Something You Should Know
Something You Should Know is a podcast that aims to provide listeners with fascinating facts and practical advice to improve their lives. Host Mike Carruthers interviews experts on topics such as saving time and money, career advancement, wealth building, and relationship improvement. Each episode also includes short, engaging pieces of useful information. The podcast is designed to offer insights that can make a positive difference in everyday life.
Episodes
How Horses Shaped History & The Surprising Upside of Laziness – SYSK Choice
We have become much more of a cashless society in the last few years. That turns out to be a good thing because cash is really disgusting. Listen as I explain just how disgusting and you are not going to like it! Source: Elizabeth Scott, author of How to Prevent Food Poisoning (https://amzn.to/3XKAvHf).
Horses are the “Swiss army knife of animals.” They can do so much. Consequently, over the last
Secrets to Getting Great Customer Service & The Curious Story of Remote Controls
Certain smells can instantly transport you back to another time and place — sometimes more vividly than a photograph ever could. Why is your sense of smell so closely tied to memory, and why are those memories often so emotional? Listen and find out. https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/connections-between-smell-memory-and-health
Getting good customer service can feel like an obstacle course
SYSK TRENDING - Curious Quirks of the Human Brain
Why does time seem to move faster and faster the older you get? Summers that once felt endless suddenly seem to disappear in a flash. There are some intriguing theories about why our perception of time changes — and what may actually slow it down.
Your brain is constantly interpreting the world, making predictions and influencing what you think and do — usually without you realizing it. That help
A Smarter Way to Make Big Life Changes & The Strange Rise of the House Cat
Why do leaves turn such spectacular colors every fall? It seems as if the green simply changes to red, orange or yellow — but that isn’t quite what happens. There is a lot more going on inside those leaves than you might imagine. Listen as I explain the fascinating process that creates the colors of autumn. https://www.weather.gov/dvn/climate_fall_colors
When you want to make a big change — lose
The Secret Life of Gases & Why We Get Hooked - SYSK Choice
Some very popular drinks can do a surprising amount of damage to your teeth. Which ones are the worst offenders? This episode begins with what certain drinks do to your tooth enamel and some simple ways to minimize the damage if you drink them. https://news.uthscsa.edu/more-u-s-teeth-susceptible-to-silent-enamel-eating-syndrome/
You are surrounded by gases every moment of your life. They fill you
The Bizarre World of Product Testing & Understanding Highly Sensitive People
When the power goes out, how long will food in your refrigerator and freezer stay safe? And how bad is it to open the door and check? Consumer Reports has some useful answers that could save you from throwing out perfectly good food—or eating something you shouldn’t. https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/emergency-preparedness/what-to-feed-your-family-when-the-power-is-out-a4425760304/
Befo
SYSK TRENDING - What Makes Someone Credible
Why do you believe some people almost immediately, while others make you skeptical? You might assume credibility comes down to expertise, experience and having the facts on your side. But there is much more going on. Research shows that we respond to subtle signals that can make someone seem more believable — sometimes before we’ve really considered what they’re saying.
Even more surprising, some
The Nocebo Effect: Placebo’s Evil Twin & Weird Facts You Never Knew
Have you ever been completely stuck trying to solve a problem or come up with a new idea? There is a remarkably simple thing you can do that research shows can get your creative juices flowing. And it works surprisingly well. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2014/04/walking-vs-sitting-042414
Can you actually think yourself sick? Absolutely. It’s called the nocebo effect — essentially the evil tw
Why Secrets Are So Hard to Keep & The Curious Quirks of Language - SYSK Choice
Eye contact can be tricky. Too little can make you seem bored or distracted. Too much can get uncomfortable fast. So what is the right amount? This episode begins with some fascinating research on eye contact and the subtle signals you send with your eyes. http://www.spring.org.uk/2013/07/how-eye-contact-works.php
Someone tells you a secret and makes you promise not to tell. You intend to keep th
The Surprising Power of Swearing & How to Build Confidence Fast
Want to significantly improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep? There is one surprisingly simple thing you can do during the day that may actually help you sleep better that night. And no, it doesn’t involve exercise, meditation or giving up your phone. This episode begins with what it is and why it may work. https://sleepopolis.com/news/make-bed-better-sleep/
Every language and every
SYSK TRENDING - Are The Added Ingredients In Food All That Bad?
