Something You Should Know

If 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.html Insects 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 studies at Amherst College and author of the book The Butterfly Effect: Insects and the Making of the Modern World (https://amzn.to/34l5w9f). He joins me to explain just how important insects are and how they are becoming an important source of food around the world and perhaps in your kitchen as well. How much time have you spent trying to get that last drop of lotion out of the bottle or the last little bit of mustard out of the jar? Listen as I explain the best and most efficient way to do it. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-squeeze-every-last-drop-80642 You have likely allowed yourself to fantasize about what your life would be like if you won the lottery or somehow made a fortune. It probably seems like life would be wonderful. But would it? Is having everything really all it is cracked u to be? Not always, according to the people who have everything. Marriage and family therapist Paul Hokemeyer specializes in treating ultra-high net worth individuals and celebrities and he is author of the book Fragile Power: Why Having Everything Is Never Enough; Lessons from Treating the Wealthy (https://amzn.to/2FEwUok). Listen as he explains the challenges of having everything and why wanting is sometimes better than having. This Week's Sponsors The Jordan Harbinger Show Ray Dalio episode part 1 https://www.jordanharbinger.com/ray-dalio-principles-of-an-investing-pioneer-part-one/ Ray Dalio episode part 2 https://www.jordanharbinger.com/ray-dalio-principles-of-an-investing-pioneer-part-two/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Handwriting 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.html You 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 book, Unthinking: The Surprising Forces Behind What We Buy (http://amzn.to/2FoSOHk) explains why we usually buy for reasons that have little to do with logic – even though we think otherwise. All alcoholic drinks are not created equal. Some get you drunker, some are more likely to give you a hangover and one in particular is more likely to land you in a hospital emergency room although no one is really sure why. If you enjoy a cocktail, this is worth hearing. http://www.menshealth.com/health/4-secretly-dangerous-drinks Ever go in to a conversation with the intent of changing someone’s mind? As you probably discovered, it almost never works. So perhaps that should not be the goal according to Celeste Headlee of Georgia Public Radio and author of the book, We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter (http://amzn.to/2oXH1Zk). She discusses a different way to approach difficult conversations so they don’t end in arguments and maybe actually accomplish something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your 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 anyone any good and only causes stress and worry. Today we have so many choices – there are so many things we could do. Spending time worrying about what you didn’t choose to do or where you didn’t choose to go doesn’t really make much sense. Yet somehow the road not taken seems so attractive. Listen as Patrick joins me to explore FOMO and how to best deal with it. Patrick is author of the book Fear of Missing Out: Practical Decision-Making in a World of Overwhelming Choice (https://amzn.to/3kK0MQe) You have certainly heard of your immune system. It is that thing that fights off germs, viruses and illness so you stay healthy. However most people don’t really understand how it works and what causes it to work better or worse. Dr. Jenna Macciochi is an MD who has over 20 years' experience as a scientist researching the impact of lifestyle on the immune system in health and disease and she is author of the book Immunity: The Science of Staying Well (https://amzn.to/3kVHnMv). Listen as she explains how to keep up your immunity against illness and disease. Who thinks about ketchup? Yet, the fact is there are different grades of ketchup and some brands are better than others. Listen as I take a look at how ketchup is graded and who makes the ketchup for your favorite fast food restaurant. https://www.today.com/food/what-fancy-ketchup-it-actually-better-regular-ketchup-t144019 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone 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 iceberg. You spend 90% of your life indoors and that environment has a big impact on your health, productivity and performance. And it is not just the air quality. It is also the noise level, the lights and the temperature as well. Joining me to discuss this is Joseph Allen, Director of the Healthy Buildings program and an Assistant Professor at Harvard's T. H. Chan School of Public Health and author of the book Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Drive Performance and Productivity (https://amzn.to/30SX3b4) Telephone scams rob people of billions of dollars every year – even seemingly very smart people who are sure they are too savvy to get taken in. But you can protect yourself from telephone scams by asking any telephone solicitor 4 questions. Listen to discover what they are. Source: Joseph Wilt author of Do I Need Help? (https://amzn.to/3gXTG8v) When you have a lot of things to do, how do you decide what to do first? How do you get the important things done? You can start by asking a simple question according to Kendra Adachi author of the book called The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn't, and Get Stuff Done (https://amzn.to/341FO9B). This book was just released and went right to the top of the best seller list so clearly her message is resonating with busy people who have a lot to do and need help doing it. Listen as she joins me to explain exactly how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TV 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-1424301320 We 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? Melissa Schilling, professor of management and organization at the Stern School of Business at NYU is author of the book, Quirky: The Remarkable Story of the Traits, Foibles, and Genius of Breakthrough Innovators Who Changed the World (http://amzn.to/2GY5qFC). Listen and she explains why great genius is so often accompanied by quirkiness and what the connection is between the two. Want to be happier? Shorten your commute and sleep on the left side of the bed. Those are just two of the things that according to science can elevate your level of happiness. I’ll reveal more in this episode. http://www.modernghana.com/lifestyle/3447/16/10-surprising-things-that-make-you-happier.html There are about the same number of cat owners as there are dog owners in the U.S. So what is it about cats that make them so interesting and mysterious? And why do so many people love cats when it seems cats couldn’t care less about people – or anything else for that matter? Professor Leslie Lyons is a cat lover who also happens to run the Lyons Feline Genetic Laboratory at the University of Missouri (http://felinegenetics.missouri.edu/) . She knows more about cats that just about anybody. And she joins me to discuss the feline fascination so many people have. Professor Leslie Lyons website is: http://felinegenetics.missouri.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where 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 Agency and a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and author of the book Learn Better (https://amzn.to/30P03Wh) Lobster is often the most expensive thing on the menu at any seafood restaurant. Why? Listen as I explain how getting the lobster from the seas to your plate is no small feat – and an expensive at that. https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/why-lobster-so-expensive-worth-price The human brain is quirky. Some of those quirks are good but others are maddening and can cause us a lot of stress. Neuroscientist Dr. Dean Burnet has explored and researched the oddities in our brain that make us human and joins me to explain what they are, why they are important and how to better deal with them when they get in the way. Dean is a tutor and lecturer based at Cardiff University’s Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences and author of the book Idiot Brain: What Your Head is Really Up To (https://amzn.to/3ab7Dxp) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outdoor 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-sick Carrots 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 discuss with Tom Standage, Deputy Editor of The Economist and editor of the book Uncommon Knowledge (https://amzn.to/2DFoeNA). Listen as he explains why kids’ summer vacations are too long, what Interpol really is and who owns all the material in outer space – amongst other things. It’s fairly well accepted that moderate drinking has health benefits. However, that may be a big overstatement. Listen as I discuss research that questions the validity of that idea and why there is a flaw in the theory that a glass of wine is good for you. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4529928/A-glass-red-wine-NOT-good-heart.html We were supposed to be moving towards a paperless society. That doesn’t really seem to be happening. In fact, a lot of us have more documents, forms, certificates, letters and memos than we know what to do with. If you have filing cabinets, drawers and boxes full of papers, you need to listen to Lisa Woodruff. She is founder of Organize365 (www.organize365.com) which helps people tame all the paper in their lives and she is author of the book The Paper Solution: What to Shred, What to Save, and How to Stop It From Taking Over Your Life (https://amzn.to/3gIojyE). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, 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-syrup Why do you do the things you do? Everything you do has a reason. You go to school to learn and you go to the doctor get healthy – right? Well, what if the reason you THINK you do things is not the real reason? I want you to listen to Robin Hanson an associate professor of economics at George Mason University and author of the book, The Elephant in the Brain (http://amzn.to/2F4Vvk8). He explains that often the reason we THINK we do things is not the reason at all – and why it is important to understand all of this. I bet you’ve wondered how good a memory your dog or cat has. How long do they remember an event or a command or the last time you played with them? Listen and I think the answer will surprise you. https://www.su.se/english/research/research-news/new-findings-on-animal-memory-1.222566 You might think etiquette is kind of an old-fashioned concept with little relevance in the 21st century. But you’d be wrong to think that. Etiquette is as valid today as ever – maybe more so. Thomas Farley, editor of Modern Manners: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Social Graces (http://amzn.to/2F1x), answers some common etiquette questions people have about social media, weddings, cellphones and more. His website is www.whatmannersmost.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If 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#.kjpwxlkvO Where 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 How Innovation Works: And Why It Flourishes in Freedom (https://amzn.to/2D6syWe). Matt has studied how great ideas are created, developed and accepted and he joins me to explain it all. Social media is a great way to let people know about your latest accomplishments. And people sure do it a lot. However, it may not be such a great idea – at least not too often. Listen as I discuss how self-promotion on social media can actually have the opposite effect you think it does. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150512104037.htm How does your diet affect your mood and mental health? In a lot of interesting ways – good and bad – according to Dr. Uma Naidoo, a board certified psychiatrist, director of nutritional and lifestyle psychiatry at Mass General Hospital and author of the book This is Your Brain on Food (https://amzn.to/3fejgo0). Uma is here to discuss the fascinating connection between what goes on in your gut and your mental frame of mind and what foods to eat to help you improve your mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When 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=business Your 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 Anthropology, and Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University and author of the book – Survival of the Friendliest (https://amzn.to/3jLQnmN). Brian joins me to explain why and how friendliness has been absolutely critical to human survival and it continues to serve all of us as we move through life. “How are you?” How many times do we say or hear that in a day? Most of the time is just a quick and somewhat meaningless greeting. Still, if you would rather have a more substantial conversation, there is a simple way to alter the question, “How are you?” by adding one word. Listen to discover what it is. http://www.businessinsider.com/sheryl-sandberg-common-question-asking-how-are-you-interviewoption-b-book-grief-2017-5 Millions of Americans are drowning in debt from credit cards, student loans and other forms of debt. Personal finance writer Jen Smith and her husband found themselves with $78,000 of debt and made a commitment to get rid of it. Listen as she explains how they did it in less than half the time they thought – and how they actually enjoyed doing it. Jen is co-host of the Frugal Friends podcast (https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com) and author of the book, The No Spend Challenge Guide. (https://amzn.to/2XaZnYZ). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why 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-alive The 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 Survival Guide (http://amzn.to/2HqacwR). Bob explains why jerks are so jerky and reveals the different categories of jerks and then offers some tactical advice to deal with them and still get what you want. Did you know different airlines have different flying styles? Did you know the armrest closest to the aisle on an airplane that can’t be raised actually CAN be raised if you know a little trick? These are just two of the fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about air travel that we’ll explore. http://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/a19193/airline-employee-secrets/ Everyone today has a camera on them almost all the time. And cellphone cameras have gotten pretty good. So, since you may likely be photographing much of your life, why not make those photos the best they can be? Photographer Jim Miotke, founder of www.BetterPhoto.fun and creator of the online course Outstanding Photography offer some simple tips and idea that will transform your cellphone photos so they truly capture the moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You 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_hydrated We 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 do. Marcus du Sautoy is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford and author of the book How to Count to Infinity (https://amzn.to/3hCTgV6). He joins me to explain the extraordinary history of counting including why the invention of zero was so important and what infinity really is. People who use online dating usually have a photo as part of their profile. And a lot of people need to replace the picture they have if they want to get people to respond. Listen as I explain what makes a good profile photo – and what doesn’t. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/online-dating-profile-picture-research/ Why do so many people believe in aliens, UFO’s, Big Foot and conspiracy theories? While the evidence for these things is usually sparse, the number of people who truly believe in them is significant. Cultural historian Colin Dickey decided to explore why. Why do people believe in things that don’t really have a logical explanation or objective proof? Colin is author of the book The Unidentified: Mythical Monsters, Alien Encounters, and Our Obsession with the Unexplained (https://amzn.to/32VmaLO) and he joins me to share his unique insight into this phenomenon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When 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-wheel How 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 meant to. Jack is author of the book The Truth Detector: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide for Getting People to Reveal the Truth (https://amzn.to/30we8WU) and he joins me to explain how you can use this technique and why it is so effective. How you describe yourself during a job interview is tricky. For example, it’s tough to brag about how humble you are because how humble can you be if you are bragging about it. There are other words besides humble that are likely left out of your self-description the next time you go on a job interview. Listen and I will tell you what they are. https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-words-you-should-never-use-to-describe-yourself-in-an-interview You probably see birds every day – probably lots of birds. Yet, you likely don’t think about them much. Nevertheless, they are fascinating creatures with amazing abilities. For example, did you know that all birds are dinosaurs? Science writer Jennifer Ackerman has written articles for Scientific American, National Geographic and The New York Times. Her latest book is called The Bird Way (https://amzn.to/2ZOvQpw) and she is here to reveal some fascinating information that will give you a new appreciation for birds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has 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/2BgFwNI) talks with me about how to best deal with someone who has hurt you and he explores whether or not you can make a case for revenge in some circumstances. There is a good chance you have a favorite coffee mug. Lots of people do. And I think you will find it either odd or comforting just how attached people get to their coffee mug and what they feel if someone else uses it or – God forbid – it breaks! https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/minding-the-body/201602/6-reasons-were-emotionally-attached-our-favorite-mugs All your life you deal with money. And how well you deal with it and understand it will have a huge impact on you. Jeff Kreisler author of the book, Dollars and Sense: How We Misthink Money and How to Spend Smarter (http://amzn.to/2nMsCiQ) uncovers some of the mysteries of money like why you enjoy spending money on some things but hate spending money on others; how you decide what the value of things are; why you will spend more on vacation than you will at home for the very same things and more. This Week's Sponsors -Netgear. Go to https://www.netgear.com/bestwifi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 expressive according to linguist Gretchen McCulloch. Gretchen writes the Resident Linguist column at Wired, she runs the blog All Things Linguistic and she is author of the book Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language (https://amzn.to/3eILyqs). Listen as she explains how the rules of language have been bent and shaped to work better in the Internet Age. In the United States, we refrigerate eggs. But in many other countries, they do not. Who is right? Well that’s what so interesting. Listen as I discuss why the way you store eggs is important and what can happen if you don’t. http://www.extracrispy.com/food/2668/how-long-can-eggs-be-out-of-the-fridge For several generations now, children have spent a lot of free time in front of electronic screens – TV, computers, laptops, phones and tablets. Now with the current pandemic, kids are spending even more time watching videos, playing games and doing all the other things you can on a screen. So how bad is this? Is it doing real damage to our children’s brains? Joining me to discuss this is Joshua Wayne. He works with kids and families in schools, mental health facilities and in private practice – and he is author of the book The Simple Parenting Guide to Technology (https://amzn.to/2ZNi0UF). This Week's Sponsors -Stories of Impact podcast. New episodes every other week. Listen at http:www.storiesofimpact.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is 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-natural food? Listen to my guest George Zaidan. He is an MIT trained chemist who created National Geographic’s web series Ingredients: The Stuff Inside Your Stuff and he is author of the book Ingredients: The Strange Chemistry of What We Put in Us and on Us (https://amzn.to/2Zykgij) . He explains what these ingredients are in processed food, why they are there and just how dangerous or healthy they are. Did you know a lot of salmon is dyed pink? Otherwise it would be gray. Did you know that bananas are actually berries, but strawberries are not berries? These are just a few of the fascinating food facts you will learn by listening to today’s episode. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/17/food-facts_n_4788746.html There are a lot of people who really enjoy driving. I am one of them. So the idea of driver-less cars has little appeal to me and – as it turns out – to most Americans. There is something very special about taking the wheel and heading down the open road. Joining me to discuss driving and why we love it so is Matthew B. Crawford author of the book Why We Drive. (https://amzn.to/3fDXcUR). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You 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 that others find you interesting and how to use your personal fascination to great benefit. I’m sure you’ve noticed that whenever you cry, you get a runny nose. Why? Listen and find out. http://www.popsci.com/article/science/why-does-crying-make-my-nose-run Sooner or later – and probably sooner, you will need to clean something. And no one knows better how to keep your life clean and sparkly bright than Jolie Kerr. Jolie is an advice columnist and host of the podcast, “Ask a Clean Person.” She is also author of the book, My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag (http://amzn.to/2Df2BPL). NO ONE loves to clean like Jolie and you will love her cleaning hacks that I know you will use within hours if not minutes after hearing them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 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-healthier Why 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 lifetime? Here to discuss these big questions is Paul Sutter. He is an astrophysicist at Stony Brook University, host of the Ask a Spaceman podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-a-spaceman/id958825741) and author of the book How to Die in Space (https://amzn.to/3iXh9rP). The snooze on just about every alarm clock is 9 minutes. Not 10 – not 8 but 9. Why? There is actually a really interesting reason and I explain it in this episode. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/22761/why-does-snooze-button-give-you-only-9-more-minutes-sleep Apologizing is something we all have to do, yet I suspect you never had any formal instruction on how to deliver a good apology. When you think about it, a good apology can save a relationship or at least make it so everyone doesn’t feel so horrible about whatever went wrong. Molly Howes is a Harvard trained clinical psychologist and author of the book A Good Apology: Four Steps to Make Things Right (https://amzn.to/3euUzmN) and she joins me to offer some excellent advice on how to apologize to make everyone feel better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever 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 well-designed brochure or website. I don’t know what people will think when they see it or what motivates people to respond. If you have ever found yourself in the same boat you will want to listen to my guest Susan Weinschenk. Susan has a Ph.D. in Psychology, she is the Chief Behavioral Scientist and CEO at The Team W, Inc. (https://theteamw.com/) as well as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin. She is also author of the book 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (https://amzn.to/323kNKK). Listen as she explains how people react to design elements and how to better design anything. When your doctor takes your blood pressure – does he check both arms or just one? There is a really good reason to check both. Listen as I explain why there is likely a difference between the blood pressure in your arms and what it could potentially mean. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195749.htm Think about how many times a day do you engage in conversation. It is the primary way we communicate with others. Yet, you likely don’t know much about the science of conversation. Interestingly, conversation can beautiful and brilliant or it can be awkward and difficult. Understanding how it works can make you a better conversationalist. Here to explain the science of conversation is David Crystal. David is a writer and editor and his latest book is called Let's Talk: How English Conversation Works (https://amzn.to/32e4qLF). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, 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-happier While 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 also WHEN you decide to do it. Daniel Pink, author of the book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing (http://amzn.to/2Dne4Ml) reveals why timing is so important and how to time events in your life to be more successful. There is a fascinating limitation of the human brain you must know about. It seems you cannot keep track of more than 3 things at once unless this condition is met. What is it? Listen and find out. https://bit.ly/38NRywO Since you were a child you’ve heard that honesty is the best policy. However, dig as little deeper and you’ll find that most of us think a little dishonesty is probably okay. The fact is we do think dishonesty is acceptable as long as it is not too much and as long as it is not too overt. Dan Ariely, author of the book, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone–Especially Ourselves (http://amzn.to/2Dg1FtE) explains the little ways we are all a bit dishonest and why we think it is perfectly fine – so maybe it is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have 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-1 How 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 people catch the flu and then in the summer, it just stops. What stops it? Listen to my guest Adam Kucharski, he is an epidemiologist and author of the book The Rules of Contagion: Why Things Spread and Why They Stop (https://amzn.to/3f7oJh5). What’s the connection between arguments and hunger? Well if you want to get along better with the people or person you live with – you need to hear me explain this interesting science. http://www.independent.ie/style/sex-relationships/are-you-rowing-with-your-partner-you-might-just-behangry-30191887.html You know that feeling of being a slave to your phone or to email? That feeling of always being available is taking a toll on you whether you know it or not. Journalist Ian Douglas has studied this extensively and has written a book called Is Technology Making Us Sick? (https://amzn.to/3f65wfX) Ian joins me to explain how you are being manipulated into always staying available and what it is doing to your health. He also has some excellent strategies to deal with the problem without having to turn all your electronics off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don’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 really as good at solving crime as it appears on TV? Here to explain all about is Alan McHughen who is a scientist, educator, DNA expert and author of the book DNA Demystified (https://amzn.to/3eUNihl). Teenagers can easily sleep until noon – but it’s a lot harder when you get older. Why? That’s one of the things I discuss about sleep and just how important it is to get enough sleep and how it can wreak havoc with your health if you don’t. http://www.menshealth.com/health/sleep-and-age There is a really fascinating food culture today. Young people especially spend a great deal of their time and money eating certain foods, watching cooking shows on TV, going to trendy restaurants and identifying themselves by the food they eat – or don’t eat (I’m a vegan!) . The question is -why? Why are people getting so wrapped up in this food culture and spending so much money on it? Eve Turow-Paul has been living in and researching all about food culture around the world and she joins me with some really interesting insight. Eve is author of the book Hungry: Avocado Toast, Instagram Influencers, and Our Search for Connection and Meaning (https://amzn.to/38lrc54). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do 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 instantly have the tools to improve the sound of your voice. Here is the link to Roger’s website: http://www.theperfectvoice.com Have you heard that it is a good idea to let your cellphone battery run all the way down to zero? Supposedly that is to help it last longer and keep a better charge. Is it true? We’ll find out. http://lifehacker.com/5875162/how-often-should-i-charge-my-gadgets-batteryto-prolong-its-lifespan All of us have asked some basic financial questions at some point such as: Is it better to own or rent a home; buy or lease a car; pay off debt of save money? Jack Otter, editor at Barrons.com and author of the book, Worth It…Not Worth It? (http://amzn.to/2FCjtRm), has examined these questions, done the math and come up with the answers. Listen as Jack may surprise you with what he has to say about what you should do with your money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some 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-1794616828 If 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 explains some interesting facts and science about what passion really is and what you should – and should not do with your passion. He is also host of The Growth Equation Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growth-equation-podcast/id1505257676 If you have outdoor allergies, there are some things you may be doing to make your symptoms worse than they need to be. Listen as I explain what to do and not do to clear the air and breathe better with fewer allergy symptoms. http://www.finlandiapharmacy.com/treating-allergies-naturally/ The assumption is that a harmonious relationship is the best kind of relationship. Well, it turns out a little trouble, messiness and chaos is also good for a relationship. Listen as I am joined by Ed Tronick PhD. Ed is a developmental neuroscientist and clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School and author of the book The Power of Discord (https://amzn.to/3dHMta6). He explains why striving for a perfectly happy relationship is a prescription for trouble. This Week's Sponsors -Better Help. Get 10% off your first month by going to www.BetterHelp.com/sysk and use the promo code: sysk -Stroke of Genius. Listen to Stroke of Genius wherever you listen to podcasts. Or here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trashing-the-plastic-problem/id1438440166?i=1000478305506 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People 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 sociologist, psychotherapist and social worker and he is author of the book How We Change (and 10 Reasons We Don’t) (https://amzn.to/2VeIUSx) He has some important advice on how to approach change so it is more likely to stick. If you have a problem, chances are there is some expert or some piece of technology that will tell you how to fix it. While advice is good, it is also important to think for ourselves. Some people say we are losing our ability to think critically and make our own decisions. Instead we let experts decide for us. Vikram Mansharamani is a lecturer at Harvard and author of the book Think For Yourself: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence. (https://amzn.to/2A30BNs). Listen as he makes the case for more critical thinking when it comes to the big decisions in life. Did you know spring fever is a real thing – with real symptoms? Listen as I explain what they are and what they are trying to tell you, if you have them. https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/diseases_cures/2010/04/29/spring_fever_has_scientific_basis_psychologist.