Why You Hate Uncertainty & The New Science of Living Longer

Why You Hate Uncertainty & The New Science of Living Longer

Author: Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media May 11, 2026 Duration: 49:05
Have you ever struggled with a problem—only to have the answer suddenly appear when you stopped trying? It feels almost like magic, but it’s actually your brain working in a very specific way when you step back. https://drexel.edu/now/archive/2016/March/Insight_Correctness/ We all want to know what’s going to happen next. But life doesn’t work that way. In fact, the real challenge may not be uncertainty itself—but our growing discomfort with it. Simone Stolzoff, journalist and author of How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World that Demands Answers (https://amzn.to/428rpWb), explains why we crave certainty, why that craving can make life harder, and how learning to tolerate—and even embrace—uncertainty can change the way you experience the world. You’ve probably heard that your health is shaped by both your genes and your lifestyle. But how much control do you really have? Are some outcomes unavoidable—or can your daily choices actually override genetic risk? Dr. Florence Comite, endocrinologist and expert in longevity and precision medicine, has spent decades studying how to optimize health at the individual level. In our conversation, she explains how genes influence your future, where they don’t, and how understanding your personal biology can help you make smarter decisions to improve health and extend lifespan. She is author of Invincible: Defy Your Genetic Destiny to Live Better, Longer (https://amzn.to/3Pir404). In the middle of a tense conversation, it’s easy for things to escalate quickly. But there’s a simple three-word phrase that can instantly shift the tone—turning conflict into something more productive and less combative. Source: Bill Jensen author of The Simplicity Survival Handbook (https://amzn.to/4thwWEX) PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AQUA TRU: Take the guesswork out of pure, great-tasting water. Head to ⁠⁠https://AquaTru.com⁠⁠ now and get 20% off your purifier using promo code SYSK. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee or your money back. RULA: This Mental Health Awareness Month, don’t just think about your mental health - actually take the step to take care of it. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Rula.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started. QUINCE: Refresh your everyday with luxury you will actual use! 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 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
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…
The Proven Magic of Being Outdoors & The  Curious History of A, B, C [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:26
Many ballpoint pens have a particular design feature intended to save your life – if necessary. It's one of those clever features most people never notice and hopefully never have to use yet millions of pens contain it.…