Something You Should Know

Not long ago I went to the supermarket only to find everything had been moved around. Nothing was where it used to be. Why? I’ll explain why they do that and other little tricks supermarkets play on you. http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Supermarket-Psychology-Tricks-18344600?stream_view=1#photo-

Ever wonder why certain things disgust you? The things you find disgusting may be perfectly acceptable – even pleasing to someone else. Disgust turns out to be a fascinating human emotion. No other animals get disgusted by the things we do. And this emotion has served us well. Rachel Herz, a teacher at Brown University is also author of the book, That’s Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion (https://amzn.to/2xTcjVG) joins me to discuss why we get disgusted.

Very few people think they look great in photographs. So I have some advice from top photographers on what to do so you look great in every photograph you are in – no matter who is taking the picture. https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/nation/how-to-look-better-in-photos-best-ways-to-pose-for-pictures

It is amazing to think that so many inventions that changed how we live could’ve been invented a lot sooner. The stethoscope, the compass, human flight and other inventions took way too long to materialize since the technology for them was around a long time ago. It's just that no one figured out how to put it all together. Ryan North, author of the book How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler (https://amzn.to/2DFFLoy) takes us on a journey back in time and explains what went wrong. 

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You probably just assume food grown organically is healthier – and maybe it is. But you also probably think that organic food tastes better. You may not think you think that – but you do. We start this episode with an explanation as to why. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2302835/Organic-food-labels-trick-thinking-food-healthier-tastier.html

Conspiracy theories abound! I’m sure you’ve heard that some people believe the U.S. government was behind the 9/11 attacks or the Holocaust never happened or that the mafia really killed President Kennedy – or was it Castro? Where do these theories come from? Why do people believe them? And how do you have a conversation with someone if you think what they believe is crazy? Mick West, author of the book, Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories using Facts, Logic, and Respect (https://amzn.to/2R1HyXI) has researched conspiracy theories and the people who believe them and he has some great insight and advice for the next time you find yourself talking to someone who believes the world is really flat!

Over half the population has foot problems that hamper their daily lives. So I reveal some proven strategies to help alleviate and/or prevent those problems so your feet stay happy. http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-footpain-ess.html

Every culture is governed by rules – whether it is a nation, an organization, group or a family. Some cultures have very tight and strict rules while others take a more laid back approach. But which is better? Do you humans excel under strict regulations or is loose and easy a better way? Well, it all depends, according to cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand author of the book, Rule Makers Rule Breakers : How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World (https://amzn.to/2xRrRcE). She joins me to explain the fascinating reasons why different cultures adopt tight or loose controls and how those rules impact the lives of people they affect.

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You tip the waiter at the end of a meal for a job well done. But when it comes to tipping the maid and other people at a hotel, it is actually better to tip them at the beginning of your stay so you get better service in the days to come. That’s just one of the very savvy travel tips with which we begin this episode of the podcast. http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/travel-mistakes-to-avoid-20131217/packing-for-the-long-haul

Do we really have free will? Does the placebo effect actually work? Have aliens tried to contact us? These are some of the fascinating mysteries that still baffle scientists. Science writer Michael Brooks, author of the book 13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Baffling Scientific Mysteries of Our Time (https://amzn.to/2NvuAmO) joins me to explore some of these mysteries and explains what we do know and what we don’t know about them. 

Chewing gum may not be proper etiquette in many social situations but chewing gum does have some real benefits – particularly when you are stressed out. I’ll explain why have some gum in your pocket is almost always a good idea. https://greatist.com/happiness/does-chewing-gum-reduce-anxiety

2018 marks the 60th anniversary of NASA. And while space launches aren’t quite the big deal they once were, NASA is still doing a lot of impressive work. John Logsdon has been keeping his eye on NASA for a long time. John is the founder of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, former member of the NASA Advisory Council and he served on the Columbia Space Shuttle Accident Investigation Board in 2003. He is the editor of a new book that just came out celebrating 60 years of NASA called The Penguin Book of Outer Space Exploration (https://amzn.to/2DoYWmm) and joins me to discuss some really interesting stories about the US space program you probably never knew.

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I’ve lived with dogs most of my life (and one pretty cool cat) so I am fascinated by doggy behavior. And did you know that even though dogs will eat almost anything – they actually prefer two distinct flavors. We begin this episode of the podcast with that and some other interesting facts about what your dog is really thinking. (Paulette Cooper author of 27 Secrets Your Dog Wants You To Know) https://amzn.to/2xoCi83

You have good days and you have bad days. So what if you could control that so that you had far more good days than bad ones? Caroline Webb, author of the book How to Have a Good Day (https://amzn.to/2pnE0Ct) reveals the psychology, neuroscience and behavioral science that can help you greatly improve the odds that today and tomorrow will be fabulous!

If you have to present something at a meeting or make a proposal – do your best to NOT go first. I’ll discuss why and when in the meeting is a more optimal time to speak up. (Sarah McGinty author of the book Power Talk https://amzn.to/2plWwej0

What do 46% of people in Japan do when the doorbell rings? Why do astronauts have to sleep near a fan so they don’t die? This is just two of a bunch of facts you’ll hear from John Lloyd, creator of the Q.I television program in the UK and contributor to the book, 1,342 Quite Interesting Facts To Leave You Flabbergasted (https://amzn.to/2NREHll). If you like interesting facts to dazzle people at a cocktail party – this will be fun!

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You may not have ever noticed this but hotels rarely offer milkshakes on their room service menu. And yet, if a hotel has a kitchen there is a good chance they have ice cream milk and a blender. But if you try to order a milkshake you probably won’t get it. Why not? The answer is simple, ridiculous and points out a big problem in American business today. (Steve Little author of The Milkshake Moment)

Why does time seem to go by faster as we get older? Why do people love kitten videos? How can you spot a liar? These and other fascinating psychology questions are what we tackle in my discussion with Art Markman, Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin, co-host of the podcast Two Guys on Your Head and author of the book Brain Briefs https://amzn.to/2xcxdyJ. It’s an interesting discussion that will help you better understand how your brain works.

Art Markman's website is http://www.smartthinkingbook.com/

A lot of new cars have a keyless ignition. And while that is convenient, it also makes it easier to forget to turn the car off and leave it running. That has caused some real problems. I’ll explain why and what to do to make sure it doesn’t happen to you. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/hidden-dangers-of-push-button-start

Do you know what an empath is? It is a person who prefers solitude and is extremely sensitive to noises, smells, crowds and social stimulation. It turns out there are a lot of people who fall into the category of “extremely sensitive” and being this way makes it a bit harder to navigate the world. Psychologist Judith Orloff, author of the book The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People https://amzn.to/2OvEiBV is in fact one of these extremely sensitive types and she has some insight and advice for other empaths and the people who must deal with them every day.

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What could be simpler than washing your hands? You’ve done it a zillion times. And yet you are probably not doing it correctly. With cold and flu season nearly here, it’s important to get this right so we begin this episode with some expert hand washing advice. http://www.rd.com/slideshows/hand-washing-mistakes/#slideshow=slide5

I am sick of paying fees, Are you? There are fees for everything and the result is that nothing really costs what the price tag says – it’s the price PLUS all the fees. Bob Sullivan has been spreading the word about the stupidity and unfairness of fees for a long time. He is author of the book Gotcha Capitalism https://amzn.to/2x9R2aR and he joins me to explain why there are so many fees and how you can fight back! 

By the way, Bob is also the host of podcast Breach which you can access from his website (https://bobsullivan.net/topics/breach/) or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Are overweight people discriminated against in the workplace? We like to think we judge people by their character but this research proves that is not always true. And in most cases this discrimination is perfectly legal. http://www.businessinsider.com/science-overweight-people-less-successful-2015-9

Slang is fascinating. How is it that some slang words work their way into the language while others fade quickly? Who starts these words? Could you create a slang word and have it catch on? Tom Dalzell has been studying slang for a long time and has written several books about it including The Routledge Dictionary of Modern American Slang and Unconventional English https://amzn.to/2p2ksDi. He joins me in a fascinating discussion about the slang in our language and why it is important. 

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Many people wish they were taller. Unfortunately there is no simple fix for that. But there are ways to LOOK taller and we start this episode with some effective techniques. http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a37254/7-style-tips-that-will-make-you-look-taller/

No one likely taught you how to think. So when you have a problem to solve or need to come up with a solution - you just think the way you think. But what if you could think better? Tim Hurson author of the book Think Better https://amzn.to/2CzMTCn joins me to discuss a way to improve your thinking that can result in better thoughts, better ideas and better solutions.  

