Podcasts · Science · Education
Something You Should Know
Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media
300 episodes
Sometimes all it takes is one little fact or one little piece of wisdom to change your life forever. That's the purpose and the hope of "Something You Should Know." In each episode, host Mike Carruthers interviews top experts in their field to bring you fascinating information and advice to help you save time and money, advance in your career, become wealthy, improve your relationships and help you simply get more out of life. In addition, Mike uncovers and shares short, engaging pieces of "intel" you can use to make your life better - today. Right now.
Episodes page 2 of 6
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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?…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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