Processed food has gotten a pretty terrible reputation. We’re warned to avoid foods with long ingredient lists, mysterious additives and chemical names we can’t pronounce. “Ultra-processed” has practically become another way of saying “bad for you.” But is that a useful way to judge what we eat? After all, almost everything we eat has been processed in some way, and everything we eat — including p
How to Get Better Healthcare & The Strange Ways Weather Affects You
Ever notice that the trip home often seems shorter than the trip there—even when the distance and travel time are exactly the same? It happens so often that researchers have given it a name: the “return trip effect.” And the explanation reveals something fascinating about how your brain experiences time. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3179583
You’re told to “take charge of your healthca
How Music Can Actually Heal You & The Skills Technology Is Stealing - SYSK Choice
You probably know that light, noise, temperature and stress can all interfere with your sleep. But what about the moon? Strange as it sounds, some research suggests people really do sleep differently around the time of a full moon — even when they aren’t outside looking at it. So what could possibly explain that? Listen as I reveal what researchers have discovered. https://www.self.com/story/full-
Why You Really Should Talk to Strangers & What Could Actually End the World
If you have a goal you really want to accomplish, when you start may matter more than you think. January 1st gets all the attention, but there are other dates and occasions that can give you a surprisingly powerful motivational boost. https://behavioralscientist.org/new-years-resolutions-failed-be-prepared-to-leverage-other-fresh-starts
How often do you strike up a conversation with someone you d
SYSK TRENDING - How to Improve Your Focus
It seems like paying attention should be easy. Yet for many of us, it has become one of the hardest things to do. We start reading an article and suddenly we're checking email. We pick up our phone to do one thing and, twenty minutes later, we've forgotten why we picked it up in the first place. We often blame ourselves for lacking discipline, but what if that's only part of the story? Is our abil
Inside Amazon's Empire & How Social Media Is Rewriting Your Life
Have you ever caught yourself saying, "It smells like rain"? It turns out that distinctive scent is very real—and it's not your imagination. Scientists know exactly where it comes from, why some people notice it more than others, and why it can signal that rain is on the way. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-causes-the-smell-after-rain-180974692/
Love Amazon or hate it, there's
How Your Brain Reacts in a Disaster & Exploring Healthy Solitude - SYSK Choice
Most people think dogs see the world only in black and white—but that's simply not true. Dogs do see color, just not the same colors you do. Understanding how your dog actually experiences the world explains everything from why certain toys are easier to find to why some colors practically disappear. It's a fascinating glimpse into life through your dog's eyes. Source: https://www.psychologytoday.
The Psychology of Infidelity & How to Improve Your Executive Function
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to lose their hearing gradually while insisting they hear just fine? It turns out this isn't simply denial or stubbornness. The way hearing fades can fool the brain into believing everything is normal—often delaying treatment until significant hearing has already been lost. Listen as I explain what's really happening and why recognizing the signs isn't n
SYSK TRENDING - Understanding Physical Intelligence
Most of us think of intelligence as something that happens entirely in the brain. But there's another kind of intelligence that lives in your body. It's what allows you to ride a bicycle years after your last ride, catch a ball without calculating its path, type on a keyboard without looking, or instinctively keep your balance on uneven ground.