So what’s the deal with seedless watermelons? Where did they come from and why are there no seeds? And how do they grow new ones if there are no seeds to plant? I’ll unravel the mystery of seedless watermelons for you. http://mentalfloss.com/article/31211/where-do-seedless-watermelons-come

Today, meal planning isn’t so much about foods we enjoy but rather foods that are supposed to be “good for you.” The problem is, that is a very strange way to eat. Barry Glassner, a sociology professor at the University of Southern California is author of a book The Gospel of Food: Why We Should Stop Worrying and enjoy What We Eat https://amzn.to/2wStk2R. He joins me to explain why our obsession with eating food with less salt, less sugar and fewer calories is flawed and why eating foods you enjoy has a lot of real benefits.

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People who travel a lot have to come up with their own travel hacks and secrets in order to stay sane! Several of the people who work for CNN and travel as part of their job, put together a bunch of really great tips and tricks they have learned from years and years of traveling – often by learning things the hard way. We begin this episode by sharing these great travel secrets so you can put them to use on your next trip.  http://www.egyptindependent.com//news/20-biggest-travel-mistakes

Can you learn to be lucky? The idea sounds weird – right? Because luck is just a matter of random chance. Or is it? Karla Starr, author of the book, Can You Learn to Be Lucky? https://amzn.to/2Q8Eb0j as looked at the science of luck (yes there is such a thing) and joins me to explain why some people just seem to be extremely lucky and what you can do to improve your luck. 

Could it be true that overweight people live longer? Since like forever, we’ve all been told that being thin is what helps you live longer. But there does seem to be a loophole in the theory. While it’s not a reason to let yourself go and gain a lot of weight, having a few extra pounds can be beneficial and I will explain why. http://healthland.time.com/2013/01/02/being-overweight-is-linked-to-lower-risk-of-mortality/

You make a lot of important - even life-altering - decisions in your life. But I bet you were never taught HOW to make a decision. Well, it turns out how you make those important decisions really matters. And there is a way to improve your chances of making the right decision if you have a better understanding of the decision making process. Steven Johnson, author of the book Farsighted: How We Make the Decisions That Matter the Most https://amzn.to/2NlgWl9 explains how you can make the RIGHT decision.

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Whenever you get a new credit card in the mail, you are encouraged to sign the back of it. In fact many say, “Not valid until signed.” But should you sign the back of your credit cards? For security reasons, maybe not. But there is something you might want to write in that little box instead. We start the episode by discussing that. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1444/should-you-sign-the-back-of-your-credit-cards

Supposedly the average American home has about $2600 worth of stuff collecting dust that could be turned into cash on eBay or a garage sale. But how do you know what stuff? Brian Kathenes is a managing partner at National Appraisal Consultants in New York and author of the book, Betcha Didn’t Know That! https://amzn.to/2NzLb4G. Brian joins me to offer some advice on what to look for in your attic or your parents’ attic that could be worth a lot of money – as well as things that aren’t worth wasting time on. 

So what’s the difference between green tea and plain old black tea? Green tea has certainly gotten a lot of great publicity for all its health benefits but could regular tea be just as good for you? You just might be surprised to hear this. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea

How do you get ahead in your career? If you care, you have probably already checked out various experts who talk about the importance of networking, a good resume and a firm handshake. But there are some lesser known strategies that are equally – if not more – powerful. Employment expert Vicky Oliver author of the book, 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions https://amzn.to/2Pv8Bsv joins me to offer some lesser known but powerful suggestions to move up the career ladder.

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If you want to ask someone on a date, you could call them up and ask or you could send a text or email. So which of those methods is most effective? We begin this episode with the interesting answer. http://news.indiana.edu/releases/iu/2015/09/email-versus-voicemail-romantics.shtml

When someone walks into your home, they immediately make assumptions about you. So what do people assume about you? What does your home say? According to Winifred Gallagher author of the book, House Thinking: A Room by Room Look at How We Live https://amzn.to/2LzmTWX , it says a lot. What’s also interesting is that your house and its contents have impact and influence on you – in terms of how you think and behave. Join me as Winifred explains the fascinating and often undetected relationship you have with your home.

Whether or not you are happy depends on a lot of factors. But there is one BIG factor in your life that can make or break your happiness. Listen as I tell you what it is. http://www.techinsider.io/how-to-know-you-are-happy-psychology-2015-9

Being able to forgive someone for something they have done is considered virtuous. Many religions teach the importance of forgiveness. But what if you can’t or won’t forgive? What if what was done to you is unforgivable – then what? Is forgiveness the only way to unburden yourself? No, according to Gary Egeberg, author of the book, The Forgiveness Myth https://amzn.to/2Pg6xEM. Sometimes forgiveness is NOT the answer and Gary explains what the alternatives are.

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Have you ever thought to yourself, “When I lose weight, where does the fat go?” It is an interesting question and the fact is most health professionals cannot answer it. But I can – and will as we begin this episode. https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/26/health/lose-weight-where-does-it-go-partner/index.html

If the “lose-it-or-use-it” theory applies to anything – it applies to memory. U.S. Memory Champion Chester Santos, author of the book, Mastering Memory https://amzn.to/2P4LTay joins me to offer some techniques to help you improve your ability to remember names and just about everything else. In fact he takes us all on an exercise to remember a list of 15 random words and commit it to memory. 

There is probably a jar of Vaseline around your house somewhere. And it turns out that Vaseline has a lot of uses and applications that you have probably never heard of. I’ll share several of the best ones in this episode. http://www.aol.com/article/2015/04/15/19-unusual-uses-vaseline/21172577/

While it is always great to strive for success, some people strive for nothing else. They judge everything by how much they achieve, how they look, how much money they have or how big their house is. Psychologist Dr. Arthur Ciarimicoli identified this problem and gave it a name – “Performance Addiction.” It refers to people who think achievement and success will bring them happiness. When it doesn’t, that’s when the trouble begins. Arthur not only coined the term, he is also the author of a book called Performance Addiction https://amzn.to/2P97r66. He joins me to explain and explore this growing problem in our culture – and what can be done about it. 

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If you want someone to know you really care for them and that they are special to you, there are a few simple things you can do that can have a huge impact. I begin this episode with those things which I am sure will come in handy at some point in your life. http://www.caring.com/articles/5-surprising-actions-that-show-love

When you want to make a point or sell your idea or convince someone of something – nothing can do it like a picture. But what if you suck as an artist? Well, according to Dan Roam, that doesn’t matter. Any picture is better than no picture. Dan is the author of the book, Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures https://amzn.to/2PwDRsc. He joins me to explain the science of why visual representations (pictures) can be so much more powerful than words. As the saying goes – a picture is worth a thousand words. When you hear Dan you will understand just how true that is. Even if your artistic skills are less than impressive.

So here is something I am sure has happened to you… you take your clothes or towels out of the dryer and you find a bleach stain. But you didn’t use bleach in the laundry, so how could you have a bleach stain? Well, it happens all the time. I’ll explain why and how to prevent it. http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/bleach-stains-towels

Do gentlemen prefer blondes? Do high heels really make women more attractive? Can the scent you give off actually repel some people while attracting others? Jena Pincott has the answers to these and other questions about human attraction. Jena tells the story of how she had to break up with a guy just because of his scent. He didn’t smell bad – it was just his natural scent she couldn’t stand. You have to hear the story. Jena is author of the book, Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?: Bodies, Behavior, and Brains--The Science Behind Sex, Love, & Attraction https://amzn.to/2ByZpS2. I think you’ll enjoy what she has to say.

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care/of. For 25% off your first month of personalized care/of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and use the promo code SOMETHING 

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When you have pain – you want it to go away. While taking a pill or two can help ease the pain, there are some other interesting and unconventional ways to ease pain that have been proven to work. This episode begins with those and at least most of them will likely be new to you. http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/12-weird-pain-remedies/ss-AAcuOQ#image=1

Self-sabotage is when you set a goal, attempt to achieve it and in the process screw the whole thing up all by yourself. Seems rather pointless, yet everyone does it according to Pat Pearson author of the book, Stop Self-Sabotage https://amzn.to/2vV6Eyx. Listen as Pat explains why people do it and how to stop – and it all has to do with what she calls your “deserve level.” Her website is www.PatPearson.com.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” No doubt you have heard that before but what does the science say? Just how important is breakfast in terms of health and weight loss? Listen to hear these surprising findings. http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2014/06/04/ajcn.114.089573.abstract

I know it sounds crazy but we have a serious sand shortage on this planet. When you hear that you may think – “Wait a minute, what about all the sand at the beach and in the desert?” Well it turns out to be more complicated than you ever imagined and this sand shortage is impacting your life in ways you didn’t realize. Vince Besier has explored the sand shortage and written a book called The World In A Grain https://amzn.to/2OJZxje. What he has to say will fascinate you. 

