Something You Should Know

It’s easy to order pizza online – but should you? It turns out that ordering pizza (or any take out food) over the phone rather than online may be better for your waistline. How can that be? I’ll explain in this episode. I love classic toys and with the holiday season around the corner, this is a great time to reminisce about some favorite old toys. Not only do they bring better great memories, they often have great backstories. For instance, did you know Mr. Potato Head was actually quite controversial when he came out in 1964. Before they were toys, Slinky and Silly Putty were actually part of the World War II war effort and then evolved into toys. If you like classic toys, you will love my conversation with Tim Walsh author of a beautiful coffee table book called Timeless Toys(http://amzn.to/2ygBald). With all the health advice available today, you would think we would all be healthier, slimmer and more fit than anyone in history. But of course, that’s not the case. Much of the information we get is confusing and contradictory. So Professor Merlin Thomas took a deep dive into the research to find out what is true, what isn’t and what the best health advice is to follow. He joins me in this episode to reveal what he discovered. Professor Thomas is a physician and author of the book, The Longevity List ( http://amzn.to/2ygbxk9). Also, you know how handy that clingy, plastic wrap can be in the kitchen – except when it doesn’t cling and when it gets all tangled up. While I don’t normally do kitchen tips, this piece of wisdom is going to save you so much time and frustration in the kitchen that is well worth sharing.

What makes a man attractive to a woman? Obviously it depends on the people and a lot of other individual factors. However, evolution plays a role in this and I’ll explain why the color red and the size of one of a man’s fingers can actually make him more appealing to women. Then, we explore the problem many of us have – performing under pressure. Why do some people crumble while others excel when the stakes are high? To offer some insight into that is Paul Sullivan. Paul writes the “Wealth Matters” column for the New York Times and he’s author of the book, Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don’t (http://amzn.to/2wCwIk7). If you would like to know how improve your performance in the clutch, you will want to hear what Paul has to say. Then, with cold and flu season coming, we all need to protect ourselves against germs. And no one knows more about how to do that than Allison Janse. She and Dr. Charles Gerba (aka “Dr Germ”) are authors of The Germ Freaks Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu (http://amzn.to/2xqJWzh). Allison joins me to explain where germs are lurking, how to protect yourself and how not to get too freaked out by it all. And the next time you get stressed out, grab some chewing gum. How can it help de-stress you? I’ll explain in this episode.

Itching. Just the mention of it probably makes you itch – and you REALLY want to scratch that itch, don't you? But why? Why do itch and why does it feel so good to scratch it? Find out in today’s episode. Then, you probably have been or will be on the Google website today, or use Google Docs or YouTube or some other Google product. Why is Google so successful? Why have they grown so big, so quickly? Someone who has attempted to find those answers is Ken Auletta, media critic for The New Yorker and author of the book Googled: The End of the World As We Know It (http://amzn.to/2wANv77). Listen as Ken explains just how Google became such a big part of all of our lives. Also, most people probably believe that sex can cause a heart attack. Maybe you’ve wondered about it yourself. But what does the science say? Could the exertion of sex trigger a cardiac event – or not? You’ll find out. A lot of the advice on success encourages people to “Get out there.” That in order to be successful, you have to mingle, shake hands, network and be social. But for many of us, that is scary, anxiety-provoking and exhausting. Morra Aarons-Mele author of the book, Hiding in the Bathroom (http://amzn.to/2wIHa4N) explains how introverts or anyone who is socially anxious can still be successful and meet all the right people – and do it on their own terms.

If you have a newer car that doesn’t require a key, there’s a good chance you have – or almost have – forgotten to turn the engine off. Since you don’t have to turn the key off like in older cars, it is easy to forget. That’s creating some problems that you need to know about if you have – or plan to have a car with a keyless ignition. Then, if there is a bit of the entrepreneurial spirit in your blood, you’ll want to hear what Ross Baird has to say. Ross is a venture capitalist who deals with and funds new entrepreneurial projects. He sees a lot of mistakes made by both investors and entrepreneurs and has some great advice for people who are serious about starting their own company – large or small. Ross is the founder and CEO of Village Capital and author of the book, The Innovation Blind Spot: Why We Back the Wrong Ideas and What to Do About It (http://amzn.to/2xK6fkS). Plus, did you know the best way to prevent the spread of colds and flu is to wash your hands regularly. But it turns out millions of us are not doing a correct and thorough job, which puts you at risk of getting sick. I’ll explain the science and technique of washing your hands well. And why have political discussions gotten so ugly? In fact any discussion or debate of a controversial topic can easily deteriorate into name calling and attacks on a person’s character. People even dissolve friendships because of differences of political opinion. It didn’t used to be that way. So what changed? Deborah Tannen has studied this for a long time. She is a Professor of Linguistics at Georgetown University and author of several books including, The Argument Culture: Stopping America’s War of Words (http://amzn.to/2xJH8yO). Listen as Deborah explains why things have gotten so nasty and what we can all do about it.

