Something You Should Know

Want to keep your fresh cut flowers, fresher? My grandmother always said put aspirin in the water and I’ve also heard you should put a penny in the water or some sugar. Well someone actually tested all these things out – and you’ll hear the results and discover what works best, just in time for Mother’s Day. Also, you constantly receive criticism and feedback from people – some of it is welcome some not. Some of it is warranted and some of it not. So how can you learn to evaluate the feedback coming at you so you can determine what is true and what is false – and not get defensive? And then how do you use that feedback to your advantage? Sheila Heen author of the book, Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well (http://amzn.to/2pelwW0) has studied this and you will find what she has to say extremely helpful. Plus, why do so many marriages and relationships go bad? Dr Harville Hendrix has been studying relationships and has worked with couples for over 30 years. He has authored several books on the topic including Making Marriage Simple (http://amzn.to/2pYzh9k) . He shares some incredible insight into how any relationship can be made better – instantly if at least one person is willing to make some simple changes. And who doesn’t love bacon? Just the smell of bacon cooking is enough to make you crave it. So what is it about bacon that makes it so desirable? I’ll explain the science of bacon in this episode.

Just like food, medications have expiration dates. But just how accurate are they? Is it better to take an expired medication or no medication at all? We’ll explore that in this episode of the podcast. Then, when you cook on the grill, there are a lot of theories on how you should do it. But a lot of those theories are wrong. To help you understand how to best use the outdoor grill to create the best flavor and cook food correctly is Chef Todd Mohr. Todd is a certified culinary educator and founder of WebCookingClasses.com. You will get great tips and techniques. Also, most of us were never taught HOW to learn. But how you learn determines how well you learn. Today many adults have to learn new skills, new jobs – even new industries in order to compete. So what is the best way to learn? To discuss that is Barbara Oakley, author of the book, Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential (http://amzn.to/2ovnu13). What she says will open up your mind to new ways to learn new things. Do you ever get up and pace when you are thinking or trying to solve a problem? Many of us do it unconsciously. But does it actually help or is it just a way to burn off nervous energy. Discover what the science says about pacing and problem solving on today’s episode of the podcast.

What’s your favorite sleep position? It turns out that one sleep position is better than the others for eliminating “brain waste” and preventing Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s and other brain problems. In this episode, you’ll discover the best way to sleep. Also, how do you spot a liar? It’s not just one or two things – you have to understand the process of determining whether someone is being deceptive. Maryann Karinch, co-author of the book How to Spot a Liar (http://amzn.to/2pMuUgE), will help you become a better truth detector. Then, with all the texts, and memos and emails and reports you write – don’t you want your writing to be effective? Laura Brown, author of How to Write Anything: A Complete Guide (http://amzn.to/2nXH4qq) – and an expert writer herself - offers some simple ways to punch up and improve your writing so that people understand you and your message is crystal clear. And what’s in your garage? Some of the things you probably have in there are better off somewhere else, according to Home & Garden magazine. We’ll explore what things you should either get rid of or bring into the house.

Spring brings potholes. And while you try to avoid them, sometimes you cannot. So what is the best way to navigate one? I’ll explain what automotive experts say. Also in this episode, some companies give their workers time off to work on their own projects in hopes it will pay dividends for the company. Is it a good idea? Would it work where you work – or is just a touch-feely idea that wastes time and energy? Ryan Tate, Senior Writer at Wired magazine is also the author of a book called "The 20% Doctrine: How Tinkering, Goofing Off, and Breaking the Rules Drive Success in Business" (http://amzn.to/2odeeyu) discusses this and why it sometimes pays huge dividends and at other times, fails miserably. Pain is a big problem. Millions of people suffer from chronic pain and have to learn to live with it every day. But views on pain and how to treat it are changing. It doesn’t always have to be about drugs. Here to discuss that is Joe Tatta, Joe is a doctor of physical therapy and author of the book, Heal Your Pain Now (http://amzn.to/2p4lK2W). Joe brings new hope for pain sufferers who want to get past the pain and lead a normal life. There is one trait that every happy couple has, according to psychologist John Gottman. He has been studying couples for over 40 years and written over 40 books on the topic. He says that he has NEVER found a happy couple that did not have this trait – ever. What is it? Listen to see if you have this magical trait. In this episode I mention that I am hosting a live, online podcasting workshop on Wednesday, April 19th. If you or someone you know is starting a podcast, is thinking about starting a podcast or has a podcast that isn’t doing as well you it might, I invite you to be my guest for this live event. For information go to: www.PerfectYouPodcast.com/workshop

