Episodes

The biggest scientific mysteries remain unsolved. Explore what science knows—and doesn't know—with Michael Brooks.

Why rushing hurts more than you think—and the surprising ways music changes your brain every single day.

Read people's hidden signals, discover nature's wildest extremes, and learn why rituals can make food taste better.

Your brain hides more than you realize—and sidewalks have secrets that affect you every day. Listen and be surprised.

Why sadness is essential, when crying helps or hurts, and why we sometimes cry tears of happiness.

Warren Buffett's investing secrets plus the science of disagreeing without ruining relationships.

How to eat healthier without restrictive diets—and the surprising truth about why rats are so successful.

If your porch light seems to attract every moth and flying insect in the neighborhood, you're not imagining it. Scientists have finally figured out why artificial lights are so irresistible to many insects—and knowing what they've discovered can help you keep more bugs away this summer. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44785-3 Some people seem to light up a room the moment they walk in. Others naturally draw people in, inspire confidence, and make lasting impressions. We call it charis...

The surprising true story of the hamburger—how it was really invented and became America's favorite sandwich.

Questioning the science of posture, learning memory techniques from a champion, and why tennis balls turned yellow.

Can simply believing a treatment will work actually help it work better? Surprisingly, yes. Researchers have found that your expectations can have a powerful effect on how your body responds to medication—even when the treatment itself hasn't changed. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/placebo-effect Most of us think of politeness as little more than saying "please" and "thank you." But good manners do much more than make social interactions pleasant. They help bu...

The surprising science of accents, why we overthink, and why more sex doesn't necessarily mean more happiness.

Mike Rowe challenges conventional wisdom about success, work, education, and what really leads to a fulfilling life.

Is therapy always the answer? Plus the astonishing engineering, intelligence, and beauty of birds.

Why strong relationships may be your best health investment—and how imagination really works.

The surprising benefits of being outdoors, the strange history of our alphabet, and what women find attractive.

Can you change your body clock? Discover how your circadian rhythm shapes your sleep, health, energy, and longevity.

The surprising science of pain, the hidden cost of convenience, and the truth about airfare searches.

How world-changing ideas take off, why black holes matter, and surprising facts about lottery odds.

How beliefs shape outcomes, a happier approach to helping the planet, and why slurping improves flavor.

With all of the recent excitement surrounding the NBA & Stanley Cup finals and the World Cup you might wonder why do millions of people spend hours every week watching sports? Most people think of it as entertainment, a way to relax or pass the time. But what if watching sports is actually doing something good for your mind, your emotions, and even your health? That’s why today’s SYSK Trending topic is A lot of people look at sports fans and wonder what all the fuss is about. Why invest so much ...

GPS changed the world in ways you never realized. Plus, why real symptoms can exist without a clear medical cause.

How to avoid life's biggest regrets, the surprising history of swearing, and burger secrets from a grill master.

Why do mosquitoes seem to love some people and completely ignore others? It isn't your imagination. Researchers have identified several factors that make certain people especially attractive to mosquitoes—and some of them are things you have little control over. https://theweek.com/articles/462191/5-things-that-make-irresistible-mosquitoes Most of us believe we make rational decisions when we shop. But behavioral scientists have discovered that many purchasing decisions are influenced by factors...