SYSK TRENDING takes a look back at conversations from the Something You Should Know archive that connect directly to topics people are talking about right now.
Motivation is one of them.
We tend to think people are motivated by carrots and sticks — rewards if you do what’s expected, punishment if you don’t. And while that approach can work in some situatio ... Show More
Feb 2
The Human Need to Matter & The Enduring Appeal of Cats
You’ve probably been told to be grateful for what you have — but that advice isn’t just feel-good wisdom. Research shows that intentionally expressing gratitude can actually change how your brain functions, influencing mood, focus, and emotional resilience. This episode begins wi ... Show More
49m 46s
Jan 2025
Board Game Science
It’s that time of the year when many of us are at home with friends and family, losing track of time, eating leftovers, and, of course, playing games. This festive season, we look at the science of games and, of course, play some ourselves. It’s presenter Marnie Chesterton versus ... Show More
28m 10s
Dec 2024
The Psychology of Nostalgia
In the first of two special holiday episodes, Claudia Hammond and an expert panel of psychologists look back, nostalgically. At this festive time of year, you might be thinking wistfully about Christmas past – perhaps you’ll be rewatching old films, arguing over a game of Monopol ... Show More
29m 45s
Aug 2024
How games changed history
From Chess and Go, to Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly and the ancient Egyptian game of Senet, people have long had a fascination with games. But according to author and academic Kelly Clancy, these games have not only provided people with entertainment (and sparked family arguments) ... Show More
31 m
Oct 2025
Telling Harsh Stories to Yourself About Yourself? How To Rewrite the Narrative. | Allison Sweet Grant
Nobody makes it out of childhood unscathed. Here's a guide to letting go of the past. Allison Sweet Grant, graduate with dual master's degrees from the University of Michigan, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner, turned author. She has been published in The New York Times and The ... Show More
46m 21s
Feb 2018
Nerdy Board Games Rock #005
Embrace the dorkiness, strategy board games are here to stay! Nerdy board games are a big part of our lives and for good reasons: they're fun (duh), they teach us to think strategically when it comes to managing limited resources, and of course they can help you save money by kee ... Show More
43m 3s