Something You Should Know
Episodes
Legendary Actor John Cleese on Creativity & How Random Chance Got Us to Where We Are
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Just as you judge others based on their appearance, other people judge you. This episode begins with what exactly people decide about you when they fi...
Interesting Answers to Baffling Questions & What to Do When You Get Embarrassed
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been mesmerized by the flicker of a flame in a fire or on a candle? What is it about fire that draws us near to it? This episode begins ...
SYSK Choice: Why We Are Not So Smart & How Longevity Works
14 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you taken your temperature lately? Most of us think a normal temperature is 98.6 degrees. However, if you were to take your temperature now – i...
How to Handle Difficult Moments and Emotions & Could an Asteroid Destroy the Earth?
12 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ever worry that an elevator you are in will somehow come loose and drop? Or that a big spider will come after you and bite you? This episode begins wi...
The Science and Myths of Living Healthy & Negotiation Advice from a Legend
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What happens if you work hard to build up your FICO credit score but then you make a mistake and miss a payment? This episode begins by explaining wha...
SYSK Choice: Why Complainers Complain and How to Stop Them & How Gaslighting Works
07 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you would like to feel really good, then watch this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHiKxytbCWk. It’s a dull and boring video abou...
How to Bounce Back from Tough Times & How to Get A Handle on All Your Stuff
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know how to get the most juice out of a lemon or lime? Or how to get the smell of garlic off your hands? This episode begins as I reveal a few ...
How Intellectual Property Laws Can Get You in Trouble & How Noise Harms Your Health
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
While you are probably more careful about the surfaces you touch and keeping things sanitized, you may have overlooked all the surfaces in your car. T...
SYSK Choice: The Biology of Beauty & Life Changing Inventions
31 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 epi...
Why The World is Doing Better Than You Think & What Your Musical Taste Says About You
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know the can opener was invented 50 years AFTER the tin can? So how did they open cans before that? That’s one of the interesting stories ab...
Money Hacks to Build Wealth & How Buildings Affect Your Health and Happiness
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
First impressions count. One big reason why is that once a person makes judgements about you, they can be difficult to change even if they are not tru...
SYSK Choice: The Secrets of Motivation & How Effortless Conversation Works
24 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Is it true that 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 ...
The Power of Using the Right Words & How to Stop Avoiding Important Tasks
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone likes to feel appreciation, and everyone knows just how powerful appreciation can be. However, there is one huge problem with appreciation....
Engineering Marvels Right in Your Neighborhood & What It Takes to Be an Expert
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I bet you’ve had that experience of waking up just before the alarm goes off. It turns out it isn’t coincidence. Listen as this episode begins wit...
SYSK Choice: The Science of Creativity & How Happiness & Health Work Together
17 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We 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 ...
Why You See the World Differently Than Me & What Cellphones Do to Relationships
15 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you get angry, it seems normal to also get upset and maybe start yelling at whoever made you mad. Bad idea. This episode begins with a discussion...
The Big Difference Between Being Kind and Being Nice & How Science Really Works
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
People will be more attracted to you if you appear confident. So this episode begins with short list of things you can do easily that will make you fe...
SYSK Choice: Why People Cheat & Get More Done by Being Less Busy
10 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Every time 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 envi...
A Fascinating Look At Why You Are Here & Why We Run Toward People We Love
08 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The sandwich has been around for thousands of years in some form or another. Do you know how many sandwiches the average person eats in a year? Or why...
The Myth of American Innovation & The Fascinating Physics of Life
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The power of the human mind is amazing. This episode begins with a fascinating example of that. It turns out that how people feel about the medication...
SYSK Choice: How Music Effects You & Understanding “New Power”
03 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
No one enjoys 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 strateg...
Individuality: Why You Are Different & What Exercise Really Does to Your Body and Mind
01 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
People generically call the dates on food packages, “expiration dates.” However, there are different kinds of expiration dates and they mean diffe...
Behind the Scenes at Your Grocery Store & The Difference Between Risk and Uncertainty
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You may be a good driver but there are a lot of bad ones out there. So how do you protect yourself from those people? This episode begins with some in...
SYSK Choice: The Sleep Solution & How Virtual Reality Is Changing Our Lives
26 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You obviously 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 we...
What Makes You Who You Are & Could You Be A Genius?
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone knows what “riding shotgun” means. And most people think they know where it came from, which is from the days of stagecoaches. But that i...
Why Coincidences Happen & Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered why pumpkins are associated with Halloween? After all, they aren’t particularly scary and have nothing to do with ghosts. Thi...
SYSK Choice:The Secrets Behind Going Viral & Overcoming Social Anxiety
19 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Every kid on the planet is told to, “Eat your veggies – they’re good for you!” Yet, as a parent, you probably shouldn’t say that to your kid...
The Psychology of Money & Why Attractive People Get Better Treatment
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With all we know about how medicine works, we still don’t understand the placebo effect very well. Yet, by all accounts it is very powerful. This ep...
How Winning Streaks Work & Focused Success in a Distracted World
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn’t like ketchup? It is one of the most universally loved American foods. Why? This episode begins with some interesting facts and history a...
SYSK Choice: How to Be a Top Performer & The Beauty of Numbers
12 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers much more than you probably realize – and it is worth knowing. For example, if you receive counter...
What to Say to Get What You Want & How We Judge People Based on How They Talk
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Blue jeans have been in fashion for a very long time. How did that happen? After all, they started out as work clothes. This episode begins by explori...
What Really Influences Your Food Choices & How Technology Puts Stress On Your Body
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Watching a scary movie can be terrifying and unpleasant. So why do people do it? This episode begins with a discussion on the appeal of scary movies a...
SYSK Choice: What Is The Truth? & How Systems Fail
05 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 doe...
How, Why and When Doctors Make Mistakes & How Creatures and People Actually Evolve
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When someone is sick or in the hospital, it is customary to send them flowers. Who doesn’t love flowers? But do flowers actually help sick people he...
Your Fascinating Sense of Smell & How to Time The Important Experiences in Your Life
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How many things are taking up space in your house that you will never, ever, ever use again? This episode begins with some simple advice that will hel...
SYSK Choice: How Luck Happens & Questioning What We Tell Ourselves
29 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
Optimizing Nonverbal Communication & Eating For Cognitive Power
27 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
Amazing Ways Insects Improve Your Life & How Too Much Success Can Be a Problem
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever taken over-the-counter cough and cold medicine, you may have noticed that it isn’t always that effective in relieving the symptoms....
SYSK Choice: Surprising Forces Behind Our Purchases & How to Have Conversations That Matter
22 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Understanding The Fear of Missing Out & How to Make Your Immune System Stronger
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Your computer keyboard looks a lot like the typewriter keyboard that was invented in the 1800s. The letters are in the same places now as they were th...
How The Room You Are In Affects Health and Performance & How to Do What Really Matters
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone has felt shy. It really depends on the situation. So how can you get over your shyness so you can engage with the people around you? This epi...
SYSK Choice: The Quirkiness of Genius & How Cats Work
15 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 vi...
Hacks to Learn Better & Quirks of Your Brain That Drive You Crazy
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Where do you keep your car keys at night? This episode begins with an explanation as to why you might want to keep those keys within easy reach of whe...
Uncommon Knowledge You Need to Know & How to Handle All the Paper in Your Life
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Outdoor cooking and eating can be fun and tasty. Still, there are some potential dangers we all need to be aware of. For example, when was the last ti...
SYSK Choice: The REAL Motives Behind Our Actions & How Modern Manners Work
08 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Where Great Ideas Come From & How Diet Affects Your Mood and Mental Health
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you have blue eyes, you are related to me! That is just one of the fascinating things I discuss as I begin this episode with a fascinating look at ...
The Amazing Power of Being Friendly & The Smart Way to Get Out of Debt Fast
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you think of having a meeting, you probably imagine sitting in a room around a table. You may want to change that whole idea. This episode begin...
SYSK Choice: Effective Ways to Deal With Jerks & A Guide to Awesome Smartphone Photos
01 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to Count to Infinity & Why People Believe in Aliens and Other Unbelievable Things
30 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You already know it is important to drink water to stay healthy. And it also appears that drinking water can make you smarter, too. How? This episode ...
How to Get People To Tell the Truth & What You Never Knew About Birds
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you learned to drive, you were likely told to keep your hands at 10:00 o’clock and 2:00 o’clock on the steering wheel. Is that really the bes...
SYSK Choice: Getting Beyond Revenge & How We Misthink Money
25 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 impre...
How the Internet Has Changed Our Language & Kids and Screens – How Much is Too Much?
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever put a little more gasoline into your tank after the nozzle has shut itself off? If so, you need to hear the beginning of this episode wh...
Is Processed Food Really That Bad? & Why We Love to Drive
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a way to drink without getting drunk or feeling the effects of alcohol? Kinda. This episode begins with the story of how a professional beer ...
SYSK Choice: The Secrets of Being Fascinating & Amazing Household Hacks You Never Knew
18 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Understanding the Science and Mysteries of the Universe & How to Create a Powerful Apology
16 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of times it seems that being healthy takes a lot of work. This episode begins with some really simple things you can do that will help your over...
What Everyone Needs to Know About Design & The Science of Conversation
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ever notice that the more money you have in your wallet, the more likely you are to spend it? Well, it is actually more complicated than that. This ep...
SYSK Choice: Why Timing REALLY is Everything & How We Lie and Why
11 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 sp...
The Fascinating Ways Things Spread & How Technology Controls You – If You Let It
09 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wanted to get someone to disclose more about themselves? This episode begins with a very simple strategy that will loosen someone up and...
How DNA Works and How It Solves Crimes & Understanding Food Culture
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t you hate it when you put on a mask to go out in public and your glasses get all fogged up? This episode begins with a few tips to keep your gl...
SYSK Choice: How to Have a Voice You’ll Love & Proven Money Strategies for Every Day
04 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Understanding Your Passion and Purpose & Why Messy Relationships Are Often the Best
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Some people really love spicy food. Why? This episode begins with an explanation of that and what to do if you put something in your mouth that is way...
How to Make Change in Life That Really Stick & The Dangers of Relying on Experts
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
People tend to like reruns. We like to watch old TV shows and movies over and over again, we often order the same meal at a restaurant that we have ha...
SYSK Choice: Amazing Ways Genes Affect Your Behavior & How Calming Your Brain Makes You Stronger
27 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
How to Stop Your Thoughts From Ruining Your Day & How to Take Better Care of Your Skin
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you are in the drive-through or waiting for a train to pass, is it better to turn off your car’s engine or let it idle? This episode begins wit...
Behind the Scenes of White House Diplomacy & How to Take Advantage of Lucky Moments
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do dolphins really have their own language? Why is it warmer in the summer? Does lightning ever strike the same place twice? This episode begins with ...
SYSK Choice: Proven Ways to Be Instantly Happier & The Magic of Math
20 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You probably think you are a good driver. But what do other people think about your driving? Listen to take this simple driving test to see whether or...
How to Change Your Personality & How to Manage The Faster Speed of Life
18 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you have ever gotten a paper cut (and who hasn’t), you may have wondered why a tiny little cut from a piece of paper can hurt so much. This episo...
How Your Indoor Environment Affect Who You Are & Amazing Ways Language Works
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone has had that "pins and needles" feeling when your foot or arm falls asleep. Why does it happen? A lot of people believe it is because you cut...
SYSK Choice: How to Change a Habit & How to Be More Courageous
13 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 yo...
Understanding Hunger to Help You Lose Weight & Secrets of Successful Relationships
11 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What should you do when you get a fever? Some people say you should take medicine to knock it down – some say to leave it alone. Who’s right? This...
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 ...