Something You Should Know

This episode begins with a look at some fascinating science of everyday life. For example, how the calorie count for food is determined, what does it take to actually crush a Lego brick, why water of the same temperature feels colder than air of the same temperature – and more. http://mentalfloss.com/article/66086/11-scientific-explanations-everyday-life Do you swear? If so, why? Are there any benefits to swearing? And how has swearing changed over the years? These are a couple of the questions tackled by Emma Byrne author of the book Swearing is Good For You. https://amzn.to/2vq8R3P. Listen to Emma and you may just come away with a whole new view of the power and usefulness of bad words. You’ve heard the phrase – “Sex sells.” Right? Well actually sex doesn't sell. Violence doesn’t sell either. You’ll hear about some fascinating research that shows that in terms of advertising effectiveness, sex and violence really get in the way. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3169550/Sex-DOESN-T-sell-Consumers-distracted-raunchy-violent-ads-forget-product-study-reveals.html#ixzz3gdzJRKwe If you watch the news or look at social media a lot, you might think the world is becoming a harsh and terrible place. But could it just be perception? Could it really be that the world and the people in it are getting better and have been for a long time? That is the contention of Gregg Easterbrook author of It’s Better Than It Looks: Reasons for Optimism in an Age of Fear. https://amzn.to/2MddPYH . Gregg explains that when you objectively measure the things that determine how our lives are trending – there are a lot of reasons to celebrate. This Week’s Sponsors Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSKand use the promo code SYSK Hotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking. Bombas Socks.Get 20% off your first order by going towww.Bombas.com/something and use the promo code SOMETHING Madison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHING InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Negotiating your own salary can be stressful and difficult. This episode begins with some proven ways to help you maneuver through the negotiation process effectively so you get the best deal and the most money possible. http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-negotiate-a-higher-salary Just about everyone enjoys music. But it is more than mere entertainment. Researcher and writer Dan Levitin author of the book, This is Your Brain on Music discusses how people have used music throughout history and how we use it today to help wake us up, make us think, enhance our mood and help us sleep. https://amzn.to/2zRC39i Houseplants can make any home look better but houseplants also have real health benefits. I’ll reveal why it is worth the fuss and effort for you and your family to fill your home with houseplants. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/articles/5-benefits-of-houseplants So many of us struggle with clutter – whether it’s our workspace, a room or our entire home. It’s not just getting rid of clutter that’s hard, it’s making sure more clutter doesn’t come in and take its place. Decluttering expert Dana White of www.ASlobComesClean.com is author of the book Declutter at the Speed of Life. She joins me to share some very simple, practical strategies for getting rid of clutter and also talks about the amazing benefits that come when the clutter is gone. https://amzn.to/2uKoHpy This Week’s Sponsors Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSKand use the promo code SYSK Hotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking. Bombas Socks.Get 20% off your first order by going towww.Bombas.com/something and use the promo code SOMETHING Madison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHING InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the real reason people get angry over the little things? At least one leading expert believes it’s all about control. I begin this episode of the podcast discussing the high cost your pay by getting so upset over nothing and how to let go of life’s little aggravations. (The Anger Trap by Les Carter https://amzn.to/2NYGHpd) So much of the advice on eating healthy is about what to avoid – meat, dairy, gluten, sugar, oil etc. But pediatrician Dr. Aaron Carroll, professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and author of the book The Bad Food Bible (https://amzn.to/2uuXeJk) says there isn’t much science to support these kind of restrictive diets in terms of them being healthier. He joins me to explain what it really means to eat healthy and talks about how many of the foods people think are bad – really are not. If your relationship has lost some of the magic or passion – how can you steam things up a bit? I have a couple of very simple techniques that are proven to help you feel the romance and excitement once again. http://www.womansday.com/relationships/sex-tips/g654/spice-up-your-relationship/ Why does it seem some people are incredibly productive and others of us never seem to have enough time to get all the things done we need to? Charles Duhigg has the fascinating answer to that. Charles is one of the leading authorities on productivity and is author of the books Smarter Faster Better (https://amzn.to/2NYMw5J) and The Power of Habit (https://amzn.to/2NUsadT). Charles joins me with some very practical advice that will help you get everything done and still have time left over. This Week’s Sponsors Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK Hunt A Killer. Order now and get 10% of your first box. Go to www.HuntAKiller.com and use the promo code SOMETHING Sworkit. Get your 30 day free trial and then 10% off your subscription by going to www.Sworkit.com/something and use the offer code SOMETHING Helix Sleep. Get up to $125 off your mattress order by going to www.Helixsleep.com/something Udemy. Go to www.Ude.my/something for up to 90% off when you sign up for classes. InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts Madison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHING Care/Of Vitamins. For 25% off your first month of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code SOMETHING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you really not go swimming until a half hour after eating? Can you really get poison ivy by touching someone who already has it? These are just some of the common pieces of summertime advice you often hear. We’ll take a look at the science behind these and several others and reveal whether or not they are true. http://www.silive.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2012/07/summer_myths_debunked.html If you want to be persuasive, it is not only what you say but how you prepare the person in advance to hear your message. That’s according to Robert Cialdini author of the book PREsuasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade https://amzn.to/2NScEiP. Several years ago Robert wrote the landmark book on the topic of persuasion titled Influence https://amzn.to/2Jr8jj5. This new research can easily be applied to your life with amazing results making you much more persuasive. Your mother or grandmother likely rinsed or pre-washed dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. With today’s dishwashers it is not a good idea. I’ll reveal the interesting reasons why your dishwasher works best when the dishes are really dirty. http://www.womansday.com/home/organizing-cleaning/a51170/stop-prerinsing-dishes/ What is your "personal presence"? In other words, what is the image that you give off about who you are and what you stand for? It’s a tough question. It is easy to determine the personal presence of others but not so easy to figure out how the world perceives us. Kristi Hedges author of the book The Power of Presence https://amzn.to/2L08kA0 joins me to explain how to the world sees you and how you can improve the image you present to others to help create stronger connections. Kristi also is the author of another book called The Inspiration Code https://amzn.to/2NjbDPE This Week’s Sponsors Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK Hunt A Killer. Order now and get 10% of your first box. Go to www.HuntAKiller.com and use the promo code SOMETHING Sworkit. Get your 30 day free trial and then 10% off your subscription by going to www.Sworkit.com/something and use the offer code SOMETHING Helix Sleep. Get up to $125 off your mattress order by going to www.Helixsleep.com/something Udemy. Go to www.Ude.my/something for up to 90% off when you sign up for classes. InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts Madison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHING Care/Of Vitamins. For 25% off your first month of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code SOMETHING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you want something from someone else – like in a negotiation – it usually doesn’t pay to get mad. But it might be a good idea to get sad. This episode begins with some interesting research that can help you get better at getting what you want. http://www.thestar.com/business/careers/2015/07/02/wanta-raise-try-crying-it-8217-s-science-.html Does eating sweets put you in a sweeter mood? Does thinking a food is high in fat rev your body up to burn the calories better? These are just a few questions I discuss with neuroscientist Rachel Herz, who teaches at Brown University and Boston College. Rachel is the author of the book Why You Eat What You Eat: The Science Behind Our Relationship with Food https://amzn.to/2L5HAxj. What she has to say about you and your food will startle you. Why do mosquito bites always itch? Why can’t they take your blood and be done with it? I’ll reveal the anatomy of a mosquito bite and why it is so annoying. http://mentalfloss.com/article/64950/why-do-mosquito-bites-itch-so-much Who doesn’t love life hacks? And there is no better