Forget paleo, keto, and intermittent fasting—we’re getting to the truth of how you really should be eating this week with Mark Bittman and Dr. David L. Katz. Their latest book is called How to Eat: All Your Food and Diet Questions Answered , and in this episode they discuss the importance of using both science and common sense when it comes to our consumption. Mark is a leading voice in the food world, having written over 30 books on the topic, including the New York Times bestseller How t...
Mar 16, 2020•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dr. Robert Lustig joins us in the studio to talk about his new book, “The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains.” Dr. Lustig is a pediatric endocrinologist who is also author of the book “Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease.” He talks to us about how corporate interests have worked to keep us addicted to pleasure—and how our addictions have robbed us of happiness. Have an idea for a future epi...
Mar 09, 2020•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Do you put things off ‘til the last minute? Are you one of the millions who tend to delay getting to your to-do list? Then you’re in luck—behavior scientist BJ Fogg joins us on this episode to talk about how to stop procrastinating thanks to his researched approach to behavior. BJ is the founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University and is the author of the New York Times bestseller Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything . Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at ...
Mar 02, 2020•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Calling all insomniacs, tossers, turners, blanket hogs, disco nappers and snooze button pushers! This week we are talking to the experts about how to get a good night's sleep. And our advice goes way beyond putting your devices away before bed. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privac...
Feb 24, 2020•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we're talking with Tim Ferriss, author, podcaster, investor, entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed "human guinea pig." He's the author of several books, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Four-Hour Workweek and The Four-Hour Body and his latest, Tribe of Mentors. We talked with Tim about his most worthwhile investments and his biggest failures, his most valuable purchases under $100 and over $10,000, and what beliefs and behaviors have most improved his life. See Privacy Polic...
Feb 17, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever felt at a loss for words when staring at a Jackson Pollock? New York Magazine ’s Senior Art Critic, Jerry Saltz, joins us this week to help the less-cultured of us learn the art of discussing fine art. Saltz has won a Pulitzer and two National Magazine Awards for his art criticism, and his latest book, “ How to Be an Artist ,” comes out in March. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear ...
Feb 10, 2020•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Trying to lower your sugar intake? We’re learning how this week with the help of two experts. First, Kathleen DesMaisons, addictive nutrition guru and author of Potatoes Not Prozac: Simple Solutions for Sugar Addiction , walks us through her practical and effective approach to gradually cutting sugar out of your diet. Then we speak with Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, author of The Diet Fix: Why Diets Fail and How to Make Yours Work , about why we should avoid diet fads and what habits we should focus on in...
Feb 03, 2020•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re learning how to practice true self-compassion this week with renowned psychotherapist and Buddhist meditation teacher Tara Brach. Tara is the author of Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN and her podcast receives over 1.5 million downloads per month. In this episode, Tara breaks down the practice of RAIN and how it can help us curtail our self-criticism and increase our sense of worthiness. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us ...
Jan 27, 2020•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Alice and Melissa revisit their Upgrades of the Week from past episodes and see how they’ve held up. There’s a little bit of pride, a little bit of shame, and a whole lot of improvement. You’ll be so perfect by the end of this episode you won’t know what to work on next! Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice ...
Jan 20, 2020•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast January is unofficially “Divorce Month” in the legal world, and to celebrate this not-so-joyous occasion, we’re bringing you an episode breaking down the complicated world of divorce. To help us understand the legal nitty-gritty we’re joined by Jacqueline Newman, a New York-based matrimonial attorney and author of the book “ The New Rules of Divorce: Twelve Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health, and Happiness .” As we found in our interview, divorce is a fascinating topic even if you’re not ...
Jan 13, 2020•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Whether you’re dealing with a bad boss or disgruntled employees (or a great boss and enthusiastic employees) you’ve got an opinion on the employer/employee dynamic. This week we heard from the Lifehacker audience about their worst bosses. Then Lifehacker’s managing editor Virginia Smith talks to Ask a Manager’s Alison Green about what your manager wants you to know. Finally, Alice and Melissa talk about the out-of-office auto-reply: does anyone really need it? Have an idea for a future episode? ...
Jan 06, 2020•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s that time of year again! Time for our annual roundup of our very favorite Upgrade moments of 2019. And we’ve had so many—from touring a fecal transplant lab to improving our memorization muscles, this year has been chock-full of life-enhancing upgrades. Prepare for 2020 by hearing this collection of advice on how to be a better conversationalist, how to make or break a habit, how to negotiate like a pro, and more! Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a ...
Dec 30, 2019•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast As we prepare to head into 2020, we thought we’d replay our annual Best of The Upgrade from last year for you. We’ll be bringing you our Best of The Upgrade 2019 next week! Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Dec 23, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever dreamed of making a podcast of your own? Of being the next Teri Gross or Joe Rogan? This week we’re learning how with the help of Lifehacker’s own video producer Abu Zafar. Abu recently produced a 3-part video series for Lifehacker called How to Start a Podcast and he joins us this week to talk about some of the podcasting basics he’s learned from experts like Josh Clarke (Stuff You Should Know), Misha Euceph (Tell Them I Am), and Roman Mars (99% Invisible). When Abu isn’t busy crafting sna...
Dec 16, 2019•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Josh Gondelman, a.k.a. “The Nicest Guy in Comedy,” joins us this week to talk about what being nice really is, when it’s a quality that is NOT helpful, and the difference between “nice-ness” and “goodness”. Josh is Peabody- and Emmy-winning comedy writer who has worked on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver , and is currently the senior staff writer and producer for the Showtime series Desus & Mero . He also has a stand up album out called “Dancing on a Weeknight” and new book called, “ Nice ...
