Something You Should Know
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 17, 2026 • 23min
SYSK TRENDING - How Memory Really Works
Megan Sumeracki, cognitive psychologist and author of The Psychology of Memory, explains how memory forms and why it forgets so much. She discusses why certain life periods feel unforgettable, how emotion and vividness mislead us, and how retrieval and spacing can change what we remember. Short, surprising takes on why forgetting is useful and how memories are reshaped over time.
12 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 50min
How Real Optimists Think & Butter Secrets Most People Miss
Anna Stockwell, recipe developer and author of The Butter Book, breaks down butter’s history, types, and when premium butter matters. Deepika Chopra, psychologist and author known as the Optimism Doctor, redefines optimism as a science-based, trainable mindset. They explore the mechanics of real optimism, practical mental tools, butter’s culinary secrets, and why small choices change cooking and resilience.
24 snips
Mar 14, 2026 • 50min
Should You Stay or Leave? & Songs That Changed Music History - SYSK Choice
Emily P. Freeman, author and decision-making podcaster, offers a clear framework for when to stay or walk away. Marc Myers, music journalist and author, dives into songs that transformed pop and rock. They discuss decision signals, regret, commitment, studio innovations, landmark arrangements, and cultural moments that reshaped music history.
17 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 50min
Are You Revealing Too Much or Not Enough? & How We Absorb Technology
Vanessa Chang, director at Leonardo and author exploring how societies absorb technologies. Leslie John, Harvard professor studying disclosure and decision-making. They discuss when sharing strengthens trust and the risks of silence. They trace how technologies from writing to phones reshape attention, voice, and social habits. Short, lively conversations about revealing, privacy, and how tools become essential.
Mar 10, 2026 • 22min
SYSK TRENDING - A Better Approach to Decision Making
Annie Duke, former pro poker player turned decision strategist and author, joins to rethink how we choose. She explains why we overthink trivial choices and under-prepare for big ones. Short vs slow decisions, using impact to guide effort, forecasting under uncertainty, and when to quit come up in a lively, practical conversation.
5 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 48min
How Your Beliefs Drive Success & The Science Behind Keeping Your Brain Sharp
Dr. Majid Fotuhi, neurologist focused on brain health and dementia prevention, and Nir Eyal, author on behavior change and belief-shaping, dive into belief systems and brain longevity. They explore how beliefs form and can be reshaped to boost motivation. They also discuss lifestyle factors and clinically supported steps to preserve and even grow cognitive function.
39 snips
Mar 7, 2026 • 49min
The Art of Conflict & The Surprising Power of Swearing-SYSK Choice
Rebecca Roache, philosophy lecturer who studies swearing, and William Ury, veteran negotiator and mediator, dive into language and conflict. They discuss why taboo words still shock and how swearing can affect emotion and social norms. They also explore reframing disputes, listening skills, and creative negotiation to turn confrontation into collaboration.
12 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 50min
The Science of Dreaming & Simple Rules That Could Add Years to Your Life
Dr. Zeke Emanuel, oncologist and longevity author, shares six simple, evidence-based rules for a longer, healthier life. Karen van Kampen, award-winning science journalist, explains modern dreaming research and why dreams matter for memory and emotion. They discuss dream therapy, lucid dreaming, diet and microbiome tips, social connection, exercise limits, and why occasional treats can fit into sustainable wellness.
11 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 25min
SYSK TRENDING - How to Successfully Pursue Happiness
Stephanie Harrison, creator of the New Happy philosophy and author focused on research-backed well-being, challenges common beliefs about happiness. She discusses why conventional ideas fail. She contrasts fleeting pleasure with lasting contentment, the role of helping others, self-compassion for hard emotions, and how small acts build real, sustainable joy.
25 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 50min
Why So Many People Have Allergies & Why You Keep Doing Things You Shouldn’t
Zachary Rubin, a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist and author of All About Allergies, explains why allergies seem to be rising and how true allergic reactions differ from other causes. He walks through testing, common triggers like pollen and dust mites, mislabeling of penicillin allergy, food allergy trends, and when reactions can become life-threatening.
