Episodes

Why we’re obsessed with aliens, how friendships keep us alive, and the truth about the damage done by leg-crossing.

There was a time when the office Christmas party was the highlight of the corporate year — big budgets, elaborate celebrations, and stories that still get whispered decades later. But how did this tradition start? Who decided...

Why we hate being “the sucker,” what science says about burnt foods, and how to protect yourself in the cold.

Discover why nostalgia can make you happier and more motivated — and how the games we play reveal the deepest truths about being human.

Discover how awe can transform your health and happiness — and learn why your attention span is collapsing (plus, the science-backed ways to fix it).

What they really ate in 1621, how turkey pardons began, and why “Jingle Bells” is actually a Thanksgiving song. Bonus holiday episode!

A world-famous mentalist reveals how to read people and boost success — plus, the surprising science behind why humans are the only species that keeps pets.

What if achieving success doesn’t make you happy — it just makes you hungry for more? Discover why accomplishment often leads to “Wonderhell,” and how evolution wired your brain for true free will.

Some cars have gullwing doors, like the DeLorean in Back to the Future. They look amazing — but why don’t more cars have them? As you’ll hear, there are several surprising (and practical) reasons why this futuristic design ne...

Today we are sharing a special episode of the new podcast: David Greene Is Obsessed. David is one of America’s most familiar voices and longtime co-host of NPR’s Morning Edition. On the show, he seeks out obsessives of all ki...

Ever stepped into an elevator and wondered, what if the cable snapped? It’s a surprisingly common fear — but is it justified? I’ll reveal the truth about elevator safety, how often accidents really happen, and exactly what to...

Here is the GoFundMe link for Pearl that I mention in this episode: https://gofund.me/2aa4d537e Most people don’t get enough sleep — and even a small deficit can take a big toll. Just 15 extra minutes a night can boost your h...

Discover the hidden languages we all use without realizing it — and the surprising seasonal changes in nature you’ve never noticed until now.

A Thanksgiving blunder that launched the frozen-meal industry, the true story behind the first feast, and what Americans are really eating instead of turkey.

When you touch someone else’s skin, it often feels softer than your own — but that can’t be true for everyone. What’s really happening is a fascinating illusion rooted in how your brain perceives touch. I’ll explain this stra...

Ever notice that every restaurant kitchen has a giant exhaust fan above the stove? There’s a reason it’s required by law — and it’s not just about smoke. You probably have one at home too, but chances are you’re not using it ...

We’ve all done it — used a big fancy word to sound smarter or more impressive. But does it actually work? Research says no. In fact, the secret to sounding intelligent and confident has nothing to do with big words at all. I’...

When you’re stuck on a multiple-choice question, should you change your answer or trust your gut? Most people swear your first instinct is best — but science says otherwise. Listen as I reveal what research really shows about...

Why are the numbers 1, 2, and 3 across the top of a phone keypad but across the bottom of a calculator? It’s not random — and once you hear the logic, you’ll never look at a keypad the same way again. That’s just one of three...

Hooters has no male waiters. Isn’t that discrimination? Or could it be that men just don’t want to work there? The answer is no to both questions. Listen as I explain the answer and why it is perfectly legal. https://www.busi...

People who live the longest aren’t always the ones with the “perfect” body weight. In fact, research suggests that being slightly overweight can actually increase your life expectancy. It sounds counterintuitive, but the scie...

Your grandmother was right — you should sit up straight. Posture affects far more than your appearance. It influences your mood, productivity, and even how well you think. I begin this episode with surprising research showing...

When you ask someone to recall something from deep in their memory, watch their face — they’ll probably do something that actually helps them remember. You might do it too without realizing it. Listen as I reveal what it is a...

When you want to reach out to someone — to ask them on a date, invite them to an event, or simply connect — what’s the best way to do it? Text? Email? A phone call? Research shows one option is far more effective, and it’s no...