Something You Should Know

When you get pulled over by the police, it can be very hard to talk your way out of getting a ticket – but not impossible. This episode begins with some suggestions by a police officer of what NOT to say to a cop who pulls you over and you’ll learn why less is more when it comes to talking your way out of that ticket. Plus, the importance of friendship.  My guest, psychologist Michael Thompson, author of the book Best Friends, Worst Enemies (http://amzn.to/2eLFvIh) has spent decades studying friendship in children and adults. I remember him saying years ago that “Friendship is the glue of childhood.”   It may also be the glue of adulthood. Michael believes friendship is vital – but it is not so much how many friends you have but the quality of the friendships you have that really matters. Also, have you ever eaten dried apples? They are pretty tasty but more importantly the health benefits seem to be substantial. Listen and discover what eating dried apples can do. Then, get a better understanding of how success works from Jonathan Fields, author of the book and host of the podcast called, The Good Life Project (www.GoodLifeProject.com ). Jonathan explains why some people struggle and never achieve their dreams while others reach their goals without the struggle. If you want to be successful in whatever you do, you should listen to what Jonathan has to say.  

This episodes starts with a discussion about the psychological tricks grocery stores use to get you to spend more time in the store. Because the more time you spend, the more money you spend. However, when you understand what some of these tricks are, you can prevent yourself from falling victim to them and as a result, save yourself some money. Then, there are so many simple things you can do to improve your health and add years to your life. Dr. David Agus has been on a mission to interpret medical data into easily digestible information we can all use to be healthier. Dr. Agus is a professor of engineering and medicine at the University of Southern California and author of several books including The Lucky Years (http://amzn.to/2vC3LAy). Listen to what he has to say and start getting healthier – now. Also, when you kiss someone you tilt your head one way or the other. Which way do you go? I’ll explain why it matters. Plus, how happy are you at work? Apparently a huge percentage of workers are not very content with the work they do or the place where they do it. Psychologist Gayle Van Gils, author of the book, Happiness at Work (http://amzn.to/2utrfrt) offers some practical ways to make work a better place to be. After all, you spend a lot of time there – why not make it a pleasant experience?  

Someday you will need a plumber – and there are some things you need to understand before you that emergency comes and in fact, there are a few things you should know that may prevent that emergency from coming or at least delay it. Most people think they are good drivers. But are they really? It depends on your definition of what a good driver is. Tom Vanderbilt, author of the book Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do and What It Says About Us (http://amzn.to/2umxLAg) explores some of the problems and solutions that could all get us where we are going faster and safer. Then, the “Illusion of Asymmetric Insight.” It’s a fancy term for how you think about other people and what you think - they think about you. When you listen, it’ll all make sense and you’ll understand why it is important. Also, you’ve probably heard the statistic that about 40% of all food goes to waste. While we all have a part to play in fixing the problem, it turns out that government rules and regulations are actually a big part of the problem. Baylen Linnekin is a food policy lawyer, speaker and author of the book, Biting the Hands that Feed Us ( http://amzn.to/2vLzJde) explains some of the rules about donating food, catching fish and growing your own food that cause us to waste food.

When was the last time you cleaned your credit or debit cards? Or the remote for the TV? There are a lot of things around the house you never think to clean – but you will after you hear this. Then, how spiritual are you? Psychiatrist Dr. Anna Yusim, author of the book Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life (http://amzn.to/2tglpsf), discusses what it means to be spiritual and what recent scientific research says about the benefits of spirituality both for your health and happiness.  Also, don’t you hate it when you grab a pen to write something and no ink comes out? I’ll tell you what the experts say to get the ink flowing again quickly. And there’s a problem with your survival instinct. Dr. Marc Schoen, Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine and author of the book, Your Survival Instinct is Killing You (http://amzn.to/2uJPqoC) explains how our survival instinct was meant to keep us safe from imminent danger - like a lion who wants to eat you. But today, we don’t need it for that. Consequently, that instinct can cause problems if we don’t learn to regulate it. It can cause us to act inappropriately and can take a toll on our health. So he explains how to manage that instinct and turn down the intensity. 

Emails are tricky. They aren’t supposed to be too formal like a letter – or too casual like a text. How you sign off your emails has a lot to do with the overall tone. Some experts looked at the most common ways people sign off on their emails and I’ll tell you which are the preferred – and which are may be sending the wrong message. Then, would you like to be more persuasive? Jay Heinrichs is a real expert at this, having written several books on the topic. One of those books is Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion (http://amzn.to/2uDWt1U). Jay joins me for a lively discussion on what works –and doesn’t work in persuading other people to understand your point of view. Also, when you have to shut down your Wi-Fi or other device, the advice is often to leave it off for 30 seconds or so before restarting. What’s the reason? And do you really have to? And, we take a look at the practice of networking. We have all been told how important it is to get out there and meet people because, well, it can lead to something. But often it only seems to lead to a big pile of business cards and not much else. Larry Mohl, former Chief Learning Officer for Motorola Cellular and American Express and is author of the book Networking is Dead (http://amzn.to/2tjFpKC) , explains how traditional networking doesn’t usually work – and he offers some more efficient and effective ways to connect with people who can help you. 

You’ve probably wondered whether it is more efficient to turn off a light or your computer when you are not using it – or just leave it on. Well, I will have the “electrical efficiency answer” for that question in this episode. Then, as a father of boys, I am concerned about how views have changed when it comes to boys. Today much of what has always been standard boy behavior is now viewed as defective. That what we really need is for boys to be more like girls. But what does the science say? Michael Gurian, therapist and leading expert in this field is author of a book called, Saving Our Sons (http://amzn.to/2u1ZgAS). He joins me in this episode to discuss the future of boys – and whether they really should be more like girls. Then, the next time you have a bowl of cereal, I want you to add something to the milk that you just may find makes the whole experience better. And, how leaders treat the people who work for them has a big impact on how well workers perform, how well people work together and how profitable a company ultimately is. Marketing consultant and speaker, Simon Sinek, author of the book, Together is Better (http://amzn.to/2udrdqk) explains what happens when organizations focus on the people – rather than just the bottom line and how doing so will actually improve the bottom line virtually all the time. He also offers strategies for managers to implement some simple changes.

Commercials will often tell you, for example, that a shampoo will make your hair 5 times “silkier.” Okay let’s think about that. How in the world do you measure how “silky” your hair is – let alone how it is now 5 times silkier than it was before? Yet it is amazing how people fall for it. Also, how good are you at separating the truth from fiction?  Former CIA officer Michael Floyd, author of the book, Spy the Lie (http://amzn.to/2t7ZORN) explains how the experts do it – and why it isn’t always about what the other person says – but what YOU say to THEM that will reveal the truth. Plus, you know the green wasabi that comes with your sushi? There is a good chance it isn’t real wasabi at all. I’ll explain the wasabi story and why a lot of it is phony. Resilience. Some people have it and some don’t. It is the ability to handle and bounce back from adversity. Psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Southwick author of the book, Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges (http://amzn.to/2t5OZ3G) offers up some great ways to handle those tough times and become stronger and better as a result.

Are you more likely to rate a meal better if it has a mediocre appetizer, a decent main course and a spectacular dessert or the opposite - a meal that has a spectacular appetizer, decent main course and mediocre dessert? I’ll tell you the answer and why it is important. Then, are you doing everything you can to take care of your brain? You’ve probably heard that crossword puzzles or brain teasers are supposed to keep you sharp. But does that work? Does something else work better? Michael Gelb, author of the book Brain Power (http://amzn.to/2tgwbOm) has gone through the research and I think you’ll be fascinated by what he has to say. Plus, you may want to steer clear of cars with bumper stickers and decals. Why? People with bumper stickers tend to have some interesting behaviors in common. And as machines get smarter, the more people worry that their jobs will be taken over by those smart machines? What can you do to protect yourself? Tom Davenport, Professor at Babson college and author of the book Only Humans Need Apply (http://amzn.to/2vetgas) assesses how big a threat machines are – and how to protect yourself from losing your job to automation or a robot.

People in western countries smile a lot. For example, we smile at people on the street for no real reason. In many other countries, all this smiling could get you in trouble. I’ll explain. Then, we explore the benefits of just being out in nature. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods (http://amzn.to/2tY1LF4) and Vitamin N (http://amzn.to/2u1Cn0N) reveals the incredible – and scientifically proven – things that happen to both children and adults both physically and mentally. Also, the power of touch is something people talk about – but what is it really? Does human touching really do anything beneficial? And we explore the problem of what to say in an argument. Often we say the wrong thing in the heat of the moment and come to regret it. What is the right thing to say? Psychotherapist Carl Alasko, author of Say This Not That (http://amzn.to/2tXTuRq), offers his 5 rules for arguing that you will want to remember.

When you have a big decision to make, all kinds of things can influence that decision. But one thing I bet you never thought of was the lighting in the room. Yet, it turns out that lighting can have a significant impact on a decision you make. I’ll explain how and what is optimal “decision making lighting.” Then, my discussion with theoretical physicist, string theorist (and occasional guest star on “The Big Bang Theory”) Brian Greene, author of several books including, The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos (http://amzn.to/2tMA9lz) will really get you thinking about reality and the universe we live in. In fact, as Brian explains, there may be several parallel universes and alternate realities. I know, it sounds space-y but Brian explains it so well, I think you’ll be fascinated. Also, why do people blush? Ever since grammar school, I’ve been a blusher when I have been embarrassed or made a mistake. But what does science say about WHY people blush? What good does it do? And what is the difference between a tough boss and a bully? Workplace bullying is a real problem and it usually (but not always) comes from the boss. Tracey Jones, author of, A Message to Millennials (http://amzn.to/2uq9Qje) reveals the seriousness of the problem and what individuals can and must do to stop the bullying.

