meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Something You Should Know

How Eyeglasses Changed the World & The Art of Effective Complaining

Something You Should Know

Mike Carruthers | OmniCastMedia

Education, Social Sciences, Self-improvement, Science, Health & Fitness

4.54.3K Ratings

🗓️ 19 February 2026

⏱️ 50 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

If you’re a coffee drinker, you’ve probably wondered at some point whether you’re drinking too much. Coffee gets blamed for everything from poor sleep to heart trouble — but a major long-term study tells a very different story. This episode begins with findings that may surprise (and reassure) coffee lovers. https://www.bmj.com/content/359/bmj.j5024 Eyeglasses are so common today that it’s easy to forget how revolutionary they are. Before glasses, millions of people were cut off from reading, learning, working, and fully participating in society. The invention of eyeglasses didn’t just improve vision — it reshaped education, labor, science, and culture. David King Dunaway joins me to tell this surprisingly underappreciated story. He’s a professor of English at the University of New Mexico and the University of São Paulo, and author of A Four-Eyed World: How Glasses Changed the Way We See (https://amzn.to/46nqL9y). David’s website is here: https://afoureyedworld.com/ Most people avoid complaining — it feels awkward, time-consuming, or not worth the effort. But when you don’t complain, you often end up paying for mistakes that aren’t yours. When done the right way, complaining can be effective, respectful, and surprisingly rewarding. Eric Zse explains when to speak up, what to say, and how to get results without being rude or angry. He’s author of The Art of the Constructive Complaint: How to Speak Up, Get Heard, and Turn Everyday Frustrations into Fair Outcomes (https://amzn.to/45Sdi9L). And finally — have you ever walked into another room and instantly forgotten why you went there? It happens to almost everyone, and it has a name: the doorway effect. We wrap up with the fascinating reason this happens — and why it has nothing to do with memory loss or aging. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21563019/) PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS QUINCE: Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Go to ⁠https://Quince.dom/sysk ⁠for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! HIMS: For simple, online access to personalized and affordable care for Hair Loss, ED, Weight Loss, and more, visit ⁠https://Hims.com/SOMETHING⁠ for your free online visit!  SHOPIFY: Sign up for your $1 per month trail and start selling today at ⁠⁠https://Shopify.com/sysk⁠⁠ DELL: Dell Tech Days are here. Enjoy huge deals on PCs like the Dell 14 Plus with Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Visit ⁠https://Dell.com/deals⁠ PLANET VISIONARIES: We love the Planet Visionaries podcast, so listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you're listening to this podcast! In partnership with The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

I know you like interesting and thought-provoking conversations and ideas because you listen to something you should know.

0:08.8

So let me recommend another podcast I know you will enjoy. It's the Jordan Harbinger Show.

0:15.2

Jordan has a real talent for getting his guests to share stories and offer thought-provoking insights.

0:21.6

Over the years, I've sent a lot of people to listen, and I get feedback from people who are so glad I introduce them to the Jordan Harbinger Show.

0:29.7

Recently, he discussed Scientology and the children who are raised in that organization.

0:35.6

It's a fascinating conversation, and he talked with Dr. Rhonda Patrick

0:39.5

about how to protect your mind and body from the modern world. And it's tougher than you think.

0:46.0

I've gotten to know Jordan pretty well. We talk frequently, and I tell you, he is a very smart,

0:51.1

insightful guy who does a hell of a podcast.

0:59.9

Check out the Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

1:10.1

Today on something you should know, if you worry you drink too much coffee, I'm going to tell you why you probably don't.

1:10.9

Then the amazing history of eyeglasses, and how buying them today is different than it

1:16.4

used to be.

1:17.7

They were sold by eyeglass peddlers out of a box, and you told the peddler how old you

1:25.4

were, and he then gave you what he thought would be the right

1:29.8

kind of glasses.

1:32.0

Also, ever walk into a room and forget why?

1:34.8

I'll explain why that happens.

1:36.9

And the fine art of complaining from someone with a very high batting average of success.

1:43.1

It's pretty high. It's north of 50%.

1:46.0

I have had complete meals replaced,

1:49.0

experiences compensated so I could, you know,

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Mike Carruthers | OmniCastMedia, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Mike Carruthers | OmniCastMedia and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.