Something You Should Know Episode: The Mysteries of Your Subconscious Mind & Is An Electric Car in Your Future?
Host: Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media
Release Date: February 17, 2025

In this enlightening episode of Something You Should Know, host Mike Carruthers delves into two captivating topics: the intricate workings of the subconscious mind and the future of electric vehicles (EVs). Through insightful interviews with experts Alan J. Hamilton and Mike Colias, listeners gain a deeper understanding of both the human brain and the evolving automotive landscape.

1. Emergency Response: What Not to Do in a Medical Crisis

The episode kicks off with crucial advice on handling medical emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes. Drawing from a recent Daily Mail article, Mike Carruthers emphasizes the importance of timely and appropriate actions:

• Avoid Delays: “Don’t get your phone out and call a friend or a loved one or Google the symptoms or plug it into ChatGPT. All of that wastes time.” [00:41]

• Immediate Action: In the event of a heart attack, “call 911 if you are having an emergency, don't drive yourself to the hospital.” [01:02]

• Professional Assistance: “First responders know that and can make sure you go to the right place.” [01:15]

Carruthers underscores the significance of calling an ambulance promptly and ensuring that both the patient and accompanying loved ones have their cell phones accessible for vital contact information.

2. Understanding the Subconscious Mind

Guest: Dr. Alan J. Hamilton, Brain Surgeon and Author of Cerebral Entanglements: How the Brain Shapes Our Public and Private Lives
Timestamp: [05:37]

Dr. Alan J. Hamilton provides a profound exploration of the subconscious mind, highlighting its vast capacity compared to our conscious awareness.

a. The Scale of the Subconscious

“The conscious world is so small in our brain compared to the subconscious world.” [05:53]
Hamilton explains that while our conscious mind operates at about 200 bits of information per second, the subconscious handles an astonishing 11 million bits every second. This immense processing power filters and prioritizes the sensory information we receive, allowing us to function seamlessly without being overwhelmed.

b. Oxytocin and Human Relationships

Oxytocin, a hormone traditionally associated with childbirth and lactation, plays a pivotal role in bonding and trust:

• “Couples that have very high oxytocin levels have very successful marriages.” [13:35]

Hamilton discusses experiments where administering oxytocin via nasal spray increased trust and cooperation among participants. He emphasizes that natural methods, such as human contact and affectionate gestures, are effective in boosting oxytocin levels, fostering stronger relationships.

c. The Psychopathic Brain

Psychopaths exhibit distinct differences in their brain structures:

• “Psychopaths…their amygdalas don't work. They're not scared of being caught.” [00:15]

Hamilton elaborates on the dysfunctions in the amygdala and the unsunate fasciculus in psychopaths, explaining how these impairments result in a lack of fear and reduced impulse control, which contribute to their antisocial behaviors.

d. The Healing Power of Laughter

Laughter is more than just a social activity; it has tangible health benefits:

• “The blood from the people who watched funny movies was three times more effective at killing Staph aureus bacteria than the group that had been watching the scary movie.” [22:30]

Hamilton recounts the story of Norman Cousins, who used laughter as part of his treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, leading to significant pain alleviation and extended lifespan. He highlights that laughter releases beneficial hormones like endogenous opioids and oxytocin, strengthening the immune system and enhancing overall well-being.

3. The Future of Electric Vehicles

Guest: Mike Colias, Wall Street Journal Reporter and Author of Inside the Messy Unstoppable Transition to Electric Vehicles
Timestamp: [29:00]

Mike Colias offers a thorough analysis of the current state and future prospects of electric vehicles, addressing why EVs are poised to become ubiquitous despite existing challenges.

a. Current Market Landscape

• Low Adoption Rate: “In 2024 it was less than 1%. Now, of new car registrations, electric vehicles represent somewhere between 7 and 9%.” [29:00]

• China’s Dominance: “China made sort of this deliberate bet on the EV a decade or two ago and it's paying off now.” [31:54]

Colias points out that while EVs currently constitute a small fraction of total vehicles on the road, China's strategic investment and government incentives have significantly accelerated EV adoption, positioning China as a global leader in the market.

b. Challenges Facing EV Adoption

• Cost Barriers: EVs remain more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts due to high battery costs. “The price has come down, but battery chemistries haven’t improved fast enough.” [36:50]

• Charging Infrastructure: “20 times more fast chargers in China than in the US.” [45:25]

Colias discusses the logistical hurdles of charging, such as the time required to recharge compared to refueling gas cars. He notes that while home charging is prevalent, public charging infrastructure, especially fast chargers along highways, is still underdeveloped in the US.

c. Misjudged Demand and Market Response

• Overestimated Early Demand: “American carmakers overestimated the number of people who would be ready to make the leap now.” [48:08]

Colias explains that traditional automakers may have been premature in their aggressive shift to EVs, leading to financial strains as sales did not meet expectations. The US market's slower adoption rate contrasts sharply with China's rapid growth, causing a financial dilemma for established car manufacturers.

d. Consumer Experience and Future Outlook

• Positive Owner Feedback: “80% or more of Tesla owners would go buy another Tesla.” [49:31]

Despite challenges, Colias highlights that EV owners generally report high satisfaction, suggesting strong potential for sustained growth. The evolving driving experience, characterized by quietness, speed, and modern features, continues to attract new buyers.

4. Personal Style: Dress for Success

In addition to the main topics, Mike Carruthers shares valuable tips on personal style for men aspiring to success, referencing advice from Men’s Health magazine:

1. Wear a Tie When Asking for Money: “If money is involved, there should be a tie around your neck.” [52:56]

2. The Rule of Shoes: “Black is basic, but black is boring… if you're wearing gray, blue, tan, or brown shoes will make the look more sophisticated.” [53:16]

3. Matching Lapels and Ties: “Thin with thin, thick with thick.” [53:37]

4. Proactive Haircuts: “Get a haircut before you need one.” [53:43]

5. Consistency Over Variety: “It's more important to look good every day than to look different every day.” [53:49]

Carruthers emphasizes that a polished and consistent appearance can significantly impact one's professional image and opportunities.

Conclusion

This episode of Something You Should Know offers a rich tapestry of knowledge, intertwining neuroscience with practical advice on personal health and the future of automotive technology. Dr. Alan J. Hamilton's insights into the subconscious mind reveal the hidden layers of human behavior and relationships, while Mike Colias provides a critical examination of the electric vehicle industry's trajectory. Complemented by practical style tips, listeners walk away with a multifaceted understanding of both their inner workings and the external world.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan J. Hamilton: “The conscious world is so small in our brain compared to the subconscious world.” [05:53]

• Mike Colias: “80% or more of Tesla owners would go buy another Tesla.” [49:31]

• Mike Carruthers: “If money is involved, there should be a tie around your neck.” [52:56]

Resources Mentioned:

• Cerebral Entanglements: How the Brain Shapes Our Public and Private Lives by Alan J. Hamilton
• Inside the Messy Unstoppable Transition to Electric Vehicles by Mike Colias

For more detailed insights and expert interviews, tune into future episodes of Something You Should Know with Mike Carruthers.