Your doctor is supposed to wash his or her hands between patients. But sometimes doctors forget. Would you speak up if you saw that and ask your doctor to wash up? This episode begins with a look at this important problem. https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-hospitals-want-patients-to-ask-doctors-8216have-you-washed-your-hands8217-1380582268 Scarcity is powerful. It is the force that drives people to stock up on toilet paper before a storm or to buy something they might not buy because it is on sal...
Nov 28, 2022•52 min•Ep. 818
People didn’t always eat cereal for breakfast. In fact, the idea really didn’t catch on until the 1940s and 1950s. So, where and how did they idea start? And how did it get so popular? This episode reveals the answers to these questions plus I explain how popcorn was really the first breakfast cereal. Source: David Hoffman, author of The Breakfast Cereal Gourmet (https://amzn.to/35UKIpr) Are humans inherently good or evil? Are we naturally inclined to be kind or are we more likely to act in our ...
Nov 26, 2022•51 min•Ep. 817
Why does it seem that your stomach growls at exactly the wrong time? It is right when the room is full of people and very very is quiet. That's when your stomach emits those grumbling noises that you are certain everyone can hear. This episode begins with an explanation as to why your stomach growls in the first place and what you can do to prevent it. https://www.outsideonline.com/1784166/why-does-my-stomach-growl A lot of the time you think you are right – you are really wrong. You see humans ...
Nov 24, 2022•51 min•Ep. 816
Being neat is generally considered a good thing. But is neater, better? This episode begins with a look at the difference between neat and messy people and the pros and cons of each. Source: David H. Freeman author of A Perfect Mess (https://amzn.to/3X6IsnK) What is the difference between all the soaps, lotions and potions of skin care products? After all, there are so many and all at very different prices. Are the expensive ones really better? What about the ingredients – are they safe? Do any ...
Nov 21, 2022•53 min•Ep. 815
People make judgements about you the minute the lay eyes on you. This episode begins by explaining how those first impressions are determined and how to maximize your grooming and dress so people are impressed. Source: Image consultant Sherry Maysonave author of Casual Power (https://amzn.to/3ffMODA) John Cleese has been entertaining millions of people for years as a member of Monty Python, as well as a movie actor in a variety of films including Harry Potter and James Bond movies. He has also s...
Nov 19, 2022•50 min•Ep. 814
Teenage lovers hold hands but as people get older, we see it less and less. And that may be a bad thing. This episode begins by discussing the benefits of holding hands with someone you love. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/24/the-brain-on-love/ You have likely faced a challenging situation and wished you had been able to bounce back better and faster. It seems that some people are just more resilient in the face adversity. Is it something you are born with or can you learn to becom...
Nov 17, 2022•54 min•Ep. 813
Having bad posture not only impacts how you appear to others, it can also have an effect on your physical and mental health in ways you may not know. This episode begins by explaining what those effects are and how to instantly improve your posture. https://bit.ly/3NT6aQ5 Think of how the car has changed the world. It is because of cars that we have roads and bridges and tunnels and motels and destinations to visit – there are so many things that exist because of the automobile. Of course, the c...
Nov 14, 2022•52 min•Ep. 812
How likely is it that your umbrella will attract lightning in a storm or that the elevator you are in will suddenly drop? Ever worry that a big spider will come after you and jump on you? This episode begins with some insight into these and other common worries and whether or not they could likely happen. https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/everyday-dangers-not-to-worry-about Are you good at handling difficult emotional situations? Do you try hard to push negative emotions aside...
Nov 12, 2022•52 min•Ep. 811
When you shop for big ticket items like a house or car, the day you choose to go really matters. This episode begins with a look at what days are best and worst to go house hunting or car shopping. https://www.weatherads.io/blog/how-weather-affects-consumer-behavior-and-purchase-decisions Clutter has a way of sneaking up on you. First, it’s a drawer, then a closet, then a spare room fills up with stuff and before you know it, your house is full of clutter. And anyone who has tried, knows tacklin...
Nov 10, 2022•52 min•Ep. 810
Your mother probably told you not to lie – and she was right. Of course, there are the moral reasons for not lying but it seems lying is also bad for your health. This episode begins with the reasons why. http://newsinfo.nd.edu/news/32424-study-telling-fewer-lies-linked-to-better-health-relationships For most of human history, people married NOT for love. It is only recently that this idea of committing to someone because you fall in love came about and a lot of times it doesn’t work very well. ...
