Free Daily Podcast Summary
Something You Should Know: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media
Sometimes all it takes is one little fact or one little piece of wisdom to change your life forever. That's the purpose and the hope of "Something You Should Know." In each episode, host Mike Carruthers interviews top experts in their field to bring you fascinating information and advice to help you save time and money, advance in your career, become wealthy, improve your relationships and help you simply get more out of life. In addition, Mike uncovers and shares short, engaging pieces of "intel" you can use to make your life better - today. Right now.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Today21 min
SYSK TRENDING – How to Make Yourself Smarter
What if becoming smarter had less to do with intelligence and more to do with a handful of everyday habits? Researchers are discovering that many of the things that most influence brain performance are surprisingly simple—and often completely within your control. Research continues to show that the brain is far more adaptable than scientists once believed. It’s become clear that the choices you make every day can have a significant impact on memory, focus, creativity, learning, and decision-making. The encouraging news is that improving brain performance doesn't require genius-level IQ or expensive biohacks. In many cases, relatively simple lifestyle changes can produce measurable improvements in how your brain works and how you feel. Dr. David Bardsley joins me to explain the science behind keeping your brain sharp, boosting cognitive performance, and protecting your mental abilities as you age. In our conversation, he discusses some of the most powerful—and often overlooked—factors that influence brain health, why many people unknowingly sabotage their own cognitive performance, and what you can start doing today to think more clearly, learn more effectively, and stay mentally strong for years to come. Dr. Bardsley is author of Smarter Next Year: The Revolutionary Science for a Smarter, Happier You (https://amzn.to/2tUXcK8). If you've ever wondered whether you could improve your memory, focus, mental sharpness, or overall brain performance, this conversation offers practical, science-backed insights that may help you get more out of the brain you already have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Yesterday49 min
Should You Fear the Sun? & Is There Anything to Astrology?
Most parents think the key to getting kids to eat healthy food is explaining why it's healthy. Unfortunately, research suggests that strategy can backfire spectacularly. In fact, telling children a food is "good for you" may be one of the fastest ways to make them reject it. Fortunately, there is a much better approach. https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/kids-can-have-their-cake-and-their-broccoli-too For years we've been told that sunlight is something to avoid. Stay indoors. Cover up. Wear sunscreen. And while excessive sun exposure certainly carries risks, some researchers are asking whether the conversation has become too one-sided. Could avoiding the sun come with health consequences of its own? Are we getting enough sunlight to support healthy bodies and minds? And what does the evidence actually say about sunscreen, vitamin D, skin cancer, and the benefits of spending time outdoors? Journalist Rowan Jacobsen set out to investigate these questions and found answers that surprised him. He joins me to discuss the science behind our relationship with the sun and why the story may be far more nuanced than most people realize. Rowan is author of In Defense of Sunlight: The Surprising Science of Sun Exposure (https://amzn.to/4o5QD1n). Astrology has survived for thousands of years. Millions of people know their zodiac sign, read horoscopes, and occasionally wonder whether there might be something to it. Yet astrology occupies a strange place in modern culture—widely followed, frequently mocked, and rarely examined carefully. So where did astrology come from? Why are humans so drawn to it? Why do horoscope descriptions often feel uncannily accurate? And when scientists have put astrology to the test, what have they found? Award-winning science journalist Carlos Orsi takes a thoughtful look at one of humanity's oldest belief systems and separates the psychology, history, and science from the mythology. He is author of What Science Says About Astrology (https://amzn.to/49BvzKk). Everyone "knows" that horizontal stripes make you look heavier and vertical stripes make you look slimmer. It's one of the most widely accepted fashion rules around. The funny thing is, there is surprisingly strong evidence that the rule may be completely backwards. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3485773/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 days ago48 min
Your Phone May Not Be the Problem & The Puzzles That Break Your Brain - SYSK Choice
Have you ever held a pet up to a mirror and wondered why they don't seem to recognize themselves? Humans usually figure it out very young, but most animals never do. Yet a surprising handful of species appear capable of recognizing their own reflection—a clue that scientists use to explore one of the most fascinating questions in biology: self-awareness. https://www.livescience.com/4272-elephant-awareness-mirrors-humans.html Smartphones have become the villains of modern life. We blame them for distraction, anxiety, shortened attention spans, poor sleep, and endless scrolling. But is the phone itself really the problem? Or are some activities on our phones far more harmful than others? Dr. Faye Begeti, a neurologist, neuroscientist, and researcher at Oxford University Hospitals, says we've been focusing on the wrong question. In our conversation, she explains what the latest research reveals about how smartphones affect the brain, why some forms of phone use can actually be beneficial, and how to build healthier digital habits without throwing your device into a lake. She is author of The