How to Read People & The Most Extreme Things on Earth – SYSK Choice

How to Read People & The Most Extreme Things on Earth – SYSK Choice

Author: Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media August 1, 2026 Duration: 47:24
Have you ever met someone named Lucy and thought, "She really looks like a Lucy"? As strange as it sounds, scientists have discovered there may be more truth to that feeling than you realize. Your name may actually influence the way you look—or at least the way other people see you. Listen as I explain this fascinating research and what it reveals about the surprising connection between names and faces.https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2405334121 We all give away far more than we think. Tiny facial expressions, subtle gestures, the way we sit, stand, or even touch our face can reveal confidence, nervousness, deception, attraction, and much more. Once you know what to look for, it's almost impossible not to notice these hidden signals. Joining me is Peter Collett, a social psychologist who taught at Oxford University and is internationally recognized for his expertise in human behavior and nonverbal communication. He is author of How To Tell What People Are Thinking From the Bedroom to the Boardroom (https://amzn.to/3WVytDM). This conversation is packed with practical insights that can help you read people more accurately in everyday life. What is the brightest thing in the universe? The stickiest substance? The loudest sound? The coldest place? The fastest, slowest, biggest and smallest things imaginable? Nature has some astonishing record holders—and many of them are far stranger than fiction. David Darling, science writer, astronomer, and author of nearly 50 books, including Ka-boom!: The Science of Extremes (https://amzn.to/3X5gTgJ), takes us on a tour of the most incredible extremes in science, nature, and the universe. You'll come away with a collection of facts you'll be repeating to people for weeks. Why does food often seem to taste better after a simple ritual—like singing "Happy Birthday" before eating cake? It turns out the ritual itself may be changing your experience in ways you never realized. Listen as I explain the surprising psychology behind this effect and why small rituals can make everything from meals to everyday experiences more enjoyable.https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/to-savor-the-flavor-perform-a-short-ritual-first.html PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS WAYFAIR: Ready to upgrade your home for way less? Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Wayfair.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ right now to shop all things home and get your space ready for less.  QUINCE: Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! SHOPIFY: It's time to turn those "what ifs" into CHA CHING with Shopify Today! Sign up for your $1 per month trail and start selling today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Shopify.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ INDEED: Get a $75 Sponsored Job credit to help get your job the premium status it deserves at ⁠⁠⁠https://Indeed.com/PODCAST⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curiosity is a powerful engine, and Something You Should Know is built on the idea that a single conversation can shift your perspective in a meaningful way. Host Mike Carruthers, through OmniCast Media, sits down with researchers, authors, and practitioners across a surprisingly wide spectrum-from neuroscience and health to social dynamics and personal finance. The aim isn't just to accumulate facts, but to uncover practical wisdom you can apply directly. You might hear a psychologist explain the simple habit that strengthens relationships, followed by an economist demystifying how to build lasting wealth, and then a physiologist breaking down the real science behind effective fitness. This podcast operates on the belief that improvement is multifaceted; a tip for saving time can be as valuable as understanding a new scientific discovery. Each episode is a self-contained dive into a topic that could very well change your approach to your career, your health, or your daily routine. The tone is conversational and grounded, focusing on actionable takeaways rather than abstract theory. By weaving together insights from the fields of science, education, and self-improvement, the show provides a toolkit for navigating life's complexities. It’s the kind of listening that leaves you with something concrete-a strategy, a new understanding, or a piece of advice that resonates long after the episode ends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Something You Should Know
Podcast Episodes
SYSK TRENDING-The Bright Side of Sadness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:08
Most of us spend a lot of time trying to be happy and avoiding sadness whenever we can. But what if sadness isn't something to fear or eliminate? What if it's one of the most important emotions we have? Why do we cry whe…
Invest Like Warren Buffett & How To Disagree Better [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:03
Most of us think we're pretty good drivers. But even experienced drivers develop bad habits without realizing it. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can make you a safer, more alert driver—and could even help you avoi…
The Science of Charisma & Why Midlife Is Better Than Everyone Thinks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:32
If your porch light seems to attract every moth and flying insect in the neighborhood, you're not imagining it. Scientists have finally figured out why artificial lights are so irresistible to many insects—and knowing wh…
SYSK TRENDING - Where Did the Hamburger Come From? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:25
Few foods are as American as the hamburger. Every year, Americans eat billions of them, and they are a staple at backyard barbecues, diners, ballparks, and restaurants around the world. Yet despite being one of the most…
Have We Been Wrong About Posture? & How Memory Champions Think [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:49
Take a look at your speedometer the next time you're driving. Chances are, it's lying to you. The speed you're actually traveling is probably different from what the dashboard says—and that's completely intentional. http…
The Mystery of Accents and the Dangerous Habit of Rumination [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:49
Have you ever pushed on a door that was supposed to be pulled—or pulled when you should have pushed? It feels embarrassing, but don't blame yourself. It turns out the problem usually isn't you. It's the door. https://uxd…
SYSK TRENDING - A Different View of Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:24
What does it really mean to be successful? Most people would probably say it's about making more money, climbing the career ladder, earning recognition, or becoming well known. But what if we've been measuring success al…
Has Therapy Gone Too Far? & The Hidden Genius of Birds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:56
Need a favor? The way you ask may matter as much as what you're asking for. Researchers have found that a few simple changes in how you make a request can dramatically increase the chances someone will say yes—and most p…