expert on the topic than David Pogue, author of Pogue’s Basics: Life https://amzn.to/2NPyhAo. David joins me to discuss simple hacks that can save you time and money: like how to get the last of ketchup out of the bottle, how to read when you don’t have your glasses, how to get a better price on hotels and more. You’ll like and remember what he has to say. This Week’s Sponsors Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts Quip Toothbrush. Order your Quip toothbrush and get your first refill pack free by going to www.GetQuip.com/something Bombas Socks. Get 20% off your first order by going to www.Bombas.com/something and using the promo code SOMETHING Hunt A Killer. Order now and get 10% of your first box. Go to www.HuntAKiller.com and use the promo code SOMETHING Sworkit. Get your 30 day free trial and then 10% off your subscription by going to www.Sworkit.com/something and use the offer code SOMETHING FIXD. Get 10% off your purchase by going to www.ListenToMyCar.com and use the promo code SOMETHING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A kiss is just a kiss. Or is it? It turns out kissing does a lot. I begin this episode with some interesting facts about what kissing does, the messages it sends and why men and women tend to prefer different kinds of kisses. https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/relationships/20-things-you-never-knew-about-kissing/ss-AA3gtBD Why would you ever want to pay more when you can pay less? Well, that turns out to be a complicated question. There is a cost to chasing the lowest prices according to Ellen Ruppel Shell, a writer for the Atlantic magazine, professor at Boston University and author of the book Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture https://amzn.to/2NKHeLe. Anyone who bought something on sale but then never wore it or used it needs to hear this. Why do kids get the entire summer off? The myth has been that it started back when kids lived mostly on farms and took the summer off to help bring in the crops. But the crop harvest in the fall when kids are back in school – so that can’t be it. I’ll explain the real reason. http://mentalfloss.com/article/56901/why-do-students-get-summers Have you heard that gum disease can lead to heart attacks? How can that be – what’s the connection? The answer is inflammation. Dr. Duke Johnson, Medical Director of the Nutrilite Health Institute Center for Optimal Health in Southern California and author of the book Optimal Health https://amzn.to/2ugDngD explains how inflammation in the body is linked to chronic diseases – and more importantly what you can do about it. Advertisers in this episode: Quip Toothbrush. Get a Quip toothbrush and get your first refill pack free when you go to: www.getquip.com/something Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of things about you determine how likable you are but there are a few simple techniques to make you appear more likable instantly. I start this episode with three ways, according to Psychology Today, that will make you more likable to others when you meet them. And they aren’t what you probably think. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/let-their-words-do-the-talking/201107/get-anyone-you-instantly-guaranteed-1 Evolution is what got us to where we are today. But the evolutionary road we have traveled to get here is a bumpy one. Biology professor Nathan Lents author of the book, Human Error: A Panorama of our Glitches from Pointless Bones to Broken Genes https://amzn.to/2zo2u67 takes us on a journey of the human evolution timeline and points out what went right and what went wrong. Ever wonder why so many people have back and knee trouble? Could it be a flaw in our evolution? Why do humans get so many colds? Another flaw? You will find the answers in this episode. As you go through life, you collect stuff. Then, over time that stuff collects in your home and you forget about it – even if that stuff serves no purpose, is outdated or useless. We start with a list of things you may not even notice that are most likely cluttering up your home that you really ought to throw out – NOW! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/08/things-in-your-home-to-get-rid-of_n_4748455.html Frisbee, Hula-Hoop, Slip & Slide – they are all toys you and just about everyone else have played with for over 60 years. And they are all made by the Wham-O Toy Company. Had did one small company create such iconic toys? Tim Walsh, author of The Whamo Superbook: Celebrating 60 Years Inside the Fun Factory https://amzn.to/2NE8LxX takes you inside the workings of Wham-O, which has specialized and excelled by making outdoor toys while other toy companies have gone high tech. Advertisers in this episode: Helix Sleep. Get up to $125 off your mattress order by going to www.helixsleep.com/something SimpliSafe. Protect your home with the best home security system. Go to www.simplisafe.com/something Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you blush? Most people who do blush wish they didn’t because it is embarrassing and – as blushers know – it is impossible to stop doing it. But blushing has a purpose and I begin this episode by discussing who blushes, why they blush and what it means to others when you do. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-we-blush-social-embarrassment I’m sure you know that feeling of delight when someone surprises you on your birthday or anniversary or surprised you for no particular reason at all. When you understand how you can create that feeling of delight in others, those people will go out of their way to help you in all sorts of ways. Andy Nulman author of the book Pow! Right between the Eyes! Profiting from the Element of Surprise (https://amzn.to/2J5IwN5) joins me to discuss the power of surprise. Finding true love isn’t always easy – especially the second or third time around. One of the tricks is knowing where to look. So I will tell you the top 3 ways people find the next love of their life. Not just where people meet to find someone to date – but where they find real love. https://amzn.to/2uenFBW Everyone worries about their breath sometimes. Bad breath is sometimes hard to get rid of – and that is partly because people don’t understand where it comes. Dr. Harold Katz, DDS, is the founder of the California Breath Clinics and author of the book The Bad Breath Bible https://www.therabreath.com/ebook/ and he joins me to clear up some myths about bad breath and how to conquer it once and for all. Advertisers in this episode: Bombas Socks. Get 20% off your first sock order from Bombas! Go to www.bombas.com/something and enter the word – something – in the promo code space. Hims. If you are concerned about hair loss get a trial month of prescription treatment for just $5. Go to www.ForHims.com/something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting kids – or even some grownups – to eat their vegetables can be frustrating. However there are some simple techniques that researchers at Cornell University have studied that appear to be quite effective Listen and I’ll tell you how and you’ll discover the fascinating side effects of improving your reputation as a cook and a human being amongst your family members. And who wouldn’t want to do that? http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/OP/Loving_Cook You likely don’t give a lot of thought to how important strangers are to you because, well, they are strangers. However, certain strangers can play a far more important and seemingly mysterious role in your personal and professional success. Melinda Blau, author of the book Consequential Strangers (https://amzn.to/2NdVWKv) joins me to discuss this. Do you or someone in your circle get motion sickness? Ever wonder why that is and the best cure for it? I’ll discuss some interesting findings from a leading researcher on motion sickness that can offer some real relief. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/how-to-beat-motion-sickness?page=2 How many ad messages do you think you are exposed to every day? The number will astound you. Journalist Ken Auletta, author of the book Frenemies: The Epic Disruption of the Ad Business (and Everything Else) https://amzn.to/2tL09x8 joins me to explain why the advertising business is in turmoil and the rather serious consequences it can have on you as a consumer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not drinking enough water is a big problem. And while being a little dehydrated won’t kill you, dehydration does have a lot of significant and negative effects on your physical and mental wellness. This episode starts with a look at some surprising findings. http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/5-signs-dehydration-besides-color-your-pee Language controls what you think and how you think it. Imagine how differently you would think if you didn’t have words like “left” or “right”? Or what if your language had no specific numbers? Well it turns out there are languages like that. And the differences in languages, including English, frame the way you think according to Lera Boroditsky who is a professor of cognitive science at the University of California San Diego. She has a fascinating TED talk on this subject which led me to her. Here is the link: https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think You’ve surely been told the importance of maintaining good eye contact with people when you speak with them. But sometimes you shouldn’t. In fact sometimes you can’t maintain eye contact – it’s virtually impossible. Listen to hear the reason why. http://www.livescience.com/7155-helps-concentration.html While you may not spend a lot of time thinking about it, your emotions play a huge role in your personal and professional success. Psychiatrist Dr. Norman Rosenthal, author of the book The Emotional Revolution https://amzn.to/2KxxlSd joins me to reveal things about how your emotions work, how you can control