Do you really know?

If you’re asking yourself whether cracking your knuckles is a bad thing, we'll take it as a given that you do crack your knuckles. You’ve probably also been told at some point that doing so will give you arthritis, most likely by someone already annoyed at you doing it! So, just how seriously should you be taking the know-it-alls? As you’re probably aware, many people find the noise pretty off-putting, or just downright annoying. But many people say they get a physical release from cracking their joints, leading to a feeling of looseness and a brief increase in mobility. Although a lot of the time, it’s simply an unconscious habit. Why is knuckle cracking so satisfying? Where does the noise come from? Is it harmful in the long run? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠Do tongue scrapers actually help with bad breath?⁠ ⁠Do our brains really tell the whole story about us?⁠ ⁠How can heatwaves impact our mental health?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast : 06/11/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Pew Research Center survey from August 2023 found that 52% of respondents were more concerned than excited about AI in daily life, compared with just 10% who felt the opposite. It’s not surprising really when you think about it; after all, things that we don’t understand tend to both fascinate and frighten in equal measure. It’s only very recently that AI has started becoming part of many people’s everyday lives, and it’s still hard to predict its full impact in the future. The growing unease around artificial intelligence is known as AI anxiety, and that’s a term we’re only going to hear more and more about in years to come. What exactly is AI anxiety? Why does that prospect worry so many people? How can I best manage my AI anxiety? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠How to protect your art from AI exploitation?⁠ ⁠Will AI steal my job?⁠ ⁠Could AI ever be able to offer therapy?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 1/1/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Numerous archaeological findings have suggested that dogs were the first animals to be domesticated by humans over 20,000 years ago. So it’s little surprise that in this day and age, 29% of UK adults own a dog. That’s according to 2023 data from vet charity PDSA. If you have a dog, you may have been told that you share physical characteristics with it, a sort of family resemblance if you like. Well, as it turns out, this popular belief might be more than just a myth. Is there any scientific evidence behind that ? But how does this all add up ? What about other types of pet animals ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠How can I free myself from negative thoughts?⁠ ⁠Is intermittent fasting good for your health?⁠ ⁠Why do our fingers wrinkle in water?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcasting 22 of march 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For most 18-24 year olds, generative AI is already part of daily life. Research, emails, translations, summaries - AI is everywhere. Its possibilities feel endless, limited only by our imagination. But with that comes a growing skepticism, especially in schools and workplaces: “Was this really written by a person?” “Did ChatGPT write that assignment?” The good news is, there are clues that can tip you off. What are these clues? But are there tools to detect generated text? But how do these tools work? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Will ChatGPT replace Google? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How much CO2 does a search on ChatGPT emit? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Which jobs are most under threat from artificial intelligence? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 6th, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released a 96-word statement in which he referred to “climate breakdown” having begun. It was in response to a report from the World Meteorological Organization, which highlighted the impact of record-breaking heatwaves across the globe this summer. June, July, and August 2023 are the hottest three-month period ever recorded. The WMO says that the increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves we’re experiencing are causing air quality to decline, impacting human health. What’s the definition of “climate breakdown”? Was this summer expected to be so hot? Is there any way back? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠How can I beat Monday morning syndrome?⁠ ⁠What is cookie jarring in the dating world?⁠ ⁠How can I beat my work addiction ?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 13/9/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's back to school! DYRK is dedicating a special week to sport. Because moving and doing regular physical activity is important for our physical and mental health! Listen again to our episodes about sport! It's well known that we should all be doing half an hour of moderate physical activity every day. But sometimes our busy lifestyles make it difficult finding thirty consecutive minutes to do exercise. Sure, you could get up extra early in the morning, cut your lunch break short, or dig deep to find the needed energy and motivation for a post-work gym session. But a bitesized method called exercise snacking may be a simpler option when it comes to hitting your daily quota. Now obviously we're not talking about sweet or savoury snacks here; rather separating exercise into smaller chunks which are spread throughout the day. Is that really comparable to doing a full workout in one go? How can I adapt my day to fit in exercise snacking? ⁠In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !⁠ To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠Will Star Wars: Andor live up to the hype?⁠ ⁠Why were the queen’s bees told of her death?⁠ ⁠Do I have poor blood circulation?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 6/9/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a scene that plays out in millions of homes across the world every day. There’s a sense of anticipation as the lights go out, only for the room to be lit up by candles as a friend or family member brings in a yummy-looking birthday cake. Guests start singing more or less in unison, more in less in tune, depending on how much alcohol has been consumed, and the birthday girl or boy politely waits until they finish before blowing the candles out. When did the tradition start out? Why do we make a wish when we blow out the candles? Can blowing candles out over a cake spread germs? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠How can I spot a liar?⁠ ⁠What are yellow flags in dating?⁠ ⁠Is the five second rule a real thing?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 18/5/2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The idea of a broken heart may make you think of a cartoon, an emoji or a bad break-up from your past. But broken heart syndrome is a real physical condition, which is also known as Tako-tsubo. Good guess but just wide of the mark. Tako-tsubo syndrome was described for the first time in Japan, at the start of the 1990s. Researchers in the western world didn’t acknowledge the condition until several years later, towards the end of the decade. The name is Japanese because that’s where the first case was recorded? How can we recognise the symptoms? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Could hot rodent men be the new male ideal?⁠ ⁠Why are mini animals so popular?⁠ ⁠Why does walking through doorways make us forget things?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 10/5/2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stealth wealth or quiet luxury as it is sometimes known is the practice of concealing one's wealth or not flaunting one's money or possessions, but rather keeping them private and discreet. It’s the kind of luxury that keeps a low profile and doesn't try to stand out with big logos or loud statement pieces. But that does not mean people don’t know you are wealthy, at least some people do. Look at the successful show ‘Succession’ where the uber rich wear logo-free, exquisitely tailored clothes that fool no one as to their price tag. Why do some people choose to be stealthy? Does stealth wealth mean living below your means? Is stealth wealth or quiet luxury for everyone? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : ⁠What is Neo-Luddism, the growing anti-technology movement?⁠ ⁠Why is Camilla becoming queen and not queen consort?⁠ ⁠What is Extinction Rebellion ?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast.A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast : 9/5/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sex can certainly make us work up a sweat; but is it enough to cancel out that burger and fries you got from McDonald’s at lunchtime? Well if you were thinking about quitting the gym in favour of sex-ercise, you may want to reconsider. Sex doesn’t actually burn as many calories as you might think. How many are we talking then? Does the position make a difference? If it’s not that intense, then why do we sweat so much? Are there any health risks to sex, like with other forms of exercise?To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why should you pee after having sex? What's the best time of day to have sex? ⁠⁠Does sex help us to sleep better?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The brain plays a central role in desire, arousal, and sexual pleasure, but we don’t always realize just how much it influences our sex lives. While hormones and physical attraction are important, it’s the brain that processes emotions, triggers pleasure, and coordinates physical responses. According to neuroscientists, every part of the brain is involved in sexuality. The hypothalamus regulates hormones, the amygdala processes emotions, and the prefrontal cortex influences decision-making and inhibition. When you meet someone and feel attracted to them, your brain releases a surge of dopamine, serotonin, and testosterone, creating feelings of pleasure and desire. What happens in the brain during an orgasm? How do stress and emotions impact libido? And why is mental well-being so important for a fulfilling sex life? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, you can click here: ⁠Could AI ever be able to offer therapy?⁠ ⁠Do we have sex often enough?⁠ ⁠What foods accelerate ageing?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance First Broadcast: 4/2/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody loves a rags-to-riches story, but the reality is social mobility is far from easy. Class-passers are those who manage to successfully improve their status and navigate their new life as part of a higher socioeconomic group. To understand class-passing, let’s first discuss the idea of social classes. Within our societies, people are divided according to factors like their family background, education, wealth, occupation and income. Most commonly these categories are described as the lower, middle and upper classes. A person’s life path and opportunities are often defined by their social background. For example, just 26% of poorer school pupils in the UK went on to higher education in 2017, compared to 44% among their better-off peers. Is there a surefire way to climb the social ladder? Or do I just need to hope for a lucky break? Shouldn’t class-passers be proud to have made it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Is it bad to drink water with a meal?⁠ ⁠Are Skyr yoghurts really good for you?⁠ ⁠Why is physical contact important for our health?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast : 11/3/2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If there’s one trait nobody wants to claim, it’s stinginess. But being stingy isn’t about how much money you have. Take Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA—despite his fortune, he lived modestly and even shopped at flea markets. For him, frugality was a habit, not an obsession. But when caution with money turns into an all-consuming need to save at all costs, it can impact not just your finances, but also your relationships. Stingy people rarely see themselves that way. They often think they’re just being thrifty. But there’s a fine line between being mindful of spending and being a miser. Ebenezer Scrooge, for example, didn’t just save—his miserliness defined him, isolating him from others. Psychological factors, from childhood experiences to low self-esteem, can play a role in developing stingy habits. So how do you know if you’ve crossed the line? What are the root causes of stinginess? And can you change if you realize you’re one of them? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠Which conspiracy theories were actually true?⁠ ⁠Are twins really telepathic ?⁠ ⁠Is eating fish still good for you?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue First Broadcast: 19/3/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever noticed that you tend to have your best ideas in the shower? If so, you’re not alone! A 2014 study conducted by cognitive psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman found that 72% of people get creative ideas while showering. So it’s really not a coincidence. Science has shown that taking a shower is actually a perfect combination of a few factors which allow for optimal creativity. Struggling to solve a particularly complicated problem at work or in your studies? Need to come up with the perfect Christmas gift idea, or plan an event? Try jumping in the shower; you’d be surprised how often it’s more effective than continuing to grind away or hoping for a flash of inspiration. How can taking a shower boost creativity? Do hormones have anything to do with it? Does this state of mind have a name? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠What is bae-realing, the new dating trend?⁠ ⁠Why are Christmas adverts so moving?⁠ ⁠Could Mastodon replace Twitter?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 4/12/22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it's a matter of courtesy or preventing the spread of germs, it's not uncommon for people to hold back a sneeze. When this happens, the intercostal muscles contract strongly, but without the release of air if the nose is pinched or the mouth is closed. However, sneezing is a natural bodily reflex designed to expel dust, microbes, or any other irritating substances from the nasal cavity. Our respiratory system comes equipped with a filter lining the airways. Dust and allergens, for instance, are wrapped in mucus and propelled by vibratile cilia. Sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose helps expel this mixture, effectively cleansing the respiratory passages. So are you saying that sneezing is important? What kind of consequences are we talking about? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What's the best way to choose my toothpaste?⁠ ⁠Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet?⁠ ⁠ How did flat Earth conspiracy theory start?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 9/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meditation is often sighted as a great way to relax, reduce stress and help us focus, but it can be difficult for lots of people to do in the traditional sense. However, meditation can be achieved without ever sitting down cross legged and focusing on your breathing. “The whole idea with mindfulness is training your brain, you can do this just as well by being intentionally mindful throughout the day. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way, and it’s important to do practices that resonate with you.” says Joy Rains, a mindfulness practitioner and author for the Guardian. What is mindfulness? How do I achieve mindfulness? What other activities are good for meditation? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What does my urine colour say about my health?⁠ ⁠Is looking older a bad thing?⁠ ⁠What is a Saturn return in astrology?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 7/3/2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is flexitarianism? Thanks for asking! Flexitarianism is a portmanteau word combining flexible and vegetarianism. It’s a mostly vegetarian way of eating which nevertheless allows for occasional meat dishes. The aim is to reduce red meat and animal protein consumption, replacing them with high-protein plant foods.This type of diet is becoming increasingly common, and the word flexitarian was added to the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary in 2012. So if I understand correctly, being flexitarian is basically being a part-time vegetarian. That’s more or less right. Many people try flexitarianism as preparation for going full veggie. It makes the transition easier, without making you feel like you’re going cold turkey. All foods are allowed. Fruit, vegetables, cereal, dairy products and fats can be eaten every day, along with an occasional serving of meat or fish, when there’s no plant-based alternative. Flexitarians don’t only limit the quantity of meat in their diet. On the occasions they do eat meat, they also pay close attention to where products come from. They may choose to only consume meat and produce that has come from an organic farm, where animals are raised free-range. Sustainability is a key concern, as meat production has a high carbon footprint. It’s estimated that livestock is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions. More and more people are avoiding meat, in order to eat more responsibly. But I’ve been eating meat all my life. How am I supposed to know how to cook and eat all these plant-based products? ⁠In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!⁠ To listen the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What is a super-spreader?⁠ ⁠What is fan fiction? ⁠ ⁠What is an authoritarian regime?⁠ See ⁠acast.com/privacy⁠ for privacy and opt-out information. First Broadcast: 5/9/2020 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah, the G-spot... An often cited but frequently elusive erogenous zone which has a reputation of being able to unlock intense female orgasms if you know how to stimulate it the right way. The G-spot was first discovered by German gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg - hence the G part of the name - back in 1950. But the term was only coined in his honour in the 1980s, by a group of researchers who were writing about female ejaculation and popularised Grafenberg’s findings in a book. Gräfenberg attributed three main functions to this hotspot: generating pleasurable sensations, causing swelling, and sometimes leading to female ejaculation. Where is the G-spot said to be located? Is this area really a magic button for intense orgasms? What’s the best way to stimulate the G-spot? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠How do I know if I'm addicted to sex?⁠ ⁠What is King Charles’ role in the Church of England?⁠ Where does our phobia of clowns come from? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 10/5/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we think of those who have high blood sugar, we tend to think of people with diabetes, as they often have to monitor their levels and sometimes undergo insulin treatment. But actually everybody can have blood sugar spikes, and many of us do without even realising. These occur when a simple sugar called glucose builds up in the blood. This is known as hyperglycemia. High blood sugar can make your mouth dry, make you feel thirsty, give you blurred vision and make you need to pee often. Overconsumption, particularly of added sugar, can lead to a calorie surplus, and therefore result in weight gain. Being overweight can in turn lead to other health issues, like heart disease and other problems. Consuming too much sugar can also damage your teeth. Do I need to be cutting sugar out of my diet completely then? What can I do about it then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Can you train your brain like a muscle?⁠ ⁠How often should you wash your jeans?⁠ ⁠Should I walk 10000 steps a day?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. First broadcast: 31/8/22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some theories in evolutionary psychology propose that men are better at spatial navigation than women due to evolutionary factors. In prehistoric times, men, as hunters, traversed long distances, while women stayed closer to the home. This difference supposedly led to natural selection favouring genes in men associated with better spatial navigation skills. However, these theories have been widely challenged, in particular by British philosopher Cordelia Fine. Back in 2010 she published a book entitled Delusions of Gender: How Our Minds, Society, and Neurosexism Create Difference. Why has the misconception around spatial navigation persisted? Does education have anything to do with it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What is benevolent sexism?⁠ ⁠What are the best techniques for giving oral sex to a woman?⁠ ⁠What is deep ecology?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 20/1/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might be the kind of person that meticulously fills your fridge with your groceries ensuring that every item is in the correct spot or perhaps you just shove them in wherever there is space but there is actual science behind how to best fill your fridge to keep things fresh and avoid waste. But everything you thought you knew may no longer be valid as the UK food authority has just updated its advice on a number of foodstuffs and where they should be stored so it might be time to refresh your fridge organisation. The most significant change is regarding potatoes. For as long as I can remember the advice regarding raw potatoes was to store them in a cool dry place but not the fridge. This was to stop something called “cold sweetening”, from happening. What has changed when it comes to storing food? What else should I know about storing food? What should not be refrigerated? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠How much do surrogate mothers get paid?⁠ ⁠What is the Barnum effect?⁠ ⁠How to spot, prevent and treat heatstroke ?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 04/04/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend over a third of our lives sleeping. It allows our mind and body to recharge, which is vital for a number of reasons. It helps our immune system to ward off diseases, and the brain to function properly. And yet as many as 16 million adults in the UK suffer from sleepless nights, according to estimates from the Office for National Statistics. You may have noticed that your own optimal sleep duration is different from that of other people you know well, like family members or friends. But some things are common to all of us, like the regularity and quality of sleep in particular, which are very important pillars in reaping the benefits of good sleep. What are the health risks if you don’t sleep enough? What’s the minimal advised length of sleep? Why do some people need more sleep than others then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : ⁠Why is Camilla becoming queen and not queen consort?⁠ ⁠What is Extinction Rebellion ?⁠ ⁠Could I save more money by cash stuffing?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast.A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 8/5/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In French, when someone is beautiful, you can say they’re ‘canon’. The word itself means a general law, rule, princely or criteria by which something is judged, but when it comes to beauty it is simply means model that we elevate to the level of perfection. Except that this model has changed a lot over the centuries and across cultures. Those who are considered “canons” today would have been considered ugly in another era. And some of the beauty standards of the past would probably look downright grotesque to us today. Did people alter their skeletons in the name of beauty? Is it mostly women who paid the highest price? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠How did broccoli freckles become a beauty trend? ⁠⁠What is Face Wine, a viral beauty product from Tiktok? ⁠⁠What is Face Wine, the latest viral beauty product from Tiktok? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talked about omplaphobia in a recent episode of Do You Really Know, which is the fear of belly buttons. Well the subject of today’s episode may make for awkward listening for anyone affected by that phobia. That’s right; we’re talking about belly buttons again. Now, be honest: when was the last time you washed your belly button in the shower? It’s commonly overlooked, but surprisingly it’s actually one of the dirtiest parts of the human body. That’s because it accumulates dead skin cells, clothing fibers, soap residue, and sweat, making it a haven for bacteria. In fact, it hosts more than sixty different species of fungi, yeasts, and bacteria! How does the belly button form? Why does my belly button sometimes smell bad? Do I need to use lotion? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What do you get better at with age?⁠ ⁠Why has astrology come back into fashion?⁠ ⁠ Are our phones really eavesdropping on us?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 3/11/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve talked about eco-anxiety before on Do You Really Know, and it’s real. A survey published in the Lancet in December 2021 found that 75% of young people thought the future was frightening. But others are preaching a more positive outlook, with cautious climate optimism looking set to be a trend in 2023. While our fears around the climate crisis are justified and useful, if they paralyse us out of doing anything, those feelings of hopelessness are inevitable. Psychologists call it “learned helplessness”. What cause is there for optimism? What are the arguments against climate optimism? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to more episodes, click here: ⁠Should I walk 10000 steps a day?⁠ ⁠What is a vertiport?⁠ ⁠What is productivity paranoia?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 20/1/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All our organs contain water, even our bones. In total, more than half of our body is made up of it, or 45 litres for a person weighing 65 kg. The water we drink is needed to eliminate waste: 3 litres disappear every day via urine, perspiration and breathing. It also helps maintain our body temperature at around 37 degrees and is essential for digestion. The recommended daily intake of water is around 6, 25cl glasses of water a day, in other words about 1.5 litres. For some of us, this rhythm is difficult to maintain, especially as it's not always very exciting to simply drink water. If this is you then you could try herbal teas or flavoured water. How can you tell if you're drinking too much? What can you do if you're concerned? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Why is sugar bad for our memory?⁠ ⁠Does the law of attraction really work?⁠ ⁠How can I stay trendy buying only second hand clothes?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 29/2/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. A 2022 report from Action on Smoking and Health found that an estimated 4.3 million people vape in Great Britain, a figure that is massively up from 800,000 a decade ago. It’s often touted as a safer alternative to smoking, but have you ever wondered what it actually does to your body? Or whether it comes with its own set of risks. Let’s look into the facts on the matter. What do the liquids in e-cigarette tanks contain ? Is vaping completely harmless then ? What can be done to minimize these risks? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch ?⁠ ⁠What’s the point of flight mode?⁠ ⁠Is bikini waxing harmful for your health?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 28/7/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No one's proud of being unfaithful, but what if some people’s cheating was actually caused by genetics, rather than selfishness? That might sound like a convenient excuse, but actually there could be some scientific basis behind it. In 2022 researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia analysed the DNA of over 7,300 twins aged between 18 and 49, all of whom had been in relationships for several years. What were the study’s results then? Are some people simply programmed to cheat then? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How can I stop micro-awakenings from disrupting my sleep?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Does sex help us to sleep better?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Japan, cleanliness is cultural and synonymous with well-being. That’s down in no small part to the influence of Shintoism, the country's oldest religion. While the number of believers has been steadily decreasing for some time, Shinto philosophy and culture are still widely practised. Cleanliness is seen not just as a physical state but also a spiritual one, as it is closely tied to the respect and reverence shown to Shinto gods. Following this line of thinking, many Japanese people engage in an annual Buddhist cleaning ritual called "Oosouji," aimed at purifying and organising their interiors before entering a new period. What does "Oosouji" mean? What are the steps to follow during "Oosouji"? What are the benefits of it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : ⁠How can I reduce my belly fat?⁠ ⁠What are the health benefits of algae?⁠ ⁠Why do people say that black cats bring bad luck?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 14/4/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The thought of taking a mammogram is often scary for women, but it’s a highly important medical exam, and one we should bear in mind in the context of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Like with any type of cancer, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the patient’s chances of recovery. And a mammogram can detect abnormalities that are too difficult to spot by only sight and touch. Why are mammograms recommended for women over the age of 50? Can women with breast implants or small breasts do the examination? We answer all your questions in under 3 minutes! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠Why were the queen’s bees told of her death?⁠ ⁠Is sex without feelings ever a good idea?⁠ ⁠How can I improve my concentration at work?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast : 12/10/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vitamin D is known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, and it’s not for nothing. Our bodies make it from cholesterol when exposed to sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet B rays hit cholesterol in the skin cells, providing the energy needed for vitamin D synthesis to occur. Naturally, during autumn and winter, there’s less sunlight and government advice suggests that everyone should consider taking Vitamin D supplements during these seasons. In fact, most people are Vitamin D-deficient regardless of the season. Sedentary lifestyles mean they simply don’t get enough sun exposure. Really, you want to get about 20 minutes of sun exposure each day when you can. Ideally that will be before 11AM or after 5PM, as UV levels peak in between those times, meaning sunlight can be damaging to the skin. What's so special about Vitamin D? Can it be found in food? Who should be taking vitamin D supplements? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠Why should I avoid showering after a workout?⁠ ⁠How often should you wash your bedsheets?⁠ ⁠How can I keep my exercise eco-friendly?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 5/10/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re watching a horror film, or exposed to a sudden loud noise, all of us have jumped at some point when scared. The body’s response to getting startled is all too familiar: tense muscles, a racing heartbeat and a twitching neck, among others. But there’s still a lot of mystery behind the phenomenon. Jolting is actually a natural and adaptive defensive response that helps our bodies avoid what it perceives as an immediate threat. How often it happens and how intense the response is depends on the context. The more negative or threatening the situation seems, the stronger the reaction. What explains why some people seem to get startled more than others? Why do we sometimes jump as we're falling asleep? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What are the dangers of self-diagnosis?⁠ ⁠How does daylight saving affect your health?⁠ ⁠ How can I sleep well with a blocked nose?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 29/10/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's your relationship with spiders like? Some people are pretty terrified of them, and for many their first reaction is to grab something to squash them with. Most likely, encountering spiders at home is a regular occurrence, and they're actually more beneficial than you might think. Aren’t they dangerous though? What are the benefits of having spiders in my home then? Why do they come into my house? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠How do you build up your brain power?⁠ ⁠Which flights are most likely to be hit by turbulence?⁠ ⁠Which clothes help us sleep best?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 7/6/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people know buckwheat as the flour used for pancakes or blinis. But it’s actually so much more than that! Even though it’s often used as a wheat alternative, buckwheat isn’t a cereal at all. It’s a flowering plant, and its seeds can be prepared in a ton of different ways. Plus, it’s got a whole load of nutritional benefits. Why is it good for you then? Does buckwheat have any other advantages over wheat? How can I get buckwheat into my diet then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet?⁠ ⁠How can I stop micro-awakenings from disrupting my sleep?⁠ ⁠Does sex help us to sleep better?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For some, a trip to the hairdresser feels like a chore, while for others, it’s a refreshing boost. Either way, getting regular haircuts isn’t just a matter of appearance; it’s key to maintaining healthy hair and encouraging natural renewal. Cutting your hair doesn’t make it grow faster, as some people would have you believe, but it does make it stronger. Hair tends to wear out and thin, especially at the ends, due to friction from clothing. Getting a regular trim will prevent that and allow your hair to grow back healthier and stronger. When is the best time to cut your hair ? Who to trust ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Why does cooking benefit our mental health?⁠ ⁠What is batch cooking?⁠ ⁠Is palm oil really bad for your health?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and realised by Joseph Chance First Broadcast: 24/2/25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all heard the saying, "This is giving me grey hair!" But is there any truth to it? Actually, yes. Several scientific studies confirm that stress can speed up the process of hair turning white. One such study, published in the journal Nature in 2020, involved Harvard scientists who used mice to explore how stress affects hair pigmentation. What did they find? Is there any way to reverse this? What’s the takeaway? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What is jeffing?⁠ ⁠Why are driverless cars not yet on the road?⁠ ⁠How can I influence my dreams?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 29/10/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Musculoskeletal disorders, like back pain and arthritis, are recognized as occupational diseases in Western countries which have a large office workforce. The UK’s Health and Safety Executive lists some of the causes of these disorders as repetitive work, particularly using the same hand or arm action, carrying out a task for a long time and working with display screen equipment. Pain or stiffness in the muscles, tendons, nerves, back, wrists or neck can appear little by little when certain office equipment is missing, or not set up correctly. Let’s discuss some tips that can improve office posture. What about my office chair? Is there a right way to sit in front of your computer? What about the rest of my equipment? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Should you really drink hot drinks when it’s hot?⁠ ⁠Could insects replace meat?⁠ ⁠How can I stop my plants from dying?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 7/7/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don’t know about your love life, but let’s be honest; for most people having sex doesn’t work out as smoothly as what you see in the movies. Not only is the act itself idealised, but so is what comes after. On screen, you tend to see couples snuggling and drifting off in each other's arms, all cosy and serene. But what movies tend to skip over is the part where you have to slip out of bed with your legs pressed together, and waddle like a penguin to the bathroom to pee and wash up. OK, it might feel like a bit of a mood killer, but it’s actually very important for staying healthy. How does peeing stop bacteria from reaching the bladder? Do I really have to forget about post-sex cuddling? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Why do some people get a headache during sex?⁠ ⁠Is sex without feelings ever a good idea?⁠ ⁠Could using lube help you get more pleasure from sex?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 11/11/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Depersonalization, a dissociative psychological syndrome, can be incredibly destabilising. It often takes years for sufferers to identify it. Characterised by altered self-perception, individuals may feel dead, detached, or anaesthetised. They might not recognize themselves in the mirror and struggle to distinguish between reality and a dream. According to Stanford University School of Medicine, this rare phenomenon affects only 2% of the global population. This unsettling experience leads to significant anguish, anxiety, and existential questions. How does depersonalization affect daily life? Is it troubling? Is stress or anxiety the main cause of depersonalization? What should you do if you experience these symptoms? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What happens in the brain when we lie?⁠ ⁠Why do we get brain freeze?⁠ ⁠How can I influence my dreams?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 12/11/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend a lot of time in bed and there is nothing nicer than snuggling up in clean fresh sheets but apparently not everyone feels the same. According to a survey commissioned by Pizuna Linens of over 2 thousand people in the UK it was discovered that 45 percent of single men are happy to wait up to four months to wash their sheets with a horrifying 12 percent only doing it ‘when they remembered’ so who knows how long they wait! Women were shown to have higher standards of hygiene with 62 percent of single women washing their sheets every 2 weeks. But even this is just not enough with experts agreeing that you should wash your sheets at least once a week. But why do you need to wash them so often? What is the best way to wash them? ⁠In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !⁠ To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠How can I keep my exercise eco-friendly?⁠ ⁠Could insects replace meat?⁠ ⁠Can exercise snacking help me beat a busy schedule to stay fit?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 29/9/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert? Or maybe a bit of both? While introverts often need solitude to recharge and feel more comfortable alone, extroverts thrive on interaction, seeking out social situations and sometimes feeling uneasy in isolation. These two categories are often seen as opposites, but experts at psychologue.net suggest that personality traits actually exist on a spectrum. This means that introversion and extroversion can coexist, and many people identify with aspects of both. If you see yourself in both introverted and extroverted behaviors, you might be what’s called an ambivert. What does being an ambivert really mean? How can you tell if you’re an ambivert? Is there scientific backing for the ambivert concept? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What is omphalophobia, the fear of belly buttons?⁠ ⁠What is wellness syndrome?⁠ ⁠How can I influence my dreams?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 7/11/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The enemy of success”; “the thief of time”; “the grave in which opportunity is buried”. Those are just three ways in which procrastination has been described in the past. And according to IE University, “several studies have linked procrastination to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and overall poor mental health.” You may remember a while back we ran an episode on how to beat procrastination. But what about going to the complete other end of the scale? You complete all your tasks immediately to beat your to-do list. Well that’s known as precrastination, and it’s actually not the good idea it might seem at first. Is procrastinating better than precrastinating? Why is it not good to get things done right away? Does procrastination exist for non-physical tasks then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What are the best ways of beating procrastination?⁠ ⁠Does music really make us more productive?⁠ ⁠What is the Pygmalion effect?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 6/11/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beauty standards are always shifting. Back in the '60s through the '90s, especially in the West, the ideal body for women was all about being slim, think long, lean silhouettes and flat bottoms. But by the late '90s and especially in the 2010s, that completely flipped. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj helped usher in a new trend, one that celebrates curves, especially a fuller derriere. To achieve this look, some people turn to cosmetic surgery. And there’s one procedure in particular that’s become famous, and notorious: the BBL. So, what exactly is a BBL? But why is the risk so high? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠How can you keep wasps away?⁠ ⁠What is attachment theory?⁠ ⁠What is the best time of day to take a shower?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like a grey cloud is hanging over you? Life seems a bit gloomy, and your days are dull. You’re craving a change, but you’re stuck in a rut. Well, there is good news and the solution might be much closer than you think. Sometimes, all it takes is tweaking one or two elements of your day to transform your life. Enter the ‘Yes Man’ technique. Where does it come from? Should You Say Yes to Everything? What’s the Point? What are the Limits? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What is the pathological laughter condition that affects The Joker?⁠ ⁠What is the Oosouji method of house cleaning?⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠What are the dangers with being overly perfectionist?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 6/11/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LoFi, short for "Low Fidelity," it blends elements of jazz with hip-hop rhythms, creating a relaxing soundscape. This genre has gained immense popularity, in part due to the YouTube channel *Lofi Girl*, which, as of October 2024, boasts over 14 million subscribers. The channel offers a 24/7 livestream of LoFi tracks designed to serve as ambient background music. Research on this topic offers mixed insights. According to BBC Science Focus, one study conducted in a textile factory found that slow-tempo music can actually decrease productivity by slowing workers' pace. The study suggested that more upbeat music might be more effective in maintaining productivity. But does it actually help with productivity? How should you choose music for work? Does personality influence how music affects productivity? What are some popular choices for productivity? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Am I listening to music too loud?⁠ ⁠Is it a good idea to fall asleep to music?⁠ ⁠What is the Mozart Effect?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 30/10/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all become a lot more self-conscious about sneezing since COVID-19 came along. Whether you’re out in the street or worse in crowded public transport, sneezing gets you more concerned looks than it did before, and people tend to keep their distance. On top of that, we now all better understand how sneezing works. That’s right, by sneezing we propel micro-droplets of mucus potentially full of germs into the air. Indeed, MIT research showed that the mist of mucus and saliva released by a sneeze can reach speeds of 100 mph and be projected over 8 metres! Thanks to high-speed cameras, scientists have also noticed that once the sneeze has passed, a cloud containing droplets can remain suspended in the air for several minutes. How does sneezing work then? Why do some people hold back sneezes? ⁠In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !⁠ To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠Do we have a treatment for Monkeypox at last?⁠ ⁠Who are digital nomads, the new generation of remote workers?⁠ ⁠Who is FN Meka, the world’s first AI rapper?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 14/9/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Figures from Cancer Research UK show that there are an average of nearly 57,000 new breast cancer cases detected each year in the country. It’s the most common form of cancer, accounting for 15% of all cases. While the vast majority of breast cancer cases are in women, there are actually around 370 diagnoses in men each year too. That’s right; men also have breast tissue around the nipples, so are also potentially susceptible. As we near the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to discuss the phenomenon and raise awareness, to make sure any symptoms in men don’t go overlooked. What are the symptoms men should look out for? What factors increase the risk? How is breast cancer in men treated? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What is Quantum medicine and is it a scam?⁠ ⁠What should I do with expired medicines?⁠ ⁠What is the medication Ozempic and why is it being used for weight loss?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we talk about the Holocaust, most of us immediately think of death camps like Auschwitz or Dachau, chilling symbols of the Nazis’ “Final Solution”. But before they reached that level of industrialised brutality, the Nazis explored other ways to remove Jews from Europe. One plan, both absurd and terrifying, was to send all Jews to the distant island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. How on earth did the Germans come up with that idea? What happened for the plan to take off in 1940? Why didn’t it happen then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet?⁠ ⁠How can I stop micro-awakenings from disrupting my sleep?⁠ ⁠Does sex help us to sleep better?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mouth taping involves putting tape over your mouth. It's supposed to improve your sleep by forcing you to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth. Regular listeners will be aware that we’ve discussed a number of Tiktok trends on this podcast. Not long ago, we covered the Blackout challenge after it led to the tragic deaths of a number of young children. As of yet the mouth taping trend we’re talking about today thankfully hasn’t claimed any victims, at least as far as our web searches tell us. But it’s nevertheless causing concern, with experts warning it’s highly dangerous. OK, what does mouth taping involve then? Why is it dangerous then? Are there other options for better nighttime breathing? ⁠In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !⁠ To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠Who is FN Meka, the world’s first AI rapper?⁠ ⁠Who is Liz Truss, the new British Prime Minister?⁠ ⁠How can I ease my foot pain?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Abroad: 11/9/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever found yourself swearing off sports after a grueling session, plagued by aches and pains, or feeling like you’re always lagging behind? Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned athlete, jeffing might be the solution for you. Developed by American athlete Jeff Galloway in the 1970s, this method aims to keep athletes of all levels in shape without overexertion. How does it work? How can this method be accessible to everyone? How does it boost morale? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Is it better sleeping with or without a pillow?⁠ ⁠What are the health impacts of taking public transport?⁠ ⁠How can I beat my smartphone addiction?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 22/10/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices