The 2023 SYSK Ho-Ho-Holiday Spectacular! | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

With inflation cutting into Christmas budgets and a recession possible next year, shoppers in many countries are checking their Christmas lists twice—and crossing off a few things. But rather than ruining the holiday, experts say pulling back from consumerism can be good for you. In this article we’ll discuss some non-financial reasons to avoid holiday excess, and give some tips for focusing on what’s important to you.

US holiday sales over Thanksgiving topped $10 billion online, but growth lags previous years. Shoppers are flocking to discount retailers, leaving traditional stores in the cold. “Buy now, pay later” programs are gaining traction, offering relief and risks for strained consumers.

Embark on a comedic journey with Bobby Lee, Andrew Santino, Carlos Herrera, and Jessie Johnson in "Bad Friends," as they regale listeners with tales from their city-hopping comedy tour and the peculiar rituals that color a comedian's life off-stage. This eclectic group unapologetically navigates the highs and lows of their profession, from unexpected scenarios involving provocative attire on dates to the whimsy of their payment methods, all while delving into personal anecdotes that dance between hilarity and the human experience.

As Halloween and Christmas nostalgia awaken quirky reflections on traditions and gifting, the "Bad Friends" explore the humorous fissures in cultural assimilation and palate preferences. Discussions sway from lighthearted teases about food to heartfelt insights on addiction and friendship, touching on the larger societal issues such as Bollywood’s colorism controversy. This episode offers more than just laughs; it's a reflection on life's oddball moments, the value of true friends, and even offers a dash of consumer delight with personal plugs for convenient deliveries and cozy undergarments.

In "Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus," your eponymous host Julia welcomes guest icon, Darlene Love, to explore the relationship between personal tumult and professional triumph. Their conversation travels through Love's compelling career trajectory, from secretive gospel origins to a sterling solo showbiz run. Storied interactions with musical giants and enduring personal struggles are shared with honesty and insight.

Peeling back the show's spotlight reveals fascinating and nuanced dialogue that Julia expertly navigates, highlighting poignant moments. Sprinkled with engaging advertisements that complement the profound narratives, this podcast episode is a striking reflection on the evolution of the entertainment industry. Immerse yourself in the compelling blend of Louis-Dreyfus 's insightful interactions and Love's compelling journey in the transformative space of "Wiser Than Me."

With inflation cutting into Christmas budgets and a recession possible next year, shoppers in many countries are checking their Christmas lists twice—and crossing off a few things. But rather than ruining the holiday, experts say pulling back from consumerism can be good for you. In this article we’ll discuss some non-financial reasons to avoid holiday excess, and give some tips for focusing on what’s important to you.

Embark on a comedic journey with Bobby Lee, Andrew Santino, Carlos Herrera, and Jessie Johnson in "Bad Friends," as they regale listeners with tales from their city-hopping comedy tour and the peculiar rituals that color a comedian's life off-stage. This eclectic group unapologetically navigates the highs and lows of their profession, from unexpected scenarios involving provocative attire on dates to the whimsy of their payment methods, all while delving into personal anecdotes that dance between hilarity and the human experience.

As Halloween and Christmas nostalgia awaken quirky reflections on traditions and gifting, the "Bad Friends" explore the humorous fissures in cultural assimilation and palate preferences. Discussions sway from lighthearted teases about food to heartfelt insights on addiction and friendship, touching on the larger societal issues such as Bollywood’s colorism controversy. This episode offers more than just laughs; it's a reflection on life's oddball moments, the value of true friends, and even offers a dash of consumer delight with personal plugs for convenient deliveries and cozy undergarments.

Join the raucous merrymaking of "Bad Friends" as comedians Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino, accompanied by Rudy Jules and Jessie Johnson, celebrate Bobby's birthday in true Stardew Valley style. This episode, rife with comedic riffing and banter, takes you on a journey from the mythical considerations of Santa Claus's travels to their own globetrotting comedy tour aspirations. Delve into a world where jokes fly about famous musicians and the whimsy of birthdays meet cheeky debates on cultural traditions, all while the hosts don their best video game attire.

But "Bad Friends" isn't just about laughter; listen as the hosts adeptly switch gears, tackling historical prejudices with pointed humor and sharing poignant stories of personal growth and teacher influences. The friendship between Santino and Lee glows amidst the humor, promotions, and gifts, exposing the soft heart beneath their self-proclaimed 'bad' exterior. By the end of this laughter-packed extravaganza, you'll understand the unique charm of "Bad Friends" and the enduring, albeit hilarious, bonds they celebrate.

Embark on a journey through the emotional labyrinth of the holiday season with Leo Skepi in the latest "Aware & Aggravated" podcast episode. As festivities loom, Leo delves into the paradox that the happiest time of year can often amplify stress, anxiety, and the profound sense of loss. He explores the multifaceted emotional experiences that come with shorter days, financial strain, and navigating the intricacies of family dynamics, providing listeners with a compassionate guide to understanding why everything feels just a bit off-kilter when it should, seemingly, do the opposite.

Leo doesn't just uncover the emotional undercurrents; he also arms his audience with practical strategies for coping with the disruption of their daily routines and the inundation of societal expectations. Be it adapting to the seasonal shifts or managing financial burdens with mindful gift-giving, Leo offers a voice of reason amidst the holiday hustle. With a focus on self-care, indulgence in moderation, and finding solace in communal support or his recommended apps and tours, Leo ensures that listeners are left with a message of hope and resilience to carry them through the holiday chaos. Join him in "Aware & Aggravated" to gather the tools necessary for surviving—and perhaps even embracing—the holiday season's bitter-sweet symphony.

With inflation cutting into Christmas budgets and a recession possible next year, shoppers in many countries are checking their Christmas lists twice—and crossing off a few things. But rather than ruining the holiday, experts say pulling back from consumerism can be good for you. In this article we’ll discuss some non-financial reasons to avoid holiday excess, and give some tips for focusing on what’s important to you.

Trees live on little more than sunlight, water, and the nutrients they draw from the soil. They respond to changes in the seasons and weather even the harshest winters—but how? Recent research indicates they may be less solitary than they appear, and may in fact help each other survive the cold.

With inflation cutting into Christmas budgets and a recession possible next year, shoppers in many countries are checking their Christmas lists twice—and crossing off a few things. But rather than ruining the holiday, experts say pulling back from consumerism can be good for you. In this article we’ll discuss some non-financial reasons to avoid holiday excess, and give some tips for focusing on what’s important to you.

Are trees competitive or cooperative? In Finding the Mother Tree, ecologist Suzanne Simard delves into this question. Scientists and foresters have typically thought of trees as competing for water, sunlight, and nutrients, and they’ve favored growing marketable species while eliminating presumed competitors. However, ecologist Suzanne Simard explains in Finding the Mother Tree that trees in a forest are interconnected—they communicate and share resources through a complex underground network of fungi.

In this guide, we’ll show how Simard’s research has led to a shift in thinking about ecological relationships. We’ll explain how fungi work to connect the plant life in the forests, how “Mother Trees” take care of their communities and their offspring, and why the prevailing competition paradigm is shortsighted. Throughout, we’ll look at other research that supports or challenges Simard’s findings and discuss how this “new” paradigm of cooperation is not new at all—it’s been the prevailing model for understanding nature among indigenous peoples throughout history.

Join Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant in the eerie corridors of their latest spooky installment from "Stuff You Should Know"—an annual tribute to the haunting allure of Halloween. In "The 14th Annual Halloween Spooktacular," the hosts weave through the chilling narratives of classic ghost stories to explore the timeless human fascination with fear and the supernatural. With tales penned by H.G. Wells and J.D. Beresford, they paint a gothic scene that will have listeners examining the shadows with a sense of wary curiosity.

As they dive into these dark tales, Josh and Chuck bring each scene to life with their signature storytelling style. From "The Red Room" to "The Misanthrope," they dissect the psychological impacts of terror and solitude, engrossing listeners with their interpretations and light-hearted banter. The episode reaches unsettling peaks, exploring the grim realities revealed by twisted perception, and concludes on an ambiguous note, leaving ears tingling and imaginations sparked. Celebrate Halloween with the 'Stuff You Should Know' team—and discover why their spooky narratives continue to thrill and delight, season after spine-chilling season.

With inflation cutting into Christmas budgets and a recession possible next year, shoppers in many countries are checking their Christmas lists twice—and crossing off a few things. But rather than ruining the holiday, experts say pulling back from consumerism can be good for you. In this article we’ll discuss some non-financial reasons to avoid holiday excess, and give some tips for focusing on what’s important to you.

Have you ever felt frustrated or puzzled by the way your coworkers behave? In Surrounded by Idiots, communication expert, business consultant, and author Thomas Erikson offers a framework for understanding the people who perplex us the most.

Erikson’s framework includes four personality types, and each has a unique way of thinking, behaving, and communicating. He shows you how to navigate conflicts, sharpen your communication, and improve your relationships with your boss and colleagues—all by recognizing their personality types as well as your own.

Throughout the guide, we’ll compare Erikson’s ideas about personality to those of other personality-typing models, and we’ll add perspectives from psychologists that support or challenge his assertions. By the end, you’ll be able to more effectively communicate and collaborate with the bosses, employees, and colleagues you thought you’d never understand.

Embark on a journey through the emotional labyrinth of the holiday season with Leo Skepi in the latest "Aware & Aggravated" podcast episode. As festivities loom, Leo delves into the paradox that the happiest time of year can often amplify stress, anxiety, and the profound sense of loss. He explores the multifaceted emotional experiences that come with shorter days, financial strain, and navigating the intricacies of family dynamics, providing listeners with a compassionate guide to understanding why everything feels just a bit off-kilter when it should, seemingly, do the opposite.

Leo doesn't just uncover the emotional undercurrents; he also arms his audience with practical strategies for coping with the disruption of their daily routines and the inundation of societal expectations. Be it adapting to the seasonal shifts or managing financial burdens with mindful gift-giving, Leo offers a voice of reason amidst the holiday hustle. With a focus on self-care, indulgence in moderation, and finding solace in communal support or his recommended apps and tours, Leo ensures that listeners are left with a message of hope and resilience to carry them through the holiday chaos. Join him in "Aware & Aggravated" to gather the tools necessary for surviving—and perhaps even embracing—the holiday season's bitter-sweet symphony.