There are a lot of things you likely believe that are not true. For example, sugar causes hyperactivity in children. That’s just one of several commonly held beliefs that are not true as I begin this episode of the podcast. http://www.rd.com/culture/false-facts-everyone-believes/You are constantly talking to yourself. And when you actually paid attention to what you are saying to yourself – you will be amazed. Shad Helmstetter author of the book What to Say When You Talk to Yourself (https://amzn.to/2NfCg9e) and his new book The Power of Neuroplasticity (https://amzn.to/2TWPyKo) joins me with a fascinating look at how what we say to ourselves actually shapes who we are. He also offers ways to stop telling yourself all the terrible things like, “I’m so stupid…” or “I’m such an idiot…” because it can make a huge difference in your life. Shad's website is www.shadhelmstetter.com Some people try to squeeze the very last piece of toothpaste out of the tube or the last drop of shampoo out of the bottle. Is it worth the effort? How much can you save? I’ll explain the math then you can decide. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/the-last-bit-in-the-container/In every country in the developed world, boys are falling behind girls academically and socially. Why? What has happened that seems to have marginalized boys today? It seems there are a lot of factors according to Warren Farrell, former board member of the NYC branch of the National Organization for Women and author of the book The Boy Crisis (https://amzn.to/2El9TDW). Warren joins me with a look at how this has happened and how we can all help boys get back on track. This Week's Sponsors-Joybird Furniture. Go to www.joybird.com/something and get 25% your first order using promo code: something-Capterra. Find the best software for your business by going to www.capterra.com/something-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Geico. Go to www.geico.com for your free quote.-Care/Of Vitamins. For 50% off your first month of personalized Care/of vitamins, go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code: something50. 

When you grocery shop, are you one of those people who sometimes changes their mind and takes items out of your shopping cart and stashes them somewhere in the checkout line so you don’t have to buy them? Well, stores are making it harder to do that and that is just ones of the ways grocery stores try to get you to spend more money. I start this episode with a list of several other strategies grocery stores use because knowing could help you save money. http://www.rd.com/slideshows/supermarket-tricks/There is an interesting distinction between being rich and being wealthy according to writer Paul Sullivan. Paul writes the “Wealth Matters” column for The New York Times and he is author of the book, The Thin Green Line: The Money Secrets of the Super Wealthy (https://amzn.to/2GKrqae) and he joins me to explain the difference and why being wealthy is far better than being rich. More importantly he explains how anyone can be wealthy.When it comes to what women find attractive in a man – sure, looks are important. But there is something else any man can easily do to make himself more attractive and appealing to a woman. It may not work every single time but research says it is pretty powerful. Listen to hear what it is. http://www.businessinsider.com/why-women-are-attracted-to-altruistic-men-2016-2Wouldn’t it be great if you could control any conversation so it went the way you wanted it to? MaryAnn Karinch, author of the book Control the Conversation: How to Charm, Deflect and Defend Your Position (https://amzn.to/2EgqOr6), joins me to explore the ways you can master the art of conversation, be thoroughly charming and get the outcome you desire from any conversation with anyone. This Week's Sponsors-Joybird Furniture. Go to www.joybird.com/something and get 25% your first order using promo code: something-Capterra. Find the best software for your business by going to www.capterra.com/something-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Geico. Go to www.geico.com for your free quote.

Couples should have a date night. That’s common advice to help keep the romance alive in long term relationships. But interestingly, “couple time” is not the highest quality time couples can have. In fact it doesn’t even come in second. Listen as I explain another way couples can spend their time that is much more rewarding. https://www.businessinsider.com/double-dates-improve-relationship-2018-2Do you know how to make your memory work to your advantage? If you have ever had your memory fail at exactly the wrong time, listen to my guest Michael Tipper, author of the book Instant Recall (https://amzn.to/2X00YPv). Michael won the silver medal in the World Memory Championship by remembering 9 decks of playing cards in order! He joins me to offer some excellent techniques to help you understand and use your memory to your best advantage. You know that little front pocket that sits inside the big front pocket on blue jeans? Do you know why it is there and what it is for? The idea for that pocket came from Levi Strauss and when you listen you will hear what the original intended use was – which by the way is pretty much obsolete today. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/what-that-little-pocket-in-your-jeansis-really-for-a6828141.htmlThere are a lot of people in relationships who are not getting what they want from their partner. Why is that? What happens in relationships that results in that seemingly inevitable path of negativity, criticism and conflict – and how do you fix it? Harville Hendrix has been working with couples for a long time to help them break free from the negativity that so often takes over in long term relationships. Harville is a practicing therapist and author of several books including the newly revised version of Getting the Love You Want (https://amzn.to/2IbSbXq) which was a huge bestseller when it first came out several years ago. He joins me to reveal what causes relationships to go off-track and how to instantly change how couples interact so the negativity stops.This Week's Sponsors-LinkedIn. Go to www.LinkedIn.com/podcast to get $50 off your first job post-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Select Quote. Go to www.SelectQuote.com/something for your free quote today.-Calming Comfort. Go to www.CalmingComfortBlanket.com and use promo code : something - to get $15 off at checkout.-Care/Of Vitamins. For 50% off your first month of personalized Care/of vitamins, go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code: something50. -Trip Actions. Go to www.TripActions.com/something to complete a 30 minute demo and receive a $100Amazon gift card.-Geico. Go to www.geico.com for your free quote.-Postmates. For $100 free delivery credit, download the app and use the code: something.-Purple Get a free Purple pillow with the purchase of a mattress. Just text "Something" to 79-79-79.

