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The Psychology of Lying & The Race for Outer Space

August 25 2025
Written by Michael Carruthers.

No one likes making a fool of themselves — but it turns out, it might be one of the best things you can do for your happiness. In this opening segment, we explore how moments of public embarrassment can lead to surprising psychological benefits. It may feel awful in the moment, but research says it could actually improve your well-being in the long run. ⁠https://exploringyourmind.com/making-fool-yourself-makes-you-happier/⁠⁠

Everyone lies… but at what cost? When you’re caught in a lie, the damage goes beyond embarrassment — it can change how others see you and even how you see yourself. In this fascinating conversation, Drew Curtis, licensed psychologist and faculty member at Angelo State University, explains the psychology of lying. He’s author of ⁠Big Liars: What Psychological Science Tells Us About Lying and How You Can Avoid Being Duped (https://amzn.to/47PmsmP)⁠, and he reveals why we lie, how it affects our lives, and how to spot deception before it fools you.

The space race is no longer just between nations — now, it’s fueled by billionaires, startups, and high-stakes competition. Ashlee Vance, bestselling author of ⁠When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach (https://amzn.to/44gavDB) ⁠and feature writer at Bloomberg Businessweek, joins me to explore how private companies are transforming space exploration. Discover who’s really leading the charge — and what’s at stake as space becomes the next frontier for profit.

It sounds strange, but the bubbles in your cup of coffee might just give you a hint about the day’s forecast. In this quick and quirky segment, I explain how to read the signs in your coffee — and the science (sort of) behind it. ⁠https://www.instructables.com/Predict-weather-with-a-cup-of-coffee/

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