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-perf ...…

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 “creat ...…

“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 ...…

I recently appeared on a different podcast to talk about the evolution and success of Something You Should Know. To listen to my appearance on "On Mic with Jordan Rich," follow this link: http://onmicwithjordanrich.blubrry.net/category/episodes/ Confident people just have a way about them. The way they act and talk draws people to them. So how ...…

Could some freaked-out passenger actually open the door on an airplane in the middle of the flight? There have been news reports of attempts to do so – but is it possible? That is one of the things I discuss regarding how things work on commercial airliners to begin this episode. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3023336/Th ...…

We have a lot of devices – cellphones, tablets, laptops – and they all need to be charged up constantly. How much does that cost? And how much does it cost to run a television, light bulb or a Tesla every year? Listen to discover the answers. (http://www.forbes.com/pictures/ekhf45ellkj/ipad-1-50-per-year/) It seems as if the truth has taken a b ...…

If you have a big decision to make, wait until you have to go to the bathroom. I begin this episode by explaining why a full bladder helps make better decisions. (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228163141.htm) Do you control your phone or does your phone control you? It seems we can’t live without a cellphone for more than a fe ...…

Your homeowner’s insurance (and renter’s insurance if you have it) covers much more than you probably realize – and it is worth knowing. For example, if you receive counterfeit money – your homeowner’s insurance may likely cover you for the loss. Who knew? And that’s only one thing we will discuss that your insurance probably covers. (http://co ...…

A few times every year I like to shine a spotlight on some of the best moments from past episodes you may have missed. This time, it’s moments from the last few months of 2017. It’s a busy time of year, so in case you missed some moments, here are a few really great ones.. The links below will take you back to the original episodes from which t ...…

Everyone has a blood type right? Well, not really. Some people have no blood type – not to be confused with people who have a universal blood type. Do you know if you are type A, B, AB or 0? Why do you have a blood type anyway? That’s the first topic of conversation today. (http://mosaicscience.com/story/why-do-we-have-blood-types) To hear tell ...…

People hate unsolicited advice – and they seldom follow it. Still, that doesn’t stop us from dishing it out to those we are trying to help. Well maybe there is a better and more effective way to influence people other than just telling them what we think they should do. I’ll tell you what it is. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/do-the-righ ...…

If you flip a coin and it comes up heads a couple of times in a row, chances are you would bet the next flip will come up tails. That is the perfect example of the “gambler’s fallacy.” Because the next flip is NOT more likely to come up tails. It gets gamblers in Las Vegas in trouble but it can also get you in trouble if you let it enter in to ...…

Handwriting analysis sounds like it might be scientific. After all some courts allow it during trials and it has helped to convict defendants. But how reliable is it really? When put to the test, do handwriting experts do better in spotting a forgery or confirming a signature than you or me? We’ll discuss that. (http://www.quackwatch.org/01Quac ...…

TV networks manipulate programs to make more time for commercials – a LOT more time. I’ll discuss that and you might want to watch this YouTube video that demonstrates just how it works. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6i1VVikRu0. And here is the source for this story: http://www.wsj.com/articles/cable-tv-shows-are-sped-up-to- ...…

Why is Stephen Hawking still alive? Most people who are diagnosed with ALS die within 5 years. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed in his 20’s and today he is in his 70’s. We begin this episode by looking at his amazing longevity. (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/stephen-hawking-als/) Do you know a complainer? It’s a trick question because ...…

So, what’s the deal with high fructose corn syrup? People talk about it a lot. Some say it is horrible for your health while others claim it is fine. But do you know what it actually is? Without stepping into the controversy, I’ll explain what it is exactly and how it is different than regular corny syrup or sugar for that matter. (http://www.f ...…

Back in Grandma’s day, you had to spend an afternoon defrosting the freezer once in a while. Today we have frost-free freezers but unfortunately they can do damage to the frozen food in there. I’ll explain what to do about it. One of the reasons life is so stressful is because we try to do things that we are just not wired to do. Gretchen Rubin ...…

Why do you sigh? Usually it is because you feel relief or you are sad or tired. But it turns out there is more to a sigh than you thought. In fact it turns out to be good for you. I’ll explain as I start this episode. The world is full of jerks. And unfortunately you have to deal with them. So what’s the best way? Here with some expert help is ...…

