Episodes

Expiration dates aren’t always what they seem. While most packaged foods carry them, some foods — like salt — can last virtually forever. In fact, there’s a surprising list of everyday staples that can outlive the labels and stay good for years. Listen as I reveal which foods never really expire. https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/long-term-food-storage-staples-that-last-forever/ AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere, but to use them well, you need more than just clear questions. The way you pr...

How you walk doesn’t just reflect your mood — it can actually shape it. Research shows that adjusting your stride can boost happiness, and even a short walk outside could be the smartest thing you do today. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141015143259.htm When it comes to spending money, one-size-fits-all advice doesn’t work. Should you spend on experiences? Travel? Things? The truth is, the way money makes you happy depends on you. Joining me to explore this is Morgan Housel, part...

If you’re stocking up on Halloween candy, do you know which treats kids actually want the most? This episode opens with a list of the top 10 most popular Halloween candies — and it may not be what you expect. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2023/10/03/blow-pops-win-title-ohio-favorite-halloween-candy/71041875007/ Some animals live unimaginably long lives — an oyster that’s over 500 years old, creatures that seem to never age at all. What if unlocking their secrets could help us ex...

What really happens when you stand or sit up straight? More than you think. Posture affects your body and your mind in surprising ways. This episode begins with the science-backed benefits of tuning in to your posture. Source: https://www.medicaldaily.com/pulse/why-you-should-stand-straight-benefits-good-posture-345598 What’s most likely to kill you—and what can you actually do about it? That’s the urgent and practical question we explore with Dr. Tom Frieden, former Director of the CDC under Pr...

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but did you know there are proven ways to make them even better? Research shows that with a few simple strategies, you can maximize the happiness and memories you take away from your trip. This episode begins with science-backed tips to optimize your next getaway. https://www.vox.com/2015/7/22/9013783/vacation-science Mental health terms like “depressed,” “ADD,” and “narcissist” used to be reserved for professionals — yet now they’re casually tossed around ...

If you walked into your backyard and scooped up just a pinch of dirt, you’d be holding an entire underground universe in your fingers — one teeming with life and mysteries you’ve probably never imagined. I’ll reveal what’s really hidden in that soil. Source: David W. Wolfe, author of Tales From The Underground https://amzn.to/3tvUBIk Speaking in front of people — whether it’s a handful of colleagues or a packed room — can feel nerve-wracking. But with a few simple techniques, you can transform t...

Why do people cheat when they know it’s wrong? Whether it’s on a test or in a relationship, the answer may lie in your hormones. This episode begins with surprising research that reveals the powerful role biology plays in dishonest behavior.(https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3178947/What-makes-cheat-HORMONES-People-high-levels-certain-chemicals-likely-behave-badly.html) Distractions have become a way of life — endless scrolling, constant notifications, and interruptions that destroy ou...

If I showed you some photos of yourself and asked you to pick out the one that most accurately represented what you really looked like – could you do it? Listen as I begin this episode by explaining why you most likely could not. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150623200016.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com Common knowledge is something that I know that you know, and you know that I know you know it! And so usually, we never discuss it. Sounds confusing but without common knowledge life w...

We’ve all heard the test-taking advice: “If you’re stuck, trust your first answer.” But is that really the smart move? Research says no — and I begin this episode by explaining why going with your gut on exams might actually hurt your score. Source: Joseph T. Hallinan, author of Why We Make Mistakes (https://amzn.to/44PV4SQ). Feeling awkward or embarrassed is awful in the moment — but maybe it’s not nearly as bad as you think. In fact, those cringeworthy moments might even be a secret weapon. He...

Who hasn’t craved something sweet and delicious? You try to resist, but your brain keeps insisting. Surprisingly, there’s a simple trick that can make that craving disappear almost instantly. Listen as I reveal the science-backed way to quiet your sweet tooth. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sweet-tooth-disgusting-food_n_55afe669e4b0a9b9485360de Disruption is the force that reshapes the world — from the printing press and gunpowder to smartphones, AI, and driverless cars. Innovation has always be...

It might sound strange, but the way you evaluate your relationship could actually depend on the chair you’re sitting in. Multiple experiments suggest that posture and stance can influence how you judge your marriage or partnership. In the opening segment, I explain this fascinating connection. https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/08/how-your-stance-may-test-your-marriage We all talk about intuition — that gut feeling when you know what to do without being able to explain wh...

