If you want to ask someone on a date, you could call them up and ask or you could send a text or email. So which of those methods is most effective? We begin this episode with the interesting answer. http://news.indiana.edu/releases/iu/2015/09/email-versus-voicemail-romantics.shtmlWhen someone walks into your home, they immediately make assumptions about you. So what do people assume about you? What does your home say? According to Winifred Gallagher author of the book, House Thinking: A Room by Room Look at How We Live https://amzn.to/2LzmTWX , it says a lot. What’s also interesting is that your house and its contents have impact and influence on you – in terms of how you think and behave. Join me as Winifred explains the fascinating and often undetected relationship you have with your home.Whether or not you are happy depends on a lot of factors. But there is one BIG factor in your life that can make or break your happiness. Listen as I tell you what it is. http://www.techinsider.io/how-to-know-you-are-happy-psychology-2015-9Being able to forgive someone for something they have done is considered virtuous. Many religions teach the importance of forgiveness. But what if you can’t or won’t forgive? What if what was done to you is unforgivable – then what? Is forgiveness the only way to unburden yourself? No, according to Gary Egeberg, author of the book, The Forgiveness Myth https://amzn.to/2Pg6xEM. Sometimes forgiveness is NOT the answer and Gary explains what the alternatives are.This Week's SponsorsDaily Harvest. Get 3 cups free in your first order of amazing smoothies and savory harvest bowls. Go to www.daily-harvest.com and use promo code: somethingHotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.Brilliant Earth. For the 12 month financing offer and to shop all of Brilliant Earth’s selections - Just go to www.BrilliantEarth.com/somethingHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSKand use the promo code SYSK

Have you ever thought to yourself, “When I lose weight, where does the fat go?” It is an interesting question and the fact is most health professionals cannot answer it. But I can – and will as we begin this episode. https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/26/health/lose-weight-where-does-it-go-partner/index.htmlIf the “lose-it-or-use-it” theory applies to anything – it applies to memory. U.S. Memory Champion Chester Santos, author of the book, Mastering Memory https://amzn.to/2P4LTay joins me to offer some techniques to help you improve your ability to remember names and just about everything else. In fact he takes us all on an exercise to remember a list of 15 random words and commit it to memory. There is probably a jar of Vaseline around your house somewhere. And it turns out that Vaseline has a lot of uses and applications that you have probably never heard of. I’ll share several of the best ones in this episode. http://www.aol.com/article/2015/04/15/19-unusual-uses-vaseline/21172577/While it is always great to strive for success, some people strive for nothing else. They judge everything by how much they achieve, how they look, how much money they have or how big their house is. Psychologist Dr. Arthur Ciarimicoli identified this problem and gave it a name – “Performance Addiction.” It refers to people who think achievement and success will bring them happiness. When it doesn’t, that’s when the trouble begins. Arthur not only coined the term, he is also the author of a book called Performance Addiction https://amzn.to/2P97r66. He joins me to explain and explore this growing problem in our culture – and what can be done about it. This Week's SponsorsDaily Harvest. Get 3 cups free in your first order of amazing smoothies and savory harvest bowls. Go to www.daily-harvest.com and use promo code: somethingHotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.Brilliant Earth. For the 12 month financing offer and to shop all of Brilliant Earth’s selections - Just go to www.BrilliantEarth.com/somethingHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSK

If you want someone to know you really care for them and that they are special to you, there are a few simple things you can do that can have a huge impact. I begin this episode with those things which I am sure will come in handy at some point in your life. http://www.caring.com/articles/5-surprising-actions-that-show-loveWhen you want to make a point or sell your idea or convince someone of something – nothing can do it like a picture. But what if you suck as an artist? Well, according to Dan Roam, that doesn’t matter. Any picture is better than no picture. Dan is the author of the book, Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures https://amzn.to/2PwDRsc. He joins me to explain the science of why visual representations (pictures) can be so much more powerful than words. As the saying goes – a picture is worth a thousand words. When you hear Dan you will understand just how true that is. Even if your artistic skills are less than impressive.So here is something I am sure has happened to you… you take your clothes or towels out of the dryer and you find a bleach stain. But you didn’t use bleach in the laundry, so how could you have a bleach stain? Well, it happens all the time. I’ll explain why and how to prevent it. http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/bleach-stains-towelsDo gentlemen prefer blondes? Do high heels really make women more attractive? Can the scent you give off actually repel some people while attracting others? Jena Pincott has the answers to these and other questions about human attraction. Jena tells the story of how she had to break up with a guy just because of his scent. He didn’t smell bad – it was just his natural scent she couldn’t stand. You have to hear the story. Jena is author of the book, Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?: Bodies, Behavior, and Brains--The Science Behind Sex, Love, & Attraction https://amzn.to/2ByZpS2. I think you’ll enjoy what she has to say.This Week's Sponsorscare/of. For 25% off your first month of personalized care/of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and use the promo code SOMETHING Brilliant Earth. For the 12 month financing offer and to shop all of Brilliant Earth’s selections - Just go to www.BrilliantEarth.com/somethingHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSKand use the promo code SYSKRealtor.com. Start your next home search at www.Realtor.com 