Want to be more persuasive? There is a simple phrase or two you can add to any request that will increase the chances that almost anyone will do you the favor you ask. I’ll tell you what those phrases are. If you’ve been watching the Olympics, you’ve seen THE best athletes in the world competing against each other. So how do you get to be the b ...…

So the dentist has you open your mouth wide and while he is poking around in there with sharp instruments, he asks you a question. Why? You can’t really answer. I’ll explain this and other fascinating things that go on in the dentist’s office. Since it is Valentine’s week, I think you’ll enjoy hearing my discussion with Helen Fisher, author of ...…

Has anyone ever told you that you couldn’t sing or carry a tune? Kids are often told that and it can really embarrass them and leave a lasting impression. The truth is just about anyone can sing and sing well. So forget what you were told and listen to my explanation. The ability to forgive is wonderful. But while people can forgive we also hav ...…

Identity theft is often NOT the result of some high-tech scam. It is frequently because someone digs through your trash and finds documents with personal information. I start this episode explaining ways you haven't heard before to protect yourself from low-tech but highly effective dumpster divers who want to steal your identity. It is amazing ...…

When you fly on an airplane – you think things. Like: “How good, is the air I’m breathing? Will I get drunker than normal if I drink at 35,000 feet? What if some lunatic tries to open the airplane door during the flight?” I’ll reveal the answers to these and other common questions about air travel. Some people seem to be born with a lot of self ...…

You have likely been the victim of the Doorway Effect. It’s when you walk into a room and forget why you walked in there. We start this episode with an explanation of what this is and why it happens. Wouldn’t it be great if people regarded you as particularly fascinating? Well it turns out there are specific ways to do that according to Sally H ...…

I am sure you have had to perform under pressure. And so you know that it is difficult to do and often your performance suffers. But why? Well a couple of interesting things happen in that situation and when you understand them you can make the experience of performing under pressure a lot easier. Listen as I begin this episode with this fascin ...…

Sure, it’s great to want more money but if you don’t have the time to enjoy it – what’s the point? We begin this episode with a look at why spending more of your money on things that actually create more free time for you can make your life much more enjoyable. While the phrase “timing is everything” is tossed around a lot, it turns out there i ...…

I bet this has happened to you… you are all set to take a bite of something delicious when you notice a fly has landed on it - a filthy disgusting fly! So is that food still safe to eat? Find out what the science says as we begin this episode of the program. Then, your success in life is due in large part with how you deal with people and how p ...…

Do you often find yourself in the slowest line at the supermarket? Me too. Is it bad luck or just your perception? I’ll explore what’s behind this universal annoyance and suggest a better way to handle this. It seems everyone hates the sound of their voice when they hear it played back. But what if you LOVED the sound of your voice? Vocal coach ...…

It sucks when you have a cold. I’m sure you’ve heard that you should drink a lot of fluids and get rest and eat chicken soup – but there are other things you may not have heard before that can help alleviate the symptoms of a cold while you wait for it to go away. And since this is cold season, we begin this episode with great ways to ease the ...…

How can drinking hot cocoa from an orange mug taste different from drinking hot cocoa from a blue mug? I’ll explain some interesting research that shows how color affects our perception of taste. Plus, a large percentage of the population report that they are shy. In fact, almost all of us feel shy in certain situations. But why are some people ...…

Even though we all know not to talk or text while driving – it can be so tempting. After all, what harm can it do to send a text while stopped at a traffic light? Well, you might be surprised. Research by AAA found there is a residual effect even after you are done texting or talking that can impair your driving. This episode begins with this i ...…

I love strawberries. But I hate how they go moldy so fast. Well, there is a way to make them last longer – and that is just one of the great life hacks I have for you to begin this episode. Then, if you want to save money, the people at Consumer Reports are experts. Senior Editor Tobie Stanger joins me with some simple but powerful ways to keep ...…

Here is the second of our two, year-end episodes that look back at some of the most fascinating people and topics of the year. I know you’ll enjoy these excerpts and below are the links to the original episodes from which these segments are taken so you can listen to the complete interviews if you wish. I’ll be back next week with all new episo ...…

As 2017 draws to a close, this is the first of two, year-end episodes that look back at some of the most fascinating people and topics of the year. Below are the links to the original episodes from which these excerpts are taken so you can listen to the complete interviews if you wish. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Topics and Links in thi ...…

