Something You Should Know

What makes a powerful person – powerful? That’s a fascinating question. And when you understand the answer, you too can be more powerful. That’s according to Dacher Keltner, Professor of Psychology at UC Berkley and author of The Power Paradox.Listen as Dacher explains how to acquire power and how to avoid the power paradox which will steal your power away if you are not careful. Where is the best seat in the movie theater? Listen and discover how to find the sweet seat spot in every theater. Also, some fascinating insight into how what we do affects our health.  Jeremy Smith author of Epic Measures discusses a mammoth research project that attempts to be the “Google Earth” of healthcare. You’ll discover some amazing facts regarding what keeps you healthy and what could be killing you. And you’ll learn how to find out what your big health risks are. And for those times when you are all stressed out – I’m going to give you some great techniques to instantly de-stress yourself. You’ll need honey, coffee, the sound of birds and a hit song from 1972.

Did you know bacon is really a low-fat food? That is just one of the many fascinating food science facts you’ll discover when you listen to food writer David Joachim author of The Science of Good Food. You’ll also discover why hot liquids freeze faster than cold ones, why you should never cook veggies with lemon and the science of cooking the perfect steak. Also, do you have a project or goal in your head that you swear you want to get done – but never seem to get to? It’s a pretty common problem and one I discuss with Phyllis Korkki author of The Big Thing: How to Complete Your Creative Project Even if You’re a Lazy, Self-Doubting Procrastinator Like Me. Phyllis is an assignment editor and reporter for the New York Times Sunday Business section and she has really done her research on this topic – and has some great advice for those of us who finally want to get it done! Plus, which is your good side? You know, in a photo, which side of your face do you think is better? You’ll get the answer in this episode. And if you drive, you probably spend a fair amount of time in the fast lane. But did you know you should never just cruise in the fast lane? It’s not for driving – it is for passing. Chances are you are staying in it too long – and that causes a real serious hazard. Many states are starting to crack down and enforce this law. Discover how to stay out of trouble in this episode of the podcast.

Interesting thing about productivity – it’s not just about getting MORE things done, it’s also about figuring out what NOT to do. That’s one of the important messages from my guest, New York Times reporter Charles Duhigg author of Smarter, Faster, Better as well as the long-time bestseller, The Power of Habit. If you want to know how truly productive people get so much done, listen to what Charles has to say in this episode.   Also, how do you get people to pay attention to you? With everyone bombarded by so much information today, it is hard to get noticed. That’s why it’s important to listen to Ben Paar author of Captivology – The Science of Getting People’s Attention. Ben is an award-winning journalist, the former Editor-At –Large at Mashable, and offers great insight into how some people and companies are able to get the world’s attention while others struggle to do so. Plus, if you are getting a flu shot, there is a good reason to get it in the morning rather than the afternoon. We’ll discuss why that is – and… Want to know how empathetic you are? There is a song scientists use to measure empathy. I’ll tell you what the song is so you can listen and see how it makes you feel. And that will tell you how empathetic you are.

How can you be more persuasive? There is no better person to answer that question than my guest in this episode – Robert Cialdini, author of the landmark book Influence and the new book PRE-SUASION. The idea of PRE-suasion is to get people ready to agree with you before you ask them. I know. It sounds like magic but it is actually quite fascinating. For example, when you go on a job interview, there is one question you should ask the interviewer before you start that will almost always improve your chances of getting hired. Robert will tell you what that question is in the podcast as well as other ways to get people to agree with you and follow your ideas. Also today… Googling your medical symptoms. Is it a good idea? Well, it depends on why you are doing it. But if you think you are going to get an accurate diagnosis – even from WebMD or the Mayo Clinic websites– you are in for a shock. And is it weird to talk to yourself – out loud? You’ll discover what the science says and you may find yourself talking to yourself a lot more often.

I bet you’ve had an idea for a business – right? So what’s stopped you? Many people think entrepreneurship is too risky or that you need some spectacular new idea no one has thought of before. Well, if you think that, you are about to get a good argument from Michael Glauser author of "Main Street Entrepreneur." Michael believes you can start a business with a 90% chance of success if you follow certain practices and principles. In this episode of the podcast Michael explains exactly how to approach starting a new business – how you have to have more than just an idea, you need to create an opportunity. And he explains exactly how to do it. Michael believes passionately that you don’t need to be Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg to be an entrepreneur today. Anyone can do it with the right approach. If you finally want to follow your dream of starting your own business, listen to this podcast and be inspired. Also, have you ever had that feeling that you are being watched? Is it a real sense or just your imagination? We’ll explore that in this episode. And I go up close and personal with the humble peanut butter and jelly sandwich. There is an art to making it, believe it or not. Listen and you too can be a PB & J artist.  

Who couldn’t use some great life hacks? I love them!  And no one is better at finding them than David Pogue author of Pogue’s Basics: Life. This is a fun and informative conversation worth listening to that will leave you with great hacks to improve your life. In case you didn’t know, David is the founder of Yahoo Tech, was the personal-technology columnist for the New York Times. He’s also a monthly columnist for Scientific American and host of science shows on PBS’s “NOVA.” He’s been a correspondent for “CBS Sunday Morning” since 2002. Also, what has happened to make political and other controversial discussions so nasty?  James Hogan author of I’m Right & You’re an Idiot explores what’s going on and how to fix it so we can agree to disagree without demonizing each other.

Perhaps you’ve noticed – sometimes life can hard. And sometimes we make it even harder for ourselves. Legendary executive coach Marshall Goldsmith author of Triggers offers really solid, concrete advice for making lasting positive changes in your life and achieving your goals. If you have never heard Marshall speak, you will love this interview and you will come away inspired. Also,  there are some fascinating facts everyone should know – like the best time to book an airline flight, the best time to go to the bank or post office for the shortest wait,  how bright colored walls devalue your home and more. Mark Di Vincenzo, author of Buy Ketchup in May & Fly at Noon has researched all these things and offers some great tips to help you save time and money. Interestingly, most people hang pictures on the wall by lining up the frames. But that’s not how museums usually do it – because there is another simple way that is more pleasing to the eye. Find out in this episode. And who doesn’t love pumpkin pie? It is the perfect autumn dessert. But wait until you discover what’s really in pumpkin pie. I think you will be amazed.  

Sometimes it’s just not enough to work hard and play by the rules. Sometimes you have to be “scrappy.” Terri Sjodin author of the best-selling book Scrappy reveals what it means and how to do it well. Being scrappy is all about playing bigger, going beyond the ordinary, the element of surprise, taking a different path and standing out from the crowd. But you have to make sure you do it correctly without going too far and risk offending the very person you are trying to impress.

What happens when you die – or almost die? We’d all love to know the answer to that question. While skeptics say there is no life after death – many of us believe in an afterlife. And those beliefs (on either side) are pretty ingrained and are likely hard to change. However, regardless of what you believe, it is worth listening to what Dr. Jeffrey Long has to say about this. He is a radiation oncologist and has been studying near death experiences and the afterlife for a long time. His latest book, God and the Afterlife offers a fascinating look into his research as well as stories of people that are hard to refute. Plus a simple way to lose weight and the fascinating ways men change when they have a child.

Air travel is the safest. But when things go wrong they go horribly wrong. So should we be concerned about airlines and pilots and what goes on in the cockpit? Aviation journalist Christine Negroni author of The Crash Detectives takes you inside the cockpit for a revealing look at what goes on. Also, 4 words you can say that will make you instantly more likable. And how everyday items we have had forever are beginning to disappear for good (keys, automatic transmission and more).

People influence in ways we don't realize. Jonah Berger author of "Invisible Influence" reveals how this works and how you can be more influential. Also, why employers have a hard time finding the right workers and how to get hired for your dream job with George Anders author of "The Rare Find." Plus etiquette rules DO matter.  Listen to the ones that really do make you look more professional and courteous.

Why didn't Steve Jobs let his own kids have cellphones? FOMO! "The Fear of Missing Out." Listen to what FOMO and being addicted to cellphones may be doing to you. Plus do medical miracles really happen? And the myth of work/life balance.

How does music affect your brain? Dan Levitin author of This is Your Brain on Music explores. Plus there are facts you could swear are true - that just aren't. John Lloyd author The Book of General Ignorance reveals. And which is better - neat or messy?

Stress is mostly a distortion of your perception. Life is almost never as bad as we think. Dr. Arthur Ciaramicolli author of "The Stress Solution" reveals how to reduce your stress. Plus a better understanding of The Law of Averages (it's no law).

Ted Wright author of FIZZ discusses the power of word of mouth marketing and how anyone can do it. Plus, how to find messages you may not know exist in a secret Facebook folder. And just how disgusting are hotel rooms? You'll be amazed.