Something You Should Know

SYSK Choice: How to Train a Human (or Dog) & Why English Has Changed

17 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are taught that jealousy and envy are not particularly productive emotions. Well, maybe – and maybe not. This episode begins with a look at how j...

Where Christmas Traditions Come From & How to Talk With Children

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you go to a restaurant, there are some things you may not want to touch. Why? Well, because they are crawling with germs and just kinda gross. Th...

The Surprising Benefits of Religion & What Living In Outer Space Does To A Person

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Especially around the holidays, wouldn’t it be great if you could get more done in less time? Listen as I explain a simple strategy that works amazi...

SYSK Choice: Making Good On Your Best Intentions & What Your Brain Is Doing Now

10 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Christmas season is full of stories and traditions. This episode begins with some facts about Christmas you may have never heard before. For examp...

How to Optimize Your Argument Skills & Tips to Instantly Improve Your Writing

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The holiday season is when we are most likely to give to those less fortunate. However, if you are going to give, there are some things that homeless ...

How to Sleep Like You’ve Never Slept Before & Sharpening Your Assertiveness Skills

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Warning: Do Not Remove This Tag Under Penalty of Law”. For many years every pillow and mattress carried a tag with that warning. Today the langua...

SYSK Choice: The Science Behind Human Quirks & Why Counting is Complicated

03 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During the holiday season, you likely use a lot of power strips to plug in lights and decorations. This episode begins with some advice about what NEV...

Why You Need to Play More & The Good News and Bad News About Habits

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The FedEx logo is legendary. It has won countless awards. Everyone who knows about logos says it is fabulous. Why? This episode begins with a look at ...

How Scarcity Influences What You Buy & How Social Media Clouds Your Perception

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your doctor is supposed to wash his or her hands between patients. But sometimes doctors forget. Would you speak up if you saw that and ask your docto...

SYSK Choice: The Good and Bad in Human Nature & Let’s Rethink Your Daily Routine

26 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

People didn’t always eat cereal for breakfast. In fact, the idea really didn’t catch on until the 1940s and 1950s. So, where and how did they idea...

Why We Are So Often Wrong & How to Dial Down Anxiety

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why does it seem that your stomach growls at exactly the wrong time? It is right when the room is full of people and very very is quiet. That's when y...

What You Didn’t Know About Skin Care Products & Why We Measure Everything

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Being neat is generally considered a good thing. But is neater, better? This episode begins with a look at the difference between neat and messy peopl...

SYSK Choice: John Cleese’s Guide to Creativity & The Role Chance Plays in Your Life

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

People make judgements about you the minute the lay eyes on you. This episode begins by explaining how those first impressions are determined and how...

The Secret to Being More Resilient & Why Thrill Seekers Do What They Do

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Teenage lovers hold hands but as people get older, we see it less and less. And that may be a bad thing. This episode begins by discussing the benefit...

How Cars Changed The World & What's Going On In Your Unconscious Mind?

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Having bad posture not only impacts how you appear to others, it can also have an effect on your physical and mental health in ways you may not know. ...

SYSK Choice: Why Emotional Agility is So Important & Is Earth Safe from Asteroids?

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How likely is it that your umbrella will attract lightning in a storm or that the elevator you are in will suddenly drop? Ever worry that a big spider...

The Trouble With Clutter & The Appeal of Pop Culture

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you shop for big ticket items like a house or car, the day you choose to go really matters. This episode begins with a look at what days are best...

How to Make The Biggest Decision of Your Life & Curiosities of The Human Mind

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your mother probably told you not to lie – and she was right. Of course, there are the moral reasons for not lying but it seems lying is also bad fo...

SYSK Choice: Money Tips to Help You Save & How Building Design Impacts You

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

First impressions matter. That’s because once a person makes judgements about you, it can be difficult to change it. This episode begins by revealin...

The 4 Stages of Mastering Any Big Change & The Latest In The War On Cancer

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While I am certain you are a safe driver, there is one tip race car drivers know that will make you an even safer driver, particularly in the event wh...