When you have pain – you want it to go away. While taking a pill or two can help ease the pain, there are some other interesting and unconventional ways to ease pain that have been proven to work. This episode begins with those and at least most of them will likely be new to you. http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/12-weird-pain-remedies/ss-AAcuOQ#image=1Self-sabotage is when you set a goal, attempt to achieve it and in the process screw the whole thing up all by yourself. Seems rather pointless, yet everyone does it according to Pat Pearson author of the book, Stop Self-Sabotage https://amzn.to/2vV6Eyx. Listen as Pat explains why people do it and how to stop – and it all has to do with what she calls your “deserve level.” Her website is www.PatPearson.com.“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” No doubt you have heard that before but what does the science say? Just how important is breakfast in terms of health and weight loss? Listen to hear these surprising findings. http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2014/06/04/ajcn.114.089573.abstractI know it sounds crazy but we have a serious sand shortage on this planet. When you hear that you may think – “Wait a minute, what about all the sand at the beach and in the desert?” Well it turns out to be more complicated than you ever imagined and this sand shortage is impacting your life in ways you didn’t realize. Vince Besier has explored the sand shortage and written a book called The World In A Grain https://amzn.to/2OJZxje. What he has to say will fascinate you. This Week's Sponsorscare/of. For 25% off your first month of personalized care/of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and use the promo code SOMETHING Brilliant Earth. For the 12 month financing offer and to shop all of Brilliant Earth’s selections - Just go to www.BrilliantEarth.com/somethingHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSKRealtor.com. Start your next home search at www.Realtor.com 

I suspect you’ve been cheated or lied to at some point in your life and thought to yourself, “How in the world did I fall for that?” There is actually a good reason why it happened to you and to every other human on the planet. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201109/the-5-reasons-we-get-suckered-and-rippedWhile there is no shortage of advice for people in relationships – I think I have someone who will make you think differently about love and how it really works in the long-term. Dr. Thomas Habib is a clinical psychologist and author of the book If These Walls Could Talk https://amzn.to/2BgCM4w. He will have you thinking differently about love – and he also explains why guys hate chick flicks! Whatever fragrance you wear, you owe it all – or at least in part to Coco Chanel. I’ll explain why and tell you why the most popular fragrance in the world – Chanel No. 5 – has such an unusual name. (Sleeping with The Enemy by Hal Vaughan) https://amzn.to/2MPrfurImagine a discussion about depression that is actually uplifting! With depression affecting so many people (including people in your life, most likely) I think you will enjoy listening to psychiatrist Dr. Kelly Brogran author of the book A Mind of Your Own. She takes a fascinating look at the research around depression and what causes it and what helps it. https://amzn.to/2MvyJ8QThis Week's SponsorsHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSKand use the promo code SYSKDaily Harvest. Go to www.Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code SOMETHING to get three cups FREE in your first box!Hotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.Bombas Socks.Get 20% off your first order by going towww.Bombas.com/something and use the promo code SOMETHINGLinkedIn Marketing Solutions. To redeem a free $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to www.LinkedIn.com/SOMETHING

Have you ever watched someone blow out the candles on a birthday cake and wondered, “Do I really want to eat cake after someone blew and spit all over it?” I have. So I start this episode with a look at the risks of eating that cake once the candles are out. http://foodnetwork.wikia.com/wiki/Food_DetectivesA lot has been written about peak performance. There are books, articles, podcasts, seminars, speeches and many gurus all claiming to know the magical steps to achieving high performance in your career. So, who’s right? What are you supposed to believe? Marc Effron, author of the book 8 Steps to High Performance https://amzn.to/2OsZqso has taken a look at a lot of the material and separated the fluff from the science. Listen as he explains what really works if you want to really excel in your career.  Ever wondered whether or not you should buy a new car if your old car works just fine? Since cars last much longer than a generation or two ago, a lot of drivers struggle with the decision to buy a new car. If you are one of them, you should listen as I discuss this topic. http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/the-average-american-car-is-a-record-115-years-old/ar-AAdGzIGWhen you think about it, you write a lot. You likely write emails, text messages, memos, reports and more. So HOW you write really matters if you want people to understand what you are trying to say. Josh Bernoff author of the book, Writing Without BS is on a mission to help people improve communication through better writing. Listen to what he has to say and you will instantly become a better writer. https://amzn.to/2KP08xFThis Week's SponsorsHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSKDaily Harvest. Go to www.Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code SOMETHING to get three cups FREE in your first box!Hotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.Bombas Socks.Get 20% off your first order by going towww.Bombas.com/something and use the promo code SOMETHINGLinkedIn Marketing Solutions. To redeem a free $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to www.LinkedIn.com/SOMETHING

