TMI Show Ep 172: “Decoding Coolness”

Today, on “The TMI Show” with hosts Ted Rall with Robby West filling in for Manila Chan, we’re identifying the objective standards that make people like David Bowie, Samuel L. Jackson, and Charli XCX seem effortlessly “cool.” A new study surveys 6,000 people across 12 countries, revealing six traits that define coolness: extroversion, hedonism, power, adventurousness, openness, and autonomy. Amazingly, these qualities hold up globally, across cultures, no matter your age, income, or culture. Unlike “good” people—who tend to be conforming, traditional, and warm—“cool” folks stand out for their bold, independent edge. But is coolness just a vibe? Or is there a deeper science to it? Coolness can probably be learned! Tune in as we unpack this fascinating research and explore why some people just ooze that “it” factor. Plus: Japan’s “proxy quitting” trend: A new service helps scared workers quit their jobs by doing it for them. Get ready for AI recruiters: Virtual agents now screen job candidates 24/7, but are they a game-changer or just cold and confusing? The Great Dying: New fossil research links a 252-million-year-old mass extinction to collapsing forests, a key warning for today’s climate crisis. Travis Kelce’s SNL struggle: The NFL star don’t read goodly yet still charmed audiences.