The Fascinating World of Boredom & The Origins of Halloween Customs

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 Everyone knows what a placebo is. We have talked about the placebo effect on previous episodes. Most people probably think of it as applying to medi...

SYSK Choice: Why Everyone’s Perception is Unique & How to Outsmart Your Smartphone

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When people get angry, it is pretty common for them to get upset and maybe start yelling at whoever made them mad. That is a bad idea. This episode be...

Why Little Things Really Matter In Relationships & Cool and Weird Stories About Cemeteries

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What follows is a list of the most popular Halloween candy overall in the U.S. Listen as I explain why this list is important if you plan to give out ...

How Your Body Clock Really Controls Your Life & Exciting New Trends in Entrepreneurship

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Girls cry more than boys – that seems apparent. But why? Is it social conditioning or something more? Listen as I reveal what one researcher has dis...

SYSK Choice: The Key Elements of Kindness & What Science Really Is

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Confidence makes you more attractive. It just does. So, I begin this episode by offering a short list of simple things you can do that will make you f...

Quitting: How To Know When To Walk Away & Why Some People Love Conspiracy Theories

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What do the following symptoms have in common: Tiredness, dizziness, stomach issues, headaches, dry skin, joint problems and depression? The answer is...

Why We Have Phobias & Why Dogs Behave The Way They Do

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It is always tempting to try to impress people and show them how fabulous you are – or your child is. However, there is a downside to appearing to b...

SYSK Choice: Why It’s a Miracle We Are Here & How Thoughts Affect Your Movement

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The humble sandwich has been around for thousands of years and eaten all over the world in one form or another. Guess how many sandwiches the average ...

The Science Behind Your Weird Thoughts and Habits & Your Power to Influence Others

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you are facing a big decision, you should sleep on it first. That is common advice. But is there any validity to it? This episode begins with the a...

How to Train People to Respect Your Boundaries & How to Tackle Big Decisions in Life

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who do you project yourself to be? It’s an important question if you want to convince someone of something. This episode begins with a look at how p...

SYSK Choice: The Innovation Delusion & Handy Physics Answers to Everyday Life

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode begins with a fascinating example of just how amazing the human mind is. You see, how people feel about the medication they take impacts...

Odd Quirks of the Human Brain & A Peek Behind the Scenes of Air Travel

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You have likely never ordered a milkshake from room service at a hotel because milkshakes are most likely not on the room service menu. Still, if a ho...

What It Means To Be Rich & What You Never Knew About Your Heart

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's weird but true that a lot of people’s behavior can actually change just because they wear sunglasses or are in a dimly lit room. This episode b...

SYSK Choice: What REALLY Makes You an Individual & How Exercise is Medicine

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 We call them expiration dates when referring to dates on food packages but they aren’t all really expiration dates. The dates sometimes mean other...

How to Stop Overthinking and Move On & Why AI Will Not Take Over The World

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Heart disease is the #1 killer in the world. While there are many things you can do to reduce your risk, this episode begins by revealing a simple way...

How To Get All Your Important Stuff Done & Busting Popular Food Myths

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you are an iPhone user, you may have noticed that some of your texts show up in blue and some show up in green This episode begins with the explana...

SYSK Choice: Your Mindset About Money & How Looks Matter

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s pretty clear that the placebo effect is a real thing even though we don’t understand it very well. This episode begins by exploring the reaso...

Why You Love The Music You Love & The Horrible Things You Tell Yourself

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you have to take a test and you don’t know the answer, the conventional advice is to go with your first answer. A lot of people believe that –...

Surprising Ways Being Indoors Affects You & The Lazy Way to Get Things Done

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 You have probably been in a situation where you felt shy. As a result, you probably held back and didn’t engage with people as much as you could h...

SYSK Choice: Are Winning Streaks A Real Thing? & How to Stay Focused When Distracted

17 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone loves ketchup – or so it seems. In fact, it is one of the most universally loved foods in America. Why? This episode begins with some inte...