Nov 07, 2022•51 min•Ep. 809
First impressions matter. That’s because once a person makes judgements about you, it can be difficult to change it. This episode begins by revealing 3 things people decide about you within the first 30 seconds and how you can make sure you put your best foot forward. Source: Sherry Maysonave author of Casual Power (https://amzn.to/2Thh1I7) Why should you fill your gas tank on Monday instead of Friday? Does transferring credit card balances to lower interest rate card make sense? What’s the best...
Nov 05, 2022•51 min•Ep. 808
While I am certain you are a safe driver, there is one tip race car drivers know that will make you an even safer driver, particularly in the event when you need to suddenly take evasive action. This episode begins with this important tactic that will make you more in control behind the wheel. Source: http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/top-10/top-10-editors-tips-to-prevent-a-car-accident.html Change is scary. Often it means loss. But it can also mean opportunity. Since you can’t stop the world f...
Nov 03, 2022•51 min•Ep. 807
Everyone knows what a placebo is. We have talked about the placebo effect on previous episodes. Most people probably think of it as applying to medication. However, I begin this episode by explaining how the placebo effect works with sleep. And the information could come in handy on those days you are feeling tired. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24417326/ I am sure you have felt bored at times – whether standing in line, waiting at the doctor’s office or just sitting around with nothing to do....
Oct 31, 2022•50 min•Ep. 806
When people get angry, it is pretty common for them to get upset and maybe start yelling at whoever made them mad. That is a bad idea. This episode begins with a discussion how on to use anger to your advantage, so you get what you want without everyone getting mad at each other. Source: Thomas A. Schweich, author of Staying Power (https://amzn.to/34Qrb85). You and I can look at the same thing yet see it differently. We all look at the world through filters and biases that cause us to see things...
Oct 29, 2022•48 min•Ep. 805
What follows is a list of the most popular Halloween candy overall in the U.S. Listen as I explain why this list is important if you plan to give out candy to trick-or-treaters this year: Reese’s Cups Skittles M&M’s Starburst Hot Tamales Sour Patch Kids Hershey’s Kisses Snickers Tootsie Pops Candy Corn Source: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/most-popular-halloween-candy-37144800 There is conflict in every relationship. What helps to ease the conflict is doing all the “little things” according t...
Oct 27, 2022•50 min•Ep. 804
Girls cry more than boys – that seems apparent. But why? Is it social conditioning or something more? Listen as I reveal what one researcher has discovered about boys and girls and tears. Source: Michael Gurian, author of What Could He Be Thinking?-How A Man's Mind Really Works (https://amzn.to/3evpJkm). Your body clock controls when you wake up and go to sleep – or at least when you SHOULD wake up and go to sleep. But does your body clock – or circadian rhythm – adapt to you or must you adapt t...
Oct 24, 2022•54 min•Ep. 803
Confidence makes you more attractive. It just does. So, I begin this episode by offering a short list of simple things you can do that will make you feel and appear as confident as possible. https://www.askmen.com/money/body_and_mind_150/173_better_living.html You often hear people use the words kind and nice interchangeably. Actually though, they really don’t mean the same thing. To be kind is a lot harder and riskier and has a much greater chance of making the world a better place. Nice is jus...
Oct 22, 2022•53 min•Ep. 802
What do the following symptoms have in common: Tiredness, dizziness, stomach issues, headaches, dry skin, joint problems and depression? The answer is that you may be able to eliminate or minimize those symptoms with one very easy change to your daily routine. Listen and I’ll tell you what it is. https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/dehydration-and-anxiety Quitters never win and winners never quit. We have all heard that. Quitting has a bad reputation. People who persevere are the heroes. Q...
Oct 20, 2022•51 min•Ep. 801
It is always tempting to try to impress people and show them how fabulous you are – or your child is. However, there is a downside to appearing to be so exceptional. This episode begins with an explanation. Source: Steve Chandler, author of 50 Ways To Create Great Relationships (https://amzn.to/3e7uIYk) How could someone have a phobia or fear of popcorn or buttons? Well some people do. People have phobias about all sorts of things. Where do phobias come from? What’s the difference between a fear...
Oct 17, 2022•51 min•Ep. 800
The humble sandwich has been around for thousands of years and eaten all over the world in one form or another. Guess how many sandwiches the average person eats in a year. Do you know why some sandwiches are called subs? Listen as I explore some fascinating sandwich facts to kickoff this episode. https://allthatsinteresting.com/sandwich-history Have you ever asked yourself: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Will my life really matter? What will my legacy be? Listen as I explore these and other...
