Something You Should Know

Weird Factors That Distort Your Thinking & How Animals Perceive the World

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Holding on to a grudge can feel righteous. After all, you’ve been wronged. You are entitled to hold that grudge. However, there are a lot more reaso...

Using Data to Get What You Want & What You Didn’t Know About Weather and Nature

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shoes can be dangerous - especially if they have big heels. This episode begins by looking at the long history of trouble caused by high heels and oth...

SYSK Choice: The Key to Mega-Successful Products & Public Speaking Made Easy

30 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Spring is when birds build nests and lay eggs all over the place. And you have probably heard that if a baby bird falls out of the nest you shouldn’...

How to Learn From People You Disagree With & Ways to Turn Down Your Anxiety

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How many times have you heard that - “We live in a fast-paced world?” Yet, in many ways we set that pace for ourselves. We like to do things quick...

The Science of Creativity & What You Never Knew About the Periodic Table of Elements

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How many hours of sleep do you need? Some people claim they can do just fine with 4 or 5 hours. Can they really? This episode begins with a look at wh...

SYSK Choice: People Behind the Great Firsts in History & Job Search Strategies That Work

23 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard of dooring? It is a bicyclist’s nightmare. Dooring is when someone in a car along the side of the road opens the door just as you rid...

Why Perfectionists Aren’t So Perfect & How Advertisers Target You

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the weather gets warmer, people wear flip flops. While they may be easy and convenient, there are some problems with flip flops. This episode begin...

What to Do When You Feel Stuck & How Alternative Health Practices Can Actually Work

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who you hang out with can affect your health. This episode begins with some interesting research from Gallup about the impact your friends can have on...

SYSK Choice: How to Avoid Eating Plastic & Overcoming Cognitive Bias

16 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every year a lot of pedestrians crossing the street get hit by cars and trucks. If you are often a pedestrian walking the streets, there is one techni...

Take a Tour of the Human Body & Amazing Stories Your Doctor is Afraid to Tell You

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If Easter is a Christian celebration of the resurrection of Christ, how did the Easter Bunny become part of it? This episode begins by explaining wher...

How to Be The Most Influential Person in the Room & What You Never Knew About Grief

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your freezer has an ice maker and your ice maker - believe it or not - has a heater. This episode begins with an explanation of why your ice maker has...

SYSK Choice: How to Get More by Doing Less & Fascinating Real-World Math Fails

09 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some headaches seem to happen out of the blue? This episode begins with a list of reasons people seldom consider for what could be causing thei...

How Changing Your Expectations Can Change Your Life & The Story of Pizza

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had something go “down the wrong pipe” while you were eating and you started choking? Why does that happen? Is it dangerous? This episode beg...

Surprising New Science to Help Anyone Be Thin & How to Make Good Ideas Great

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You have likely heard the advice that you should wash brand new clothes before you wear them the first time. Is that true - and if so why? This episod...

SYSK Choice: The Power of Personal Validation & Train Your Mind to Optimize Performance

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. This episode begins with some proven techniques that will instantly make you look better and ...

How to Create More Willpower When You Need It & Skin Care Myths That Could Be Harmful

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Putting Covid aside, it turns out people are not getting sick and dying like they used to or in the numbers they used to. In fact, the number of cases...

The Science of Slowing Down Aging & Things You Believe That Are Just Not True

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a food a comfort food? Do those foods really comfort you? This episode begins by discussing why we crave our favorite comfort foods and wha...

SYSK Choice: How to Overcome Self-Deception & The Fascinating Science of Weather

26 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Something I used to struggle with on my iPhone was going back and moving the cursor around in a text message or email. But I struggle no more! There i...

Is AI Making You Lazy and Dumb? & The Secret Science of Stickiness

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You probably have all sorts of batteries in your home. This episode begins with some interesting intel about batteries including how to use them, what...

Have More Impact on the People Around You & Chef Secrets to Make Food Tastier

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been tempted to buy a product (usually electronics) labeled, “refurbished”? The price is typically discounted and often the warranty...

SYSK Choice: How to Think Like a Rocket Scientist & How Coffee Became Our Favorite Drink

19 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone knows not to go grocery shopping when you are hungry because you will likely buy junk you don’t need. Actually, it turns out you shouldn’...

Our Desire to Fit In and the Problems That Creates & How Language Lets Us Down

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you spend much time in meetings, you have probably noticed that often, it is just a few people who tend to dominate and take up most of the time. I...

Wondery Presents: We Crashed

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The founders of WeWork thought they were on the brink of making history. The company was valued at $47 billion dollars, ready for a huge IPO, and its ...

The Reasons Humans Act So Strangely & Why the Health of Your Mouth Really Matters

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can simply drinking water make you smarter? Apparently so, at least for a little while. While no one is exactly sure why, I begin this episode by expl...

SYSK Choice: The Anatomy of Love & How Successful People Achieve Their Goals

12 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I know I have heard people claim that bad weather causes aches and pains in their body. Is that real? Can the weather affect your joints or bones in a...

How To Make Smarter Decisions & Why Some Vices Are Actually Good

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every airport has runways - and all of those runways have numbers. The numbers are always between 1 and 36. This episode begins with an explanation on...

How to Be More Charismatic & How Modern Genetics is Changing Everything

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A person’s first name can have a profound effect on their life. Listen as I describe how people get preconceived ideas about you based on your name ...

SYSK Choice: The Best Way to Change Minds & The Relationship of Humans and Technology

05 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Just how healthy is peanut butter? This episode begins with a look at some amazing and little-known health facts about eating peanut butter – just a...

How Scams Easily Trick People & A Powerful Approach to Negotiating Anything

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One way to get to know someone better or get closer to them is by doing them a favor. However, there is another way that is even more effective. This...

Why You Are Delusional (and Thank Goodness You Are) & The Flaws in Human Evolution

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been driving down the highway and someone in the backseat rolls a window down and you get that horrible thumping in your ear? A lot of p...

SYSK Choice: Why Parallel Universes Could Exist & How to Deal With A Bullying Boss

26 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

All kinds of things can influence a big decision. However, one thing you likely never considered is the lighting in the room. Yet, it turns out that l...

Are Generic Drugs Really Just as Good? & The Science of Finding the Best Career

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Growing up I remember my mother telling me I shouldn’t drink coffee because it could stunt my growth. Really? How could that possibly be true? Also,...

How Smells Impact Your Thoughts and Actions & Why People Get Burned Out

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you have a big decision to make, you might want to wash your hands first. Listen as this episode begins with an explanation for why it is such a go...

SYSK Choice: How to Have Power Over Your Money & Technologies That Will Reshape Us

19 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What will happen if you try to make a photocopy of a $20 bill? I begin this episode by revealing why copying money is discouraged and consequently is...

How to Get Other People to Change & The Science in Everyday Life

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does listening to music on earphone cause hearing loss? Well, that depends. This episode begins with an explanation of the 3 causes of most hearing lo...

A Better Way to Handle Life’s Daily Hassles & What Exactly is American Cuisine?

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you cleaned and disinfected your cellphone? If it has been a while, I bet it will become a priority after you hear the beginnin...

SYSK Choice: Why We See in Color & How to Navigate Online Reviews

12 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is the best way to sign-off an email? It actually depends on what you want the outcome to be. However, if you are hoping to get a reply, there ...

What You Never Knew About Your Immune System How to Give Feedback Effectively

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever been pulled over by the police for a traffic violation, you know it is not easy to talk your way out of getting a ticket. After all, ...

Loneliness and The Serious Harm It Does & What’s Wrong With the Way We Buy Food

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you were ever told to sit up straight and watch your posture, that was really good advice. Listen as I begin this episode discussing how your postu...

SYSK Choice: Your Role in the Game of Life & Preparing Kids to Thrive Today

05 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is all gasoline pretty much the same? Not really. There is a difference. There is regular gas and then there is “Top Tier” gas. Listen to discove...

How Siri and Alexa Are Changing Computing & Why So Many Managers Appear Incompetent

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does grilling meat increase your risk of getting cancer? Maybe. But it isn’t that simple. This episode begins with a discussion on the link between ...

Why We Keep Things We Never Use & The Reason We Keep Track of Time

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you decide when the gas tank in your car is low enough that you need to stop and get gas? This episode begins by explaining why many of us wait...

SYSK Choice: What Makes You - You & How to Explain So People Get It

29 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you ever eat at Taco Bell, you have surely noticed that they sometimes have Nacho Fries on the menu - but most of the time they do not. Why? Why do...

The Power of Your Regrets & How Great Ideas Get Their Start

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever notice that your refrigerator has a light inside that comes on when you open the door but your freezer does not. This episode begins with the rea...

How to Break a Disagreement Deadlock & A New Habit That Can Change Your Life

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you or your child cut a cut or scrape, it is likely you grab some antibiotic ointment to put on it to prevent infection. This episode begins by e...

SYSK Choice: Your Ever-Changing Personality & Procrastination With Less Guilt

22 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As you may have discovered over the holidays, finding the right gift to give someone can be difficult. Yet, there is some science to it that can make ...

Is It Good to Be Cynical? & How We All Screw Up Our Personal Finances

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What do you crave? Well, whatever it is, the next time you crave it, there is something simple you can do that can make the craving pass quickly to he...

Why We Enjoy Suffering & Understanding Your Freedom of Speech

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you enjoy garlic, you are probably well aware that there is a downside to eating it - and that is it can make your breath stink. This episode begin...

SYSK Choice: Little Known Benefits of Exercise & Why It’s Good to Talk to Strangers

15 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some buildings have revolving doors? After all, they are sometimes heavy and hard to push, and a lot of people hate them. So where did they com...

Interesting Ways Lifestyle Affects Your Health & A Better Way to Understand Numbers

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you haven’t got a New Year’s resolution to work on yet - I’ve got one for you - it’s tackling clutter! This episode begins with some though...

How to Set Goals to Make Them Happen and Interesting Differences Between Generations

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The room where you work, whether that’s at home or in an office, should probably be 77 degrees. Why? This episode begins with an explanation of why ...

SYSK Choice: How Your Biological Clock Works & Optimizing Your Meeting Time

08 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As admirable as it is to set a New Year’s resolution, the chances of sticking to it in the long term are slim. However, you can improve your odds of...

How to Tackle What’s Really Important & The Way Food Fights Disease

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that the scent of lavender is supposed to be calming? It may be the scent of trust, as well. This episode begins by explaining how lavend...

How Movement Affects Your Thoughts and Feelings & Understanding Your Right to Privacy

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever catch a glimpse of your computer screen in just the right light and see just how dusty and filthy it has become? So how do you clean it? Before y...

SYSK Choice: How to Avoid Stupid Mistakes & Successful New Year's Resolution Strategies

01 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We all know driving while distracted is a bad idea - particularly driving and texting. In fact, distracted driving is more complicated than you might ...

How to Use the Science of Success & What Goes On Inside Your Bones

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isn’t it great when you get one of those “A-Ha Moments”. You know, when an idea or the answer to a problem just pops in your head and it feel...

How You Can Make Yourself Smarter & When Efficiency Actually Slows You Down

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ask just about anyone and they will tell you that antioxidants are really good for you. In fact, some people take antioxidant supplements probably ass...

SYSK Choice: Our Christmas Wish of Hope & Courage

25 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Want to look younger - dramatically younger? I begin this episode with 3 simple ways that change how people perceive you. If you do these things, you...

Backstories of Christmas Songs and Traditions & How to Have the It Factor

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all know how easy it is to overspend when we go shopping. Plus, it is no secret that retailers do everything they can to encourage you to spend eve...

How to Be an Adult & Why Traffic Jams Happen and How to Fix Them

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Remember a few years ago when people were saying, “Sitting is the new smoking”? Seriously, what could possibly be so bad about sitting? This episo...

SYSK Choice: How to Optimize Your Speaking Voice & How Animals Affect You

18 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For many of us, the Christmas holiday season is very special. Yet, there was a time in the United States when it was illegal to celebrate Christmas. T...

Why Having Fun Really Matters & Powerful Strategies to Tame Your Email

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do people sometimes choke when they swallow? Is it really because it went down “the wrong pipe”? This episode begins with an interesting look ...

What You Never Knew About Your Favorite Holiday Movies & What Sarcasm Does

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Which is better at stopping a cough - cough syrup with codeine or chocolate? This episode begins with some surprising intel on what works to stop that...

SYSK Choice: The Science of Smiling & The Power of Radical Candor

11 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If I asked you, could you tell me where your main water shutoff valve is for your home? Do you leave your garage door opener in your car? These are j...

How Old Will You Get To Be? & Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Explained Simply

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard of “touch starvation”? It’s a real thing that happens when you don’t have the skin-to-skin physical contact with others that yo...

How Technology Changes Who You Are & The Nuts and Bolts of Making Friends

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How many times have you opened up a new box with electronics or shoes or maybe even some beef jerky and found one of those silica gel packs? If you lo...

SYSK Choice: Your Suggestible Brain & Must-Ask Doctor Questions

04 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

People often listen to music while they are working because they believe it helps concentrate and possibly makes them more productive. Does it? This e...

How to Finish What You Start & Strange Ways Germs Spread at Home and Work

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Something is probably missing in your old holiday photos. In fact, the older you get, the more you notice what’s not in them and you really regret i...

How Pride Compassion and Gratitude Drive Success & Using the Internet For Better Health

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do people kiss under the mistletoe? When did that all start? This episode begins with a brief history of the mistletoe-kissing tradition. https://...

SYSK Choice: The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing & Why Dogs Love Us

27 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Want to know if someone you like is truly compatible with you? Check out their taste in music. This episode begins with an interesting look at how you...

Why Conventional Wisdom is Often Wrong & How Others Shape You Thoughts and Actions

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ever talk to someone who is looking at their phone and they act as if they don’t even hear you? This episode explains why that happens so often and ...

How Urges and Instincts Can Sabotage Your Success & What The Universe is Made Of

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us have heard the poinsettia plants are poisonous to people and pets. How poisonous? Will eating leaves from a poinsettia kill you? Will it ma...

SYSK Choice: Spotting Lies to Get to the Truth & The Many Effects of Noise

20 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Just how accurate is Wikipedia? If you go to one of their articles, how likely is it to be correct and objective. This episode begins with some surpri...

Serious Health Concerns with Kitchen Spices & Shortcuts to Solving Problems

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Finding the right holiday for co-workers can be a challenge. You don't want to spend too much but you want to give something that shows you put some t...

What We’ve Lost to the Internet For Better or Worse & How Money Makes You Happy

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ever have trouble hearing someone on the phone so you cover your other ear to block out the noise? This episode explains why there is a much better wa...

SYSK Choice: How Saying Less Gets You More & Why Objective Reality is Not Your Reality

13 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You have probably heard that it not a good idea to allow your dog to sleep on the bed. Despite what the experts say, I am going to begin this episode ...

Why English is Such a Weird Language & How Passive People Can Assert Themselves

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

 If you have a male doctor who wears a tie, that tie could come into contact with you as your doctor examines you. This episode begins by explaining ...

What Makes You Lucky or Unlucky & Why Some People Really Believe the Earth is Flat

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With people drinking more around the holiday season, it is important to realize that not all drinks are created equal. This episode begins with some i...

SYSK Choice: Avoiding Foodborne Illness & Brian Grazer’s Connection Secrets

06 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Who doesn’t struggle occasionally to remember important things – like names or passwords or what to get at the grocery store? This episode begins ...

How to Focus on Your Strengths to Achieve Success & How to Handle All the Details of Life

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You have likely heard the advice that you should get an annual physical exam from your doctor and you should go to the dentist twice a year for a chec...

Why Do We Experience Déjà Vu? & How Your Emotions Drive Your Actions

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Your siblings have had an important impact on you, whether you realize it or not. This episode begins by talking about how brothers and sisters can af...

SYSK Choice: How to Fix Negative Behaviors In 4 Seconds & The Fascinating History of Halloween

30 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the best seat in a movie theater? While people do have their own preferences, there actually is one “best seat in the house” at least for...

How to Spot Bullsh*t When You Hear It & How to Diffuse and Resolve Any Conflict

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the difference between an antique, a collectible and a vintage item? This episode begins with a brief and helpful explanation. https://www.an...

The Myths and Science of Losing Weight & How Humans Have Redefined Nature

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you are booking a commercial flight, what is the best seat to choose? You might want to look at row 49. Listen as I explain why flight attendant Sa...

SYSK Choice: The Power of Good Storytelling & Changing Jobs for Success

23 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to work and stay focused in a messy office or environment? This question has actually been tested by researchers at Princeton to see. L...

How Medical Breakthroughs Really Happen & The History of Clothes

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of benefits to being a happy person. This episode begins by discussing one more reason to look at the bright side of life that can rea...

Consciousness: What It Means to be You & What Really Makes Every Dog Happy

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Becoming a homeowner is a big goal for so many people. It is part of the American dream. But is owning a home always better than renting? This episode...

SYSK Choice: How to Figure Out Anything & The Art of Statistics

16 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It is called the “psychology of requests.” That is, if you want someone to do something for you, it is all about how you phrase it. This episode b...

Why You Make the Choices You Make & The Upside of Being Selfish

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Passwords are a real pain. If it is too random, you can’t remember. If you it too easy, you could easily be hacked. So this episode begins with a si...

Why Dating is So Hard and How to Fix It & Will We Soon Have a 4-Day Work Week?

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Taking a daily multivitamin seems like it might be good insurance - but is it? This episode begins with a discussion about what taking a multivitamin ...

SYSK Choice: How Probability REALLY Works & Proven Ways to Master Motivation

09 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I’ll bet there have been times when someone has offered to help you and you declined. You probably said something like, “No, that’s ok I got i...

How to Project Confidence and Competence & Answers to Fascinating Questions

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Can you actually get sick from being sad? Can prolonged sadness shorten your lifespan? A lot of people think so. This episode begins by looking at the...

The History and Future of Human Transportation & How to Speak Your Mind

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s called The Pink Tax. It’s when the women’s version of a product (like razors) costs more than men’s even though it is exactly the same - ...

SYSK Choice: How to Boost Your Self Confidence & Avoiding Misapplied Intelligence

02 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Can your employer boss spy on you? You bet they can! This episode begins by explaining just how far an employer can go to keep tabs on you and what yo...

Why People Snap & The Best Ways to Mend a Broken Heart

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The #2 pencil is the one most of us use most of the time. So, why not a #1 pencil? Is there even such a thing? This episode begins with some remarkabl...

Why It’s So Hard to Eat Healthy & The Amazing Ways All Humans are Connected

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jet lag can cause a trip to get off to a tough start. This episode begins with some simple and effective ways to minimize the effects of jet lag so yo...

SYSK Choice: How to Not Do Stupid Things & How Appreciation Works

25 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I bet everyone has flushed the toilet with their foot to avoid the germs on the handle. I know I have and it turns out to be one of many well-intentio...

Why We Need Pain to Enjoy Pleasure & Are Humans Selfish or Cooperative?

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

“You’re call is very important to us…” Don’t you just hate hearing that? Having to call customer service can be a long and frustrating exper...

Why It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask & How We Determine Who and What is Beautiful

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What is the purpose of that ball of cotton in your bottle of pills? You probably think you know but I bet you don’t. This episode begins with an exp...

SYSK Choice: Think Like an Ant When You Drive & Ways to Optimize Your Likability

18 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How could using reusable grocery bags affect your body? f you take your own bags to the grocery store, there may be an unintended health consequence ...