Speed reading might sound impressive, but research shows that slowing down can actually improve comprehension, retention, and enjoyment. In this opening segment, we explore why reading at a slower pace could be the real key to getting the most out of your books and articles. https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-slow-reading-is-actually-a-good-thing-because-being-a-speed-reader-is-overrated-73092 On average, people juggle about 22 goals at any given time — but chasing all of them often leads to fru...

You probably aren’t letting your dishwasher do its job the way it’s designed to — and you may be wasting time (and water) in the process. In this opening segment, we reveal why your dishwasher is smarter than you think, how to make it work harder for you, and the one thing it desperately wants you to stop doing. https://www.womansday.com/home/organizing-cleaning/a51170/stop-prerinsing-dishes/ Social status isn’t just for the shallow or phony — it’s something we all crave in one way or another. W...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! You can listen to this episode and over 1,000 more ad-free! Plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://SYSKPremium.com Why do kids really get the summer off from school? The popular myth is that it was to help out on the family farm—but that’s not true at all. The real reason is much simpler (and more obvious). This episode begins with the surprising explanation.Source: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/56901/why-do-students-get-summers Stress often ...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://SYSKPremium.com Walking is great exercise. However, the speed you walk at can make a big difference. The right pace can offer health benefits and can have a surprising impact on how long you live. Source: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/people-who-walk-faster-tend-to-live-longer How do top performers get to be the best at what they do? Many people assume...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://SYSKPremium.com When you stay at a short-term rental property such as Airbnb, you often notice security cameras. After all, it is someone’s home. But what about cameras inside the home? This episode begins with surprising data about just how common hidden surveillance is—and what every guest should know. Source: https://www.ipx1031.com/surveillance-rental-study/...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://SYSKPremium.com Why do humans blush—and why does it feel so uncomfortable when someone points it out? Charles Darwin once called blushing “the most peculiar and most human of all expressions.” In this episode, I start by exploring the surprising science of blushing and what it really communicates about us. Source: https://www.rd.com/article/why-do-people-blush/ C...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://SYSKPremium.com How often do you think the average American checks their phone each day? Whatever your guess, you’ll probably be shocked by the actual number. This episode kicks off with some eye-opening stats about our cell phone obsession and just how much it’s shaping our daily lives. https://www.reviews.org/mobile/cell-phone-addiction/ When it comes to decisio...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ https://SYSKPremium.com Chances are, your home is full of things you don’t use, don’t need, and maybe don’t even recognize. Listen to the start of this episode and you’ll discover a simple list of household items you can toss out today — without a second thought. Clearing them out will free up space and make room for what truly matters. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/thing...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ https://SYSKPremium.com⁠ Your phone’s battery is an engineering marvel — but you might be killing it without even realizing it. In this opening segment, you’ll learn simple, science-backed charging habits that can dramatically extend your battery’s life and keep it holding a charge for years to come. https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a15731/best-wa...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ https://SYSKPremium.com⁠ No one likes making a fool of themselves — but it turns out, it might be one of the best things you can do for your happiness. In this opening segment, we explore how moments of public embarrassment can lead to surprising psychological benefits. It may feel awful in the moment, but research says it could actually improve your well-being in t...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ https://SYSKPremium.com⁠ “Happy Birthday to You” might seem like a simple song, but its history is anything but. It has generated millions of dollars in royalties and been at the center of a wild legal saga. In this opening segment, you'll hear the fascinating backstory of one of the world’s most famous tunes — and learn about its current legal status. https://www.w...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ https://SYSKPremium.com⁠ Try formulating an answer to a difficult question while looking someone in the eye. It is almost impossible. You must look away. Why is it so hard to concentrate while looking at someone? This episode starts with an explanation of that. http://www.livescience.com/7155-helps-concentration.html To be labeled as a great innovator is an honor. I...

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ https://SYSKPremium.com⁠ Everyone knows exercise is good for you. But have you ever thought HOW it is good for you? This episode begins by explaining exactly what the benefits are both mentally and physically. And the benefits are substantial. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389 Ever find yourself caught in a loop of “...