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care/of. For 25% off your first month of personalized care/of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and use the promo code SOMETHING 

Brilliant Earth. For the 12 month financing offer and to shop all of Brilliant Earth’s selections - Just go to www.BrilliantEarth.com/something

Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK

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I suspect you’ve been cheated or lied to at some point in your life and thought to yourself, “How in the world did I fall for that?” There is actually a good reason why it happened to you and to every other human on the planet. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201109/the-5-reasons-we-get-suckered-and-ripped

While there is no shortage of advice for people in relationships – I think I have someone who will make you think differently about love and how it really works in the long-term. Dr. Thomas Habib is a clinical psychologist and author of the book If These Walls Could Talk https://amzn.to/2BgCM4w. He will have you thinking differently about love – and he also explains why guys hate chick flicks! 

Whatever fragrance you wear, you owe it all – or at least in part to Coco Chanel. I’ll explain why and tell you why the most popular fragrance in the world – Chanel No. 5 – has such an unusual name. (Sleeping with The Enemy by Hal Vaughan) https://amzn.to/2MPrfur

Imagine a discussion about depression that is actually uplifting! With depression affecting so many people (including people in your life, most likely) I think you will enjoy listening to psychiatrist Dr. Kelly Brogran author of the book A Mind of Your Own. She takes a fascinating look at the research around depression and what causes it and what helps it. https://amzn.to/2MvyJ8Q

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Hotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.

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Have you ever watched someone blow out the candles on a birthday cake and wondered, “Do I really want to eat cake after someone blew and spit all over it?” I have. So I start this episode with a look at the risks of eating that cake once the candles are out. http://foodnetwork.wikia.com/wiki/Food_Detectives

A lot has been written about peak performance. There are books, articles, podcasts, seminars, speeches and many gurus all claiming to know the magical steps to achieving high performance in your career. So, who’s right? What are you supposed to believe? Marc Effron, author of the book 8 Steps to High Performance https://amzn.to/2OsZqso has taken a look at a lot of the material and separated the fluff from the science. Listen as he explains what really works if you want to really excel in your career.  

Ever wondered whether or not you should buy a new car if your old car works just fine? Since cars last much longer than a generation or two ago, a lot of drivers struggle with the decision to buy a new car. If you are one of them, you should listen as I discuss this topic. http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/the-average-american-car-is-a-record-115-years-old/ar-AAdGzIG

When you think about it, you write a lot. You likely write emails, text messages, memos, reports and more. So HOW you write really matters if you want people to understand what you are trying to say. Josh Bernoff author of the book, Writing Without BS is on a mission to help people improve communication through better writing. Listen to what he has to say and you will instantly become a better writer. https://amzn.to/2KP08xF

This Week's Sponsors

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Hotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.

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Somehow I simply cannot walk and text at the same time. And that turns out to be a good thing. I begin this episode with some fascinating research about texting and walking – and how the people around you hate you when you do it. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/people-who-text-while-walking-are-annoying-as-hell-study-confirms_us_55b8f3e7e4b0a13f9d1b0b13?ir=Healthy%2BLiving%C2%A7ion%3Dhealthy-living&utm_hp_ref=healthy-living

Criticism can be tricky. It is often hard to give it effectively and it is even harder to hear it when it is aimed at you. That may be because we are not doing it correctly, according to Deb Bright, author of the book The Truth Doesn't Have to Hurt : How to Use Criticism to Strengthen Relationships, Improve Performance, and Promote Change. https://amzn.to/2ATMnyh . Listen as Deb reframes the topic and shows how criticism can be a very valuable tool in shaping behavior and getting things done. And it doesn’t necessarily have to sting.

** BTW, if you wish to be part of Deb's research on criticism, send an email to dbright@brightent.com

Anyone who has made the effort to eat healthy knows how hard it is to resist a sudden craving for junk food. You know nothing else will do and you know the craving isn’t going to pass any time soon. So what do you do? Well, it turns out there is a way to stop that craving dead in its tracks and I’ll reveal it in this episode. http://www.medicaldaily.com/eliminating-food-cravings-may-be-easy-looking-images-bugs-vomit-344656

What if you could use computer algorithms to solve everyday problems in your human life, such as where to eat dinner or how to choose a home? Well, you can! In fact you should, according to Brian Christian, author of the book Algorithms to Live By. https://amzn.to/2OQGO6m Brian explains how many of our personal problems can actually be better solved by using algorithms if you understand what they are and how to use them. 

This Week’s Sponsors

Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK

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When it comes to successful online dating, the two things that seem to matter most are your screen name and your profile picture. I begin this episode by explaining what works best as determined by researchers who reviewed thousands of online profiles of people who were successful online daters and people who failed miserably. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150212212100.htm

What determines your behavior? Is everything you do the result of your free will or is your behavior determined by something else? Could it be you are not responsible for your own actions? Robert Sapolsky, a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University joins me to make the case that we are not responsible for what we do – that it is determined by all sorts of biological influences. What he says will either make you a believer – or make you crazy. Robert is the author of several books including the bestseller, Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst. https://amzn.to/2LWQRZR

Do you know what you look like – really? You’d think so but actually other people are probably better than you at identifying photos of you that REALLY resemble what you like you. Sounds odd, right? We shall explore why that is and why your self-image may be somewhat distorted. http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=154010&CultureCode=en

Are we too obsessed with being clean? Are we over-sanitizing our world? It looks like it. Marie-Claire Arrieta, assistant professor at the University of Calgary in Canada is co-author of the book Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child from an Oversanitized World https://amzn.to/2vj6r7S . She joins me to explain the unintended consequences of keeping our homes, our children and everything else in our lives TOO clean. Those consequences include an increase in asthma, allergies, resistance to antibiotics and much more. Her website is www.LetThemEatDirt.com

This Week’s Sponsors

Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK

FIXD. Buy 2 FIXD devices and get a third one free plus get 10% off your already discounted price at www.ListenToMyCar.com and use the promo code SOMETHING

Simplisafe.com. Check out this incredible security system and if you order one through this special link, Simplisafe will donate a security system to a family in need. Go to www.Simplisafe.com/something

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This episode begins with a look at some fascinating science of everyday life. For example, how the calorie count for food is determined, what does it take to actually crush a Lego brick, why water of the same temperature feels colder than air of the same temperature – and more. http://mentalfloss.com/article/66086/11-scientific-explanations-everyday-life

Do you swear? If so, why? Are there any benefits to swearing? And how has swearing changed over the years? These are a couple of the questions tackled by Emma Byrne author of the book Swearing is Good For You. https://amzn.to/2vq8R3P. Listen to Emma and you may just come away with a whole new view of the power and usefulness of bad words. 

You’ve heard the phrase – “Sex sells.” Right? Well actually sex doesn't sell. Violence doesn’t sell either. You’ll hear about some fascinating research that shows that in terms of advertising effectiveness, sex and violence really get in the way. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3169550/Sex-DOESN-T-sell-Consumers-distracted-raunchy-violent-ads-forget-product-study-reveals.html#ixzz3gdzJRKwe

If you watch the news or look at social media a lot, you might think the world is becoming a harsh and terrible place. But could it just be perception? Could it really be that the world and the people in it are getting better and have been for a long time? That is the contention of Gregg Easterbrook author of It’s Better Than It Looks: Reasons for Optimism in an Age of Fear. https://amzn.to/2MddPYH . Gregg explains that when you objectively measure the things that determine how our lives are trending – there are a lot of reasons to celebrate.

This Week’s Sponsors

Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSKand use the promo code SYSK

Hotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.

