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Every episode
Something You Should Know
30 episodes
Why So Many People Feel Empty & The Truth About What Humans Should Eat
Ep 1401 · Aug 17, 2026 · 50 min
Heat can make people do some strange things. It can change your mood, cloud your judgment, and even affect the way you treat other people. Scientists have discovered that hot weather has a surprisingly powerful influence on the human mind—and the effects show up in places you would never expect. Listen as I explain what's really going on and why it's important to know. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/06/heat-affects-mental-health More people today say they feel their lives lack meaning and purp…
How to Waste Less Food and Save Money & Why Insects Rule the World -SYSK Choice
Ep 1400 · Aug 15, 2026 · 55 min
Ever wonder why you're always told to wait about 10 seconds before turning your phone, computer, router, or tablet back on after rebooting it? Is there really something magical about 10 seconds, or is it just one of those tech myths everyone repeats? The answer has to do with what happens inside your device after the power goes off—and why waiting just a little while can make all the difference. https://www.howtogeek.com/165110/do-i-really-have-to-unplug-my-cable-modem-for-at-least-10-seconds/ A…
The Hidden Science of Imagination & What AI Still Doesn't Understand
Ep 1399 · Aug 13, 2026 · 49 min
Humans are remarkably bad at predicting how long something will take. Whether it's a home project, a work assignment, or even a quick trip across town, we almost always underestimate the time involved. Psychologists have studied this tendency for decades—and understanding why it happens can help you make better plans, meet more deadlines, and avoid unnecessary frustration. https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/planning-fallacy We tend to think of imagination as something artists, inventors, and chil…
SYSK- TRENDING - What Your Dog is Really Thinking
Aug 11, 2026 · 19 min
Anyone who has ever owned a dog has probably wondered what goes on inside that furry little head. Does your dog feel guilty after chewing up your favorite shoes? Does it know when you've had a bad day? Does it love you the way you love it? We often assume we know what our dogs are thinking, but many of our assumptions are completely wrong. Understanding how dogs actually perceive the world can transform the relationship you have with your pet. According to dog behavior expert Camilla Gray-Nelson…
How to Find the Best Airfares Every Time & What Burnout Really Means
Ep 1398 · Aug 10, 2026 · 50 min
When you're hungry, you know you're more interested in food. But hunger also changes the way you think—and the effects can spill over into decisions that have nothing to do with eating. Researchers have discovered some surprising consequences of making important choices on an empty stomach. https://www.dundee.ac.uk/press-release/dont-make-major-decisions-empty-stomach-research-suggests Finding cheap airfare has become almost a game. People swear by booking on Tuesdays, searching in incognito mod…
The Science of Happier Spending & How to Set Healthy Boundaries - SYSK Choice
Ep 1397 · Aug 8, 2026 · 52 min
Does your signature reveal more about you than just your name? It turns out the way you sign your name may influence what people assume about your personality, confidence, and even your success—whether those assumptions are accurate or not. Listen as I explain what your signature may be saying every time you put pen to paper. https://graciousliving.typepad.com/the_write_event/2003/11/what_does_your_.html Why do so many purchases that seem exciting at first end up leaving us...underwhelmed? We ch…
How to Stop the Pain of Rejection & How Couples Can Fight Without Falling Apart
Ep 1396 · Aug 6, 2026 · 46 min
Walk through a crowded airport or packed stadium and something remarkable happens. Thousands of people weave around each other without collisions, almost as if everyone is reading everyone else's mind. Yet no one is directing traffic. So how does your brain constantly predict where complete strangers are about to move—and why does it work so well? (https://www.nature.com/articles/nature08260) Rejection stings. Whether it's being turned down for a job, ignored after asking someone out, or hearing…
SYSK TRENDING - Mysteries That Science Can’t Explain
Aug 4, 2026 · 22 min
