Something You Should Know

Join Caroline Taggart, a publishing professional and author of "Humble Pie and Cold Turkey," as she explores the quirky origins of everyday phrases like "raining cats and dogs" and "know the ropes." The conversation dives into the fascinating world of idioms, revealing their rich cultural backstories. Taggart also highlights how understanding these expressions can enhance communication. Additionally, the discussion touches on effective goal setting, encouraging listeners to prioritize meaningful objectives and let go of unfulfilling ambitions.

Toby Stuart, a professor at UC Berkeley and author of "Anointed," discusses the deep-seated human desire for social status, revealing its influence in various aspects of life from work to community. He highlights how seeking validation through status can be both rewarding and challenging. Meanwhile, Dr. Jeffrey Sharon, an expert on the vestibular system, explains its crucial role in maintaining balance and the implications of disturbances in this system. Together, they explore the intricate dynamics of social standing and the biological foundations of our physical equilibrium.

Rebecca Heiss, a physiologist and author, challenges the negative perception of stress, revealing how it can be a powerful ally for growth and resilience. She shares techniques to reframe stress positively. Meanwhile, Jeff Rauseo discusses the transformation of movie-watching habits due to streaming and algorithms, expressing concerns that films today often lack the magic of earlier times. Their conversation dives into the complexities of modern media consumption and the importance of adjusting our perspectives on both stress and cinema.

Eduardo Briceño, a speaker and writer known for his TED Talk on mastering skills, discusses how top performers achieve excellence through a growth mindset and effective feedback rather than sheer experience. Carol Roth, a best-selling author and corporate strategist, critiques the trend of owning less, warning that it may undermine traditional wealth creation while fostering a society reliant on corporate control. Together, they unpack the implications of these shifts for personal development and economic autonomy.

Rachel Gibson, a hair historian with a passion for styles through the ages, discusses the cultural importance of hair and why certain trends, like the mullet and the pompadour, stand out. She dives into how hairstyles serve as powerful forms of self-expression and reflect societal values. Cezary Pietrasik, an AI expert and author, analyzes human folly, exploring why individuals and organizations make illogical decisions. Together, they unravel the complexities of identity through hair and challenge our understanding of intelligence and behavior in today's world.

Chris Hutchins, creator of AlltheHacks.com and credit card expert, shares the fascinating history of credit cards—starting from early restaurant tabs to today's complex rewards systems. He uncovers hacks to maximize benefits in the competitive credit landscape. Meanwhile, Juan Bendaña, a coach to top leaders, discusses confidence as a skill rather than a trait. He emphasizes that through small, deliberate choices, anyone can build everyday courage and overcome self-doubt, reframing failures as growth opportunities.

Annie Duke, a former professional poker player and decision-making consultant, shares practical tools for making better choices and managing stress in decision-making. She explains how recognizing the significance of our choices can transform our lives. James Marshall Shepherd, a geography professor, dives into the advancements in weather forecasting, revealing how technology enhances accuracy and clarifying common misconceptions like the difference between 'partly sunny' and 'partly cloudy.' Together, they explore decision-making complexity and the fascinating science behind predicting the weather.

Christopher J. Ferguson, a psychology professor and author, dives into why even the smartest individuals make poor decisions under pressure, revealing the psychological traps that escalate their mistakes. Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler shares his gripping experience with social media addiction, explaining its brain-altering effects and the challenges of balancing online fame with real-life relationships. Together, they explore the nuances of decision-making and the pervasive impact of social media on our perceptions and mental health.

Angus Fletcher, a professor of story science and U.S. Army Commendation Medal recipient, teams up with social scientist Jonathan Goodman to explore the fascinating concept of primal intelligence. They discuss how this innate ability can enhance problem-solving and creativity in modern life. Additionally, they delve into the intricate dynamics of competition versus cooperation, revealing our dual nature and how these instincts evolved. Listeners will gain insights into managing stress and the importance of balancing self-interest with altruism in social interactions.

In a captivating discussion, Drew Curtis, a licensed psychologist and author of "Big Liars," dives into the psychology behind lying—exploring why we do it and its broader impact on trust and self-image. He also addresses the surprising benefits of public embarrassment for personal growth. Meanwhile, Ashlee Vance, bestselling author of "When the Heavens Went on Sale," sheds light on the fierce new space race driven by billionaires and startups, reshaping the future of exploration and innovation. Don't miss these insights into deception and the cosmos!