Bombas Socks.Get 20% off your first order by going towww.Bombas.com/something and use the promo code SOMETHING

Madison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHING

InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Negotiating your own salary can be stressful and difficult. This episode begins with some proven ways to help you maneuver through the negotiation process effectively so you get the best deal and the most money possible. http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-negotiate-a-higher-salary

Just about everyone enjoys music. But it is more than mere entertainment. Researcher and writer Dan Levitin author of the book, This is Your Brain on Music discusses how people have used music throughout history and how we use it today to help wake us up, make us think, enhance our mood and help us sleep. https://amzn.to/2zRC39i

Houseplants can make any home look better but houseplants also have real health benefits. I’ll reveal why it is worth the fuss and effort for you and your family to fill your home with houseplants. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/articles/5-benefits-of-houseplants

So many of us struggle with clutter – whether it’s our workspace, a room or our entire home. It’s not just getting rid of clutter that’s hard, it’s making sure more clutter doesn’t come in and take its place. Decluttering expert Dana White of www.ASlobComesClean.com is author of the book Declutter at the Speed of Life. She joins me to share some very simple, practical strategies for getting rid of clutter and also talks about the amazing benefits that come when the clutter is gone. https://amzn.to/2uKoHpy

This Week’s Sponsors

Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSKand use the promo code SYSK

Hotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.

Bombas Socks.Get 20% off your first order by going towww.Bombas.com/something and use the promo code SOMETHING

Madison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHING

InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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What’s the real reason people get angry over the little things? At least one leading expert believes it’s all about control. I begin this episode of the podcast discussing the high cost your pay by getting so upset over nothing and how to let go of life’s little aggravations. (The Anger Trap by Les Carter https://amzn.to/2NYGHpd)

So much of the advice on eating healthy is about what to avoid – meat, dairy, gluten, sugar, oil etc. But pediatrician Dr. Aaron Carroll, professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and author of the book The Bad Food Bible (https://amzn.to/2uuXeJk) says there isn’t much science to support these kind of restrictive diets in terms of them being healthier. He joins me to explain what it really means to eat healthy and talks about how many of the foods people think are bad – really are not.

If your relationship has lost some of the magic or passion – how can you steam things up a bit? I have a couple of very simple techniques that are proven to help you feel the romance and excitement once again. http://www.womansday.com/relationships/sex-tips/g654/spice-up-your-relationship/

Why does it seem some people are incredibly productive and others of us never seem to have enough time to get all the things done we need to? Charles Duhigg has the fascinating answer to that. Charles is one of the leading authorities on productivity and is author of the books Smarter Faster Better (https://amzn.to/2NYMw5J) and The Power of Habit (https://amzn.to/2NUsadT). Charles joins me with some very practical advice that will help you get everything done and still have time left over.  

This Week’s Sponsors

Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK

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Helix Sleep. Get up to $125 off your mattress order by going to www.Helixsleep.com/something

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InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts

Madison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHING

Care/Of Vitamins. For 25% off your first month of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code SOMETHING

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Should you really not go swimming until a half hour after eating? Can you really get poison ivy by touching someone who already has it? These are just some of the common pieces of summertime advice you often hear. We’ll take a look at the science behind these and several others and reveal whether or not they are true. http://www.silive.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2012/07/summer_myths_debunked.html

If you want to be persuasive, it is not only what you say but how you prepare the person in advance to hear your message. That’s according to Robert Cialdini author of the book PREsuasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade https://amzn.to/2NScEiP. Several years ago Robert wrote the landmark book on the topic of persuasion titled Influence https://amzn.to/2Jr8jj5. This new research can easily be applied to your life with amazing results making you much more persuasive.

Your mother or grandmother likely rinsed or pre-washed dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. With today’s dishwashers it is not a good idea. I’ll reveal the interesting reasons why your dishwasher works best when the dishes are really dirty. http://www.womansday.com/home/organizing-cleaning/a51170/stop-prerinsing-dishes/

What is your "personal presence"? In other words, what is the image that you give off about who you are and what you stand for? It’s a tough question. It is easy to determine the personal presence of others but not so easy to figure out how the world perceives us. Kristi Hedges author of the book The Power of Presence https://amzn.to/2L08kA0 joins me to explain how to the world sees you and how you can improve the image you present to others to help create stronger connections. Kristi also is the author of another book called The Inspiration Code https://amzn.to/2NjbDPE 

This Week’s Sponsors

Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK

Hunt A Killer. Order now and get 10% of your first box. Go to www.HuntAKiller.com and use the promo code SOMETHING

Sworkit. Get your 30 day free trial and then 10% off your subscription by going to www.Sworkit.com/something and use the offer code SOMETHING

Helix Sleep. Get up to $125 off your mattress order by going to www.Helixsleep.com/something

Udemy. Go to www.Ude.my/something for up to 90% off when you sign up for classes.

InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts

Madison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHING

Care/Of Vitamins. For 25% off your first month of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code SOMETHING

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you want something from someone else – like in a negotiation – it usually doesn’t pay to get mad. But it might be a good idea to get sad. This episode begins with some interesting research that can help you get better at getting what you want. http://www.thestar.com/business/careers/2015/07/02/wanta-raise-try-crying-it-8217-s-science-.html

Does eating sweets put you in a sweeter mood? Does thinking a food is high in fat rev your body up to burn the calories better? These are just a few questions I discuss with neuroscientist Rachel Herz, who teaches at Brown University and Boston College. Rachel is the author of the book Why You Eat What You Eat: The Science Behind Our Relationship with Food https://amzn.to/2L5HAxj. What she has to say about you and your food will startle you.

Why do mosquito bites always itch? Why can’t they take your blood and be done with it? I’ll reveal the anatomy of a mosquito bite and why it is so annoying. http://mentalfloss.com/article/64950/why-do-mosquito-bites-itch-so-much

Who doesn’t love life hacks? And there is no better expert on the topic than David Pogue, author of Pogue’s Basics: Life https://amzn.to/2NPyhAo. David joins me to discuss simple hacks that can save you time and money: like how to get the last of ketchup out of the bottle, how to read when you don’t have your glasses, how to get a better price on hotels and more. You’ll like and remember what he has to say. 

This Week’s Sponsors

Hoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK

InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts

Quip Toothbrush. Order your Quip toothbrush and get your first refill pack free by going to www.GetQuip.com/something

Bombas Socks. Get 20% off your first order by going to www.Bombas.com/something and using the promo code SOMETHING

Hunt A Killer. Order now and get 10% of your first box. Go to www.HuntAKiller.com and use the promo code SOMETHING

Sworkit. Get your 30 day free trial and then 10% off your subscription by going to www.Sworkit.com/something and use the offer code SOMETHING

FIXD. Get 10% off your purchase by going to www.ListenToMyCar.com and use the promo code SOMETHING

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A kiss is just a kiss. Or is it? It turns out kissing does a lot. I begin this episode with some interesting facts about what kissing does, the messages it sends and why men and women tend to prefer different kinds of kisses. https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/relationships/20-things-you-never-knew-about-kissing/ss-AA3gtBD

Why would you ever want to pay more when you can pay less? Well, that turns out to be a complicated question. There is a cost to chasing the lowest prices according to Ellen Ruppel Shell, a writer for the Atlantic magazine, professor at Boston University and author of the book Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture https://amzn.to/2NKHeLe. Anyone who bought something on sale but then never wore it or used it needs to hear this.

Why do kids get the entire summer off? The myth has been that it started back when kids lived mostly on farms and took the summer off to help bring in the crops. But the crop harvest in the fall when kids are back in school – so that can’t be it. I’ll explain the real reason. http://mentalfloss.com/article/56901/why-do-students-get-summers

Have you heard that gum disease can lead to heart attacks? How can that be – what’s the connection? The answer is inflammation. Dr. Duke Johnson, Medical Director of the Nutrilite Health Institute Center for Optimal Health in Southern California and author of the book Optimal Health https://amzn.to/2ugDngD explains how inflammation in the body is linked to chronic diseases – and more importantly what you can do about it. 

Advertisers in this episode:

Quip Toothbrush. Get a Quip toothbrush and get your first refill pack free when you go to: www.getquip.com/something

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A lot of things about you determine how likable you are but there are a few simple techniques to make you appear more likable instantly. I start this episode with three ways, according to Psychology Today, that will make you more likable to others when you meet them. And they aren’t what you probably think. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/let-their-words-do-the-talking/201107/get-anyone-you-instantly-guaranteed-1

Evolution is what got us to where we are today. But the evolutionary road we have traveled to get here is a bumpy one. Biology professor Nathan Lents author of the book, Human Error: A Panorama of our Glitches from Pointless Bones to Broken Genes https://amzn.to/2zo2u67 takes us on a journey of the human evolution timeline and points out what went right and what went wrong. Ever wonder why so many people have back and knee trouble? Could it be a flaw in our evolution? Why do humans get so many colds? Another flaw? You will find the answers in this episode.

