Sometimes all it takes is one little fact or one little piece of wisdom to change your life forever. That's the purpose and the hope of "Something You Should Know." In each episode, host Mike Carruthers interviews top experts in their field to bring you fascinating information and advice to help you save time and money, advance in your career, become wealthy, improve your relationships and help you simply get more out of life. In addition, Mike uncovers and shares short, engaging pieces of "intel" you can use to make your life better - today. Right now.
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Delve into the debate surrounding birth order theory and its actual impact on personality. Discover how nostalgia, once misunderstood, is a potent source of emotional strength, improving mood and helping navigate future anxieties. Finally, explore the evolutionary and strategic reasons behind humanity's deep love for games, from Monopoly's flaws to the hidden math in Scrabble and Rock, Paper, Scissors, concluding with a light-hearted tip on managing holiday pets.
When you’re congested with a cold or flu, getting a good night’s sleep can feel impossible. This episode begins with smart, science-backed ways to clear your sinuses so you can breathe easier and finally get some much needed rest. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/sleep-better-cold-flu Few emotions are as powerful — or as good for you — as awe. That feeling of wonder you get when gazing at the stars, hearing incredible music, or standing in front of something vast and beautiful can actually imp...
Ever wonder what was actually served at the very first Thanksgiving? Much of what we learned in school doesn’t hold up. In this special bonus holiday episode, we unpack some of the most surprising — and misunderstood — moments in Thanksgiving history. We start with a beloved modern ritual: the presidential turkey pardon. It’s a quirky White House tradition with roots that go all the way back to the 1800s. I reveal how this annual ceremony really began and why it stuck. https://www.whitehousehi...
When you look up information online, you may find that it’s harder to remember later. It’s a frequent phenomenon called digital amnesia. This episode begins by explaining why it happens so often — and what you can do about it. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1332030/full Oz Pearlman is probably the world’s greatest mentalist. He doesn’t claim to read minds — he reads people. Recently featured on 60 Minutes, topping bestseller lists, and even guessin...
Texting and email may be convenient, but sometimes a phone call is the best way to make a real connection. So how do you ensure the person actually calls you back? I’ll reveal a few clever tricks — backed by communication science — that can dramatically increase your chances. Source: Bill Jensen, author of Simplicity Survival Handbook (https://amzn.to/3MMDmt7) Have you ever achieved something big… only to feel restless right after? That’s the strange emotional hangover of success — what my guest...
Some cars have gullwing doors, like the DeLorean in Back to the Future. They look amazing — but why don’t more cars have them? As you’ll hear, there are several surprising (and practical) reasons why this futuristic design never became mainstream and probably never will. https://www.dacemotorgroup.co.uk/blog/the-history-of-gullwing-doors-and-why-they-were-so-rare If you’ve ever felt truly hopeless, you already understand the extraordinary power of hope — because when it’s gone, everything change...
Today we are sharing a special episode of the new podcast: David Greene Is Obsessed. David is one of America’s most familiar voices and longtime co-host of NPR’s Morning Edition. On the show, he seeks out obsessives of all kinds, while unpacking his own fixations. You’ll hear actor David Arquette discuss his love for Bozo the Clown; Paula Poundstone on her house full of cats; celebrity chef Michael Symon explain why he just can’t quit the Cleveland Browns, even though they often make him miserab...
Ever stepped into an elevator and wondered, what if the cable snapped? It’s a surprisingly common fear — but is it justified? I’ll reveal the truth about elevator safety, how often accidents really happen, and exactly what to do if the unthinkable occurred. https://www.businessinsider.com/survive-elevator-crash-fall-2015-9 Why do so many people swear by Apple, Starbucks, or Amazon? What makes certain brands almost irresistible? Behavioral science has the answer. My guest Michael Aaron Flicker — ...
Most people don’t get enough sleep — and even a small deficit can take a big toll. Just 15 extra minutes a night can boost your health, focus, and mood more than you’d expect. This episode begins with a surprising look at how too little sleep quietly undermines your life — and how a little more can make all the difference. https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/15-minutes-extra-sleep Simple beats complicated — in business, communication, and life. Yet most of us instinctively make things harder than...