If you want to be more persuasive, there is one little sentence to tack on to the end of any request that is more likely to get people to do what you want. Listen as I begin this episode by revealing that one simple sentence. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10510974.2012.727941?journalCode=rcst20What makes you human? What is it about us that separates us from other earthly creatures? It’s a fascinating question that has been tackled by Michael Tomasello, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University and author of a new book called Becoming Human (https://amzn.to/2I0HHdn). What is so interesting is how we wouldn’t be so human without our interaction with other humans. While we may like to think of ourselves as superior to other animals – it may be more about how we different rather than how we are better. Do you use mouthwash on a regular basis? Did you know the American Dental Association doesn’t recommend that? I’ll explain why killing those bad breath germs in your mouth could have some serious negative consequences. http://www.medicaldaily.com/antiseptic-mouthwash-raises-heart-attack-risk-bloodpressure-chlorhexidine-kills-good-bacteria-helpsA lot of people swear by herbal remedies. A lot of other people prefer conventional medicine. Do herbal remedies actually work? And if so, which ones? Tieraona Low Dog, M.D. is a proponent of natural and herbal remedies and she wrote the forward to the new book, Nature's Best Remedies (https://amzn.to/2tguq66) from National Geographic. She joins me to discuss the science behind some popular herbal remedies and offers help sorting out what works and what does not. This Week's Sponsors-LinkedIn. Go to www.LinkedIn.com/podcast to get $50 off your first job post-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Select Quote. Go to www.SelectQuote.com/something for your free quote today.-Calming Comfort. Go to www.CalmingComfortBlanket.com and use promo code : something - to get $15 off at checkout.-Care/Of Vitamins. For 50% off your first month of personalized Care/of vitamins, go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code: something50. -Trip Actions. Go to www.TripActions.com/something to complete a 30 minute demo and receive a $100Amazon gift card.-Geico. Go to www.geico.com for your free quote.-Postmates. For $100 free delivery credit, download the app and use the code: something.-Purple Get a free Purple pillow with the purchase of a mattress. Just text "Something" to 79-79-79.

People who deal with the public as part of their job often begin to believe that people in general are not very bright. For example, one question workers at Disney theme parks are often asked is “What time is the 3 o’clock parade?” Which is, of course, a pretty stupid question on its surface. But it’s how the employees answer the question that makes Disney customer service so legendary – and any organization can do the same thing. https://www.disneyinstitute.com/blog/how-would-you-respond-if-asked-what-time-is-the-3-oclock-parade/Making money mistakes can be devastating. Yet, a lot of very smart people do some amazingly dumb things with their money according to Jill Schlesinger, business analyst for CBS News, host of the podcast Jill on Money and author of the book, The Dumb Things Smart People Do With Their Money https://amzn.to/2MRHlV5. Listen as Jill explains what to do now to avoid the consequences of stupid money mistakes. We’ve all been told that our attitude is important. I’m sure your parents or a teacher told you something along the lines of: “You can accomplish anything with the right attitude.” But wait a minute. Can the right attitude overcome a lack of skill or talent? John Maxwell, author of dozens of books including The Difference Maker: Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset https://amzn.to/2TzvrSs joins me to explain what a good attitude can and cannot do and how to use your attitude to make you better at everything you do.The first wrinkles people usually get are around the eyes – crow’s feet is what people call them. If you have them you should rejoice! Listen as I explain why getting these wrinkles can do wonders for how people see and perceive you. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2272240/Smile-Crows-feet-make-look-cleverattractive.html#axzz2JwHRI3ELThis Week's Sponsors-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Quip. Go to www.GetQuip.com/something to order a Quip toothbrush and get your first refill pack free.-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance.-Sleep Number. To find your nearest store go to www.SleepNumber.com