As you go through life, you collect stuff. Then, over time that stuff collects in your home and you forget about it – even if that stuff serves no purpose, is outdated or useless. We start with a list of things you may not even notice that are most likely cluttering up your home that you really ought to throw out – NOW! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/08/things-in-your-home-to-get-rid-of_n_4748455.html

Frisbee, Hula-Hoop, Slip & Slide – they are all toys you and just about everyone else have played with for over 60 years. And they are all made by the Wham-O Toy Company. Had did one small company create such iconic toys? Tim Walsh, author of The Whamo Superbook: Celebrating 60 Years Inside the Fun Factory https://amzn.to/2NE8LxX takes you inside the workings of Wham-O, which has specialized and excelled by making outdoor toys while other toy companies have gone high tech. 

Advertisers in this episode:

Helix Sleep. Get up to $125 off your mattress order by going to www.helixsleep.com/something

SimpliSafe. Protect your home with the best home security system. Go to www.simplisafe.com/something

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Do you blush? Most people who do blush wish they didn’t because it is embarrassing and – as blushers know – it is impossible to stop doing it. But blushing has a purpose and I begin this episode by discussing who blushes, why they blush and what it means to others when you do. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-we-blush-social-embarrassment

I’m sure you know that feeling of delight when someone surprises you on your birthday or anniversary or surprised you for no particular reason at all. When you understand how you can create that feeling of delight in others, those people will go out of their way to help you in all sorts of ways. Andy Nulman author of the book Pow! Right between the Eyes! Profiting from the Element of Surprise (https://amzn.to/2J5IwN5) joins me to discuss the power of surprise. 

Finding true love isn’t always easy – especially the second or third time around. One of the tricks is knowing where to look. So I will tell you the top 3 ways people find the next love of their life. Not just where people meet to find someone to date – but where they find real love. https://amzn.to/2uenFBW

Everyone worries about their breath sometimes. Bad breath is sometimes hard to get rid of – and that is partly because people don’t understand where it comes. Dr. Harold Katz, DDS, is the founder of the California Breath Clinics and author of the book The Bad Breath Bible https://www.therabreath.com/ebook/ and he joins me to clear up some myths about bad breath and how to conquer it once and for all. 

Advertisers in this episode:

Bombas Socks. Get 20% off your first sock order from Bombas! Go to www.bombas.com/something and enter the word – something – in the promo code space.

Hims. If you are concerned about hair loss get a trial month of prescription treatment for just $5. Go to www.ForHims.com/something.  

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Getting kids – or even some grownups – to eat their vegetables can be frustrating. However there are some simple techniques that researchers at Cornell University have studied that appear to be quite effective Listen and I’ll tell you how and you’ll discover the fascinating side effects of improving your reputation as a cook and a human being amongst your family members. And who wouldn’t want to do that? http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/OP/Loving_Cook

You likely don’t give a lot of thought to how important strangers are to you because, well, they are strangers. However, certain strangers can play a far more important and seemingly mysterious role in your personal and professional success. Melinda Blau, author of the book Consequential Strangers (https://amzn.to/2NdVWKv) joins me to discuss this.

Do you or someone in your circle get motion sickness? Ever wonder why that is and the best cure for it? I’ll discuss some interesting findings from a leading researcher on motion sickness that can offer some real relief. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/how-to-beat-motion-sickness?page=2

How many ad messages do you think you are exposed to every day? The number will astound you. Journalist Ken Auletta, author of the book Frenemies: The Epic Disruption of the Ad Business (and Everything Else) https://amzn.to/2tL09x8 joins me to explain why the advertising business is in turmoil and the rather serious consequences it can have on you as a consumer. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not drinking enough water is a big problem. And while being a little dehydrated won’t kill you, dehydration does have a lot of significant and negative effects on your physical and mental wellness. This episode starts with a look at some surprising findings. http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/5-signs-dehydration-besides-color-your-pee

Language controls what you think and how you think it. Imagine how differently you would think if you didn’t have words like “left” or “right”? Or what if your language had no specific numbers? Well it turns out there are languages like that. And the differences in languages, including English, frame the way you think according to Lera Boroditsky who is a professor of cognitive science at the University of California San Diego. She has a fascinating TED talk on this subject which led me to her. Here is the link: https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think

You’ve surely been told the importance of maintaining good eye contact with people when you speak with them. But sometimes you shouldn’t. In fact sometimes you can’t maintain eye contact – it’s virtually impossible. Listen to hear the reason why. http://www.livescience.com/7155-helps-concentration.html

While you may not spend a lot of time thinking about it, your emotions play a huge role in your personal and professional success. Psychiatrist Dr. Norman Rosenthal, author of the book The Emotional Revolution https://amzn.to/2KxxlSd joins me to reveal things about how your emotions work, how you can control them and the purpose they serve. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is rare to see a UPS truck turning left. Sure, sometimes they have to but they try not to. And there is a really good reason why that we can all learn from. I begin this episode with a discussion on that. (http://mentalfloss.com/article/60556/19-secrets-ups-drivers)

Could it be you are not as smart as you think you are? Apparently so according to David McRaney author of the book and host of the podcast called You Are Not So Smart (https://amzn.to/2tGvPTq). David explains some of the interesting quirks and flaws of the human brain that make us think the way we do – that also makes our perception quite inaccurate a lot of the time.

I bet you’ve wondered if it helps to pay your credit card bill early. Well, if you carry a balance it does. I will explain a simplified version of the math to show you how. You may not get rich from doing it but it certainly worth knowing and can save a fair amount of money over time. http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/pay-credit-card-bill-early-and-save-1.aspx

How long will you live? It’s important to grasp this because there are ramifications to the question for you, your parents and your children. Longevity continues to rise and with that comes the good and the bad. Dr. Laura Carstensen, professor of psychology and public policy at Stanford University is founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity and author of the book, A Long Bright Future (https://amzn.to/2KqrvPe) offers up so fascinating insight into how wonderful it is to be living so much longer than our ancestors – and why perhaps the best is yet to come. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is only one right way to build a fire. It has always been this way and it is unlikely anyone will ever come up with a better way. Interestingly, you probably already do it. I start this episode with an explanation on how to build the perfect fire. http://www.pratt.duke.edu/news/fire

People tend to ask for help all wrong! Humans like to help, we get joy from helping and if you ask the right way, you will often get the help you want. It’s HOW you ask that really matters. Social psychologist Heidi Grant, author of the book Reinforcements: How to Get People to Help You https://amzn.to/2MRA4Ep has explored the research and when you hear what she has to say, you will become better and more effective at asking for help.

How you prepare some food has an impact on how healthy it is for you. For example, you shouldn’t cut strawberries until just before you eat them – but for garlic the opposite is true. You should peel and chop and let it sit for a while first. Why? I’ll explain and tell you how to make several other foods healthier. http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/25/health/eating-foods-wrong/index.html

Why are there so many financial gurus, websites, books, magazine and TV shows offering advice on how to invest your money? Is it really that hard? Not according to financial journalist Helaine Olen who writes for the Washington Post and is author of the book The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated https://amzn.to/2tuVnUr. Helaine explains why so much financial advice is horrible and how anyone can do a great job managing their own finances.

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Want to feel REALLY good? Watch this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHiKxytbCWk. It’s a dull and boring video about folding towels and will make you (or at least many people) get chills and give you a “brain orgasm.” Why? No one really knows for sure but I’ll explain what is known about it as I start this episode.

How could 95% of the universe be missing? Why is it that science can’t quite explain why we need to die or how free will works? Michael Brooks joins me for a fascinating discussion on things that baffle science. Michael holds a PhD in quantum physics and is author of the book 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense : The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries of Our Times (https://amzn.to/2JSTD17) and he is co-host of the podcast series Science(ish) which looks at the scientific issues raised by popular culture fiction such as Hollywood films and TV.

A lot of the time you use the word “that” in a sentence, it is totally unnecessary. Oh, and so is “totally” as in totally unnecessary. I’ll have a list of words you probably use that you don’t really need to – in fact you really shouldn't. https://www.themuse.com/advice/15-words-you-need-to-eliminate-from-your-vocabulary-to-soundsmarter#

You may have people in your life who “gaslight” you. It is a form of manipulation and it is very toxic. Therapist Robin Stern, author of the book, The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life (https://amzn.to/2M8RzyP), joins me to explain how it works and how to defend yourself from gaslighters. 