Somehow I simply cannot walk and text at the same time. And that turns out to be a good thing. I begin this episode with some fascinating research about texting and walking – and how the people around you hate you when you do it. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/people-who-text-while-walking-are-annoying-as-hell-study-confirms_us_55b8f3e7e4b0a13f9d1b0b13?ir=Healthy%2BLiving%C2%A7ion%3Dhealthy-living&utm_hp_ref=healthy-livingCriticism can be tricky. It is often hard to give it effectively and it is even harder to hear it when it is aimed at you. That may be because we are not doing it correctly, according to Deb Bright, author of the book The Truth Doesn't Have to Hurt : How to Use Criticism to Strengthen Relationships, Improve Performance, and Promote Change. https://amzn.to/2ATMnyh . Listen as Deb reframes the topic and shows how criticism can be a very valuable tool in shaping behavior and getting things done. And it doesn’t necessarily have to sting.** BTW, if you wish to be part of Deb's research on criticism, send an email to dbright@brightent.comAnyone who has made the effort to eat healthy knows how hard it is to resist a sudden craving for junk food. You know nothing else will do and you know the craving isn’t going to pass any time soon. So what do you do? Well, it turns out there is a way to stop that craving dead in its tracks and I’ll reveal it in this episode. http://www.medicaldaily.com/eliminating-food-cravings-may-be-easy-looking-images-bugs-vomit-344656What if you could use computer algorithms to solve everyday problems in your human life, such as where to eat dinner or how to choose a home? Well, you can! In fact you should, according to Brian Christian, author of the book Algorithms to Live By. https://amzn.to/2OQGO6m Brian explains how many of our personal problems can actually be better solved by using algorithms if you understand what they are and how to use them. This Week’s SponsorsHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSKFIXD. Buy 2 FIXD devices and get a third one free plus get 10% off your already discounted price at www.ListenToMyCar.com and use the promo code SOMETHINGSimplisafe.com. Check out this incredible security system and if you order one through this special link, Simplisafe will donate a security system to a family in need. Go to www.Simplisafe.com/something

When it comes to successful online dating, the two things that seem to matter most are your screen name and your profile picture. I begin this episode by explaining what works best as determined by researchers who reviewed thousands of online profiles of people who were successful online daters and people who failed miserably. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150212212100.htmWhat determines your behavior? Is everything you do the result of your free will or is your behavior determined by something else? Could it be you are not responsible for your own actions? Robert Sapolsky, a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University joins me to make the case that we are not responsible for what we do – that it is determined by all sorts of biological influences. What he says will either make you a believer – or make you crazy. Robert is the author of several books including the bestseller, Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst. https://amzn.to/2LWQRZRDo you know what you look like – really? You’d think so but actually other people are probably better than you at identifying photos of you that REALLY resemble what you like you. Sounds odd, right? We shall explore why that is and why your self-image may be somewhat distorted. http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=154010&CultureCode=enAre we too obsessed with being clean? Are we over-sanitizing our world? It looks like it. Marie-Claire Arrieta, assistant professor at the University of Calgary in Canada is co-author of the book Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child from an Oversanitized World https://amzn.to/2vj6r7S . She joins me to explain the unintended consequences of keeping our homes, our children and everything else in our lives TOO clean. Those consequences include an increase in asthma, allergies, resistance to antibiotics and much more. Her website is www.LetThemEatDirt.comThis Week’s SponsorsHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSKFIXD. Buy 2 FIXD devices and get a third one free plus get 10% off your already discounted price at www.ListenToMyCar.com and use the promo code SOMETHINGSimplisafe.com. Check out this incredible security system and if you order one through this special link, Simplisafe will donate a security system to a family in need. Go to www.Simplisafe.com/something