When I need to solve a problem or think of something creative, I often lie down, close my eyes and think. And it turns out that is good advice for everyone. I start this episode with some interesting research that reveals why lying down is a good position to think in. https://lifehacker.com/need-a-creative-boost-try-lying-down-5982463Just about everyone has had their heart broken even you, I bet. Psychologist Guy Winch, author of the book How to Fix a Broken Heart (https://amzn.to/2UD20it) joins me to explain why a broken heart feels so horrible, how it is different than other forms of grief and why we need to take it more seriously. A broken heart can have negative long-lasting effects and Guy explains how to minimize those effects so you can move on with your life. Imagine life without zero. In the world of numbers, zero is a relatively new addition. And it is the only number that hasn’t changed over time. It is and always has been a circle. Alex Bellos, author of the book Alex’s Adventures in Numberland (https://amzn.to/2MT3G4V) explains some of the fascination facts about numbers like: Why a minute has 60 seconds and an hour has 60 minutes; why a number for nothing (zero) was so revolutionary; why elevator buttons never use negative numbers to indicate floors below ground – and so much more. (Alex is also author of Puzzle Ninja and Soccer School . How can it be that 40% of food in the United States is wasted and thrown away? Many people use coupons and search for bargains at the supermarket and yet so much of that food never gets eaten. Listen as we explore the problem and what we can do. http://www.aol.com/article/2016/02/01/save-money-with-fish-heads-and-potato-scraps /21305862/This Week's Sponsors-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Quip. Go to www.GetQuip.com/something to order a Quip toothbrush and get your first refill pack free.-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance.-Sleep Number. To find your nearest store go to www.SleepNumber.com

Some people like their chocolate chip cookies crispy right out of the often while others like them soft and chewy and some people like them somewhere in between. This episode begins with an explanation of how to get them just the way you like them every single time. http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/baking/chocolatechip-cookie-typesEver find it hard to get off Facebook or Instagram? Ever find yourself checking social media more often than you know you should? That turns out to be all by design according to Cal Newport. Cal is an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University and author of the book Digital Minimalism. https://amzn.to/2GcOvCf. Listen as Cal explains how social media sites manipulate your behavior and what you can do about it. There is new science that reveals that the chemicals around your house can really mess with your hormones and your health. Fire retardants in furniture, fragrances in cosmetics, BPA in aluminum cans and credit card receipts – all these things are having serious consequences on you and your family. Pediatrician Dr. Leonardo Trasande is vice-chair for research for the department of pediatrics at New York University and author of the book Sicker, Fatter, Poorer https://amzn.to/2S9GN2b. He joins me to explain the latest research that is sounding the alarm about the effects of these household chemicals.  As Valentine’s Day approaches, you may be thinking about buying roses for someone special. Listen as I explain how not all roses are created equal and which ones are best to buy and where best to buy them. http://www.howdini.com/howdini-video-6637626.htmlThis Week’s Sponsors-Capterra. Visit www.Capterra.com/something to find the best software solutions for your business-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance.

We have all heard how some people become sad or depressed during the winter months? Maybe it’s the lack of sunlight or the social isolation of winter – or maybe it’s all a myth. I begin this episode with a look at Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and reveal how real it really is. http://medicalresearch.com/mental-health-research/depression/sad-no-relationshipbetween-sunlight-and-depression/20863/Have you heard of “surveillance capitalism”? It’s the business of collecting data on you and me and then selling that data to others. Google Facebook and a lot of other companies do it. It’s legal – but should it be? Shoshana Zuboff, a professor at Harvard and author of the book The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (https://amzn.to/2UlNag5) joins me to explore this highly lucrative business and explains we should all be concerned about it and why it could mean the end of privacy as we know it.As winter storms approach, it is common for people to rush to the grocery and stock up on staples like bread and milk. Often to the point of leaving store shelves bare. But why? Storms only last a day or two. Why are we hoarding supplies as if we will be stranded for weeks? I’ll explain the psychology of all that. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happy-trails/201601/panic-shopping-the-psychology-the-bread-milk-eggs-rushAs a customer you interact with a lot of professional people – waiters, store clerks, doctors, hair dressers teachers and a lot of others. Sometimes those interactions go horribly wrong. So what can you do to make sure things go right? Lynette Padwa author of the book, Say the Magic Words:How to Get What You Want from the People Who Have What You Need (https://amzn.to/2MyhX6A) talked with those professionals and discovered the secrets to making your encounters go well so that you get exactly what you want and everyone is happy. Listen to discover how.  This Week’s Sponsors-Capterra. Visit www.Capterra.com/something to find the best software solutions for your business-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance.

