Something You Should Know

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.

Episodes

December 4, 2025 49 mins
When you’re asked to “sign in blue or black ink,” is that actually the law — or just an outdated rule we all obey? We begin with the surprising truth about which ink colors really matter when you’re signing checks, contracts, or legal documents. Source: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061314/dont-sign-legal-pitfalls-signatures.asp Why are humans endlessly fascinated by aliens? For thousands of years, every ...
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There was a time when the office Christmas party was the highlight of the corporate year — big budgets, elaborate celebrations, and stories that still get whispered decades later. But how did this tradition start? Who decided employers should host a holiday bash in the first place? This special holiday bonus episode looks at the surprising origins of the office Christmas party and why it evolved into the event it is today - usually...
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Ever wonder why some people seem naturally gifted at music? It turns out your personality may have more to do with musical ability than you think. This episode begins with research identifying which personality traits actually predict innate musical potential — and which ones don’t. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151013135831.htm Are we too worried about getting scammed? Most of us would rather lose money through an...
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Does your place in the family — firstborn, middle child, or youngest — really shape who you are? Birth-order theory has been debated for decades. This episode begins by exploring what science actually says about how sibling order affects personality, achievement, and relationships. https://psychcentral.com/blog/birth-order-and-personality#birth-order-and-personality Around the holiday season, many of us feel a wave of nostalgia —...
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When you’re congested with a cold or flu, getting a good night’s sleep can feel impossible. This episode begins with smart, science-backed ways to clear your sinuses so you can breathe easier and finally get some much needed rest. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/sleep-better-cold-flu Few emotions are as powerful — or as good for you — as awe. That feeling of wonder you get when gazing at the stars, hearing incredible music, or ...
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Ever wonder what was actually served at the very first Thanksgiving? Much of what we learned in school doesn’t hold up. In this special bonus holiday episode, we unpack some of the most surprising — and misunderstood — moments in Thanksgiving history. We start with a beloved modern ritual: the presidential turkey pardon. It’s a quirky White House tradition with roots that go all the way back to the 1800s. I reveal how this annual ...
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When you look up information online, you may find that it’s harder to remember later. It’s a frequent phenomenon called digital amnesia. This episode begins by explaining why it happens so often — and what you can do about it. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1332030/full Oz Pearlman is probably the world’s greatest mentalist. He doesn’t claim to read minds — he reads people. Recently...
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Texting and email may be convenient, but sometimes a phone call is the best way to make a real connection. So how do you ensure the person actually calls you back? I’ll reveal a few clever tricks — backed by communication science — that can dramatically increase your chances. Source: Bill Jensen, author of Simplicity Survival Handbook (https://amzn.to/3MMDmt7) Have you ever achieved something big… only to feel restless right after...
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Some cars have gullwing doors, like the DeLorean in Back to the Future. They look amazing — but why don’t more cars have them? As you’ll hear, there are several surprising (and practical) reasons why this futuristic design never became mainstream and probably never will. https://www.dacemotorgroup.co.uk/blog/the-history-of-gullwing-doors-and-why-they-were-so-rare If you’ve ever felt truly hopeless, you already understand the extra...
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Today we are sharing a special episode of the new podcast: David Greene Is Obsessed. David is one of America’s most familiar voices and longtime co-host of NPR’s Morning Edition. On the show, he seeks out obsessives of all kinds, while unpacking his own fixations. You’ll hear actor David Arquette discuss his love for Bozo the Clown; Paula Poundstone on her house full of cats; celebrity chef Michael Symon explain why he just can’...
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Ever stepped into an elevator and wondered, what if the cable snapped? It’s a surprisingly common fear — but is it justified? I’ll reveal the truth about elevator safety, how often accidents really happen, and exactly what to do if the unthinkable occurred. https://www.businessinsider.com/survive-elevator-crash-fall-2015-9 Why do so many people swear by Apple, Starbucks, or Amazon? What makes certain brands almost irresistible? B...
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Most people don’t get enough sleep — and even a small deficit can take a big toll. Just 15 extra minutes a night can boost your health, focus, and mood more than you’d expect. This episode begins with a surprising look at how too little sleep quietly undermines your life — and how a little more can make all the difference. https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/15-minutes-extra-sleep Simple beats complicated — in business, communicati...
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Just thinking about itching can make you start to scratch — but there’s a reason for that. Scratching triggers a powerful neurological loop called the itch-scratch cycle, which can actually make the problem worse. Listen as I explain what’s really happening in your brain and skin when that irresistible urge strikes to scratch that itch. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Scratching-the-Surface-Uncovering-the-Neurological-Mystery-o...
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It all started with a colossal Thanksgiving mistake — one that accidentally created an entire industry. The birth of the frozen meal business began with a Thanksgiving blunder. Listen and you’ll hear how that blunder turned into a billion-dollar idea. https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a22792044/thanksgiving-fun-facts/ The story of Thanksgiving is full of myths and misconceptions. Much of what we think we know about that fi...
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When you touch someone else’s skin, it often feels softer than your own — but that can’t be true for everyone. What’s really happening is a fascinating illusion rooted in how your brain perceives touch. I’ll explain this strange sensory trick as we open the episode. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580302/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Your body is filled with mysteries you probably never learned in biology class — like why you ...
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Ever notice that every restaurant kitchen has a giant exhaust fan above the stove? There’s a reason it’s required by law — and it’s not just about smoke. You probably have one at home too, but chances are you’re not using it nearly enough. Listen as I explain why that little fan plays a surprisingly big role in keeping your home and your health safer. https://polk.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/04/how-and-why-to-use-your-kitchen-exhaust-fan/ “...
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We’ve all done it — used a big fancy word to sound smarter or more impressive. But does it actually work? Research says no. In fact, the secret to sounding intelligent and confident has nothing to do with big words at all. I’ll explain what is far more powerful. https://www.businessinsider.com/use-simple-language-to-sound-smarter-2015-9 Maps are fascinating. Did you know that early maps were not made for navigation at all, and a ...
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When you’re stuck on a multiple-choice question, should you change your answer or trust your gut? Most people swear your first instinct is best — but science says otherwise. Listen as I reveal what research really shows about when to stick — and when to switch. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15898871/ Wikipedia shouldn’t work. It’s built on the idea that anyone, anywhere, can edit their articles. You might think people would sabo...
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Why are the numbers 1, 2, and 3 across the top of a phone keypad but across the bottom of a calculator? It’s not random — and once you hear the logic, you’ll never look at a keypad the same way again. That’s just one of three quirky mysteries I explain at the start of this episode, along with surprising insights about portholes and time. Source: Ivan Semeniuk, co-author of Why Don’t Penguins’ Feet Freeze? (https://amzn.to/3sf8muM) ...
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Hooters has no male waiters. Isn’t that discrimination? Or could it be that men just don’t want to work there? The answer is no to both questions. Listen as I explain the answer and why it is perfectly legal. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-can-hooters-hire-only-women-2015-9 How do some people manage to get tables at “fully booked” restaurants, snag concert tickets that sell out in minutes, or get their child into the right s...
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