There are zippers all over your house - on your clothes, on your purses and backpacks. And if you look closely, some of those zippers probably have the initials YKK on them. I’ll explain how I know that and what says about that zipper. Then, people use numbers and statistics to support their argument all the time. The weird thing is we tend to believe statistical evidence whenever someone tosses it out. But actually, we should question it closely. Why? Because so often those numbers are wrong. Charles Seife, author of the book Proofiness: How You’re Being Fooled by Numbers (http://amzn.to/2x1UODq), has studied how numbers are used to deceive and mislead. And he explains how to detect bogus numbers when you hear them. When you take a multiple choice test – like for your driver’s license – have you ever heard that it is best to go with your gut instinct? Or go with your first answer? It’s common advice but is it good advice? I’ll explain what the research says. And before you go to the doctor again, there are some things you need to hear first from Dr. Halee Fischer-Wright. She is a physician and author of the book Back to Balance: The Art, Science and Business of Medicine (http://amzn.to/2y7epAyb). She offers some excellent ways to navigate the health care system and deal with your doctor to help make sure you have better health outcomes. 

Why are there no male waiters at Hooters? Why are there no male Rockettes? Isn’t that discrimination? Actually, the law allows it and I’ll explain how and why. Then, if you don’t want to do stupid things you need to hear what Adam Robinson has to say. Adam is one of the co-founders of the Princeton Review and is now a top financial adviser. I watched a Power Point presentation he created about, “How Not to be Stupid” so I asked him to explain it to you. In essence, we do stupid things when one or more of seven factors are present. Listen to hear what they are and you’ll do far fewer stupid things in the future - maybe never again! BTW, you can find Adam on Twitter - @IAmAdamRobinson. Also, it turns out that sarcasm is good for your brain. Whether you deliver it or hear it from someone else, it makes your brain work differently. It's really interesting. Then, what about all those personal care products you use every day? Is constant exposure to moisturizers, deodorant, lipstick and other cosmetics safe? After all, the FDA monitors these things. But Alexandra Spunt, author of No More Dirty Looks: The Truth about Your Beauty Products (http://amzn.to/2gVnFDW) says there is real concern about the ingredients in some of these products. For example, there is lead is many lipsticks. How can that be? Listen to hear just what the concerns are and how you can protect yourself.

Have you ever put your car in “Drive” while it is still rolling backwards a little bit? People do it all the time – yet it is terrible for your car. I’ll explore this and several other things drivers do that can ruin their car and hurt the value. Then, a look at how your own perceptions often deceive you. For example, would you notice something unusual if it popped out in front of you? You would think so. But it turns out you are not as observant as you think you are.  Daniel Simons author of the book, The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us (http://amzn.to/2eLXgaX)  explains why you completely miss much of what you think you see and how those distorted perceptions can cause you trouble. Also, why do people get goose bumps? Does it serve some sort of evolutionary purpose? The answer will surprise you. It isn’t just the elderly or dumb or greedy people who fall victim to fraud. A lot of smart people get taken too.  Financial crime expert Jeffrey Robinson, author of the book, There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute (http://amzn.to/2j50Qyb) explains how big a problem fraud is, how enticing fraudsters make it all seem and how to make sure you do NOT become a victim.

