Something You Should Know

Not long ago I went to the supermarket only to find everything had been moved around. Nothing was where it used to be. Why? I’ll explain why they do that and other little tricks supermarkets play on you. http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Supermarket-Psychology-Tricks-18344600?stream_view=1#photo-

Ever wonder why certain things disgust you? The things you find disgusting may be perfectly acceptable – even pleasing to someone else. Disgust turns out to be a fascinating human emotion. No other animals get disgusted by the things we do. And this emotion has served us well. Rachel Herz, a teacher at Brown University is also author of the book, That’s Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion (https://amzn.to/2xTcjVG) joins me to discuss why we get disgusted.

Very few people think they look great in photographs. So I have some advice from top photographers on what to do so you look great in every photograph you are in – no matter who is taking the picture. https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/nation/how-to-look-better-in-photos-best-ways-to-pose-for-pictures

It is amazing to think that so many inventions that changed how we live could’ve been invented a lot sooner. The stethoscope, the compass, human flight and other inventions took way too long to materialize since the technology for them was around a long time ago. It's just that no one figured out how to put it all together. Ryan North, author of the book How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler (https://amzn.to/2DFFLoy) takes us on a journey back in time and explains what went wrong. 

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You probably just assume food grown organically is healthier – and maybe it is. But you also probably think that organic food tastes better. You may not think you think that – but you do. We start this episode with an explanation as to why. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2302835/Organic-food-labels-trick-thinking-food-healthier-tastier.html

Conspiracy theories abound! I’m sure you’ve heard that some people believe the U.S. government was behind the 9/11 attacks or the Holocaust never happened or that the mafia really killed President Kennedy – or was it Castro? Where do these theories come from? Why do people believe them? And how do you have a conversation with someone if you think what they believe is crazy? Mick West, author of the book, Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories using Facts, Logic, and Respect (https://amzn.to/2R1HyXI) has researched conspiracy theories and the people who believe them and he has some great insight and advice for the next time you find yourself talking to someone who believes the world is really flat!

Over half the population has foot problems that hamper their daily lives. So I reveal some proven strategies to help alleviate and/or prevent those problems so your feet stay happy. http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-footpain-ess.html

Every culture is governed by rules – whether it is a nation, an organization, group or a family. Some cultures have very tight and strict rules while others take a more laid back approach. But which is better? Do you humans excel under strict regulations or is loose and easy a better way? Well, it all depends, according to cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand author of the book, Rule Makers Rule Breakers : How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World (https://amzn.to/2xRrRcE). She joins me to explain the fascinating reasons why different cultures adopt tight or loose controls and how those rules impact the lives of people they affect.

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You tip the waiter at the end of a meal for a job well done. But when it comes to tipping the maid and other people at a hotel, it is actually better to tip them at the beginning of your stay so you get better service in the days to come. That’s just one of the very savvy travel tips with which we begin this episode of the podcast. http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/travel-mistakes-to-avoid-20131217/packing-for-the-long-haul

Do we really have free will? Does the placebo effect actually work? Have aliens tried to contact us? These are some of the fascinating mysteries that still baffle scientists. Science writer Michael Brooks, author of the book 13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Baffling Scientific Mysteries of Our Time (https://amzn.to/2NvuAmO) joins me to explore some of these mysteries and explains what we do know and what we don’t know about them. 

Chewing gum may not be proper etiquette in many social situations but chewing gum does have some real benefits – particularly when you are stressed out. I’ll explain why have some gum in your pocket is almost always a good idea. https://greatist.com/happiness/does-chewing-gum-reduce-anxiety

2018 marks the 60th anniversary of NASA. And while space launches aren’t quite the big deal they once were, NASA is still doing a lot of impressive work. John Logsdon has been keeping his eye on NASA for a long time. John is the founder of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, former member of the NASA Advisory Council and he served on the Columbia Space Shuttle Accident Investigation Board in 2003. He is the editor of a new book that just came out celebrating 60 years of NASA called The Penguin Book of Outer Space Exploration (https://amzn.to/2DoYWmm) and joins me to discuss some really interesting stories about the US space program you probably never knew.

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I’ve lived with dogs most of my life (and one pretty cool cat) so I am fascinated by doggy behavior. And did you know that even though dogs will eat almost anything – they actually prefer two distinct flavors. We begin this episode of the podcast with that and some other interesting facts about what your dog is really thinking. (Paulette Cooper author of 27 Secrets Your Dog Wants You To Know) https://amzn.to/2xoCi83

You have good days and you have bad days. So what if you could control that so that you had far more good days than bad ones? Caroline Webb, author of the book How to Have a Good Day (https://amzn.to/2pnE0Ct) reveals the psychology, neuroscience and behavioral science that can help you greatly improve the odds that today and tomorrow will be fabulous!

If you have to present something at a meeting or make a proposal – do your best to NOT go first. I’ll discuss why and when in the meeting is a more optimal time to speak up. (Sarah McGinty author of the book Power Talk https://amzn.to/2plWwej0

What do 46% of people in Japan do when the doorbell rings? Why do astronauts have to sleep near a fan so they don’t die? This is just two of a bunch of facts you’ll hear from John Lloyd, creator of the Q.I television program in the UK and contributor to the book, 1,342 Quite Interesting Facts To Leave You Flabbergasted (https://amzn.to/2NREHll). If you like interesting facts to dazzle people at a cocktail party – this will be fun!

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You may not have ever noticed this but hotels rarely offer milkshakes on their room service menu. And yet, if a hotel has a kitchen there is a good chance they have ice cream milk and a blender. But if you try to order a milkshake you probably won’t get it. Why not? The answer is simple, ridiculous and points out a big problem in American business today. (Steve Little author of The Milkshake Moment)

Why does time seem to go by faster as we get older? Why do people love kitten videos? How can you spot a liar? These and other fascinating psychology questions are what we tackle in my discussion with Art Markman, Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin, co-host of the podcast Two Guys on Your Head and author of the book Brain Briefs https://amzn.to/2xcxdyJ. It’s an interesting discussion that will help you better understand how your brain works.

Art Markman's website is http://www.smartthinkingbook.com/

A lot of new cars have a keyless ignition. And while that is convenient, it also makes it easier to forget to turn the car off and leave it running. That has caused some real problems. I’ll explain why and what to do to make sure it doesn’t happen to you. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/hidden-dangers-of-push-button-start

Do you know what an empath is? It is a person who prefers solitude and is extremely sensitive to noises, smells, crowds and social stimulation. It turns out there are a lot of people who fall into the category of “extremely sensitive” and being this way makes it a bit harder to navigate the world. Psychologist Judith Orloff, author of the book The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People https://amzn.to/2OvEiBV is in fact one of these extremely sensitive types and she has some insight and advice for other empaths and the people who must deal with them every day.

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What could be simpler than washing your hands? You’ve done it a zillion times. And yet you are probably not doing it correctly. With cold and flu season nearly here, it’s important to get this right so we begin this episode with some expert hand washing advice. http://www.rd.com/slideshows/hand-washing-mistakes/#slideshow=slide5

I am sick of paying fees, Are you? There are fees for everything and the result is that nothing really costs what the price tag says – it’s the price PLUS all the fees. Bob Sullivan has been spreading the word about the stupidity and unfairness of fees for a long time. He is author of the book Gotcha Capitalism https://amzn.to/2x9R2aR and he joins me to explain why there are so many fees and how you can fight back! 

By the way, Bob is also the host of podcast Breach which you can access from his website (https://bobsullivan.net/topics/breach/) or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Are overweight people discriminated against in the workplace? We like to think we judge people by their character but this research proves that is not always true. And in most cases this discrimination is perfectly legal. http://www.businessinsider.com/science-overweight-people-less-successful-2015-9

Slang is fascinating. How is it that some slang words work their way into the language while others fade quickly? Who starts these words? Could you create a slang word and have it catch on? Tom Dalzell has been studying slang for a long time and has written several books about it including The Routledge Dictionary of Modern American Slang and Unconventional English https://amzn.to/2p2ksDi. He joins me in a fascinating discussion about the slang in our language and why it is important. 

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Many people wish they were taller. Unfortunately there is no simple fix for that. But there are ways to LOOK taller and we start this episode with some effective techniques. http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a37254/7-style-tips-that-will-make-you-look-taller/

No one likely taught you how to think. So when you have a problem to solve or need to come up with a solution - you just think the way you think. But what if you could think better? Tim Hurson author of the book Think Better https://amzn.to/2CzMTCn joins me to discuss a way to improve your thinking that can result in better thoughts, better ideas and better solutions.  

So what’s the deal with seedless watermelons? Where did they come from and why are there no seeds? And how do they grow new ones if there are no seeds to plant? I’ll unravel the mystery of seedless watermelons for you. http://mentalfloss.com/article/31211/where-do-seedless-watermelons-come

Today, meal planning isn’t so much about foods we enjoy but rather foods that are supposed to be “good for you.” The problem is, that is a very strange way to eat. Barry Glassner, a sociology professor at the University of Southern California is author of a book The Gospel of Food: Why We Should Stop Worrying and enjoy What We Eat https://amzn.to/2wStk2R. He joins me to explain why our obsession with eating food with less salt, less sugar and fewer calories is flawed and why eating foods you enjoy has a lot of real benefits.

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People who travel a lot have to come up with their own travel hacks and secrets in order to stay sane! Several of the people who work for CNN and travel as part of their job, put together a bunch of really great tips and tricks they have learned from years and years of traveling – often by learning things the hard way. We begin this episode by sharing these great travel secrets so you can put them to use on your next trip.  http://www.egyptindependent.com//news/20-biggest-travel-mistakes

Can you learn to be lucky? The idea sounds weird – right? Because luck is just a matter of random chance. Or is it? Karla Starr, author of the book, Can You Learn to Be Lucky? https://amzn.to/2Q8Eb0j as looked at the science of luck (yes there is such a thing) and joins me to explain why some people just seem to be extremely lucky and what you can do to improve your luck. 

Could it be true that overweight people live longer? Since like forever, we’ve all been told that being thin is what helps you live longer. But there does seem to be a loophole in the theory. While it’s not a reason to let yourself go and gain a lot of weight, having a few extra pounds can be beneficial and I will explain why. http://healthland.time.com/2013/01/02/being-overweight-is-linked-to-lower-risk-of-mortality/

You make a lot of important - even life-altering - decisions in your life. But I bet you were never taught HOW to make a decision. Well, it turns out how you make those important decisions really matters. And there is a way to improve your chances of making the right decision if you have a better understanding of the decision making process. Steven Johnson, author of the book Farsighted: How We Make the Decisions That Matter the Most https://amzn.to/2NlgWl9 explains how you can make the RIGHT decision.

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Whenever you get a new credit card in the mail, you are encouraged to sign the back of it. In fact many say, “Not valid until signed.” But should you sign the back of your credit cards? For security reasons, maybe not. But there is something you might want to write in that little box instead. We start the episode by discussing that. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1444/should-you-sign-the-back-of-your-credit-cards

Supposedly the average American home has about $2600 worth of stuff collecting dust that could be turned into cash on eBay or a garage sale. But how do you know what stuff? Brian Kathenes is a managing partner at National Appraisal Consultants in New York and author of the book, Betcha Didn’t Know That! https://amzn.to/2NzLb4G. Brian joins me to offer some advice on what to look for in your attic or your parents’ attic that could be worth a lot of money – as well as things that aren’t worth wasting time on. 

So what’s the difference between green tea and plain old black tea? Green tea has certainly gotten a lot of great publicity for all its health benefits but could regular tea be just as good for you? You just might be surprised to hear this. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea

How do you get ahead in your career? If you care, you have probably already checked out various experts who talk about the importance of networking, a good resume and a firm handshake. But there are some lesser known strategies that are equally – if not more – powerful. Employment expert Vicky Oliver author of the book, 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions https://amzn.to/2Pv8Bsv joins me to offer some lesser known but powerful suggestions to move up the career ladder.

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If you want to ask someone on a date, you could call them up and ask or you could send a text or email. So which of those methods is most effective? We begin this episode with the interesting answer. http://news.indiana.edu/releases/iu/2015/09/email-versus-voicemail-romantics.shtml

When someone walks into your home, they immediately make assumptions about you. So what do people assume about you? What does your home say? According to Winifred Gallagher author of the book, House Thinking: A Room by Room Look at How We Live https://amzn.to/2LzmTWX , it says a lot. What’s also interesting is that your house and its contents have impact and influence on you – in terms of how you think and behave. Join me as Winifred explains the fascinating and often undetected relationship you have with your home.

Whether or not you are happy depends on a lot of factors. But there is one BIG factor in your life that can make or break your happiness. Listen as I tell you what it is. http://www.techinsider.io/how-to-know-you-are-happy-psychology-2015-9

Being able to forgive someone for something they have done is considered virtuous. Many religions teach the importance of forgiveness. But what if you can’t or won’t forgive? What if what was done to you is unforgivable – then what? Is forgiveness the only way to unburden yourself? No, according to Gary Egeberg, author of the book, The Forgiveness Myth https://amzn.to/2Pg6xEM. Sometimes forgiveness is NOT the answer and Gary explains what the alternatives are.

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