them and the purpose they serve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is rare to see a UPS truck turning left. Sure, sometimes they have to but they try not to. And there is a really good reason why that we can all learn from. I begin this episode with a discussion on that. (http://mentalfloss.com/article/60556/19-secrets-ups-drivers) Could it be you are not as smart as you think you are? Apparently so according to David McRaney author of the book and host of the podcast called You Are Not So Smart (https://amzn.to/2tGvPTq). David explains some of the interesting quirks and flaws of the human brain that make us think the way we do – that also makes our perception quite inaccurate a lot of the time. I bet you’ve wondered if it helps to pay your credit card bill early. Well, if you carry a balance it does. I will explain a simplified version of the math to show you how. You may not get rich from doing it but it certainly worth knowing and can save a fair amount of money over time. http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/pay-credit-card-bill-early-and-save-1.aspx How long will you live? It’s important to grasp this because there are ramifications to the question for you, your parents and your children. Longevity continues to rise and with that comes the good and the bad. Dr. Laura Carstensen, professor of psychology and public policy at Stanford University is founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity and author of the book, A Long Bright Future (https://amzn.to/2KqrvPe) offers up so fascinating insight into how wonderful it is to be living so much longer than our ancestors – and why perhaps the best is yet to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is only one right way to build a fire. It has always been this way and it is unlikely anyone will ever come up with a better way. Interestingly, you probably already do it. I start this episode with an explanation on how to build the perfect fire. http://www.pratt.duke.edu/news/fire People tend to ask for help all wrong! Humans like to help, we get joy from helping and if you ask the right way, you will often get the help you want. It’s HOW you ask that really matters. Social psychologist Heidi Grant, author of the book Reinforcements: How to Get People to Help You https://amzn.to/2MRA4Ep has explored the research and when you hear what she has to say, you will become better and more effective at asking for help. How you prepare some food has an impact on how healthy it is for you. For example, you shouldn’t cut strawberries until just before you eat them – but for garlic the opposite is true. You should peel and chop and let it sit for a while first. Why? I’ll explain and tell you how to make several other foods healthier. http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/25/health/eating-foods-wrong/index.html Why are there so many financial gurus, websites, books, magazine and TV shows offering advice on how to invest your money? Is it really that hard? Not according to financial journalist Helaine Olen who writes for the Washington Post and is author of the book The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated https://amzn.to/2tuVnUr. Helaine explains why so much financial advice is horrible and how anyone can do a great job managing their own finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to feel REALLY good? Watch this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHiKxytbCWk. It’s a dull and boring video about folding towels and will make you (or at least many people) get chills and give you a “brain orgasm.” Why? No one really knows for sure but I’ll explain what is known about it as I start this episode. How could 95% of the universe be missing? Why is it that science can’t quite explain why we need to die or how free will works? Michael Brooks joins me for a fascinating discussion on things that baffle science. Michael holds a PhD in quantum physics and is author of the book 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense : The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries of Our Times (https://amzn.to/2JSTD17) and he is co-host of the podcast series Science(ish) which looks at the scientific issues raised by popular culture fiction such as Hollywood films and TV. A lot of the time you use the word “that” in a sentence, it is totally unnecessary. Oh, and so is “totally” as in totally unnecessary. I’ll have a list of words you probably use that you don’t really need to – in fact you really shouldn't. https://www.themuse.com/advice/15-words-you-need-to-eliminate-from-your-vocabulary-to-soundsmarter# You may have people in your life who “gaslight” you. It is a form of manipulation and it is very toxic. Therapist Robin Stern, author of the book, The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life (https://amzn.to/2M8RzyP), joins me to explain how it works and how to defend yourself from gaslighters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you search for something in Google does it matter what order you put the words in? What about punctuation – does that matter? We start this episode with the best ways to optimize Google searches to get the best results. (https://edu.google.com/coursebuilder/courses/pswg/1.2/assets/notes/Lesson1.5/Lesson1.5Wordordermatters_Text_.html) What makes someone beautiful? Can you really become more beautiful? These are important questions because beauty and attractiveness have some clear benefits for everyone. Rachelle Smith, associate professor of psychology at Husson University, is author of the book The Biology of Beauty (https://amzn.to/2JOKMtn). Rachelle joins me to explain the importance of your own beauty and how to maximize what you have. If you are going on a job interview it matters whether you are the first person interviewed or the last person or better yet, the fourth person. I’ll explain why. (http://www.businessinsider.com/always-go-fourth-during-interviews-2015-5) Seemingly small inventions like the razor blade, the TV dinner and paper money have had profound impacts on our lives and the economy in ways you never knew. Tim Harford, author of the book Fifty Inventions that Shaped the Modern Economy (https://amzn.to/2JV5zM9) joins me for a fascinating explanation of how these innovations have transformed our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do nice guys finish last? Sure, there are a lot of successful nice guys but there are a lot of successful jerks too. So which is it? The answer may actually lie somewhere in between. This episode begins with some interesting insight into that (http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/06/why-it-pays-to-be-a-jerk/392066) Humans are motivated by….what? Traditional thinking has been that carrots and sticks – in other words rewards or punishments are the best way to get people to do things. Well that may work but there are other ways that are better says Daniel Pink, author of the book Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us (https://amzn.to/2LNHze7). Daniel joins me to offer some advice on how to successfully motivate yourself and others. Friends are important but I bet you didn’t know just HOW important. Let’s put it this way… research shows not having a strong social network is equal to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. And that’s just one of the things I discuss about the importance of friends (http://www.rd.com/slideshows/friends-facts/#slideshow=slide2) Are you one of those people who hates small talk? Or perhaps you find it difficult to talk to strangers and connect with people. Or maybe you just wish you were better at conversation. If so, you need to listen to Jill Spiegel, author of the book How to Talk to Anyone About Anything (https://amzn.to/2t6tIb3). Jill is an expert when it comes to striking up conversations and making them count. Incidentally, she is also the great granddaughter of Joseph Spiegel, founder of the famous Spiegel mail order catalog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Humans are programmed to flirt. It’s the beginning of the process that keeps the species going forward. And while some people are clearly better at the art of flirting – there is some science to it as well. I begin this episode with scientifically proven ways to improve your flirting skills. (http://theweek.com/articles/448643/how-flirt-according-science) One thing that makes us human is our creativity. We are all creative and many of us could be even more creative according to Allen Gannett. Allen is the CEO of Track Maven, a software analytics firm and he has been on the top “30 Under 30” lists for both Inc. and Forbes magazines. He is also the author of the new book The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea at the Right Time (https://amzn.to/2Jt9vaH). Allen joins me to reveal some fascinating science behind creative people and the creative process that we can all benefit from. It turns out that not all olive oil is what it appears to be. In fact a lot of extra virgin olive oil isn’t what the label says. Is there fraud in the olive oil business? And if it isn’t olive oil, what is it? We’ll discuss. (http://time.com/3894609/extra-virgin-olive-oil/) If happiness is a choice, why do so many people choose to be unhappy? That is just one of the questions I tackle with Rick Foster co-author of the book Happiness & Health: 9 Choices That Unlock the Powerful Connection Between the Two Things We Want Most (https://amzn.to/2JEdz78). I think you will be amazed by what Rick has to say about the connection between your health and your happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel good about saving a spider because you took it out of your house and put it outside rather than killing it? It seems like a noble thing to do. But what you may not know is what is likely to happen to that spider once you put it outside. This episode of the podcast starts with that interesting