Podcast Summary: "Something You Should Know"
Episode: How You CAN Change Other People & Some Interesting Science Explained
Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of "Something You Should Know," host Mike Carruthers delves into two primary topics: the art and science of influencing others positively and intriguing scientific explanations behind everyday phenomena. The episode features insightful conversations with Peter Bregman, a renowned consultant and author, and Dr. Joe Schwartz, Director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society. Skipping over promotional segments, the episode offers valuable wisdom and scientific clarity to empower listeners in both personal interactions and their understanding of the world.

Section 1: Changing Other People with Peter Bregman

Timestamp: [01:47] – [29:35]

Guest: Peter Bregman
Expertise: Consultant, Coach, Author of "You Can Change Other People"

Key Discussions:

1. Challenging the Common Belief:

   • Peter Bregman begins by addressing the prevalent notion that individuals cannot change others. He asserts, "You can change other people. It's just that the way we try to change other people doesn't work because we're doing and saying the wrong things and we're actually creating resistance" ([06:48]).
   • Emphasizes that while people resist being changed, they are open to change when approached correctly.

2. Four-Step Process to Facilitate Change:

   • Shift from Critic to Ally:
     • Instead of criticizing, engage empathetically. For example, when confronted with his daughter eating excessive cookies, Peter chose empathy over criticism: "I totally get you eating a plate full of cookies at 4 AM when you're exhausted" ([08:31]).
   • Identify an Energizing Outcome:
     • Focus on positive goals rather than merely eliminating negative behaviors. Peter explains turning weight loss into aspiring to be a better athlete: "I want to act and be an athlete as opposed to I want to stop eating sugar" ([10:15]).
   • Uncover Hidden Opportunities:
     • Recognize underlying needs driving undesirable behaviors. In his example, excessive sugar intake signaled a need for rest ([12:45]).
   • Create an Action Plan:
     • Develop experimental plans that encourage gradual change without pressure. Peter emphasizes the importance of viewing these plans as experiments: "It's an experiment. I don't know if it's going to work or not. I just care that you're going to follow through on something that looks a little different" ([14:00]).

3. Maintaining Momentum and Respecting Autonomy:

   • Acknowledges that change is often incremental and requires ongoing support. "If permission is not granted, that's pretty much the end of that" ([11:07]).
   • Highlights the importance of respecting the other person's control over their own change process: "It's her change, it's her choice" ([15:25]).

4. Applying the Process in Various Relationships:

   • Discusses different scenarios, including professional environments, where setting clear boundaries and expectations can facilitate change without coercion.
   • Shares insights from leaders like Alan Mulally, who successfully transformed teams by establishing clear standards while allowing individual autonomy ([21:40]).

Notable Quotes:

• "People don't resist change, they resist being changed." – Peter Bregman ([06:48])
• "It's not about manipulating people. It is ultimately about them." – Peter Bregman ([07:32])
• "Change is one thing. Boundaries and consequences for how you operate as a team is another." – Peter Bregman ([21:40])

Section 2: Interesting Science Explained with Dr. Joe Schwartz

Timestamp: [31:31] – [49:08]

Guest: Dr. Joe Schwartz
Expertise: Director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society, Author of "Superfoods, Silkworms, and Science and Pseudoscience in Everyday Life"

Key Discussions:

1. Debunking the “Superfood” Myth:

   • Dr. Joe Schwartz critiques the term "superfood," arguing that no single food inherently possesses miraculous health benefits. "No food really merits being labeled as an angel or a devil...it's possible to eat blueberries every day and still have a terrible diet" ([32:37]).
   • Emphasizes the importance of an overall healthy diet over focusing on specific "super" foods.

2. Bio-Based and Biodegradable Fuels:

   • Explains the difference between bio-based fuels and biodegradable substances.
   • Bio-Based Fuels: Derived from renewable resources like corn or canola, useful as alternatives to fossil fuels. "Gasoline can have up to 10% ethanol content...that ethanol can come from corn because the glucose in corn can be fermented to produce alcohol" ([35:46]).
   • Biodegradable Plastics: Highlights that while certain plastics are labeled biodegradable, they often only break down under industrial conditions. Personal experiments show that these plastics do not degrade naturally in typical environments: "I've left it out in my backyard for two years...it has not degraded at all" ([38:00]).

3. Understanding the “Old Book” Smell:

   • Describes the chemical processes that produce the distinctive odor of old books. "Smells originate from the breakdown of cellulose and the infusion of fungi" attributed to moisture and microbial activity ([40:14]).

4. The Science Behind Duct Tape:

   • Traces the origin of duct tape during WWII and its evolution. "Originally made with a backing of a rubber adhesive and some polyethylene that made it waterproof" ([41:14]).
   • Highlights its versatility and historical significance, such as its use in saving the Apollo 13 astronauts ([42:30]).

5. PFAS – Perfluoroalkyl Substances:

   • PFAS are a group of chemicals known for their water and oil-resistant properties, used in various products like rain gear and firefighting foams. "The carbon-fluorine bond is very strong, making them non-biodegradable and persistent in the environment" ([43:27]).
   • Discusses the health implications and environmental challenges posed by PFAS, emphasizing that their widespread use leads to environmental contamination: "They are present in our urine and our blood," but presence does not automatically equate to risk ([45:00]).
   • Addresses common misconceptions about carcinogens in everyday items like coffee, clarifying that exposure levels and overall diet context matter significantly ([48:30]).

Notable Quotes:

• "You are constructed of the food that you eat." – Dr. Joe Schwartz ([32:37])
• "Biodegradable plastics are biodegradable under ideal conditions, which usually means some sort of industrial commercial composting facility." – Dr. Joe Schwartz ([38:00])
• "The presence of a chemical cannot be equated to the presence of risk." – Dr. Joe Schwartz ([43:27])
• "If coffee did cause cancer, we would know because there's enough coffee consumed by enough people around the world that this would reveal itself epidemiologically." – Dr. Joe Schwartz ([49:08])

Conclusion

In this episode, Mike Carruthers successfully bridges the gap between personal development and scientific literacy. Through Peter Bregman’s expertise, listeners gain actionable strategies to influence positive change in others without fostering resistance. Simultaneously, Dr. Joe Schwartz demystifies complex scientific concepts, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of everyday phenomena and challenging widespread misconceptions. Whether it's improving interpersonal relationships or making informed decisions about health and the environment, this episode equips listeners with knowledge and tools to enhance their lives meaningfully.

For more insights and detailed discussions, be sure to listen to the full episode of "Something You Should Know."