Phone Fix: The Brain-Focused Guide to Building Healthy Digital Habits and Breaking Bad Ones (https://amzn.to/3yJUhIM). Paradoxes have a way of making your brain stop and say, "Wait a minute..." If someone says, "I always lie," are they telling the truth? If not, then maybe they are. These strange logical puzzles have fascinated philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists for centuries because they expose flaws in how we think and force us to see the world from a different perspective. George Szpiro, journalist, mathematician, and author of Perplexing Paradoxes: Unraveling Enigmas in the World Around Us (https://amzn.to/4aEASGo), joins me to explore some of the most fascinating paradoxes ever conceived and explain why wrestling with impossible questions can actually make you a better thinker. Learning to juggle might seem like little more than a party trick. But researchers have discovered that mastering this surprisingly challenging skill can create measurable changes in the brain. In fact, a few days of practice may do more for your mind than you would ever expect. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016114055.htm PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS POCKET HOSE: For a limited time, when you purchase a new Pocket Hose Ballistic, you'll get a FREE 360 degree rotating pocket pivot and a FREE thumb drive nozzle! Just text SYSK to 64000 AIR DOCTOR: Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code SYSK to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers, including the 3500, 4000, and 5500 models. Plus, you’ll receive a free 3year warranty! RULA: Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance. Visit https://Rula.com/sysk to get started. 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! DELL: With the Dell Pro laptop powered by Intel Core Ultra with vPro, no matter how many interruptions you have, your laptop won’t be one of them. With battery that’s optimized for the way you work, and built-in intelligence that quiets distractions the moment you’re trying to focus, your tech won’t slow you down. Find out more at https://Dell.com/Dell-Pro 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
- 5 days ago47 min
Why You Put Things Off & The Myth of Criminal Profiling
Every medication has an expiration date—but what exactly happens when that date passes? Does the medicine suddenly stop working? Does it become dangerous? The answer is more complicated than most people realize and depends greatly on the medication itself. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/expiration-dating-extension Everyone procrastinates. We put off phone calls, projects, conversations, paperwork, workouts, and sometimes the very things we know would make our lives better. What's strange is that procrastination rarely makes us feel good. The unfinished task lingers in the background, creating stress, guilt, and mental clutter. So why do we keep doing it? And why do some people insist they "work best under pressure"? According to Jon Acuff, procrastination has far less to do with laziness than most people think. In this conversation, he explains the real reasons we get stuck, why motivation is often overrated, and the practical strategies that help people finally start—and finish—the things that matter most. Jon is a bestselling author, one of Inc. Magazine's Top 100 Leadership Speakers, and author of Procrastination Proof: Never Get Stuck Again (https://amzn.to/43Hs5Cr). Criminal profiling has become one of the most enduring ideas in modern crime-solving. We've seen it countless times: investigators study a crime scene, build a psychological profile of the killer, and use it to catch the culprit. It makes for great television. But how well does it work in the real world? The true history of criminal profiling is far more complicated—and controversial—than most people realize. Rachel Corbett, whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and The Atlantic, explains how profiling rose to prominence, why it captured the public imagination, and whether it has ever lived up to its reputation as a crime-fighting tool. She is author of The Monsters We Make: Murder, Obsession, and the Rise of Criminal Profiling (https://amzn.to/3RIIrZ2). Can a scent make people trust you more? Surprisingly, research suggests that one familiar fragrance may subtly influence how trustworthy others perceive you to be. It's not mind control—but it may help explain why first impressions are affected by more than just what people see and hear. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01486/full PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS POCKET HOSE: For a limited time, when you purchase a new Pocket Hose Ballistic, you'll get a FREE 360 degree rotating pocket pivot and a FREE thumb drive nozzle! Just text SYSK to 64000 AIR DOCTOR: Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code SYSK to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers, including the 3500, 4000, and 5500 models. Plus, you’ll receive a free 3year warranty! RULA: Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance. Visit https://Rula.com/sysk to get started. 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! DELL: With the Dell Pro laptop powered by Intel Core Ultra with vPro, no matter how many interruptions you have, your laptop won’t be one of them. With battery that’s optimized for the way you work, and built-in intelligence that quiets distractions the moment you’re trying to focus, your tech won’t slow you down. Find out more at https://Dell.com/Dell-Pro 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
- 1 weeks agosolo26 min4-min read
SYSK TRENDING - The Power of Validation
Validation is a simple yet powerful communication skill that helps people feel heard and understood, which can save relationships, improve negotiations, and deepen connections. It’s not about agreeing or fixing problems, but about acknowledging emotions and offering justification for them—something most people overlook in favor of giving advice, often worsening the situation.
