Something You Should Know

Stephen Austad, a distinguished biology professor, shares insights on animal longevity, revealing how species like the 507-year-old ocean quahog clam could unlock secrets to healthier human aging. He discusses how certain genes from resilient animals may extend our lifespans and offers intriguing examples like vampire bats. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, explains why smart people believe irrational things, recounting personal experiences as a target of conspiracy theories. His exploration of misbelief sheds light on human psychology and societal impacts.

Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director, dives into pressing health risks, spotlighting hypertension as the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. He offers actionable tips, like switching to potassium-enriched salt and boosting physical activity, to improve longevity. Meanwhile, Justin Gregg explores anthropomorphism, dissecting our tendency to humanize pets and objects, and examining its psychological benefits and potential pitfalls. Their insights reveal profound connections between health, behavior, and the ways we relate to the world around us.

Joe Nucci, a psychotherapist and author of *Psychobabble*, explores how clinical mental health terms have infiltrated everyday language, raising concerns about the implications of such casual usage. Anika Burgess, a writer and photo editor, delves into the captivating origins of photography, revealing how early technologies transformed art and communication. The discussion includes the evolution of portraiture, the impact of Kodak on amateur photography, and the intriguing stories behind early photographic practices. A fascinating blend of psychology and visual history!

Matt Abrahams, a communication expert and lecturer at Stanford, shares practical strategies to conquer public speaking anxiety, emphasizing calming techniques and the power of a service mindset. He also discusses the spotlight effect, encouraging speakers to embrace mediocrity for clarity. Meanwhile, Kathryn Cornell Dolan, an English professor and author, unveils the surprising history of breakfast cereal, from its quirky origins to its evolution into a children's staple, including its marketing triumphs and cultural impact.

Dr. Zelana Montminy, a behavioral scientist and author, discusses how distractions derail our focus and offers strategies to reclaim attention and enhance productivity. She highlights the negative effects of phones and divided attention on mental health. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, delves into the importance of emotional granularity and the power of regulating emotions for better relationships and decision-making. Together, they provide tools to combat distraction and improve emotional well-being.

Join Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker, a bestselling author, as he dives into the puzzling concept of common knowledge, explaining its vital role in our social interactions and how it shapes panics and cultural norms. Journalist Emily Laber-Warren explores the fascinating realm of time personalities, revealing why some people consistently run late while others are punctual. Learn how industrialization influenced our perception of time and discover practical tips for understanding and bridging time style differences.

We’ve all heard the test-taking advice: “If you’re stuck, trust your first answer.” But is that really the smart move? Research says no — and I begin this episode by explaining why going with your gut on exams might actually hurt your score. Source: Joseph T. Hallinan, author of Why We Make Mistakes (https://amzn.to/44PV4SQ). Feeling awkward or embarrassed is awful in the moment — but maybe it’s not nearly as bad as you think. In fact, those cringeworthy moments might even be a secret weapon. Henna Pryor has studied the psychology of embarrassment and shares why embracing awkwardness can help you become braver and more resilient. She’s a keynote speaker with two TEDx talks (https://www.ted.com/talks/henna_pryor_why_awkwardness_is_your_secret_weapon_for_risk_taking_at_work) and author of Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You (https://amzn.to/45Ksgwh). We take seeds for granted — but how plants grow from them is one of nature’s most astonishing processes. Jennifer Jewell, gardening educator, advocate, and host of the Cultivating Place podcast (https://www.cultivatingplace.com/blog-1), reveals the hidden wonders of seeds, including fascinating insights like how seedless watermelons are grown without seeds at all. She’s also the author of What We Sow (https://amzn.to/3EKxv3f), a book that will forever change the way you look at the plants around you. Parallel parking may feel like a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. With a couple of simple tricks, it’s easier than you think. In the final segment, I share a straightforward technique that can make squeezing into tight spots much less stressful. Source: Jason Roberts, author of The Learn 2 Guide (https://amzn.to/3PnPNfH). PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ right now! DELL: Huge savings on Dell AI PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors are here, and they are newly designed to help you do more, faster.  Upgrade today by visiting⁠ https://Dell.com/Deals⁠ QUINCE: Keep it classic and cool this fall with long lasting staples from Quince! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! HERS: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forhers.com/something⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://Shopify.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Anthony, a clinical professor of strategy at Dartmouth and author of Epic Disruptions, dives into the history of disruptive innovations like the printing press and how they shape our world today. He discusses the highs and lows of these changes, sharing insights on the evolution from McDonald's to modern computing. Meanwhile, environmental neuroscientist Marc Berman reveals the profound impact of nature on our cognition, health, and social interactions, emphasizing just how vital outdoor experiences are for mental wellness.

Laura Huang, a professor at Northeastern University and author of 'You Already Know,' discusses the fascinating nature of intuition and how physical surroundings can impact decision-making. David Darling, a science writer and music producer, shares insights into the hidden math and science in music, exploring everything from the ancient origins of instruments to how environmental factors shaped iconic violins. Together, they reveal how understanding these connections can enhance our relationships and deepen our appreciation of music.

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.