Something You Should Know
Episodes
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...
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...