- 1 weeks ago48 min
What Body Language Really Reveals & How to Get More Things Done
That little white folded box Chinese takeout comes in may be one of the cleverest pieces of food packaging ever invented. What’s funny is—it isn’t Chinese at all. It was never originally designed to hold noodles or fried rice, and its origin story is far stranger and more American than most people realize. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyster_pail People are constantly communicating—even when they never say a word. A glance, a shift in posture, crossed arms, the position of the feet, how long someone holds eye contact… body language can reveal confidence, discomfort, attraction, deception, status, and emotion in ways most people completely miss. But many popular beliefs about body language are also wrong or overly simplistic. Joe Navarro, former FBI counterintelligence and counterterrorism agent and one of the world’s leading experts on nonverbal communication, explains how body language really works, how to better read the people around you, and how understanding nonverbal behavior can dramatically improve your relationships and communication. He is author of Mastering Connections: Build Stronger Relationships with the Science of Body Language (https://amzn.to/4uB0PBo). Some people always seem rushed, overwhelmed, and behind—while others somehow manage to get an incredible amount done without appearing frantic. The difference may have less to do with time itself and more to do with how people think about time. Laura Vanderkam has spent years studying highly productive people and says many of us approach time completely backward. In our conversation, she explains why feeling “time poor” has become so common, how small changes in priorities can radically change your sense of control, and why having more time may actually begin with changing the story you tell yourself about it. Laura is author of Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance (https://amzn.to/4x0cawK). Birdsong does more than create a pleasant soundtrack outdoors. Researchers have discovered that simply listening to birds sing can measurably reduce stress, anxiety, and even feelings associated with paranoia. Discover how listening to birds sing is truly music for your brain. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20841-0 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS POCKET HOSE: For a limited time, when you purchase a new Pocket Hose Ballistic, you'll get a FREE 360 degree rotating pocket pivot and a FREE thumb drive nozzle! Just text SYSK to 64000 AIR DOCTOR: Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code SYSK to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers, including the 3500, 4000, and 5500 models. Plus, you’ll receive a free 3year warranty! RULA: Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance. Visit https://Rula.com/sysk to get started. 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! DELL: With the Dell Pro laptop powered by Intel Core Ultra with vPro, no matter how many interruptions you have, your laptop won’t be one of them. With battery that’s optimized for the way you work, and built-in intelligence that quiets distractions the moment you’re trying to focus, your tech won’t slow you down. Find out more at https://Dell.com/Dell-Pro 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
- 1 weeks agoconversational50 min5-min read
Our Fascination With Pushing Buttons & How Games Have Shaped Our World-SYSK Choice
Romantic music can significantly increase the likelihood of someone agreeing to a date, according to French research. Meanwhile, the psychology behind button-pushing reveals that people are drawn to buttons not just for functionality but for the illusion of control, even with placebo buttons that do nothing. Games captivate the brain through uncertainty, which drives dopamine release and compels us to play — and stay playing — especially in digital environments designed to exploit that neurology. And online product reviews exert massive influence over consumer behavior, with most people relying heavily on them before purchasing.
