Something You Should Know

Where Your Trash and Recycling Really Goes & A Fun and Effective Approach to Housework

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More and more people are opting to remove their shoes before they come into the house and asking guests to do it as well. Is it really necessary? Does...

SYSK Choice: Your Brain On the Internet & Embracing Your Weirdness

05 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Doodling – it is just something people do, particularly when listening to a boring speaker. While people often think of it as a distraction, doodlin...

Good News If You Are a Sensitive Person & The Fascinating History of Recorded Sound

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An amazing number of dogs get stolen every year. And it’s all about the money. This episode begins with a look at this growing crime and why you sho...

The New Science of How We Learn & How To Prevent Arguments From Happening

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On a hot summer day, lots of things can get dangerously hot. Your street, the dashboard and steering wheel inside your car, even your patio furniture ...

SYSK Choice: Understanding the Dimensions of Love & The Power of Strangers

29 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Isn’t salt – salt? I’ve always thought so. Sure there is kosher salt and sea salt and regular salt but now there are all these different colored...

Weird Things That Really Affect Your Health & Do You Work to Live or Live to Work?

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

People claim to get great ideas in the shower. But is that a real thing? Is there something about taking a shower that can actually generate ideas and...

Scams You Might Easily Fall For & Smalls Ways to Significantly Improve Your Health

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it true that a bee will die after it stings you? Or that YOU can die after a black widow spider bites you? This episode begins with a look at some ...

SYSK Choice: How Material Science Has Changed Your Life & The Joy of Sweat

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever noticed that aluminum foil has a shiny side and a dull side? Why do you suppose that is? Maybe it is significant – after all some recipes call ...

What Causes Coincidences & Where Did the Molecules In Your Body Come From?

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Somehow blue jeans, which are basically just work clothes, became this worldwide fashion staple, and have remained so for decades. How did that happen...

The Awesome Life and Contributions of Albert Einstein & How Ambitious Are You

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is the best (or worst) seat on a commercial airliner? That kind of depends on whether you mean safest, healthiest, or most comfortable seat. This...

SYSK Choice: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything & Why Scientists Can’t Define Life

15 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you order something online, do you then track the package to see where it is and when it is coming? This episode begins with the results of a sur...

Strange Stories About Amazing People & Extraordinary Lessons from Great Athletes

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of people still send checks in the mail. Increasingly that is becoming a bad idea. Listen as I reveal why postal authorities and banks are recom...

How Your Brain Predicts Your Reality & How To Be Calm and Why Should Be

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it bad to charge your phone overnight? Is it okay to use your phone while it is charging? We start this episode with some of the facts and myths ab...

SYSK Choice: Why Hidden Fees are “Gotcha” Capitalism & The Origins of Slang

08 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have probably all gotten a little more conscientious at washing our hands more frequently. Still, a lot of us are not washing correctly or with pro...

Why We Often Misunderstand Each Other & Why Are Toxic Chemicals In Your Clothes?

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

People often complain they get sick when they fly on an airplane. And they claim the problem is the recirculated air passengers breathe. That’s actu...

The Science of Innovation & When Doctors Make Mistakes

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that all people with blue eyes are related to each other? That is just one of the fascinating things we explore as I begin this episode w...

SYSK Choice: What Watching Sports Does to You & What Happy Couples Do

01 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of health and beauty advice has been passed down over many generations. And a lot of it is just plain wrong! Listen as this episode begins with ...

Why Do People Swear So Much? & How to Quickly Build Your Confidence

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Want to significantly improve your chances of a getting a good night’s sleep? This episode begins with a simple technique you can do today that can ...

What Makes Things Funny & Really Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Water

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder how spiders get into your house? This episode begins with an explanation and some ideas on how to make your home less appealing to spiders...

SYSK Choice: The Psychology of Secrets & How to Get Quicker Answers to Emails and Texts

24 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Before the mid 60s, a can of beer on a hot summer day was worthless without a can opener. Then along came the pop-top can. This episode begins with th...

Strange Origins of Common Words and Phrases & Meet Your Future Self

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A common recommendation for people trying to control their weight is to get enough sleep. Why? What could sleep have to do with losing weight? This ep...

Why You’re Always In Such a Hurry & What Listening to Music Does to You

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

People who blush know it can be embarrassing. That begs the question – why do people blush in the first place? This episode begins with a brief disc...

SYSK Choice: Our Preoccupation With Ownership & The Backstories of America’s Favorite Dishes

17 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us have had déjà vu – that feeling that what you are experiencing now, you have somehow experienced before. This episode begins with some ...

A Better Way to Create New Ideas & How to Take Control Of Difficult Conversations

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you think how much your smartphone costs to buy and maintain, it’s a smart idea to try to make it last as long as possible. This episode begins...

Get Things Done Without Feeling Overwhelmed & How To Master Self Confidence

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are all pretty clear on the dangers of driving while intoxicated. But there also appears to be some danger in driving while dehydrated. Who knew? T...

SYSK Choice: How to Decode Greatness to Achieve Success & The World’s Most Valuable Insect

10 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of good reasons to be more optimistic. Interestingly, it also seems simply pretending to be an optimist has many of the same benefits....

How to Say No and Feel Good About It & The One Thing That’s Better Than Happiness

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to take a nap, it might be a good idea to find a hammock. This episode begins with an explanation for why hammocks can help just about any...

How To Ask For Anything and Everything & The Unusual History of Ice

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever turn your phone off? I mean ALL the way off. This episode begins by explaining why it is a good idea to do it and how often you should. ht...

SYSK Choice: Why Your Self-Delusions Are Valuable & How to Flirt Successfully

03 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Back when grocery stores started charging for new plastic bags, there was a concern that using reusable grocery bags could be dangerous because of the...

The Extraordinary Ways The Workplace is Changing & Why You Have Allergies

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has secrets. And that can be a problem. The burden of keeping a secret has a ripple effect in your life you likely don’t realize. This epis...

The Strange Factors That Influence What You Buy & The Fascinating Story of Data

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why mosquitoes are attracted to some people more than others? I begin this episode by discussing 5 factors that make you so irresistible ...

SYSK Choice: The Science of Fear & How to Be A Great Communicator

27 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ask people what their favorite or lucky number is, and you will get a lot of different answers. But if you ask enough people and you start to notice t...

What Every Traveler Must Know Today & Is There Intelligent Alien Life Out There?

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s some good advice: SLOW DOWN! This episode begins with a list of things you do every day that you would actually do better if you did them slo...

The Very Excellent Reasons We Have a 7-Day Week & How Cats Became Pets

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As you know, you can’t tickle yourself. But if you are ticklish, anyone else can tickle you. So why is that? Even if you know someone is about to ti...

SYSK Choice: The Science of Happily Ever After & How To Rethink Anything

20 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you have a smart phone, you can take pictures of anything, anytime, anywhere. This episode starts with one very simple piece of advice that can m...

The Benefits of Finding Wonder In The World & What Is Money and How Does It Work?

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Where and when did someone come up with the idea for sunglasses? This episode begins with a brief history that goes way back in time to the very first...

Why We All Get Stuck In Life and How To Get Unstuck & The New Science of Longevity

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You know that if you don’t drink enough water you get dehydrated. Still, there are other factors that can accelerate dehydration you may not be awar...

SYSK Choice: Your Illusion of Knowledge & Has Restaurant Nutrition Really Improved?

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Timing is important, especially when it comes to the big life decisions you make. In fact, the time of day you make a big decision matters a lot. This...

How The “User Experience” Became A Thing & How To Change Someone’s Mind

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“Don’t spoil the ending!” It seems no one wants to know how a story or movie ends until they see it end in real time. But maybe knowing the endi...

Why Parking Your Car Is Such a Pain & How Invisible Microbes Shape Your World

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Drinking coffee in the morning is a pleasant habit for many of us. However, this episode begins by explaining why you might want to smell your coffee ...

SYSK Choice: Improving Your Digital Body Language & How Food Affected Human Evolution

06 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Doctors are supposed to know medical truth from myth. Yet a lot of doctors are misinformed – at least on some things. This episode begins with some ...

What You Never Knew About Your Blood But Should & How To Conquer Burnout?

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most cars today are “connected cars.” That means that automakers and vendors can send and receive information directly with your car. Sounds like ...

Why Quitting Can Be The Best Option & Why Humans Are Attracted to Bodies of Water

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is beginner’s luck a real thing or just some weird occurrence that happens occasionally? This episode starts with a brief explanation of beginner’...

SYSK Choice: How Your Brain Changes Who You Are & The Science Behind Beverages

29 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Decent sunglasses are a must. Otherwise, you are asking for trouble. If you doubt that, just ask any eye doctor. We know that ultraviolet light is bad...

The Important Reason We Label Generations & The Strange Stories of Medical Breakthroughs

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is spring fever a real thing? This episode begins with a brief discussion on what spring fever is, what the symptoms are and if there is a cure. https...

The Fast Track To Self-Confidence & How To Stop Procrastinating and Get It Done

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

People with names that are difficult to pronounce are often discriminated against. It is not intentional necessarily, but it happens. The result can b...

SYSK Choice: How to Change to Reach Your Goals & What It Means to be Alive

22 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How can too much noise make you less generous? As we have discussed here in the past, noise levels are increasing, and all that noise can have negativ...

Instantly Optimize Your Powers of Persuasion & Are We Way Too Cautious?

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“Never cry at work!” has been common, long-standing advice for employees. Still, people DO cry at work sometimes – so what do other people think...

Why And How To Awaken Your 5 Senses & What Happens When Someone Breaks Your Heart

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is hard to get through life without writing things down on a yellow legal pad. You probably have some of those writing pads in your home right now....

SYSK Choice: Secrets to Increase Your Endurance & The Complexities of Rest

15 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to be happy, it helps that you have happy friends. And it helps even more if your friends’ friends are happy too. I begin this episode d...

How to Be An Extraordinary Individual & What Would You Change About Your Personality?

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is likely something you are worried about right now. After all, humans worry. This episode begins with some good news for you regarding whatever...

The Power of Human Touch & Why Outer Space Smells Like Rum and Raspberries

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You would have a hard time finding someone who doesn’t like the smell of freshly cut grass. In fact, some people love that scent. Why? What’s so s...

SYSK Choice: How To Find REAL Love & How Our Ability to Speak Defines Us

08 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Music can affect us in lots of ways. You may not know that the music playing in a store can impact your spending behavior. This episode begins by look...

The Lure of Cheap Crap & Will Artificial Intelligence Take Over Your Job?

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is an art and science to flattery This episode starts with a look at how powerful it can be if you know how to give and take a compliment and of...

One Proven Thing That Will Help You Live Longer & How Everyday Things Get Made

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a doodler like me? I often doodle when I listen to a talk or a presentation – even when I interview people for the podcast. And it seems the...

SYSK Choice: How Your Brain’s Mistakes Make You Successful & Life After Privacy

01 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Using a public bathroom is usually not the highlight of your day. However, when it comes to choosing which stall or urinal to use, there is a way to ...

What You Never Knew About the Music You Love & How Much Money Is Enough

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How can the clothes you wear influence your personality? You will be surprised to discover how different clothes and different colors change the way y...

You Are Mentally Tougher Than You Think & Why We Mispronounce Words

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to make the food you cook taste better – switch the plates, bowls and glasses. This episode begins by discussing how and why that works....

SYSK Choice: The New Science of Human Metabolism & The Real Reasons Wars Exist

25 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you are into stories of success and what it takes to be the best, you will sometimes here someone quote a study about the importance of goal settin...

Shhh! The Amazing Benefits of Being Quiet & Why You Get Cravings

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is going to sound weird but a good time to make a decision is when you have the urge to go to the bathroom. You are probably wondering; how can t...

What The Voice Inside Your Head is Really Saying & What is Normal?

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is common for your mind to wander. That’s what people do, especially if they are not doing anything that requires deep thought or concentration. ...

SYSK Choice: The Universe’s Biggest Questions Answered & A Fascinating Study of Pain

18 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

No one likes to throw away milk because it went bad. What you may not know is that there is a little trick that can help your milk last longer and I b...

The Magic Words To Get What You Want & Why You Get Headaches

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Groceries are expensive. So this episode begins with a very effective and uncomplicated strategy that can save you a ton of money at the supermarket w...

What Marketers Can Tell From The Sound of Your Voice & What It Means to Be Healthy

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you are having a bad day, you might want to try washing a particular body part. It appears it helps even though it makes no sense. Listen and I wil...

SYSK Choice: Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon & Healthier Relationship Fighting

11 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not too early to think about Mother’s Day. It’s not that far away. So, who started it? How did it all begin. Listen as I begin this episode...

Crypto, Blockchain and NFTs Made Simple & The Story of The Oscars

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

At the start of a relationship, how important is that first kiss? This episode begins with some interesting statistics that show the significance and ...

Science Myths A Lot of People Still Believe & The Strange Story of the Polygraph

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can trees fight crime? Apparently so - at least some types of crime. Although no one is exactly sure how. Listen and I’ll explain. https://www.moth...

SYSK Choice: Why You Should Listen to Your Fears & How Dogs Can Detect Disease

04 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cat owners are well aware that cats like to hunt, kill and bring home birds and mice as a trophy. There is something cat owners can do to help reduce ...

How You Perceive the World Isn’t Quite Right & Why Productivity is Very Overrated

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Being left-handed or right-handed actually impacts how you make decisions. So how can that be? This episode begins with the explanation. http://casa...

Why You Are SO Not the Person You Used to Be & How to Face the Unknown

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Go to any drug store and somewhere you will see the initials Rx. You probably assume it has to do with medicine or prescriptions or something. But why...

SYSK Choice: The Secrets to Speaking With Confidence & Valuable Food Safety Tips

25 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Think of all the batteries you use in your home for all your remotes and clocks and flashlights. We all go through a lot of batteries and as you are a...

How Your Memory Works and Sometimes Doesn’t & What Humans Are Made Of

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The simple act of touching other people – by hugging or a high five or putting your arm around someone – is very powerful. This episode begins by ...

What Makes People Like You & The Power and Benefits of Asking for What You Need

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You know when you see a really good dancer? What separates the good ones from the not-so-good ones? Well, it is all about one specific part of the bod...

SYSK Choice: How to Be Ready for Your Big Moment & Making Sense of Statistics

18 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why are there potholes? Did you know there actually is a “pothole season” when they are more likely to occur? This episode begins with a discussio...

What Makes Food Delicious & The Fight Against Quackery

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The freezer in your kitchen is not especially kind to the ice cream you store in it – or many other foods for that matter. This episode starts with ...

The Upside of Being Taken For A Sucker & Why Projects Are Often Late and Over-Budget

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We start this episode with some interesting things worth knowing about your credit card including what your options are when the credit card company r...

SYSK Choice: The Complexities of Ownership & What Money Really Is

11 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How much gold is on our planet? And have we found most of it? This episode begins with some fascinating intel on gold including how much gold is actua...

The Importance of Small Talk & Why You Do What You Do

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why do you have eyebrows? Like everything else, they must have a purpose – there must be a reason. Well, actually there are three reasons. I begin t...

Easy Ways to Rid Toxins From Your Home & Secrets to Having a Happy Pet

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You have likely had the experience of walking into a room for something – and then forgetting why. You probably feel foolish, yet it happens to ever...

SYSK Choice: Why Half of Life is a Total Mystery & How The News Affects Us

04 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You have likely noticed that men – and teenage boys – will sometimes act foolishly in front of a pretty women. It is also true that men take more ...

