Something You Should Know

Kelefa Sanneh, a writer for The New Yorker and former pop music critic for The New York Times, dives into the fascinating origins of popular music genres. He shares insights about the evolution of hip hop and the shifting perceptions of music over time. Additionally, he examines the interplay between fashion and identity, revealing how what we wear can influence our behavior. On the financial front, expert Jill Schlesinger discusses strategies for better money management, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing spending habits for achieving financial security.

Steve Casner, a research psychologist and NASA scientist, uncovers the intriguing dynamics of wisdom, suggesting that age isn't the only factor in its development. He reveals the alarming rise in unintentional injuries, attributing this trend to our ever-increasing distractions like smartphones. In a parallel conversation, Jenny Wood, a former Google executive and author, inspires listeners to cultivate 'wild courage' to overcome fears and seize opportunities. Together, they explore the critical intersection of safety, courage, and personal responsibility in today's world.

Joining the conversation are Dr. Vincent Figueredo, a cardiologist and author dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the heart, and Greg Walton, a Stanford professor exploring how small actions can bring about big changes. They delve into the heart's surprising capabilities, its historical ties to emotions, and address the significant risks of heart disease. Walton shares insights on 'Ordinary Magic,' emphasizing how tiny, positive gestures can powerfully impact lives. Together, they highlight the importance of supportive relationships in fostering personal growth.

Leigh Marz, a consultant and co-author of 'Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise,' explores the profound benefits of silence in our noisy lives. She argues that silence can enhance mental health and foster deeper connections. Meanwhile, Dr. Amy Shah, a medical expert and author of 'I’m So Effing Hungry,' discusses the science of cravings, revealing how they differ from genuine hunger. She shares practical strategies to manage these desires, helping listeners regain control over their eating habits. Silence and cravings—two powerful forces we can learn to master!

Join Olga Khazan, a Staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "Me But Better," as she dives into the science of personality change, revealing that it's possible to transform who we are at any age. She shares practical strategies for personal growth. Meanwhile, journalist Alexander Clapp, author of "Waste Wars," uncovers the shocking realities of our trash's journey, especially plastic waste, challenging common recycling myths and advocating for significant changes to combat the plastic crisis. Together, they explore self-improvement and the complex recycling landscape.

In this enlightening discussion, William von Hippel, a former psychology professor and author, explores the delicate balance between the human needs for connection and autonomy, unraveling the social paradox that often leads to dissatisfaction. Clinical psychologist Jennifer Taitz follows with insights on how we amplify our stress through negative thinking and excessive worrying. Together, they offer strategies to manage stress and navigate the complexities of human relationships, emphasizing that happiness may lie in the strength of our social ties rather than mere independence.

Brian Clegg, a science writer with over 40 books to his name, joins Amit Katwala, an award-winning journalist from Wired, to debunk popular scientific myths. They tackle misconceptions like goldfish memory and water conductivity. Clegg emphasizes the importance of understanding science to navigate these false beliefs. Katwala shares the intriguing history of the polygraph, discussing its controversial reliability despite its frequent portrayal in media. Together, they unravel the truth behind both science and the myths that permeate our society.

Gillian Murphy, an associate professor and co-author of 'Memory Lane,' dives into the quirks of human memory, revealing how our recollections often mislead us and shape our identities. Meanwhile, bestselling author Yung Pueblo shares profound insights on the art of loving better, emphasizing the need for effective communication and emotional acceptance in relationships. The conversation intertwines the nature of memory with personal connections, encouraging listeners to embrace their imperfect recollections and learn to nurture deeper bonds.

Robert Frank, a Cornell University professor and author, explores the surprising power of peer pressure, revealing how it influences behaviors from health choices to academic success. He shares insights on transforming peer dynamics into positive influences. Joining him, Lynne Henderson, founder of the Shyness Institute, discusses the nuances of shyness, differentiating it from introversion, and offers strategies for overcoming situational shyness, emphasizing its potential benefits. Together, they highlight how understanding these social forces can lead to personal growth and deeper connections.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist Ed Yong as he reveals the extraordinary sensory world of animals, from dogs’ incredible sense of smell to birds that perceive colors beyond human vision. Explore the concept of 'Umwelt' and how different animals experience reality. Meanwhile, writer and podcaster Madeleine Dore offers refreshing insights on redefining productivity. She urges us to let go of guilt over unfinished tasks, emphasizing the importance of embracing life’s imperfections for true fulfillment.