This episode begins with a look at some fascinating science of everyday life. For example, how the calorie count for food is determined, what does it take to actually crush a Lego brick, why water of the same temperature feels colder than air of the same temperature – and more. http://mentalfloss.com/article/66086/11-scientific-explanations-everyday-lifeDo you swear? If so, why? Are there any benefits to swearing? And how has swearing changed over the years? These are a couple of the questions tackled by Emma Byrne author of the book Swearing is Good For You. https://amzn.to/2vq8R3P. Listen to Emma and you may just come away with a whole new view of the power and usefulness of bad words. You’ve heard the phrase – “Sex sells.” Right? Well actually sex doesn't sell. Violence doesn’t sell either. You’ll hear about some fascinating research that shows that in terms of advertising effectiveness, sex and violence really get in the way. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3169550/Sex-DOESN-T-sell-Consumers-distracted-raunchy-violent-ads-forget-product-study-reveals.html#ixzz3gdzJRKweIf you watch the news or look at social media a lot, you might think the world is becoming a harsh and terrible place. But could it just be perception? Could it really be that the world and the people in it are getting better and have been for a long time? That is the contention of Gregg Easterbrook author of It’s Better Than It Looks: Reasons for Optimism in an Age of Fear. https://amzn.to/2MddPYH . Gregg explains that when you objectively measure the things that determine how our lives are trending – there are a lot of reasons to celebrate.This Week’s SponsorsHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSKand use the promo code SYSKHotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.Bombas Socks.Get 20% off your first order by going towww.Bombas.com/something and use the promo code SOMETHINGMadison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHINGInterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Negotiating your own salary can be stressful and difficult. This episode begins with some proven ways to help you maneuver through the negotiation process effectively so you get the best deal and the most money possible. http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-negotiate-a-higher-salaryJust about everyone enjoys music. But it is more than mere entertainment. Researcher and writer Dan Levitin author of the book, This is Your Brain on Music discusses how people have used music throughout history and how we use it today to help wake us up, make us think, enhance our mood and help us sleep. https://amzn.to/2zRC39iHouseplants can make any home look better but houseplants also have real health benefits. I’ll reveal why it is worth the fuss and effort for you and your family to fill your home with houseplants. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/articles/5-benefits-of-houseplantsSo many of us struggle with clutter – whether it’s our workspace, a room or our entire home. It’s not just getting rid of clutter that’s hard, it’s making sure more clutter doesn’t come in and take its place. Decluttering expert Dana White of www.ASlobComesClean.com is author of the book Declutter at the Speed of Life. She joins me to share some very simple, practical strategies for getting rid of clutter and also talks about the amazing benefits that come when the clutter is gone. https://amzn.to/2uKoHpyThis Week’s SponsorsHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSKand use the promo code SYSKHotel Tonight. Download the app Hotel Tonight to your phone and get $25 off your first eligible booking.Bombas Socks.Get 20% off your first order by going towww.Bombas.com/something and use the promo code SOMETHINGMadison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHINGInterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcasts.

What’s the real reason people get angry over the little things? At least one leading expert believes it’s all about control. I begin this episode of the podcast discussing the high cost your pay by getting so upset over nothing and how to let go of life’s little aggravations. (The Anger Trap by Les Carter https://amzn.to/2NYGHpd) So much of the advice on eating healthy is about what to avoid – meat, dairy, gluten, sugar, oil etc. But pediatrician Dr. Aaron Carroll, professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and author of the book The Bad Food Bible (https://amzn.to/2uuXeJk) says there isn’t much science to support these kind of restrictive diets in terms of them being healthier. He joins me to explain what it really means to eat healthy and talks about how many of the foods people think are bad – really are not. If your relationship has lost some of the magic or passion – how can you steam things up a bit? I have a couple of very simple techniques that are proven to help you feel the romance and excitement once again. http://www.womansday.com/relationships/sex-tips/g654/spice-up-your-relationship/Why does it seem some people are incredibly productive and others of us never seem to have enough time to get all the things done we need to? Charles Duhigg has the fascinating answer to that. Charles is one of the leading authorities on productivity and is author of the books Smarter Faster Better (https://amzn.to/2NYMw5J) and The Power of Habit (https://amzn.to/2NUsadT). Charles joins me with some very practical advice that will help you get everything done and still have time left over.   This Week’s SponsorsHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSKHunt A Killer. Order now and get 10% of your first box. Go to www.HuntAKiller.com and use the promo code SOMETHINGSworkit. Get your 30 day free trial and then 10% off your subscription by going to www.Sworkit.com/something and use the offer code SOMETHINGHelix Sleep. Get up to $125 off your mattress order by going to www.Helixsleep.com/somethingUdemy. Go to www.Ude.my/something for up to 90% off when you sign up for classes.InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcastsMadison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHINGCare/Of Vitamins. For 25% off your first month of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code SOMETHING

