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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Is a newborn baby more likely to resemble mom or dad – or is it a toss-up? This episode begins by explaining why a baby is more likely to look like one parent and not the other and why that is. https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/health/the-claim-babies-tend-to-look-like-their-fathers.html When people talk about the “culture” – why do they mean? What is culture. You probably use the word in conversation and you have a sense of what it means but it is actually a difficult word to define. Here to d...
When you get sick, your instinct is to withdraw — crawl into bed, cancel plans, and avoid people. As unpleasant as that feels, it turns out that instinct may be doing something surprisingly important for everyone else. This episode begins with why feeling miserable when you’re sick is actually a good thing. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160107094128.htm If you really want to know what’s most likely to seriously injure or kill you, talk to an ER doctor. They see patterns most of u...
What if one of the best-performing investments over the last few decades wasn’t stocks, real estate, or gold — but LEGO? It sounds absurd, yet when researchers tracked the resale value of LEGO sets, they found returns that beat many traditional investments. We begin by looking at which sets gain value, why they do, and what makes some toys unexpectedly valuable. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0275531921001604 Life rarely goes according to plan. Careers shift, relationship...
How food tastes has surprisingly little to do with the food itself. The lighting in the room, the weight of your fork, and even the color of your plate can all change how much you enjoy a meal — without you realizing it. This episode begins with how easily your senses can be influenced. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/12/31/370397449/food-psychology-how-to-trick-your-palate-into-a-tastier-meal# When you recognize someone, it usually happens instantly — but what exactly are you recogniz...
There’s a reason hearing your mother’s voice can feel different from hearing anyone else’s — even when it’s just a phone call. This episode opens with the surprising effects researchers have discovered. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-psychology-of-relationships/202104/two-key-reasons-why-you-should-call-your-mom Guilt feels terrible — and that’s exactly what makes it so effective. While we tend to see guilt as something to avoid, it may actually play an essential role in helping us ...
When children grow up and look back on their childhood, what do they remember most about their parents? It turns out it’s not what many parents assume. This episode begins with research revealing which parenting behaviors leave the strongest, longest-lasting impressions — and how they shape adult relationships. https://time.com/4097995/parenting-kids-remember/ Some emotions can completely hijack your day. Anger, anxiety, frustration, and stress often feel automatic — as if you have no control on...
Creating strong passwords is a modern headache. Simple ones are easy to hack. Complex ones are hard to remember. And using the same password everywhere is just asking for trouble. This episode begins with a smarter, practical strategy for creating passwords that are both secure and memorable. Source: Sid Kirchheimer, author of Scam-Proof Your Life (https://amzn.to/3SeWhA5) Men and women differ in ways that go far beyond the obvious — and some of the most fascinating differences rarely get discus...
Human touch feels good — but it may also do far more than we realize. From a reassuring hand on the shoulder to a long hug or massage, deliberate touch can trigger measurable biological responses in the body. This episode begins with what science reveals about why touch matters and what happens when we don’t get enough of it. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyone-top/202108/the-vital-importance-human-touch It’s easy to assume that the big moments shape our lives — but what if tiny, se...
Driving with a cold might seem harmless — but research suggests even mild illness can seriously impair reaction time, focus, and judgment. Could driving while sick actually be more dangerous than driving drunk? This episode begins with some surprising evidence about what happens when you get behind the wheel with a cold or flu. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2283323/Dont-sniffle-drive-Driving-cold-dangerous-drunk-driving.html Why do some people love foods that others can’t stand? And...
You’ve probably been told to be grateful for what you have — but that advice isn’t just feel-good wisdom. Research shows that intentionally expressing gratitude can actually change how your brain functions, influencing mood, focus, and emotional resilience. This episode begins with what gratitude really does inside your head — and why it’s more powerful than it sounds. https://www.thecut.com/2016/01/how-expressing-gratitude-change-your-brain.html There’s a basic human need we rarely talk about, ...
Can simply imagining yourself doing something actually make you better at it? Athletes, musicians, and performers have sworn by mental rehearsal for years — but does it really work? This episode begins by exploring when visualization helps, when it doesn’t, and why. https://www.popsci.com/will-practicing-skill-your-head-make-you-better-it/ Weight loss is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions — and today, any serious conversation about losing weight quickly turns to Ozempic and similar dr...
Have you ever noticed that one foot is often slightly bigger than the other? It sounds odd, but it’s extremely common — and there’s a clear biological reason for it. This episode begins with why it happens, which foot is usually larger, and what it means for comfort and health. https://www.feetbypody.com/blog/is-it-normal-for-one-foot-to-be-bigger-than-the-other/ The Moon has been hanging over our heads for billions of years — but why is it there at all? Where did it come from? Why doesn’t it cr...
Your mind wanders — that’s normal. But letting it drift too much may come at a cost. Research shows that frequent mind-wandering can make you less happy, less focused, and more stressed than you realize. This episode begins with why an unfocused mind can quietly work against you. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111141759.htm You talk to yourself constantly — and much of that inner dialogue is critical, harsh, and unhelpful. The good news is that voice can be changed. Dr. Rachel G...
Discover the subtle behaviors that make people instantly like you, including the power of body language, attitude, and finding common ground, with expert Nicholas Boothman. Learn why asking for help is crucial for success and how to formulate effective requests, as explained by Wayne Baker. The episode also uncovers the surprising science behind why vitamin C is more effective for stress reduction than preventing colds.
There is a three-letter word in the English language that holds more meanings than any other word. You’ve probably said it several times today without realizing how complex it really is. This episode begins with the surprising story behind that word. https://www.rd.com/article/most-complicated-word-in-english/ How much of who you are comes from your genes — and how much comes from the home you grew up in? Heredity is powerful, but also widely misunderstood. Some traits truly are inherited, while...