The Amazing YouTube Success Story & Why We Behave the Way We Do

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your mother told you not to lie. After all, lying is dishonest. More importantly, it may also be bad for your health. This episode begins by revealing...

How to Learn Anything So It Sticks & Peculiarities of the Human Brain

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You just might want to take your car keys to bed with you at night. Why? This episode begins with an interesting explanation – and it all has to do ...

SYSK Choice: How Food Companies Skew What We Eat & How to Avoid Tech Stress

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Since watching a scary movie can be so stressful and even unpleasant – why do people do it? This episode begins with a discussion on why people watc...

How to Make and Improve Friendships & Why English Can Get So Confusing

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“ I wish I got more emails!” – said no one ever. Many of us start the day wading through emails we wish we never got in the first place. This ep...

How Batteries Changed the World & Why Status and Culture Matter

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anyone who cooks on a grill has wondered why it is that hot dogs come in packages of ten while hot dog buns are sold in packages of eight. Why the mis...

SYSK Choice: Why Your Sense of Smell is So Important & Why Your Bucket List is Time-Sensitive

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you save things that take up space that you know you will never, ever use again? This episode begins with some simple advice that will help you cle...

The Problem With Being Too Nice & Mastering Everyday Negotiations

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You probably don’t think of the Internet as an actual place but it really is – sort of. All of our computers have to connect to each other somewhe...

How You Treat People Affects Your Health & How A Simple Surprise Can Change Your Life Forever

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you noticed that when you are working on a problem or trying to come up with a new idea there comes a point of diminishing returns? Then the more...

SYSK Choice: Fascinating Benefits of Insects & Having Everything is Rarely Enough

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have never found over-the-counter cough and cold medicine to be very effective at relieving symptoms and I know a lot of people feel the same. Howev...

How to Organize, Prioritize and Get Things Done & How to Achieve Peak Performance

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a good thing you learned math in school. Why? Because when you apply math to pizza, you will realize that there is one size pizza that is almos...

Why You Eat The Way You Do & Why We All Love a Good Mystery

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever thought your relationship with your cellphone was a bit over the top? This episode begins with a look at how Americans use their cellpho...

SYSK Choice: How to Deal With FOMO & Optimizing Your Immunity

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The typewriter keyboard was invented in the 1800s. Today, the layout of the letters on a computer keyboard is essentially the same as it was back then...

How to Tell What Someone is REALLY Thinking & The Mystery and Lore of Shipwrecks

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is an old adage that "opposites attract." And you do sometimes see couples that seem to prove the point. Still, just how common is it for very d...

The Power of Being Humble in a Narcissistic World & Where Stars Come From

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever have a night where your dreams seem really vivid and maybe even disturbing? This episode begins by looking at the typical causes of really weird ...

SYSK Choice: Unusual Facts You Never Knew & Your Solution to Too Much Paper

13 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who doesn’t love a barbecue? Still, there are some dangers with outdoor cooking. For instance, when was the last time you really cleaned your grill...

What Love Does To You & The Oddities of Death

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever noticed how great ideas and solutions often come to you in the shower? This episode begins with an explanation as to why that often happ...

Is Junk Food Really So Bad? & How Buildings Affect Your Health and Behavior

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could drink without getting drunk? Or at least feel the effects of alcohol less? One professional beer taster has a way to do it and this ...

SYSK Choice: The Survival of the Friendliest & The Quickest Way to be Debt Free

06 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your typical meeting involves people sitting in chairs talking. For many meetings, there may be a better way that yields better results. This episode ...

What Makes You The Person You Are & Understanding Extreme Weather

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever get a song in your head but you can’t remember the title? This episode begins with a simple trick using your smartphone that will help identify...

Toxic Positivity and The Harm It Causes & What’s Your Real Biological Age?

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How many times did your mother tell you not to swim for half an hour after you eat or not to scratch a bug bite or don’t touch someone who has poiso...

SYSK Choice: The Evolution of Counting & Our Obsession With the Unexplained

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Water is amazing. Drink it and it keeps you alive. But did you know that drinking water can also make you smarter? This episode begins by explaining w...

Why Some People Stand Up to Bullies and Others Don’t & Where Idioms Come From

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seems like there is always new research coming out about the benefits of coffee. This episode begins with another one – and maybe one you haven’t ...

Is The Shopping Mall Dead? & When Less Is Really More

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You have likely heard people say that having a dog is good for you. Usually, dog lovers say that. So exactly how good is good? Do dogs really improve ...

SYSK Choice: How to Get the Truth From Anyone & Fascinating Bird Facts

23 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you took driver’s education, you probably remember being told to keep your hands at 10:00 o’clock and 2:00 o’clock on the steering wheel. Tha...

Why The Negativity Effect Rules Your Life & What You Never Knew About Liquids

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You probably hate when people don’t respond to your emails, right? Well, you may be part of the problem. Listen as I explain how this one little mis...

Bonus Episode: Why We Must Defeat Climate Change and How to Do It

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The earth is getting warmer and the consequences of that have already begun to impact us all. Today, 6 out of 10 Americans describe themselves as “a...

What Happens When You Love Things Instead of People & What Will Likely Kill You

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dog owners love it when their dog kisses them on the face. But is it really safe? This episode begins by explaining just how clean a dog’s mouth is ...

SYSK Choice: Understanding Time and Space & The Steps to a Perfect Apology

16 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Being healthy takes a lot of work. But maybe it doesn’t always have to. This episode begins with some simple yet effective techniques that will help...

Understanding Taste and Flavor & Why It’s Good To Get Angry - Sometimes

14 Jul 2022

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...

How to Avoid The Summer Travel Chaos & Preventing Regrets About Money

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why is it that as soon as you get your car washed, a bird will find it and leave a nice big poop on your shiny clean car? Whatever force of nature cau...

SYSK Choice: The Psychology of Design & How to Be a Better Conversationalist

09 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It seems to be human nature that the more money you have in your wallet, the more likely you are to spend it. And it also turns out that what kind of ...

How Toxic Individualism Is Destroying Relationships & The History of Fragrances

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing ruins a trip like getting car sick. But now there are motion sickness glasses. Do they work? Reader’s Digest tested them out and a lot of pe...

Why You Should Do Hard Things & Sneaky Ways Companies Get Your Personal Data

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve all seen how dogs sniff each other – and it appears we humans do the same thing. (Not to dogs but to other humans). I begin this episode exp...

SYSK Choice: DNA Demystified & Why Food Culture is So Popular

02 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever have a hard time finding your keys or wallet or glasses – or even where you left your car in a parking lot? Why is it so hard to keep track of ...

A Better Way to Solve Problems & Why Anxiety is a Good Thing

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you prefer fresh or frozen fish? Most people would likely choose fresh – but the topic is a bit more complicated than choosing one or the other. ...

The Magic That Happens When You Help Others & How to Survive Just About Anything

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve all gotten the word about the importance of sunscreen. But there are several places on your body you are likely to miss when you apply it. Thi...

SYSK Choice: The Paradox of Passion & How Problems Can Improve Relationships

25 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is it about spicy food that makes some people love it and others avoid it like the plague? This episode begins with an interesting explanation an...

Should You Really Believe in Luck & How to Accept Bad Things You Cannot Change

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Given the price of gasoline, we all need to conserve every drop we can. While you have probably heard of some of the ways to save gas, there are a fe...

Why Friends Are So Important & The Extraordinary Benefits of Writing Things Down

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why do cashiers often ask for your phone number or email address? What if you don’t want to share that information? This episode begins by explainin...

SYSK Choice: Effective Ways to Make Big Changes & The Benefits of Thinking for Yourself

18 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

People like reruns. We like to watch old TV shows and movies over and over again, we often order the same meal at a restaurant, listen to the same son...

What Makes Someone Credible & How to Finish What You Start

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a smiler? Smiling turns out to be really good for you in a lot of ways. This episode begins with an explanation of some of the surprising bene...

The History of Fun & The Price You Pay for Lack of Sleep

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The pandemic certainly made us more aware of the importance of washing our hands. However, it isn’t just how often you wash, it is also the techniqu...

SYSK Choice: Overcoming Negative Self-Talk & The Science of Skin

11 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With today’s gas prices, you want to make every gallon count. So perhaps you’ve wondered if you should stop your engine at a railroad crossing or ...

How to Effectively Avoid Distractions & A Understanding Positive Psychology

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

About one in ten people claim to be allergic to penicillin. Interestingly, while they may think they are – many of them are not. How can this be? Th...

Understanding Evil & How the Bicycle Transformed the World

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve always thought it was odd that it is called “plastic” surgery. What’s even stranger is that the term goes back over 200 years – long be...

SYSK Choice: The Art of Breathing & An Easy Way to Smarter Decisions

04 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

No one likes getting those annoying robocalls. This episode begins with a simple way to stop robocalls for free – and it really works. In fact it is...

How the Rich Get Rich & Subtle Things that Dramatically Influence Your Behavior

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone snoops and eavesdrops. . It’s part of being human. This episode begins with a discussion on eavesdropping and snooping and why it is so har...

New Science of Character and Personality & Why Everyone Seems to Be Arguing

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know Memorial Day wasn’t declared a national Holiday until 1971? And it wasn’t always called Memorial Day either. Those are just a few of ...

SYSK Choice: Eat Like an Animal to Lose Weight & Skills for a Healthy Relationship

28 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you get a fever, what should you do? Some people say you should take medicine to knock it down – some say to leave it alone and let it run its ...

How Stress Distorts Your Thinking & What You Never Knew About the Clothes You Wear

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It seems that no matter how much water you drink, someone is always telling you to drink more. They may be right. It does seem that staying hydrated i...

How Modern Surgery Changed Everything & How to Ask the Right Questions

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For some reason, dogs seem to love to hang their head out the car window when it’s moving. Why do they do that? And is it a good idea to let them do...

SYSK Choice: The Best Advice is Not to Give Any & Overcoming Cognitive Dissonance

21 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

People say they are attracted to people who make them laugh and have a good sense of humor. But it is a bit more complicated than that. It is true tha...

What Distractions Do To Your Brain & What You Never Knew About Your Pharmacy

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know the difference between ice cream, gelato, soft-serve, frozen yogurt and sorbet? This episode begins by explaining what they all are and ho...

Bonus Episode: Saving the World One Meal At a Time

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Two of the biggest problems facing the world today are hunger and food waste. So, what if you created a business that tackled both problems in a way t...

How Peer Pressure Really Works & Is Shyness Normal?

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t you hate it when a doctor makes you wait well past your appointment time? Why do they do that? Should you complain? What’s a reasonable amou...

SYSK Choice: Simple Steps to Being Happier & How Fungi Powers Life

14 May 2022

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...

Bonus Episode: A Charged Up Success Story

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a special bonus episode that is part of the Dell PodFerence 2022… Everyone has been in a situation where your phone was running out of power...

How to Learn Anything Better and Faster & The Mosquito: Humans' Worst Enemy

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you wear a certain fragrance, people will perceive you as 12 pounds thinner. That’s just one of many fascinating things I discuss about your sens...

Science Behind Love and Friendship & How to Get Better At Saying No

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every now and then you see someone being interviewed on television who has reached 100 years old - or older and claims to have smoked cigarettes and d...

SYSK Choice: How to Successfully Negotiate Anything & The Unknown Benefits of Walking

07 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What you smell can have a really interesting effect on you. Smells can make you happy, improve concentration and even boost your energy. This episode ...