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When you search for something in Google does it matter what order you put the words in? What about punctuation – does that matter? We start this episode with the best ways to optimize Google searches to get the best results. (https://edu.google.com/coursebuilder/courses/pswg/1.2/assets/notes/Lesson1.5/Lesson1.5Wordordermatters_Text_.html)

What makes someone beautiful? Can you really become more beautiful? These are important questions because beauty and attractiveness have some clear benefits for everyone. Rachelle Smith, associate professor of psychology at Husson University, is author of the book The Biology of Beauty (https://amzn.to/2JOKMtn). Rachelle joins me to explain the importance of your own beauty and how to maximize what you have. 

If you are going on a job interview it matters whether you are the first person interviewed or the last person or better yet, the fourth person. I’ll explain why. (http://www.businessinsider.com/always-go-fourth-during-interviews-2015-5)

Seemingly small inventions like the razor blade, the TV dinner and paper money have had profound impacts on our lives and the economy in ways you never knew. Tim Harford, author of the book Fifty Inventions that Shaped the Modern Economy (https://amzn.to/2JV5zM9) joins me for a fascinating explanation of how these innovations have transformed our lives.

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Do nice guys finish last? Sure, there are a lot of successful nice guys but there are a lot of successful jerks too. So which is it? The answer may actually lie somewhere in between. This episode begins with some interesting insight into that (http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/06/why-it-pays-to-be-a-jerk/392066)

Humans are motivated by….what? Traditional thinking has been that carrots and sticks – in other words rewards or punishments are the best way to get people to do things. Well that may work but there are other ways that are better says Daniel Pink, author of the book Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us (https://amzn.to/2LNHze7). Daniel joins me to offer some advice on how to successfully motivate yourself and others.

Friends are important but I bet you didn’t know just HOW important. Let’s put it this way… research shows not having a strong social network is equal to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. And that’s just one of the things I discuss about the importance of friends (http://www.rd.com/slideshows/friends-facts/#slideshow=slide2)

Are you one of those people who hates small talk? Or perhaps you find it difficult to talk to strangers and connect with people. Or maybe you just wish you were better at conversation. If so, you need to listen to Jill Spiegel, author of the book How to Talk to Anyone About Anything (https://amzn.to/2t6tIb3). Jill is an expert when it comes to striking up conversations and making them count. Incidentally, she is also the great granddaughter of Joseph Spiegel, founder of the famous Spiegel mail order catalog.

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Humans are programmed to flirt. It’s the beginning of the process that keeps the species going forward. And while some people are clearly better at the art of flirting – there is some science to it as well. I begin this episode with scientifically proven ways to improve your flirting skills.  (http://theweek.com/articles/448643/how-flirt-according-science)

One thing that makes us human is our creativity. We are all creative and many of us could be even more creative according to Allen Gannett. Allen is the CEO of Track Maven, a software analytics firm and he has been on the top “30 Under 30” lists for both Inc. and Forbes magazines. He is also the author of the new book The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea at the Right Time (https://amzn.to/2Jt9vaH). Allen joins me to reveal some fascinating science behind creative people and the creative process that we can all benefit from.

It turns out that not all olive oil is what it appears to be. In fact a lot of extra virgin olive oil isn’t what the label says. Is there fraud in the olive oil business? And if it isn’t olive oil, what is it? We’ll discuss. (http://time.com/3894609/extra-virgin-olive-oil/)

If happiness is a choice, why do so many people choose to be unhappy? That is just one of the questions I tackle with Rick Foster co-author of the book Happiness & Health: 9 Choices That Unlock the Powerful Connection Between the Two Things We Want Most (https://amzn.to/2JEdz78). I think you will be amazed by what Rick has to say about the connection between your health and your happiness. 

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Ever feel good about saving a spider because you took it out of your house and put it outside rather than killing it? It seems like a noble thing to do. But what you may not know is what is likely to happen to that spider once you put it outside. This episode of the podcast starts with that interesting explanation. (http://www.burkemuseum.org/blog/curated/spider-myths)

You probably don’t think about it much but the way your body heals itself from illness and injury is really remarkable. We are learning more and more about how the healing process works and how to enhance it. Joining me to shed some light on all of this is Wayne Jonas, MD, professor of medicine at Georgetown University and author of the book How Healing Works. (https://amzn.to/2JB911l )

We all make typos when we write emails. But what you probably realize is that those typos alter the impact of your message – sometimes in a good way and sometimes in a bad way. Listen as I explain. (https://www.aol.com/2015/06/01/your-email-typos-reveal-more-about-you-than-you-realize/)

How you perceive your world is different than everyone else because your brain is so different than everyone else's. One great way to understand those differences in our brain is to look at some people with peculiar brain disorders. Science writer Helen Thomson author of the book Unthinkable: An Extraordinary Journey Through the World’s Strangest Brains (https://amzn.to/2M6kswj) introduces you to a woman who gets lost going from her kitchen to her bathroom EVERY single time as well as the doctor who actually feels other people’s pain. It’s important to hear this because it gives you a clue as to why your brain sees a very different reality than mine or anyone else's. Plus Helen offers some brain enhancing techniques you can use that she has learned from the science. 

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Mental health is complicated. But there are some things that can trigger depression in almost anyone. I begin this episode with a list of things that can cause you to lose your objectivity and make you sad if you let them. (https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/therese-borchard-sanity-break/surprising-reasons-young-people-get-depressed/)

If you knew there was a good chance that you could get a discount on a new shirt or pair of pants or a vacuum cleaner – but you had to ask – would you? It turns out that you can get discounts on many items in retail stores by asking but you have to ask the right way. To find out how listen to my discussion with Emily Hunter. Emily Hunter. Emily is an associate professor of management at Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business, where she teaches negotiation and conflict management. (https://business.baylor.edu/directory/?id=Emily_M_Hunter)

Who hasn’t felt guilty about not visiting grandma or some other friend or relative? You go when you can but you wish you could go more often– right? Well if you ever feel that way, there is something important to understand. It is called the “certainty of contact.” I’ll explain what it is. (Dr. Charles Foster, author of Feel Better Fast - https://amzn.to/2Jm9YdH) 

How often have you heard people talk about the “rat race” and how important it is to get out of it? The idea is that the rat race is so stressful that it is somehow bad for you. But is it really? Not according to economist Todd Buchholz author of the book, RUSH: Why You Need and Love the Rat Race (https://amzn.to/2LiKQSF). Todd makes a compelling case that the stress of the rat race is exactly the fuel we need. By the way Todd served as White House director of economic policy under George H.W. Bush. His latest book is called The Price of Prosperity: How Rich Nations Fail and How to Renew Them (https://amzn.to/2Linigr)

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When you sit down to eat, several things affect how MUCH you eat and how much you enjoy the food. I begin this episode by revealing how the environment and atmosphere of the room in which you are eating can have a big impact. When you learn the details, you can use this information to help you eat less while enjoying your food more. (http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/outreach/musiclight.html)

Sometimes people in relationships cheat. No secret there. But why? Are we programmed to cheat? Are humans, by nature, NOT monogamous? And what can you do if there has been cheating in your relationship? These are all important questions addressed by my guest Dr. Kenneth Rosenberg. Dr. Rosenberg is a board certified addiction psychiatrist, sex addiction counselor and he is author of the book Infidelity: Why Men and Women Cheat (https://amzn.to/2J2slRL) He also has a quiz on his website so you can assess your cheating potential. Go to : https://drkenrosenberg.com/

When you go to a business function you are often given a name tag to wear. So which side of your chest should you put it on - left or right – or does it even matter? While in the scheme of things it may not matter much, there is a correct side and it all has to do with function. I’ll tell you which side is the better side according to etiquette experts. (http://emilypost.com/2009/05/right-or-left-where-to-wear-a-name-badge/)

In our culture we are obsessed with saving time. We have gadgets and apps and systems all designed to make us more productive so we get more done in less time. But then what do you do with the time you saved? Probably use it to get more things done. So what’s the point? For a different look at how you spend your time and what you spend it on, listen to my guest, Laura Vanderkam, author of the book Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done (https://amzn.to/2xs4325). She has been speaking and writing about this topic for a while and has some interesting insight and practical advice I think you will enjoy hearing.