You probably assume that in almost any situation, a face-to-face meeting is always better than a phone call or email or text. And certainly if you are inviting someone on a date, you would think face-to-face is the way to go. But is it? Could technology improve your odds of success over old-fashioned face-to-face? I think you’ll find this interesting. Plus, your personality is what makes you – you. But where did it come from? Can you improve your personality? Professor Brian Little, author of the book, Who Are You, Really? The Surprising Puzzle of Personality (http://amzn.to/2vWHYm7 ) examines why you are who you are and how much of your personality is changeable and how much is set in stone. Then, if you think someone is lying to you, there are a few words and phrases to look out for. Liars tend to use certain language that can help you determine if they are being truthful or not. Also, have you ever just clicked with someone? You know that feeling of instant connection? It can happen in a romantic way but also happens platonically and with people at work. Ori Brafman, author of the book Click (http://amzn.to/2vWATSC ) has studied this phenomenon and believes strongly that these relationships are special. Ori says we shouldn’t just brush it off as “love at first sight.” Listen and understand why these relationships are worth exploring.

From an early age you were told not to lie. Yet we all do it to some degree. And maybe that’s not all bad. When you look at kids who lie, the research reveals some very interesting things – and we will explore that in today’s episode. Also, how many times have you looked back on a conversation and wish you had said something different – something brilliant? Well now you can. Listen to my guest Phil M. Jones, author of the book Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact (http://amzn.to/2vGIR2R). Phil is one of the world’s top sales trainers and he has researched and studied what words and phrases work in what situations to help you get the outcomes you want in all areas of your life. Plus, it is important to maintain a good credit score – but you might be surprised to learn what things do and don’t affect it. I’ll explore that as well. And, do you know what “cyber overload” is? It’s being so distracted by all your devices that you can’t focus on what’s important. It is a huge problem and it leaves many of frustrated that we can’t get things done because of all the disruption from technology. Joanne Cantor, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin and author of the book Conquering Cyber Overload (http://amzn.to/2x7iZAQ) reveals the toll this problem is taking and what we can all do to stop being controlled by technology.

Do you swear? Sometimes – at least for some of us – it is hard NOT to. And it just may be appropriate when you are in pain. Some fascinating research offers some real benefits of profanity - when used sparingly. Also, there is an interesting phenomenon in sports – and that is, how some teams dominate a sport for several years. They become a dynasty. So what is it that causes that? Is it superstar players or excellent coaching? No. Those thing are important but not the differentiating factor according to Sam Walker. Sam has been an editor and sports columnist at the Wall Street Journal for 20 years and author of the book, The Captain's Class: The Hidden force That Creates the World's Greatest Teams (http://amzn.to/2wBoB6H). Sam discovered one special element of winning teams that you will never guess. And it turns out it is applicable to teams in business and organizations as well as sports. Plus, does it matter whether you read a book on a Kindle or some other e-reader? Does reading a real book with paper pages improve your understanding and comprehension? The answer may surprise you. Then, is it really a good idea to have – or strive to have – the perfect home? While it might be nice to follow Martha Stewart’s example, perhaps it is impossible for most people. Weighing in on this is Lisa Quinn is a former self-described Martha Stewart impersonator who has her own TV show on The Live Well Network called Home with Lisa Quinn. She is also author of the book called Life is Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets (http://amzn.to/2w9SaLq). She offers some relief and practical suggestions for those who would like the perfect home but find that is daunting if not impossible to maintain it.  Please subscribe rate and review my podcast. It would mean a lot!

Penicillin is great for treating a lot of common medical complaints. But a lot of people avoid penicillin because they believe they are allergic to it. We begin this episode by revealing why most of those people are wrong. How can that be? I’ll explain. Then, Mark Manson, the author of the best-selling book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (http://amzn.to/2g5bofO) explains how letting go of the need to be the best at everything – or even most things - can be very liberating and even beneficial. The fact is most of us are mediocre at most things we do and maybe that is okay. Then, you already know that your mood affects how you walk. But it also turns to work the other way too -  how you walk affects your mood. What if you could enhance your mental performance and give yourself a real advantage in everything you do? Neuroscientist Mark Fenske, author of the book, The Winner’s Brain (http://amzn.to/2g4B3VM), explores the science behind focus, motivation and achievement and offers practical suggestions to help give yourself a mental edge. 

When you go grocery shopping you are bombarded by health claims. Food labels claim things are all-natural, organic, multi-grain and 100% this or that. But what do these claims really mean to you? You may be surprised to discover how much of it is hype and doesn’t really mean much. Plus, do you eavesdrop? Yes, you do. Eavesdropping – that is obtaining information about people that you aren’t supposed to have – is human nature according to linguist John L. Locke, author the book Eavesdropping: An Intimate History (http://amzn.to/2uVfH3Y). Listen as John takes you on a journey through the history of eavesdropping, how every living creature (and even plants) eavesdrops and why it is necessary for survival. Also, you know you are not supposed to talk on your phone and drive at the same time because it increases your chances of getting into a crash. But why? Is it really that hard to do those 2 things at the same time? And does using a hands-free device make it any safer? And creativity is something that separates humans from other creatures. But why is it some people are more creative than others? Is creativity something you can develop or is it a gift given to a select few. Speaker and comedian Bob Stromberg, creator of the online course called “Mastering the Craft of Creativity” (http://www.bobstromberg.com/something) reveals how all of us can use our creativity better.

People generally believe attractive people are smarter than unattractive people. Why? Good question. We’ll explore that and other things that influence how you think. Then, why is a conservative - conservative and a liberal – a liberal? Where do our core beliefs come from? And can people change our minds about them? Can we change theirs? Dr. Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptics magazine and author of the book The Moral Arc (http://amzn.to/2fMk2Q6)  takes a look at why we believe what we believe and what influences those beliefs. And if you want to change someone’s mind, Michael explains strategies that work and don’t work. Also, in the late summer, bees and wasps get particularly aggressive. I’ll explain why and what you should do so you don’t get stung. Plus, we explore the importance of failure. Sure, failing at something really sucks but sometimes it is necessary – and it isn’t the end of the world. Megan McArdle, author of The Upside of Down: Why Failing Well is the Key to Success (http://amzn.to/2vJGPQp) explains why it is important to embrace failure as a process toward success. It isn’t just the old clichés of “learn from your mistakes”, failure serves a real purpose if you don’t let knock you down.

Many grocery stores now boast that they sell “locally grown” produce. Perhaps you’ve wondered just how local is it – where does that locally grown produce come from? We begin this episode with an explanation of just how far away produce can originate and still be called – locally grown. Then, let’s take a look at how you think. In particular, a look at the flaws in how you think. Matthew May is an innovation strategist, speaker and author of, Winning the Brain Game: Fixing the 7 Fatal Flaws of Thinking (http://amzn.to/2tRYBiL ) and The Elegant Solution (http://amzn.to/2uR61Eh) , explains how we so often go wrong when we solve problems, make decisions or come up with ideas. He has tested thousands of people and found that almost all of us make some pretty common mistakes that prevent us from coming up with the right solution. And he offers simple strategies to get your thinking back on track. Also, perhaps you’ve heard that many people now cover up their webcam with a piece of tape to prevent hackers from spying on them. Is that really necessary? I’ll explain what the experts say you should do. And, how has history shaped our lives? Patrick Wyman, host of the Tides of History podcast http://wondery.com/wondery/shows/tidesofhistory/ discusses the importance of history in all our lives. For example, you probably didn’t know that the fall of the Roman Empire is the reason why we speak English. Listen to Patrick’s fascinating explanation. 

Everyone knows that coffee can help you think and focus and can even improve your mood – especially that first cup in the morning. Years ago, coffee advertising contained the tagline… “Coffee, the THINK drink.”   But it just may be that all the research showing how good coffee and caffeine are for mental function is flawed. If you are a coffee drinker, you are going to want to hear this. Then, we look at all the math you use in everyday life. Mathematician, Jordan Ellenberg, author of the book How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking (http://amzn.to/2uyMDx6) reveals just how important math is and how it is constantly changing. He also discusses how not to be tricked by statistics and numbers that are designed to mislead you. People do better work when they get a reward. It applies to people at work or kids at home – and it comes as no surprise. What’s interesting is that it actually depends on the type of reward. It doesn’t have to be a big reward, it just has to be the right reward to get people to do their best work. I’ll explain. Also, why don’t diets work? Diet books and programs are as popular as ever but we continue to get heavier. Yoni Freedhoff, M.D., author of the book The Diet Fix (http://amzn.to/2vMM55m) explains the reasons why your next diet is likely doomed to fail and what works better to get the weight off and keep it off.