Episodes

“Eat your veggies – they’re good for you!” Every parent has said that to a child and yet, as a parent, you probably shouldn’t. I start this episode of the podcast with some fascinating research about what to tell kids about healthy foods. (http://www.chicagobooth.edu/about/newsroom/press-releases/2014/2014-05-08)What if I told you that nothing really goes viral? You’d probably say, “Of course it does – cat videos, songs, lots of things go viral.” Well, not according to Derek Thompson, senior editor at the Atlantic magazine and author of the book Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction (https://amzn.to/2HtzsCC). Derek reveals exactly how things become popular – and it isn’t the way you might think. In schools today there is a lot of emphasis on typing on a keyboard rather than writing with pen and paper. So you may be surprised to hear the benefits kids receive by simply writing on paper – and maybe schools should re-think their policies that deemphasize penmanship in early…

I recently appeared on a different podcast to talk about the evolution and success of Something You Should Know. To listen to my appearance on "On Mic with Jordan Rich," follow this link: http://onmicwithjordanrich.blubrry.net/category/episodes/Confident people just have a way about them. The way they act and talk draws people to them. So how can you be (and appear) more confident? I begin this episode with some expert advice on how to project confidence. (https://bit.ly/2qeuW3m)How does your money move around? In other words, you write me a check, how does the money get from your account to mine? What makes a $20 bill worth $20? And how does Bitcoin work? These questions and more are answered by my guest Charles Wheelan, who teaches economics at Dartmouth and is author of the book Naked Money (https://amzn.to/2qb0N58) You probably have an ice maker in your freezer. If so , you should be aware that your ice maker has its own heater to keep it from freezing and that little heater is co…

Could some freaked-out passenger actually open the door on an airplane in the middle of the flight? There have been news reports of attempts to do so – but is it possible? That is one of the things I discuss regarding how things work on commercial airliners to begin this episode. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3023336/The-answers-question-ve-flying.html)There are five types of people who can ruin your life. All five are what you would call “high-conflict” types of people. Bill Eddy has some ways for you to handle these people so they DON’T ruin your life. In fact when you implement his strategies, these people won’t bother you much you at all. Bill is the president of the High Conflict Institute and author of the book 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life. (https://amzn.to/2JjIBOH) Ever been in an elevator where some guy is wearing way too much cologne? That happens because a lot of men are clueless about HOW to apply it – they think the more the better. So…

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 discover the answers. (http://www.forbes.com/pictures/ekhf45ellkj/ipad-1-50-per-year/) It seems as if the truth has taken a beating in recent years. Your truth may not be my truth and then, of course, there is alternative truth. Huh? It’s time we take a closer look at what the truth is and isn’t. So joining me is Hector MacDonald, he is strategic communications consultant who has advised the leaders of some of the world’s top corporations as well as the British government. Hector is the author of a new book called TRUTH: How the Many Sides to Every Story Shape Our Reality (https://amzn.to/2pVUYs6) and I think you will find what he has to say very enlightening. Everyone has been worried about their breath on occasion. We all know what a huge turn-off bad breath can be.…

If you have a big decision to make, wait until you have to go to the bathroom. I begin this episode by explaining why a full bladder helps make better decisions. (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228163141.htm)Do you control your phone or does your phone control you? It seems we can’t live without a cellphone for more than a few minutes. But what if you actually tried? What if it actually made things better? Catherine Price has taken a critical look at our relationship to smartphones in her book, How to Break Up With your Phone (https://amzn.to/2IbpViD). For more information go to www.PhoneBreakUp.com And for a free copy of Catherine’s audio book version, go to www.Audible.com/something and start a free trial with Audible and you get one free book to download and keep even if you cancel your subscription. Did you know that Cheerios were once considered an unapproved drug by the FDA? And do you know how many varieties of Cheerios there are? (Hint: More than 12) Those ar…

Your homeowner’s insurance (and renter’s insurance if you have it) 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 knew? And that’s only one thing we will discuss that your insurance probably covers. (http://consumerist.com/2012/04/12/stuck-with-a-forged-check-homeowners-insurance-to-the-rescue/)How do peak performers get to the top of their field? And what separates a peak performer from everyone else? High performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais has some interesting answers that can help you become a peak performer. Michael works with top musicians, action sports stars and athletes including the Seattle Seahawks. He is also the host of the podcast, Finding Mastery: Conversations with Micahael Gervais (https://findingmastery.net).The number of people who are near-sighted has grown dramatically over the last 20 years or so. Why? You’ve probably h…