Scientists call this physical intelligence, and it's
Why So Many People Feel Empty & The Truth About What Humans Should Eat
Heat can make people do some strange things. It can change your mood, cloud your judgment, and even affect the way you treat other people. Scientists have discovered that hot weather has a surprisingly powerful influence on the human mind—and the effects show up in places you would never expect. Listen as I explain what's really going on and why it's important to know. https://www.apa.org/monitor/
How to Waste Less Food and Save Money & Why Insects Rule the World -SYSK Choice
Ever wonder why you're always told to wait about 10 seconds before turning your phone, computer, router, or tablet back on after rebooting it? Is there really something magical about 10 seconds, or is it just one of those tech myths everyone repeats? The answer has to do with what happens inside your device after the power goes off—and why waiting just a little while can make all the difference. h
The Hidden Science of Imagination & What AI Still Doesn't Understand
Humans are remarkably bad at predicting how long something will take. Whether it's a home project, a work assignment, or even a quick trip across town, we almost always underestimate the time involved. Psychologists have studied this tendency for decades—and understanding why it happens can help you make better plans, meet more deadlines, and avoid unnecessary frustration. https://thedecisionlab.c
SYSK- TRENDING - What Your Dog is Really Thinking
Anyone who has ever owned a dog has probably wondered what goes on inside that furry little head. Does your dog feel guilty after chewing up your favorite shoes? Does it know when you've had a bad day? Does it love you the way you love it? We often assume we know what our dogs are thinking, but many of our assumptions are completely wrong. Understanding how dogs actually perceive the world can tra
How to Find the Best Airfares Every Time & What Burnout Really Means
When you're hungry, you know you're more interested in food. But hunger also changes the way you think—and the effects can spill over into decisions that have nothing to do with eating. Researchers have discovered some surprising consequences of making important choices on an empty stomach.
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/press-release/dont-make-major-decisions-empty-stomach-research-suggests
Finding c
The Science of Happier Spending & How to Set Healthy Boundaries - SYSK Choice
Does your signature reveal more about you than just your name? It turns out the way you sign your name may influence what people assume about your personality, confidence, and even your success—whether those assumptions are accurate or not. Listen as I explain what your signature may be saying every time you put pen to paper. https://graciousliving.typepad.com/the_write_event/2003/11/what_does_you
How to Stop the Pain of Rejection & How Couples Can Fight Without Falling Apart
Walk through a crowded airport or packed stadium and something remarkable happens. Thousands of people weave around each other without collisions, almost as if everyone is reading everyone else's mind. Yet no one is directing traffic. So how does your brain constantly predict where complete strangers are about to move—and why does it work so well? (https://www.nature.com/articles/nature08260)
Re
SYSK TRENDING - Mysteries That Science Can’t Explain
Some mysteries have been solved by science. Others remain surprisingly stubborn. Despite all our advances in technology and research, there are still questions that continue to puzzle some of the brightest minds on Earth. Do we really have free will? Why does the placebo effect work? Have extraterrestrials ever tried to contact us? Those are just a few of the scientific mysteries you are about to
How Slowing Down Makes Life Better & Why Every Brain Needs Music
Ever notice how your face turns bright red when you're embarrassed—and makes the whole situation even worse? As awkward as blushing feels, it isn't a design flaw. It's actually serving a purpose that's far more useful than most people realize. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/bering-in-mind/why-we-blush-the-social-purpose-of-showing-embarrassment/
Many of us race through life without even rea
How to Read People & The Most Extreme Things on Earth – SYSK Choice
Have you ever met someone named Lucy and thought, "She really looks like a Lucy"? As strange as it sounds, scientists have discovered there may be more truth to that feeling than you realize. Your name may actually influence the way you look—or at least the way other people see you. Listen as I explain this fascinating research and what it reveals about the surprising connection between names and
Why You Don't See What's Right in Front of You & The Surprising Truth About Sidewalks
Stores and restaurants don't just play music to fill the silence. The tempo, volume, and even the style of music are often carefully chosen because they can quietly influence your behavior and even how much money you spend. Once you know what's happening, you'll start hearing those playlists very differently. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/002224298204600313
Your brain performs an aston
SYSK TRENDING-The Bright Side of Sadness
Most of us spend a lot of time trying to be happy and avoiding sadness whenever we can. But what if sadness isn't something to fear or eliminate? What if it's one of the most important emotions we have?
