Why do we yawn? You might think it is because we are tired or bored. However, according to some research, yawning has nothing to do with either of those things. This episode begins with a look at the real reason we yawn and why yawning is contagious. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3425960&page=1 If you have ever tried to make a significant change in your life, you know it can be very difficult. It’s why so many New Year’s resolutions don’t last very long. What makes change so hard? One of th...
Dec 31, 2022•44 min•Ep 832•Transcript available on Metacast You mother likely told you to drink a lot of fluids when you have a cold or the flu. So, what is the theory there? How does drinking water or juice or anything else fight off an illness? A lot of people think it flushes out your system but that’s not the reason. This episode begins with the actual reason why it is a good idea to keep drinking when you are sick – but not too much. https://www.realsimple.com/health/first-aid-health-basics/too-much-water-while-sick-can-be-dangerous Have you ever ha...
Dec 29, 2022•55 min•Ep 831•Transcript available on Metacast There is something about feeling appreciated that feels so very good. However, there is one big problem with appreciation. This episode begins with an explanation of how appreciation is often misused and is often a missed opportunity. http://ombudsfac.unm.edu/Article_Summaries/Beyond_Reason.pdf Laughter can be magical. Not just the act of laughter but the word itself. It seems just using the word in conversation can win you big points. That’s according to my guest Will Jelbert, a communications ...
Dec 26, 2022•47 min•Ep 830•Transcript available on Metacast There are a lot of theories and myths about alcohol and how not to fall victim to its effects. For example, mixing caffeine with alcohol will make you feel less sleepy or that light beers are healthier than regular beers. I begin this episode with an examination of which of these and other commonly held beliefs about alcohol are true or false. http://www.purewow.com/wellness/Alcohol-Myths Why do we dream at night? Do those dream serve a purpose or are they random thoughts that occupy your brain ...
Dec 24, 2022•51 min•Ep 829•Transcript available on Metacast Smiling is a universal expression of happiness. Even babies born blind smile. So, what does smiling do for you? Why are we attracted to another person’s smile? Listen as I begin this episode with a brief look at smiling. https://www.livescience.com/5254-smiles-innate-learned.html Our lives are full of rituals. We have religious rituals, family rituals, holidays rituals, personal rituals – rituals are everywhere. By definition rituals don’t really perform a function beyond being a ritual. So why ...
Dec 22, 2022•52 min•Ep 828•Transcript available on Metacast Still need to get some holiday shopping done? One of the biggest stressors is trying to find a parking spot. So, this episode begins with some smart holiday parking strategies to help you score a spot quickly in a crowded parking lot. https://jalopnik.com/how-to-win-the-holiday-parking-game-5963162 Over the last several months there has been a lot of talk about a worldwide microchip shortage. These are the semi-conductor chips that control the workings of cars, electronics and just about everyth...
Dec 19, 2022•50 min•Ep 827•Transcript available on Metacast We are taught that jealousy and envy are not particularly productive emotions. Well, maybe – and maybe not. This episode begins with a look at how jealousy and envy can actually help you achieve your goals. Plus, you’ll hear what the difference is between jealousy and envy because they are not the same thing. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a19918585/jealous/ Successful dog training is all about conditioning and giving rewards for good behavior. However, when we want people to change their ...
Dec 17, 2022•53 min•Ep 826•Transcript available on Metacast When you go to a restaurant, there are some things you may not want to touch. Why? Well, because they are crawling with germs and just kinda gross. This episode begins with a look at the germiest things in restaurants. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/19/germ-infested-areas-restaurants_n_2159281.html Christmas is chock full of traditions. We wrap Christmas gifts and put them under a tree, we eat Christmas foods, we sing Christmas songs, we send Christmas cards and on and on. Where did these...
Dec 15, 2022•51 min•Ep 825•Transcript available on Metacast Especially around the holidays, wouldn’t it be great if you could get more done in less time? Listen as I explain a simple strategy that works amazingly well yet only 1 in five people bother to do it. http://www.balancetime.com/ Throughout human history and in every culture there has been religion. People are drawn to religion. Why? What does religion really do for people? That is a fascinating question. And it turns out that people who practice religion get some wonderful benefits according to ...
Dec 12, 2022•51 min•Ep 824•Transcript available on Metacast The Christmas season is full of stories and traditions. This episode begins with some facts about Christmas you may have never heard before. For example, ever wonder why we use the term Noel at Christmas? Did you ever wonder what Christmas decorations are edible? Listen to discover the answers to these questions and get other fascinating Christmas information that will be fun to share. (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/50-things-yule-never-know-653613) I am sure you have the best of intentio...
Dec 10, 2022•52 min•Ep 823•Transcript available on Metacast The holiday season is when we are most likely to give to those less fortunate. However, if you are going to give, there are some things that homeless shelters and other charitable organizations need more than others. This episode begins by explaining what those donation centers would really like you to give them for Christmas. http://www.purewow.com/home/best-items-to-donate-to-charity-drives You might think that the best way to win an argument is to offer up a lot of evidence to support the fac...
Dec 08, 2022•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast “Warning: Do Not Remove This Tag Under Penalty of Law”. For many years every pillow and mattress carried a tag with that warning. Today the language isn’t quite so harsh, but the warning is still there. Why does anyone care whether or not the tag gets removed from your mattress? Listen as I explain. https://www.livescience.com/33039-why-do-mattresses-have-do-not-remove-tags.html Sleep is a natural part of your life. So why is it sometimes difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep? What is the lat...
Dec 05, 2022•50 min•Ep 821•Transcript available on Metacast During the holiday season, you likely use a lot of power strips to plug in lights and decorations. This episode begins with some advice about what NEVER to plug in to a power strip for the safety of everyone in your home. And you will probably be surprised by what you hear. https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/things-you-should-never-do-with-power-strips/ Human beings are quirky. We do things and behave in ways that are frankly a bit odd. Where do these quirks come from and why do we do them? ...
Dec 03, 2022•51 min•Ep 820•Transcript available on Metacast The FedEx logo is legendary. It has won countless awards. Everyone who knows about logos says it is fabulous. Why? This episode begins with a look at what makes the FedEx logo so special. https://turbologo.com/articles/fedex-logo/ Do you make a real effort to incorporate play into your life? Many of us believe that play is for children - which is certainly true but adding in some playfulness to your adult life has some real benefits you should be aware of. Joining me to discuss those benefits an...
Dec 01, 2022•51 min•Ep 819•Transcript available on Metacast 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•53 min•Ep 818•Transcript available on Metacast 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•52 min•Ep 817•Transcript available on Metacast 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•52 min•Ep 816•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•52 min•Ep 809•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•51 min•Ep 804•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 