explanation. (http://www.burkemuseum.org/blog/curated/spider-myths) You probably don’t think about it much but the way your body heals itself from illness and injury is really remarkable. We are learning more and more about how the healing process works and how to enhance it. Joining me to shed some light on all of this is Wayne Jonas, MD, professor of medicine at Georgetown University and author of the book How Healing Works. (https://amzn.to/2JB911l ) We all make typos when we write emails. But what you probably realize is that those typos alter the impact of your message – sometimes in a good way and sometimes in a bad way. Listen as I explain. (https://www.aol.com/2015/06/01/your-email-typos-reveal-more-about-you-than-you-realize/) How you perceive your world is different than everyone else because your brain is so different than everyone else's. One great way to understand those differences in our brain is to look at some people with peculiar brain disorders. Science writer Helen Thomson author of the book Unthinkable: An Extraordinary Journey Through the World’s Strangest Brains (https://amzn.to/2M6kswj) introduces you to a woman who gets lost going from her kitchen to her bathroom EVERY single time as well as the doctor who actually feels other people’s pain. It’s important to hear this because it gives you a clue as to why your brain sees a very different reality than mine or anyone else's. Plus Helen offers some brain enhancing techniques you can use that she has learned from the science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mental health is complicated. But there are some things that can trigger depression in almost anyone. I begin this episode with a list of things that can cause you to lose your objectivity and make you sad if you let them. (https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/therese-borchard-sanity-break/surprising-reasons-young-people-get-depressed/) If you knew there was a good chance that you could get a discount on a new shirt or pair of pants or a vacuum cleaner – but you had to ask – would you? It turns out that you can get discounts on many items in retail stores by asking but you have to ask the right way. To find out how listen to my discussion with Emily Hunter. Emily Hunter. Emily is an associate professor of management at Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business, where she teaches negotiation and conflict management. (https://business.baylor.edu/directory/?id=Emily_M_Hunter) Who hasn’t felt guilty about not visiting grandma or some other friend or relative? You go when you can but you wish you could go more often– right? Well if you ever feel that way, there is something important to understand. It is called the “certainty of contact.” I’ll explain what it is. (Dr. Charles Foster, author of Feel Better Fast - https://amzn.to/2Jm9YdH) How often have you heard people talk about the “rat race” and how important it is to get out of it? The idea is that the rat race is so stressful that it is somehow bad for you. But is it really? Not according to economist Todd Buchholz author of the book, RUSH: Why You Need and Love the Rat Race (https://amzn.to/2LiKQSF). Todd makes a compelling case that the stress of the rat race is exactly the fuel we need. By the way Todd served as White House director of economic policy under George H.W. Bush. His latest book is called The Price of Prosperity: How Rich Nations Fail and How to Renew Them (https://amzn.to/2Linigr) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you sit down to eat, several things affect how MUCH you eat and how much you enjoy the food. I begin this episode by revealing how the environment and atmosphere of the room in which you are eating can have a big impact. When you learn the details, you can use this information to help you eat less while enjoying your food more. (http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/outreach/musiclight.html) Sometimes people in relationships cheat. No secret there. But why? Are we programmed to cheat? Are humans, by nature, NOT monogamous? And what can you do if there has been cheating in your relationship? These are all important questions addressed by my guest Dr. Kenneth Rosenberg. Dr. Rosenberg is a board certified addiction psychiatrist, sex addiction counselor and he is author of the book Infidelity: Why Men and Women Cheat (https://amzn.to/2J2slRL) He also has a quiz on his website so you can assess your cheating potential. Go to : https://drkenrosenberg.com/ When you go to a business function you are often given a name tag to wear. So which side of your chest should you put it on - left or right – or does it even matter? While in the scheme of things it may not matter much, there is a correct side and it all has to do with function. I’ll tell you which side is the better side according to etiquette experts. (http://emilypost.com/2009/05/right-or-left-where-to-wear-a-name-badge/) In our culture we are obsessed with saving time. We have gadgets and apps and systems all designed to make us more productive so we get more done in less time. But then what do you do with the time you saved? Probably use it to get more things done. So what’s the point? For a different look at how you spend your time and what you spend it on, listen to my guest, Laura Vanderkam, author of the book Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done (https://amzn.to/2xs4325). She has been speaking and writing about this topic for a while and has some interesting insight and practical advice I think you will enjoy hearing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does having more sex make a couple happier – or is it just that happier couples have more sex? We begin this episode by looking at which is the cause and which is the effect. (http://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2015/may/more-sex-does-not-lead-to-happiness.html) You likely know the importance of staying out of the sun and using sunscreen when you are in the sun. But proper skin care involves much more than that. As we begin the unofficial start of summer, Dermatologist and plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, M.D., explains some important facts about skin care you may not know and offer simple and practical tips to keep your skin looking and staying younger. Dr. Youn is the author of the book The Age Fix (https://amzn.to/2GTve5o), he is host of the podcast, The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show (http://www.dryoun.com/podcast/) and his website is www.dryounonline.com Here’s an interesting physics question: Let’s say you have to get from point A to point B in the pouring rain. Will you get wetter by running or walking there? I’ll reveal the answer and explain the science. (http://gizmodo.com/5970075/do-you-get-less-wet-walking-or-running-in-the-rain) Have you ever had trouble getting along with people at work? It is a universal problem. And a big part of the problem is that people have different working styles. Some of those styles work well together – some clash. When you understand what those different styles are and how they work with each other, you can have a happier more productive work environment. Kim Christfort is an executive with Deloitte, an accounting and consulting firm, is co-author of the book Business Chemistry: Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships (https://amzn.to/2IRgE0a). She joins me to reveal how to better get along with and work with all the people at work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Years ago coffee was called “The Think Drink” in a marketing campaign. Those were the golden days of coffee. Later coffee was demonized as something that caused all kinds of health problems. Later it turned out, coffee had health benefits and was just fine to drink – but not too much. So we begin this episode with a look at the research to discover whether coffee is good or evil. (http://www.rd.com/slideshows/coffee-myths/#slideshow=slide6) Ever think about what traits or behaviors or illnesses may have been passed down to you by your parents and ancestors? What will you pass down to your children and their children? Can you really inherit your mother’s laugh or your father’s depression? Heredity is a fascinating and often misunderstood topic. To help sort it all out is Carl Zinmmer. Carl is a writer for The New York Times and author of the book, She Has Her Mother’s Laugh: The Powers, Perversions and Potential of Heredity (https://amzn.to/2IG8KKR). Couples fight about money more than most other subjects. That’s because they don’t talk about it until it escalates into a fight. So how can couples talk about money in a calm and reasonable manner so there are no fights? I’ll explain that in this episode (The Couple’s Guide to Financial Compatability by Jeff Motske - https://amzn.to/2KNiek2) When you do or say something that hurts someone else, you are supposed to apologize. But as simple as that sounds, sometimes an apology can make matters worse not better. In fact that is a lot about apologies and forgiveness people don’t understand. One person who understands this very well is Dr. Harriet Lerner, a psychotherapist and author of the book Why Won't You Apologize?: Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts (https://amzn.to/2s7Nanl). Harriet joins me to dissect what does and doesn’t make the perfect apology and how to diver it so it really does some good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No one likes getting a shot at the doctor’s office. But there is something you can do to ease the pain. We begin this episode with a little strategy that can cut the pain in half. But you have to do it just right. (https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27514-hold-your-breath-to-dampen-the-pain-of-an-injection/) Music plays an important role in our lives – but why? We don’t need it to survive yet every culture on the planet has music of some sort. John Powell, author of the books Why You Love Music (https://amzn.to/2IC5PTG) and How Music Works (https://amzn.to/2kcOYrP) joins me to examine the fascinating role music plays in our lives and why we like the music we like. Buying something that is biodegradable or has biodegradable packaging sound like a good thing. However, things don’t really biodegrade in a landfill like you think they would. Listen as we explore that topic. (http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/biodegradable-waste.html) Have you heard of the “New Power”? It is the power of connecting communities. Uber does it. Airbnb does it. Facebook does it. Their power comes not from owning something but from connecting people. Henry Timms has explored this in his new book New Power: How Power in Our Hyperconnected World – and How to Make it Work For You (https://amzn.to/2IzIDB7). He joins me to explain how it works and how you can put it to work for you and your organization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know what is one of the most common decorating mistakes people make? It is hanging art on the walls incorrectly – usually too high. I’ll explain a simple rule that art galleries and museums use and you should too. (https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-high-to-hang-pictures/) Imagine asking 45 successful, billionaire entrepreneurs what made them successful. That’s exactly what Robert Jordan did for his groundbreaking book, How They Did It: Billionaire Insights from the Heart of America (https://amzn.to/2rNN18u). Robert joins me to discuss how we can all put these principles to build our own success. What if I told you that one-third of the fish in your store could be mislabeled? And that you may not be getting what you think you are? That is just one of the interesting facts about supermarkets I share in this episode. (http://www.thedailymeal.com/11-secrets-supermarkets-dont-want-you-know-slideshow) How often have you been told to stop wasting time? Well it turns out that is often really bad advice according to Professor Alan Lightman author of the new book, In Praise of Wasting Time (https://amzn.to/2ImyFHj). Alan explains the problems created by scheduling every moment of the day as well of the benefits of simply doing nothing. And those benefits are pretty impressive! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you have a meeting it is usually sitting down in an office at a table. That just may be one of the worst ways to conduct a meeting and maybe it is why nothing much gets accomplished. There is a better way and it is something Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg and others do. I’ll explain what that is as we begin this episode. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/09/walking-meetings-at-linke_n_7035258.html?utm_hp_ref=business) If you cook, you are a scientist. Food science is fascinating and when you understand it you instantly become a better cook. Dr. Stuart Farrimond is author of the book, The Science of Cooking ((https://amzn.to/2KYJT2C) and he joins me to explain the science behind cooking the perfect cut of meat, how to best cook vegetables and how to choose the best pan to cook in. What are the ten most dangerous minutes to drive a car? That’s just one of the things you’ll learn when I explain how even good drivers can get better with a few simple techniques from the people at Popular Mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a15465/driving-mistakes/) Something is going on in the mouths of our children. It seems a lot more kids today need braces and other orthodontic work because their jaws are too small. That in turn can lead to other serious health problems according to Sandra Kahn, DDS, so author of the book Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic (https://amzn.to/2KZva7d). Listen as she explains the problem as well as the ramifications and what we can do about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the stronger motivator – reward or punishment? In other words, does hurt more to lose something than it feels good to gain something? We start this episode t with a look at some interesting research into this. (https://source.wustl.edu/2015/05/carrot-or-stick-punishments-may-guide-behavior-more-effectively-than-rewards/) Some people are just way too nice. They sacrifice their own needs for the needs of others. They are so worried about what other people think of them that always want to please rather than offend. Aziz Gazapura used to be one of those people and he is now on a mission to help people stop being too nice and start being bold and authentic and do what’s right for them – not just what’s right for everybody else. Aziz is the author of the book Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, & Feeling Guilty... And Start Speaking Up, Saying No, Asking Boldly, And Unapologetically Being Yourself (https://amzn.to/2I7IW68) When your car breaks down it is likely for one of only a couple of reasons. I’ll tell you what those reasons are and how to prevent and/or deal with them when they happen. (www.roadsidesurvival.com) Television has changed a lot of the years and the change continues according to Amanda Lotz, professor of media studies at the University of Michigan and author of the book We Now Disrupt This Broadcast: How Cable Transformed Television and the Internet Revolutionized It All (https://amzn.to/2rwDCTC). She joins me to offer a fascinating look into how television has evolved, where it is most likely headed and how it will affect what you watch and how you watch it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What color lipstick makes a woman most attractive? Do women prefer a beard on a man or not? What can anyone do to make themselves more attractive? We begin this episode by exploring this. (https://www.healthyway.com/content/ways-to-be-more-attractive-according-to-science/) Entrepreneurship is alive and well. So should you start a business? Maybe you already have. When you think about it, people who drive for Uber or rent out a room in their house on Airbnb are being entrepreneurial. So are people who simply decide to go freelance and do what they have always done – but do it as a consultant or contractor rather than as an employee. There are many ways to be an entrepreneur – but is it a smart thing for most people to do? Here to discuss that with me is Scott Shane. He is a professor of entrepreneurial studies at Case Western University and author of the book, Is Entrepreneurship Dead? (https://amzn.to/2rouVd7) I hate waiting in line. I imagine most people do. It turns out there is a whole science and vocabulary about waiting in line. Listen and discover how to make waiting in line less annoying, if that is possible. (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a6164/how-to-choose-the-fastest-line/) Health fraud is a topic I’ve been interested in for a long time. I am fascinated by so many of the false health claims that people believe even when there is no evidence to support them. Nina Shapiro, M.D., is also fascinated by this topic. She is the author of a new book called Hype: A Doctor's Guide to Medical Myths Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice (https://amzn.to/2wl2cvs). She joins me to discuss what health information is true and not true – and how dangerous it is not to know the difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The more decisions you make during the day, the worse you get at it. It’s called “decision fatigue” and everyone gets it. Listen as we begin this episode and discover just how it happens and what you can do about it. (http://jamesclear.com/willpower-decision-fatigue) What does your stuff say about you? Tons, according to my first guest, Sam Gosling. Sam sent investigators and scientists to snoop around people’s homes and offices to discover what can be learned by their belongings. The results are in his book, Snoop: What Your Stuff Says about You (https://amzn.to/2HR1VSs). Sam joins me to explain what he discovered. You probably don’t think a lot about food – but there are some fascinating things worth knowing. So we will explore things like how much food you eat in a year; the shelf life of Twinkies (if there is one) and what may be lurking in your peanut butter. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/17/food-facts_n_4788746.html) The bacteria in your gut could actually have a significant impact on your mood and your ability to think and solve problems. It sounds weird but the science for this is pretty substantial. Journalist Scott Anderson explored this thoroughly for his book (published by National Geographic) called The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection. Normally I am very conservative about what kind of health claims and advice I allow on the podcast but there really seems to be something to this and it could be of help for people with depression as well as people who have trouble with their gut. (https://amzn.to/2HOMx90) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In my house, whenever we turn on the microwave oven in the kitchen – it screws up the Wi-Fi. Why is that? And is there anything you can do to prevent that? We start this episode by exploring the microwave/Wi-Fi conflict. (http://io9.com/why-does-your-microwave-oven-mess-with-the-wi-fi-connec-1666117933) Time sure flies when you are having fun. We’ve all had that experience but have you ever wondered why that is? Why should time seem to travel faster at one time and slower at other times even though time is constant? Is it possible to deliberately make time seem to move faster or slower? Alan Burdick is a staff writer and former senior editor at The New Yorker who spent 10 years researching this phenomenon. The result is his book, Why Time Flies (https://amzn.to/2rd4Rlg) . He joins me to reveal what he discovered. If you have some vodka around the house, you should know that it is good for more than mixing cocktails. For example, it is an insect repellent and it’s great for washing windows – and that’s just the beginning! (http://mom.me/food/18977-top-10-unusual-uses-alcohol/item/washing-window/) . Listen to discover all the great uses for vodka. We all have to work in teams. Whether it is your family or a team at work or in an organization you belong to. So what is it that makes great teams work so well together? Daniel Coyle, author of the book The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups (https://amzn.to/2HCdGMe) embedded himself in some highly successful groups including the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team Six, Zappos, the San Antonio Spurs, and several others and he discovered what makes great teams – great. He joins me to share the secrets of highly successful teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you go grocery shopping it is hard to resist the urge to buy things you know you shouldn’t. Temptation is down every aisle! So what can you do? There is a simple yet very effective technique that will help you resist those urges. (http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/OP/Trigger_Apple) You probably know someone you would consider powerful. So how did they get their power? Where did it come from? And can you be more powerful? Listen to Jeffrey Pfeffer is a professor of Organizational Management at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and author of the book Power: Why Some People Have it and Others Don’t (https://amzn.to/2I1hfN4). He explains how anyone can be a much more powerful presence. Do you like kale? It has been called a super food and it now finds its way into all kinds of salads and other dishes. But a few years ago hardly anyone ate kale. So why and how did it become so popular? Is it really so great? You won’t believe the story. (https://spoonuniversity.com/news/real-story-behind-kale-became-famous) There is logical thinking and then there is “elastic” thinking. Elastic thinking is a different way to approach problems. Leonard Mlodinow, author of the book Elastic Thinking: Flexible Thinking in a Time of Change (https://amzn.to/2JrXqhl) reveals how this different way of thinking works and how it can often be a better way to solve the problems you face at work and at home. Leonard is a fascinating writer (he co-wrote a book with Stephen Hawking!) and I know you will find his insight enlightening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One way to blow your credibility in any conversation or in anything you write is to misuse or mispronounce words or phrases. So this episodes starts with some commonly misused words and phrases to make sure you are using them correctly. (https://www.inc.com/christina-desmarais/10-speaking-and-writing-errors-that-erode-your-credibility.html) Taking risks can be good – or bad. It’s all in how you approach the risk and it also seems to depend on how old you are. Kayt Sukel, author of the book The Art of Risk: The New Science of Courage, Caution, and Chance (https://amzn.to/2HjkQoE) joins me to explain how important it is to take risks but also how to be a better risk taker so that you win more than you lose – and also how to learn from the risks that fail. Do you neatly fold your towel after a shower and place it on the towel rack? Or maybe you hang it on a hook? Well those are terrible things to do if you plan to use that towel again tomorrow! I’ll explain why. (https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a26125/dirty-bathroom-mistakes/) Do you like science? How can you not? Science is everywhere and governs everything you do and explains why our world works the way it does. Scientist Scott Bembenek author of the book The Cosmic Machine: The Science that Runs our Universe and the Story Behind It (https://amzn.to/2qQDIFn) joins me to explain some fascinating principles and mysteries of science. One mystery he talks about is why you will often see an egg fall to the ground and break but never see an egg jump back up on the counter and reassemble itself. But according to some equations – it should. You have to hear him explain it. So come listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Of course you know better than to talk on your phone while driving – but you should also tell other people in the car to stay off their phones as well. This episode starts with a discussion on why passenger’s phone conversation can be trouble for the driver. (http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2010/05/half-heard-phone-conversations-reduce-performance) How well do you sleep? Before you answer you should know that you may not HAVE the answer. So many people sleep so poorly, they don’t even know what good sleep is – or feels like. For some real insight into how people sleep and how we can all sleep better, listen as I speak with sleep medicine specialist Chris Winter, M.D., author of the book The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It (https://amzn.to/2JVEHMd) Anyone who spends time on Facebook knows that feeling of, “Why does everyone else’s life seem so wonderful compared to mine?” There is now research that proves this happens to everyone who goes on Facebook and that actually people’s lives aren’t any better than yours – it just looks that way. Listen and I’ll explain. (http://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2015/April/040415FaceookStudy) Do you know much about virtual reality? You are about to. Peter Rubin, senior editor at Wired magazine knows a lot about it. In fact he is the author of a new book on the topic called Future Presence: How Virtual Reality is Changing Human Connection, Intimacy and the Limits of Ordinary Life (https://amzn.to/2HeLUFD). Peter joins me to explore some of the fascinating and fun parts of virtual reality and also some of the concerns about how it will impact how we humans live our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Passengers get kicked off airline flights a lot more than they used to. Do airlines have the right to just give people the boot for any reason? This episode begins by explaining why you can get kicked off any flight for almost any reason. (http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/04/09/how-to-get-kicked-off-flight/?intcmp=HPBucket) The idea of “creating excellence” really became popular back in 1982 with the publication of the huge, best-selling book, In Search of Excellence (https://amzn.to/2qAE2qB) . So how have things changed since then? Co-author Tom Peters joins me to talk about that as well as discuss his new book The Excellence Dividend: Meeting the Tech Tide with Work That Wows and Jobs That Last (https://amzn.to/2H2XQdo). Tom one of those people who always makes you think so I am sure you will find this conversation engaging. Which is better for your car – synthetic motor oil or conventional motor oil? To answer that you need to know the difference so I’ll explain that and tell you what the experts recommend. (http://www.costcoconnection.ca/connectioncaeng/20150910?article_id=1320613&pg=NaN#pgNaN) In our culture, we are encouraged to spend money. It is often difficult to save money and spend cautiously. Vicki Robin, author of the book Your Money or Your Life (https://amzn.to/2JMV1il) shares some fascinating ideas on how to look at money differently and spend wisely so you still get you everything you really want and also have money in the bank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Eat your veggies – they’re good for you!” Every parent has said that to a child and yet, as a parent, you probably shouldn’t. I start this episode of the podcast with some fascinating research about what to tell kids about healthy foods. (http://www.chicagobooth.edu/about/newsroom/press-releases/2014/2014-05-08) What if I told you that nothing really goes viral? You’d probably say, “Of course it does – cat videos, songs, lots of things go viral.” Well, not according to Derek Thompson, senior editor at the Atlantic magazine and author of the book Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction (https://amzn.to/2HtzsCC). Derek reveals exactly how things become popular – and it isn’t the way you might think. In schools today there is a lot of emphasis on typing on a keyboard rather than writing with pen and paper. So you may be surprised to hear the benefits kids receive by simply writing on paper – and maybe schools should re-think their policies that deemphasize penmanship in early grades. (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/science/whats-lost-as-handwriting-fades.html?_r=0) Who hasn’t been socially anxious? I am sure you’ve been in one of those situations where a lot is on the line or you don’t know anyone and it makes it uncomfortable and difficult. This is especially true for the millions of people who are naturally socially anxious anyway. With some help is clinical psychologist Ellen Hendriksen author of How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety (https://amzn.to/2v7gVtb). Ellen is also the host of the wildly popular podcast, Savvy Psychologist (https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist) She joins me to offer some rock solid suggestions to help navigate those anxiety provoking situations so you act, look and feel like you belong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I recently appeared on a different podcast to talk about the evolution and success of Something You Should Know. To listen to my appearance on "On Mic with Jordan Rich," follow this link: http://onmicwithjordanrich.blubrry.net/category/episodes/ Confident people just have a way about them. The way they act and talk draws people to them. So how can you be (and appear) more confident? I begin this episode with some expert advice on how to project confidence. (https://bit.ly/2qeuW3m) How does your money move around? In other words, you write me a check, how does the money get from your account to mine? What makes a $20 bill worth $20? And how does Bitcoin work? These questions and more are answered by my guest Charles Wheelan, who teaches economics at Dartmouth and is author of the book Naked Money (https://amzn.to/2qb0N58) You probably have an ice maker in your freezer. If so , you should be aware that your ice maker has its own heater to keep it from freezing and that little heater is costing you. (http://science.time.com/2011/04/14/how-the-ice-in-your-drink-is-imperiling-the-planet/) One reason that happiness can be so hard to find is because our brains aren’t wired for happiness – they are wired for survival. Rick Hanson, author of the book Hardwiring Happiness (https://amzn.to/2uY5Hr4) reveals how, with a little effort, you can rewire the brain so happiness becomes part of who you are Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could some freaked-out passenger actually open the door on an airplane in the middle of the flight? There have been news reports of attempts to do so – but is it possible? That is one of the things I discuss regarding how things work on commercial airliners to begin this episode. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3023336/The-answers-question-ve-flying.html) There are five types of people who can ruin your life. All five are what you would call “high-conflict” types of people. Bill Eddy has some ways for you to handle these people so they DON’T ruin your life. In fact when you implement his strategies, these people won’t bother you much you at all. Bill is the president of the High Conflict Institute and author of the book 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life. (https://amzn.to/2JjIBOH) Ever been in an elevator where some guy is wearing way too much cologne? That happens because a lot of men are clueless about HOW to apply it – they think the more the better. So I will explain GQ Magazine’s recommendation on how men should apply cologne in just the right way. (http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2013/04/how-to-put-on-cologne-guide.html) You know what motivation is – right? It’s that thing that gets you to your goal. But where does it come from? Why do some people seem more motivated than others? Jeff Haden knows. He is a speaker, researcher and author of the book, The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win (https://amzn.to/2q8Dvg4). Listen and you will have a much better handle on how motivation works and how to make it payoff for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We 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 isn’t. So joining me is Hector MacDonald, he is strategic communications consultant who has advised the leaders of some of the world’s top corporations as well as the British government. Hector is the author of a new book called TRUTH: How the Many Sides to Every Story Shape Our Reality (https://amzn.to/2pVUYs6) and I think you will find what he has to say very enlightening. Everyone has been worried about their breath on occasion. We all know what a huge turn-off bad breath can be. So I will let you in on some proven strategies to fight bad breath when you aren’t able to brush your teeth. I’ll also tell you a few myths about bad breath that may surprise you. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/03/cure-bad-breath_n_1126196.html) You’ve heard of Murphy’s Law… Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. But why is that so? Why do things go wrong? Whether it is your morning routine to get the kids off to school (which in my house OFTEN goes wrong) to how you do your job or cook Thanksgiving dinner to disastrous space shuttle launches – things can and do go wrong. Listen to Chris Clearfield, co-author of the book Meltdown: Why Our Systems Fail and What We Can Do About It (https://amzn.to/2pZgPy3) as he delves into the science of failure. You'll discover how failure works and more importantly how you can learn from failure to prevent it from happening again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have a big decision to make, wait until you have to go to the bathroom. I begin this episode by explaining why a full bladder helps make better decisions. (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228163141.htm) Do you control your phone or does your phone control you? It seems we can’t live without a cellphone for more than a few minutes. But what if you actually tried? What if it actually made things better? Catherine Price has taken a critical look at our relationship to smartphones in her book, How to Break Up With your Phone (https://amzn.to/2IbpViD). For more information go to www.PhoneBreakUp.com And for a free copy of Catherine’s audio book version, go to www.Audible.com/something and start a free trial with Audible and you get one free book to download and keep even if you cancel your subscription. Did you know that Cheerios were once considered an unapproved drug by the FDA? And do you know how many varieties of Cheerios there are? (Hint: More than 12) Those are just a few of the many fascinating things I discuss about this iconic breakfast cereal. (http://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/5-things-you-didn-t-know-about-cheerios) So what do you do when your whole life fall apart? Of course you hope it never happens but life has a way of dishing up some pretty tough times to all of us at some point. Daphne Rose Kingma, author of the book, The 10 Things to Do When Your Life Falls Apart (https://amzn.to/2IcSYma) reveals the secrets of getting through those horrible times so that life gets good once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your homeowner’s insurance (and renter’s insurance if you have it) covers much more than you probably realize – and it is worth knowing. For example, if you receive counterfeit money – your homeowner’s insurance may likely cover you for the loss. Who knew? And that’s only one thing we will discuss that your insurance probably covers. (http://consumerist.com/2012/04/12/stuck-with-a-forged-check-homeowners-insurance-to-the-rescue/) How do peak performers get to the top of their field? And what separates a peak performer from everyone else? High performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais has some interesting answers that can help you become a peak performer. Michael works with top musicians, action sports stars and athletes including the Seattle Seahawks. He is also the host of the podcast, Finding Mastery: Conversations with Micahael Gervais (https://findingmastery.net). The number of people who are near-sighted has grown dramatically over the last 20 years or so. Why? You’ve probably heard that it is because we do so much “close-up” work like looking at computer screens and reading books. But that is apparently not it. So what is the reason? Listen to find out.(http://www.nature.com/news/the-myopia-boom-1.17120?WT.mc_id=TWT_NatureNews) Is zero really a number? What is so important about pi? These are just two of the fascinating aspects of mathematics I explore with mathematician Ian Stewart, retired Professor at the University of Warwick in England and author of several books including The Beauty of Numbers in Nature (https://amzn.to/2DUo0fM). Even if you are not a math lover, you will find this conversation fascinating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few times every year I like to shine a spotlight on some of the best moments from past episodes you may have missed. This time, it’s moments from the last few months of 2017. It’s a busy time of year, so in case you missed some moments, here are a few really great ones.. The links below will take you back to the original episodes from which these segments are taken so you can listen to the complete interviews if you wish. Topics and Links in this Episode Why Those Special Moments in Your Life Are So Special. Episode 79. http://www.somethingyoushouldknow.net/124-why-those-special-moments-in-your-life-are-so-special-the-5-numbers-you-must-know-to-stay-healthy/ Alan Alda’s Advice on Communicating and Relating to Others. Episode 109 http://www.somethingyoushouldknow.net/109-alan-aldas-advice-on-communicating-and-relating-to-others-how-to-fight-off-feelings-of-loneliness/ How to Learn Anything Better and Faster. Episode 118 http://www.somethingyoushouldknow.net/118-how-to-learn-anything-better-and-faster-are-people-inherently-good-or-evil/ The Serious Consequences of Not Asking For What You Want. Episode 132 http://www.somethingyoushouldknow.net/132-amazing-ways-genes-affect-your-behavior-the-serious-consequences-of-not-asking-for-what-you-want/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has a blood type right? Well, not really. Some people have no blood type – not to be confused with people who have a universal blood type. Do you know if you are type A, B, AB or 0? Why do you have a blood type anyway? That’s the first topic of conversation today. (http://mosaicscience.com/story/why-do-we-have-blood-types) To hear tell, the world is going to hell. Watch the news and it seems as if we are on the road to self-destruction. But we are not. In fact we are living in an age of enlightenment according to Harvard Professor and bestselling author Stephen Pinker. In his new book, Enlightenment Now the Case for Reason, Science Humanism and Progress, (http://amzn.to/2FKuhNb), Stephen reveals that while many think the world is in decline, the opposite is true and he joins me to discuss. What he says will lift your spirits. (And remember, to get Stephen Pinker's audiobook version of Enlightenment Now for free from Audible, just go to www.audible.com/something and sign up for a 30-day trial and your first book is free!) If you use a handheld hair dryer, you may want to hold it a little differently than you probably do. That’s because hair dryers emit an electromagnetic force that may not be so good for your health. The same is true for other household appliances. I’ll explain which ones and what you should do differently. (https://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/electromagnetic-fields-and-your-health) Do you swear? Chances are you do. Most people do. But why? Melissa Mohr, author of the book Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing (http://amzn.to/2Dty0fM) explain why every language has swearing and what purpose it serves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People 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-does) Some 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 those people that other people think of as lucky? Absolutely, says Janice Kaplan. Janice is the former Editor-in-Chief of Parade magazine and her new book is called How Luck Happens: Using the Science of Luck to Transform Work, Love, and Life (http://amzn.to/2Dp0wiH). Janice joins me to discuss how luck really works and how anyone can craft a luckier life. Organic onions, swordfish and gluten-free muffins are just 3 things you shouldn’t buy at the supermarket if you want to save money. I’ll explain why and give you a few other things NOT to buy. (http://www.mc3cb.com/pdf_nutrition_articles/2011_3_8_7%20Worst%20Supermarket%20Rip.pdf) Has this ever happened…? You send an email or leave a voicemail for someone to get back to you – but they don’t. As a result, you start to imagine why they don’t. And the why is usually a negative story. Why do we do this? And how can we stop doing that? Scott Gortno is a therapist and author of the book , The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Stop Jumping to Conclusions. Free Yourself from Anxiety. Transform Your Relationships (http://amzn.to/2DjTHix). Listen as he explains this interesting quirk in human behavior and why it gets us into trouble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If 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-shows) You instinctively know about body language. When people act a certain way or don’t make eye contact with you – it causes you to make assumptions about them. Plus, how YOU act and carry yourself causes people to make assumptions about you. All this non-verbal communication is fascinating and Tonya Reiman, Fox News, contributor and author of The Yes Factor: Get What You Want. Say What You Mean (http://amzn.to/2Fuh7rp), joins me to offer some insight and advice to help you better use nonverbal communication to your advantage. If you don’t have time to floss, maybe you should chew some gum. It seems that chewing gum can do a lot for your oral health but you have to chew the right kind of gum and you have to make sure you don’t chew it too long. Listen to hear the explanation. (http://www.medicaldaily.com/oral-health-hack-chewing-gum-removes-100m-bacteria-10-minutes-similar-flossing-319120 ) What you eat turns out to have a lot to do with how well your brain works. Eat the right foods and your cognitive performance increases. East the wrong foods and the opposite occurs. Neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi, author of the new book Brain Food: The Surprising Science of Eating for Cognitive Power (http://amzn.to/2HqihAA) explains the connection between food (and drink) and your brain and she offers her list of best and worst foods to eat if you want to optimize your brain’s performance. 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? We’ll discuss that. (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

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is Stephen Hawking still alive? Most people who are diagnosed with ALS die within 5 years. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed in his 20’s and today he is in his 70’s. We begin this episode by looking at his amazing longevity. (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/stephen-hawking-als/) Do you know a complainer? It’s a trick question because you probably know a lot more than one. In fact, you might be a complainer without realizing it. Cianna Stewart has studied the subject of complaining in great detail and even wrote a book on it called, No Complaints: How to Stop Sabotaging Your Own Joy (http://amzn.to/2CNYU1M). Listen as she reveals why some people complain about every little thing and strategies to stop yourself from complaining and to stop complainers from complaining. Look at any print or web ad and you will likely see the images on the left and the text on the right. There’s a reason for that – it is one of the techniques advertisers use. I’ll discuss several more you should be aware of. https://prezi.com/if57qeh9nw7a/key-to-advertisement/ Have you heard of the word “gamification”? You do it with your kids when you make cleaning their room a game instead of a chore. Fitbit is a good example of gamification. They make a game out of fitness. Other businesses do it as well – and you probably also do it in your life. Dave Eng is an expert on gamification. He is an adjunct professor at St. Thomas Aquinas College and he joins me to discuss how gamification works, why it’s go effective and what some of the concerns are. Dave’s website is www.Davengdesign.com 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, I’ll explain what it is exactly and how it is different than regular corny 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 isn’t 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, author of Modern Manners: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Social Graces (http://amzn.to/2F1xpHf), 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

Back in Grandma’s day, you had to spend an afternoon defrosting the freezer once in a while. Today we have frost-free freezers but unfortunately they can do damage to the frozen food in there. I’ll explain what to do about it. One of the reasons life is so stressful is because we try to do things that we are just not wired to do. Gretchen Rubin, host of the “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” podcast and author of the audiobook The Four Tendencies has a solution. She explains how to figure out your own personality profile and then incorporate ways to live your life that are in line with your personality. When you do, life gets easier. By the way, to take the personality test Gretchen talks about, go to her website www.GretchenRubin.com Then, a lot more kids today have allergies and eczema compared to previous generations. And it may have to do with your dishwasher. You’ll want to hear this. We humans are very good at making irrational decisions. It seems we can’t help ourselves. We like to think we are rational beings but so often what we do and how we think is driven by something else. Ron Brafman, co-author of the book Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior explains why we do irrational things and offers some advice to help you be more rational when everyone else isn’t. To see the before and after images of my living room courtesy of Modsy.com, go to: http://bit.ly/2EKrpmG 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. 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. 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.com 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. Come see my dog Taffy and her new Bark Box on the episode page on the website. Here is the link: http://bit.ly/2HtCYN8 To discover more about Bark Box go to: www.BarkBox.com/something Check out Health IQ. They offer lower rates on life insurance for health-conscious people. See if you qualify by going to: www.HealthIQ.com/something Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to be more persuasive? There is a simple phrase or two you can add to any request that will increase the chances that almost anyone will do you the favor you ask. I’ll tell you what those phrases are. If you’ve been watching the Olympics, you’ve seen THE best athletes in the world competing against each other. So how do you get to be the best? And what separates the very best from the “pretty good?” Ashley Merryman, co-author of the book Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing (http://amzn.to/2CiopYU) reveals some fascinating stories and research that anyone can use to improve your chances of winning in whatever you choose to do. There isn’t a soul alive who hasn’t gotten an email or 2 (or thousands!) offering male enhancement pills, creams and lotions. The problem is, none of them work. And there is even a bigger problem with these fake potions. Listen to discover what it is. Are people becoming ruder? Sure seems that way to me. So where did this need to be “brutally honest” come from? Danny Wallace, author of the book F You Very Much (http://amzn.to/2HeCzxV) looks at the origins of this new lack of civility as well as what it is doing and how we can stop it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So the dentist has you open your mouth wide and while he is poking around in there with sharp instruments, he asks you a question. Why? You can’t really answer. I’ll explain this and other fascinating things that go on in the dentist’s office. Since it is Valentine’s week, I think you’ll enjoy hearing my discussion with Helen Fisher, author of the Anatomy of Love A Natural History of Mating, Marriage, and Why We Stray (http://amzn.to/2EvFAvd). Helen has been studying how people connect, fall in love and stay in love and she has some great suggestions on where to go to find love and how to keep the spark alive in the long term. Why do retail prices still end in 99 cents - as in $29.99? Do retailers still think we don’t know that $29.99 is closer to $30 than $20? It turns out that pricing strategy still works and I’ll explain why. Everyone has creative ability. It’s just a matter of understanding your particular creative process and how to use it. That’s according to Roger Von Oech, author of the book, A Whack on the Side of the Head (http://amzn.to/2nT7XK7). Roger has been studying, researching and speaking about creativity for years and he will help ignite your creative thinking to come up with better ideas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices