Something You Should Know
Episodes
Water vs. Tech: How Moisture Ruins Your Devices & Why We Need Stress
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kibosh, chicanery, affluent and Seuss (as in Dr. Seuss) are words a lot of people mispronounce. This episode begins with the correct pronunciation of ...
When to Quit and Walk Away & Why We Are Drawn to the Water - SYSK Choice
26 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is beginner’s luck? After all, it has a name so it must happen often enough to be a thing. But could it just be an odd and occasional coincide...
Your Brain on Screens: Myths and Facts & How Your Body Keeps You Alive
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You are familiar with the advice that you shouldn’t go grocery shopping when you are hungry because you will spend more money and buy more junk. How...
How We Play: They Story of Fun and Games & The Cost of Not Sleeping Well
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Since you were a child you have heard that it is important to wash your hands. But even if you do, you may not be doing it correctly and you may be mi...
How to Awaken Your Genius & Is Personality Change Possible? - SYSK Choice
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is probably something you are worrying about right now. After all, that’s what we do – we worry. This episode begins with some optimistic ne...
Always in a Hurry: The Illusion of Urgency & What You Never Knew About Your Neck
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Would you like to be more persuasive? Listen as I reveal what one expert says is the key to winning people over to your side. Source: Rick Maurer auth...
When to Take a Risk or Play it Safe & Why You Need More Muscle
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do airplanes have ashtrays if smoking is prohibited? Could someone open the airplane door in mid-flight? What are the green and red flashing light...
Proven Ways to Boost Confidence & How to Overcome Procrastination - SYSK Choice
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strange but true - people with difficult names to pronounce are discriminated against. It is often not intentional, but it happens. The result can be ...
Proven Techniques for A Great Day Everyday & The Mysteries of Dog Behavior
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It sounds weird but there is strong evidence that wearing certain clothes can change your thoughts and behavior. Here’s one example: wearing a whit...
Seen, Heard, Valued: The Magic of Validation & Pronouns Are Weird! Here’s Why
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know your blood type? Do you know why we have different blood types? This episode begins with some interesting intel about blood types, why yo...
Why Human Touch is So Important & Space Facts That Will Shock You - SYSK Choice
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly cut grass? While there may be some people who don’t like that smell, it seems most people do. Why is it so u...
What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You & How to Unlock Your True Voice
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Online retailers make it pretty easy to return items you purchase if you are not satisfied. But what happens to those items? Are they just put back in...
The Secrets to Being a Successful Adult & Building Your Own Mental Fitness
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know that feeling you get when you eat comfort food? There is something magical about it. This episode begins by exploring why some foods become c...
The Backstories of Your Favorite Music & Money Mastery in a Changing World - SYSK Choice
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The clothes you wear project an image to others. But those same clothes you wear influence you as well. Listen and discover how different clothes and...
Why Accidents Happen & Where to Find Courage When You Need It
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wisdom comes with age. That’s a common belief – but is it necessarily true? Can you acquire wisdom when you are young? This episode begins by look...
The Amazing Things Your Heart Does & The Power You Have to Change Lives
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am sure you know people who love to offer unsolicited advice. And if you think back to the last time someone offered it to you – you likely didn’...
The Surprising Power of Silence & How to Overcome Your Cravings - SYSK Choice
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you feel that urge to go to the bathroom – it just might be a good time to make an important decision. That probably sounds weird. What could ...
The Science of Changing Your Personality & What Really Happens to Your Trash
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some people just seem to have more luck. Things seem to go their way. When you look closer, those lucky people often have some interesting traits in c...
A Paradox That Makes You Miserable & How We Amplify Our Own Stress
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At some point, most men have likely been told they eat too fast – that they should slow down and enjoy their food more. Do men really eat faster tha...
Science You Believe That Isn't True & The Story of The Lie Detector - SYSK Choice
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This may be hard to imagine but trees can fight crime. Not all types of crime but they the fight some crime – and no one really knows how they do it...
Why Your Memory is Perfectly Imperfect & How to Love Better
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone knows that $19.99 is really $20. And we know that gas sold at $3.49 and 9/10 per gallon is really $3.50. We get it. So why do retailers and g...
The Startling Impact of Peer Pressure & Why Shyness Can Be a Plus
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who hasn’t had to wait at a doctor’s office well past the appointment time. It sucks. What is a reasonable amount of time to have to wait? Should ...
What Your Senses Can’t Perceive & What Happens When You Are Too Productive - SYSK Choice
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if I told you that being left-handed or right-handed has a powerful influence on decisions you make? Listen as I begin this episode by explaining...
Cool Things You Can Do With AI & Surprising Insight in Chance, Probability & Risk
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is a word you probably use that means something entirely different than what you think. In fact, it means the opposite of what you think. Yet, t...
Digital Communication Done Right & Buy What You Love Without Going Broke
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beer should be served ice cold. Bottled beer is better than canned beer. These are just 2 incorrect assumptions people have about beer. This episode b...
How Your Mind Changes Over Time & The Upside of Uncertainty - SYSK Choice
01 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The letters Rx are somehow related to drug stores. But why? What do those letters actually mean? You probably think they have to do with medication o...
Why We’re Wired to Imitate Others & How to Have a Great Conversation
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You probably think raw vegetables are healthier than cooked vegetables. Sometimes they are. But some common veggies get a nutrient boost from the righ...
Alone Together: The Decline of Social Interaction & Is the Future in Nuclear?
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that Philadelphia Cream Cheese doesn’t come from Philadelphia? Or that marshmallows were originally medicine for kids? This episode beg...
Why We Forget & The Amazing Story of Your Body’s Atoms - SYSK Choice
22 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People talk about “the power of touch” – but what does this power do? When you hug or shake hands or put your arm around someone – what is so ...
Where To Find Answers to Your Toughest Problems & How Weather Works
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How dangerous can a pair of shoes be? Really dangerous, particularly if they have big heels. We begin this episode looking at the long story of high h...
The Mysteries of Your Subconscious Mind & Is An Electric Car in Your Future?
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When people see someone in public having a heart attack or stroke or other medical emergency, they often pull out their phones? Bad idea. This episode...
How Flavor Has Guided Human History & The Threat of Pseudoscience - SYSK Choice
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Modern kitchen freezers are actually cruel to ice cream and other frozen foods. This episode begins by explaining why this is and why there is often i...
Why We Love Fast Food & What Will Make You Successful
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is white the most popular car color? While people like whatever color they like, car color can impact things like resale value and whether or not ...
How to Create Real Wealth & The Ways Technology Ruins Relationships
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do you feel cold sometimes? The obvious answer is that you feel cold when you ARE cold. But could it also be that you feel cold because someone el...
How to Master Small Talk & Why We Do Things Without Knowing Why- SYSK Choice
08 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a reason we have eyebrows? Pretty much every part of the human body has a reason for being there and eyebrows actually have three reasons. I ...
Lessons on Health from the Animal Kingdom & How to Manage Your Emotions
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How many times have you wanted to ask for a raise but didn’t bother because you knew the answer would be no? Well, you probably should’ve asked an...
Why You Are More Courageous Than You Think & The Magic of Tidying Up
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Seems like no matter how hard you try you never pick the fastest checkout line in the supermarket. Why is that? This episode begins by explaining why ...
Why Thinking Is Not All In Your Head & Secrets From the Longest Study of Happiness - SYSK Choice
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We humans love novelty. We seek it out. While that can be good, it can also get us in trouble. This episode begins by exploring why we seek out new t...
The Essential Qualities of Inspiring People & The Rules of How Life Works
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After television, a big part of the ad budget for fast-food restaurants’ is spent on outdoor advertising like billboards. This episode begins with t...
How to Optimize Your Brain Chemistry & What Would You Do With More Money?
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Traffic accidents are an inevitable part of life. However, there are a few simple things you can do to improve your chances of NOT getting in an accid...
Eleven Inventions That Changed the World & The Right Way to Make Love and Money Decisions - SYSK Choice
25 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The origins of the names for popular food products often make interesting stories. For instance, why are they called marshmallows? Why is Spam called ...
Why We Like Cute Things & How to Have a Great Conversation
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you use sarcasm in an email or text message, you are skating on thin ice. This episode begins by revealing the dangers of sarcasm in electronic ...
How the Human Body Works & Stories Your Doctor Won’t Tell You
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know your IQ? Can you raise the number up or – are stuck with whatever that number is? This episode begins with some insight into your IQ inc...
Why We Are Obsessed With Butts & The Best and Worst Way to Apologize - SYSK Choice
18 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever notice when you are nervous or stressed, the pitch of your voice goes up? Yet a lower pitch would likely be more useful in most cases because we ...
How You Are Being Psychologically Targeted & The Extraordinary Power of Curiosity
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How many calories do you burn up just eating and digesting the food you eat? It’s an interesting question and the answer depends on what kind of foo...
Why Couples Hate to Talk About Money & How Scents and Smells Affect You
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the online shopping world, there is something called “cart abandonment discounts.” Listen as I explain what they are and how you can save mone...
Why You Should Take Fun Seriously & Electricity’s Amazing Story - SYSK Choice
11 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes your willpower seems pretty good but other times - especially right when you need it – it disappears. What if there was a way to boost you...
How and Why Optimism Works & Why a Little Defiance is a Good Thing
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why are dalmatians often associated with firefighters and fire trucks? Is it just a mascot thing or is there more to the story? Of course, there is mo...
How Your Body Affects Your Happiness & Good News for Self-Critics and Perfectionists
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At airports all over the world, luggage gets lost – sometimes forever. So, what happens to it? It can’t sit there in baggage claim forever. Well, ...
The Science Behind Why We Buy & How to Make Bold Choices - SYSK Choice
04 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a public bathroom, which is better – drying your hands with a paper towel or using an air blower? If the goal is to walk out of the bathroom with...
How to Change What’s Not Working & Why Time Seems to Speed Up and Slow Down
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One fear many air travelers have is catching a cold or some other bug when they fly on an airplane. Why is it that a lot of people seem to get sick o...
The New Science of Effective Weight & What Makes an Idea Scalable
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all heard the advice that when you buy new clothes you should wash them first before you wear them. But what’s the reason? Is it more of a ...
Why Rituals Exist Everywhere & The Exercise Paradox - SYSK Choice
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We know that smiling is a universal human expression of happiness. Everyone smiles - in fact, even babies born blind smile. What is the purpose of smi...
Scams You Might Easily Fall For & Mastering The Art of Deal-Making
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You might think that a good way to get closer to someone is to do them a favor. Yes, that might work – but there is another technique that is even m...
A Fascinating Tour of Our Solar System & The Amazing Story of the Sandwich
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What would happen if you were walking by the Empire State Building right at the time someone dropped a penny, and it hit you on top of your head? List...
Fascinating Stories of Christmas Customs & The Art of Talking with Children - SYSK Choice
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Restaurants are crawling with germs. It’s not all the restaurant’s fault – where there are people, there are going to be germs. This episode beg...
How You CAN Change Other People & Some Interesting Science Explained
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listening to music with air pods or headphones can damage your hearing. To prevent this, you need to understand the common causes of hearing loss. Thi...
The Surprising Toll of Life’s Daily Hassles & What Exactly is American Cuisine?
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How often do you clean your cellphone? Chances are you don’t do it often unless the screen starts to get a little gross. This episode begins with so...
How to Get the Best Sleep of Your Life & How to be Gracefully Assertive - SYSK Choice
14 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For years, mattresses and pillows carried a warning tag that said “Warning: Do Not Remove This Tag Under Penalty of Law”. Although they have soft...
True Stories Behind the Greatest Christmas Songs & The Downside of Renewable Energy
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How good are you at predicting how things will turn out in your life? How often have you said, “If only I get this thing, I’ll be happy...” or “...
Seth Godin on Creating Your Best Strategy & How Beer Changed the World
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why is the most popular pencil the # 2 pencil? What’s wrong with #1? And why are most pencils yellow? If you took an average pencil and drew one con...
Scientific Benefits of Practicing Any Religion & What It’s Like to Live in Space - SYSK Choice
07 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could get more done in less time? That would sure come in handy around the holidays – or any time. This episode begins with a simple str...
The Origins of Christmas Traditions & A Simple Way to Achieve Important Goals
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You know what stops a lot of people from asking their boss for a raise? It’s worrying about what the boss will think of them – just because they a...
The New Science of Sleeping, Breathing and Drinking & Where Did Dinosaurs Go?
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever heard of the word – shadenfreude. It’s when you are amused by or laugh at someone else’s failure or misfortune. We’ve all done ...
The Transformative Power of Play & How Habits Stick - SYSK Choice
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most brands and businesses have a logo. Designing and creating logos is both art and science it seems. And the FedEx logo is considered one of the mos...
Proven Ways to Extend Your Life & Here’s The Cure for Loneliness
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
People need physical touch and too many of us are not getting enough of it. The result is something called “touch starvation.” This episode begins...
The Unexpected Value of Regret & The Evolution of Creative Thought
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most refrigerators come with a light inside. It goes on when you open the door. It’s very helpful. So why doesn’t the freezer have a light too? Th...
The Skincare Hoax & How Measurement Shaped Our World - SYSK Choice
23 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We live in a culture that has a definite bias towards neatness. But it makes you wonder – is being neat objectively better than being messy? This ep...
The Real and False Promises of AI & What They Really Ate at the First Thanksgiving
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How many photographs have been taken worldwide in the history of photography? And how many just this year? These are a few of the fascinating facts th...
Stunningly Simple Secrets for Success & What Really Goes On at the CIA
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you’ve noticed that simply having friends has gotten expensive. Meeting for lunch, drinks after work, dinner at a restaurant can cost a lot! I...
The Car’s History and Future & Inside Your Unconscious Mind – SYSK Choice
16 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Sit up straight!” You’ve probably heard it since you were very young, and it turns out to be good advice. Your posture can affect your physical...
The Objective Science of Marijuana & Understanding the Certainty Trap
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Women apologize more than men. Why is that? This episode looks at the likely reason and it may surprise you. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
What the Internet Has Made Obsolete & Cool Health Care Hacks
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you are on the phone in a noisy environment, you probably cover your other ear to hear the phone better. Bad idea. This episode reveals a better ...
How to Happily Overcome Clutter & Why Pop Culture is so Valuable - SYSK Choice
09 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you shop for big ticket items like a house or car, it matters what day you choose to go – and probably for reasons you hadn’t thought of. Thi...
A Serious Look at UFOs & The Power of Grace in Today’s World
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you decide when to throw food out? If you go by the date printed on the package, you could be wasting a lot of money. Listen as this episode be...
How Notebooks Changed Your Life & Are Video Screens Really So Bad?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you know someone’s musical tastes, it can affect what you think of that person. It can even impact how attractive you find someone. I begin thi...
A Smart Guide to Friendships & English Tips From A Master Grammarian - SYSK Choice
02 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I can’t imagine anyone who wants to receive MORE emails. Most of us would prefer to get far fewer. That’s why this episode begins with some quick ...
How Pleasure Makes People Miserable & How Weight Loss Really Works
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone understands that getting enough sleep is important. But how important? This episode begins by revealing the benefits of getting just a mere 1...
How Regular People Become Millionaires & How The Power of Suggestion Works
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is handwriting analysis a real thing? Can an “expert” really tell if handwriting is forged or real or is it just their opinion? And can you tell a...
The Keys to a Long Term Relationship & How Our Minds Are Quirky - SYSK Choice
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From a very early age you were likely told not to lie. Lying is bad. And it seems that one of the things it is bad for is your health! This episode b...
The Psychology of Crowds & Where Did Life Come From?
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us have heard that the speed at which you drive can impact your gas mileage but by how much? My guess is you probably believe it isn’t a lot...
Are You Treating Your Clothes All Wrong? & The Power of Being Quiet
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You have seen a dollar bill hundreds of times, but have you ever really studied it? It’s fascinating. And the number 13 plays a prominent role. This...
How to Master the Skill of Quitting & Deconstructing Conspiracy Theories - SYSK Choice
19 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you suffer from any of these symptoms: Tiredness, stomach issues, dizziness, headaches, joint problems, dry skin or depression? What’s interesti...
What You Never Knew About Your Childhood & Go Inside the U.S. Capitol
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Something interesting seems to happen when couples are together for a long time. Without even trying, they are able to tune into their partner’s voi...
What Makes You Uniquely Human & How Words Affect Your Thoughts
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Major storms all get names: Milton, Katrina, Ian, Sandy etc. Why do we name storms? Do the names of storms ever get used again for other storms? Find ...
Understanding Our Phobias & How Your Dog Thinks – SYSK Choice
12 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all tend to want to impress others with our accomplishments or skills or whatever else that makes us exceptional. Yet there is a real problem with ...
What Makes You an Introvert or Extrovert? & Why Things Smell
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you are focused on a task, interruptions can be annoying and maddening. Yet, there may be a positive side to interruptions that balance out the ...
How to Know What Someone is Thinking & The Amazing Success Story of LEGO
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Watch a couple hold hands as they stroll own the road. It often seems cute and quaint. But it is more than that. Holding hands has some real benefits....
Setting Effective Boundaries & How to Make Important Decisions Confidently - SYSK Choice
05 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When someone first sees you, what impression do they get? What image do you project? It’s important to think about this if you want to be persuasive...
How to Sync with Your Circadian Rhythms & A Fascinating History of Cars
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“You should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day!” Well, wait a second. That advice is about 80 years old and frankly doesn’t really “hol...
Why We Still Don’t Have Flying Cars & Your Amazing Teeth
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Groceries are expensive. So, if you would like a simple yet effective technique to cut your grocery bill down, listen to the start of this episode to ...
How to Get it All Done and Be Happy & Why Most Food Advice is Wrong - SYSK Choice
28 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
iPhone users have likely noticed that some texts show up in blue and some show up in green. What’s the difference? This episode begins by explainin...
Why Pets Act in Weird Ways & When Your Brain Does Its Best Work
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How is your posture right now? If your shoulders are slouched, you are sending a message to others that you probably don’t want to send. I start thi...
When Doctors Get It Wrong & The Science of Kindness
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever fake a smile? We all do. What harm can it do? Well, it could do you some harm if you are the one doing the faking. Listen as I reveal the downsid...
The Solution to Overthinking & Why You’re Smarter Than AI - SYSK Choice
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could reduce your risk of heart disease by 30% without a lot of effort? After all, it is the number 1 killer in the U.S. This episode begi...
Remarkable Ways Horses Changed Your Life & The Real Benefits of Being Lazy
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have become much more of a cashless society in the last few years. That turns out to be a good thing because cash is really disgusting. Listen as I...
The Fascinating Gases that Surround You & Is Everyone Addicted to Something?
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some very popular drinks turn out to be really bad for your teeth. This episode begins with that list of drinks, what they do to your teeth and some s...
What Your Favorite Music Says About You & How to Ditch Negative Self-Talk - SYSK Choice
14 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My mother was a teacher, and I remember her saying that when you take a test and you don’t know the answer, go with the first answer that comes to y...
The Untold Dangers of Prescription Drugs & Fresh Look at Dealing with Anger
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At work, do you go out to lunch or eat at your desk? It makes a difference in the quality of your work after lunch is over. Listen and I’ll explain ...
Why Status is Critical to Your Success & Why Is There So Much Anxiety?
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the average lifespan, there are 2 separate years (and they are decades apart) where people report being the happiest. Can you guess what they are?...