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do 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.html You probably know that your genes influence things your eye color or hair color. But did you know that your genes also influence your behavior? Jay Phelan, an evolutionary biologist at UCLA and author of the book, Mean Genes: From Sex to Money to Food, Taming Our Primal Instincts (http://amzn.to/2CJZgXF), explains how your genes make you want to do things that are often not good for you (like overeat or drink too much). Did you know you have more than five senses? For example, when you move your foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal when you drive, you are using another sense that allows you to find those pedals without looking or using any other of your five senses. I’ll explain what it is and what it is called. http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/12/propioception-body-parts-sense-research/420765/ There is real power in calming down. That’s according to Gyatri Devi, M.D., author of the book, A Calm Brain: How to Relax Into a Stress-Free, High-Powered Life (http://amzn.to/2on2EoX) Because our brains are always active – checking texts and emails and rushing around, we don’t have the down time” we need that allows the brain to perform at its best. Dr Devi has some ways to do that and she reveals the amazing benefits of a calm brain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When 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.html You 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 how to take control of your thoughts and see them for what they really are is Andrea Bonior, PhD. Andrea is a journalist, who writes the popular "Baggage Check" advice column for the Washington Post. She serves on the faculty of Georgetown University and she is author of the book, Detox Your Thoughts: Quit Negative Self-Talk for Good and Discover the Life You've Always Wanted (https://amzn.to/2AXyPlQ). If you share a bed, how far apart do the two of you sleep? Listen as I discuss why the distance apart and the direction you face while in bed may say a lot about the state of your relationship. http://time.com/64966/what-your-sleeping-position-says-about-your-relationship/ Do you take good care of your skin? What are the most important things to do – or not do - to keep your skin healthy and looking good? Monty Lyman, M.D., is a doctor in at Oxford University and author of the book The Remarkable Life of the Skin (https://amzn.to/3dnvcD0). He joins me to explain the latest research and best practices to take care of your skin and keep it looking young. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do 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 and Hilary Clinton and the Chief of Protocol for President Obama. Capricia is also author of the book Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You (https://amzn.to/2AJyl2E) Want to be a better cook? If so, listen as I explain some great ideas to help you become a master of the kitchen from what kind of chicken to buy, where to keep your lemons to why you need a new ice tray for the freezer. http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/best-cooking-advice-ever-article Some people just seem to be lucky. But is it just chance or is it that those people just know how to capitalize on lucky moments that come along in everyone’s life? Here to discuss that is Christian Busch, PhD, Director of the Global Economy Program at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs and author of the book, The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck (https://amzn.to/30VClYu) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You 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-habits Did 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 Secrets of Happy People (https://amzn.to/2C5oPHr). Listen as David offers some really interesting ways to be happier and explains what it means to be a happy person. First impressions are important and they happen faster than you think. Listen as I explain how important first impressions are and how to make a good one. You will love math a little bit more when you listen to my conversation with Arthur Benjamin. Arthur finds and explains the magic in math and explains why math is so important to learn and understand. Arthur is a professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California and he is author of the book The Magic of Math (https://amzn.to/3d6GriW). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If 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-painful You 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 manipulate those changes to become the person you want to be. Benjamin is a contributor to Inc., and Psychology Today and he is author of the book Personality Isn’t Permanent (https://amzn.to/3e14e5s). Why can’t you find your keys or wallet? What is it that makes them so easy to lose? Listen as I explain why you likely misplaced them and the best way to figure where you left them. http://lifehacker.com/the-two-factors-that-make-you-forgetful-1563418168 The pace of life sure seems a lot faster than it used to. While a lot of people don’t like it, it isn’t going to slow down any time soon. So perhaps the better approach is to learn to mange the speed of life and make it work for you. That’s the recommendation and advice of Vincent Poscente, former Olympic speed-skier and author of best selling book, The Age of Speed (https://amzn.to/2UGj8Gm). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone 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-2014-6 The 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, your ability to think – even your relationships are influenced by your indoor environment. To discuss how this happens is Emily Anthes , a science journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Wired, Slate, Businessweek and elsewhere. She is also author of the book The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of How Buildings Shape Our Behavior, Health, and Happiness (https://amzn.to/2Yr8ip3). Human language is amazing. It is one of the main things that distinguishes us from other animals. Without it, communication would be very difficult. The complexities of languages and how it changes are really fascinating and important. Joining me to discuss this is David Adger. He is Professor of Linguistics at Queen Mary University of London and author of the book Language Unlimited: The Science Behind Our Most Creative Power (https://amzn.to/37huAxr) What brand of dishwashing liquid is sitting on your kitchen sink? Everyone has their favorite but does one really do a better job than the others? Listen as I explain what Consumer Reports says after testing a bunch of them. https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/appliances/laundry/937114224001/testing-dishwashing-liquids/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You 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 some great techniques to start new habits and explains why you should never really try to “break” a habit. There is something else you should do instead. If you want to improve any relationship, there are 2 little things that can make all the difference. Listen to this advice from John Gottman, one of the best-known experts in the field of relationship psychology, and it could transform your relationship forever. http://www.businessinsider.com/lasting-relationships-rely-on-2-traits-2014-11 Plus, do you ever wish you were more courageous? Are there things you haven’t done because you lacked the courage to do them? Speaker and consultant Bill Treasurer author of the book Courage Goes to Work, (http://amzn.to/2CjBotT) will help you realize you probably have more courage than you think and how to become more courageous in spite of the fear you face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What 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-routine We 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 Professor in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney in Australia and author of the book Eat Like the Animals (https://amzn.to/36Z66sJ). When was the last time you really cleaned your car’s steering wheel or dashboard or gear shift? After you hear this, you will probably want to attend to that right away. http://www.medicentre.co.uk/dirty_cars_breed_bacteria.html All romantic relationships start out with high hopes. Still, many don’t last. So what can you do to make sure you find the right person and then keep the relationship happy and healthy? Here with some great advice is Joanne DaVila. She has been studying and speaking about romantic relationships as a professor at Stony Brook University. She is author of the book The Thinking Girl's Guide to the Right Guy (https://amzn.to/2Y4ZdSt) and she has a great TED Talk on the skills for healthy romantic relationships. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh5VhaicC6g) This Week's Sponsors -Kong Box. Got to www.KongBox.com/something to make a $1 donation to help less fortunate dogs and your first Kong Box is free! -Pindrop. Listen to the new podcast Pindrop https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pindrop/id1514010062 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People 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-study When 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 suggestion of Michael Bungay Stanier. Last year Michael was named #1 Thought Leader in Coaching and he is considered to be one of the top coaches in the world. He is also author of a book called The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever (https://amzn.to/36WEUdY). Michael joins me to explain why you might want to be a little less free with your advice. We all somehow justify our mistakes and poor decisions to ourselves. When we do something wrong it doesn’t line up with our beliefs about ourselves as good as honest people so we make excuses or we decide there were extenuating circumstances because we know we are not bad people – we are good people who made a mistake. This whole process is called cognitive dissidence. Everyone does it and it can get us into trouble according to social psychologist Carol Tavris author of the book Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts (https://amzn.to/2ADP2Mw). She joins me to discuss this fascinating topic and explain why we do this. How do you cut your lawn – side to side? Front to back? Listen and I’ll tell you what the experts say which is the best way to mow. https://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/lawn-care/the-most-efficient-way-to-mow-the-grass/ This Week's Sponsors -Kong Box. Got to www.KongBox.com/something to make a $1 donation to help less fortunate dogs and your first Kong Box is free! -Pindrop. Listen to the new podcast Pindrop https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pindrop/id1514010062 Summary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When 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 passing of time. She also explains how you can make time – or at least the way you perceive it – either speed up or slow down. You know you should drink a lot of water but you may not know all the reasons why. When you hear them, you may just want to go get yourself some water. http://www.bustle.com/articles/121825-5-ways-drinking-enough-water-changes-your-body No one ever said parenting was easy. Psychologist Wes Crenshaw author of the book, Dear Dr. Wes: Real Life Advice for Parents of Teens (http://amzn.to/2hr182v) offers some straight forward, down-to-earth advice for parents to be more effective parents and to make the process of parenting simpler. This Week's Sponsors -Kong Box. Got to www.KongBox.com/something to make a $1 donation to help less fortunate dogs and your first Kong Box is free! -Pindrop. Listen to the new podcast Pindrop https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pindrop/id1514010062 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you like getting robocalls on your phone? Of course you don’t. So this episode begins with a simple way to stop robocalls for free – and it really works. Source: Interview with Aaron Foss founder of www.Nomorobo.com You are breathing now – and that’s a good thing. However, you are likely not breathing correctly. When you DO breathe correctly, amazing things can happen according to journalist James Nestor, author of the book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art (https://amzn.to/36MehbD). While you might think you don’t need to learn about your breathing – listening to this segment will change your mind. And you will breathe better. You likely have a box with old VHS video tapes that you said you were going to have transferred one day. Listen as I explain how time is running out. In fact the time may have come and gone. http://www.audioholics.com/audio-technologies/cd-and-dvd-longevity-how-long-will-they-last and http://conservativecommandosradioshow.com /facts_about_old_video_tape_deterioration_why_you_should_transfer_and_convert_now What makes a good decision? And how do you make more of them? That’s the topic tackled by Ralph Keeney. Ralph has been studying decision making for some time now. He is Professor Emeritus at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Southern California He is also author of the book Give Yourself a Nudge: Helping Smart People Make Smarter Personal and Business Decisions (https://amzn.to/2XOwrWi). Listen and become a better decision maker for those important decisions in your life. This Week’s Sponsors -Kong Box. Got to www.KongBox.com/something to make a $1 donation to help less fortunate dogs and your first Kong Box is free! -Stroke of Genius. Listen to Stroke of Genius podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stroke-of-genius/id1438440166 --Pindrop. Listen to the new podcast Pindrop https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pindrop/id1514010062 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could driving while dehydrated be as dangerous as driving while drunk? This episode begins with some fascinating research that shows a link between dehydration and driver error – and the results are surprising. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/driving-while-dehydrated-can-be-just-as-dangerous-as-drinkdriving-study-suggests-10187670.html How do you get a lot of things done without feeling overwhelmed? That’s what I discuss with time management expert Sam Bennett author of the book Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists (https://amzn.to/2ZKmwDs). She discusses how to take control of your day and accomplish the important tasks – and how NOT to be one of those people who is always complaining about how much they have to do and how busy they are. When you interact with other people you make judgments about them. You also make judgements about how they are judging you and what they are thinking. The interesting thing is that you are probably wrong according to human behavior expert Mark Bowden author of the book Truth & Lies: What People Are Really Thinking (https://amzn.to/3etmqUT). Listen as Mark explains how to size up situations and the people you deal with in a way that gets you closer to understanding what other people are REALLY thinking. Loneliness can feel very painful. And that turns out to be a good thing. Listen as we discuss how to use the pain of loneliness to not feel lonely anymore. Source: Dr. Pat Love author of Never Be Lonely Again (https://amzn.to/2TKC3zq) This Week's Sponsors: -Kong Box. Get your first box free when you donate $1 to help dogs in need. Go to www.KongBox.com/something to start your subscription. -Pindrop. Listen to the new podcast Pindrop https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pindrop/id1514010062 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just like food, medications have expiration dates. But just how accurate are those dates? Is it better to take an expired medication or no medication at all? We’ll explore that as we begin this episode of the podcast. http://vitals.lifehacker.com/is-it-safe-to-take-expired-drugs-1769146595 When you cook on the grill, there are a lot of theories on how you should or shouldn’t do it. But a lot of those theories are wrong. To help you understand how to best use the outdoor grill to create the best flavor possible and cook food correctly is Chef Todd Mohr. Todd is a certified culinary educator and founder of WebCookingClasses.com. Listen and hear some great tips and techniques just in time for summer outdoor cooking season. Are you good at asking questions? Former CNN reporter Frank Sesno, author of Ask More (http://amzn.to/2ncfmCZ) explains the power and rewards of being able to ask the right questions – and how to really listen to the answers. Do you ever get up and pace when you are thinking or trying to solve a problem? Many of us do it unconsciously. But does it actually help or is it just a way to burn off nervous energy? Discover what the science says about pacing and problem solving. http://mentalfloss.com/article/64404/why-do-we-pace-when-were-thinking This Week's Sponsors -Kong Box. Got to www.KongBox.com/something to make a $1 donation to help less fortunate dogs and your first Kong Box is free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some days it is just hard to get up and get going. So this episode begins with some interesting ways to get motivated and accomplish your goals on those days. All these strategies I discuss have been scientifically researched. http://www.purewow.com/wellness/time-management-tips-for-procrastinators If you would like to be more persuasive, you really need to hear what James Crimmins has to say. James has spent his career in advertising and the world of persuasion. He has a unique definition of what persuasion is and discusses the science that anyone can use to help get people to do what you want. James is the author of the book 7 Secrets of Persuasion (https://amzn.to/2LVqf97) If you own land, how far down do your rights extend – and how far up in the sky. Listen as I explain how much of the earth and sky is yours. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/3216/how-far-down-do-property-lines-go Would you consider yourself “globally literate”? To be globally literate is to understand how the world works, who the key players are, where the trouble is and who the troublemakers are. Someone who can help you be a lot more globally literate is Richard Haas. He has advised 4 U.S. presidents and is currently the president of the Council on Foreign Relations. He served as the senior Middle East adviser to President George H. W. Bush, as director of the Policy Planning Staff under Secretary of State Colin Powell, and as the U.S. envoy to both the Cyprus and Northern Ireland peace talks. A recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal, the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award – and he is author of several books – his latest is big best seller called The World: A Brief Introduction. (https://amzn.to/36uddsH). Listen as he explains – how the world works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does a full moon really bring out craziness in people? Does it cause more car accidents and hospital admissions? This episode begins with a look at whether or not the moon really affects human behavior – or at least why so many people believe it does. http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/stop-blaming-the-moon-says-ucla-scientist Being happy is a big goal for almost everyone. And finding it is often a struggle. Joining me with some insight and science regarding how we can all be happier is Tim Bono, a lecturer at Washington University in St. Louis where he teaches courses on the Science of Happiness and author of the book Happiness 101: Simple Secrets to Smart Living & Well-Being (https://amzn.to/3cPVgY3). Every child is told a million times to “stop fidgeting!” However, in some cases fidgeting may be the perfect thing to do. Listen as I discuss how fidgeting can help you learn better and improve cognitive performance, despite what your grandmother told you. http://www.inc.com/thompson-wall/how-fidgeting-at-work-can-promote-creative-thinking.html I never thought I would be discussing mushrooms on this podcast. However it turns out that mushrooms and all fungi are absolutely fascinating. If we didn’t have fungus – life would be very different. Biologist Merlin Sheldrake has studied the world of fungus in great detail and you are about to discover things about the mushrooms you eat and all other fungi that will amaze you. Merlin is the author of the book Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures (https://amzn.to/2Xfdb3F) This Week's Sponsors -Better Help. Get 10% off your first month by going to www.BetterHelp.com/sysk and use the promo code: sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While it is hard NOT to get angry sometimes, anger can take a toll on your health and lifespan. I’ll discuss some research that explains what is and isn’t worth getting angry about. What does it take to have a happy relationship? You are going to hear some of the simplest, smartest and easiest advice to follow that can instantly start to transform your relationship. And it comes from Arielle Ford, author of The Soulmate Secret (https://amzn.to/36dpn97). Her website is www.soulmatesecret.com. Why are unhappy people so unhappy? It turns out that unhappy people often get stuck being unhappy because of certain behaviors that keep them stuck. Listen to discover what those behaviors are and what to do to break out of them. Also, are you using your mind correctly? The demands of the world require your mind to adapt but it doesn’t always adapt very well. For example, we think we multi-tasking is a good way to get more done – when in fact, it is not. It’s just not what the brain is wired for. Thomas Sterner, author of the book, The Practicing Mind (https://amzn.to/3g7STSD) explores better way to use your mind that will allow you to be more productive and happier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smells can have a really interesting effect on you. They can make you happy, improve concentration and boost your energy. This episode begins with an explanation of which scents do what. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/26/scents-and-wellbeing_n_5193609.html If the thought of having to negotiate with someone turns you off – you will love this. Alexandra Carter is an expert at negotiating and her approach is fascinating and simple to understand and execute. It’s all about asking the right questions. Alexandra is a Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School and author of the book Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything (https://amzn.to/2T6WaY8) If your computer has a camera, it is important to remember that hackers could be watching you. Listen as I explain how to protect yourself from hackers hijacking your camera and watching you when you are unaware. http://us.norton.com/yoursecurityresource/detail.jsp?aid=webcam_hacking Walking may seem simple and unexciting but there is a whole science to it. Walking has a profound effect on your personal well-being and the well-being of the society we live in. How? That’s what Shane O’Mara is here to explain. Shane is a professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College in Dublin and author of the book In Praise of Walking: A New Scientific Exploration (https://amzn.to/2TuNs6z) This Week’s Sponsors -Better Help. Get 10% off your first month by going to www.BetterHelp.com/sysk and use the promo code: sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some foods get a bad rap – and undeservedly so. This episode begins with a list of foods you probably think are unhealthy but really aren’t all that bad according to science. http://www.businessinsider.com/foods-people-think-are-bad-unhealthy-that-arent-2017-3/ When you have too little confidence, that can be a real obstacle to success at anything. Then again, having too much confidence can mess things up as well. So how do you have the right amount of confidence and use it to your advantage? Here to discuss that is Don Moore, professor of management at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and author of the book Perfectly Confident (https://amzn.to/3cuzZTr). Do cats really care about humans or do they just tolerate us because we feed them and give them a place to live? Listen and hear some fascinating research. http://people.com/pets/study-your-cat-probably-loves-you-more-than-it-loves-food-take-that-dogs We have all heard the advice that when you are online you need to be careful and use common sense to protect your privacy and personal information. So what does that really mean? Aren’t most of us doing that? What more should we be doing – if anything? Listen to my guest Martin Keith. He is a professor of Information Security at Royal Holloway, University of London where he has worked in cryptographic research for thirty years. He is also author of the book, Cryptography: The Key to Digital Security, How It Works, and Why It Matters. (https://amzn.to/3bBzXbr) This Week's Sponsors -Better Help. Get 10% off your first month by going to www.BetterHelp.com/sysk and use the promo code: sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever put your car in “Drive” while it is still rolling backwards a little bit? People do it all the time – yet it is terrible for your car. I’ll explore this and several other things drivers do that can ruin their car and hurt the value. https://www.thrillist.com/cars/10-ways-you-didn-t-know-you-re-ruining-your-car-how-to-make-your-car-last-longer Believe it or not, your own perceptions often deceive you. For example, would you notice something unusual if it popped out in front of you? You would think so. But it turns out you are not as observant as you think you are. Daniel Simons author of the book, The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us (http://amzn.to/2eLXgaX) explains why you completely miss much of what you think you see and how those distorted perceptions can cause you trouble. Why do people get goose bumps? Does it serve some sort of evolutionary purpose? Listen and discover the surprising