Of course you know that if your hand is in water long enough, your fingertips get shriveled up and wrinkly. But wait, everything else in the world SWELLS up when it gets wet, so why do fingers do the opposite? I think you’ll find the answer quite interesting. Also, what is the Internet – and where is the Internet? We think of the Internet as being virtual but there is a physical Internet – there has to be. Those network connections all have to connect somewhere. Journalist Andrew Blum author of the book, Tubes (http://amzn.to/2tAUJ8u) takes us all on a journey of the physical Internet – where it is, how it works and what it smells like. Then, do you know what to do when lightning strikes? Much of what we hear isn’t true. I’ll tell you what the experts say about staying safe in a lightning storm. And when I say “self-discipline” you probably think, “That sounds hard.” But when it comes to achieving success in anything, a little self-discipline can be a very powerful tool. Rory Vaden, author of the N.Y. Times bestseller, Take The Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving Success (http://amzn.to/2tfQsVP) explains how self-discipline really works, how powerful it is and why there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about it. 

Okay, if you were to stand in downtown Detroit and start walking south for as long as it took, what is the first foreign country you would encounter? This is one of the fascinating questions/facts that I know you will find interesting – and might even win you a drink in a bar bet. Then, it is so weird what things influence your opinion and enjoyment of the food you eat. You might like to think you are too smart to be fooled by things like the color of the plate, or the music being played or the weight of the silver ware. But you are. Researcher Charles Spence, author of the new book, Gastrophysics: The New Science of Eating (http://amzn.to/2sk9L3f) will amaze you with what he has discovered. Also, celebrities claim that drinking gallons of water is what keeps them looking so youthful. But is that really true? Plus, film director and writer Steve Stockman, author of How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck (http://amzn.to/2trbnrR) , offers some brilliant and simple techniques that will help you take better, more interesting  video that people will actually enjoy watching. 

Everyone knows that as you age, your mental function declines. But when does that begin? Age 40? 50? I’ll tell you what the science says. Then, we look at the history of your home. Every room in your home has a story to tell. The bedroom is particularly fascinating and wait until you hear about your bathroom! Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace State Apartments and other royal palaces in London, is author of the book, If Walls Could Talk: An Intimate History of the Home (http://amzn.to/2rRAbov) takes you on a fascinating tour of your own home – that you never knew. Also, if you love tomato juice – good for you! If you hate it, give it another try. If you still hate it, try it again on airplane. And if you hate confrontation – you will LOVE this. Barbara Pachter, author of the book and audio CD, The Power of Positive Confrontation (http://amzn.to/2scvvJb) explains how confrontation works, why it gets out of control and how to use confrontation to get what you want every time - if you do it properly. 

This episode starts with 3 great tips that will help you save time and get more done from one of the world’s top productivity experts. Then, there are 5 communities in the world – called “Blue Zones” – where the people live substantially longer and with a lot less illness than the rest of us. So what goes on in these places that drastically improves longevity? Dan Buettner, along with National Geographic, investigated this and what they found is in the book The Blue Zones Solution: Eating and Living Like the World’s Healthiest People (http://amzn.to/2rXMp2Z). Dan joins me to reveal what he discovered and how all of us can adopt these practices and live longer and healthier. Also, ever have one of those days when you are just miserable and grumpy? Great! It turns out being grumpy can work to your benefit and I’ll explain how. Plus, how do you become more insightful? We all have those magical a-ha moments where some new thought provides a solution or clarity. And it turns out when you understand the process, you can create more of those moments in your life, according to consultant Charles Kiefer, author of the book, The Art of Insight: How to Have More A-ha Moments (http://amzn.to/2s17oNH). Charles joins me to explain and discuss.

Ever have that feeling that you’re being watched? Or stared at? Do humans really have the ability to know if someone is watching them? We’ll explore that. Also, there are two ways to get rich - assuming you don’t inherit the money. Lewis Schiff, Executive Director of The Business Owners Council and author of the book Business Brilliant: Surprising Lessons from the Greatest Self-Made Business Icons (http://amzn.to/2sCvDpt) has spent a lot of time studying wealthy people and he offers some great insight into how any of us can use these same practices. Plus, there are a lot of kitchen practices people believe are helpful that just - aren’t. For example, olive oil shouldn’t be used for frying because it has a low smoke point. That is something that is widely believed – but totally false, when tested. And there are other kitchen myths I’ll discuss. And learning to read people when you meet them can help you connect better, both in business as well as socially. Paul Tieger, author of The Art of Speed Reading People (http://amzn.to/2sFuiyJ) gives some practical ways for you to get a better sense of people when you meet them so you can relate better.