Some mysteries have been solved by science. Others remain surprisingly stubborn. Despite all our advances in technology and research, there are still questions that continue to puzzle some of the brightest minds on Earth. Do we really have free will? Why does the placebo effect work? Have extraterrestrials ever tried to contact us? Those are just a few of the scientific mysteries you are about to explore. Why do these mysteries persist? Is it because we simply don't have enough evidence yet, or…
How Slowing Down Makes Life Better & Why Every Brain Needs Music
Ep 1395 · Aug 3, 2026 · 49 min
Ever notice how your face turns bright red when you're embarrassed—and makes the whole situation even worse? As awkward as blushing feels, it isn't a design flaw. It's actually serving a purpose that's far more useful than most people realize. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/bering-in-mind/why-we-blush-the-social-purpose-of-showing-embarrassment/ Many of us race through life without even realizing we're doing it. We hurry through meals, conversations, vacations—even our free time. But what…
How to Read People & The Most Extreme Things on Earth – SYSK Choice
Ep 1394 · Aug 1, 2026 · 47 min
Have you ever met someone named Lucy and thought, "She really looks like a Lucy"? As strange as it sounds, scientists have discovered there may be more truth to that feeling than you realize. Your name may actually influence the way you look—or at least the way other people see you. Listen as I explain this fascinating research and what it reveals about the surprising connection between names and faces.https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2405334121 We all give away far more than we think. Tiny…
Why You Don't See What's Right in Front of You & The Surprising Truth About Sidewalks
Ep 1393 · Jul 30, 2026 · 50 min
Stores and restaurants don't just play music to fill the silence. The tempo, volume, and even the style of music are often carefully chosen because they can quietly influence your behavior and even how much money you spend. Once you know what's happening, you'll start hearing those playlists very differently. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/002224298204600313 Your brain performs an astonishing magic trick every second of every day. It decides what deserves your attention—and what doesn'…
SYSK TRENDING-The Bright Side of Sadness
Jul 28, 2026 · 26 min
Most of us spend a lot of time trying to be happy and avoiding sadness whenever we can. But what if sadness isn't something to fear or eliminate? What if it's one of the most important emotions we have? Why do we cry when we're grieving—but also when we're overwhelmed with joy? Why does listening to sad music often make us feel better instead of worse? And when does a good cry actually help us recover, while other times it only leaves us feeling stuck? According to David Huron, sadness isn't sim…
Invest Like Warren Buffett & How To Disagree Better
Ep 1392 · Jul 27, 2026 · 49 min
Most of us think we're pretty good drivers. But even experienced drivers develop bad habits without realizing it. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can make you a safer, more alert driver—and could even help you avoid a serious crash.https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety Ask people to name the greatest investor of all time and chances are Warren Buffett will top the list. So what does he know that the rest of us don't? What principles has he followed for decades that allowed him to build one of…
Eat Almost Anything & Still Be Healthy & The Amazing World of Rats- SYSK Choice
Ep 1391 · Jul 25, 2026 · 50 min
Why do mosquitoes seem to feast on some people while barely bothering others? It turns out your attractiveness to mosquitoes has much less to do with "sweet blood" than with your body chemistry, the carbon dioxide you exhale, and even your skin microbes. Understanding what really attracts mosquitoes can help you avoid becoming their favorite summertime meal. https://hartfordhealthcare.org/about-us/news-press/news-detail?articleId=42234&publicid=395# Most people think eating healthier means givin…
The Science of Charisma & Why Midlife Is Better Than Everyone Thinks
Ep 1390 · Jul 23, 2026 · 50 min
If your porch light seems to attract every moth and flying insect in the neighborhood, you're not imagining it. Scientists have finally figured out why artificial lights are so irresistible to many insects—and knowing what they've discovered can help you keep more bugs away this summer. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44785-3 Some people seem to light up a room the moment they walk in. Others naturally draw people in, inspire confidence, and make lasting impressions. We call it charis…
SYSK TRENDING - Where Did the Hamburger Come From?
Jul 21, 2026 · 23 min
Few foods are as American as the hamburger. Every year, Americans eat billions of them, and they are a staple at backyard barbecues, diners, ballparks, and restaurants around the world. Yet despite being one of the most recognizable foods on the planet, no one seems to agree on where the hamburger actually came from. Like many great origin stories, the history of the hamburger has become tangled in myth, hometown pride, and competing claims. Over the years, dozens of people and places have been…
Have We Been Wrong About Posture? & How Memory Champions Think
Ep 1389 · Jul 20, 2026 · 50 min
Take a look at your speedometer the next time you're driving. Chances are, it's lying to you. The speed you're actually traveling is probably different from what the dashboard says—and that's completely intentional. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedometer?utm From the time we're children, we're constantly reminded to "sit up straight" and "don't slouch." We've been told that good posture prevents pain, improves health, and even makes us more confident. But how much of that is actually supporte…
The Surprising Power of Being Polite & Job Interview Secrets That Really Work-SYSK Choice
Ep 1388 · Jul 18, 2026 · 52 min
Can simply believing a treatment will work actually help it work better? Surprisingly, yes. Researchers have found that your expectations can have a powerful effect on how your body responds to medication—even when the treatment itself hasn't changed. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/placebo-effect Most of us think of politeness as little more than saying "please" and "thank you." But good manners do much more than make social interactions pleasant. They help bu…
The Mystery of Accents and the Dangerous Habit of Rumination
Ep 1387 · Jul 16, 2026 · 50 min
Have you ever pushed on a door that was supposed to be pulled—or pulled when you should have pushed? It feels embarrassing, but don't blame yourself. It turns out the problem usually isn't you. It's the door. https://uxdesign.cc/intro-to-ux-the-norman-door-61f8120b6086 Everyone has an accent—even if they don't think they do. The way you speak tells a story about where you've been, who influenced you, and sometimes even how other people perceive you before you've said more than a few words. Why d…
SYSK TRENDING - A Different View of Success
Jul 14, 2026 · 25 min
What does it really mean to be successful? Most people would probably say it's about making more money, climbing the career ladder, earning recognition, or becoming well known. But what if we've been measuring success all wrong? After spending years traveling the country as host of Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe met thousands of people whose work is essential but rarely celebrated. Welders, plumbers, linemen, mechanics, farmers, and countless others showed him that fulfillment, purpose, and success often…
Has Therapy Gone Too Far? & The Hidden Genius of Birds
Ep 1386 · Jul 13, 2026 · 51 min
Need a favor? The way you ask may matter as much as what you're asking for. Researchers have found that a few simple changes in how you make a request can dramatically increase the chances someone will say yes—and most people overlook them completely. https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/francis-flynn-if-you-want-something-ask-it Going to therapy has become more common—and more socially accepted—than ever before. For many people, it has been life-changing. At the same time, anxiety, depression,…
The Human Need We're Neglecting & The Mystery of Great Ideas - SYSK Choice
Ep 1385 · Jul 11, 2026 · 52 min
Have you ever forgotten a phone number, birthday, or why you walked into a room because you knew your phone would remember it for you? Many people joke about "digital dementia." While it isn't a real medical diagnosis, researchers are becoming increasingly concerned that our growing dependence on technology may be changing how we remember, think, and solve problems. https://www.neurocenternj.com/blog/digital-dementia-how-screens-and-digital-devices-impact-memory/ Most of us pay attention to our…
The Proven Magic of Being Outdoors & The Curious History of A, B, C
Ep 1384 · Jul 9, 2026 · 49 min
Many ballpoint pens have a particular design feature intended to save your life – if necessary. It's one of those clever features most people never notice and hopefully never have to use yet millions of pens contain it. https://www.iflscience.com/theres-a-surprising-reason-why-pen-caps-have-holes-in-them-47723/ Most of us instinctively know that spending time outdoors feels good. A walk in the park, sitting on a patio, hiking a trail, or simply being outside seems to improve our mood. But scient…
SYSK TRENDING-How Your Circadian Rhythm Runs Your Life
Jul 7, 2026 · 25 min
Can you train yourself to become a night owl—or an early bird? Millions of people try. They force themselves to stay up later, wake up earlier, or work overnight because that's what life demands. But can your body really adapt? Or is there a biological clock inside you that simply refuses to cooperate? Scientists now know that your circadian rhythm governs much more than when you feel sleepy. It helps regulate your energy, mood, memory, metabolism, immune system, hormones, and even your risk for…
Why Pain Isn't What You Think It Is & The Disappearing Joys of Everyday Life
Ep 1383 · Jul 6, 2026 · 49 min
People often assume that someone with brown eyes appears more trustworthy than someone with blue eyes. Research suggests there may be something to that belief—but not for the reason most people think. In fact, eye color may have very little to do with it. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3541379/ Pain seems simple. You get hurt, you feel pain. Problem solved. Except it isn't that simple at all. Why can two people experience the same injury yet report very different levels of pain? How ca…
Why Some Ideas Change the World & Black Holes: Science’s Greatest Enigma - SYSK Choice
Ep 1382 · Jul 4, 2026 · 51 min
The lottery is one of the few games where everyone knows the odds are terrible—and millions of people play anyway. Why? It turns out there are some fascinating psychological reasons people buy lottery tickets, along with a few surprising facts about the odds and strategies that most players never consider. https://www.wired.com/video/watch/lottery-strategy When Uber launched, many people thought the idea was ridiculous. Let strangers drive you around in their personal cars? Airbnb faced similar…
How Your Beliefs Control Your Future & Why Climate Solutions Need a Rethink
Ep 1381 · Jul 2, 2026 · 49 min
Nothing can ruin a meal faster than someone loudly slurping soup, coffee, or noodles. At least that's what many people think. Yet in some cultures, slurping isn't rude at all—it's expected. And as annoying as it may sound, there is actually a surprisingly good reason people do it. https://www.discovermagazine.com/its-not-rude-slurping-makes-food-taste-better-42739 Your beliefs do far more than influence how you see the world—they influence what happens next. The beliefs you hold about yourself,…
SYSK TRENDING - The Extraordinary Benefits of Watching Sports
Jun 30, 2026 · 26 min
With all of the recent excitement surrounding the NBA & Stanley Cup finals and the World Cup you might wonder why do millions of people spend hours every week watching sports? Most people think of it as entertainment, a way to relax or pass the time. But what if watching sports is actually doing something good for your mind, your emotions, and even your health? That’s why today’s SYSK Trending topic is A lot of people look at sports fans and wonder what all the fuss is about. Why invest so much…
How GPS Quietly Runs the World & When Illness Has No Obvious Cause
Ep 1380 · Jun 29, 2026 · 47 min
Ever notice when you hear someone talking on the phone nearby it’s hard not to listen? You are only hearing one-side of the conversation and that can drive your brain crazy. It’s not just annoying and distracting it can actually be dangerous. https://now.uiowa.edu/news/2017/06/ui-study-explores-why-cell-phone-use-leads-distracted-driving It’s hard to imagine life without GPS. But now it has become so woven into daily life that most of us never think about it. We use it to navigate, order food, t…
How to Avoid Life's Biggest Regrets & The Meaning of Swear Words – SYSK Choice
Ep 1379 · Jun 27, 2026 · 50 min
A great burger looks simple—but barbecue experts know there is a surprising amount of science and technique behind getting it just right. From choosing the meat to handling the patties to what happens on the grill, a few small mistakes can mean the difference between a memorable burger and a disappointing one. Source: Steve Raichlen, author of The Barbecue Bible (https://amzn.to/4bgBEcM) Life has a way of speeding up. One day you're making plans for someday, and before you know it, months or yea…
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