Infotrak

Ever wondered why some people command attention effortlessly while others struggle to be heard? Valerie Geller, communications expert, media consultant, author of "Beyond Powerful Radio: An Audio Communicator’s Guide to the Digital World," explains why powerful speaking begins with authenticity and truth-telling.

Do you secretly struggle with depression and emotional distress? We'll get some wise advice from Judith Joseph, MD, psychiatrist, author “High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy.”

Did you know your office building could be polluting the environment more than the cars driving past it? Brandon Boor, PhD, Associate Professor in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering at Purdue University, challenges our traditional understanding of urban air pollution, revealing that buildings are significant emitters of volatile organic compounds, from cleaning products, building materials, and other sources--even more than emissions from cars and industry.

Alex Gailey, Data Analyst at BankRate.com shares the results of a survey that found that people who learned about money as children are nearly twice as likely to secure pay raises as adults. She suggests that parents normalize financial discussions using practical tools like piggy banks and real-world examples to teach their kids about money.

AI expert Amanda Caswell from Tom's Guide tackles the crucial question of privacy in our interactions with AI chatbots. While these digital assistants have become increasingly helpful in our daily lives, sharing personal information with them comes with hidden risks. She explains how to build a safer, more mindful relationship with AI chatbots while maximizing their benefits.

Did you know there's a hidden factor called "experience capital" that could be the key to unlocking women's career advancement? Kweilin Ellingrud, Director of the McKinsey Global Institute and leader of Diversity and Inclusion for McKinsey globally, author of "The Broken Rung: When the Career Ladder Breaks for Women--and How They Can Succeed in Spite of It," reveals groundbreaking insights on how women can overcome the "motherhood penalty" and accelerate their professional growth.

Drunk driving continues as ongoing public health crisis in the US, but a groundbreaking federal law passed in 2021 mandates all new vehicles to be equipped with a high-tech solution. Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), says the new passive detection systems could save over 10,000 lives annually. She also highlights ways to support MADD, such as donating, volunteering, and becoming an advocate to raise awareness and push for better laws to prevent impaired driving.

New research reveals widespread public concern over energy drink consumption among children, with unclear caffeine labeling adding to the worry. Aaron Staples, PhD, Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, says more awareness and a collaborative effort from beverage companies, schools, and parents is needed to address this issue effectively.

While you might think trees would naturally migrate to more favorable conditions, Katie Nigro, PhD, Colorado State University graduate student, led a study that found that many of the dominant tree species in the Western US are struggling to keep pace with rapid climate change. She explained why saving our forests requires more than just letting nature take its course.

An Ohio State University study found that generic drugs made in India have a 54% higher rate of severe adverse events compared to those made in the United States. John Gray, PhD, Professor of Operations at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, says cost-cutting pressures play a major role in the problem. He'll outline the questions that consumers should ask doctors and pharmacies.

Did you know that most high school athletes are getting their nutrition completely wrong? Jennifer B. Fields, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutritional Science in the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, reveals shocking gaps in nutritional knowledge among young athletes, and what parents should know.

Can ancient fire management practices save our modern forests? Chris Guiterman, PhD, Research Scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, and member of NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information paleoclimate team, explains how our past approach to wildfire management has inadvertently created more dangerous forest conditions today.

Did you know that over 80% of 65-year-olds will need long-term care, yet most severely underestimate these costs? Gal Wettstein, PhD, Senior Research Economist at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, reveals alarming findings about retirees' healthcare cost misconceptions. He discusses how many older adults are dangerously unprepared for their future healthcare expenses, particularly when it comes to long-term care needs.

Do you trust AI? Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos, PhD, Research Fellow in Human and Artificial Cognition at the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning at the University of South Australia unveils groundbreaking research on how humans trust artificial intelligence. The study shows a clear pattern: we're comfortable letting AI recommend our next Netflix binge but hesitate when it comes to life-changing decisions.

Did you know that continuing to work after retirement age could actually boost your well-being? Jeffrey Kullgren, MD, MPH, MS, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan, reveals how employment beyond 65 can keep your brain sharp, maintain vital social connections, and contribute to overall health.

Black home ownership rate significantly lower than the national average. Linda Bell, a home equity analyst at Bankrate.com, explains what challenges remain more than 50 years after the Fair Housing Act, and what can be done to fix the problems.

A small fraction of US cardiologists are women, yet many women prefer seeing female doctors. Can this lead to inadequate heart health care for female patients? Jane Lombard, MD, medical director of the Women’s Heart Center at El Camino Health, a nonprofit healthcare system based in Silicon Valley, CA discussed the reasons behind the problem, and how women can recognize issues with their own heart health.

Could blocking your phone's internet access make you happier? New research explains how unplugging can help reclaim your attention and boost your happiness, according to Adrian Ward, Associate Professor of Marketing at the McCombs School of Business at University of Texas at Austin.

More than half of American workers are dealing with a chronic health condition, yet many feel the need to keep it secret from their employer due to negative career effects. Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, President and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on improving public health, explains how businesses can better support workers’ health management.

Your personal data is being bought and sold. Is there anything you can do about it? R.J. Cross, Don’t Sell My Data Campaign Director at the Public Interest Research Group (US-PIRG) Education Fund, encourages listeners to stay informed, and to take immediate steps like limiting web cookies and being selective about app permissions to better safeguard their personal information.