answer. http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/ever-wonder-what-causes-goosebumps It isn’t just the elderly or dumb or greedy people who fall victim to fraud. A lot of smart people get taken too. Financial crime expert Jeffrey Robinson, author of the book, There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute (http://amzn.to/2j50Qyb) explains how big a problem fraud is, how enticing fraudsters make it all seem and how to make sure you do NOT become a victim. This Week's Sponsors -GrubHub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is a bicyclist's nightmare – dooring! It is when someone in a car along the side of the road opens the door just as you drive by and – WHAM! It happens a lot more than you might think – and it probably ALMOST happens a lot more. There is an interesting way to prevent it that comes from the Netherlands. Listen and find out what it is. http://www.rd.com/advice/travel/open-car-door-right-hand/1 Have you ever wondered who discovered fire or who invented the wheel? You might think it was too long ago to ever figure out but Cody Cassidy has done the research and was actually able to trace it all back to discover the answers to these and other questions like who invented clothes and who drank the first beer. Cody is the author of the book Who Ate the First Oyster?: The Extraordinary People Behind the Greatest Firsts in History (https://amzn.to/2WMDa2f) and he joins me to reveal some of these fascinating firsts. If you need a job, it may be tempting to respond to online job posts but that turns out to be an inefficient and often ineffective strategy. What works better? Listen to my guest Steve Dalton, founder and CEO of www.Contact2Colleague.com and author of the book The 2 Hour Job Search (https://amzn.to/2SXYBMC). He has developed a proven way to speed up a job search and get a job that is well suited to you. If you want to know how sincere someone is, look at their hands. Listen as I explain what to look for. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/malleable-mind/201205/emotion-is-reversed-in-left-handers-brains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every 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-1427734205 Plastic 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 creatures. In fact, it seems we are unknowingly eating plastic – a lot of it. The cover story for the June 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine is titled How to Eat Less Plastic (https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2020/06/index.htm) which looks at the problem of plastic in our world. The article’s author is science journalist Kevin Loria and he joins me to explain what he found and tells us all how to eat less plastic! Have you heard of cognitive biases? All humans have them. It is when we judge people based on how they look or how they speak – positive or negative. For example, people who speak with foreign accents are often not considered as trustworthy as people who do not have an accent. Good looking people are often perceived to be smarter – just because they are attractive. Gleb Tsipursky is a cognitive neuroscientist and behavioral economist and he is author of the book The Blindspots Between Us: How to Overcome Unconscious Cognitive Bias and Build Better Relationships. (https://amzn.to/2SH5m5r). Listen as he explains the problem with cognitive bias and what we can all do to be more aware of how we are judging people and how to stop. A lot of people buy ginger ale on the airplane than you might think. Often people who never drink it at home. Why? I will explain the reason and tell you if it is something you should try the next time you fly. http://www.rd.com/advice/travel/crave-ginger-ale-on-planes/ This Week’s Sponsors -Best Fiends. Download this fun mobile game for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If 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 well people can trust you. Consultant and speaker David Horsager, author of the book The Trust Edge (http://amzn.to/2rLg1QH) explains how important trust is and how to be more trustworthy. Look around and you will see a lot of fashion mistakes committed by men. We’ll discuss the big ones – according to Esquire magazine. http://www.esquire.co.uk/style/fashion/news/a5024/worst-style-mistakes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why 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.html Do 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 disputes. Today he is a consultant with his own firm called Radical Collaborations (https://www.radicalcollaboration.com) and he is author of the book Radical Collaborations: Five Essential Skills to Overcome Defensiveness and Build Successful Relationships (https://amzn.to/2VVYJhN) . As an expert on defensiveness, Jim explains where it comes from and how to deal with it both within ourselves and others. The relationship between a mother and son is interesting to say the least – yet it isn’t talked about a lot. Pediatrician Dr. Meg Meeker believes that there is so much going on in every mother-son relationship and it is time to bring it out into the open. Dr Meeker is the author of the book Strong Mothers, Strong Sons (https://amzn.to/2y9ZV8h) and she joins me to help explain the mother-son relationship and offers advice on how to make it better. Do you ever suffer from “ring anxiety?” It is the belief or the sensation that your cell phone is ringing when it isn’t. It happens to a lot of people. Why? Listen as I explain. http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/technology/ringxiety-linked-insecurity-study This Week's Sponsors -Better Help. Get 10% off your first month by going to www.BetterHelp.com/sysk and use the promo code: sysk The Zebra. Compare and save money on car insurance. Go to www.TheZebra.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Birds 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-them Almost 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 the book Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets (https://amzn.to/3bQYzxJ). Listen as he explains how really successful business owners position their ideas and products to dominate the competition. Speaking in front of people is scary for almost everyone. Yet it is also absolutely necessary for pretty much all of us whether at school or in a meeting or giving a formal speech. Since we will all be called on to speak, why not arm yourself with some skills that will make you less nervous and perform better? Here with some help to do that is Matt Abrahams . He is a lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business – he is the host of the podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart (https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast) and author of the book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out (https://amzn.to/3eZyKO1). His company, Bold Echo can be found at www.boldecho.com How many times have you heard that staring at a computer screen for too long is bad for your eyes? So, what does that mean - “bad for our our eyes”? Listen as I explain what research has shown about computer use and your eyesight. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/are-computer-screens-really-ruiningour-eyes_us_58b08e8de4b0a8a9b782192a This Week's Sponsors -The Zebra. Compare and save money on car insurance. Go to www.TheZebra.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, maybe according to Josh Kaufman, author of the book The First 20 Hours (http://amzn.to/2ix9SUN). According to Josh, what you do in those early hours of learning can really accelerate you learning curve. If you ever stay at hotels you need to be aware of a scam that is amazingly easy to fall for if you don’t know what it is. So, I’ll fill you in. http://www.thedailyberries.com/beware-new-hotel-scam-checking-hotel/ Are people inherently good – or not? That is a question that has been debated by philosophers for centuries. And it is something explored in the book, The Fear Factor (http://amzn.to/2gEDvzm). Researcher Abigail March is the author and she is also an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Georgetown University. She explores what makes some of us altruistic and others callous and uncaring. It’s a fascinating discussion with a silver lining. This Week’s Sponsors -Best Fiends. Download this fun mobile game for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices