Something You Should Know

The lottery is one of the few games where everyone knows the odds are terrible—and millions of people play anyway. Why? It turns out there are some fascinating psychological reasons people buy lottery tickets, along with a few surprising facts about the odds and strategies that most players never consider. https://www.wired.com/video/watch/lottery-strategy

When Uber launched, many people thought the idea was ridiculous. Let strangers drive you around in their personal cars? Airbnb faced similar skepticism. Why would anyone stay in a stranger's house? Yet these companies went on to reshape entire industries. The same is true of Twitter, Twitch, and many other breakthrough businesses. What separates ideas that change the world from ideas that never get off the ground? According to venture capitalist Mike Maples Jr., truly transformative companies don't succeed by being slightly better than the competition—they succeed by seeing the world differently. In this conversation, Mike explains the patterns behind history's most disruptive startups, why the best ideas often sound wrong at first, and what it takes to build something that changes the future. Mike is co-founder of Floodgate, one of Silicon Valley's premier seed-stage investment firms, host of the podcast Starting Greatness (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-greatness/id1488560647), and author of Pattern Breakers: Why Some Start-Ups Change the Future (https://amzn.to/3W8BXlT).

Black holes may be the most mysterious objects in the universe. Their gravity is so powerful that not even light can escape. Yet despite their reputation as cosmic vacuum cleaners, black holes do much more than simply swallow things. In fact, astronomers now believe that the giant black hole at the center of our galaxy may have played a critical role in making life on Earth possible. How can something so destructive also be so important? Why does nearly every galaxy appear to have a supermassive black hole at its center? And what have scientists learned recently that is forcing them to rethink these extraordinary objects? Marcus Chown, former radio astronomer at Caltech and author of A Crack in Everything: How Black Holes Came in from the Cold and Took Cosmic Centre Stage (https://amzn.to/3W9cFUE), takes us on a fascinating tour of one of the strangest and most important discoveries in modern science.

Most people rely on sunscreen as their primary defense against skin cancer—and for good reason. Yet skin cancer rates continue to rise. Researchers are increasingly discovering that sun protection may involve more than what you put on your skin. Emerging evidence suggests that what you put on your plate could also influence how your skin responds to the sun. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/08/well/eat/diet-skin-cancer-risk-melanoma.html

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Nothing can ruin a meal faster than someone loudly slurping soup, coffee, or noodles. At least that's what many people think. Yet in some cultures, slurping isn't rude at all—it's expected. And as annoying as it may sound, there is actually a surprisingly good reason people do it. https://www.discovermagazine.com/its-not-rude-slurping-makes-food-taste-better-42739

Your beliefs do far more than influence how you see the world—they influence what happens next. The beliefs you hold about yourself, your abilities, other people, and the future affect the opportunities you notice, the risks you're willing to take, and even how successful you're likely to become. The remarkable thing is that many of our most important beliefs operate in the background, quietly steering our decisions without us even realizing it. Shawn Achor, one of the world's leading experts on mindset, happiness, and human potential, explains how beliefs shape our lives, where those beliefs come from, and how changing them can dramatically alter your path. Shawn's TED Talk has been viewed more than 25 million times, and he is author of The Power of Beliefs (https://amzn.to/4a1eR7m). Shawn’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work

When people talk about helping the environment, the conversation often sounds like a list of things you have to give up: drive less, fly less, consume less, turn down the thermostat, and generally make life a little less enjoyable. But what if that approach is backward? What if some of the best things you can do for the planet also happen to make you happier? Psychologist Elizabeth Dunn offers a refreshing alternative to guilt, sacrifice, and doom-and-gloom messaging. Elizabeth's work has appeared in major media outlets around the world, and she is co-author of Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Species (https://amzn.to/4oyXl09). Elizabeth’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_dunn_helping_others_makes_us_happier_but_it_matters_how_we_do_it

The English language is alive. Words and phrases that were once considered incorrect, awkward, or even ridiculous can become perfectly acceptable over time. In fact, some expressions we use every day would have made earlier generations cringe. The evolution of language offers a fascinating look at how culture changes—and how today's "mistakes" sometimes become tomorrow's rules. https://time.com/4293303/garner-common-words-mistakes/

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With all of the recent excitement surrounding the NBA & Stanley Cup finals and the World Cup you might wonder why do millions of people spend hours every week watching sports? Most people think of it as entertainment, a way to relax or pass the time. But what if watching sports is actually doing something good for your mind, your emotions, and even your health? That’s why today’s SYSK Trending topic is A lot of people look at sports fans and wonder what all the fuss is about. Why invest so much time and emotion in a team you don't play for and have no control over? Why let a win make your day or a loss ruin your mood?

It turns out there may be a lot more going on than simple entertainment.

Researchers have discovered that being a sports fan can provide surprising benefits for your physical health, mental wellbeing, and social life. Following a team can create a sense of belonging, strengthen social connections, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even help people cope with stress and adversity. In some cases, the benefits are remarkably similar to those that come from being part of a close-knit community.

Sports fandom also gives people something increasingly rare in modern life: a shared experience. In a world where entertainment, news, and social media are highly personalized, millions of people still gather around the same games, celebrate the same victories, and suffer through the same defeats together.

Larry Olmsted joins me to explain why sports fans may be happier, healthier, and more connected than non-fans. We discuss the science behind fandom, why rooting for a team can be good for your emotional health, how sports help build relationships, and why being a fan is about much more than the final score.

Larry is a journalist and author of Fans: How Watching Sports Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Understanding (https://amzn.to/2T6YUs1).

Whether you're a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or someone who has never understood sports at all, this conversation may change the way you think about what it means to be a fan.

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Ever notice when you hear someone talking on the phone nearby it’s hard not to listen? You are only hearing one-side of the conversation and that can drive your brain crazy. It’s not just annoying and distracting it can actually be dangerous. https://now.uiowa.edu/news/2017/06/ui-study-explores-why-cell-phone-use-leads-distracted-driving

It’s hard to imagine life without GPS. But now it has become so woven into daily life that most of us never think about it. We use it to navigate, order food, track packages, find rides, locate our phones and even synchronize financial transactions. Yet GPS wasn't created for that. It began as a military technology and evolved into one of the most important—and expensive—infrastructure systems ever built. How does GPS actually know where you are? Why is it free to use? Who pays for it? Is it spying on you? Here to explain is Katherine Dunn, business reporter, editor and author of the book Little Blue Dot: How GPS Shaped the Modern World (https://amzn.to/4uvtk2M).

Why is it that millions of people experience chronic pain, fatigue, digestive problems and other ailments that doctors and medical tests often fail to explain? Too often they're told "it's all in your head." But according to psychiatrist Susan Trachman, that phrase badly misunderstands what's happening. The connection between the brain and body is far more powerful than most people realize. Thoughts, emotions and stress can trigger genuine physical symptoms—and understanding how can be the key to finding relief. Susan has spent more than 30 years treating medically unexplained illnesses. She is author of the popular Psychology Today blog and the book It's Not Just in Your Head. (https://amzn.to/4oqvjDP)

Listen to a tennis match or walk through a gym and you'll hear it everywhere: grunting. Sometimes really loud grunting. It seems odd. Maybe even unnecessary. So why do athletes do it? Is it habit? Showmanship? Or is there something else going on? https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a64691561/grunting-power-output-study/

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A great burger looks simple—but barbecue experts know there is a surprising amount of science and technique behind getting it just right. From choosing the meat to handling the patties to what happens on the grill, a few small mistakes can mean the difference between a memorable burger and a disappointing one. Source: Steve Raichlen, author of The Barbecue Bible (https://amzn.to/4bgBEcM)

Life has a way of speeding up. One day you're making plans for someday, and before you know it, months or years have gone by. That's why so many people eventually find themselves wondering: Did I spend my time on the things that really mattered? According to Jodi Wellman, avoiding regret isn't about quitting your job, moving to a tropical island, or making dramatic life changes. Instead, it comes from being intentional about how you spend your days and paying attention to the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that give life meaning. In this conversation, she shares a refreshing perspective on how to stop living on autopilot, make the most of the time you have, and create a life you'll look back on with satisfaction rather than regret. Jodi is a former corporate executive, executive coach, and author of You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets (https://amzn.to/3KUdQ3Z). Learn more at https://fourthousandmondays.com/

Swear words are among the most powerful words in any language. They can shock, offend, amuse, bond people together, relieve pain, and communicate emotion in ways ordinary words often can't. But where do these words come from? Why are some words considered offensive while others are perfectly acceptable? And why does every generation seem to have a different idea about what language is inappropriate? Writer and language expert Jess Zafarris takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of profanity, insults, taboo language, and the darker corners of English vocabulary. She is author of Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology (https://amzn.to/4cafvyc).

Grandma's health advice was often well-intentioned—but not always correct. Some of the most common health "facts" people still repeat today have been thoroughly debunked by modern science. Yet these myths continue to survive because they sound so believable. https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-10-health-myths-debunked

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Why do mosquitoes seem to love some people and completely ignore others? It isn't your imagination. Researchers have identified several factors that make certain people especially attractive to mosquitoes—and some of them are things you have little control over. https://theweek.com/articles/462191/5-things-that-make-irresistible-mosquitoes

Most of us believe we make rational decisions when we shop. But behavioral scientists have discovered that many purchasing decisions are influenced by factors we barely notice. The way a product is described, where it is placed, how many alternatives are offered, what price is shown first, and even seemingly irrelevant details can dramatically affect what we buy. Richard Shotton has spent years studying the hidden psychological forces that shape consumer behavior. In this conversation, he explains why our choices are often less objective than we think, how marketers use these insights to influence us, and what you can do to become a smarter consumer. Richard is a behavioral scientist and author of The Illusion of Choice: 16½ Psychological Biases That Influence What We Buy (https://amzn.to/3q2Vne9).

Ice seems so ordinary that it's easy to forget what a miracle it once was. Today, ice is available instantly at the push of a button. But not that long ago, obtaining ice was a massive undertaking involving dangerous harvests, international shipping routes, fortunes made and lost, and an industry that helped reshape the modern world. In fact, long before electric refrigeration existed, people were cutting huge blocks of ice from frozen lakes and transporting them thousands of miles. How did this unlikely commodity transform the way we eat, drink, preserve food, and live? Amy Brady, executive director of Orion magazine and author of Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks—A Cool History of a Hot Commodity (https://amzn.to/3MKX7Rc), reveals the remarkable story behind something most of us never think twice about.

Finding a green potato chip in the bag can be a little unsettling. Is it safe to eat? And what about those unusually dark brown chips that occasionally show up? The answers have everything to do with how potatoes grow, how they're stored, and what happens before they ever become chips. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/30746/whats-those-green-potato-chips-you-sometimes-find

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Have you ever bought something because it was "almost sold out" or because a sale was ending at midnight? If so, you're not alone. Scarcity is one of the most powerful forces influencing human behavior. When something becomes difficult to get, we often value it more—even if we weren't interested in it before.

Marketers know this. That's why you'll see messages like "Only 3 left in stock," "Limited-time offer," or "Sale ends tonight." Sometimes those claims reflect genuine scarcity. Other times, they are carefully designed to create urgency and push you toward a decision.

In this episode, we explore why scarcity is so effective, how it taps into fundamental human psychology, and the many ways businesses use it to influence what you buy. Joining me is Mindy Weinstein, a marketing instructor at Grand Canyon University and the University of Denver, as well as a program leader for The Wharton School and Columbia Business School. She is also author of the book The Power of Scarcity: Leveraging Urgency and Demand to Influence Customer Decisions (https://amzn.to/3QizF3u).

What you'll discover:

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Most people have heard of the "dark web," but what exactly is it? Is it really a hidden corner of the internet where criminals and bad actors operate beyond the reach of law enforcement? And what about the "deep web"—is that the same thing? These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. Understanding the difference offers a fascinating glimpse into how the internet really works. https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/what-dark-web

You often hear that fewer people are getting married, that younger generations have lost interest in marriage, or that marriage itself is slowly fading away. The reality is much more interesting. Marriage is not disappearing—it is evolving. People are marrying later, expecting different things from marriage than previous generations did, and redefining what a successful marriage looks like. At the same time, marriage remains one of the most important relationships in people's lives. So what is changing, what isn't, and what does the future of marriage look like? For some answers we turn to Stephanie Coontz, Director of Research and Public Education for the Council on Contemporary Families and author of For Better and Worse: The Complicated Past and Challenging Future of Marriage (https://amzn.to/440TQpK).

We've all seen people who seem to possess an extraordinary level of confidence. Elite athletes, military leaders, top executives, first responders—people who perform under enormous pressure yet appear calm, focused, and absolutely certain they can handle whatever comes next. According to Dr. Nate Zinsser, the kind of confidence is a skill that can be deliberately built, strengthened, and maintained. Drawing on decades of experience training soldiers, athletes, executives, and emergency personnel, Dr. Zinsser explains where genuine confidence comes from, and how anyone can develop the mental habits that lead to stronger performance under pressure. Dr. Zinsser is Director of the Performance Psychology Program at West Point and author of The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance (https://amzn.to/4xAOwqS)

Most dog owners believe a hug is a universal sign of affection. Your dog may not agree. While dogs are often expressive about their emotions, humans frequently misread what those emotions mean. Understanding how dogs communicate—and how they interpret our behavior—can help prevent misunderstandings that sometimes lead to stress, anxiety, or even aggression. Source: Stanley Coren, author of How to Speak Dog (https://amzn.to/4e07aAL).

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Most arguments seem to be about just one thing: money, chores, politics, parenting, work, or whatever sparked the disagreement. But according to experts in conflict resolution, there is often something deeper happening beneath the surface. In fact, many arguments become difficult to resolve because two separate problems are being confused as one. Understanding the difference can completely change the conversation. Source: Jim Ferrell author of The Anatomy of Peace (https://amzn.to/4erYLUP).

Imagine grocery shopping every day because food spoiled almost immediately. Imagine no frozen food, no leftovers, no supermarkets stocked with fresh produce year-round, and no easy way to transport food across long distances. Just 150 years ago, that was normal life. Then refrigeration arrived and quietly transformed almost everything about how humans eat, live, work, and build cities. Yet this remarkable technology has also created unexpected consequences for our health, food systems, the environment, and even our relationship with nature. Nicola Twilley, writer, co-host of the popular Gastropod podcast (https://gastropod.com/category/podcasts/), and author of Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves (https://amzn.to/3VuXNP0), reveals the fascinating story behind one of the most important inventions in human history.

Volcanoes are among the most destructive forces on Earth. They bury cities, disrupt climates, and unleash enormous power with little warning. Yet without volcanoes, life on Earth might never have evolved the way it did—and may not exist at all. Where does lava come from? Why do volcanoes erupt where they do? Why do some remain dormant for centuries before suddenly awakening? And what role have volcanoes played in shaping the planet we call home? Tamsin Mather, professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford and author of Adventures in Volcanoland: What Volcanoes Tell Us About the World and Ourselves (https://amzn.to/3xk4DyI), explains why volcanoes are not just geological curiosities but one of the fundamental forces that made Earth what it is today.

Most purses travel everywhere their owners do—restaurants, public restrooms, grocery stores, offices, airports, and countless other places. Along the way, they collect far more than receipts, lipstick, and keys. Researchers have found that purses can become surprisingly dirty, and what accumulates on them can be more than just kinda gross—it may pose a legitimate health concern. https://finderskeypurse.com/blogs/finderskeypurse-com-blog/how-dirty-is-your-purse-plus-how-to-keep-it-clean

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When you visit a doctor, you assume the diagnosis and treatment will be based entirely on your symptoms and medical history. But there is another factor that can quietly influence what happens in the exam room and the quality of the care you receive. And it has nothing to do with your health. https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/26/1/13

Bacon may be one of the most beloved foods in America. People wrap it around other foods, crumble it onto salads, put it in desserts, and even flavor cocktails with it. What's especially interesting is that bacon's popularity has continued to grow despite years of warnings from health experts about its risks. So what is it about bacon that has captured the American imagination? Why has it become more than just a breakfast food and evolved into a cultural phenomenon? Mark Johnson, who teaches at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, traces bacon's unlikely rise from humble pork product to national obsession. He is author of American Bacon: The History of a Food Phenomenon (https://amzn.to/4odStxo).

When you mix money with emotions, all kinds of things can go wrong – and often do. That’s according to Jade Warshaw. She is a personal finance coach and co-host of The Ramsey Show with Dave Ramsey. She and her husband paid off more than $400,000 in debt and transformed their financial lives. Now she is on a mission to help people understand how money works, how your emotions impact what you do with your money and how to get back on track. Her latest book is What No One Tells You About Money: The Real Key to Getting Unstuck from Someone Who's Been There (https://amzn.to/4fMAGv9).

Your brain is remarkably good at many things. Holding onto a growing list of errands, appointments, reminders, and unfinished tasks is NOT one of them. In fact, trying to keep everything in your head can increase stress and mental clutter. There is a simple, surprisingly powerful tool for clearing your mind and improving focus—and it requires nothing more sophisticated than a pen and paper. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/zeigarnik-effect

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RULA: Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Rula.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started.

QUINCE: Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!

DELL:  With the Dell Pro laptop powered by Intel Core Ultra with vPro, no matter how many interruptions you have, your laptop won’t be one of them. With battery that’s optimized for the way you work, and built-in intelligence that quiets distractions the moment you’re trying to focus, your tech won’t slow you down.  Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Dell.com/Dell-Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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