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Does having more sex make a couple happier – or is it just that happier couples have more sex? We begin this episode by looking at which is the cause and which is the effect. (http://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2015/may/more-sex-does-not-lead-to-happiness.html)

You likely know the importance of staying out of the sun and using sunscreen when you are in the sun. But proper skin care involves much more than that. As we begin the unofficial start of summer, Dermatologist and plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, M.D., explains some important facts about skin care you may not know and offer simple and practical tips to keep your skin looking and staying younger. Dr. Youn is the author of the book The Age Fix (https://amzn.to/2GTve5o), he is host of the podcast, The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show (http://www.dryoun.com/podcast/) and his website is www.dryounonline.com 

Here’s an interesting physics question: Let’s say you have to get from point A to point B in the pouring rain. Will you get wetter by running or walking there? I’ll reveal the answer and explain the science. (http://gizmodo.com/5970075/do-you-get-less-wet-walking-or-running-in-the-rain)

Have you ever had trouble getting along with people at work? It is a universal problem. And a big part of the problem is that people have different working styles. Some of those styles work well together – some clash. When you understand what those different styles are and how they work with each other, you can have a happier more productive work environment. Kim Christfort is an executive with Deloitte, an accounting and consulting firm, is co-author of the book Business Chemistry: Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships (https://amzn.to/2IRgE0a). She joins me to reveal how to better get along with and work with all the people at work.

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Years ago coffee was called “The Think Drink” in a marketing campaign. Those were the golden days of coffee. Later coffee was demonized as something that caused all kinds of health problems. Later it turned out, coffee had health benefits and was just fine to drink – but not too much. So we begin this episode with a look at the research to discover whether coffee is good or evil. (http://www.rd.com/slideshows/coffee-myths/#slideshow=slide6)

Ever think about what traits or behaviors or illnesses may have been passed down to you by your parents and ancestors? What will you pass down to your children and their children? Can you really inherit your mother’s laugh or your father’s depression? Heredity is a fascinating and often misunderstood topic. To help sort it all out is Carl Zinmmer. Carl is a writer for The New York Times and author of the book, She Has Her Mother’s Laugh: The Powers, Perversions and Potential of Heredity (https://amzn.to/2IG8KKR).  

Couples fight about money more than most other subjects. That’s because they don’t talk about it until it escalates into a fight. So how can couples talk about money in a calm and reasonable manner so there are no fights? I’ll explain that in this episode (The Couple’s Guide to Financial Compatability by Jeff Motske - https://amzn.to/2KNiek2)

When you do or say something that hurts someone else, you are supposed to apologize. But as simple as that sounds, sometimes an apology can make matters worse not better. In fact that is a lot about apologies and forgiveness people don’t understand. One person who understands this very well is Dr. Harriet Lerner, a psychotherapist and author of the book Why Won't You Apologize?: Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts (https://amzn.to/2s7Nanl). Harriet joins me to dissect what does and doesn’t make the perfect apology and how to diver it so it really does some good.

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No one likes getting a shot at the doctor’s office. But there is something you can do to ease the pain. We begin this episode with a little strategy that can cut the pain in half. But you have to do it just right. (https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27514-hold-your-breath-to-dampen-the-pain-of-an-injection/)

Music plays an important role in our lives – but why? We don’t need it to survive yet every culture on the planet has music of some sort. John Powell, author of the books Why You Love Music (https://amzn.to/2IC5PTG) and How Music Works (https://amzn.to/2kcOYrP) joins me to examine the fascinating role music plays in our lives and why we like the music we like.

Buying something that is biodegradable or has biodegradable packaging sound like a good thing. However, things don’t really biodegrade in a landfill like you think they would. Listen as we explore that topic. (http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/biodegradable-waste.html) 

Have you heard of the “New Power”? It is the power of connecting communities. Uber does it. Airbnb does it. Facebook does it. Their power comes not from owning something but from connecting people. Henry Timms has explored this in his new book New Power: How Power in Our Hyperconnected World – and How to Make it Work For You (https://amzn.to/2IzIDB7). He joins me to explain how it works and how you can put it to work for you and your organization.

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You know what is one of the most common decorating mistakes people make? It is hanging art on the walls incorrectly – usually too high. I’ll explain a simple rule that art galleries and museums use and you should too. (https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-high-to-hang-pictures/)

Imagine asking 45 successful, billionaire entrepreneurs what made them successful. That’s exactly what Robert Jordan did for his groundbreaking book, How They Did It: Billionaire Insights from the Heart of America (https://amzn.to/2rNN18u). Robert joins me to discuss how we can all put these principles to build our own success.

What if I told you that one-third of the fish in your store could be mislabeled? And that you may not be getting what you think you are? That is just one of the interesting facts about supermarkets I share in this episode. (http://www.thedailymeal.com/11-secrets-supermarkets-dont-want-you-know-slideshow)

How often have you been told to stop wasting time? Well it turns out that is often really bad advice according to Professor Alan Lightman author of the new book, In Praise of Wasting Time (https://amzn.to/2ImyFHj). Alan explains the problems created by scheduling every moment of the day as well of the benefits of simply doing nothing. And those benefits are pretty impressive!

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When you have a meeting it is usually sitting down in an office at a table. That just may be one of the worst ways to conduct a meeting and maybe it is why nothing much gets accomplished. There is a better way and it is something Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg and others do. I’ll explain what that is as we begin this episode. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/09/walking-meetings-at-linke_n_7035258.html?utm_hp_ref=business)

If you cook, you are a scientist. Food science is fascinating and when you understand it you instantly become a better cook. Dr. Stuart Farrimond is author of the book, The Science of Cooking ((https://amzn.to/2KYJT2C) and he joins me to explain the science behind cooking the perfect cut of meat, how to best cook vegetables and how to choose the best pan to cook in.

What are the ten most dangerous minutes to drive a car? That’s just one of the things you’ll learn when I explain how even good drivers can get better with a few simple techniques from the people at Popular Mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a15465/driving-mistakes/) 

Something is going on in the mouths of our children. It seems a lot more kids today need braces and other orthodontic work because their jaws are too small. That in turn can lead to other serious health problems according to Sandra Kahn, DDS, so author of the book Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic (https://amzn.to/2KZva7d). Listen as she explains the problem as well as the ramifications and what we can do about. 

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What is the stronger motivator – reward or punishment? In other words, does hurt more to lose something than it feels good to gain something? We start this episode t with a look at some interesting research into this. (https://source.wustl.edu/2015/05/carrot-or-stick-punishments-may-guide-behavior-more-effectively-than-rewards/) 

Some people are just way too nice. They sacrifice their own needs for the needs of others. They are so worried about what other people think of them that always want to please rather than offend. Aziz Gazapura used to be one of those people and he is now on a mission to help people stop being too nice and start being bold and authentic and do what’s right for them – not just what’s right for everybody else. Aziz is the author of the book Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, & Feeling Guilty... And Start Speaking Up, Saying No, Asking Boldly, And Unapologetically Being Yourself (https://amzn.to/2I7IW68) 

When your car breaks down it is likely for one of only a couple of reasons. I’ll tell you what those reasons are and how to prevent and/or deal with them when they happen. (www.roadsidesurvival.com)

Television has changed a lot of the years and the change continues according to Amanda Lotz, professor of media studies at the University of Michigan and author of the book We Now Disrupt This Broadcast: How Cable Transformed Television and the Internet Revolutionized It All (https://amzn.to/2rwDCTC). She joins me to offer a fascinating look into how television has evolved, where it is most likely headed and how it will affect what you watch and how you watch it.

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What color lipstick makes a woman most attractive? Do women prefer a beard on a man or not? What can anyone do to make themselves more attractive? We begin this episode by exploring this. (https://www.healthyway.com/content/ways-to-be-more-attractive-according-to-science/)

Entrepreneurship is alive and well. So should you start a business? Maybe you already have. When you think about it, people who drive for Uber or rent out a room in their house on Airbnb are being entrepreneurial. So are people who simply decide to go freelance and do what they have always done – but do it as a consultant or contractor rather than as an employee. There are many ways to be an entrepreneur – but is it a smart thing for most people to do? Here to discuss that with me is Scott Shane. He is a professor of entrepreneurial studies at Case Western University and author of the book, Is Entrepreneurship Dead? (https://amzn.to/2rouVd7)

I hate waiting in line. I imagine most people do. It turns out there is a whole science and vocabulary about waiting in line. Listen and discover how to make waiting in line less annoying, if that is possible. (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a6164/how-to-choose-the-fastest-line/)

Health fraud is a topic I’ve been interested in for a long time. I am fascinated by so many of the false health claims that people believe even when there is no evidence to support them. Nina Shapiro, M.D., is also fascinated by this topic. She is the author of a new book called Hype: A Doctor's Guide to Medical Myths Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice (https://amzn.to/2wl2cvs). She joins me to discuss what health information is true and not true – and how dangerous it is not to know the difference.