Just thinking about itching can make you start to scratch — but there’s a reason for that. Scratching triggers a powerful neurological loop called the itch-scratch cycle, which can actually make the problem worse. Listen as I explain what’s really happening in your brain and skin when that irresistible urge strikes to scratch that itch. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Scratching-the-Surface-Uncovering-the-Neurological-Mystery-of-Itch.aspx? We all speak secret languages — whether we realize i...
It all started with a colossal Thanksgiving mistake — one that accidentally created an entire industry. The birth of the frozen meal business began with a Thanksgiving blunder. Listen and you’ll hear how that blunder turned into a billion-dollar idea. https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a22792044/thanksgiving-fun-facts/ The story of Thanksgiving is full of myths and misconceptions. Much of what we think we know about that first feast — from the turkey to the Pilgrims’ attire — simply isn’t ...
When you touch someone else’s skin, it often feels softer than your own — but that can’t be true for everyone. What’s really happening is a fascinating illusion rooted in how your brain perceives touch. I’ll explain this strange sensory trick as we open the episode. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580302/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Your body is filled with mysteries you probably never learned in biology class — like why you get goosebumps, why hiccups happen, or why you unconsciously favor...
Ever notice that every restaurant kitchen has a giant exhaust fan above the stove? There’s a reason it’s required by law — and it’s not just about smoke. You probably have one at home too, but chances are you’re not using it nearly enough. Listen as I explain why that little fan plays a surprisingly big role in keeping your home and your health safer. https://polk.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/04/how-and-why-to-use-your-kitchen-exhaust-fan/ “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” “A glass of wine...
We’ve all done it — used a big fancy word to sound smarter or more impressive. But does it actually work? Research says no. In fact, the secret to sounding intelligent and confident has nothing to do with big words at all. I’ll explain what is far more powerful. https://www.businessinsider.com/use-simple-language-to-sound-smarter-2015-9 Maps are fascinating. Did you know that early maps were not made for navigation at all, and a lot of modern maps are filled with mistakes and distortions that fr...
When you’re stuck on a multiple-choice question, should you change your answer or trust your gut? Most people swear your first instinct is best — but science says otherwise. Listen as I reveal what research really shows about when to stick — and when to switch. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15898871/ Wikipedia shouldn’t work. It’s built on the idea that anyone, anywhere, can edit their articles. You might think people would sabotage stories all the time. Yet it’s one of the most accurate and t...
Why are the numbers 1, 2, and 3 across the top of a phone keypad but across the bottom of a calculator? It’s not random — and once you hear the logic, you’ll never look at a keypad the same way again. That’s just one of three quirky mysteries I explain at the start of this episode, along with surprising insights about portholes and time. Source: Ivan Semeniuk, co-author of Why Don’t Penguins’ Feet Freeze? (https://amzn.to/3sf8muM) Achievement can be wonderful — until it starts defining your wort...
Discover the secrets to navigating hidden markets, where understanding rules and strategies can help you get what you want, from restaurant reservations to college admissions. Learn communication skills from a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, including matching conversation types and asking deep questions to foster genuine connection. Plus, uncover how laughter can boost your health and even aid in weight loss.
People who live the longest aren’t always the ones with the “perfect” body weight. In fact, research suggests that being slightly overweight can actually increase your life expectancy. It sounds counterintuitive, but the science may surprise you. Listen as I explain what’s really going on. https://healthland.time.com/2013/01/02/being-overweight-is-linked-to-lower-risk-of-mortality/ Ever since the dawn of the Internet, we’ve been told to guard against hackers — but today’s biggest threat isn’t ha...
Your grandmother was right — you should sit up straight. Posture affects far more than your appearance. It influences your mood, productivity, and even how well you think. I begin this episode with surprising research showing how simply improving your posture can boost everything from confidence to cognitive performance. https://www.deseret.com/2023/10/24/23930242/dont-slouch-minding-your-posture-good-mental-health-productivity We often hear that creativity is the key to success — but is it real...
