Episodes

Why food tastes different to everyone, how taste changes over time, why sports fans feel so connected, plus surprising insights on driving sick.

You’ve probably been told to be grateful for what you have — but that advice isn’t just feel-good wisdom. Research shows that intentionally expressing gratitude can actually change how your brain functions, influencing mood, focus, and emotional resilience. This episode begins with what gratitude really does inside your head — and why it’s more powerful than it sounds. https://www.thecut.com/2016/01/how-expressing-gratitude-change-your-brain.html There’s a basic human need we rarely talk about, ...

The risks and rewards of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, the surprising history of money, and whether visualization actually helps.

Why Earth has a moon, smarter and more fun ways to clean, plus tips for setting goals you’ll actually keep.

Why mind-wandering can hurt you, how to change negative self-talk, why “normal” may be unhealthy, and how to stop self-centered talkers.

What makes people likable, why asking for help works so well, the body part great dancers rely on, and what vitamin C actually helps.

What heredity really shapes, how the first cellphone call happened, the history of sneakers, and the 3-letter word with the most meanings

Why solitude is so good for you, how Christmas traditions truly evolved, why we say “Merry” Christmas.

Every December, millions of people around the world track Santa’s journey in real time using the NORAD Santa Tracker. But why is a military defense organization keeping tabs on Santa Claus in the first place? This bonus holiday episode begins with the surprisingly charming and accidental origin of that tradition. https://www.noradsanta.org/en/about/ Why do people kiss under the mistletoe? Why do we decorate Christmas trees with ornaments? And how did Jingle Bells — a song originally written for ...

Why songs become hits, why rainbows curve, which workplace skills matter most, and how to recover from a bad night’s sleep

Longevity breakthroughs, how to stop caring what others think, traits employers value most, and holiday wisdom from Mr. Rogers.

The science of changing memories, rising wildlife encounters, unexpected fire dangers, and safe behavior during traffic stops.

The surprising stories behind classic Christmas songs, the truth about “12 Days,” and why some Christmas decorations were truly dangerous.

Find holiday joy, explore evolution’s quirks, learn why you crave sweets or salt, and discover how smart owls really are.

Learn the skills that help you truly know others and discover why dogs improve our lives—plus tips on early flu signs and rescuing wet phones.

Discover the words that boost your influence and how your mindset shapes health—plus simple tricks to lift your mood and improve sleep.

The surprising history of eggnog, hidden stories behind classic Christmas movies, and why your holiday tree may trigger allergies.

Why yawns spread, the surprising story of Christmas trees, how dining out has changed, and why some foods leave you hungrier than before.

Pine’s surprising benefits, the hidden psychology of audiences, why uncertainty improves decisions, and simple techniques to boost productivity.

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 employers should host a holiday bash in the first place? This special holiday bonus episode looks at the surprising origins of the office Christmas party and why it evolved into the event it is today - usually a bit tamer and more subdued. That's what we explore as we kick ...

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).