Something You Should Know

Why would anyone need to be taught how to sleep, breathe, or drink water? Those are things you already do every day. And yet, it turns out most of us are doing them just wrong enough to undermine our health.

In this SYSK Trending episode, I talk with Michael Breus, one of the world’s leading sleep experts, about how small adjustments to when and how you sleep, breathe, and hydrate can produce outsized benefits for your energy, immunity, metabolism, and long-term health.

Dr. Breus is a double-board-certified clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, and the au...

We’ve all heard the “rules” about sleep — you need exactly eight hours, falling asleep in front of the TV is bad, and you can make up for lost sleep on the weekend. But how much of that is actually true? This episode begins by separating sleep myths from sleep reality — and the answers may surprise you. https://www.thehealthy.com/sleep/sleep-facts-myths/

When it comes to building wealth, complexity is often the enemy. Many financial experts agree that the simplest strategy — saving automatically before you ever see the money — is also one of the most powerful. But how does i...

Human touch feels good — but it may also do far more than we realize. From a reassuring hand on the shoulder to a long hug or massage, deliberate touch can trigger measurable biological responses in the body. This episode begins with what science reveals about why touch matters and what happens when we don’t get enough of it. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyone-top/202108/the-vital-importance-human-touch

It’s easy to assume that the big moments shape our lives — but what if tiny, seemingly meaningless choices matter just as much, or even more? A few minutes, a small de...

There’s an art — and a surprising amount of psychology — behind giving a great compliment. When done well, flattery can strengthen relationships, build trust, and make people more receptive. When done poorly, it can feel awkward or manipulative. This episode begins with what research says about how to give and receive compliments the right way. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/202109/the-psychology-compliments-nice-word-goes-long-way

Americans buy an astonishing amount of cheap stuff — souvenirs, knick-knacks, novelty items, gadgets — most of which quickly lose their appeal and end up forgotten in drawers or closets. Why are we so drawn to these thin...

SYSK TRENDING takes a look back at conversations from the Something You Should Know archive that connect directly to topics people are talking about right now.

Motivation is one of them.

We tend to think people are motivated by carrots and sticks — rewards if you do what’s expected, punishment if you don’t. And while that approach can work in some situations, research shows it’s often not the most effective way to motivate yourself or others.

Daniel Pink explains what actually drives human motivation and why autonomy, mastery, and purpose matter far more...

You’ve probably been told to be grateful for what you have — but that advice isn’t just feel-good wisdom. Research shows that intentionally expressing gratitude can actually change how your brain functions, influencing mood, focus, and emotional resilience. This episode begins with what gratitude really does inside your head — and why it’s more powerful than it sounds. https://www.thecut.com/2016/01/how-expressing-gratitude-change-your-brain.html

There’s a basic human need we rarely talk about, yet it quietly shapes how people behave: the need to matter – to feel significant. When people feel seen and valued they tend to thrive. Whe...

In almost every job interview, there’s one question that catches people off guard — not because it’s rare, but because most candidates think they already know how to answer it. They don’t. This episode begins by revealing that question and how to craft a response that instantly sets you apart. https://www.forbes.com/pictures/lml45mmjg/why-should-i-hire-you-2/?sh=4c5a502c53d8

Robots fascinate us — and that fascination may be leading us into trouble. Even when we know robots are just machines, we instinctively treat them like thinking, feeling beings. We trust them, empathize with them...

If you want a conversation to feel more engaging and connected, there’s a small, often overlooked detail that can quietly shape how the other person experiences you before either of you even says a word. And it all has to do with your phone. This episode begins with research revealing what that detail is and why it matters more than most people realize. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12110250/

You’ve likely experienced that rare moment when you just click with someone. Conversation flows. It seems effortless – it’s feels magical. But what’s actually h...

Written communication strips away tone, facial expression, and nuance — which is why texts and emails are so easy to misinterpret. Sarcasm, humor, and intent can get lost, sometimes with awkward or costly consequences. This episode begins with how emojis can restore subtlety to digital communication — if you know which ones actually help and which ones make things worse. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563221002946?utm

Some of the greatest ideas — and even entire careers — were never planned. Potato chips, penicillin, and Post-it Notes were all accidents. Success often comes not from careful design, but from not...

Is a newborn baby more likely to resemble mom or dad – or is it a toss-up? This episode begins by explaining why a baby is more likely to look like one parent and not the other and why that is. https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/health/the-claim-babies-tend-to-look-like-their-fathers.html

When people talk about the “culture” – why do they mean? What is culture. You probably use the word in conversation and you have a sense of what it means but it is actually a difficult word to define. Here to define it and explain why it is so important to understa...

When you get sick, your instinct is to withdraw — crawl into bed, cancel plans, and avoid people. As unpleasant as that feels, it turns out that instinct may be doing something surprisingly important for everyone else. This episode begins with why feeling miserable when you’re sick is actually a good thing. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160107094128.htm

If you really want to know what’s most likely to seriously injure or kill you, talk to an ER doctor. They see patterns most of us never think about — and many of the dangers are far more ordinary than you...

What if one of the best-performing investments over the last few decades wasn’t stocks, real estate, or gold — but LEGO? It sounds absurd, yet when researchers tracked the resale value of LEGO sets, they found returns that beat many traditional investments. We begin by looking at which sets gain value, why they do, and what makes some toys unexpectedly valuable. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0275531921001604

Life rarely goes according to plan. Careers shift, relationships change, health issues arise, and unexpected events force us to adapt — often before we feel ready. Since change is una...

How food tastes has surprisingly little to do with the food itself. The lighting in the room, the weight of your fork, and even the color of your plate can all change how much you enjoy a meal — without you realizing it. This episode begins with how easily your senses can be influenced. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/12/31/370397449/food-psychology-how-to-trick-your-palate-into-a-tastier-meal#

When you recognize someone, it usually happens instantly — but what exactly are you recognizing? How much of a face do you need to see? Why are some people incredibly good at recognizing faces while others struggle or are...

There’s a reason hearing your mother’s voice can feel different from hearing anyone else’s — even when it’s just a phone call. This episode opens with the surprising effects researchers have discovered. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-psychology-of-relationships/202104/two-key-reasons-why-you-should-call-your-mom

Guilt feels terrible — and that’s exactly what makes it so effective. While we tend to see guilt as something to avoid, it may actually play an essential role in helping us learn, repair relationships, and behave more ethically. Christopher Moore explains why guilt exists, how it evolved, and why feeling guilty can sometimes be a very good...

When children grow up and look back on their childhood, what do they remember most about their parents? It turns out it’s not what many parents assume. This episode begins with research revealing which parenting behaviors leave the strongest, longest-lasting impressions — and how they shape adult relationships. https://time.com/4097995/parenting-kids-remember/

Some emotions can completely hijack your day. Anger, anxiety, frustration, and stress often feel automatic — as if you have no control once they show up. But that’s not actually true. Dr. Ryan Martin explains science-backed ways to regulate emotions both before they spiral and in the m...

Human touch feels good — but it may also do far more than we realize. From a reassuring hand on the shoulder to a long hug or massage, deliberate touch can trigger measurable biological responses in the body. This episode begins with what science reveals about why touch matters and what happens when we don’t get enough of it. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyone-top/202108/the-vital-importance-human-touch

It’s easy to assume that the big moments shape our lives — but what if tiny, seemingly meaningless choices matter just as much, or even more? A few minutes, a small de...

Creating strong passwords is a modern headache. Simple ones are easy to hack. Complex ones are hard to remember. And using the same password everywhere is just asking for trouble. This episode begins with a smarter, practical strategy for creating passwords that are both secure and memorable. Source: Sid Kirchheimer, author of Scam-Proof Your Life (https://amzn.to/3SeWhA5) Men and women differ in ways that go far beyond the obvious — and some of the most fascinating differences rarely get discussed. From how men and women hear sound differently, to why women tend to live longer, to how hormones inf...

Driving with a cold might seem harmless — but research suggests even mild illness can seriously impair reaction time, focus, and judgment. Could driving while sick actually be more dangerous than driving drunk? This episode begins with some surprising evidence about what happens when you get behind the wheel with a cold or flu. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2283323/Dont-sniffle-drive-Driving-cold-dangerous-drunk-driving.html

Why do some people love foods that others can’t stand? And why do foods you hated as a child sometimes become favorites later in life? Taste feels subjective, but it’s driven by biology, psycho...

You’ve probably been told to be grateful for what you have — but that advice isn’t just feel-good wisdom. Research shows that intentionally expressing gratitude can actually change how your brain functions, influencing mood, focus, and emotional resilience. This episode begins with what gratitude really does inside your head — and why it’s more powerful than it sounds. https://www.thecut.com/2016/01/how-expressing-gratitude-change-your-brain.html

There’s a basic human need we rarely talk about, yet it quietly shapes how people behave: the need to matter – to feel significant. When people feel seen and valued they tend to thrive. Whe...

Can simply imagining yourself doing something actually make you better at it? Athletes, musicians, and performers have sworn by mental rehearsal for years — but does it really work? This episode begins by exploring when visualization helps, when it doesn’t, and why. https://www.popsci.com/will-practicing-skill-your-head-make-you-better-it/

Weight loss is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions — and today, any serious conversation about losing weight quickly turns to Ozempic and similar drugs. For many people, these medications have been remarkably effective. But how do they actually work? Are they safe long-term? What are the side effects...

