Something You Should Know

Episodes

Oct. 21, 2021

How Medical Breakthroughs Really Happen & The History of Clothes

There are a lot of benefits to being a happy person. This episode begins by discussing one more reason to look at the bright side of life that can really pay off in your later years. https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2021/09/421506/h...

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Oct. 18, 2021

Consciousness: What It Means to be You & What Really Makes Every Dog …

Becoming a homeowner is a big goal for so many people. It is part of the American dream. But is owning a home always better than renting? This episode begins with some interesting facts that may make renting more attractive. ...

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Oct. 16, 2021

SYSK Choice: How to Figure Out Anything & The Art of Statistics

It is called the “psychology of requests.” That is, if you want someone to do something for you, it is all about how you phrase it. This episode begins with a discussion on the best ways to ask people, so they respond the way...

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Oct. 14, 2021

Why You Make the Choices You Make & The Upside of Being Selfish

Passwords are a real pain. If it is too random, you can’t remember. If you it too easy, you could easily be hacked. So this episode begins with a simple formula to create a new password that you will remember and no one else ...

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Oct. 11, 2021

Why Dating is So Hard and How to Fix It & Will We Soon Have a 4-Day W…

Taking a daily multivitamin seems like it might be good insurance - but is it? This episode begins with a discussion about what taking a multivitamin does or does not do for you or your kids. https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news...

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Oct. 9, 2021

SYSK Choice: How Probability REALLY Works & Proven Ways to Master Mot…

I’ll bet there have been times when someone has offered to help you and you declined. You probably said something like, “No, that’s ok I got it.”? Well, why say that? Why we are so reluctant to ask other people for help when ...

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Oct. 7, 2021

How to Project Confidence and Competence & Answers to Fascinating Que…

Can you actually get sick from being sad? Can prolonged sadness shorten your lifespan? A lot of people think so. This episode begins by looking at the scientific link between sadness and health. http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2015-...

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Oct. 4, 2021

The History and Future of Human Transportation & How to Speak Your Mi…

It’s called The Pink Tax. It’s when the women’s version of a product (like razors) costs more than men’s even though it is exactly the same - except maybe the packaging and the color. It happens with a lot of products from to...

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Oct. 2, 2021

SYSK Choice: How to Boost Your Self Confidence & Avoiding Misapplied …

Can your employer boss spy on you? You bet they can! This episode begins by explaining just how far an employer can go to keep tabs on you and what you are up to. http://workrights.us/ Do you have a lot of self-confidence? Co...

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Sept. 30, 2021

Why People Snap & The Best Ways to Mend a Broken Heart

The #2 pencil is the one most of us use most of the time. So, why not a #1 pencil? Is there even such a thing? This episode begins with some remarkable facts about the humble pencil such as why we prefer #2 pencils, how many ...

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Sept. 27, 2021

Why It’s So Hard to Eat Healthy & The Amazing Ways All Humans are Con…

Jet lag can cause a trip to get off to a tough start. This episode begins with some simple and effective ways to minimize the effects of jet lag so your trip can get good, right from the start. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-dis...

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Sept. 25, 2021

SYSK Choice: How to Not Do Stupid Things & How Appreciation Works

I bet everyone has flushed the toilet with their foot to avoid the germs on the handle. I know I have and it turns out to be one of many well-intentioned but flawed techniques to steer clear of germs lurking in nasty places. ...

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Sept. 23, 2021

Why We Need Pain to Enjoy Pleasure & Are Humans Selfish or Cooperativ…

“You’re call is very important to us… ” Don’t you just hate hearing that? Having to call customer service can be a long and frustrating experience. So, this episode begins by discussing how to make that experience a little bi...

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Sept. 20, 2021

Why It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask & How We Determine Who and What is Beautif…

What is the purpose of that ball of cotton in your bottle of pills? You probably think you know but I bet you don’t. This episode begins with an explanation of why that cotton is in there and what you should do with it. https...

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Sept. 18, 2021

SYSK Choice: Think Like an Ant When You Drive & Ways to Optimize You…

How could using reusable grocery bags affect your body? f you take your own bags to the grocery store, there may be an unintended health consequence – and it’s not good. Listen as this episode begins by revealing what happens...

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Sept. 16, 2021

The Interesting Science of Conversation & How to Handle Deadlines wit…

You make a countless number of decisions every single day, from what to have for breakfast to what toothpaste to buy. This episode begins with a discussion on how humans make decisions and choices and how to recognize which o...

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Sept. 13, 2021

Life Skills for a Better Day Every Day & The Fascinating Story of Wat…

Have you ever felt that urge to snoop or eavesdrop on someone? Actually, everyone does it. This episode begins with a brief discussion on why humans and most other creatures eavesdrop and the purpose it serves. Source: John L...

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Sept. 11, 2021

SYSK Choice: Secrets of Self-Control & The Fascinating History of Blu…

What could be cuter than a young child and a dog together? Yet, it could be a very dangerous situation. This episode begins with a warning about leaving young children alone with a dog even if the child and dog are familiar w...

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Sept. 9, 2021

How DNA Affects Almost Everything About You & Understanding Your Sens…

Putting nitrogen in your car’s tires (instead of just plain air) is kind of a trendy thing. If you ever see those green caps on the tire’s valve stems - that is supposed to indicate a tire with nitrogen in it. Since it costs ...

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Sept. 6, 2021

What to Do When People Say No & Why You Need Friends and Where to Fin…

Want to be really happy? If so, it makes sense to ask happy people what makes them happy. So we begin this episode by revealing what happy people say are the things that makes them so happy so you can be happy too! Source: Jo...

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Sept. 4, 2021

SYSK Choice: The Importance of Skepticism & Sucking at Anything Can b…

Here’s a question for you if you wear a watch. Have you washed it recently? I bet not. So, this episode begins with just how gross and disgusting the surface of your watch and watchband are and why they need a bath right now ...

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Sept. 2, 2021

Why Too Much Pleasure Makes You Miserable & Strategies to Achieve Fin…

You already know how important a good night’s sleep is. But how much is enough? This episode begins with some startling information about how just 15 minutes more sleep per night can make a big difference. https://conservancy...

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Aug. 30, 2021

Why Some People Choke Under Pressure & The Fascinating History of Food

We all want to save energy and money - but does doing things like turning off lights or unplugging appliances really do much or are there other things you could do that have more impact? This episode begins with a look at wha...

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Aug. 28, 2021

SYSK Choice: How to Make Money Doing What You Love & How Weather Fore…

When you think about preventing skin cancer, you most likely think about sunscreen and limiting sun exposure. But what about diet? Could the right diet help prevent you from getting skin cancer? This episode begins with a bri...

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