Something You Should Know
Episodes
How to Make More Joy and Less Stress For the Holidays & Odd Secrets of Evolution
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some people crave sweets, while others reach for salty snacks — and it’s not just habit. Your flavor preference is shaped by biology and brain che...
How to Truly Know People & The Science Behind the Human/Dog Bond-SYSK Choice
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Winter brings cold and flu season—and when symptoms first appear, it can be hard to tell which one you’ve got. Fortunately, early signs can offer ...
Magic Words That Influence Others & How Feeling Healthy Makes It So
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re having a rough day, there’s one oddly specific body part you can wash that appears to boost your mood—even though the science behind i...
Secrets of Christmas Classic Movies & The Curious Story of Eggnog – Bonus Holiday Episode
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eggnog is one of the strangest holiday traditions we have — a creamy mix of eggs, milk, spices, and often a splash of rum. Yet people look forward t...
The Untold Story of the Christmas Tree & The New Rules of Eating Out
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A yawn spreads quickly. You see someone yawn, you think about yawning, or you even read the word “yawn”—and suddenly you’re doing it too. This...
Why Audiences Behave the Way They Do & The Hidden Benefits of Uncertainty - SYSK Choice
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn’t love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree? That unmistakable pine scent isn’t just nostalgic — it may actually have measurable benefi...
Our Obsession with Aliens & The Dangers of Loneliness and Isolation
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you’re asked to “sign in blue or black ink,” is that actually the law — or just an outdated rule we all obey? We begin with the surprisin...
Origins of the Office Christmas Party & Pro Advice for Great Holiday Videos – Bonus Holiday Episode
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There was a time when the office Christmas party was the highlight of the corporate year — big budgets, elaborate celebrations, and stories that sti...
The Psychology of Being “Played for a Sucker” & Food Myths That Won’t Die
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder why some people seem naturally gifted at music? It turns out your personality may have more to do with musical ability than you think. Thi...
The Powerful Benefits of Nostalgia & Why Games Are More Than Just Fun - SYSK Choice
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does your place in the family — firstborn, middle child, or youngest — really shape who you are? Birth-order theory has been debated for decades. ...
What Awe and Wonder Do to Your Brain & Why Your Attention Span Is Shrinking
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you’re congested with a cold or flu, getting a good night’s sleep can feel impossible. This episode begins with smart, science-backed ways to...
Thanksgiving Myths, Foods & Forgotten Traditions- Bonus Holiday Episode
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what was actually served at the very first Thanksgiving? Much of what we learned in school doesn’t hold up. In this special bonus holida...
The World’s Greatest Mentalist Shares His Secrets & The Surprising Science of Pets
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you look up information online, you may find that it’s harder to remember later. It’s a frequent phenomenon called digital amnesia. This epis...
Why Success is Never Quite Good Enough & How Evolution Gave Us Free Will - SYSK Choice
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Texting and email may be convenient, but sometimes a phone call is the best way to make a real connection. So how do you ensure the person actually ca...
The Surprising Power of Hope & The Science of Your Sixth Sense
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some cars have gullwing doors, like the DeLorean in Back to the Future. They look amazing — but why don’t more cars have them? As you’ll hear, t...
BONUS: You Might Also Like: David Greene is Obsessed
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are sharing a special episode of the new podcast: David Greene Is Obsessed. David is one of America’s most familiar voices and longtime ...
The Psychology of Brand Loyalty & The Strange History of Everyday Words
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever stepped into an elevator and wondered, what if the cable snapped? It’s a surprisingly common fear — but is it justified? I’ll reveal the tr...
The Power of Making Things Simple & How Pockets Changed Everything - SYSK Choice
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here is the GoFundMe link for Pearl that I mention in this episode: https://gofund.me/2aa4d537e Most people don’t get enough sleep — and even a ...
Secret Languages We All Speak & Amazing Changes in Nature You Never Knew
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just thinking about itching can make you start to scratch — but there’s a reason for that. Scratching triggers a powerful neurological loop called...
The Real Story of Thanksgiving - Bonus Holiday Episode
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It all started with a colossal Thanksgiving mistake — one that accidentally created an entire industry. The birth of the frozen meal business began ...
Strange Secrets of the Human Body and Why Your Brain Requires Friends
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you touch someone else’s skin, it often feels softer than your own — but that can’t be true for everyone. What’s really happening is a fa...
The Truth About Popular Food Myths & Modest Inventions That Became Life Changing - SYSK Choice
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever notice that every restaurant kitchen has a giant exhaust fan above the stove? There’s a reason it’s required by law — and it’s not just a...
When Maps Go Wrong & The Science of Everyday Courage
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all done it — used a big fancy word to sound smarter or more impressive. But does it actually work? Research says no. In fact, the secret to...
What Wikipedia’s Success Reveals About Trust & Are We All Too Fearful?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you’re stuck on a multiple-choice question, should you change your answer or trust your gut? Most people swear your first instinct is best — ...
The Dark Side of Achievement & The Astonishing Science of the Sea-SYSK Choice
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why are the numbers 1, 2, and 3 across the top of a phone keypad but across the bottom of a calculator? It’s not random — and once you hear the lo...
How You Can Access Hidden Markets & How to Be A Super Conversationalist
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hooters has no male waiters. Isn’t that discrimination? Or could it be that men just don’t want to work there? The answer is no to both questions....
Think You’re Too Smart to Be Scammed? & The Invention That Changed Medicine
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People who live the longest aren’t always the ones with the “perfect” body weight. In fact, research suggests that being slightly overweight can...
Why Creativity Isn’t Always Good & The Magic of Horror Movies at Halloween - SYSK Choice
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your grandmother was right — you should sit up straight. Posture affects far more than your appearance. It influences your mood, productivity, and e...
Why Winners Often Lose & What Great Teams Do Differently
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you ask someone to recall something from deep in their memory, watch their face — they’ll probably do something that actually helps them reme...
The Science of Morbid Curiosity & The Dirty Secrets of Clean Energy
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you want to reach out to someone — to ask them on a date, invite them to an event, or simply connect — what’s the best way to do it? Text? ...
How to Master Emotional Power & How Elevators Changed the World - SYSK Choice
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As people age, forgetfulness often creeps in — but not all memory loss is inevitable. In fact, some of the most common causes are preventable, and w...
The Problem with Authenticity & The Psychology That Fuels War
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What really happens when two people kiss? Far more than you think. From the brain chemistry it triggers, to the subtle information you’re exchanging...
BONUS: You Might Also Like: "On Point"
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are sharing an episode of On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti. On Point is a rare public space where you hear nuanced explorations of complex topics l...
How Gravity Affects Your Health & Jim Cramer on Beating the Market
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever notice how weekdays feel different from one another? Mondays carry a heavy vibe, while Fridays seem lighter and more exciting. Science has a fasc...
The Science of Goal Setting & The Truth About Denial - SYSK Choice
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered if there’s really a difference between hitting Restart and Shutdown on your PC? Turns out, there is — and knowing which one to use c...
How to Get Better Results with AI & The Science of Healing Trauma
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Expiration dates aren’t always what they seem. While most packaged foods carry them, some foods — like salt — can last virtually forever. In fac...
The Smart Way to Spend Money & History That Never Happened
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How you walk doesn’t just reflect your mood — it can actually shape it. Research shows that adjusting your stride can boost happiness, and even a ...
What Nature Reveals About Living Longer & Why Smart People Believe Irrational Things-SYSK Choice
04 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re stocking up on Halloween candy, do you know which treats kids actually want the most? This episode opens with a list of the top 10 most po...
Deadly Risks You Overlook & Why We Treat Pets Like People
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What really happens when you stand or sit up straight? More than you think. Posture affects your body and your mind in surprising ways. This episode b...
The Rise of Psychobabble and the Brilliant History of Photography
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but did you know there are proven ways to make them even better? Research shows that with a few simple strategi...
Mastering the Art of Speaking on the Spot & The Surprising Story of Breakfast Cereal - SYSK Choice
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you walked into your backyard and scooped up just a pinch of dirt, you’d be holding an entire underground universe in your fingers — one teemin...
The Science of Focus and Distraction & Unlocking Emotional Intelligence
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do people cheat when they know it’s wrong? Whether it’s on a test or in a relationship, the answer may lie in your hormones. This episode begi...
The Mystery of Common Knowledge & Why Some People Are Never On Time
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If I showed you some photos of yourself and asked you to pick out the one that most accurately represented what you really looked like – could you d...
Surprising Benefits of Being Awkward & The Amazing Power of Seeds - SYSK Choice
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all heard the test-taking advice: “If you’re stuck, trust your first answer.” But is that really the smart move? Research says no — an...
The Promise and Peril of Disruptive Technology & How Being in Nature Changes You
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who hasn’t craved something sweet and delicious? You try to resist, but your brain keeps insisting. Surprisingly, there’s a simple trick that can ...
How to Harness Your Intuition & The Surprising Science Hidden in Music
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It might sound strange, but the way you evaluate your relationship could actually depend on the chair you’re sitting in. Multiple experiments sugges...
The Secrets to Achieving Your Goals & Origin Stories of Our Favorite Phrases - SYSK Choice
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Speed reading might sound impressive, but research shows that slowing down can actually improve comprehension, retention, and enjoyment. In this openi...
Why We All Crave Social Status & The Extraordinary Sense That Stops You From Falling
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You probably aren’t letting your dishwasher do its job the way it’s designed to — and you may be wasting time (and water) in the process. In thi...
The Really Good News About Stress & Why Movies Just Aren’t the Same Anymore
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! You can listen to this episode and over 1,000 more ad-free! Plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to ...
How to Improve at Anything & The Truth About Owning Nothing-SYSK Choice
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to https:...
Why You Wear Your Hair That Way & The Surprising Science of Human Stupidity
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to https://S...
The Secret World of Credit Cards & The Science of Building Unshakable Confidence
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to https://SYSK...
Simple Habits For Better Decisions & How Modern Tech Predicts the Weather -SYSK Choice
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to https://SYSKPre...
How Smart People Can Make Dumb Choices & The Serious Dangers of Social Media
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to https://SYSKPremiu...
Unlocking Your Primal Intelligence & The Tug-of-War Between Competition and Cooperation
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSK...
The Psychology of Lying & The Race for Outer Space - SYSK Choice
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSK...
How Do You Create Happiness? & Why Dogs Behave the Way They Do
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSK...
How Great Innovators Think & Turning Anger Into Strength
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSK...
Why You Are Predisposed to Worry & How Fonts Influence Our Feelings - SYSK Choice
16 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSK...
What Algorithms Really Know About You & The Awesome Power of Doing Nothing
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSK...
Can You Be Bored to Death? & Why Thrill Seekers Seek Thrills
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSK...
The Untold Stories of the Foods You Love & How the Internet Runs On Outrage - SYSK Choice
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSKPre...
The Secret Story of Your Private Life & How to Make the Best Use of Your Time
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSKPre...
Why We Care What Other People Think & How Social Media is Shaping Language
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSKPremiu...
The Hidden Power of Sensitive People & The Intriguing Story of Recorded Sound - SYSK Choice
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It might seem odd, but a lot of dogs get stolen in the United States. Like most other things, it’s all about money. This episode begins with an expl...
Why You Buy: The Science of Shopping & Turning Setbacks Into Success
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your body temperature is about 98 degrees. So why does it feel so hot when you walk outside in 98-degree heat? Shouldn’t you feel just right? I’ll...
Why We Have Tip-of-the-Tongue Moments & How to Make Better Conversation
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you enjoy eating nuts – good for you! Nuts are healthy. But you might be surprised to hear just how healthy they are - and you don’t have to ea...
How to Learn Things Faster & How to Have an Argument-Free Relationship - SYSK Choice
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Things can get dangerously hot in the summer. The interior of your car, the sidewalk, even your patio furniture can heat up in the summer sun and burn...
How Therapy-Speak is Destroying Relationships & Why We Need More Fun at Work
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Like a supermarket, major airports are laid out and configured to try to get you to spend money while you are there. Listen and discover how they do i...
Real Reasons for Your Strange Thoughts & How Small Acts Change Lives
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Let me sleep on it.” That always seems like a good idea when a big decision has to be made. But is there true wisdom in that advice? This episode...
How Random Events Can Impact Your Health & Do You Make Your Job Too Important? : SYSK Choice
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it that people seem to come up with good ideas in the shower? Could there really be something special about the shower experience that generate...
Where Superstitions Come From & What You Never Knew About Paul Revere
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shampoo, lotions, guns, knives and a lot of other things are confiscated at airport security checkpoints every day. What happens to all those things? ...
A Hostage Negotiator’s Advice for Difficult Conversations & How to Stay Alive Longer
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is an experience some of us (but not all) are able to have called autonomous sensory meridian response or ASMR. It can be triggered by a soft mo...
Weird, But True Stories of Famous People & What We Can Learn From Top Sports Competitors - SYSK Choice
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not all that long ago, people felt paying bills by sending a check in the mail was the best way to do it. Today, it seems like a bad idea. In fact, ba...
Why You Owe Your Life to Bugs & The Fascinating Rise of the Emoji
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While people may not point it out to you when you use the wrong word – they DO notice. This episode begins by setting the record straight on the ri...
The Healing Effects of Music & Understanding Adolescence
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Having good friends can help you live longer, see the world more positively and make you look more attractive. How can that be? Listen as I explain. h...
Why People Misunderstand You & The Fashion Health Crisis - SYSK Choice
05 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do people seem to get sick when (or just after) they fly? Many believe it is the recirculated air on the plane that everyone is breathing. That is...
The New Science of Love & The Fascinating World of Death
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who hasn’t had a brilliant idea or revelation while taking a shower? It seems the shower is a place where we do some of our best thinking. Why is th...
The New World of Weather Forecasting & Interesting Ways the Human Body Adapts
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone is bound to make a typo in an email. What’s interesting though is the reader will often see that typo and alter the way they interpret your...
What Is Funny? & The Past, Present and Future of Water - SYSK Choice
28 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do spiders find their way into your house? This episode starts by revealing how it happens and some ways to make your home less appealing to spide...
Learn Less to Find Success & How to Use Game Theory, Risk, and Luck to Your Advantage
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People sometimes cheat on their partner. Not everyone – but some do. This episode begins with some insight into one big reason that causes infidelit...
How to Quickly Change What Matters & What Happens Inside Your Imagination
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summer brings ice cream, popsicles and other frozen treats – all of which can cause painful brain freeze. Why does that happen, and can you stop it?...
Surprising Backstories of Everyday Expressions & The Benefits of Connecting With Your Future Self - SYSK Choice
21 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Being sure to get enough sleep is one of the suggestions for people trying to lose or control their body weight. What’s the connection? How does sle...
Futurology: The Forces That Shape Your Future & Where's the 4-Day Workweek?
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It makes sense that if you want to cut down on the amount of spam email you get, just unsubscribe from those emails. WAIT! That could make things wors...
AI: Blessing or Curse? & What Our Noisy World Does to You
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can drinking tea make you happy – or do happy people just like to drink tea? There is definitely a connection between tea and mental health, and th...
How to Say No Without Guilt & The Secrets to Satisfaction - SYSK Choice
14 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Where is the best place to take a nap? Anyone who has napped in a hammock knows how great it can be. This episode begins by explaining why naps are b...
How Your Family Affects Who You Are & How DNA Affects Your Health
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of things impact an employer’s decision to hire you or not. But one thing you may not have considered is where you fall in the order of interv...
You Might Also Like : Superhero Leadership with Peter Cuneo
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are sharing a bonus episode of the Superhero Leadership podcast, hosted by Marvel's former CEO and legendary turnaround expert, Peter Cuneo. Each w...
Effective Strategies to Be More Persuasive &The Surprising Power of Being Nice
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The next time you or your kids get a shot at the doctor’s office or face anything that you know is going to be painful, there is a little trick you ...
How People Are Changing Their Approach to Work & Why Your Allergies Are Getting Worse - SYSK Choice
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you keeping a secret? Everyone does - usually more than one. The problem with keeping secrets is that it is a burden that impacts your life in way...
How to Solve a Problem Before It Happens & When Less is Really More
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ask anyone if they prefer fresh or frozen fish and almost everyone says – Fresh! But it turns out to be not so simple. A lot of fish you think is fr...
Why You Should Talk More Often & How People Get Brainwashed
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Zoom and other platforms have made virtual meetings very convenient and allow people in different locations to gather together in one place. Still, vi...
The Surprising History of the 7-Day Week & How and Why Cats Evolved into Pets - SYSK Choice
31 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does tickling work? You can’t tickle yourself. But if you are the ticklish type, you’ll start laughing if you know someone is about to tickle ...
Real Solutions for Everyday Anxiety & The Evolution of Talking Computers
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It is hard to imagine how intricate and complicated your eyes are. This episode starts with a look at some of the amazing things your eyes do and how ...
Why Revenge Is Seldom Worth It & What You Need to Know About Snakes
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is it healthier to be short or tall? Not that you can do much about it – but this episode begins by exploring some interesting health differences be...
The Transformative Power of Wonder & How Money REALLY Works - SYSK Choice
24 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It is hard to imagine life without sunglasses. So, who came up with the idea – and when? We begin this episode by going way back to the very first...
The Surprising History and Psychology of Board Games & Cracking the Fitness Code
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do happy couples have more sex or does having more sex make couples happy? This episode begins with some surprising insight into that question. https:...
Ridiculous Rules of the English Language & How Infrastructure Keeps Cities Moving
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People prefer to pay for things with plastic more than cash today. While it is convenient, it creates a problem that is likely costing you quite a bit...
How to Get Unstuck & A New Approach to Longevity - SYSK Choice
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Drinking water is what keeps you from becoming dehydrated. What you may not know is that there are other factors that can speed up your dehydration th...
The Science Behind Your Intuition & How Things Get Made
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of people drink coffee in the morning to kickstart the day. Interestingly, how you drink it (when, how many cups, length of time between cups, e...