Have you ever noticed that one foot is often slightly bigger than the other? It sounds odd, but it’s extremely common — and there’s a clear biological reason for it. This episode begins with why it happens, which foot is usually larger, and what it means for comfort and health. https://www.feetbypody.com/blog/is-it-normal-for-one-foot-to-be-bigger-than-the-other/

The Moon has been hanging over our heads for billions of years — but why is it there at all? Where did it come from? Why doesn’t it crash into Earth? And what would life be like if the Moon never exis...

Your mind wanders — that’s normal. But letting it drift too much may come at a cost. Research shows that frequent mind-wandering can make you less happy, less focused, and more stressed than you realize. This episode begins with why an unfocused mind can quietly work against you. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111141759.htm

You talk to yourself constantly — and much of that inner dialogue is critical, harsh, and unhelpful. The good news is that voice can be changed. Dr. Rachel Goldsmith Turow explains how self-talk shapes how you think, feel, and act — and why learning to speak to...

When you watch a great dancer, what separates them from everyone else isn’t strength, flexibility, or even rhythm — it’s one specific part of the body most people never think about. This episode begins with what it is and why it matters so much. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep42435

Why do some people seem instantly likable while others struggle to connect? There’s real science behind first impressions, and small behaviors can make a big difference — for better or worse. Nicholas Boothman joins me to explain what makes people warm up to you quickly and what quiet...

There is a three-letter word in the English language that holds more meanings than any other word. You’ve probably said it several times today without realizing how complex it really is. This episode begins with the surprising story behind that word. https://www.rd.com/article/most-complicated-word-in-english/

How much of who you are comes from your genes — and how much comes from the home you grew up in? Heredity is powerful, but also widely misunderstood. Some traits truly are inherited, while others only seem hereditary because families share environments, habits, and experiences. Carl Zimmer joins me to u...

Why do we say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Christmas? The phrase has a surprisingly rich past, shaped by culture, language, and holiday tradition. This episode begins with where “merry” came from and why it stuck. https://time.com/6240140/why-we-say-merry-christmas-traditions/

Being alone isn’t the same as being lonely. In fact, choosing solitude can offer profound psychological and emotional benefits. Robert J. Coplan joins me to explain why. He has spent more than three decades studying the upside of time alone. Robert is a psychologist, researcher, teacher, and author of The Joy of Solitude: How to Reconnect with Y...

Every December, millions of people around the world track Santa’s journey in real time using the NORAD Santa Tracker. But why is a military defense organization keeping tabs on Santa Claus in the first place? This bonus holiday episode begins with the surprisingly charming and accidental origin of that tradition. https://www.noradsanta.org/en/about/

Why do people kiss under the mistletoe? Why do we decorate Christmas trees with ornaments? And how did Jingle Bells — a song originally written for Thanksgiving — become one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time? Ace Collins joins me to...

If you fall short on sleep, can you really “catch up” the next night? Many people think so — but our bodies don’t quite work that way. This episode begins with what science says about recovering from poor sleep and how to optimize deep sleep when your schedule gets disrupted. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a40511210/deep-sleep/

What makes a song a hit? Trends, personal taste, timing, and luck all play a role — but today, technology shapes popular music more than ever. From how songs are created to how they spread, the path to a hit is constantly...

Sometimes the perfect words show up when you need them most. We start with a surprisingly powerful bit of holiday inspiration from Mr. Rogers — a reminder of kindness and humanity that still resonates today. Source: The World According to Mr. Rogers (https://amzn.to/3RKWfzC)

Science is completely rethinking what it means to grow old. It’s not just about adding years — it’s about adding healthy years. And while diet and exercise play their part, researchers are uncovering far more advanced ways to slow aging at a cellular level. Some of the most intriguing experiments can literall...

Christmas tree fires are frightening, but they’re not the leading cause of house fires in the U.S. What’s surprising is how many fires start from everyday habits and household choices most people never think twice about. This episode begins with a look at several common yet overlooked causes of home fires. Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/fire-safety/#.Viz3ILerTIU

We alter our own memories far more than we realize. We forget details, highlight the good parts, and unintentionally distort events over time. Now scientists are exploring how to deliberately modify specific memories — softening painfu...

Christmas decorations are meant to be cheerful — but some have been anything but. Over the years, certain holiday decorations have turned out to be creepy, hazardous, and even deadly. This episode begins with some of the strangest and most dangerous examples. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/radioactivity-antiques?utm

Many classic Christmas songs have surprising backstories. Brenda Lee was only 13 when she recorded Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was tossed in the trash before becoming a holiday staple. Music journalist Annie Zaleski joins me to share these and many other stories. She is a...

Some people crave sweets, while others reach for salty snacks — and it’s not just habit. Your flavor preference is shaped by biology and brain chemistry. We begin with a look at what determines whether you’re wired for sugar or salt. Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19931521/why-some-people-have-a-sweet-tooth/

The holidays promise joy but often deliver stress. We push for perfection, try to meet expectations, and forget that the season is really about connection — not flawless decorations or perfect moments. Psychotherapist Niro Feliciano shares some powerful advice for a healthier, calmer holiday season. Niro appears regularly on the T...

Winter brings cold and flu season—and when symptoms first appear, it can be hard to tell which one you’ve got. Fortunately, early signs can offer helpful clues, so you can take the right steps quickly. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/is-it-cold-flu

During the holidays especially, people feel a heightened need for connection. Yet many of us struggle with the social skills that make connection possible—skills like how to be a great conversationalist, how to apologize well, how to end a conversation gracefully, or how to sit with someone who’s suffering. These are the abilitie...

If you’re having a rough day, there’s one oddly specific body part you can wash that appears to boost your mood—even though the science behind it makes little sense. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21707206/

When it comes to communicating, influencing, or connecting with others, some words are far more powerful than others. Jonah Berger, marketing professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way (https://amzn.to/3FctHIE), explains how small shifts in language can drastically change how people respond.

...

Eggnog is one of the strangest holiday traditions we have — a creamy mix of eggs, milk, spices, and often a splash of rum. Yet people look forward to it every December. Where did this unusual drink come from, and how did it become tied so closely to Christmas? We start with the surprising history behind this centuries-old holiday concoction. Source: https://time.com/3957265/history-of-eggnog/

Chances are you have a favorite Christmas movie — White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, or one of dozens of others that seem to define the season. Film histor...

A yawn spreads quickly. You see someone yawn, you think about yawning, or you even read the word “yawn”—and suddenly you’re doing it too. This episode begins by looking at why yawning is so contagious, what theories actually hold up, and what science still can’t explain. https://www.livescience.com/human-behavior/why-is-yawning-contagious

A Christmas tree seems like such a natural part of the holiday season, but the tradition behind it is rich, surprising, and deeply woven into American history. Why an evergreen? Where did the practice originate? How do they select the giant tree for Rockef...

Who doesn’t love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree? That unmistakable pine scent isn’t just nostalgic — it may actually have measurable benefits. We start this episode with a look at why the aroma of pine can lift your mood, help you relax, and enhance your holiday season. Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/the-healing-power-of-pine

Audiences are remarkable. Whether it’s a play, a movie, or a concert, something special happens when people gather — a shared energy that shapes how we feel and how performers respond. But how did audiences become “a thing”? Why do we applaud? An...

When you’re asked to “sign in blue or black ink,” is that actually the law — or just an outdated rule we all obey? We begin with the surprising truth about which ink colors really matter when you’re signing checks, contracts, or legal documents. Source: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061314/dont-sign-legal-pitfalls-signatures.asp

Why are humans endlessly fascinated by aliens? For thousands of years, every culture has looked to the sky and wondered who—or what—might be out there. Today, that fascination fuels movies, conspiracy theories, and serious scientific searches for extraterrestrial life. Science journalist Becky Ferreira...

There was a time when the office Christmas party was the highlight of the corporate year — big budgets, elaborate celebrations, and stories that still get whispered decades later. But how did this tradition start? Who decided employers should host a holiday bash in the first place? This special holiday bonus episode looks at the surprising origins of the office Christmas party and why it evolved into the event it is today - usually a bit tamer and more subdued. That's what we explore as we kick off this special holiday bonus episode. https://www.ncnewsonline.com/archives/workplace-the-wild-history-of-holiday-office-parties/article_4895ce...

Ever wonder why some people seem naturally gifted at music? It turns out your personality may have more to do with musical ability than you think. This episode begins with research identifying which personality traits actually predict innate musical potential — and which ones don’t. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151013135831.htm

Are we too worried about getting scammed? Most of us would rather lose money through an honest mistake than fall victim to a con — and that hyper-vigilance affects far more of our decision-making than we realize. My guest, Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, a University of Pennsylvania law professor and ps...

Does your place in the family — firstborn, middle child, or youngest — really shape who you are? Birth-order theory has been debated for decades. This episode begins by exploring what science actually says about how sibling order affects personality, achievement, and relationships. https://psychcentral.com/blog/birth-order-and-personality#birth-order-and-personality

Around the holiday season, many of us feel a wave of nostalgia — longing for people, places, and moments from the past. Once thought of as a sign of weakness, nostalgia is now proven to be a powerful source of emotional strength and meaning. Psychologist Clay Routledge, PhD, explains how revisiting fond m...