What’s Wrong With Healthcare & How Restaurants Work and Why So Many Fail

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How can dirt be good for you? This episode begins with the proven benefits of playing in the dirt – or even gardening if that is more your speed. ht...

How to Think Outside Your Brain & Proven Secrets to A Long and Fulfilling Life

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Human beings seek out novelty. That’s a good thing in many ways – but it is also troublesome. This episode begins with a look at why we seek out n...

SYSK Choice: How to Solve a Problem by Reframing It & Understanding Behavioral Bias

28 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone makes mistakes. Still, it would be nice if we could all make fewer of them. This episode begins by revealing a few simple strategies to help ...

Understanding The Hacker's Mind & Your Ever Shrinking Attention Span

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Could you be smarter, thinner and better looking than you think you are? This episode begins with a look at how people tend to underestimate some of t...

Inventions That Changed Your World & How to Make Better Love and Money Decisions

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why are they called marshmallows? Where did the name Spam come from? Is there alligator in Gatorade? This episode begins with the interesting origins ...

SYSK Choice: Critical Steps to Quality Sleep & The Secret to Productive Disagreements

21 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Some people tend to over-apologize. They even apologize for things that are not their fault. I start this episode by explaining why we do it and why w...

Harnessing the Voice Inside Your Head & How to Shape a Perfect Meeting

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you see a construction site where there is sandblasting going on, you probably shouldn’t hang around. This episode begins with an explanation o...

Our Fascination With Butts & What Makes A Good Apology (and A Bad One)

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The pitch of your voice sends a message. Often when you are nervous or stressed, the pitch goes up and people can tell. This episode begins with some ...

SYSK Choice: Why You Are Prone to Financial Mistakes & Why Time is Just a Mirage

14 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered to yourself, “Is it ever too late?” Perhaps there are goals in your life and career that you think have passed you by. That...

The Proven Benefits of Having More Fun & How We Tamed Electricity

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wouldn’t it be great if you had a way to turbocharge your will power when you are faced with temptation? Well, you do have such a way. This episode ...

The Power of Awe and Wonder & The Backstories of Your Favorite Songs

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you are all stuffed up with a cold or the flu or Covid, it can be very hard to sleep because you can’t breathe. This episode begins with some e...

SYSK Choice: What Influences How Food Tastes & How Habits Work

07 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve heard about pheromones, right? Supposedly they can make you more appealing. In fact, some perfumes and colognes claim to have pheromones in t...

Amazing Things Your Smartphone Camera Can Do & Is Fasting Really Healthy?

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We all want to be happy – but maybe not too happy. This episode begins by explaining how too much happiness can be a problem and how a little unhapp...

What Really Influences What You Purchase & The Benefits of Being Bold

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you use a public restroom, is it better to use a paper towel or an air dryer to dry your hands? In terms of getting your hands really clean, ther...

SYSK Choice: How to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions & What Influences Our Preferences

31 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we yawn? You might think it is because we are tired or bored. However, according to some research, yawning has nothing to do with either of tho...

How to Move On From a Setback & The Interesting Way Trends Come and Go

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You mother likely told you to drink a lot of fluids when you have a cold or the flu. So, what is the theory there? How does drinking water or juice or...

Why The Right Words Matter & How to Stop Avoiding Stuff

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is something about feeling appreciated that feels so very good. However, there is one big problem with appreciation. This episode begins with an...

SYSK Choice: Why We Dream & How to Be Personal in a Digital World

24 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of theories and myths about alcohol and how not to fall victim to its effects. For example, mixing caffeine with alcohol will make you...

The Power of Rituals & The Reason People Hate to Exercise

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Smiling is a universal expression of happiness. Even babies born blind smile. So, what does smiling do for you? Why are we attracted to another person...

The Microchip Shortage and How it Affects You & Why Smart People Make Bad Choices

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Still need to get some holiday shopping done? One of the biggest stressors is trying to find a parking spot. So, this episode begins with some smart h...