Do you keep stuff? You know, things from your past that you have a hard time giving up even though you don’t use them anymore? This episode begins with some interesting advice on what to keep and what to toss or give away. You probably know that your genes influence things your eye color or hair color. But did you know that your genes also infl ...…

You can manipulate your brain to change your mood. How? Biofeedback. For example, when you are happy you smile. But it also works in reverse - if you smile, that makes you happy. And there are other ways I’ll discuss that you can improve your mood by doing very simple things. It’s fascinating. Then, have you ever wanted to create a new habit or ...…

It is called the “helper’s high.” It’s that feeling you get when you do something nice for someone else. It isn’t only a theory, there is solid evidence that doing the smallest thing for someone else is good for you. I’ll explore that as we begin this episode of the podcast. Achieving any goal can be tough, whether it is a New Year’s resolution ...…

Does love at first sight exist? Many experts say no but many people claim to have experienced it. So what’s the truth? We begin this episode by looking at this intriguing phenomenon. Then, whenever you speak, you should have a point. And not only should you have a point but you must make sure the person listening gets your point. Communications ...…

How’s your driving? Sure you know you are a good driver but what do other drivers think? This episode starts with a slightly unusual driver’s test. Then, you know those people who are always so happy? Is it hard work to be that happy or does it just come naturally? David Niven author of several books on happiness including 100 Simple Secrets of ...…

I bet you have Googled medical symptoms you are experiencing. Everyone does. But the information you get can be contradictory and often times inaccurate. However, there is a place to go online that has accurate information and you’ve probably never heard of it before. We start this episode with that. Then, conventional wisdom is that having exp ...…

Grandma was right! I start this episode by looking at some old home remedies that actually work for when you get sick. And you just might be surprised which ones they are. Also, if you or someone you know is a perfectionist, that is a heavy burden. It is hard to be perfect in an imperfect world. Clinical psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo is a ...…

Everyone with a cellphone has dropped it. So why is it when it falls to the ground, it always seems to land screen-side down? I’ll explain the science behind it. Then, human beings have a hard time admitting when they are wrong or that they believe something that isn’t true. Psychologist Carol Tavris, author of the book Mistakes Were Made but N ...…

Every parent wants to have a positive influence on their child. But what are the experiences and messages kids take away with them when they finally leave the nest? How have mom and dad left their mark? This episodes starts by answering those questions - and you may be surprised. Then, you are really going to enjoy my discussion with Dan Heath ...…

You are as healthy as you think you are. This episode starts with a look at some fascinating research that says you are about as healthy as you believe. So can you think your way to good health? Let’s find out. Then I explore the amazing power of appreciation with Noelle Nelson, psychologist and author of several books on the subject including, ...…

When you talk to your partner, there is something you do – or don’t do, that can predict with amazing accuracy whether or not your relationship will survive and thrive or crash and burn. I start this episode with an explanation of what that is exactly. Then, time is constant but we all experience time differently in different situations. Marnie ...…

You have to have experience to advance in any profession – or do you? Experience is good but in many cases being a rookie is even better. I’ll explain why in the first segment of this episode. Then, have we gotten too sensitive and too politically correct? A lot of people think so, including Larry Winget. Larry has been called the “Pitbull of p ...…

The holiday season is upon us! And if the holidays stress you out, you are in excellent company. I’ll explain who else finds the holidays stressful and why. Also, we take a look at home remedies that REALLY work. Pharmacologist Joe Graedon, founder of the www.PeoplesPharmacy.com and author of the book, The People’s Pharmacy (http://amzn.to/2z6V ...…

When you are playing a game, should you let your child win? It’s a question every adult asks themselves. If you beat them will it hurt their self-esteem? Listen and hear some interesting thoughts on that question. Also, how you see the world has a lot to do with your perception. How you interpret events is unique and different from everyone els ...…

Have you ever heard of misaphonia? It’s a real thing. If you have it, that means that certain sounds – like someone chewing their food with their mouth open or slurping their soup - drive you crazy. But people who have misaphonia also have something else going for them that is actually pretty good. I’ll explain what that is. Then, have you ever ...…

I suspect we all mispronounce words from time to time. Either we learned them wrong or we get lazy. I know I usually pronounce affidavit as if it has a D on the end instead of a t because it is just easier. It’s wrong but it is easier. We start today’s episode by looking at some commonly mispronounced words because some people will judge you ha ...…