A few times every year I like to shine a spotlight on some of the best moments from past episodes you may have missed. This time, it’s moments from the last few months of 2017. It’s a busy time of year, so in case you missed some moments, here are a few really great ones.. The links below will take you back to the original episodes from which these segments are taken so you can listen to the complete interviews if you wish.Topics and Links in this EpisodeWhy Those Special Moments in Your Life Are So Special. Episode 79.http://www.somethingyoushouldknow.net/124-why-those-special-moments-in-your-life-are-so-special-the-5-numbers-you-must-know-to-stay-healthy/Alan Alda’s Advice on Communicating and Relating to Others. Episode 109http://www.somethingyoushouldknow.net/109-alan-aldas-advice-on-communicating-and-relating-to-others-how-to-fight-off-feelings-of-loneliness/How to Learn Anything Better and Faster. Episode 118http://www.somethingyoushouldknow.net/118-how-to-learn-anything-better-…

Everyone has a blood type right? Well, not really. Some people have no blood type – not to be confused with people who have a universal blood type. Do you know if you are type A, B, AB or 0? Why do you have a blood type anyway? That’s the first topic of conversation today. (http://mosaicscience.com/story/why-do-we-have-blood-types)To hear tell, the world is going to hell. Watch the news and it seems as if we are on the road to self-destruction. But we are not. In fact we are living in an age of enlightenment according to Harvard Professor and bestselling author Stephen Pinker. In his new book, Enlightenment Now the Case for Reason, Science Humanism and Progress, (http://amzn.to/2FKuhNb), Stephen reveals that while many think the world is in decline, the opposite is true and he joins me to discuss. What he says will lift your spirits.(And remember, to get Stephen Pinker's audiobook version of Enlightenment Now for free from Audible, just go to www.audible.com/something and sign up for …

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 just telling them what we think they should do. I’ll tell you what it is. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/do-the-right-thing/201407/giving-people-advice-rarely-works-does)Some people have all the luck. But why? Why are some people luckier than others? Can you create a life that has more luck in it? Can you be one of those people that other people think of as lucky? Absolutely, says Janice Kaplan. Janice is the former Editor-in-Chief of Parade magazine and her new book is called How Luck Happens: Using the Science of Luck to Transform Work, Love, and Life (http://amzn.to/2Dp0wiH). Janice joins me to discuss how luck really works and how anyone can craft a luckier life.Organic onions, swordfish and gluten-free muffins are just 3 things you shouldn’t buy at the s…

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 to come up tails. It gets gamblers in Las Vegas in trouble but it can also get you in trouble if you let it enter in to your decision making process. (http://news.tamhsc.edu/?post=committing-the-gamblers-fallacy-may-be-in-the-cards-new-research-shows)You instinctively know about body language. When people act a certain way or don’t make eye contact with you – it causes you to make assumptions about them. Plus, how YOU act and carry yourself causes people to make assumptions about you. All this non-verbal communication is fascinating and Tonya Reiman, Fox News, contributor and author of The Yes Factor: Get What You Want. Say What You Mean (http://amzn.to/2Fuh7rp), joins me to offer some insight and advice to help you better use nonverbal communication to your adva…

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 better in spotting a forgery or confirming a signature than you or me? We’ll discuss that. (http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/grapho.html) You like to think that when you buy something, you do it for sound smart and logical reasons. And maybe YOU do. But most people don’t. Marketing expert Harry Beckwith, author of the book, Unthinking: The Surprising Forces Behind What We Buy (http://amzn.to/2FoSOHk) explains why we usually buy for reasons that have little to do with logic – even though we think otherwise. All alcoholic drinks are not created equal. Some get you drunker, some are more likely to give you a hangover and one in particular is more likely to land you in a hospital emergency room although no one is really sure why. If you enjoy a coc…

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.com/watch?v=z6i1VVikRu0. And here is the source for this story: http://www.wsj.com/articles/cable-tv-shows-are-sped-up-to-squeeze-in-more-ads-1424301320  We all have our little quirks and idiosyncrasies. But why is that great innovators like Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Marie Curie and others seem weird and “off the charts” quirky compared to the rest of us? Melissa Schilling, professor of management and organization at the Stern School of Business at NYU is author of the book Quirky: The Remarkable Story of the Traits, Foibles, and Genius of Breakthrough Innovators Who Changed the World (http://amzn.to/2GY5qFC). Listen and she explains why great genius is so often accompanied by quirkiness and what the connection is between the two. Want to be happier? …

Why is Stephen Hawking still alive? Most people who are diagnosed with ALS die within 5 years. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed in his 20’s and today he is in his 70’s. We begin this episode by looking at his amazing longevity. (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/stephen-hawking-als/)Do you know a complainer? It’s a trick question because you probably know a lot more than one. In fact, you might be a complainer without realizing it. Cianna Stewart has studied the subject of complaining in great detail and even wrote a book on it called, No Complaints: How to Stop Sabotaging Your Own Joy (http://amzn.to/2CNYU1M). Listen as she reveals why some people complain about every little thing and strategies to stop yourself from complaining and to stop complainers from complaining.Look at any print or web ad and you will likely see the images on the left and the text on the right. There’s a reason for that – it is one of the techniques advertisers use. I’ll discuss several more you should 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, I’ll explain what it is exactly and how it is different than regular corny syrup or sugar for that matter. (http://www.finecooking.com/item/24865/corn-syrup-vs-high-fructose-corn-syrup)Why do you do the things you do? Everything you do has a reason. You go to school to learn and you go to the doctor get healthy – right? Well, what if the reason you THINK you do things isn’t the real reason? I want you to listen to Robin Hanson an associate professor of economics at George Mason University and author of the book, The Elephant in the Brain (http://amzn.to/2F4Vvk8). He explains that often the reason we THINK we do things is not the reason at all – and why it is important to understand all of this.I bet you’ve wondered how good a memory your dog or cat has. How long …

Back in Grandma’s day, you had to spend an afternoon defrosting the freezer once in a while. Today we have frost-free freezers but unfortunately they can do damage to the frozen food in there. I’ll explain what to do about it.One of the reasons life is so stressful is because we try to do things that we are just not wired to do. Gretchen Rubin, host of the “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” podcast and author of the audiobook The Four Tendencies has a solution. She explains how to figure out your own personality profile and then incorporate ways to live your life that are in line with your personality. When you do, life gets easier.By the way, to take the personality test Gretchen talks about, go to her website www.GretchenRubin.comThen, a lot more kids today have allergies and eczema compared to previous generations. And it may have to do with your dishwasher. You’ll want to hear this.We humans are very good at making irrational decisions. It seems we can’t help ourselves. We like to thin…

Why do you sigh? Usually it is because you feel relief or you are sad or tired. But it turns out there is more to a sigh than you thought. In fact it turns out to be good for you. I’ll explain as I start this episode.The world is full of jerks. And unfortunately you have to deal with them. So what’s the best way? Here with some expert help is Bob Sutton, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford and author of the book The A**hole Survival Guide (http://amzn.to/2HqacwR). Bob explains why jerks are so jerky and reveals the different categories of jerks and then offers some tactical advice to deal with them and still get what you want.Did you know different airlines have different flying styles? Did you know the armrest closest to the aisle on an airplane that can’t be raised actually CAN be raised if you know a little trick? These are just two of the fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about air travel that we’ll explore.Everyone today has a camera on them almost all the time. …

Want to be more persuasive? There is a simple phrase or two you can add to any request that will increase the chances that almost anyone will do you the favor you ask. I’ll tell you what those phrases are.If you’ve been watching the Olympics, you’ve seen THE best athletes in the world competing against each other. So how do you get to be the best? And what separates the very best from the “pretty good?” Ashley Merryman, co-author of the book Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing (http://amzn.to/2CiopYU) reveals some fascinating stories and research that anyone can use to improve your chances of winning in whatever you choose to do.There isn’t a soul alive who hasn’t gotten an email or 2 (or thousands!) offering male enhancement pills, creams and lotions. The problem is, none of them work. And there is even a bigger problem with these fake potions. Listen to discover what it is.Are people becoming ruder? Sure seems that way to me. So where did this need to be “brutally honest” com…

So the dentist has you open your mouth wide and while he is poking around in there with sharp instruments, he asks you a question. Why? You can’t really answer. I’ll explain this and other fascinating things that go on in the dentist’s office.Since it is Valentine’s week, I think you’ll enjoy hearing my discussion with Helen Fisher, author of the Anatomy of Love A Natural History of Mating, Marriage, and Why We Stray  (http://amzn.to/2EvFAvd).  Helen has been studying how people connect, fall in love and stay in love and she has some great suggestions on where to go to find love and how to keep the spark alive in the long term. Why do retail prices still end in 99 cents - as in $29.99? Do retailers still think we don’t know that $29.99 is closer to $30 than $20? It turns out that pricing strategy still works and I’ll explain why. Everyone has creative ability. It’s just a matter of understanding your particular creative process and how to use it. That’s according to Roger Von Oech, au…