When you ask someone to recall something from deep in their memory, watch their face — they’ll probably do something that actually helps them remember. You might do it too without realizing it. Listen as I reveal what it is and why it works. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ulterior-motives/201110/why-do-you-close-your-eyes-remember Have you heard of the winner’s curse or the sunk cost theory? These are strange but predictable ways our brains can trick us when we take risks — especially w...
When you want to reach out to someone — to ask them on a date, invite them to an event, or simply connect — what’s the best way to do it? Text? Email? A phone call? Research shows one option is far more effective, and it’s not what most people assume. Listen as I reveal what science says is the best way to reach out. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/should_you_call_or_text_science_weighs_in?utm Why do people slow down to gawk at car crashes, binge true crime podcasts, or line up for...
As people age, forgetfulness often creeps in — but not all memory loss is inevitable. In fact, some of the most common causes are preventable, and with the right strategies, memory can be protected and even improved. I’ll explain what really drives age-related forgetfulness and what you can do about it. Source: William Cone, PhD, author of Stop Memory Loss (https://amzn.to/3PNKIOX). Negative emotions hit us all — anger, fear, frustration, stress — but how you handle those feelings determines you...
What really happens when two people kiss? Far more than you think. From the brain chemistry it triggers, to the subtle information you’re exchanging, to the dozens of muscles involved — kissing is a complex act with fascinating effects on both body and mind. https://www.thehealthy.com/family/relationships/6-ways-kissing-makes-you-stronger/#ixzz3kK7pLATk “Be authentic.” You’ve heard that advice countless times — but what does it actually mean? Do you really have one “authentic self”? And if so, w...
We are sharing an episode of On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti . On Point is a rare public space where you hear nuanced explorations of complex topics live and in real time. Meghna leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world, with urgency, timeliness and depth. In this episode Meghna asks: Could sunlight help treat disease? She details a growing number of studies that find potential benefits of UV light therapy for conditions like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes and Croh...
Discover why some weekdays feel different and the psychology behind it. Dr. Brennan Spiegel explains how gravity influences everything from chronic pain to mental health, offering actionable strategies to counteract its effects. Financial expert Jim Cramer challenges conventional wisdom, advocating for individual stock picking over mutual funds for wealth creation, empowered by modern information access. Finally, learn the simple physics of where fat truly goes when you lose weight, debunking common myths.
Ever wondered if there’s really a difference between hitting Restart and Shutdown on your PC? Turns out, there is — and knowing which one to use could save you a lot of frustration the next time your computer is acting up. I’ll explain why one option is far better when it comes to fixing problems. https://computer.howstuffworks.com/restarting-shutting-down-computer.htm We all say we want to do important things — but then somehow they never get done. Why do we procrastinate on the stuff that matt...
Expiration dates aren’t always what they seem. While most packaged foods carry them, some foods — like salt — can last virtually forever. In fact, there’s a surprising list of everyday staples that can outlive the labels and stay good for years. Listen as I reveal which foods never really expire. https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/long-term-food-storage-staples-that-last-forever/ AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere, but to use them well, you need more than just clear questions. The way you pro...
How you walk doesn’t just reflect your mood — it can actually shape it. Research shows that adjusting your stride can boost happiness, and even a short walk outside could be the smartest thing you do today. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141015143259.htm When it comes to spending money, one-size-fits-all advice doesn’t work. Should you spend on experiences? Travel? Things? The truth is, the way money makes you happy depends on you. Joining me to explore this is Morgan Housel, part...
If you’re stocking up on Halloween candy, do you know which treats kids actually want the most? This episode opens with a list of the top 10 most popular Halloween candies — and it may not be what you expect. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2023/10/03/blow-pops-win-title-ohio-favorite-halloween-candy/71041875007/ Some animals live unimaginably long lives — an oyster that’s over 500 years old, creatures that seem to never age at all. What if unlocking their secrets could help us ex...
What really happens when you stand or sit up straight? More than you think. Posture affects your body and your mind in surprising ways. This episode begins with the science-backed benefits of tuning in to your posture. Source: https://www.medicaldaily.com/pulse/why-you-should-stand-straight-benefits-good-posture-345598 What’s most likely to kill you—and what can you actually do about it? That’s the urgent and practical question we explore with Dr. Tom Frieden, former Director of the CDC under Pr...
