Episodes

You obviously 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 conversati...

Everyone knows what “riding shotgun ” means. And most people think they know where it came from, which is from the days of stagecoaches. But that is not exactly correct. This episode begins by revealing the real origins of th...

Have you ever wondered why pumpkins are associated with Halloween? After all, they aren’t particularly scary and have nothing to do with ghosts. This episode begins with an explanation of why pumpkins and Halloween go hand in...

Every kid on the planet is told to, “Eat your veggies – they’re good for you!” Yet, as a parent, you probably shouldn’t say that to your kids. This episode begins with some fascinating research about what to tell kids about h...

With all we know about how medicine works, we still don’t understand the placebo effect very well. Yet, by all accounts it is very powerful. This episode begins with some interesting research that seems to show that believing...

Who doesn’t like ketchup? It is one of the most universally loved American foods. Why? This episode begins with some interesting facts and history about ketchup that helps explain why there is a bottle of it in more than 97% ...

Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance 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 kn...

Blue jeans have been in fashion for a very long time. How did that happen? After all, they started out as work clothes. This episode begins by exploring the origins of jeans and how they became so popular. Source: James Sulli...

Watching a scary movie can be terrifying and unpleasant. So why do people do it? This episode begins with a discussion on the appeal of scary movies and what watching them actually does for people. http://www.sciencedaily.com...

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 disc...

When someone is sick or in the hospital, it is customary to send them flowers. Who doesn’t love flowers? But do flowers actually help sick people heal? This episode begins with a discussion on some interesting research that c...

How many things are taking up space in your house that you will never, ever, ever use again? This episode begins with some simple advice that will help you clear out some things from your home or office and free up some space...

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 ju...

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...

If you’ve ever taken over-the-counter cough and cold medicine, you may have noticed that it isn’t always that effective in relieving the symptoms. Recent research indicates that there is something in your kitchen cupboard tha...

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 bet...

Your computer keyboard looks a lot like the typewriter keyboard that was invented in the 1800s. The letters are in the same places now as they were then. Why are the letters of the QWERTY keyboard in the order they are in and...

Everyone has felt shy. It really depends on the situation. So how can you get over your shyness so you can engage with the people around you? This episode begins with some excellent advice from one of the leading shyness expe...

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.c...

Where do you keep your car keys at night? This episode begins with an explanation as to why you might want to keep those keys within easy reach of wherever you are sleeping. http://worldofwonder.net/lifehack-put-car-keys-besi...

Outdoor cooking and eating can be fun and tasty. Still, there are some potential dangers we all need to be aware of. For example, when was the last time you really cleaned your grill? If you think the fire burns off all the b...

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,...

If you have blue eyes, you are related to me! That is just one of the fascinating things I discuss as I begin this episode with a fascinating look at your eyes and how they work so well to help you navigate and see the world....

When you think of having a meeting, you probably imagine sitting in a room around a table. You may want to change that whole idea. This episode begins by looking at how conducting meetings in a an entirely different way can r...