As I write and post this, much of the U.S. and other parts of the world have been hit by extreme cold in the last several days. So I begin today’s episode with a look at the science of how to stay warm when you are out in the cold. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6620391/How-brace-cold-Science-backed-ways-stay-warm.html“Boy I wish we had more meetings and I wish they lasted longer,” said no one ever in the history of mankind. At best, meetings are a necessary evil in business, organizations and even families. But meetings don’t have to be long, boring and pointless. Steven Rogelberg, Professor of Psychology, Management, and Organizational Science at the University of North Carolina Charlotte is the author of the book The Surprising Science of Meetings https://amzn.to/2WdwBVi and he joins me to reveal how you can make meetings more interesting, meaningful and relevant while making them shorter and maybe even less frequent. And if you like what he has to say, you can visit him at his website: http://stevenrogelberg.comDid you know your cellphone can give you a bad complexion? It turns out a lot of people are having trouble with the skin on their face and it is all because of their cellphone. Listen as I explain why it happens and how to fix it. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a11048/is-your-smartphonecausing-acne/You don’t have to look far to find podcasts, seminars, books and articles full of people telling you what they think will make you truly happy. However, in this episode we look at the SCIENCE of happiness with Catherine Sanderson. She is the Manwell Family Professor of Life Sciences at Amherst College and author of the book The Positive Shift. https://amzn.to/2S5cYQ2. Listen as Catherine not only explains how to make yourself happier, she also reveals the incredible dividends you receive when you do. This Week's Sponsors-Joybird. To receive an exclusive offer for 25% off your first order go to www.joybird.com/something and use promo code: something-Select Quote. Get your free quote for life insurance today at www.SelectQuote.com/something-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance

There is a good chance that your partner is not a lot taller or shorter than you are. People seem to be attracted to people who are of a similar height but it is not for the reasons you might think. This episode begins with a fascinating explanation of how height is involved in mate selection. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3408829/Size-DOES-matter-Choosingpartners-similar-height-genes-researchers-say.html)Despite the emphasis on eating natural, healthy and organic foods, we still eat a lot of processed foods. In fact, some of the bestselling foods are things like Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Cool Whip, frozen dinners and Twinkies. Food writer Carolyn Wyman, author of Better than Homemade: Amazing Foods that Changed the Way We Eat (https://amzn.to/2FNzyGv) joins me to explains some of the really interesting stories behind some of the most popular food products today.Ever had trouble getting a refund from a retailer even though you know you were entitled to it? There is something you can tell that retailer that may very well get them to reconsider? (https://www.wisebread.com/6-awesome-credit-card-tricks-that-will-save-you-money)What does it take to be the best in whatever you want to do? Perhaps it would help to look at elite athletes and see what it is they do to get to the top of their game. Alan Stein, author of the book Raise Your Game: High Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best (https://amzn.to/2AWJiL9) has worked with the very best basketball players and explains how anyone can transfer what those athletes do to improve their performance in any field. This Week's Sponsors-Joybird. To receive an exclusive offer for 25% off your first order go to www.joybird.com/something and use promo code: something-Select Quote. Get your free quote for life insurance today at www.SelectQuote.com/something-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance

Should you really get an annual check-up or go to the dentist twice a year? What about wearing sunscreen everyday? Are all these things really necessary? We begin this episode with a look what the experts say about common health advice you’ve heard all your life.(http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/slideshows/do-you-reallyneed-to-cover-the-toilet-seat-with-paper)If you got a bad grade in school, then that was the subject you were told to work on. Fix your weaknesses – get that grade higher. Is that really good advice? Maybe you are better served by focusing on what you are good at rather than trying to improve your abilities for things you don’t like and are not particularly skilled at. Tom Rath, senior scientist and adviser to the Gallup organization and author of the book Strengths Finder 2.0 (https://amzn.to/2TUQ2jI) explains why focusing on your strengths rather than trying to fix your weaknesses is a much better life strategy. Want your kid to eat healthier? It’s all in the packaging and presentation. Listen as I explain some fascinating research from Yale University that explains how cartoon stickers can help you get your kids to eat right. https://www.chicagotribune.com/living/ct-xpm-2012-08-22-sns-rt-us-stickersbre87l0li-20120822-story.htmlAna amazing amount of your day is devoted to the little details of life. Everything from errands to filling out forms, writing emails, taking the car in service – you know what I mean. Elizabeth Emens, a law professor at Columbia Law School has identified all these tasks as – Life Admin. And she has some great ways to deal with all those tasks effectively and efficiently so you can get on to the bigger things in life. Elizabeth is author of the book, Life Admin (https://amzn.to/2syggwZ) and she joins me to discuss and offer some great advice.  This Week’s Sponsors-LinkedIn. For $50 off your first job post, go to www.LinkedIn.com/Podcast-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Quip. Get your first refill free when you buy a quip toothbrush at www.Get Quip.com/something-Care/of Vitamins. For $25 off your first month of personalized vitamins, go to www.TakeCareOf.com and us the promo code: something-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance

How many times have you been told you should be thankful for what you have? Well, there may be some profound wisdom in that. I begin this podcast with some great research that shows how simple acts of gratitude can bring you benefits for a long time. http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2016/01/how-expressing-gratitude-changeyour-brain.htmlWhile you might think memory loss and cognitive decline are problems only for older people – you would be mistaken. Many younger people are walking around with sluggish, underperforming brains. Why? Listen as I talk with Steven Masley, M.D., an affiliate clinical associate professor at the University of South Florida, a fellow of the American Heart Association and author of the book, The Better Brain Solution (https://amzn.to/2VLIgdO). Dr. Masley explains the 5 things that are causing so many people of all ages to have brain fog and underutilize their mental power. Then he reveals how to reverse it so you are using all your cognitive function and memory.Do you know people who never seem to get sick? While some of it may be luck, a lot of it has to do with certain habits they perform that keep them from becoming ill. Listen as I describe several ways you can better arm yourself against winter colds and other bugs.  https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/10-secrets-from-people-who-never-get-sick/ss-BBROEI0#interstitial=2Holding a grudge does nobody any good – right? Well maybe. It really depends on how you define a grudge. Writer Sophie Hannah has a way to use grudges to your advantage. Sophie is the author of the book How to Hold a Grudge: From Resentment to Contentment―The Power of Grudges to Transform Your Life (https://amzn.to/2AD8Rkd). She joins me to explain how grudge holding – when done correctly – can lead to a happier life and better relationships.This Week’s Sponsors-LinkedIn. For $50 off your first job post, go to www.LinkedIn.com/Podcast-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Quip. Get your first refill free when you buy a quip toothbrush at www.Get Quip.com/something-Care/of Vitamins. For $25 off your first month of personalized vitamins, go to www.TakeCareOf.com and us the promo code: something-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance

When you feel and ache or pain in your body, you likely reach for a Tylenol. And it turns out that you should also reach for one when you are feeling emotional pain as well; such as loneliness or distress. Why? I begin this episode with that explanation. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091222154742.htmNo matter how clean you think your home is, you are sharing your house with millions of creatures – both visible and invisible. From the tiniest germs to your dog or cat – all of these creatures have an impact on you. In fact, if you own a cat, there is an excellent chance of getting infected with a parasite that will change your behavior! I know it sounds crazy but you have got to hear this. Rob Dunn, biologist and professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University joins me to discuss the fascinating world inside your home you never knew was there. Rob is author of the book Never Home Alone: From Microbes to Millipedes, Camel Crickets, and Honeybees, the Natural History of Where We Live (https://amzn.to/2VE0j5K)One of the big pitfalls of writing texts or emails is that people can misinterpret your intent – particularly if you are being sarcastic. But I have a solution that will make sure people will understand what you are really trying to say in your written communication. http://mentalfloss.com/article/73392/winky-faces-make-your-texts-sarcastic-scientists-sayDo you know what your set point weight is? Anyone who has tried to lose weight knows there is a point where you get stuck and it is really hard to drop more weight. Jonathan Bailor, author of the bestselling book The Calorie Myth has researched this for his new book The Setpoint Diet (https://amzn.to/2SK4V8r). He joins me to explain why people get stuck on their set point weight and how to outsmart your body so you can lose more weight.  This Week's Sponsors-Capterra. To find the right software for your business visit www.capterra.com/something-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance.

Everyone seems to have a cellphone – ALL the time. But there are some circumstances when you really should put your phone away so others don’t see it. I begin this episode by discussing when that is and why it is important. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9589232/Putting-a-mobile-phoneon-the-restaurant-table-will-ruin-your-meal.htmlIt appears to be human nature to always want more. Then when we get what we want it is never enough. Why is that? It turns out there is a chemical in your brain that drives this behavior. To explain, I am joined by Daniel Lieberman, MD, who is a professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University and author of the book The More Molecule, How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex and Creativity – and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race (https://amzn.to/2RBclxi).Of course you know the results of reheating pizza in the microwave are horrible and heating it in the oven takes too long. But there is another way that is very fast and won’t leave your pizza all soggy and mushy. https://sciencenotes.org/why-microwave-pizza-with-a-glass-of-water/ What do you know about spices? One thing for sure is that your food would be pretty bland without them. But there is so much more to the world of spices and how to use them. Food science writer Stuart Farrimond, author of the book Spice (https://amzn.to/2GWVm4K) explains the science and lore of spices and offers suggestions to help you use them to cook tastier, more interesting food.  This Week's Sponsors-Capterra. To find the right software for your business visit www.capterra.com/something-ADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.-Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance.

You think you understand the concept of distracted driving – yes? You know it is NOT a good idea to text and drive. But it turns out to be more complicated than that. I begin this episode with some fascinating research that shows that there is a residual effect when you get distracted that affects your driving for much longer than you think. You really need to hear this. http://www.calif.aaa.com/home/about/community-and-safety/hands-free-distractionstudy.htmlEver make a really stupid mistake? Wouldn’t it be great if you could make far fewer of them and make a lot more good decisions instead? Listen to Charlie Seraphin author of the book, (One Stupid Mistake: Smart Decision-Making in a Crazy World https://amzn.to/2s3Qq3A.) He walks you through the process that will help you avoid mistakes, especially the big ones. Plus, he explains the importance of owning and learning from the mistakes you will inevitably make. People love to watch reruns of old TV shows and re-watch old movies – but why? You know how it is going to end so why watch it again. Well there is a reason for that and it is the same reason people like hearing the same songs over and over. http://www.livescience.com/23148-tv-reruns-may-replenish-tired-minds.htmlPeople have been making New Year’s resolutions for a long time and scientists have studied the idea and the process a lot over the years. What has become clear is that there are some strategies that can dramatically improve your chances of success. Keith McArthur has looked at the science and joins me to help you achieve your New Year's resolution or any other goal for that matter. Keith has a podcast and blog called My Instruction Manual (https://myinstructionmanual.com/) and he is author of a book called (Winning Resolutions https://amzn.to/2BYi7zi.)This Week's SponsorsADT. Go to www.ADT.com/smart to learn how ADT can design and install a smart home system for you.Geico. Go to www.Geico.com to see how Geico can save you money on your car insurance.

We end 2018 with the second of our two-part look back at the best moments of the past year. With so much fascinating information from the last twelve months, it is fun to hit some highlight moments and relive them. I know you will hear things in this episode that you either missed or forgot – so listen and enjoy!

You probably associate yawning with being tired or maybe being bored. However, according to some interesting research, yawning has nothing to do with either one of those things. I begin this episode of the podcast at a look at why we yawn and why yawning is contagious. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3425960&page=1Why is change so hard? Anyone who has made a New Year’s resolution knows that sticking with a major change is difficult. One of the big reasons is what executive coach Marshall Goldsmith calls “triggers.” Triggers are the things that can in the way of achieving your goals. In fact, his book is called Triggers (http://amzn.to/2dWTWog). Listen as Marshall offers really solid, concrete advice for making lasting positive changes in your life and achieving your goals. If you have never heard Marshall speak, you will love this interview and you will come away inspired. Have you ever wondered why you like the things you like? It is interesting that one person can hate something another person loves. It applies to food, colors, fashion, cars – almost anything. Why is that? What influences our tastes and preferences? Listen as I speak with Tom Vanderbilt author of the book You May Also Like http://amzn.to/2h8YecT and discover why you prefer some things over others and why your favorite color is your favorite color.What really matters when it comes to health and long life? It may have less to do with diet and exercise (although they are important) and more to do with the kind of person you are. To find out if you are that kind of person, you need to answer an important question. Listen and I will tell you what that question is. (Dr. Paul Persall author of Write Your Own Pleasure Prescription https://amzn.to/2RdFqyU) 

With over 100 episodes a year, it is entirely possible you may have missed some of the best, most interesting moments of the past year. Or perhaps you may have forgotten some interesting intel you learned. So here are some highlights from 2018. 

Does being unhappy make you more likely to get sick or even shorten your life span? A lot of people believe that. So, in this episode we look at the science behind that belief. How could unhappiness cause illness? The answer is complicated and not what you probably think. http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2015-12-08-happiness-and-unhappiness-have-no-direct-effect-mortalityWouldn’t it be wonderful if people would notice and appreciate just how great you are at doing what you do? Yes it would be but it seldom happens. If you want to really get noticed – if you want people to really see how competent you are, you have to project an image of competence. Jack Nasher, a consultant and negotiation trainer is author of the book Convinced: How to Prove Your Competence and Win People Over (https://amzn.to/2BqWojk) Jack joins me to explain what it takes to really get people (including your boss) to see just how great you are and how well you do your job.What time is it at the North Pole? Why does a whip crack? Why do people stick out their tongue when they are concentrating on a task? These are just some of the interesting questions I tackle with science writer Ivan Semeniuk. Ivan along with New Scientist magazine, published a book called Why Don’t Penguins Feet Freeze? (https://amzn.to/2R6JMHV) (yes we answer that one too.) which explores some of these fascinating questions you’ve always wondered about.What makes a food a “comfort” food? It turns out your favorite comfort food has more to do with who cooked it and where you ate it than it does with the food itself. Listen as I explain. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/appetite/media-coverage/we-love-comfort-food-because-we-love-the-cookThis Week's Sponsors-Quip. Get your first refill pack free when you buy an electric toothbrush at www.GetQuip.com/something-Robinhood. Get a free stock when you sign up at something.robinhood.com-Stitch Fix. Get an extra 25% off when you keep all the items in your box at www.StitchFix.com/something

There are a lot of theories and myths about alcohol and how not to fall victim to its effects. For example, mixing caffeine with alcohol will make you feel less sleepy or that light beers are healthier than regular beers. I begin this episode with an examination of which of these and other common held beliefs about alcohol are true or false. http://www.purewow.com/wellness/Alcohol-MythsWhy do you dream at night? Do those dream serve a purpose or are they random thoughts the brain has as your body rests? Journalist Alice Robb, author of the book Why We Dream (https://amzn.to/2LmMMuy) explores the science of dreaming and reveals some proven ways that you can use your dreams to help you in your waking life.What is the best tasting ketchup? Is it some fancy organic gourmet ketchup or is it Heinz or Hunts or maybe Del Monte? Blind taste tests reveal a very clear winner. Listen and discover which ketchup reigns supreme. (The New Best Recipe cookbook by America's Test Kitchen - (https://amzn.to/2LmL9gd)You probably have a lot more electronic friends on social media, texts and email than you have real friends. And while electronic friends are fine, having traditional friends and connections is probably more important than ever before. Susan RoAne author of the book How to Work a Room (https://amzn.to/2ElLcrk) explores the importance of friendships and offers practical ways to find and make new friends.This Week's Sponsors-Quip. Get your first refill pack free when you buy an electric toothbrush at www.GetQuip.com/something-Robinhood. Get a free stock when you sign up at something.robinhood.com -Stitch Fix. Get an extra 25% off when you keep all the items in your box at www.StitchFix.com/something

Do attractive people really get the best tables at a restaurant? Did you know menus are designed to steer you to particular dishes? These are just a few of the things I cover as we kick-off this episode. It turns out there are a lot of fascinating things going on behind-the-scenes at restaurants that are helpful for you to know. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2363861/The-restaurant-secrets-diners-know-Huge-mark-upswine-dishes-containing-chefs-saliva-blacklist-rude-customers.htmlMy father used to tell me, “You have to ask for what you want.” While that is good advice, it is hard for many people to ask for what they want and even harder to negotiate to get it. With some very practical advice is Dr. Meg Myers Morgan, an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma and author of the book, Everything is Negotiable The 5 Tactics to Get What You Want in Life, Love, and Work (https://amzn.to/2SFdnW3). Meg joins me with some unique and actionable steps that will help you get what you want. If you want to appreciate how great medical care and knowledge is today, all you have to do is look back 100 years ago or so to see what medicine was like back then. Medical historian Thomas Morris author of the book The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth and Other Curiosities from the History of Medicine (https://amzn.to/2Lbjqiy) joins me to explore some of the curious oddities, treatments and miracles from 100 years ago that seem so strange today – just 100 year later. It makes you wonder what people will think of our medical practices 100 years from now!Choosing the right hospital is always important – but it also turns out that choosing the right day to check-in to the hospital also matters. Studies of hospitals all over the world conclude there are some days you might want to avoid. Listen and I’ll tell you which days those are. http://www.today.com/health/why-hospital-weekend-effect-dangerous-t30581This Week's Sponsors-SimpliSafe. To save hundreds of dollars on home protection go to www.SimpliSafe.com/something-Quip. Get your first refill pack free when you get an electric toothbrush from www.GetQuip.com/something-Care/of Vitamins. For 25% off your first month of personalized care/of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and use the promo code SOMETHING  

It is easy and tempting to overspend on holiday gifts. Plus retailers do everything they can to encourage you to spend more. So this episode begins with some strategies to help you spend a bit less and avoid those impulse purchases that you often wish you hadn’t made once you get home. http://www.womansday.com/life/work-money/g1877/how-to-stop-impulse-buying/Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Why do we bring fir trees into our homes and decorate them? Why is Jingle Bells so popular at Christmas when it is really a Thanksgiving song? Ace Collins author of Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas (https://amzn.to/2QfN1NA) and Stories Behind the Best Loved Songs of Christmas (https://amzn.to/2Up4wtg) joins me to reveal the fascinating backstories of some your favorite holiday traditions and songs. Do you have the “It” factor? It’s the thing that makes people want to get to know you and perhaps become part of your life and help you succeed. Mark Wiskup is a top communications expert and coach and he is author of the book The It Factor (https://amzn.to/2EbHMXX). He joins me to explain how anyone can acquire the It factor even if you consider yourself shy or introverted.  Doing household chores may not be the most exciting thing you do but it turns out there are some great health benefits. Things like making your bed or doing the dishes can actually be good for you. I conclude this episode by discussing some great reasons to tackle those chores you have been putting off. http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/health-benefits-chores/This Week's Sponsors-SimpliSafe. To save hundreds of dollars on home protection go to www.SimpliSafe.com/something-Quip. Get your first refill pack free when you get an electric toothbrush from www.GetQuip.com/something-Care/of Vitamins. For 25% off your first month of personalized care/of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and use the promo code SOMETHING  

When you look at old holiday photos, you will notice something is definitely missing – and it is something you really wish was there. I begin this episode of the podcast with that missing ingredient and advice on how to put it back in to your photos for this Christmas and in the future. (Cheryl Lightle author of “The Creative Memories Way )How often have you started something but never finished? How often have you said you wanted to accomplish something but never actually got around to starting it? It turns out these are very common experiences. Jon Acuff, author of the book Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done (https://amzn.to/2EgKYmi) researched the science of setting and achieving goals. He joins me to explain where people go wrong and how to set and reach goals that are truly important to you.Is the 5-Second Rule true? Is double dipping really so bad? How gross is it to eat birthday cake after someone blows out the candles? I explore all of these questions about food and germs and illness with scientist and Clemson University professor Paul Dawson, author of the book Did You Just Eat That? (https://amzn.to/2PqKLOw)You probably don’t use punctuation when you write a text to someone. But maybe you should – sometimes. Listen as I explain why certain punctuation can make you sound more sincere and other punctuation makes you sound less sincere. And what’s interesting is it only applies to texts, not to any other type of written communication. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563215302181This Week's Sponsors–BetterHelp For 10% off your first month of counseling go to www.BetterHelp.com/something, promo code SOMETHING–Stitch Fix For an additional 25% off when you keep all the items in your box go to www.StitchFix.com/something -Calming Comfort Blanket. For 15% off the posted price of this incredible blanket to help you sleep better, go to www.CalmingComfortBlanket.com and use the promo code SOMETHING.

Sometimes you may find yourself in a bad mood for no real reason. So how do you snap out of it? We begin this episode with some very easy, practical and proven ways to get you out of your funk and back to being happy when you are feeling grumpy. http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/smart-living/10-science-backed-ways-to-beat-a-bad-mood-fast/ar-BBlfz4d#page=5Is eavesdropping nothing more than an impolite indiscretion – or is eavesdropping something humans must do? John Locke, Professor of Linguistics at Lehman College, City University of New York and author of the book Eavesdropping: An Intimate History (https://amzn.to/2zzH4kp) joins me for a fascinating exploration into what drives us to want to uncover other people’s secrets and what purpose it serves. Why do some people like spicy food while others don’t? And what is that hot and spicy sensation you get in your mouth anyway – it is not a flavor or taste, so what is it? And perhaps the most important questions is, what is the best way to turn off the heat in your mouth when you eat something that is too hot and spicy? We will explore all of that in this episode. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3342526/So-S-chilli-peppers-tingle-tongue-Capsaicin-compoundbinds-pain-receptors-milk-really-does-help.htmlWhile the workplace has become more informal, how you dress and behave still matters. In fact it probably matters more than ever. For example, is it okay for colleagues to kiss at work anymore? How do you politely extract yourself from a conversation you don’t want to be in? What about opening doors for others? Who picks up the check – when? What’s the best way to introduce yourself? Should you give your boss a Christmas gift? Barbara Pachter author of The Essentials of Business Etiquette: How to Greet, Eat, and Tweet Yourself to Success (https://amzn.to/2SqSG09) joins me to discuss all of that and more including social media etiquette.This Week's Sponsors–BetterHelp For 10% off your first month of counseling go to www.BetterHelp.com/something, promo code SOMETHING–Stitch Fix For an additional 25% off when you keep all the items in your box go to www.StitchFix.com/somethingCalming Comfort Blanket. For 15% off the posted price of this incredible blanket to help you sleep better, go to www.CalmingComfortBlanket.com and use the promo code SOMETHING.

Who doesn’t love the smell of a Christmas tree? For most of us, the scent of pine is wonderful. So much so that it is in all sorts of products from car air fresheners to kitchen cleaners. As it turns out smelling pine is also good for you and we begin this episode of the podcast exploring the benefits of that most enjoyable scent. (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/12/04/healing-power-pine/#ixzz2E8XgB7J4)A large percentage of people classify themselves as passive. Many of those passive people wish they weren’t because they feel that other people walk all over them. So what’s the alternative? Dennis Adams, therapist, former minister and former passive person spent a long time developing a different approach for passive people that he calls - Honest Direct and Respectful. In fact that is the name of his book, Honest, Direct Respectful: 3 Simple Words That Will Change Your Life (https://amzn.to/2Q0tMrs). Dennis joins me to explain how and why it is such a powerful technique for passive people.The holiday season is a time to give thanks for all the things you have. And it turns out that feeling thankful is a good idea the rest of the year too. There are many mental and physical benefits when people feel gratitude. Listen and I will tell you what they are. (http://my.happify.com/hd/what-is-the-science-of-happiness/)If you travel, you don’t need me to tell you how stressful and challenging it can be – particularly around the holidays. Charles McPherson author of The Pocket Butler’s Guide to Travel (https://amzn.to/2KEAsp3) is here to share his advice to make traveling easier and more enjoyable and he has suggestions to help you get the most out of your travel dollars.