Some people can’t imagine exercise without having their cellphone. You can listen to music, text and chat and it helps the time fly by. Well, there is also a problem with exercising with your cellphone and we will discuss what this is in this episode of the podcast. Have you heard of oxytocin? It’s sometimes called the "moral molecule." Oxytocin is the brain chemical that helps us trust each other and feel good about each other. What’s interesting is that we know how to cause oxytocin to be released and when you understand how it works, it has implications for all our relationships with people who love, people know and even strangers. Neuroscientist Paul Zak, author of The Moral Molecule (https://alexa.design/2osVKNw) joins me for this fascinating discussion. People talk about healthcare a lot – but things only seem to be getting worse. And generally, I think people feel helpless to do anything. Perhaps you will feel more empowered when you hear Elisabeth Rosenthal, author of the bestselling book, An American Sickness (https://alexa.design/2pniwUd). Elisabeth was trained as a physician and spent years as a writer for the New York Times and is now editor-in-chief of Kaiser Health News. Everyone knows that arguing isn’t good. But actually it may just be the thing to keep your relationships alive. We’ll explore why in this episode of the podcast.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” You’ve heard that a million times because it isn’t fair to judge someone by their looks alone. Okay, fair enough. But maybe those initial snap judgments serve a purpose. We’ll explore that on today’s episode of the podcast. Almost everyone has had a garage sale or sold something on eBay or Craigslist. It’s fun and who doesn’t like making some extra money? Aaron Lapedis author of The Garage Sale Millionaire (http://amzn.to/2ohhaNm) is an expert on buying and selling stuff and he has some great advice to share with you. Life would be easier if we all had more courage. How to you get more? Debbie ford is going to tell you how. Debbie Ford was the author of the book Courage: Overcoming Fear and Igniting Self-Confidence (http://amzn.to/2oKConU ) and she had a ton of courage. Sadly, she died a few years. Shortly before her death I had a chance to talk with her and I think you will find the conversation inspiring. Finally, when your gas gauge says empty – is it. Well probably not but just how much gas is left? Find out on this episode of Something You Should Know.

Have you ever stayed out too late and then had to show up at work the next morning looking and sounding bright and chipper like everything is fine? According to science, there are a few tactics that will help you look and feel better in that situation – and help get you through the day. Then, what’s the best way to deal with a bad boss? Here to discuss that is Liz Dolan. She is the former Chief Marketing Officer for NIKE, The Oprah Winfrey Networks and National Geographic and she is the co-host of a new podcast called, “I Hate My Boss.” (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i-hate-my-boss/id1148704291?mt=2). Liz explores how to deal with a boss in such a way that it doesn't drive you crazy and so your boss doesn't get in the way of your success. Perhaps you have heard of Big Data. Well there is also something called “Small Data.” And small data is a big deal according to Martin Lindstrom who is considered to be one of the world’s top brand-building experts. He is author of the New York Times best seller, Small Data (http://amzn.to/2n64AkK) and he is going to explain how Small Data works, how you collect and interpret this data and how it has helped many organizations focus their marketing better. In fact, small data brought LEGO from the brink of bankruptcy to becoming the number one brand in the entire world. Finally, when I say, “Chinese food take-out container,” you know exactly what I mean. It is that small cardboard box with the metal handle that all Chinese food is packed in. It is actually an engineering marvel. It is one piece of cardboard folded in such a way as to be leak-proof. And yet there is nothing Chinese about it and it is not used in China at all. It is a fascinating story worth hearing.

When you cook with alcohol we all know that it burns off pretty quickly – right? Wrong. You will be amazed how long it takes for alcohol to disappear. And this is a big deal if you are cooking for kids or people who, for whatever reason, don’t want to have alcohol. Also, the topic of “intellectual property” confuses a lot of people. And for good reason because it IS confusing. The problem is that if you don’t understand it, it can land you in hot water. New York attorney Alexandre Montagu, author of Intellectual Property: Money and Power in a New Era (http://amzn.to/2nrYNlK) explains in simple terms how it works so you can protect your own intellectual property and make sure you don’t step on someone else’s. Then, we’ll look at people who schedule every minute of their day with busy-ness. Is it really necessary? Probably not. Then why do so many people seem so busy all the time? Emma Grey author I Don’t Have Time (http://amzn.to/2okKqUv) discusses how to slow life down and still get everything done – in fact get more of the important things done. Finally, when you donate clothes to the needy, you like to think you are helping someone. And maybe you are but depending on where you drop off your clothes, those clothes may be headed to a landfill or somewhere else you never imagined. You need to know this before the next time you donate.

You probably think identity thieves are looking on the Internet to steal your identity. And while that is partly true – that is not the way most identities are stolen. In this episode, I am going tell you how you put yourself at risk and how to protect your identity from prying eyes. Plus, I bet you have heard the advice “Follow your passion…” or “Do what you love and the money will follow…” While that sounds great, it may be some of the worst advice you will ever hear when it comes to making a career choice. Cal Newport author of So Good They Can’t Ignore You” (http://amzn.to/2nGmhpZ) has investigated this advice – where it came from and why it is such bad advice. He’ll tell you why. Do you hate the process of buying a car? Most people do. Why is it so distasteful? And how do you stack the deck in your favor? That’s the topic discussed by my guest Peter Levy who founded Intellichoice in 1986 and his newest venture is www.CarJoJo.com. Few people know as much about car pricing and how negotiate for one. After you hear him, you will be better equipped next time you head into a show room. Finally, do you really have to pre-heat your oven? I’ll explain the science behind the answer to this very important kitchen question.

Did you know you can use your travel mug as a safe to store valuables? Or that you should email yourself a photo of your passport & ID before you go on a trip? These are just a few of the interesting travel tips we’ll discuss in this episode. Plus, think about how you got to where you are today and chances are that luck or chance encounters you never expected are a big part of it. Thor Muller author of Get Lucky: How to Put Planned Serendipity to Work for You and Your Business (http://amzn.to/2ncfu5f) discusses how to put those chance encounters and events to work for you. Then, are you good at asking questions? Former CNN reporter Frank Sesno, author of Ask More (http://amzn.to/2ncfmCZ) explains the power and rewards of being able to ask the right questions – and how to really listen to the answers. Finally, when you have an idea you want other people to get excited about – don’t call it an idea. Call it something else. I’ll explain.

Do you really have a year to send a wedding gift? That turns out to be one of several etiquette myths we’ll explore on today’s episode. Also, we’ve all heard the stories of terrible, deadly disease outbreaks in other countries that take a devastating toll on the people who live there. Unfortunately, with modern air travel, those diseases could be in the jungles of some Third World country one day and on the streets of New York the next. You really need to hear Michael Osterholm is founding director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota and author of the book, Deadliest Enemy (http://amzn.to/2mJxiTh). What he says about infectious diseases is both encouraging and scary – and is definitely something worth knowing. Then, you'll meet Isaac Lidsky. He was a regular on the TV series “Saved By the Bell.” But he also became a very successful attorney – and along the way lost his sight to a rare disease. He is author of the book Eyes Wide Open (http://amzn.to/2mJwdev) and he shares his unique philosophy on life – and explains why losing his sight was a turning point in his life. Finally, you know it is not safe to talk on the phone while driving – but something interesting happens when you drive while. OTHER people in the car are talking on the phone. It is more dangerous than you could have imagined.