Why do we cry when we're grieving—but also when we're overwhelmed with joy? Why does listening to sad music often make us feel better instead of worse? And when does a good cry actually help us re
Invest Like Warren Buffett & How To Disagree Better
Most of us think we're pretty good drivers. But even experienced drivers develop bad habits without realizing it. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can make you a safer, more alert driver—and could even help you avoid a serious crash.https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety
Ask people to name the greatest investor of all time and chances are Warren Buffett will top the list. So what does he know tha
Eat Almost Anything & Still Be Healthy & The Amazing World of Rats- SYSK Choice
Why do mosquitoes seem to feast on some people while barely bothering others? It turns out your attractiveness to mosquitoes has much less to do with "sweet blood" than with your body chemistry, the carbon dioxide you exhale, and even your skin microbes. Understanding what really attracts mosquitoes can help you avoid becoming their favorite summertime meal. https://hartfordhealthcare.org/about-us
The Science of Charisma & Why Midlife Is Better Than Everyone Thinks
If your porch light seems to attract every moth and flying insect in the neighborhood, you're not imagining it. Scientists have finally figured out why artificial lights are so irresistible to many insects—and knowing what they've discovered can help you keep more bugs away this summer. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44785-3
Some people seem to light up a room the moment they walk in.
SYSK TRENDING - Where Did the Hamburger Come From?
Few foods are as American as the hamburger. Every year, Americans eat billions of them, and they are a staple at backyard barbecues, diners, ballparks, and restaurants around the world. Yet despite being one of the most recognizable foods on the planet, no one seems to agree on where the hamburger actually came from.
Like many great origin stories, the history of the hamburger has become tangled
Have We Been Wrong About Posture? & How Memory Champions Think
Take a look at your speedometer the next time you're driving. Chances are, it's lying to you. The speed you're actually traveling is probably different from what the dashboard says—and that's completely intentional. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedometer?utm
From the time we're children, we're constantly reminded to "sit up straight" and "don't slouch." We've been told that good posture preven
The Surprising Power of Being Polite & Job Interview Secrets That Really Work-SYSK Choice
Can simply believing a treatment will work actually help it work better? Surprisingly, yes. Researchers have found that your expectations can have a powerful effect on how your body responds to medication—even when the treatment itself hasn't changed. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/placebo-effect
Most of us think of politeness as little more than saying "please
The Mystery of Accents and the Dangerous Habit of Rumination
Have you ever pushed on a door that was supposed to be pulled—or pulled when you should have pushed? It feels embarrassing, but don't blame yourself. It turns out the problem usually isn't you. It's the door. https://uxdesign.cc/intro-to-ux-the-norman-door-61f8120b6086
Everyone has an accent—even if they don't think they do. The way you speak tells a story about where you've been, who influenced
SYSK TRENDING - A Different View of Success
What does it really mean to be successful? Most people would probably say it's about making more money, climbing the career ladder, earning recognition, or becoming well known. But what if we've been measuring success all wrong?
After spending years traveling the country as host of Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe met thousands of people whose work is essential but rarely celebrated. Welders, plumbers, line
Has Therapy Gone Too Far? & The Hidden Genius of Birds
Need a favor? The way you ask may matter as much as what you're asking for. Researchers have found that a few simple changes in how you make a request can dramatically increase the chances someone will say yes—and most people overlook them completely. https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/francis-flynn-if-you-want-something-ask-it
Going to therapy has become more common—and more socially accepted
The Human Need We're Neglecting & The Mystery of Great Ideas - SYSK Choice
Have you ever forgotten a phone number, birthday, or why you walked into a room because you knew your phone would remember it for you? Many people joke about "digital dementia." While it isn't a real medical diagnosis, researchers are becoming increasingly concerned that our growing dependence on technology may be changing how we remember, think, and solve problems. https://www.neurocenternj.com/b
The Proven Magic of Being Outdoors & The Curious History of A, B, C
Many ballpoint pens have a particular design feature intended to save your life – if necessary. It's one of those clever features most people never notice and hopefully never have to use yet millions of pens contain it. https://www.iflscience.com/theres-a-surprising-reason-why-pen-caps-have-holes-in-them-47723/
Most of us instinctively know that spending time outdoors feels good. A walk in the p
SYSK TRENDING-How Your Circadian Rhythm Runs Your Life
Can you train yourself to become a night owl—or an early bird? Millions of people try. They force themselves to stay up later, wake up earlier, or work overnight because that's what life demands. But can your body really adapt? Or is there a biological clock inside you that simply refuses to cooperate?