Should you really not go swimming until a half hour after eating? Can you really get poison ivy by touching someone who already has it? These are just some of the common pieces of summertime advice you often hear. We’ll take a look at the science behind these and several others and reveal whether or not they are true. http://www.silive.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2012/07/summer_myths_debunked.htmlIf you want to be persuasive, it is not only what you say but how you prepare the person in advance to hear your message. That’s according to Robert Cialdini author of the book PREsuasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade https://amzn.to/2NScEiP. Several years ago Robert wrote the landmark book on the topic of persuasion titled Influence https://amzn.to/2Jr8jj5. This new research can easily be applied to your life with amazing results making you much more persuasive.Your mother or grandmother likely rinsed or pre-washed dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. With today’s dishwashers it is not a good idea. I’ll reveal the interesting reasons why your dishwasher works best when the dishes are really dirty. http://www.womansday.com/home/organizing-cleaning/a51170/stop-prerinsing-dishes/What is your "personal presence"? In other words, what is the image that you give off about who you are and what you stand for? It’s a tough question. It is easy to determine the personal presence of others but not so easy to figure out how the world perceives us. Kristi Hedges author of the book The Power of Presence https://amzn.to/2L08kA0 joins me to explain how to the world sees you and how you can improve the image you present to others to help create stronger connections. Kristi also is the author of another book called The Inspiration Code https://amzn.to/2NjbDPE This Week’s SponsorsHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSKHunt A Killer. Order now and get 10% of your first box. Go to www.HuntAKiller.com and use the promo code SOMETHINGSworkit. Get your 30 day free trial and then 10% off your subscription by going to www.Sworkit.com/something and use the offer code SOMETHINGHelix Sleep. Get up to $125 off your mattress order by going to www.Helixsleep.com/somethingUdemy. Go to www.Ude.my/something for up to 90% off when you sign up for classes.InterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcastsMadison Reed. Get 10% off your first hair color kit plus free shipping by going to www.madison-reed.com and use the promo code SOMETHINGCare/Of Vitamins. For 25% off your first month of vitamins go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code SOMETHING

When you want something from someone else – like in a negotiation – it usually doesn’t pay to get mad. But it might be a good idea to get sad. This episode begins with some interesting research that can help you get better at getting what you want. http://www.thestar.com/business/careers/2015/07/02/wanta-raise-try-crying-it-8217-s-science-.htmlDoes eating sweets put you in a sweeter mood? Does thinking a food is high in fat rev your body up to burn the calories better? These are just a few questions I discuss with neuroscientist Rachel Herz, who teaches at Brown University and Boston College. Rachel is the author of the book Why You Eat What You Eat: The Science Behind Our Relationship with Food https://amzn.to/2L5HAxj. What she has to say about you and your food will startle you.Why do mosquito bites always itch? Why can’t they take your blood and be done with it? I’ll reveal the anatomy of a mosquito bite and why it is so annoying. http://mentalfloss.com/article/64950/why-do-mosquito-bites-itch-so-muchWho doesn’t love life hacks? And there is no better expert on the topic than David Pogue, author of Pogue’s Basics: Life https://amzn.to/2NPyhAo. David joins me to discuss simple hacks that can save you time and money: like how to get the last of ketchup out of the bottle, how to read when you don’t have your glasses, how to get a better price on hotels and more. You’ll like and remember what he has to say. This Week’s SponsorsHoka One One. Get free expedited shipping on your first pair of shoes by going to www.hokaoneone.com/SYSK and use the promo code SYSKInterContinental Hotel Group. Listen to the podcast called “Stories of the InterContinental Life” at Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay or wherever you listen to podcastsQuip Toothbrush. Order your Quip toothbrush and get your first refill pack free by going to www.GetQuip.com/somethingBombas Socks. Get 20% off your first order by going to www.Bombas.com/something and using the promo code SOMETHINGHunt A Killer. Order now and get 10% of your first box. Go to www.HuntAKiller.com and use the promo code SOMETHINGSworkit. Get your 30 day free trial and then 10% off your subscription by going to www.Sworkit.com/something and use the offer code SOMETHINGFIXD. Get 10% off your purchase by going to www.ListenToMyCar.com and use the promo code SOMETHING

A kiss is just a kiss. Or is it? It turns out kissing does a lot. I begin this episode with some interesting facts about what kissing does, the messages it sends and why men and women tend to prefer different kinds of kisses. https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/relationships/20-things-you-never-knew-about-kissing/ss-AA3gtBDWhy would you ever want to pay more when you can pay less? Well, that turns out to be a complicated question. There is a cost to chasing the lowest prices according to Ellen Ruppel Shell, a writer for the Atlantic magazine, professor at Boston University and author of the book Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture https://amzn.to/2NKHeLe. Anyone who bought something on sale but then never wore it or used it needs to hear this.Why do kids get the entire summer off? The myth has been that it started back when kids lived mostly on farms and took the summer off to help bring in the crops. But the crop harvest in the fall when kids are back in school – so that can’t be it. I’ll explain the real reason. http://mentalfloss.com/article/56901/why-do-students-get-summersHave you heard that gum disease can lead to heart attacks? How can that be – what’s the connection? The answer is inflammation. Dr. Duke Johnson, Medical Director of the Nutrilite Health Institute Center for Optimal Health in Southern California and author of the book Optimal Health https://amzn.to/2ugDngD explains how inflammation in the body is linked to chronic diseases – and more importantly what you can do about it. Advertisers in this episode:Quip Toothbrush. Get a Quip toothbrush and get your first refill pack free when you go to: www.getquip.com/something

A lot of things about you determine how likable you are but there are a few simple techniques to make you appear more likable instantly. I start this episode with three ways, according to Psychology Today, that will make you more likable to others when you meet them. And they aren’t what you probably think. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/let-their-words-do-the-talking/201107/get-anyone-you-instantly-guaranteed-1Evolution is what got us to where we are today. But the evolutionary road we have traveled to get here is a bumpy one. Biology professor Nathan Lents author of the book, Human Error: A Panorama of our Glitches from Pointless Bones to Broken Genes https://amzn.to/2zo2u67 takes us on a journey of the human evolution timeline and points out what went right and what went wrong. Ever wonder why so many people have back and knee trouble? Could it be a flaw in our evolution? Why do humans get so many colds? Another flaw? You will find the answers in this episode. As you go through life, you collect stuff. Then, over time that stuff collects in your home and you forget about it – even if that stuff serves no purpose, is outdated or useless. We start with a list of things you may not even notice that are most likely cluttering up your home that you really ought to throw out – NOW! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/08/things-in-your-home-to-get-rid-of_n_4748455.htmlFrisbee, Hula-Hoop, Slip & Slide – they are all toys you and just about everyone else have played with for over 60 years. And they are all made by the Wham-O Toy Company. Had did one small company create such iconic toys? Tim Walsh, author of The Whamo Superbook: Celebrating 60 Years Inside the Fun Factory https://amzn.to/2NE8LxX takes you inside the workings of Wham-O, which has specialized and excelled by making outdoor toys while other toy companies have gone high tech. Advertisers in this episode:Helix Sleep. Get up to $125 off your mattress order by going to www.helixsleep.com/somethingSimpliSafe. Protect your home with the best home security system. Go to www.simplisafe.com/something

Do you blush? Most people who do blush wish they didn’t because it is embarrassing and – as blushers know – it is impossible to stop doing it. But blushing has a purpose and I begin this episode by discussing who blushes, why they blush and what it means to others when you do. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-we-blush-social-embarrassmentI’m sure you know that feeling of delight when someone surprises you on your birthday or anniversary or surprised you for no particular reason at all. When you understand how you can create that feeling of delight in others, those people will go out of their way to help you in all sorts of ways. Andy Nulman author of the book Pow! Right between the Eyes! Profiting from the Element of Surprise (https://amzn.to/2J5IwN5) joins me to discuss the power of surprise. Finding true love isn’t always easy – especially the second or third time around. One of the tricks is knowing where to look. So I will tell you the top 3 ways people find the next love of their life. Not just where people meet to find someone to date – but where they find real love. https://amzn.to/2uenFBWEveryone worries about their breath sometimes. Bad breath is sometimes hard to get rid of – and that is partly because people don’t understand where it comes. Dr. Harold Katz, DDS, is the founder of the California Breath Clinics and author of the book The Bad Breath Bible https://www.therabreath.com/ebook/ and he joins me to clear up some myths about bad breath and how to conquer it once and for all. Advertisers in this episode:Bombas Socks. Get 20% off your first sock order from Bombas! Go to www.bombas.com/something and enter the word – something – in the promo code space.Hims. If you are concerned about hair loss get a trial month of prescription treatment for just $5. Go to www.ForHims.com/something.  

Getting kids – or even some grownups – to eat their vegetables can be frustrating. However there are some simple techniques that researchers at Cornell University have studied that appear to be quite effective Listen and I’ll tell you how and you’ll discover the fascinating side effects of improving your reputation as a cook and a human being amongst your family members. And who wouldn’t want to do that? http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/OP/Loving_CookYou likely don’t give a lot of thought to how important strangers are to you because, well, they are strangers. However, certain strangers can play a far more important and seemingly mysterious role in your personal and professional success. Melinda Blau, author of the book Consequential Strangers (https://amzn.to/2NdVWKv) joins me to discuss this. Do you or someone in your circle get motion sickness? Ever wonder why that is and the best cure for it? I’ll discuss some interesting findings from a leading researcher on motion sickness that can offer some real relief. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/how-to-beat-motion-sickness?page=2How many ad messages do you think you are exposed to every day? The number will astound you. Journalist Ken Auletta, author of the book Frenemies: The Epic Disruption of the Ad Business (and Everything Else) https://amzn.to/2tL09x8 joins me to explain why the advertising business is in turmoil and the rather serious consequences it can have on you as a consumer. 

Not drinking enough water is a big problem. And while being a little dehydrated won’t kill you, dehydration does have a lot of significant and negative effects on your physical and mental wellness. This episode starts with a look at some surprising findings. http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/5-signs-dehydration-besides-color-your-peeLanguage controls what you think and how you think it. Imagine how differently you would think if you didn’t have words like “left” or “right”? Or what if your language had no specific numbers? Well it turns out there are languages like that. And the differences in languages, including English, frame the way you think according to Lera Boroditsky who is a professor of cognitive science at the University of California San Diego. She has a fascinating TED talk on this subject which led me to her. Here is the link:  https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_thinkYou’ve surely been told the importance of maintaining good eye contact with people when you speak with them. But sometimes you shouldn’t. In fact sometimes you can’t maintain eye contact – it’s virtually impossible. Listen to hear the reason why. http://www.livescience.com/7155-helps-concentration.htmlWhile you may not spend a lot of time thinking about it, your emotions play a huge role in your personal and professional success. Psychiatrist Dr. Norman Rosenthal, author of the book The Emotional Revolution https://amzn.to/2KxxlSd joins me to reveal things about how your emotions work, how you can control them and the purpose they serve. 

It is rare to see a UPS truck turning left. Sure, sometimes they have to but they try not to. And there is a really good reason why that we can all learn from. I begin this episode with a discussion on that. (http://mentalfloss.com/article/60556/19-secrets-ups-drivers) Could it be you are not as smart as you think you are? Apparently so according to David McRaney author of the book and host of the podcast called You Are Not So Smart (https://amzn.to/2tGvPTq). David explains some of the interesting quirks and flaws of the human brain that make us think the way we do – that also makes our perception quite inaccurate a lot of the time.I bet you’ve wondered if it helps to pay your credit card bill early. Well, if you carry a balance it does. I will explain a simplified version of the math to show you how. You may not get rich from doing it but it certainly worth knowing and can save a fair amount of money over time. http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/pay-credit-card-bill-early-and-save-1.aspxHow long will you live?  It’s important to grasp this because there are ramifications to the question for you, your parents and your children. Longevity continues to rise and with that comes the good and the bad. Dr. Laura Carstensen, professor of psychology and public policy at Stanford University is founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity and author of the book, A Long Bright Future (https://amzn.to/2KqrvPe) offers up so fascinating insight into how wonderful it is to be living so much longer than our ancestors – and why perhaps the best is yet to come. 

There is only one right way to build a fire. It has always been this way and it is unlikely anyone will ever come up with a better way. Interestingly, you probably already do it. I start this episode with an explanation on how to build the perfect fire. http://www.pratt.duke.edu/news/firePeople tend to ask for help all wrong! Humans like to help, we get joy from helping and if you ask the right way, you will often get the help you want. It’s HOW you ask that really matters. Social psychologist Heidi Grant, author of the book Reinforcements: How to Get People to Help You https://amzn.to/2MRA4Ep has explored the research and when you hear what she has to say, you will become better and more effective at asking for help.How you prepare some food has an impact on how healthy it is for you. For example, you shouldn’t cut strawberries until just before you eat them – but for garlic the opposite is true. You should peel and chop and let it sit for a while first. Why? I’ll explain and tell you how to make several other foods healthier. http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/25/health/eating-foods-wrong/index.htmlWhy are there so many financial gurus, websites, books, magazine and TV shows offering advice on how to invest your money? Is it really that hard? Not according to financial journalist Helaine Olen who writes for the Washington Post and is author of the book The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated https://amzn.to/2tuVnUr. Helaine explains why so much financial advice is horrible and how anyone can do a great job managing their own finances.

Want to feel REALLY good? Watch this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHiKxytbCWk. It’s a dull and boring video about folding towels and will make you (or at least many people) get chills and give you a “brain orgasm.” Why? No one really knows for sure but I’ll explain what is known about it as I start this episode.How could 95% of the universe be missing? Why is it that science can’t quite explain why we need to die or how free will works? Michael Brooks joins me for a fascinating discussion on things that baffle science. Michael holds a PhD in quantum physics and is author of the book 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense : The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries of Our Times (https://amzn.to/2JSTD17) and he is co-host of the podcast series Science(ish) which looks at the scientific issues raised by popular culture fiction such as Hollywood films and TV.A lot of the time you use the word “that” in a sentence, it is totally unnecessary. Oh, and so is “totally” as in totally unnecessary. I’ll have a list of words you probably use that you don’t really need to – in fact you really shouldn't. https://www.themuse.com/advice/15-words-you-need-to-eliminate-from-your-vocabulary-to-soundsmarter#You may have people in your life who “gaslight” you. It is a form of manipulation and it is very toxic. Therapist Robin Stern, author of the book, The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life (https://amzn.to/2M8RzyP), joins me to explain how it works and how to defend yourself from gaslighters. 