Next time you do something really embarrassing in front of other people – you will remember what I am going to tell you in this episode – and it will make you feel a lot better about whatever embarrassing thing you did. Then, we are going to look at the problems created by parents today who give too much and do too much for their kids. Richard Watts, author of Entitlemania: How Not to Spoil Your Kids & What to Do If You Have (http://amzn.to/2mRbVCP) reveals the consequences of parents over indulging their kids in the name of love. Also, everyone knows that you should stretch before you exercise to become flexible and prevent injury. Yet, according to science it is actually a bad idea. It’s one of the many exercise myths I explore with New York Times writer Gretchen Reynolds, author of The First 20 Minutes (http://amzn.to/2n1Y7pK). You’ll hear the science that explains how many things people believe about exercise, health and weight loss are just plain wrong. Finally, there is this thing called the paradox of choice. It basically means that the more choices you give someone the more likely they are to pick none. It’s important to understand and I’ll explain why.

What’s the best way to deal with a jerk? Well, according to psychiatrist Dr. Mark Goulston, there is one word that will shut them up – and it is kind of fun to watch. That’s first up today on this episode of the podcast. Plus, what does your dog really think about? Probably not what you think. Camilla Gray-Nelson, author of Lipstick & the Leash: Dog Training a Woman’s Way (http://amzn.to/2mkKr5Z) offers some amazing insight into what’s really going on inside that little doggie brain. Then, knowing what your dog is thinking, you can then train and relate to them in a way that works for everyone. Then, do you believe in magical thinking? Maybe you knock on wood or use a lucky charm or wear you lucky shirt. And deep down inside you know there is nothing to it really – but you do it anyway. So what’s this all about? Matthew Hutson, author of The 7 Laws of Magical Thinking (http://amzn.to/2lUpH8R) explores why virtually everyone (even skeptics) across all cultures engages in magical thinking. And he reveals how magical thinking can actually work – like magic! Finally, when you go on a trip, why does it seem that the trip back home is shorter than the trip there? There is actually an interesting psychological phenomenon at work. I’ll explain what it is in today’s episode.

Did you know emergency room doctors hate Ramen Noodle Soup? It’s one of several things many ER doctors say they never have in their home. I’ll tell you what those things are and why they are dangerous. Also, someone somewhere came up the contemporary rules for sleep – that kids sleep in their room, mom and dad sleep together in another room etc. The problem is these rules don’t always work for everyone yet no one ever questions them. Until now. Benjamin Reiss, professor of English at Emory University and author of the new book, Wild Nights (http://amzn.to/2lWdPP7) explores why we sleep the way we do and why sometimes these rules need to be challenged. Plus, pediatrician Dr. Meg Meeker, author of Strong Mothers, Strong Sons (http://amzn.to/2mWzlbf) offers some fascinating insight into the mother/son relationship. She reveals how boys predictably pull away from their moms at a certain time in their life and she has advice for moms on how to navigate this sometimes complicated relationship. Finally, do you suffer from ringxiety? It is that weird feeling you get when you think your cellphone is ringing or vibrating when it is not. Some people get it more than others. I’ll tell you who and why.

Next time you are stressed, there is one particular song you need to listen to – it’s Weightless by Macaroni Union. In this episode, I’ll explain what is so magical about this song and where to find it. Also, are you using your mind correctly? The demands of the world require your mind to adapt but it doesn’t always adapt very well. For example, we think we multi-tasking is a good way to get more done – when in fact, it is not. It’s just not what the brain is wired for. Thomas Sterner, author of the book, The Practicing Mind ( http://amzn.to/2m8CxgS), explores better way to use your mind that will allow you to be more productive and happier. Then, I imagine you have thought about this question once or twice: “What will they say about you when you are gone?” Rabbi Daniel Cohen, author of the book, What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone (http://amzn.to/2n30oxz) joins me to talk about this universal quest of wanting to lead a life of significance – and how to actually do it. Finally, science has come up with some interesting ways to make you more attractive to the opposite sex. For example, women wear lipstick for a very good reason – men really find it appealing. But women find men appealing when they wear a T-shirt with a big T printed on the front. Why? I’ll explain this and more in today’s episode of the podcast.