Something You Should Know

Michael Morris, cultural psychologist at Columbia University who studies tribal instincts. Paul Sloane, innovation expert who studies serendipity and accidental breakthroughs. They discuss how unexpected discoveries and deliberate randomness spark big ideas. They explore why people cluster with similar others, how tribes shape cooperation and conflict, and how noticing anomalies leads to innovation.

Natalia Petrzela, historian and fitness instructor who studies America’s exercise obsession. Marcus Collins, marketing professor who researches how culture shapes behavior. They define what culture is and how it spreads. They explain why fitness became a craze yet many stay inactive. They trace cultural moments, show how ideas tip into the mainstream, and offer ways people form lasting habits.

Dr. Ashley Alker, an emergency medicine physician and author, reveals shocking common causes of serious injuries and practical tips to avoid them, like the dangers of untreated strep throat and everyday household risks. Meanwhile, tribology expert Jennifer R. Vail, founder of DuPont's first tribology lab, dives into the science of friction, explaining how it influences everything from walking to energy efficiency. She highlights its critical role in safety and innovation, offering surprising insights into this invisible force.

In this engaging discussion, Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and former Obama advisor, shares insights on navigating life's unpredictable changes and the power of resilience. She emphasizes how our brains thrive on predictability but can adapt through tough experiences. Meanwhile, Sten Odenwald, an astronomer from NASA, delves into the intricate nature of time, explaining why it feels different at various life stages and its links to entropy. Together, they unravel profound truths about change and time, offering listeners strategies for personal growth.

Join Sharrona Pearl, an expert in face recognition, as she delves into the intricacies of how we identify faces, discussing everything from super recognizers to the nuances of prosopagnosia. Meanwhile, entrepreneur Shane Parrish shares insights on clear thinking and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of habitual rules to avoid mental traps. Together, they explore how our environments affect perception and decision quality, offering practical strategies for everyday life.

Christopher Moore, a professor of psychology and author of *The Power of Guilt*, discusses the essential role of guilt in fostering empathy and repairing relationships. He explains how guilt evolved as a social emotion and offers insights on self-forgiveness. Roger Kreuz, an associate dean and author of *Strikingly Similar*, delves into the complexities of plagiarism, revealing that it can happen unintentionally and spans various domains, including music and literature. Together, they explore the psychological intricacies of guilt and the murky waters of copyright.

Ryan Martin, a psychology professor and author of Emotion Hacks, shares transformative strategies for emotional regulation, emphasizing hydration and simple creative tasks. He explains how mapping emotional incidents can help regain control during frustrating moments. Joining him is Christopher Duffy, a comedian and writer, who explores the science of laughter. He discusses laughter's role in social bonding and its therapeutic effects, revealing what makes things funny and the mechanics behind comedy. Together, they unpack how to cultivate emotional health and joy through practical insights.

Human touch feels good — but it may also do far more than we realize. From a reassuring hand on the shoulder to a long hug or massage, deliberate touch can trigger measurable biological responses in the body. This episode begins with what science reveals about why touch matters and what happens when we don’t get enough of it. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyone-top/202108/the-vital-importance-human-touch It’s easy to assume that the big moments shape our lives — but what if tiny, seemingly meaningless choices matter just as much, or even more? A few minutes, a small decision, or a random event can quietly ripple outward in ways we never see. Brian Klaas joins me to explain how chance, chaos, and randomness shape our lives — and how understanding this can actually help you make better choices. Brian is an associate professor in global politics at University College London, a contributing writer for The Atlantic, and author of Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters (https://amzn.to/3SrRj31). “Big Tech” companies influence how we communicate, shop, work, and even think — yet they operate with surprisingly little oversight. Who should be setting the rules for companies with that much power? And what happens if no one does? Tom Wheeler explains why tech regulation matters, what’s at stake, and who should be in charge. Tom served as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission during the Obama administration and is author of Techlash: Who Makes the Rules in the Digital Gilded Age? (https://amzn.to/47OunPU). And finally, could what kids eat affect their risk of asthma, eczema, or other allergic conditions? Research suggests a link between fast food consumption and respiratory allergies. We wrap up with what scientists have found and why it matters. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.3005803 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat Bohannon, a Columbia-trained researcher and author, explores fascinating biological differences between men and women, including longevity factors and hearing variations. She reveals the impact of hormones on behavior, particularly in emergency situations. Meanwhile, science writer Bethany Brookshire delves into why we label certain animals as pests, linking this perception to human behavior and cultural viewpoints. She advocates for coexistence with wildlife, reframing animals like bees and mosquitoes in a more positive light.

Beth Kimmerle, a sensory science expert and founder of Attribute Analytics, dives into the fascinating mechanics of taste. She discusses how personal preferences can shift due to genetics and social influences, revealing why some flavors become favorites over time. On the sports side, Aaron C.T. Smith, a professor at Newcastle Business School, explores the psychological drivers behind intense fandom, comparing it to religion. He explains how tribal bonds and neurochemical reactions forge lasting loyalties, making victories and losses feel deeply personal.