Oct 15, 2022•52 min•Ep. 799
If you are facing a big decision, you should sleep on it first. That is common advice. But is there any validity to it? This episode begins with the answer to that question. https://www.newswise.com/articles/sleep-on-it-is-sound-science-based-advice# We all get those weird feelings – you know like we are being watched or that feeling that time is passing by faster or you have memory from your past, but you are not sure if it is true. Why do humans get these feelings, and do they serve a purpose?...
Oct 13, 2022•50 min•Ep. 798
Who do you project yourself to be? It’s an important question if you want to convince someone of something. This episode begins with a look at how people judge your recommendations and proposals and so much of it has to do with who you appear to be. Source: Robert Mayer author of the book Power Plays (https://amzn.to/3BWHKzy) Setting boundaries with the people in your life and getting them to respect those boundaries can actually make your life easier and more enjoyable. That’s according to Meli...
Oct 10, 2022•52 min•Ep. 797
This episode begins with a fascinating example of just how amazing the human mind is. You see, how people feel about the medication they take impacts how well it works. Things like cost, size of the pill and number of doses will influence your recovery – I know it sounds implausible but it appears to be true. Listen and finds out. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/health/research/05placebo.html Innovation is a big buzzword today. Who doesn’t want to be innovative? However, there isn’t as much i...
Oct 08, 2022•53 min•Ep. 796
You have likely never ordered a milkshake from room service at a hotel because milkshakes are most likely not on the room service menu. Still, if a hotel has a kitchen there is a good chance they have ice cream milk and a blender which is what you need to make a milkshake. So why can’t you get one? Listen as I explain the answer which points out a big problem in American business today. Source: Steve Little author of The Milkshake Moment (https://amzn.to/3BLAXZl) Have you ever wondered why time ...
Oct 06, 2022•48 min•Ep. 795
It's weird but true that a lot of people’s behavior can actually change just because they wear sunglasses or are in a dimly lit room. This episode begins with an explanation of why this happens and how people act differently. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100301122344.htm Being rich is about more than just accumulating money, it is about living the life you want to live. In fact how much money you have is less important than how you spend it. That’s according to Ramit Sethi. For y...
Oct 03, 2022•52 min•Ep. 794
We call them expiration dates when referring to dates on food packages but they aren’t all really expiration dates. The dates sometimes mean other things. This episode begins by explaining what these different dates really mean. Don’t throw away any food until you hear this explanation. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/do-food-expiration-dates-matter#1 You are unique. There is not now, nor will there ever be another person like you. So, what is it exactly that makes you so unique and...
Oct 01, 2022•54 min•Ep. 793
Heart disease is the #1 killer in the world. While there are many things you can do to reduce your risk, this episode begins by revealing a simple way to cut the risk more than 30%. And it’s all in your attitude. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-positive-mindset-can-help-your-heart-2019021415999 Have you ever found yourself overthinking? It’s when you think through an idea or a goal or a career move over and over, imagining every variable and possible outcome. The result is you don’t really...
Sep 29, 2022•51 min•Ep. 792
If you are an iPhone user, you may have noticed that some of your texts show up in blue and some show up in green This episode begins with the explanation for why that happens and what it means. https://www.rd.com/article/why-are-my-texts-green/ Do you know what time poverty is? It’s that sense you get of having too much to do and never enough time to get it done. While a lot of us live in time poverty, others live in time affluence. So how do they do it? Cassie Holmes will tell you. Cassie is p...
Sep 26, 2022•53 min•Ep. 791
It’s pretty clear that the placebo effect is a real thing even though we don’t understand it very well. This episode begins by exploring the reasons why what you believe about your health actually has an impact on your health and why believing you are healthy can actually make it so. Source: Howard Brody, M.D. author of “The Placebo Response” (https://amzn.to/2ZzmXzH) There are a lot of theories about what you should do with your money. For instance, most experts agree that paying off your mortg...
Sep 24, 2022•50 min•Ep. 790
When you have to take a test and you don’t know the answer, the conventional advice is to go with your first answer. A lot of people believe that – but is it true? This episode begins with some interesting evidence that may help you the next time you take a test. https://www.spring.org.uk/2012/02/multiple-choice-tests-why-sticking-with-your-first-answer-is-probably-wrong.php Music is such an important part of life for so many of us. Most of us have a favorite song or band or type of music. Liste...
Sep 22, 2022•52 min•Ep. 789
