Something You Should Know

This episode explores the science of effective communication and mental resilience.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson explores the universe's deepest mysteries, including the origin of life, the likelihood of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the cosmic endgame.

Host Mike Carruthers discusses the science of speaking up with social psychologist Vanessa Bohns, who explains how to navigate the "mum effect" and when to offer feedback.

This episode features technology journalist Nicole Koby, who explains why promised innovations like flying cars and driverless vehicles have been…

Host Mike Carruthers explores the concept of "inner propaganda" with social psychologist Owen Fitzpatrick, who argues that our brains construct limiting narratives to ensure survival and stability.

Psychologist Frank McAndrew explains that gossip is a fundamental social tool that builds trust, enforces norms, and helps us navigate relationships.

Host Mike Carruthers explains how to fix dark phone screens seen through polarized sunglasses by rotating the device.

Host Mike Carruthers discusses posture's impact on confidence and interviews entomologist Eleanor Spicer Rice, who reveals surprising behaviors in dogs, cats, and goldfish.

This episode features positive psychology researcher Michelle Gin discussing resilient optimism as a set of actionable behaviors rather than just a…

John Tierney, co-author of "The Power of Bad," explains the evolutionary roots of the negativity effect and how it skews our perception of the world.

Host Mike Carruthers explores why your fingers freeze first, explaining that your body restricts blood flow to extremities to protect vital organs.

Host Mike Carruthers discusses the surprising health risks of cash, the profound historical impact of horses on human civilization, and the science of strategic laziness.

This episode explores why smells trigger vivid memories due to their direct link to the brain's emotional centers.

Cognitive scientist Art Markman explains the brain's quirks, such as why we love kitten videos and why time feels faster as we age.

This episode explores why autumn leaves change color due to shortening days rather than just cold weather, revealing hidden pigments as chlorophyll breaks down.

This episode explores the hidden dangers of acidic beverages eroding tooth enamel and features Mark Miodownik discussing how gases like steam,…

Host Mike Carruthers explores the hidden world of test engineering with guest Alex Davies, detailing how products are stress-tested, from…

Stephen Martin, a behavioral science researcher, explains why people trust certain messengers over others, often based on innate cues rather than the truth of the message.

Host Mike Carruthers explores the nocebo effect with science writer Helen Pilcher, revealing how negative expectations can trigger real physical symptoms.

This episode explores the psychology of secrets with Andrew Gold, discussing why keeping them causes stress and why we struggle to maintain confidentiality.

This episode offers practical advice on sleep, swearing, and self-confidence.

Host Mike Carruthers interviews MIT-trained chemist George Zaidan to debunk myths about food additives and processed ingredients.

This episode explores the "return trip effect," where return journeys feel shorter due to adjusted expectations.

This episode explores how full moonlight disrupts sleep, the science behind music’s healing effects on health and mood with neuroscientist Dan Levitin, and the cognitive skills eroded by technology.

This episode explores the "fresh start effect" for setting goals, the health benefits of small social interactions with strangers, and existential threats like nuclear war and asteroids.

Mike Carruthers interviews journalist Johan Hari, author of *Stolen Focus*, about the crisis of declining attention spans.

This episode explores the science of petrichor, the earthy scent before and after rain.

This episode debunks the myth that dogs are colorblind, explaining they see blue and yellow.

This episode explores why hearing loss is often unnoticed until it’s advanced, featuring Dr.

Host Mike Carruthers explores how heat impairs cognition and increases aggression.

This episode explores why devices need a 10-second reboot to drain capacitors, then features Katherine Kellogg on reducing food waste through better storage and shopping habits.

This episode explores the planning fallacy, explaining why humans consistently underestimate task durations and how to improve predictions.

This episode explores canine psychology with dog behavior expert Camilla Gray Nelson, author of *Lipstick and the Leash*.

This episode explores how hunger impairs decision-making, featuring travel expert Scott Keyes who debunks airfare myths and shares strategies for booking cheap flights, hotels, and cars.

This episode explores how signatures influence perceptions, featuring handwriting analyst Elaine Ness.

Host Mike Carruthers explores why pedestrians avoid collisions and why signatures become illegible.

This episode explores scientific mysteries that remain unexplained, featuring guest and science writer Michael Brooks.

This episode explores why humans blush as a signal of remorse, the benefits of slowing down for productivity and creativity with author Carl Honore, and the neuroscience of music with Larry Sherman.

This episode explores why people often look like their names, a phenomenon linked to unconscious conformity to cultural expectations over time.

Host Mike Carruthers explores how background music in stores subtly influences consumer behavior and spending habits.

Host Mike Carruthers interviews Ohio State professor David Huron about the evolutionary benefits of sadness.

Host Mike Carruthers shares practical driving safety tips, such as adjusting hand placement and following distances.