Dec 09, 2019•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast We're tackling tough friendship scenarios this week with psychologist Miriam Kirmayer , who explains why it's so hard to navigate the norms of friendship and how to peacefully end those connections that are no longer working. Afterward, Dr. Kirmayer answers Upgrade listener- and Lifehacker reader-submitted friendship questions. Like the show? Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you! ...
Dec 02, 2019•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast How can we interpret body language and physical cues to better understand what others are really thinking? In this week's episode, Alice and Melissa are joined by Swedish mentalist Henrik Fexeus, who explains what mind-reading really is, and how we can use it to our advantage. Later, Alice and Melissa try out a mind-reading trick on a couple of Lifehacker team members. Like the show? Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@...
Nov 25, 2019•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast How do we even begin to find true love in a messy world of online dating, ghosting, and benching? Matchmaker Dr. Frankie Bashan tells us why people are using real-live intermediaries like herself to get dates. Etiquette expert Daniel Post Senning takes on the intricacies of Tinder etiquette. And Lifehacker’s food editor Claire Lower mixes up a very sexy three-ingredient cocktail. If you love this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts because our love language is “servi...
Nov 18, 2019•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ramit Sethi, author of “ I Will Teach You To Be Rich ,” and professional financial smart person, joins us to talk about how to reframe your approach to spending, the best ways to invest your savings, and how normal people can find a way to take a six-week honeymoon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Nov 11, 2019•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jumping to an entirely new line of work, a new industry, a new identity, is extremely daunting. That’s why this week we’re diving right into the how-tos of making the big career switch. First we chat with consultant, speaker, and podcaster Joseph Liu, who has helped numerous people make big mid-career transitions over the years. Then we hear a personal career change story from Julieta Benavides, who leapt from her high-paying career in restaurant management into the world of therapeutic massage....
Nov 04, 2019•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast What can we do to live longer, healthier lives? Bulletproof Coffee founder Dave Asprey joins us on The Upgrade to talk about the practices he’s adopted that he believes will help us all lengthen our lifespans. Then Lifehacker’s Health Editor, Beth Skwarecki, talks about the longevity secrets she learned while visiting the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica—an area that author Dan Buettner has designated as a Blue Zone. Like the show? Have a suggestion? Leave us a voicemail at 347-687-8109 or send us...
Oct 28, 2019•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we’re improving our public speaking skills with the help of expert Carmine Gallo, author of “Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds,” who tells us about the importance of story and emotion when it comes to presenting. Then hear Lifehacker’s Food Editor, Claire Lower, tell her own story about how she learned to get comfortable in front of a crowd. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-...
Oct 21, 2019•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Do you ever find yourself spending way too much time worrying about what people think of you? Are you ready to let those needless concerns go to focus on other, more important things? This week on The Upgrade, we’re working through our issues with Mark Manson, author of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck,” as well as revisiting our interview with writer Samantha Irby from our 2017 “How to Not Give a Shit” episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...
Oct 14, 2019•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast We're talking fecal transplants, probiotics, gut flora and more this week. Do bacteria in your GI tract affect your moods? How does your microbiome affect your overall health? We visit the lab of computational biologist Dr. Jose Clemente where he and his team study the efficacy of fecal transplants in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Oct 07, 2019•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode of The Upgrade, we're tackling debt. Crippling, anxiety-inducing debt. It can be hard to know where to start when facing such a heavy burden. Fortunately, we got some help. First, hear Lifehacker staff writer Lisa Rowan answer Upgrade listener and Lifehacker reader-submitted questions about credit cards. Then, we're joined once again by personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi, who coaches us on how to start to get a handle on debt. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy ...
Sep 30, 2019•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we chat with productivity legend David Allen about GTD, his gold-standard time management philosophy. Lifehacker staffers share their productivity secrets as well. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Sep 23, 2019•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever found yourself totally immobilized in the face of a decision? Why is deciding on something so difficult, whether it’s deciding what to have for dinner or whether we should move across the country? This week, we talk with neuroscientist David Redish about what is actually happening in our brains during the decision-making process. Then, we're joined by Lifehacker’s managing editor Virginia Smith to figure out how our moral, social and legal frameworks inform the decisions we make. S...
Sep 16, 2019•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this smaller episode we’re diving into the topic of small talk. Is it there real value in shooting the breeze, or is it just inane jibber-jabber? Wherever you stand on the topic, you’re going to be called on to engage in small talk sooner or later—so how do you get more comfortable with it? Our producer asked the people who are probably the most fluent in small talk: bartenders. Then, Melissa and Alice are joined in the studio by Lifehacker staff writer Nick Douglas to discuss their varied fe...
Sep 09, 2019•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we’re talking about impostor syndrome—the psychological phenomenon wherein people question their successes and have an internalized fear of being discovered as a fraud. We’ll hear from Lifehacker’s staff writer, Nick Douglas, who explains why he keeps something called a “brag file.” We’ll also chat with clinical psychologist Dr. Jessamy Hibberd, author of the book The Impostor Cure. And our producer takes to the streets to find out how people deal with their own feelings of inadequacy....
Aug 19, 2019•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast We all think we’re experts at “doing nothing,” but there’s a difference between numbing out by staring at Facebook and truly letting your mind rest. There are concrete benefits to doing absolutely nothing—like actually being present in your life and noticing what’s around you. To help us constructively veg out, we’ve brought in essayist Pico Iyer, Lifehacker’s Human Resource Columnist Rob Walker, and artist and educator Jenny Odell, whose new book teaches us how to resist the “attention economy....
Aug 05, 2019•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