Scientists now know that your circadian rhythm governs much more than when you feel sleepy. It
Why Pain Isn't What You Think It Is & The Disappearing Joys of Everyday Life
People often assume that someone with brown eyes appears more trustworthy than someone with blue eyes. Research suggests there may be something to that belief—but not for the reason most people think. In fact, eye color may have very little to do with it. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3541379/
Pain seems simple. You get hurt, you feel pain. Problem solved. Except it isn't that simple a
Why Some Ideas Change the World & Black Holes: Science’s Greatest Enigma - SYSK Choice
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
How Your Beliefs Control Your Future & Why Climate Solutions Need a Rethink
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 in
SYSK TRENDING - The Extraordinary Benefits of Watching Sports
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 to
How GPS Quietly Runs the World & When Illness Has No Obvious Cause
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 becom
How to Avoid Life's Biggest Regrets & The Meaning of Swear Words – SYSK Choice
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
Surprising Factors That Influence What You Buy & The Strange Story of Ice
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 sho
SYSK TRENDING - The Power of Scarcity
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," "Limite
Is Marriage Dying? & How Top Performers Build Confidence
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 interne
How Your Refrigerator Changed Human History & The Surprising Purpose of Volcanoes -SYSK Choice
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 Magical Appeal of Bacon & How Your Emotions Cost You Money
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. Peop
SYSK TRENDING – How to Make Yourself Smarter
What if becoming smarter had less to do with intelligence and more to do with a handful of everyday habits? Researchers are discovering that many of the things that most influence brain performance are surprisingly simple—and often completely within your control.
Research continues to show that the brain is far more adaptable than scientists once believed. It’s become clear that the choices you m
Should You Fear the Sun? & Is There Anything to Astrology?
Most parents think the key to getting kids to eat healthy food is explaining why it's healthy. Unfortunately, research suggests that strategy can backfire spectacularly. In fact, telling children a food is "good for you" may be one of the fastest ways to make them reject it. Fortunately, there is a much better approach. https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/kids-can-have-their-cake-and-their-broccol
Your Phone May Not Be the Problem & The Puzzles That Break Your Brain - SYSK Choice
Have you ever held a pet up to a mirror and wondered why they don't seem to recognize themselves? Humans usually figure it out very young, but most animals never do. Yet a surprising handful of species appear capable of recognizing their own reflection—a clue that scientists use to explore one of the most fascinating questions in biology: self-awareness. https://www.livescience.com/4272-elephant-a
Why You Put Things Off & The Myth of Criminal Profiling
Every medication has an expiration date—but what exactly happens when that date passes? Does the medicine suddenly stop working? Does it become dangerous? The answer is more complicated than most people realize and depends greatly on the medication itself. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/expiration-dating-extension
Everyone procras
SYSK TRENDING - The Power of Validation
Most people think they're good listeners. After all, they stay quiet, make eye contact, and let the other person finish speaking. But truly connecting with someone requires more than simply hearing their words.
One of the most powerful—and overlooked—communication skills is validation.
