Something You Should Know

Did you know that the scent of lavender is supposed to be calming? It may be the scent of trust, as well. This episode begins by explaining how lavender can make you appear to be more trustworthy – and why it works. http://rd.com/advice/relationships/habits-make-people-trust/ Who doesn’t have things to do that never seem to get done? We all have trips we want to take or goals we want to accomplish...

Ever catch a glimpse of your computer screen in just the right light and see just how dusty and filthy it has become? So how do you clean it? Before you reach for window cleaner and a paper towel, listen to the beginning of this episode for the right way to clean off a monitor without causing damage. https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-a-computer-screen/ You already know that physical exercise...

We all know driving while distracted is a bad idea - particularly driving and texting. In fact, distracted driving is more complicated than you might imagine. This episode begins with some fascinating research that shows that there is a residual effect when you get distracted that can adversely affect your driving for a long time. https://unews.utah.edu/up-to-27-seconds-of-inattention-after-talkin...

Isn’t it great when you get one of those “A-Ha Moments”. You know, when an idea or the answer to a problem just pops in your head and it feels just perfect. But is it? We begin this episode by exploring whether those thoughts you have during an A-Ha moment are really valid and magical or not. to. http://drexel.edu/now/archive/2016/March/Insight_Correctness/ There are a lot of slogans and clichés a...

Ask just about anyone and they will tell you that antioxidants are really good for you. In fact, some people take antioxidant supplements probably assuming that if they are good for you - then taking even more is even better. Is it? We begin this episode with a look at antioxidants, what they do and when too much of them may be a bad thing. https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/art...

Want to look younger - dramatically younger? I begin this episode with 3 simple ways that change how people perceive you. If you do these things, you will instantly appear younger than your actual age. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21895379 Human beings are born to be hopeful. If you interact with any 2-year-old and you will see and hear nothing but hope in what they say and do. Yet as adult...

We all know how easy it is to overspend when we go shopping. Plus, it is no secret that retailers do everything they can to encourage you to spend even more while you are in the store. This episode begins with some strategies to help you spend a bit less and avoid those impulse purchases that you often wish you hadn’t made once you get home. http://www.womansday.com/life/work-money/g1877/how-to-st...

Remember a few years ago when people were saying, “Sitting is the new smoking”? Seriously, what could possibly be so bad about sitting? This episode begins by explaining the problem and what you can do to counter the effects of too much sitting. http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/01/10/tv.heart.health/ Something has shifted over the last few generations. It used to be that kids looked forward to growi...

For many of us, the Christmas holiday season is very special. Yet, there was a time in the United States when it was illegal to celebrate Christmas. The episode begins with an explanation of when and why Christmas was outlawed. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g2972/surprising-christmas-facts/?slide=25 A big part of the image you present to people is from your voice and th...

Why do people sometimes choke when they swallow? Is it really because it went down “the wrong pipe”? This episode begins with an interesting look at what swallowing is all about and why sometimes thing go wrong. Source: Joel Herskowitz, author of Swallow Safely (https://amzn.to/3pXFjqv) You probably think that having fun is something you do after the hard work is done. Fun is a reward, not a neces...

Which is better at stopping a cough - cough syrup with codeine or chocolate? This episode begins with some surprising intel on what works to stop that nagging urge to cough. https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chocolate-can-fight-coughs-better-than-some-cold-medicine/ What’s your favorite Christmas movie? Could it be White Christmas or It’s a Wonderful Life or maybe Home Alone? Well, whatever it i...

If I asked you, could you tell me where your main water shutoff valve is for your home? Do you leave your garage door opener in your car? These are just a couple of important questions you should ask yourself. This episode begins by answering those and other questions and answers you really need to know. https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/things-every-homeowner-must-know/ As sincere as...

Have you heard of “touch starvation”? It’s a real thing that happens when you don’t have the skin-to-skin physical contact with others that you need or that you are used to. This episode begins with a brief discussion about how the pandemic has deprived people of touch and why we need to be aware of it. https://www.webmd.com/balance/touch-starvation What can you do to live as long a life as possib...

How many times have you opened up a new box with electronics or shoes or maybe even some beef jerky and found one of those silica gel packs? If you look closely, they usually have warnings not to eat them - that doing so could be hazardous to your health. So, what exactly would happen if you did eat one of them? Just how dangerous are they? This episode begins with an explanation. https://www.webm...

People often listen to music while they are working because they believe it helps concentrate and possibly makes them more productive. Does it? This episode begins by exploring which, if any kind of music can help your concentration and productivity. https://www.businessinsider.com/10-minute-trick-to-boost-your-productivity-2016-1 Are you suggestible? Could you be hypnotized into believing somethi...

Something is probably missing in your old holiday photos. In fact, the older you get, the more you notice what’s not in them and you really regret it. This episode begins with that missing ingredient in your older pictures and advice on how to make sure you don’t make the same mistake with your holiday photos from now on. Source: Cheryl Lightle author of “The Creative Memories Way: https://amzn.to...

Why do people kiss under the mistletoe? When did that all start? This episode begins with a brief history of the mistletoe-kissing tradition. https://ourcommunitynow.com/local-culture/the-myth-behind-the-mistletoe You have never heard a discussion about pride, gratitude and compassion like this one. Psychology professor David Desteno of Northeastern University joins me to explain how these three e...

Want to know if someone you like is truly compatible with you? Check out their taste in music. This episode begins with an interesting look at how your taste in music can have a big impact on who you are attracted to and who may be attracted to you. Turns out you can tell a lot about someone by the tunes they listen to. http://www.medindia.net/news/Music-Predicts-Sexual-Attraction-80223-1.htm I of...

Ever talk to someone who is looking at their phone and they act as if they don’t even hear you? This episode explains why that happens so often and why that is likely not the best time to try to talk to someone. https://www.yahoo.com/health/weird-way-looking-phone-mess-195042844.html You’ve heard those phrases like, “Don’t sweat the small stuff” or “Don’t judge a book by its cover” or “Everyone de...

Most of us have heard the poinsettia plants are poisonous to people and pets. How poisonous? Will eating leaves from a poinsettia kill you? Will it make you sick? Do you even need to be worried? This episode begins with some interesting facts about just how dangerous poinsettias are. https://www.stranges.com/are-poinsettias-poisonous/ Human instincts are what have helped us to survive. Yet, some o...

Just how accurate is Wikipedia? If you go to one of their articles, how likely is it to be correct and objective. This episode begins with some surprising facts about Wikipedia and its accuracy. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/wikipedia-explained-what-is-it-trustworthy-how-work-wikimedia-2030-a8213446.html As you know, people lie. In fact, we all lie. Often the lies we tell are small...

Finding the right holiday for co-workers can be a challenge. You don't want to spend too much but you want to give something that shows you put some thought into it, at least. Listen as I begin this episode by making this gift-giving task easy while still giving people something they will actually like. If anything in this world is safe, you would think the spices in your spice rack would be. I me...

Ever have trouble hearing someone on the phone so you cover your other ear to block out the noise? This episode explains why there is a much better way than that if you want to hear someone better. https://www.oklahoman.com/article/3206007/strange-but-true-improve-clarity-of-phone-calls While the internet has given us so much, it has also robbed us of a lot of things many of us liked. For example,...

You have probably heard that it not a good idea to allow your dog to sleep on the bed. Despite what the experts say, I am going to begin this episode by telling you exactly why it is probably just fine. http://www.purewow.com/entry_detail/national/22018/7-Reasons-Its-Actually-Betterto-Let-Your-Dog-Sleep-in-Your.htm  The world is full of people who over explain their ideas. To really be an effectiv...

 If you have a male doctor who wears a tie, that tie could come into contact with you as your doctor examines you. This episode begins by explaining why that could be dangerous and why you should probably stay away from your doctor’s tie or maybe even ask him to take it off. https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20040524/nasty-neckties-doctors-ties-carry-germs Trying to understand the rules of English...