When you search for something in Google does it matter what order you put the words in? What about punctuation – does that matter? We start this episode with the best ways to optimize Google searches to get the best results. (https://edu.google.com/coursebuilder/courses/pswg/1.2/assets/notes/Lesson1.5/Lesson1.5Wordordermatters_Text_.html)What makes someone beautiful? Can you really become more beautiful? These are important questions because beauty and attractiveness have some clear benefits for everyone. Rachelle Smith, associate professor of psychology at Husson University, is author of the book The Biology of Beauty (https://amzn.to/2JOKMtn). Rachelle joins me to explain the importance of your own beauty and how to maximize what you have. If you are going on a job interview it matters whether you are the first person interviewed or the last person or better yet, the fourth person. I’ll explain why. (http://www.businessinsider.com/always-go-fourth-during-interviews-2015-5)Seemingly small inventions like the razor blade, the TV dinner and paper money have had profound impacts on our lives and the economy in ways you never knew. Tim Harford, author of the book Fifty Inventions that Shaped the Modern Economy (https://amzn.to/2JV5zM9) joins me for a fascinating explanation of how these innovations have transformed our lives.

Do nice guys finish last? Sure, there are a lot of successful nice guys but there are a lot of successful jerks too. So which is it? The answer may actually lie somewhere in between. This episode begins with some interesting insight into that (http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/06/why-it-pays-to-be-a-jerk/392066)Humans are motivated by….what? Traditional thinking has been that carrots and sticks – in other words rewards or punishments are the best way to get people to do things. Well that may work but there are other ways that are better says Daniel Pink, author of the book Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us (https://amzn.to/2LNHze7). Daniel joins me to offer some advice on how to successfully motivate yourself and others.Friends are important but I bet you didn’t know just HOW important. Let’s put it this way… research shows not having a strong social network is equal to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. And that’s just one of the things I discuss about the importance of friends (http://www.rd.com/slideshows/friends-facts/#slideshow=slide2)Are you one of those people who hates small talk? Or perhaps you find it difficult to talk to strangers and connect with people. Or maybe you just wish you were better at conversation. If so, you need to listen to Jill Spiegel, author of the book How to Talk to Anyone About Anything (https://amzn.to/2t6tIb3). Jill is an expert when it comes to striking up conversations and making them count. Incidentally, she is also the great granddaughter of Joseph Spiegel, founder of the famous Spiegel mail order catalog.

Humans are programmed to flirt. It’s the beginning of the process that keeps the species going forward. And while some people are clearly better at the art of flirting – there is some science to it as well. I begin this episode with scientifically proven ways to improve your flirting skills.  (http://theweek.com/articles/448643/how-flirt-according-science)One thing that makes us human is our creativity. We are all creative and many of us could be even more creative according to Allen Gannett. Allen is the CEO of Track Maven, a software analytics firm and he has been on the top “30 Under 30” lists for both Inc. and Forbes magazines. He is also the author of the new book The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea at the Right Time (https://amzn.to/2Jt9vaH). Allen joins me to reveal some fascinating science behind creative people and the creative process that we can all benefit from.It turns out that not all olive oil is what it appears to be. In fact a lot of extra virgin olive oil isn’t what the label says. Is there fraud in the olive oil business? And if it isn’t olive oil, what is it? We’ll discuss. (http://time.com/3894609/extra-virgin-olive-oil/)If happiness is a choice, why do so many people choose to be unhappy? That is just one of the questions I tackle with Rick Foster co-author of the book Happiness & Health: 9 Choices That Unlock the Powerful Connection Between the Two Things We Want Most (https://amzn.to/2JEdz78). I think you will be amazed by what Rick has to say about the connection between your health and your happiness. 

Ever feel good about saving a spider because you took it out of your house and put it outside rather than killing it? It seems like a noble thing to do. But what you may not know is what is likely to happen to that spider once you put it outside. This episode of the podcast starts with that interesting explanation. (http://www.burkemuseum.org/blog/curated/spider-myths)You probably don’t think about it much but the way your body heals itself from illness and injury is really remarkable. We are learning more and more about how the healing process works and how to enhance it. Joining me to shed some light on all of this is Wayne Jonas, MD, professor of medicine at Georgetown University and author of the book How Healing Works. (https://amzn.to/2JB911l )We all make typos when we write emails. But what you probably realize is that those typos alter the impact of your message – sometimes in a good way and sometimes in a bad way. Listen as I explain. (https://www.aol.com/2015/06/01/your-email-typos-reveal-more-about-you-than-you-realize/)How you perceive your world is different than everyone else because your brain is so different than everyone else's. One great way to understand those differences in our brain is to look at some people with peculiar brain disorders. Science writer Helen Thomson author of the book Unthinkable: An Extraordinary Journey Through the World’s Strangest Brains (https://amzn.to/2M6kswj) introduces you to a woman who gets lost going from her kitchen to her bathroom EVERY single time as well as the doctor who actually feels other people’s pain. It’s important to hear this because it gives you a clue as to why your brain sees a very different reality than mine or anyone else's. Plus Helen offers some brain enhancing techniques you can use that she has learned from the science.