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The more decisions you make during the day, the worse you get at it. It’s called “decision fatigue” and everyone gets it. Listen as we begin this episode and discover just how it happens and what you can do about it. (http://jamesclear.com/willpower-decision-fatigue) 

What does your stuff say about you? Tons, according to my first guest, Sam Gosling. Sam sent investigators and scientists to snoop around people’s homes and offices to discover what can be learned by their belongings. The results are in his book, Snoop: What Your Stuff Says about You (https://amzn.to/2HR1VSs). Sam joins me to explain what he discovered. 

You probably don’t think a lot about food – but there are some fascinating things worth knowing. So we will explore things like how much food you eat in a year; the shelf life of Twinkies (if there is one) and what may be lurking in your peanut butter. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/17/food-facts_n_4788746.html)

The bacteria in your gut could actually have a significant impact on your mood and your ability to think and solve problems. It sounds weird but the science for this is pretty substantial. Journalist Scott Anderson explored this thoroughly for his book (published by National Geographic) called The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection. Normally I am very conservative about what kind of health claims and advice I allow on the podcast but there really seems to be something to this and it could be of help for people with depression as well as people who have trouble with their gut. (https://amzn.to/2HOMx90) 

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In my house, whenever we turn on the microwave oven in the kitchen – it screws up the Wi-Fi. Why is that? And is there anything you can do to prevent that? We start this episode by exploring the microwave/Wi-Fi conflict. (http://io9.com/why-does-your-microwave-oven-mess-with-the-wi-fi-connec-1666117933) 

Time sure flies when you are having fun. We’ve all had that experience but have you ever wondered why that is? Why should time seem to travel faster at one time and slower at other times even though time is constant? Is it possible to deliberately make time seem to move faster or slower? Alan Burdick is a staff writer and former senior editor at The New Yorker who spent 10 years researching this phenomenon. The result is his book, Why Time Flies (https://amzn.to/2rd4Rlg) . He joins me to reveal what he discovered. 

If you have some vodka around the house, you should know that it is good for more than mixing cocktails. For example, it is an insect repellent and it’s great for washing windows – and that’s just the beginning! (http://mom.me/food/18977-top-10-unusual-uses-alcohol/item/washing-window/) . Listen to discover all the great uses for vodka.

We all have to work in teams. Whether it is your family or a team at work or in an organization you belong to. So what is it that makes great teams work so well together? Daniel Coyle, author of the book The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups (https://amzn.to/2HCdGMe) embedded himself in some highly successful groups including the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team Six, Zappos, the San Antonio Spurs, and several others and he discovered what makes great teams – great. He joins me to share the secrets of highly successful teams.

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When you go grocery shopping it is hard to resist the urge to buy things you know you shouldn’t. Temptation is down every aisle! So what can you do? There is a simple yet very effective technique that will help you resist those urges.  (http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/OP/Trigger_Apple) 

You probably know someone you would consider powerful. So how did they get their power? Where did it come from? And can you be more powerful? Listen to Jeffrey Pfeffer is a professor of Organizational Management at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and author of the book Power: Why Some People Have it and Others Don’t (https://amzn.to/2I1hfN4). He explains how anyone can be a much more powerful presence. 

Do you like kale? It has been called a super food and it now finds its way into all kinds of salads and other dishes. But a few years ago hardly anyone ate kale. So why and how did it become so popular? Is it really so great? You won’t believe the story. (https://spoonuniversity.com/news/real-story-behind-kale-became-famous) 

There is logical thinking and then there is “elastic” thinking. Elastic thinking is a different way to approach problems. Leonard Mlodinow, author of the book Elastic Thinking: Flexible Thinking in a Time of Change (https://amzn.to/2JrXqhl) reveals how this different way of thinking works and how it can often be a better way to solve the problems you face at work and at home. Leonard is a fascinating writer (he co-wrote a book with Stephen Hawking!) and I know you will find his insight enlightening. 

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One way to blow your credibility in any conversation or in anything you write is to misuse or mispronounce words or phrases. So this episodes starts with some commonly misused words and phrases to make sure you are using them correctly. (https://www.inc.com/christina-desmarais/10-speaking-and-writing-errors-that-erode-your-credibility.html)  

Taking risks can be good – or bad. It’s all in how you approach the risk and it also seems to depend on how old you are. Kayt Sukel, author of the book The Art of Risk: The New Science of Courage, Caution, and Chance (https://amzn.to/2HjkQoE) joins me to explain how important it is to take risks but also how to be a better risk taker so that you win more than you lose – and also how to learn from the risks that fail.

Do you neatly fold your towel after a shower and place it on the towel rack? Or maybe you hang it on a hook? Well those are terrible things to do if you plan to use that towel again tomorrow! I’ll explain why. (https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a26125/dirty-bathroom-mistakes/) 

Do you like science? How can you not? Science is everywhere and governs everything you do and explains why our world works the way it does. Scientist Scott Bembenek author of the book The Cosmic Machine: The Science that Runs our Universe and the Story Behind It (https://amzn.to/2qQDIFn) joins me to explain some fascinating principles and mysteries of science. One mystery he talks about is why you will often see an egg fall to the ground and break but never see an egg jump back up on the counter and reassemble itself. But according to some equations – it should. You have to hear him explain it. So come listen!

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Of course you 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 conversation can be trouble for the driver. (http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2010/05/half-heard-phone-conversations-reduce-performance) 

How well do you sleep? Before you answer you should know that you may not HAVE the answer. So many people sleep so poorly, they don’t even know what good sleep is – or feels like. For some real insight into how people sleep and how we can all sleep better, listen as I speak with sleep medicine specialist Chris Winter, M.D., author of the book The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It (https://amzn.to/2JVEHMd) 

Anyone who spends time on Facebook knows that feeling of, “Why does everyone else’s life seem so wonderful compared to mine?” There is now research that proves this happens to everyone who goes on Facebook and that actually people’s lives aren’t any better than yours – it just looks that way. Listen and I’ll explain. (http://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2015/April/040415FaceookStudy) 

Do you know much about virtual reality? You are about to. Peter Rubin, senior editor at Wired magazine knows a lot about it. In fact he is the author of a new book on the topic called Future Presence: How Virtual Reality is Changing Human Connection, Intimacy and the Limits of Ordinary Life (https://amzn.to/2HeLUFD). Peter joins me to explore some of the fascinating and fun parts of virtual reality and also some of the concerns about how it will impact how we humans live our lives.  

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Passengers get kicked off airline flights a lot more than they used to. Do airlines have the right to just give people the boot for any reason? This episode begins by explaining why you can get kicked off any flight for almost any reason. (http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/04/09/how-to-get-kicked-off-flight/?intcmp=HPBucket) 

The idea of “creating excellence” really became popular back in 1982 with the publication of the huge, best-selling book, In Search of Excellence (https://amzn.to/2qAE2qB) . So how have things changed since then? Co-author Tom Peters joins me to talk about that as well as discuss his new book The Excellence Dividend: Meeting the Tech Tide with Work That Wows and Jobs That Last (https://amzn.to/2H2XQdo). Tom one of those people who always makes you think so I am sure you will find this conversation engaging.   

Which is better for your car – synthetic motor oil or conventional motor oil? To answer that you need to know the difference so I’ll explain that and tell you what the experts recommend. (http://www.costcoconnection.ca/connectioncaeng/20150910?article_id=1320613&pg=NaN#pgNaN) 

In our culture, we are encouraged to spend money. It is often difficult to save money and spend cautiously. Vicki Robin, author of the book Your Money or Your Life (https://amzn.to/2JMV1il) shares some fascinating ideas on how to look at money differently and spend wisely so you still get you everything you really want and also have money in the bank.

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“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 grades. (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/science/whats-lost-as-handwriting-fades.html?_r=0) 

Who hasn’t been socially anxious? I am sure you’ve been in one of those situations where a lot is on the line or you don’t know anyone and it makes it uncomfortable and difficult. This is especially true for the millions of people who are naturally socially anxious anyway. With some help is clinical psychologist Ellen Hendriksen author of How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety (https://amzn.to/2v7gVtb). Ellen is also the host of the wildly popular podcast, Savvy Psychologist (https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist) She joins me to offer some rock solid suggestions to help navigate those anxiety provoking situations so you act, look and feel like you belong.

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