Has anyone ever told you that you couldn’t sing or carry a tune? Kids are often told that and it can really embarrass them and leave a lasting impression. The truth is just about anyone can sing and sing well. So forget what you were told and listen to my explanation.The ability to forgive is wonderful. But while people can forgive we also have the ability (and often the desire) to seek revenge when someone has harmed us. Psychologist Michael McCullough author of the book Beyond Revenge (http://amzn.to/2BgFwNI)  talks with me about how to best deal with someone who has hurt you and he explores whether or not you can make a case for revenge in some circumstances. There is a good chance you have a favorite coffee mug. Lots of people do. And I think you will find it either odd or comforting just how attached people get to their coffee mug and what they feel if someone else uses it or – God forbid – it breaks!All your life you deal with money. And how well you deal with it and understand …

Identity theft is often NOT the result of some high-tech scam. It is frequently because someone digs through your trash and finds documents with personal information. I start this episode explaining ways you haven't heard before to protect yourself from low-tech but highly effective dumpster divers who want to steal your identity.It is amazing how people you know influence you in ways you don’t realize. The things you do, the decisions you make and the thoughts you think can all be heavily but unknowingly influenced by the people around you. Dr. Nicholas Christakis is a physician, sociologist and author of the book, Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives (http://amzn.to/2BVJAQ3) and he explains how this phenomenon works and why it is so important.A lot of people have gotten very sick this winter from colds and flu. Often it is the result of touching things with germs on them then transferring those germs from your hands to your face. I’ll r…

When you fly on an airplane – you think things. Like: “How good, is the air I’m breathing? Will I get drunker than normal if I drink at 35,000 feet? What if some lunatic tries to open the airplane door during the flight?” I’ll reveal the answers to these and other common questions about air travel.Some people seem to be born with a lot of self-confidence. But most of us are not. So how do we increase our confidence and project it to the world? Psychotherapist Sheenah Hankin, author of the book, Complete Confidence (http://amzn.to/2El5bV0) has some excellent strategies to increase your confidence that you can put into practice immediately.The U.S. Postal Service is a part of everyone’s life. And sometimes it seems that they can make your life difficult. So, I have some tips from actual postal employees to help you navigate the postal service with more efficiency and do it in less time.Are you doing what you are really good at? Or do you work in a job that leaves your true skills idle a…

You have likely been the victim of the Doorway Effect. It’s when you walk into a room and forget why you walked in there. We start this episode with an explanation of what this is and why it happens.Wouldn’t it be great if people regarded you as particularly fascinating? Well it turns out there are specific ways to do that according to Sally Hogshead, speaker and author of the book Fascinate: The 7 Triggers to Persuasion and Captivation (http://amzn.to/2BBZT4I). Sally reveals what you can do so that others find you interesting and how to use your personal fascination to great benefit.If you love guacamole, there is a secret ingredient I want you to try the next time you make it. It’s just a tablespoons worth but it is going to make all the difference in the world, according to Esquire magazine.What are you afraid of? If you watch the news you would think that crime, terrorism and natural disasters are the real threats. But they are not – at least not statistically. The things that har…

I am sure you have had to perform under pressure. And so you know that it is difficult to do and often your performance suffers. But why? Well a couple of interesting things happen in that situation and when you understand them you can make the experience of performing under pressure a lot easier. Listen as I begin this episode with this fascinating intel.Then, we are going to explore the process of making choices. Today, we have so many choices for everything – breakfast cereal, cars, food, careers – everywhere choices abound! And that can be great except that too many choices can actually be paralyzing. Anyone who has spent more time choosing what show to watch on Netflix than actually watching a show knows what I mean. Barry Schwartz, author of the book, The Paradox of Choice (http://amzn.to/2n9IpHD) joins me to explain why trying to make the “best” choice may be a waste of time and he offers a better way to make choices that will leave you more satisfied.Have you heard that we on…

Sure, it’s great to want more money but if you don’t have the time to enjoy it – what’s the point? We begin this episode with a look at why spending more of your money on things that actually create more free time for you can make your life much more enjoyable. While the phrase “timing is everything” is tossed around a lot, it turns out there is a lot of wisdom in it.  In short, it is not just WHAT you do in your life that is important it – it is also WHEN you decide to do it. Daniel Pink, author of the book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing (http://amzn.to/2Dne4Ml) reveals why timing is so important and how to time events in your life to be more successful.Who hasn’t reheated pizza in the microwave? Everyone does with predictably disappointing results. Listen and you'll discover a better way that doesn’t take much more time but delivers much better results.And wouldn’t it be great to save money on prescription drugs? It turns out there are a lot of ways to save beyond th…