Something You Should Know

Why You Should Stop Giving Advice & Why It is So Hard To Admit You Are Wrong

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

People often say they are attracted to people who have a good sense of humor. But it is actually more complicated than that. The truth is that humor c...

SYSK Choice: Controlling the Flow of Time & How Influential Parenting Works

06 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 wi...

The Amazing Benefits of Breathing Properly How to Make Better Decisions

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you like getting robocalls on your phone? Of course you don’t. So this episode begins with a simple way to stop robocalls for free – and it rea...

How to Get Things Done Without Stressing Out & What Other People Really Think of You

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Could driving while dehydrated be as dangerous as driving while drunk? This episode begins with some fascinating research that shows a link between de...

SYSK Choice: How to Cook on the Grill Perfectly & The Importance of Asking Good Questions

30 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Just like food, medications have expiration dates. But just how accurate are those dates? Is it better to take an expired medication or no medication ...

The Science of Persuasion & Understanding How the World Works

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some days it is just hard to get up and get going. So this episode begins with some interesting ways to get motivated and accomplish your goals on tho...

How to Find True and Lasting Happiness & The Truly Amazing World of Mushrooms

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Does a full moon really bring out craziness in people? Does it cause more car accidents and hospital admissions? This episode begins with a look at wh...

SYSK Choice: Simple Strategies for a Great Relationship & How to Better Use Your Mind

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While it is hard NOT to get angry sometimes, anger can take a toll on your health and lifespan. I’ll discuss some research that explains what is and...

How to Negotiate by Asking the Right Questions & The Fascinating Science of Walking

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Smells can have a really interesting effect on you. They can make you happy, improve concentration and boost your energy. This episode begins with an ...

How Self-Confidence Really Works & One Thing You Can Do to Be More Careful Online

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some foods get a bad rap – and undeservedly so. This episode begins with a list of foods you probably think are unhealthy but really aren’t all th...

SYSK Choice: Why Your Perceptions Often Deceive You & How Smart People Fall Victim to Fraud

16 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever put your car in “Drive” while it is still rolling backwards a little bit? People do it all the time – yet it is terrible for your ...

Who Actually Discovered Fire and Other Amazing Firsts & How to Find A Job Now

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It is a bicyclist's nightmare – dooring! It is when someone in a car along the side of the road opens the door just as you drive by and – WHAM! It...

How to Stop Eating Plastic (and You Eat a Lot) & Understanding Your Cognitive Bias

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Every year a lot of pedestrians crossing the street get hit by cars. So if you are out walking around, there is one technique that will drastically re...

SYSK Choice: How to Heal Emotional Injury & How Trust Works

09 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you use a wire brush to clean your outdoor grill – you should stop because someone could get hurt. I’ll start this episode by explaining why. h...

How to Deal with Defensive People & Understanding the Mother-Son Relationship

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why are names so hard to remember? This episode begins with an explanation and an experiment that explains why so many of us forget people’s names a...

Interesting Secrets of Great Entrepreneurs & How to Speak in Public Like a Pro

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Birds are building nests and laying eggs all over the place this time of year. And you have probably heard that if a baby bird falls out of the nest y...

SYSK Choice: How to Learn Anything Better and Faster & Are People Inherently Good or Evil?

02 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever heard of misophonia? It’s a real thing. If you have it, that means that certain sounds – like someone chewing their food with their ...

The Benefits of Doing Nothing (or At Least Less) & When Math Goes Terribly Wrong

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a headache that seemingly came on for no apparent reason? This episode begins with an interesting and unusual list of reasons why he...

What Happens When You Stop Complaining & How to Make Worry Work For You

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You probably never think about it until you get a rental car – but why do some cars have the gas tank door on the left side and others have it on th...

SYSK Choice: A Little Known Secret for Success & Why Perfection is So Overrated

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you swear? Sometimes – at least for some of us – it is hard NOT to. And it just may be appropriate when you are in pain. Some fascinating resea...

The Science of Friendship & What You Need to Know About Computer Coding

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You probably aren’t spending as much time outside as you used to and that can be a big problem. This episode begins with the important reasons why y...

The Power of Validating a Person’s Feelings & How to Develop Mental Toughness

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Since you only have one chance to make a good first impression, this episode begins with some scientifically tested techniques that will instantly mak...

SYSK Choice: How You Got Your Personality & Why You Click With Some People

18 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Noise is more than just annoying. Noise can affect your health, your work and your mood. This episode begins with a look at just how much trouble nois...

How to Think Like a Rocket Scientist & How Coffee Became the World’s Beverage

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You know you shouldn’t go food shopping when you are hungry because you will end up buying more junk food. It turns out that when you are hungry, yo...

Common Medical Practices You Should Stop Doing & What Happens if You Have No Will

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Want to be more attractive? There has actually been some interesting research on what makes people appealing to others and this episode begins by expl...

SYSK Choice: Fixing Flaws in Your Thinking & the Good News About Failure

11 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many grocery stores now boast that they sell “locally grown” produce. Perhaps you’ve wondered just how local it is – where does that locally g...

How to Make Money Quickly in a Crisis & Why We Are Getting Fatter and How to Stop It

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The best way to solve your problems may be to pretend they are someone else’s. This episode begins with an interesting way to look at your problems ...

Why You Have So Much Stuff and What to Do With It & How To Be A Great Communicator

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Need something to pass the time? This episode begins with an activity you and the family can do that will kill some time and also put money in the ban...

SYSK Choice: Is There Life After Death? & The Good News About Procrastination

04 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

What You Need to Know About Cars and How to Buy One & How to Stop Overthinking

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Would you like to hear some really good and solid advice that will make your life simpler and easier? This episode begins with some excellent bits of ...

How to Solve Problems Before They Happen & How to Be Productive Working From Home

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t you just hate it when you burn your tongue from drinking or eating something too hot? This episode begins with some first-aid for the next tim...

SYSK Choice: How to Be More Persuasive & Networking Strategies That Really Work

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You know when you head up the entrance ramp on a freeway, you have to really “floor it” to get your car up to speed. Is that good for your engine ...

How the Human Mind Learns New Things & Finding Hope in the Coronavirus Crisis

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While it’s natural to brag a little about your kids or your job or anything else you are proud of., you really have to be careful. A little bragging...

How to Get People to Instantly Like You & How Complaining Makes You Stupid

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Staying at home with nowhere to go can certainly put you in a bad mood. So this episode begins with some scientifically proven ways to improve your mo...

SYSK Choice: Interesting Math of Everyday Life & Lose Weight Without Dieting

21 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

 Everyone knows that coffee can help you think and focus and can even improve your mood – especially that first cup in the morning. Years ago, coff...

How to Change Anyone’s Mind & Could Machines Really Take Over the World?

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You have probably been eating peanut butter since you were a kid. And that turns out to be a really good thing. This episode begins with a look at the...

The Psychology of Self-Deception & How Weather Really Works

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you have an iPhone, you have likely struggled moving the cursor around in a text message or email. However, there is a very simple way to easily ma...

SYSK Choice: Weird Things that Influence What You Eat & How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck

14 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you were to stand in downtown Detroit and start walking south for as long as it took, what is the first foreign country you would encounter? This i...

How to Be the Best at Anything & Why It’s Hard to Ask for Help (But Do It Anyway)

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a good dancer? Some of it is subjective but there is one particular body part that seems to make all the difference. This episode begins wi...

What You May Not Know About the Food You Eat & How to Get Out of a Rut

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of items you buy at the grocery store are actually a lot cheaper at the drug store. This episode begins with a look at where the bargains are in...

SYSK Choice: What It Means To Be Spiritual & Taming Your Survival Instinct

07 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you cleaned your credit or debit cards? Or the remote for the TV? There are a lot of things around the house you never think to...

How to Deal with People Who Drive You Crazy & How Colors Affect Your Behavior

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Yawning is contagious. We have all experienced that. What’s interesting though is when you notice how soon someone yawns after you do. This episode ...

Fascinating Secrets of the Universe & How to Handle Workplace Bullies

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you have a big decision to make, all kinds of things can influence that decision. But one thing I bet you never thought of was the lighting in th...

SYSK Choice: If Your Walls Could Talk & The Power of Positive Confrontation

29 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone knows that as you age, your mental function declines. But when does that begin? Age 40? 50? I’ll tell you what the science says. http://www...

How to Give and Take Criticism & Ways to Make Your Relationship Happier – Instantly

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why should you take a photo of your passport and keep it on your phone? That’s just one of several important travel tips I discuss that you probably...

A Better Way to Solve A Problem & How Human Biases Affect Your Decisions

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We all make mistakes. However, wouldn’t it be nice if you could make fewer of them? This episode begins by revealing two simple strategies that have...

SYSK Choice: A Peek Inside the Heart of the Internet & Self-Discipline Hacks to Achieve Success

22 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you lose most of your body heat through your head? What’s the best way to stop the hiccups? We begin this episode with a look at these and other ...

Great Strategies to Maximize Your Money & New Technologies that Will Change Your Life

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What happens if you try to make a photocopy of a $20 bill? This episode begins by revealing why it is so hard to do and why a picture of money won’t...

Why Your Fingers Get Pruney When Wet & How to Use Online Reviews Effectively

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is the best way to sign-off an email? Well, it depends on what you want the outcome to be but if you re hoping for a reply, there is one sign-off...

SYSK Choice: Psyching Yourself Up for Anything & Surviving Family Get-Togethers

15 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some people love rollercoasters and scary movies – but why? What is the appeal of being scared half to death? Today, you’ll find out why. http://w...

The Rules to Play the Game of Life & How to Be an Effective Parent in the 21st Century

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is all gasoline the same? Actually, there is a difference. This episode begins with an explanation of the difference between regular gas and “Top Ti...

Why You Spend Money the Way You Do & The Benefits of Adding More Pleasure to Your Life

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

They tell you on airplane that in the event of an emergency an oxygen mask will drop from the ceiling and when you breathe into it the mask may not in...

SYSK Choice: How Technology Changes You For the Better & Medical “Truths” That Are False

08 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The number of parents of who spank their kids as a means of discipline has dropped significantly over the past several decades – but some parents st...

What You Didn’t Know About Good Sleep & How to Disagree Productively

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of us tend to over-apologize. This episode begins with an explanation of why we do it and why we should stop doing it. Then when you do have to ...

The Best Way to Keep Love Alive & A Scientific Approach to Achieve Any Goal

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I know you’ve watched a sleeping dog twitch and move it's feet like it is running. So, is it just that the dog is dreaming or is there more to it th...

SYSK Choice: How Self Aware Are You? & How Your 5 Senses Affect Your Behavior

01 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

New clothes are not necessarily CLEAN clothes. In fact, there is a good chance other people have worn your new clothes before you. We start this episo...

How to Make Money Selling Your Old Stuff & What’s Wrong with How You Sleep

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s fun to play the lottery. If you do, you probably spend more on it than you think. This episode begins with a look at how much people really spe...

How Negative Events Control Your Life & Why It is So Hard (For Some) To Lose Weight

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t you hate it when people ignore your emails? Well, there may be something you are doing in your subject line that increases the odds you will b...

SYSK Choice: Your $100 Startup & Why Overworking Doesn’t Work

25 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Every credit card bill comes with a due date. And if you pay the balance every month by the due date – you don’t pay any interest. But if you carr...

Understanding Physical Intelligence & How Small Changes Create New Habits

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you breathe through your mouth you are doing it all wrong. This episode begins with a discussion on how to breathe properly and why breathing throu...

Great Relationship Advice from a Divorce Lawyer & Your Fascinating Sense of Taste

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard of “Imposter Syndrome?” It’s that feeling that you don’t really deserve the success you have achieved. A lot of people suffer f...

SYSK Choice: Daydream and Doodle Your Way to Success & The Artistry of Video Games

18 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

People who overeat tend to do so at the same time on the same days. This episode begins with me telling you exactly when those times are so you can de...

The Curious Forces That Make You Who You Are & How to Explain Anything to Anyone

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Listening to music is more than just a pleasant experience. It is also good for you in several ways. This episode begins with a discussion of how valu...

The Amazing Benefits of Moving Your Body & Why You Should Talk to More Strangers

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When a woman cries it can have a dramatic effect on a man. Not only because she is sad but also because of how hears smell – seriously. This episode...

SYSK Choice: The Value of Criticism & Instantly Make Your Relationship Better

11 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Want to keep your fresh cut flowers, fresher? My grandmother always said put aspirin in the water and I’ve also heard you should put a penny in the ...

How Biological Clocks Control Your Life & Why Most Meetings Are a Waste of Time

09 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Did you set any New Year’s resolutions? The chances of them sticking for a long time are pretty slim. However, there is something you can do to impr...

Where Your Personality Comes From & The Good News About Procrastination

06 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As you just found out over the holidays, finding the right gift to someone can be difficult. However, there is some science to it that can make gift g...

SYSK Choice: How to Spot a Liar & How to Write Anything Better

04 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What’s your favorite sleep position? It turns out that one sleep position is better than the others for eliminating “brain waste” and preventing...

The Interesting Math of Life and Death & Understanding the Science of Consciousness

02 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Flattery works – if you know how to do it right. So this episode begins with a discussion on how to use flattery and why it is such a powerful tool...

How Trust Works & Taking Back Healthcare

30 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some people can’t imagine exercise without having their cellphone. You can listen to music, text and chat and it helps the time fly by. Well, there ...

SYSK Choice: Your Mind and Your Money

28 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There’s nothing more embarrassing than those awkward moments in life – when your fly is down or there is spinach in your teeth or you embarrass yo...

The Problem With Following Your Passion & Understanding Small Data

26 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There is something about flying that makes you feel – lousy. Since a lot of people are flying this time of year, this episode begins with a discussi...

How Creating a Little Hope Can Change Your Life & How to Live Courageously

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You can look dramatically younger by doing almost nothing. This episode begins with 3 simple ways that change how people perceive you. Do these things...

SYSK Choice: Important New About Infectious Diseases & Looking at Life without Sight

21 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you really have a year to send a wedding gift? That turns out to be one of several etiquette myths we’ll explore as I begin today’s episode. ht...

How to Shake Off a Bad Experience & Where New Trends Come From

19 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How many times have you heard that it is important to drink a lot of fluids when you have a cold or the flu? But why? Does it help flush the illness f...

How To Make Your Voice Exude Confidence & The Amazing Effect Animals Have on You

16 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It is the most wonderful tine of the year! Many people will tell you that Christmas is their favorite holiday. Did you know that there was a time in t...

SYSK Choice: Why Kids Fail to Launch & Surprising Exercise Myths

14 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Next time you do something really embarrassing in front of other people – you will remember what I am going to tell you in this episode – and it w...

Why Voice Computing (Alexa) is a Game Changer & The Fascinating World of Liquids

12 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When your hands and feet are cold, you feel you cold. Why is that? And what can you do to warm them up quickly? This episode begins with some interest...

Separating Fact from Fiction in Nutrition & Why Humans Must Explore

09 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Something strange happens when most people read emails and texts and it could cause a health problem. Listen to and discover what it is so you can see...

SYSK Choice: What Your Dog is Really Thinking & Why Superstitions Actually Work

07 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the best way to deal with a jerk? Well, according to psychiatrist Dr. Mark Goulston, there is one word that will shut them up – and it is k...

How to Win An Argument & Simple Strategies to Be a Better Writer

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is the time of year when people give to people less fortunate – and that is great. However, if you are going to give, there are things that mos...

Why Nothing Has an Instruction Manual Anymore & How People Really Change Their Mind

02 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

People seem to get sadder in winter. Is it the weather? Is it just because it’s colder? Or is it the sunlight? This episode begins with the explanat...

SYSK Choice: What Really Influences Your Buying Decisions & The Odds of Bad Things Happening

30 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Can your pet really get sick eating poinsettia leaves or drinking Christmas tree water? We begin this episode looking at some of the real holiday pet...

Why You Get Angry & The Problems Faced by Dual Career Couples

28 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Timing is everything. And when you have a big decision to make, the time of day you choose to make it is more important than you might realize. This e...

Discover How Suggestible You Really Are & 4 Questions You Must Ask Your Doctor

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of people listen to music when they are working because they believe it helps them concentrate and be more productive? Does it? This episode begi...

SYSK Choice: How to Age Better & Successful Leadership for You and Others

23 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You are wasting too much time on email. It’s estimated that you waste 30 seconds each time you stop and check it. So how can you cut down on the amo...

The Amazing Science Behind Your Smile & How to Be Direct and Honest and Not Be a Jerk

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you leave your garage opener in the car? Do you know where your main water shutoff valve is? No matter where you live, there are a few questions yo...

How Simply Eating Dinner Killed A Lot of People & The Real Reason You Have Your Job

18 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Where do you go when you have to come up with a creative idea? The shower is a favorite spot. And a lot of people like to sit in silence for inspirati...

SYSK Choice: Bring Your Dreams to Life & Fixing Loneliness in Your Relationship

16 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You develop driving habits over time and some of those habits may not be so great for your car or the engine. Listen to some advice from Popular Mecha...

Why We Are Wrong About So Much & How to Reduce Your Anxiety in an Anxious World

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Why is it that your stomach growls at exactly the wrong time? When you are taking a test in school or during a meeting when the room is quiet and all...

How to Get People to Tell You the Truth & How Noise Affect Your Health and Happiness

11 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How accurate is Wikipedia? If you go to one of their articles, how likely is it to be accurate and objective. This episode begins with some surprising...

SYSK Choice: Stop Being So Busy & The Real Fountain of Youth

09 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you cook, I’m sure you’ve heard that when you cook with alcohol, the heat burns off the alcohol quickly. Well, according to science that is imp...

“Dirty Jobs” Host Mike Rowe Offers a Different View of Success & The Awesome Power of Empathy

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

People cry when they are sad – so why do they also cry when they are happy? This episode begins with the explanation for why two opposite emotions c...

The Power of Being Brief and to the Point & Why Your Reality May Not Be Real at All

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you let your dog sleep on the bed? Some experts claim it is bad for your health. But I am going to start this episode by explaining why it may be j...

SYSK Choice: Finding True Happiness & Controlling Your Money

02 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You need to know about the “27 Second Effect.” This is a critical part of the whole “distracted driving” problem that most people don’t real...

The Founder of Netflix Reveals His Secret of Success & The Problems of Working From Home

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When someone meets you, the first thing they likely notice are your eyes. But do you know what they notice second? Or third? Or fourth? This episode b...

The Surprising Benefits of Taking the Blame When Things Go Wrong & The Origins of Trick-or-Treat

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When you go to the movies, is there really a “best seat in the house?” Actually, yes. Although people have their own preferences, theaters are cal...

SYSK Choice: The Dangers of Going to the Doctor & The Best Ways to Get Organized

26 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know about The 40% Rule. It’s what Navy Seals use to be mentally tough – and you can use it as well. It just takes a simple change in think...

The Powerful Influence Strangers Have On You & How to Speed Up Your Metabolism

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You probably know the many ways supermarkets use psychology to get you to spend more money. Well it turns out that airports do the same thing. This ep...

Why It’s So Easy to Get Food Poisoning & Academy Award Winner Brian Grazer on Human Connection

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We all sometimes struggle to remember important things – like names or passwords or what to get at the grocery store. This episode begins with some ...