Validation doesn't mean agreeing with someone. It doesn't mean approving of their behavior or telling them they
What Body Language Really Reveals & How to Get More Things Done
That little white folded box Chinese takeout comes in may be one of the cleverest pieces of food packaging ever invented. What’s funny is—it isn’t Chinese at all. It was never originally designed to hold noodles or fried rice, and its origin story is far stranger and more American than most people realize. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyster_pail
People are constantly communicating—even when the
Our Fascination With Pushing Buttons & How Games Have Shaped Our World-SYSK Choice
Most people think of romantic music as background noise for dates, movies, or weddings. But researchers have found that music can actually influence romantic behavior and attraction in measurable ways. Listen to discover how love songs may be doing more than simply setting the mood. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618112139.htm
Take a look around you and notice how many buttons s
The Truth About Love at First Sight & What the UFO Videos Actually Show
People will go to ridiculous lengths to avoid paying fees. Adding extra items to an online order just to get “free” shipping. Avoiding ATM fees like they’re a personal insult. Or driving across town to save a few cents on gas. There’s actually a fascinating psychology behind why humans hate fees so much—and why “free” has such unusual power over our decisions. https://www.stlouisfed.org/publicatio
SYSK TRENDING - Understanding and Controlling Our Fear
Fear can save your life—or quietly ruin it.. Fear keeps you alert, helps you avoid danger, and in many situations can literally save your life. Without fear, humans probably wouldn’t survive very long. But fear also has another side.
Sometimes the fear response kicks in when there is no real danger at all—or at least not enough danger to justify the level of anxiety we feel. Worry about money, he
When What You Said Isn’t What They Heard & The Real Way People Get Ahead
Dog owners tend to live longer and be healthier than people without dogs. But why would owning a dog have such a powerful effect on your health? The answer turns out to be surprisingly fascinating—especially when it comes to what dogs may be doing for children. https://hi.umn.edu/news/health-perks-pet-ownership
You know that frustrating moment when someone completely misunderstands what you meant
This Is Why You Dream & The Benefits of Solitude – SYSK Choice
Most people assume being rich would solve almost every problem in life. More freedom. Less stress. More happiness. But psychologists who work with wealthy families say money—especially when people grow up with a lot of it—can create a surprising set of emotional and psychological problems that few outsiders ever see. Source: Dr. Stephen Berglas author of Reclaiming the Fire (https://amzn.to/3VjeRI
How to Get People to Say Yes & What Your Darkest Emotions Mean
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” We’ve all heard it countless times. But where did that idea come from—and is it actually true? Researchers have taken a much closer look at breakfast and the findings may surprise you. Source: https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.l42
Whether you realize it or not, you negotiate all day long—with your spouse, kids, friends, coworkers, and even stra
SYSK TRENDING - The Dangers of Collective Illusions
Humans are social creatures, and one of our strongest instincts is to fit in with the group. We want to belong. We want approval. And often, we assume that if enough people appear to believe something, it must be true.
But what if a lot of people are only pretending to agree?
According to Dr. Todd Rose, this happens far more often than we realize. People routinely stay quiet about what they trul
Why Humans Crave Rituals & How Music Transports Your Mind
A lot of people treat melatonin like a harmless sleeping pill. But that’s not really what it is. Researchers are increasingly concerned that melatonin is misunderstood, overused, and often taken in ways that may not help sleep much at all. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9892750/
Humans have always relied on rituals to mark important moments in life—weddings, funerals, graduations, relig
How to Make Better Friends & Cleaning Myths That Waste Your Time - SYSK Choice
The sound of crickets on a warm summer night is instantly recognizable. But the tiny creatures making all that noise are far more fascinating than most people realize. Crickets have some remarkable abilities and behaviors that may change the way you think about them entirely. Source: Hugh Raffles author of Insectopedia (https://amzn.to/4bOcK51)
People today have fewer close friendships than in th
Your Hormones Control More Than You Think & How Big Mistakes Shape You
People love giving advice—but most of the time, it doesn’t actually change anyone’s behavior. In fact, there’s a much more effective way to influence people that works far better than telling them what they should do. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4675534/
Hormones influence nearly every aspect of your life, yet most people only have a vague understanding of what they actually do. Thes
SYSK TRENDING - What It Means To Be Inspiring
Most of us can point to someone who truly inspired us—a teacher, boss, coach, friend, or public figure who made us think differently, push harder, or believe more in ourselves. But what exactly makes someone inspiring? Why do certain people energize and motivate us while others, even highly successful people, don’t have the same effect?
It turns out inspiration is not just charisma or confidence.
Why Walking is More Powerful Than You Think & A Career You May Have Missed
Most recipes tell you to preheat the oven before cooking. But why? Wouldn’t it save time to just let the food cook while the oven heats up? There’s actually a very good reason recipes insist on preheating—and it has everything to do with chemistry, texture, and how food cooks. https://food52.com/story/16152-why-you-must-preheat-the-oven-even-if-you-re-in-a-rush
Walking may be the most underrated
How Your Environment Affects Your Behavior & Curiously Strange Moments In History - SYSK Choice
“Your call is very important to us.” Companies say things like this all the time in an effort to sound customer-focused and trustworthy. But do phrases like that actually reassure people—or do they quietly create the opposite reaction? Source: Michael Maslansky author of The Language of Trust (https://amzn.to/3Wz2IQP).
You already know certain places make you feel different—you just may not reali
The Truth About Becoming Wealthy & The Hidden Damage of Our Digital Life
Most credit cards have that little 3- or 4-digit security code you constantly get asked for when shopping online. It can feel like a nuisance—but that tiny number plays a surprisingly important role in reducing fraud in a very simple and effective way. https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/why-do-some-sites-not-require-cvv
We tend to think of financial advice as timeless: b
SYSK TRENDING - Why Your Consciousness is Unique
What if your experience of reality isn’t real—but something your brain is creating? And what does it really mean to be you?
It sounds abstract, even a little out there. But scientists are actively studying these questions, and what they’re discovering is both fascinating and a bit unsettling. The way you perceive reality—what you see, hear, and feel—may not be a direct reflection of the world at
Why You Hate Uncertainty & The New Science of Living Longer
Have you ever struggled with a problem—only to have the answer suddenly appear when you stopped trying? It feels almost like magic, but it’s actually your brain working in a very specific way when you step back. https://drexel.edu/now/archive/2016/March/Insight_Correctness/
We all want to know what’s going to happen next. But life doesn’t work that way. In fact, the real challenge may not be unce
How to Get Better at Anything & Why So Many People Like Tattoos - SYSK Choice
When buying a car, color might seem like a purely personal choice. But it turns out that picking a less popular color could actually pay off later in a surprising way—especially when it’s time to sell. Source: Westways Magazine Summer 2024 / “Color Considerations”
What does it really take to get better at something? Is it just practice—or is there a smarter way to improve? Why do some people seem
The Science of Getting Lucky & What People Secretly Google
We often hear that we’re all connected by six degrees of separation—that you can link yourself to anyone on the planet through just a handful of people. But with billions of people in the world, how could that possibly be true? And in a world of social media and constant connectivity, is that number shrinking or growing? https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-98072-2
Some people just seem to
SYSK TRENDING-How to Negotiate by Asking the Right Questions
For a lot of people, the idea of negotiating feels uncomfortable—something to avoid if possible. It can feel confrontational, awkward, or even risky. But what if negotiating didn’t have to be that way? What if it wasn’t about pushing harder or being more aggressive—but simply about asking better questions?
It turns out that the most effective negotiators don’t rely on pressure or persuasion nearl
The Trouble with Thinking Outside the Box & What Hunger is Really Telling You
Ever feel your phone buzz in your pocket—only to check and find nothing there? It feels completely real, and it happens to just about everyone. But it’s not your phone—it’s your brain playing a trick on you. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rewired-the-psychology-technology/201305/phantom-pocket-vibration-syndrome
We’re constantly told that creativity comes from “thinking outside the box.”
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