- 1 weeks ago46 min
The Truth About Love at First Sight & What the UFO Videos Actually Show
People will go to ridiculous lengths to avoid paying fees. Adding extra items to an online order just to get “free” shipping. Avoiding ATM fees like they’re a personal insult. Or driving across town to save a few cents on gas. There’s actually a fascinating psychology behind why humans hate fees so much—and why “free” has such unusual power over our decisions. https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/page-one-economics/2025/apr/psychology-of-free-how-price-of-zero-influences-decisionmaking Most people dismiss the idea of “love at first sight.” How can you fall deeply for someone you barely know? Yet for some people, intense romantic attachment happens incredibly fast—and repeatedly. Researchers call this tendency “emophilia,” and it can dramatically affect relationships, judgment, and emotional wellbeing. Daniel Jones, who studies romantic attraction, personality, and deception at the University of Nevada Reno, explains why some people are wired to fall in love quickly, why those relationships can feel so powerful, and why understanding emophilia may help explain a lot of modern dating behavior. He is author of Falling Fast: The Perils and Possibilities of Emophilia (https://amzn.to/49gvbk9). Recently, the U.S. government has released videos and images showing unidentified aerial phenomena—objects moving in ways that appear difficult to explain with known technology. Some people see proof of extraterrestrial visitors. Others think there must be more conventional explanations. But what do the videos actually tell us? And what don’t they tell us? Robert Powell, founding board member of the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies and an engineer with decades of experience in advanced technology development, joins me to separate speculation from science and explain what experts really know about these strange sightings and what is known about alien visitors. He is author of UFOs: A Scientist Explains What We Know (And Don’t Know) (https://amzn.to/3RtNwEe). While it is pretty common to bring leftovers home from a restaurant, there is a danger associated with doing that. If you don’t handle that food and reheat it the right way, there could be some real problems. And they are problems you can easily avoid. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/fried-rice-syndrome PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS POCKET HOSE: For a limited time, when you purchase a new Pocket Hose Ballistic, you'll get a FREE 360 degree rotating pocket pivot and a FREE thumb drive nozzle! Just text SYSK to 64000 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! DELL: With the Dell Pro laptop powered by Intel Core Ultra with vPro, no matter how many interruptions you have, your laptop won’t be one of them. With battery that’s optimized for the way you work, and built-in intelligence that quiets distractions the moment you’re trying to focus, your tech won’t slow you down. Find out more at https://Dell.com/Dell-Pro 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
Get Something You Should Know summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
What Something You Should Know Covers
Topics discussed across all episodes.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Modern Wisdom
Discussions with experts on psychology, philosophy, and self-improvement to help navigate life’s challenges.
Stuff You Should Know
A podcast explaining a wide range of topics, from science and history to pop culture and urban legends, through conversational deep dives.
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Explores human flourishing through conversations on purpose, health, and personal growth with experts and thought leaders.
Inquiring Minds
Explores the intersection of science and society through critical thinking and in-depth analysis.
Know Thyself
Explores self-discovery, consciousness, and human potential through conversations with experts in spirituality, science, and creativity.
The Jordan Harbinger Show
Conversations with top performers across fields, distilling actionable insights on success, relationships, and personal growth.
Unsung Science
Explores the overlooked stories behind major scientific and technological breakthroughs and the people who created them.
NO SUCH THING
Three journalists resolve pop culture and internet debates by researching, experimenting, and consulting experts.
Influence Anyone
Explores the psychology of influence through expert interviews on mindset, persuasion, branding, and leadership.
Stuff They Don't Want You To Know
Explores unexplained phenomena, conspiracy theories, and alleged government cover-ups throughout history.
The Michael Shermer Show
Long-form conversations with scientists, philosophers, and thinkers on critical issues of our time.
Need To Know
Investigates Unidentified Aerial Phenomena through expert interviews and analysis of government disclosures and historic cases.
Mentions
Most frequently mentioned across all episodes.
People
Books
Companies
About Something You Should Know
Sometimes all it takes is one little fact or one little piece of wisdom to change your life forever. That's the purpose and the hope of "Something You Should Know." In each episode, host Mike Carruthers interviews top experts in their field to bring you fascinating information and advice to help you save time and money, advance in your career, become wealthy, improve your relationships and help you simply get more out of life. In addition, Mike uncovers and shares short, engaging pieces of "intel" you can use to make your life better - today. Right now.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Something You Should Know in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Something You Should Know daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Something You Should Know as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Something You Should Know podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Something You Should Know product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Something You Should Know release new episodes?
Something You Should Know publishes every few days. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Something You Should Know cover?
Something You Should Know covers topics including Animal folklore, Apologizing psychology, Cognitive science, Deja vu, Memory science. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Something You Should Know summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.