Why do we say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Christmas? The phrase has a surprisingly rich past, shaped by culture, language, and holiday tradition. This episode begins with where “merry” came from and why it stuck. https://time.com/6240140/why-we-say-merry-christmas-traditions/ Being alone isn’t the same as being lonely. In fact, choosing solitude can offer profound psychological and emotional benefits. Robert J. Coplan joins me to explain why. He has spent more than three decades studying th...
Every December, millions of people around the world track Santa’s journey in real time using the NORAD Santa Tracker. But why is a military defense organization keeping tabs on Santa Claus in the first place? This bonus holiday episode begins with the surprisingly charming and accidental origin of that tradition. https://www.noradsanta.org/en/about/ Why do people kiss under the mistletoe? Why do we decorate Christmas trees with ornaments? And how did Jingle Bells — a song originally written for ...
If you fall short on sleep, can you really “catch up” the next night? Many people think so — but our bodies don’t quite work that way. This episode begins with what science says about recovering from poor sleep and how to optimize deep sleep when your schedule gets disrupted. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a40511210/deep-sleep/ What makes a song a hit? Trends, personal taste, timing, and luck all play a role — but today, technology shapes popular music more than ever. From how songs are ...
Sometimes the perfect words show up when you need them most. We start with a surprisingly powerful bit of holiday inspiration from Mr. Rogers — a reminder of kindness and humanity that still resonates today. Source: The World According to Mr. Rogers (https://amzn.to/3RKWfzC) Science is completely rethinking what it means to grow old. It’s not just about adding years — it’s about adding healthy years. And while diet and exercise play their part, researchers are uncovering far more advanced ways t...
Christmas tree fires are frightening, but they’re not the leading cause of house fires in the U.S. What’s surprising is how many fires start from everyday habits and household choices most people never think twice about. This episode begins with a look at several common yet overlooked causes of home fires. Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/fire-safety/#.Viz3ILerTIU We alter our own memories far more than we realize. We forget details, highlight the good parts, and unintentionally distort ...
Christmas decorations are meant to be cheerful — but some have been anything but. Over the years, certain holiday decorations have turned out to be creepy, hazardous, and even deadly. This episode begins with some of the strangest and most dangerous examples. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/radioactivity-antiques?utm Many classic Christmas songs have surprising backstories. Brenda Lee was only 13 when she recorded Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was tossed i...
Some people crave sweets, while others reach for salty snacks — and it’s not just habit. Your flavor preference is shaped by biology and brain chemistry. We begin with a look at what determines whether you’re wired for sugar or salt. Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19931521/why-some-people-have-a-sweet-tooth/ The holidays promise joy but often deliver stress. We push for perfection, try to meet expectations, and forget that the season is really about connection — not flawless dec...
Winter brings cold and flu season—and when symptoms first appear, it can be hard to tell which one you’ve got. Fortunately, early signs can offer helpful clues, so you can take the right steps quickly. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/is-it-cold-flu During the holidays especially, people feel a heightened need for connection. Yet many of us struggle with the social skills that make connection possible—skills like how to be a great conversationalist, how to apologize well, how to end a conversa...
If you’re having a rough day, there’s one oddly specific body part you can wash that appears to boost your mood—even though the science behind it makes little sense. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21707206/ When it comes to communicating, influencing, or connecting with others, some words are far more powerful than others. Jonah Berger, marketing professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way (https://amzn.to/3FctHIE), ex...
Eggnog is one of the strangest holiday traditions we have — a creamy mix of eggs, milk, spices, and often a splash of rum. Yet people look forward to it every December. Where did this unusual drink come from, and how did it become tied so closely to Christmas? We start with the surprising history behind this centuries-old holiday concoction. Source: https://time.com/3957265/history-of-eggnog/ Chances are you have a favorite Christmas movie — White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas St...
A yawn spreads quickly. You see someone yawn, you think about yawning, or you even read the word “yawn”—and suddenly you’re doing it too. This episode begins by looking at why yawning is so contagious, what theories actually hold up, and what science still can’t explain. https://www.livescience.com/human-behavior/why-is-yawning-contagious A Christmas tree seems like such a natural part of the holiday season, but the tradition behind it is rich, surprising, and deeply woven into American history....
Who doesn’t love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree? That unmistakable pine scent isn’t just nostalgic — it may actually have measurable benefits. We start this episode with a look at why the aroma of pine can lift your mood, help you relax, and enhance your holiday season. Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/the-healing-power-of-pine Audiences are remarkable. Whether it’s a play, a movie, or a concert, something special happens when people gather — a shared energy that shapes how we feel an...
When you’re asked to “sign in blue or black ink,” is that actually the law — or just an outdated rule we all obey? We begin with the surprising truth about which ink colors really matter when you’re signing checks, contracts, or legal documents. Source: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061314/dont-sign-legal-pitfalls-signatures.asp Why are humans endlessly fascinated by aliens? For thousands of years, every culture has looked to the sky and wondered who—or what—might be out...
There was a time when the office Christmas party was the highlight of the corporate year — big budgets, elaborate celebrations, and stories that still get whispered decades later. But how did this tradition start? Who decided employers should host a holiday bash in the first place? This special holiday bonus episode looks at the surprising origins of the office Christmas party and why it evolved into the event it is today - usually a bit tamer and more subdued. That's what we explore as we kick ...
Ever wonder why some people seem naturally gifted at music? It turns out your personality may have more to do with musical ability than you think. This episode begins with research identifying which personality traits actually predict innate musical potential — and which ones don’t. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/15101313583 1.htm Are we too worried about getting scammed? Most of us would rather lose money through an honest mistake than fall victim to a con — and that hyper-vigila...
