Something You Should Know
Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media
Sometimes all it takes is one little fact or one little piece of wisdom to change your life forever. That's the purpose and the hope of "Something You Should Know." In each episode, host Mike Carruthers interviews top experts in their field to bring you fascinating information and advice to help you save time and money, advance in your career, become wealthy, improve your relationships and help you simply get more out of life. In addition, Mike uncovers and shares short, engaging pieces of "intel" you can use to make your life better - today. Right now.UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM!To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive weekly bonus content, go to https://SYSKPremium.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 52min
Weird, But True Stories of Famous People & What We Can Learn From Top Sports Competitors - SYSK Choice
Join author Dan Schreiber, known for his quirky podcast 'No Such Thing as a Fish', as he shares bizarre stories like how a U.S. President foiled an assassination and Ringo Starr's unique drumming rooted in exorcisms. Sally Jenkins, a seasoned columnist for The Washington Post, discusses how insights from elite athletes about pressure and resilience can be applied to everyday life. Together, they weave a fascinating tapestry of strange events and valuable life lessons, exploring the extraordinary in the ordinary.
30 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 53min
Why You Owe Your Life to Bugs & The Fascinating Rise of the Emoji
In this engaging discussion, Karyn Light-Gibson, an educator and author, reveals how insects are essential to our ecosystem, acting as the backbone of food production. Meanwhile, Keith Houston, author of a book on emoji history, dives into the evolution of these digital icons, explaining how their meanings can change based on context and usage. Together, they explore the fascinating interconnectedness of bugs and modern communication, highlighting how both shape our world in unexpected ways.
14 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 53min
The Healing Effects of Music & Understanding Adolescence
Stefan Koelsch, a renowned neuroscientist and music psychologist, discusses the profound healing power of music. He explains how music can alleviate conditions like depression and Parkinson's disease, enhancing mental wellness. Matt Richtel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning health reporter, delves into the challenges of adolescence, exploring the brain changes that drive risky behaviors. Together, they emphasize the importance of music in regulating emotions during these tumultuous years and highlight the critical need for support as teens navigate their identities.
10 snips
Jul 5, 2025 • 50min
Why People Misunderstand You & The Fashion Health Crisis - SYSK Choice
Alden Wicker, an award-winning journalist and author of 'To Die For', dives into the hidden dangers of toxic chemicals in clothing and their impact on health. She highlights how common treatments in fashion could be making us sick. Joining her is Roger Kreuz, a psychology professor and author of 'Failure to Communicate', who explores the nuances of miscommunication in our digital age. They discuss how tone and context can alter messages and even lead to misunderstandings in everyday conversations.
17 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 49min
The New Science of Love & The Fascinating World of Death
Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist at Oxford University, unpacks the idea that love is as vital as food or water for our well-being. She details how love fosters health and longevity, while also examining the significance of friendships in our lives. Caitlin Doughty, a refreshing mortician and author, brings a humorous touch to the topic of death, discussing embalming, post-mortem processes, and even what happens if someone dies on an airplane. Together, they challenge societal taboos and advocate for a more open conversation about love and mortality.
22 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 51min
The New World of Weather Forecasting & Interesting Ways the Human Body Adapts
Join Thomas Weber, former executive editor of TIME and author of 'Cloud Warriors,' as he shares fascinating insights on the evolution of weather forecasting. He explains how communication improves public safety amid extreme weather events. Meanwhile, Herman Pontzer, a professor at Duke University and author of 'Adaptable,' delves into the remarkable ways our bodies are shaped by our environments, from height to immune responses. Their engaging conversation highlights the intersection of climate challenges and human adaptability.
34 snips
Jun 28, 2025 • 51min
What Is Funny? & The Past, Present and Future of Water - SYSK Choice
In this engaging discussion, Caleb Warren, an assistant professor specializing in humor research, delves into the science behind what makes things funny, introducing the concept of 'benign violations.' Meanwhile, Peter Gleick, a prominent water expert, addresses pressing water issues, challenging misconceptions about bottled versus tap water and the impact of climate change on water resources. The conversation highlights the societal importance of humor and the critical need for sustainable water management in an era of scarcity.
36 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 53min
Learn Less to Find Success & How to Use Game Theory, Risk, and Luck to Your Advantage
In this discussion, Pat Flynn, a serial entrepreneur and author of 'Lean Learning,' shares insights on mastering the art of 'lean learning' to navigate the overwhelming information overload in our lives. He advocates focusing on essential knowledge to achieve goals efficiently. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, explains how economic principles, like game theory and opportunity costs, can guide everyday decision-making. Together, they explore the intricate connections between learning, relationships, and personal success.
21 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 51min
How to Quickly Change What Matters & What Happens Inside Your Imagination
In this enlightening discussion, Richard Wiseman, a UK psychology professor and author, shares rapid strategies for personal transformation and tackling psychological issues. Adam Zeman, an honorary fellow at the University of Edinburgh and an expert on imagination, reveals how our daydreams and mind-wandering can consume half our day. They delve into the science behind brain freeze, the importance of gratitude over material goods for happiness, and the complex nature of imagination that shapes our lives and creativity.
43 snips
Jun 21, 2025 • 50min
Surprising Backstories of Everyday Expressions & The Benefits of Connecting With Your Future Self - SYSK Choice
In this engaging discussion, Erin McCarthy, VP/Editor-in-Chief of MentalFloss.com, uncovers the quirky origins of everyday expressions, revealing how phrases like 'cut to the chase' came to be. She shares why certain words are disliked yet commonly used. Hal Hershfield, a professor at UCLA, emphasizes the importance of connecting with your future self to make better decisions today. He explores how envisioning our future identities can influence personal growth and financial planning. The interplay of language and self-identity makes for a thought-provoking conversation!
