neighborhood pharmacy. http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning-organizing/germs-in-new-clothesWouldn’t it be nice to get some clear and unbiased advice on nutrition? You are about to. David Katz, M.D. is founding director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center who studies the latest science about nutrition. Recently he teamed up with food writer Mark Bittman to write a new book called How To Eat: Al...
2020-03-0947 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: What It Means To Be Spiritual & Taming Your Survival InstinctWhen was the last time you cleaned your credit or debit cards? Or the remote for the TV? There are a lot of things around the house you never think to clean – but you will after you hear this. https://www.fitandfabliving.com/general-health/6435-seven-surprisingly-dirty-surfaces/How spiritual are you? Psychiatrist Dr. Anna Yusim, author of the book Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life (http://amzn.to/2tglpsf), discusses what it means to be spiritual and what recent scientific research says about the benefits of spirituality both for your he...
2020-03-0743 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Deal with People Who Drive You Crazy & How Colors Affect Your BehaviorYawning is contagious. We have all experienced that. What’s interesting though is when you notice how soon someone yawns after you do. This episode begins with an explanation of why some people might yawn right away while others might not yawn for a few minutes after your yawn – and what that means. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137654/The world is full of irrational people and they can drive you crazy. Since we all have to deal with these people it would be helpful to get some effective strategies. Here with some really good...
2020-03-0548 min
Something You Should KnowFascinating Secrets of the Universe & How to Handle Workplace BulliesWhen you have a big decision to make, all kinds of things can influence that decision. But one thing I bet you never thought of was the lighting in the room. Yet, it turns out that lighting can have a significant impact on a decision you make. I’ll explain how and what is optimal lighting to make important decisions. http://media.utoronto.ca/media-releases/education/new-research-shows-the-way-a-room-is-lit-can-affect-the-way-you-make-decisions/I’m very excited to have Brian Greene as my guest on this episode. Brian is a theoretical physicist, string theorist (and occasional guest star on “The Big Bang Theory”). He is als...
2020-03-0245 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: If Your Walls Could Talk & The Power of Positive ConfrontationEveryone knows that as you age, your mental function declines. But when does that begin? Age 40? 50? I’ll tell you what the science says. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/memory-declineThen, we look at the history of your home. Every room in your home has a story to tell. The bedroom is particularly fascinating and wait until you hear about your bathroom! Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace State Apartments and other royal palaces in London, is author of the bo...
2020-02-2944 min
Something You Should KnowHow to Give and Take Criticism & Ways to Make Your Relationship Happier – InstantlyWhy should you take a photo of your passport and keep it on your phone? That’s just one of several important travel tips I discuss that you probably haven’t heard before. https://www.dreamandcotravel.com/20-travel-hacks-to-save-you-time-space-money/You constantly receive criticism and feedback from people – some of it is welcome some not. Some of it is warranted and some of it not. So how can you learn to evaluate the feedback coming at you so you can determine what is true and what is false – and not get defensive? And then how do you use that feedback...
2020-02-2748 min
Something You Should KnowA Better Way to Solve A Problem & How Human Biases Affect Your DecisionsWe all make mistakes. However, wouldn’t it be nice if you could make fewer of them? This episode begins by revealing two simple strategies that have been proven to help people make fewer mistakes when they attempt to accomplish a task. (Source: Joseph Hallinan author of Why We Make Mistakes https://amzn.to/39OVFrM)When you have a problem, you need to find a solution. Maybe though, the better course of action should be to change or reframe the problem. That’s the advice of Thomas Wedell Wedellsborg, who is author of the book What’s Your P...
2020-02-2449 min
Something You Should KnowSYSK Choice: A Peek Inside the Heart of the Internet & Self-Discipline Hacks to Achieve SuccessDo you lose most of your body heat through your head? What’s the best way to stop the hiccups? We begin this episode with a look at these and other interesting medical myths and facts. https://www.realsimple.com/health/first-aid-health-basics/old-wives-tales-retoldWhat exactly is the Internet – and where is it located? We think of the Internet as being virtual but there is a physical Internet – there has to be. Those network connections all have to connect somewhere. Journalist Andrew Blum author of the book, Tubes: A Journey to the Center of the Internet (http://amzn.to/2tA...
2020-02-2245 min
Something You Should KnowGreat Strategies to Maximize Your Money & New Technologies that Will Change Your LifeWhat happens if you try to make a photocopy of a $20 bill? This episode begins by revealing why it is so hard to do and why a picture of money won’t open in PhotoShop either. http://www.businessinsider.com/money-counterfit-eurion-constellation-copy-scan-photoshop-2017-1Financial guru Suze Orman has been preaching the importance of financial responsibility for a long time. Listen as she offers some effective strategies to help you keep more of your money and help it grow while still enjoying life to the fullest. For information about the document package she talks about go to: https://www.su...
2020-02-2051 min
Something You Should KnowWhy Your Fingers Get Pruney When Wet & How to Use Online Reviews EffectivelyWhat is the best way to sign-off an email? Well, it depends on what you want the outcome to be but if you re hoping for a reply, there is one sign-off that is more likely to get someone to respond. This episode begins with me revealing those magic words. http://www.businessinsider.com/best-way-to-end-an-email-2017-2Why is your brain in your head? Why do your eyes face forward but a fish’s eyes are on the side of it’s head? These are just a few of the interesting questions about your body that I discuss with...
2020-02-1749 min