The Upgrade by Lifehacker

Dr. Robert Lustig joins us in the studio to talk about his new book, “The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains.” Dr. Lustig is a pediatric endocrinologist who is also author of the book “Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease.” He talks to us about how corporate interests have worked to keep us addicted to pleasure—and how our addictions have robbed us of happiness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we’re talking about bullshit: what it is, how to detect it, and how to call it out. First, staff writer Nick Douglas joins us for a rousing game of “Two Truths and a Lie.” Then we talk to Carl Bergstrom and Jevin West, professors at the University of Washington who teach a course called Calling Bullshit. Finally, Alice talks about why we're so susceptible to bullshit with staff writer Beth Skwarecki, who writes the Bullshit Resistance School column on Lifehacker. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a recast of the week Charles Duhigg joined us to discuss the science of productivity. He's a Pulitzer-winning reporter for the New York Times and best-selling author, most recently of Smarter Faster Better, which plumbs the science of productivity. He talks with us about how you can motivate yourself to do horrible things like answer email, why some pilots crash planes when things go wrong and others don't, and why you want at least two women on any team you're on. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're talking about microdosing: the use of relatively low doses of psychedelics, like LSD and psilocybin mushroom, to improve mood, focus and productivity in daily life. We spoke with author Ayelet Waldman, whose monthlong experiment with microdosing pulled her out of suicidal depression; psychedelics advocate Paul Austin; and psychologist Dr. Ingmar Gorman, who specializes in "psychedelic psychotherapy" and substance use treatment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're talking about personal hygiene with professional clean person Jolie Kerr. Jolie’s been a cleaning expert for Esquire, Deadspin and The Hairpin, and she’s the author of the New York Times bestselling book, My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag . . . and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha. Starting this week, she’ll be writing a column for Lifehacker's parenting vertical, Offspring, on how to be a clean parent. In this episode, she’ll answer questions from our audience on how to handle stinky feet, weird breath, and the other embarrassing issues we all deal with (but don’t want to admit to). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Cleo Stiller, host of Fusion TV's "Sex Right Now," joins us to talk about how porn is affecting our sex lives, what happens when men get menstrual cramps, and to introduce us to a Fitbit for your penis. We also talk to sex therapist Sari Cooper about how to keep intimacy alive in long-term relationships. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The entire Lifehacker staff convened in New York City and gathered in the studio this week to answer etiquette questions sent in by our readers. Want to know how often you should acknowledge a coworker in the office hallway? How to politely exit a conversation? Or how to tell a spouse that he’s a bit of a mansplainer? Lucky for you, we have all the answers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns join us to talk about storytelling. What makes a good story? What makes a good storyteller? How can we use storytelling to communicate better, to sell people on our ideas, to make people like us?Actor, director, screenwriter, author and science advocate Alan Alda is the founder of the Alda Center for Communicating Science and Alda Communication Training, which trains scientists and businesspeople to use improv in order to more effectively get their ideas across. Catherine Burns is artistic director of The Moth, the non-profit dedicated to the art and craft of stories told live and without notes. We talk with both about the magic and science of storytelling and effective communication. Additionally, Lifehacker staff writer Beth Skwarecki speaks with a children’s librarian about how best to tell a bedtime story, and Lifehacker staff writer Nick Douglas schools us on Dan Harmon’s guide to structuring any written story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We spoke with Steve Casner, author of the book CAREFUL: A User’s Guide to Our Injury-Prone Minds. Steve is a research psychologist with NASA who studies how and why we get hurt in our everyday activities: whether we’re chopping vegetables, climbing ladders, or just walking down the street. We found out how we can stay safe without hiding in bed all day—and why we should embrace our bad attitudes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're talking about psychopaths: what exactly is a psychopath, how to identify them and what to do if you suspect you might be dating one. We talk with Jen Waite, author of A Beautiful, Terrible Thing: A Memoir of Marriage and Betrayal about her marriage to someone who turned out to embody the textbook definition of a psychopath, as well Columbia University professor of psychiatry Michael Stone about the clinical and forensic applications of the psychopathy spectrum. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ty Tashiro, relationship expert and author of Awkward: The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome, joins us in the studio to talk about how the same traits that make us socially anxious and cause embarrassing faux pas can actually be beneficial. We also get people to spill about their most awkward moments, and take a look at the ways that technology has made things awkward (and what we can do about it) in the digital age. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marissa Ross, the official wine columnist for Bon Appétit and author of the book “Wine. All the Time: The Casual Guide to Confident Drinking,” joins us in the studio to talk about (what else?) wine: how to buy it, how to talk about it, and most importantly, how to enjoy drinking it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re living in a time of secrets. Whether it’s the health-care bill, Russia’s secret connection with our recent election, or the lies we all tell, secrets plague all of us. Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, author of “Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are” explains what the Internet can tell us about the prejudices, fears, and fetishes we’re hiding. We talk with our Lifehacker writers about a Reddit thread where Redditors shared secrets that, if revealed, would ruin people’s lives. Psychiatrist Eileen Wachter visits the studio to discuss the psychological effects of keeping secrets. And our producer takes to the streets to find out what sort of secrets we’ve been keeping for other people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sally Kohn, political commentator, columnist, and one of our leading progressive voices, joins us in the studio to discuss the state of our (deeply divided) union—and how we can come together despite our differences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we chatted with Samantha Irby, comedian, writer, the mastermind behind the blog “Bitches Gotta Eat” and the author of the new collection of essays “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life,” as well as the collection “Meaty.” We crowned her as the voice of her generation, talked marriage and the Bachelorette, and found out why she dedicated her book to Klonopin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sharon Salzberg is one of the people who brought Buddhist meditation and mindfulness practice to the West and into mainstream culture. She co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and is the author of nine books, including the New York Times best seller Real Happiness, her seminal work, Lovingkindness, and her new book, which comes out tomorrow, Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection. Sharon joined us in the studio to talk about her new book, meditation, love, shame, heartbreak, and compassion. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andy Boyle is a writer, comedian, and web developer who has gone viral on the Internet multiple times. He’s also the author of the new book “Adulthood for Beginners: All the Life Secrets Nobody Bothered to Tell You.” Andy joined us in the studio to talk about how he went viral, and all of the things he wished he knew as a young adult to make him a better and fuller person. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hector Monsegur is a reformed black-hat hacker. Under the alias Sabu, he hacked corporations, news organizations, and Middle Eastern governments. After he was caught, Hector became an informant for the FBI; now he makes a living helping companies avoid getting hacked. Hector joined us in the studio to talk about all the ways we put ourselves at risk of being the next hacking victim, and how we can protect ourselves and our data. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary tech guru Leo Laporte joins us to discuss what it means to be a geek, the mainstreaming of geek culture, why we must fight for our (geek) rights, and how he built an enormous—and enormously successful—podcast network. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://www.lifehacker.com/theshow. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gretchen Rubin practically invented the concept of hacking your happiness. She's the author of The Happiness Project, host of the podcast Happier with Grethen Rubin, and for years has been exploring the good habits that bring joy to everyday life. She's here to chat about how we can get happy and stay that way. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are a lot of reasons why we should eat less meat, but most of us don’t want to quit cold turkey. And that’s okay. We’re talking with Brian Kateman to learn why we should consider cutting back on our meat consumption, including both health and environmental benefits, even if we don’t go full-on vegetarian. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you ever feel like you’re just hard-wired for stress and anxiety? According to psychology professor Daniel Keating, how we deal with stress may be determined while we’re still in the womb. We’re talking with Daniel about how our early development can affect the way we deal with stress throughout life and what we can do about it. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The future of healthcare in America is uncertain but Planned Parenthood is continuing their mission to provide preventative care, contraception counseling, family planning, and more to whoever needs it. In this week’s show we discuss what you can do to maintain your own access to healthcare, Planned Parenthood’s role, and what can you do to show your support. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave Asprey, otherwise known as the Bulletproof Exec, has spent decades experimenting with ways to optimize his mind and body. You might know him best as the guy who says you should put butter in your coffee, but that’s just one part of a whole lifestyle he’s created for himself and his enthusiastic followers. This week we’re talking with him about his latest book and what we can do to almost literally hack our brains. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone seems to think they’re a great driver but your scuffed bumper might disagree. How can we learn to improve our driving in the age of infinite distractions? Do you even need to own a car these days? We’re talking with Jalopnik writer Kristen Lee about cars in the city, safer driving, and virtues of manual transmissions. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Felix Salmon, senior editor at Fusion and co-host of Slate’s Money podcast, is our guest this week. We discuss banks debt, credit cards and other things you think are totally boring but we somehow make wildly entertaining. Plus, we've got a wine recommendation for when you're feeling flush. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Charles Duhigg joins us this week to discuss the science of productivity. He's a Pulitzer-winning reporter for the New York Times and best-selling author, most recently of Smarter Faster Better, which plumbs the science of productivity. He talks with us about how you can motivate yourself to do horrible things like answer email, why some pilots crash planes when things go wrong and others don't, and why you want at least two women on any team you're on. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Upgrade we're discussing how you can apply the principles of improvisational comedy to your life and work. Improv laid the foundation for many of our favorite comedy stars but it's more than just silly theater games. On this episode we're talking with Ed Herbstman, co-founder of the Magnet Theater and Hannah Chase, an improv teacher and performer, about how the lessons of improv apply to life itself. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Upgrade we're starting fresh and discussing what you should and shouldn't do when you begin working at a new job. It's an exciting but daunting prospect when you set foot in a brand new office--there's room to grow, along with plenty of opportunities to embarrass yourself. We talk with Adrian Granzella Larssen, editor-in-chief of The Muse, to learn the dos and don'ts of starting a new job. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Upgrade we're taking a look at the latest iterations of the two major operating systems on the market: Windows 10 and macOS. Mac versus Windows is an old rivalry that goes back a couple of decades, with each OS offering unique advantages--and disadvantages. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Upgrade we're learning how we can get involved with politics and make our voices heard even when it's not an election year. We discuss the best ways to reach out to your representatives, the efficacy of marches and demonstrations, and more. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Upgrade we’re looking for love online and learning about the world of online dating, including the dos and don’ts of crafting the perfect dating profile. Looking for the show notes? You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Upgrade, we show you how to shop for, buy, and set up a good HDTV for the big game--or for any game, movie night, or Netflix binge session. Looking for the show notes? You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome (back)! We're relaunching our podcast with a new name, new logo, new tips and tricks for getting things done. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast we're answering your questions about prepaid cellphone carriers, selling stuff online, and choosing Android phones—plus an announcement about the future of the Lifehacker podcast. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1557701694 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we're talking about the new Android service packs, streaming your movie collection with Google Drive, and OneNote vs Evernote. We're also answering your questions about fake items on Amazon, expensive cable bills, and backing up your files on Windows. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1552976757 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Microsoft OneNote's big overhaul, what do to if you break your phone, and shortcuts every Windows user should know. We're also answering your questions about playing classic Nintendo 64 games, stopping housemates from hogging your internet, and buying the right cable modem. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1548149429 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast we're talking about the scam that is speed reading, taking a pay cut to work the job you really want, and getting rid of telemarketers. We're also answering your questions about anonymity online, streaming video from your home to your hotel, and starting a podcast. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1543211654 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Steam's new sharing feature, the best TV streaming services, and communication mistakes every couple makes. We're also answering your questions about Android battery life, how real cameras stack up to phones, and finding out how much data you use at home. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1537967187 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Apple's iOS and OS X security flaw, the new Dropbox terms of service you should opt out of, and gamifying everything in your life. We're also answering your questions about LastPass' security, job hunting in secret, and making money in your spare time. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1532718322 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). If you got a weird copy of this podcast that was missing some audio, it should be fixed now! Just re-download the file to get the correct one. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast we're talking about everybody getting hacked, the best browser for privacy, and sex myths debunked. We're also answering questions about downloading movies legally, cheap tablets for students, and the best Bluetooth headphones. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1527099370 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Comcast getting hacked and merging with Time Warner, how to start exercising when you're already overweight, and modding headphones for better sound. We're also answering your questions about eating healthy on a budget, gaming with multiple monitors, and what Windows' "Power Saver" features really do. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1522328715 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we're answering your questions about deleting old Facebook posts, automating Flickr uploads, and cheap ways to get a Plex media center. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1517617259 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we’re talking about web sites listening to your microphone, explaining tech to the uninitiated, and why media companies block content overseas. We’re also answering your questions about DIY cable management, internet speeds, and building a new computer. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1512576865 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Chrome extensions becoming malware, free alternatives to LogMeIn, and Life lessons from World of Warcraft. We're also answering your questions about organizing your iTunes library, streaming from a Chromecast, and buying a used MacBook Air. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1507597532 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, we're talking about the return of Winamp, the new ruling on Net Neutrality laws, and why you make bad decisions when you're attracted to someone. We're also answering your questions about combining cloud storage space, using technology in bed, and cooling your home in the hot summer. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1502847880 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast we’re talking about making your own food substitute, why fast Android updates don’t matter anymore, and a whole bunch of cell carrier announcements. We’re also answering your questions about salvaging old computer parts, saving your Android battery life, and whether or not Chromebooks can work as primary laptops. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1498059539 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast we're talking to osteopathic physician and director of ​Examine.com, ​Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, to answer your health questions. We're also talking to ​Rod Ebrahimi, CEO of debt management site ​ReadyForZero.com to solve all sorts of personal finance problems, from credit scores to student loans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast we're talking to former landlord and property owner Bruce Dachis and Las Vegas-based registered dietician Andy Bellatti to get expert answers to your questions. We'll have another expert podcast next week before returning to our regular format, only at a new time: 10:00 AM PT. Stay tuned! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Target stores getting hacked, the emergence of SteamOS, and how to stop your phone from tracking you. We’re also answering your questions about Beats by Dre headphones, making travel suck less, and fixing audiobook problems in iTunes. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1486761466 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.