
Do you really know?
2,949 episodes — Page 27 of 59

Could brain dumping help you manage your anxiety?
Overthinking can be a real cause of anxiety for some people. Have you ever struggled to get to sleep at night with all the thoughts running through your head? Does my new boss like me? Am I even cut out for this job? My kid just brought home a bad report card; are they going through a rough patch, or is it a sign of something more serious? Basically, your mind goes into overdrive and you feel like there’s nothing you can do about it. After all, thinking is natural, isn’t it, so how are you supposed to just stop? Well if you’ve tried meditation and to-do-lists but found they just weren’t of any use, here’s a new approach that might help lighten your daily burdens: it’s called brain dumping. Isn’t that just like writing a journal? Does it really work though? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is my circadian rhythm so important? Is it a bad idea to fall asleep in front of screens? How can social media exposure lead to vicarious trauma? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could smartphone use be giving you text neck?
According to data from Finder.com, the average Brit now spends 4 hours and 14 minutes using their smartphone each day. It’s hardly surprising; smartphone use has grown consistently over the last 15 years, to the extent that the devices have become almost like an extension of our arms and hands. Given we tend to hold our phones out in front of us when using them, our heads bow down in quite an unnatural position to look at the screen. And doing so for extended periods can cause posture problems, which is what American chiropractor Dr Dean Fishman realised back in 2008. That was while examining a 17-year-old patient who had booked an appointment for neck pains and headaches. Fishman went on to coin the term “text neck” to describe her condition. What exactly does text neck look like? What’s the difference between text neck and text neck wrinkles? What can people do to avoid bad postures and the complications that they cause? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is my circadian rhythm so important? Is it a bad idea to fall asleep in front of screens? How can social media exposure lead to vicarious trauma? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it a bad idea to fall asleep in front of screens?
We’re surrounded by screens all day, right up until we go to bed. Our lives are intertwined with technology, from the smartphone alarms that wake us to the late-night emails we check. An Ifop study from April 2021 revealed a startling figure: 69% of those scrolling in bed battle with sleep disorders. And while we might think that a quick video or message thread could usher us into dreamland, the reality is, these habits impact both how quickly we fall asleep and the quality of our rest. You might have heard about the notorious blue light emitted by screens. It’s like an unwanted alarm for our bodies, tricking our brains into thinking it’s still daytime and halting the production of melatonin, our natural sleep-inducing hormone. But it’s not just about the light; a UK study by the University of Oxford from 2016 found that smartphone addiction is linked to poor sleep, regardless of how long we’re glued to the screens. In what ways do screens interfere with our sleep? Are there other consequences of dozing off to digital content? What’s the secret to a good night’s sleep in the screen-saturated world? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can social media exposure lead to vicarious trauma? What is binge eating disorder? How can I beat a hangover? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should you do after having unprotected sex?
It’s happened to most of us at least once. A condom breaks, it turns out the girl forgot to take her pill, or you got carried away and had sex even though you didn’t have any condoms. These things happen, but the aftermath can be anxiety-inducing for a number of reasons. A World Health Organisation report from May 2024 said that sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and syphilis in particular are on the rise. For example, the number of new syphilis cases among adults aged 15 to 49 increased from 7.1 million in 2020 to 8 million in 2022. The report suggested that a lack of screening was largely to blame. What are the other main types of STIs then? What about the risk of unwanted pregnancy? What’s the best way to protect myself? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is auto-brewery syndrome? What are five foods that make us happy? What is the Queer movement? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are boomerang employees in the world of work?
You may remember that we talked about the Great Resignation a little while back on Do You Really Know. The trend saw millions of workers across the US quit their jobs in 2021 and 2022 in particular, with a similar pattern being seen in other Western countries too. Well it might have seemed like a great idea at the time for a lot of those resignees, but it hasn’t been all rosy for some of them since. A 2023 survey by American HR solutions provider Paychex suggested that as many as 80% of workers who quit during the Great Resignation already regretted their decision to do so. There’s always a good reason for having left a job though, isn’t there? Surely, it’s better to leave the past in the past?! Is the boomeranging trend really that common? What do employers stand to gain from taking back boomerang employees? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is auto-brewery syndrome? What are five foods that make us happy? What is the Queer movement? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is auto-brewery syndrome?
Imagine being drunk, without having drunk a single drop of alcohol, it seems completely implausible, and yet for some is a reality. South-West media shared the story of a motorist who appeared in court in Bruges in 2022 after being found to have too much alcohol in his blood twice in the same year. The man, in his forties, was eventually acquitted, proving that the tests were not the result of a night of drinking, but rather of auto-brewery syndrome. Self-brewing syndrome, also known as intestinal fermentation syndrome, is when your body turns into a mini-brewery. Professor Alvarez, co-author of an analysis published on the subject in December 2020. says it’s when carbs ferment into ethanol right inside your gut, thanks to yeast. Normally, our gut yeast can’t brew enough booze to affect us. But for those with auto-brewery syndrome, it’s a different story. They’ve got an overabundance of yeast, and when too much sugar is consumed, it ferments into alcohol, leading to drunkenness. What is it? And what are the consequences? Can it be treated? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How are LGBTQIA+ people getting on at work? Why is June Pride Month? Where does the LGBT rainbow flag come from ? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the Queer movement?
Pride Month 2024 is in full flow and this week, Do You Really Know brings you a week-long exploration of topics aimed at deepening your understanding of LGBTQI+ history and struggles. Initially dubbed as LGBT rights, they've undergone changes alongside the evolving language of identity. The term "gay" alone became way too narrow to encompass the entire community, leading to the adoption of LGBTQI+. And the letter "Q" specifically stands for "queer," a term with broader implications than its literal meaning of "strange." Oxford Languages defines it as “denoting or relating to a sexual or gender identity that does not correspond to established ideas of sexuality and gender, especially heterosexual norms.” When did the term Queer start to be used? What exactly does it mean to be "queer" then? How does the queer movement relate to other LGBTQI+ terms? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How are LGBTQIA+ people getting on at work? Why is June Pride Month? Where does the LGBT rainbow flag come from ? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which countries are the most LGBTQI+-friendly?
When choosing a holiday destination abroad, what factors do you take into account? Perhaps stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural scenes or enticing local cuisine. Well for some people it goes beyond that, and they have to think about to what extent they can be themselves without fear. For many LGBTQI+ individuals, that’s an important consideration. As of 2024, homosexuality remains illegal in over 60 countries, and nearly 40 countries have laws that criminalise transgender individuals. But it's not just about the laws; local public opinion also plays a significant role. Travelling or relocating can therefore sometimes be a real challenge. What makes a country "LGBTQI+-friendly"? Which countries top the list then? What about the UK? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How are LGBTQIA+ people getting on at work? Why is June Pride Month? Where does the LGBT rainbow flag come from ? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are LGBTQIA+ people getting on at work?
A global study by Deloitte, conducted early last year, uncovered that fewer than half of queer employees are comfortable disclosing their identity to all their colleagues. Although a majority sees the value in openness about their orientation, the ease of sharing this with the entire office is another story. On the other hand, in France, an April 2024 study by Ifop, in partnership with L’Autre Cercle, brought some positive news. An encouraging 77% of employees feel their workplaces are welcoming to them. But what challenges persist? How does visibility impact the workplace? Is there a generational gap in workplace inclusion? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can 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 podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is June Pride Month?
You’re probably familiar with the fact that June is Pride month, as it’s been the case for over 50 years now. And this week, we’re covering a range of topics that relate to Pride on Do You Really Know. But how did the choice of June as Pride month come about originally? To understand this, you need to go back to the origins of the LGBTQI+ movement. In New York in 1970, the very first pride march was organised. It followed “Gay Power” marches, with that slogan giving way to “Pride”. Where does the "Pride" part of the name come from? Why was this date chosen? How did we get from pride marches on June 28th to the whole of June being "Pride Month" then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can 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 podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I save on my water bill?
2022 marked the driest summer in nearly 30 years according to the UK government. And authorities felt the need to bring in a hosepipe ban across Kent and Sussex, which came into effect from 26th June. Back in April, a National Drought Group spokesperson said that Britain won’t be able to “rely on the weather alone” to sustain water levels, and that preparations were being made to reduce the drought risk. It was also suggested that households should focus on saving water to help the efforts. An additional benefit when doing so is that it could help you save money on your water bill. That’s all the more relevant when you consider that as of 1st April, the average annual water bill rose by £31 to hit £448. Isn’t water free? Why do I have to pay for it? So, what are the best ways of saving ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can 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 podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 25/06/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could sofa theory help you find your ideal partner?
Picture the scene: a woman is sitting in a bar, when a man comes up to try to talk to her. She finds him attractive, but acts disinterested and more or less ignores him, in order to not seem desperate. The man gives up and leaves the woman alone, but she then feels dissatisfied that he hasn’t persisted. It might seem like a counterintuitive approach, but according to American psychotherapist Ellnor Greenberg, it’s all too common. Writing for Psychology Today in February 2023, she explained that her female clients often tell her the same kind of story in therapy sessions. I don’t get it - what are the similarities between a sofa and a romantic partner? Does the sofa theory really work? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can 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 podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do tongue scrapers actually help with bad breath?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, our mouths host no fewer than 700 species of microbes, including “germs like bacteria, fungus and more”. Some are helpful in producing vitamins, or aiding in digestion, for example, but others can cause problems like bad breath. Because many of these microbes live on the tongue, recent years have seen increased use of oral hygiene devices specifically designed to clean the top of the tongue. One kind is a tongue scraper. Now in case you’ve never seen a tongue scraper before, it’s kind of like a toothbrush but with a U-shaped head. What role does saliva play in oral hygiene? How regularly should I be cleaning my tongue then, if it all? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Do our brains really tell the whole story about us? How can heatwaves impact our mental health? Can the weather really influence our mood? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do our brains really tell the whole story about us?
You know how sometimes you might indulge in a bit too much junk food, or maybe the kids aren’t acing their tests, or perhaps you’re navigating the single life? Hold up—before you start to worry, there’s a seemingly scientific explanation for all of it, and it points to one place: our brains. Neuroscience has become the go-to for decoding life’s issues, spanning medicine, economics, politics, and education. But hold your horses—some experts are raising the red flag on “neuromania,” the tendency to oversimplify our behaviors down to just brain activity. In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could gamophobia be hurting your relationship? How do I know when to end a friendship? How often should I wash my hair? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can heatwaves impact our mental health?
We’re all aware of the physical risks associated with extreme heat, like dehydration and fainting for example. But a number of scientific studies have shown that heatwaves also have a major impact on people’s mental health. It’s important to highlight that the difference can be experienced by anyone, not just those with existing psychiatric conditions. But one thing is for sure: the vast majority of us are more anxious when temperatures are high. And it makes sense that we get more irritable when you consider how our bodies work. Heat causes our heart rate, pulse, blood pressure and cortisol levels to all increase. Meanwhile, it deregulates so-called happy hormones serotonin and dopamine. Who is most affected? What do researchers have to say about it? What about eco-anxiety? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! Date of first release : July 19th, 2022 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is end-to-end encryption really secure?
In late April 2024, police chiefs from the UK’s National Crime Agency and 32 European countries issued a statement expressing their concerns about the use of end-to-end encryption by instant messaging services like WhatsApp. The statement recognised that E2E encryption protects users’ personal data, but emphasised that it also prevents authorities from identifying suspicious or illegal activities. And, as we’ll get to in just a moment, encryption doesn’t always guarantee full privacy for users. What does "end-to-end encryption" actually mean in concrete terms? Does that mean all my data is protected when I send a message then? What’s the best way to stay safe and secure then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could gamophobia be hurting your relationship? How do I know when to end a friendship? How often should I wash my hair? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can the weather really influence our mood?
We’re only a few weeks from the official start of summer, but you wouldn’t guess it given the wet conditions that we’ve seen for most of spring 2024. According to BBC News, March, April and May 2024 have all been among the wettest on record for their respective months. So don't put away your umbrella just yet! Beyond the obvious inconvenience of getting caught in a downpour, many people believe that bad weather directly affects their mood and health. And some people are more sensitive than others; these individuals are known as "weather-sensitive." How do you distinguish between weather-sensitive people and the rest of the population? Are you saying that for most people the weather has no impact at all on their mood then? What’s the best way to deal with feeling down in bad weather then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could gamophobia be hurting your relationship? How do I know when to end a friendship? How often should I wash my hair? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does olive oil really make you fat?
Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, boasts a rich composition of essential fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with polyphenols. These antioxidants are celebrated for their role in decelerating cellular ageing. Fatty acids, a pivotal component of lipids, include some that our bodies cannot produce, underscoring the necessity of sourcing them from our diets. Predominantly composed of omega-9, olive oil’s monounsaturated fatty acids are linked to a diminished risk of cardiovascular ailments. They are also known to lower LDL-cholesterol—the infamous ‘bad’ cholesterol—as well as the overall cholesterol levels in our bloodstream. Additionally, olive oil serves as a natural appetite suppressant, fostering a sense of fullness and aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Does all this mean that olive oil is calorie-free? How do I choose the right oil? And how do you store olive oil properly? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could gamophobia be hurting your relationship? How do I know when to end a friendship? How often should I wash my hair? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could gamophobia be hurting your relationship?
Committing to a romantic relationship is by its very nature a significant transition in a person’s life. And that can often be a source of stress or conflict between two partners. For example one partner might want to move in together, get married, or have a child, while the other simply won’t entertain the thought. For some people, fear of commitment is just a way to delay decisions. But for others, it’s a genuine, panic-inducing fear that’s known as gamophobia. Where does gamophobia come from? Could you say that we're all a little gamophobic? How can people in a relationship get over their gamophobia? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why should you be happy to see spiders in your home? How do you build up your brain power? Which flights are most likely to be hit by turbulence? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does general anesthesia do to the brain?
Research published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia suggested that there are nearly 3 million general anesthesia procedures in the UK each year. You might already be aware that there are various different types of anesthesia: local, which numbs a small area of the body; regional, which numbs a larger part; and general, typically used for major or lengthy surgeries, where the patient is completely asleep. Today we’re going to be talking specifically about general anesthesia. How exactly does it knock patients unconscious then? How does it affect the brain? Isn't it dangerous? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why should you be happy to see spiders in your home? How do you build up your brain power? Which flights are most likely to be hit by turbulence? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why should you be happy to see spiders in your home?
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you build up your brain power?
Our brain, much like our muscles, benefits from its own form of exercise. Through dedicated training and stimulation, we can enhance our cognitive abilities, a testament to the remarkable phenomenon known as ‘neural plasticity’. Neural plasticity is the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and reorganise itself. According to the Foundation for Brain Research, when we encounter a new concept, our brain responds by forging fresh neural connections. With consistent practice, these connections grow stronger and more efficient, leading to improved performance. What is Neural Plasticity? Can Intelligence Be Enhanced? What role does a healthy lifestyle play? 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 Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which flights are most likely to be hit by turbulence?
If you’re a nervous flyer thinking ahead to your next flight, you may have wondered whether it's possible to predict whether you'll encounter any turbulence. Air travel has come under the spotlight in recent weeks, with a number of high profile incidents of flights being hit by turbulence, including one which saw a 71 year old British man in his seventies tragically die from a heart attack. What causes turbulence? Where are the most turbulence-prone areas? Could turbulence get worse in the future? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we startle when we fall asleep? How long do people have sex for? What are the secrets of a successful LAT couple? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which clothes help us sleep best?
Slipping into sleepwear is an essential part of most people’s nighttime routine. We often do it when we’re winding down from a busy day, and it means it’s time to relax and get ready for sleep. Whether you sleep in pyjamas, a nightgown, a t-shirt, or nothing at all, the goal is to avoid being too hot or too cold. You need to feel comfortable in loose-fitting clothes that don't constrict your body. That’s because sleepwear that is too tight can restrict blood circulation and cause numbness or tingling. Synthetic materials, wool, and lace can also cause itching and skin irritation. So are you saying there’s no one best option when it comes to bedwear then? What about sleeping naked? What about socks? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we startle when we fall asleep? How long do people have sex for? What are the secrets of a successful LAT couple? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we startle when we fall asleep?
You're peacefully drifting off to sleep when suddenly you feel as if you're falling into a void and you startle awake. This rather unpleasant sensation is known as a ‘hypnic jerk’ and is a common occurrence. It is an involuntary muscle spasm, a bit like a hiccup, also known as ‘myoclonus’. Sometimes, this sensation is accompanied by the feeling or the dream that you are falling. These twitches are your body’s bedtime quirks, popping up in the twilight zone of sleep – that light stage between being awake and snoozing soundly in deep sleep. They’re like an accidental alarm that can, annoyingly, snap us back to reality. As we drift off, our muscles take a breather, but our brain does a quick systems check to ensure everything’s alright, triggering that startling reflex. What’s happening when we experience these sudden spasms? Can anything amplify this startling sensation? Should we be worried about these nighttime jolts? 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 Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How long do people have sex for?
Popular fantasy might suggest that we need to have hours of sex in order to be satisfied, but is that actually true? A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2005 looked into intravaginal ejaculation latency time among 500 heterosexual couples from five different countries. Now intravaginal ejaculation latency time might sound like a complicated term, but basically it just means how long penetration lasts, so foreplay doesn’t count as sex under that definition. Having gathered survey answers from all the couples involved, the researchers noted that sex duration varied significantly, lasting as little as 33 seconds in some cases or as long as 44 minutes. But they were able to work out that the average duration was 5.4 minutes. A lot less than some people might think! Is 5.4 minutes really long enough to have satisfying sex though? How long does foreplay last 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the secrets of a successful LAT couple?
The idea might seem inconceivable to some, but these days more and more people are choosing to be in LAT relationships. The LAT part of the term stands for Living Alone Together, which means that LAT couples are in a committed romantic relationship, but each person maintains their own private life and space. Back in 2011, a research team began a multi-method study looking into how prominent LAT couples were in the UK. They went on to publish their findings in a research briefing in 2013, showing that 9% of adults in the UK are in a LAT couple. Just how common is that? What’s the appeal of a LAT arrangement? Are you saying people in LAT couples will automatically argue less? 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you train your brain like a muscle?
The human brain isn’t actually a muscle, as a lot of people think. But nevertheless we still need to give it exercise to keep it healthy. While you can go to the gym to work out the muscles in your body, the equivalent for the brain is training and stimulating something called "brain plasticity”. Verywellmind.com says that plasticity “refers to the brain's malleability or ability to change”. And it’s definitely worth working to improve it too, as it can give cognitive performance a real boost. Are you saying improving brain plasticity makes you smarter? What kind of exercises can I do to improve those then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How often should you wash your jeans? Should I walk 10000 steps a day? Why are more and more men joining the no fap movement? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How often should you wash your jeans?
It’s a common habit to toss our jeans into the laundry after a single wear, but is that really necessary? Turns out, giving your denim a break from frequent washes might be a smarter move. Well, according to Medisite, washing isn’t always kind to your beloved blues. The key to maintaining your denim’s durability is a cooler, gentler approach: wash them inside out, at a low temperature, and with a soft spin cycle. As for drying, skip the tumble dryer to prevent shrinking and warping—air drying on a rack, upside down, is the way to go. And ironing? Best to avoid it to keep those fibres intact. Does this mean you should never wash your jeans? But really, how practical is this advice? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Can you eat eggs everyday? What is Lucky Girl syndrome, this new method that is all the rage on Tik Tok? Which type of wine is best for your health? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the carnivore diet?
We’ve all heard about the importance of getting a balanced diet, but some people choose to ignore that advice completely, and those following the carnivore diet are a prime example. As you may have guessed from its name, the carnivore diet involves eating almost exclusively meat, sometimes raw, sometimes cooked, and might also include fish. Healthline.com says that “other animal foods like eggs and certain dairy products” are sometimes also eaten. Are there any benefits? How did such a sketchy diet become popular? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Can you eat eggs everyday? What is Lucky Girl syndrome, this new method that is all the rage on Tik Tok? Which type of wine is best for your health? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are more and more men joining the no fap movement?
Now if you’ve never heard the word fap before, let me spell it out to you. It’s basically an onomatopoeic slang term for male masturbation. According to Business Insider, the term first appeared in a web comic called Sexy Losers in 1999, to indicate the sound of a male character masturbating. An Urban Dictionary definition for the term was then added in 2002, and usage grew from the 2000s onwards. So obviously now you know what that means, you’ll have realised that the no fap movement means quitting masturbation. And while masturbation is a pleasurable activity for many, the no fap movement against it has been gaining traction for about a decade now. It started out in the U.S. and the aim is to combat porn addiction and masturbation. Why do all these men want to stop masturbating? Are any of those claims true? What should someone do if they feel addicted to masturbation then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Can you eat eggs everyday? What is Lucky Girl syndrome, this new method that is all the rage on Tik Tok? Which type of wine is best for your health? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you eat eggs everyday?
Whether they’re soft-boiled, fried, poached, or whipped into cakes and pies, eggs are a kitchen favorite for good reason. In the UK the average person consumes about 175 eggs per year, that’s about 3 eggs weekly. They are packed with vitamins D, E, A, and B12, plus minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium, making eggs a healthy choice. They’re also brimming with essential fatty acids—omega 3, 6, and 9—to support brain function and the immune system. But that’s not all: eggs are protein-rich, rivaling meat and fish. In fact two eggs equate to a modest 100-gram steak, and our bodies love these proteins, especially the 8 essential amino acids they provide. Why are eggs good for you? But what about cholesterol? Do eggs contribute to weight gain? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How is micro-feminism helping women combat workplace sexism? Is a white tongue unhealthy? What is the great unretirement? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which type of wine is best for your health?
When it comes to health, many people wonder which type of wine can most easily be enjoyed without needing to worry about negative health consequences. First things first, I hate to be a party pooper but let’s be clear: there’s no kind of alcohol that is actually “good” for your health. So red wine does contain some antioxidants, which have reported health benefits. But senior dietitian and British Heart Foundation spokesperson Victoria Taylor says that “while it is often included in the traditional diet, it isn’t an essential part and should be drunk in moderation.” So are dry reds the healthiest option then? What about rosé then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How is micro-feminism helping women combat workplace sexism? Is a white tongue unhealthy? What is the great unretirement? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does viagra work?
Ever since it hit the market, the little blue pill known as viagra has transformed the sex lives of millions of couples around the world. Viagra was developed by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, and was first made available to the American public soon after FDA approval in March 1998. Within just two weeks, 15,000 prescriptions had been written in the United States. An article published in the Pharmaceutical Journal in 2017 stated that at that time it had “been prescribed for more than 64 million men worldwide”, while a report by The Guardian from the same year said that the stigma around erectile dysfunction had faded, citing NHS figures which showed that viagra prescriptions had nearly tripled over the preceding decade. How was viagra created? How does Viagra affect men's libido? Is Viagra suitable for all men? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How is micro-feminism helping women combat workplace sexism? Is a white tongue unhealthy? What is the great unretirement? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aquamation : what are the advantages of being buried in water?
Until recently when confronted with arranging a funeral there has been a choice between burial or cremation. However, in parts of the US, Canada and soon the UK a third choice can be possible. Aquamation or as it is known technically “alkaline hydrolysis” is an alternative to traditional burials. The body of the deceased is placed in a pressurised stainless steel vessel and immersed in a mixture of water and alkali for three to four hours and heated to around 150C. During the process all the material is broken down leaving only the inorganic bone minerals which are then processed into powder and returned to the family in an urn. What is aquamation? What is the advantage of aquamation? What are the disadvantages of aquamation? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! Date of first release : February 2nd, 2023 To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the best holiday destinations? How can you manage your anger better? Why are famous women being targeted by transvestigations? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is micro-feminism helping women combat workplace sexism?
To all our female listeners: have you ever been a victim of misogyny in the workplace? Sadly, the chances are you have, given that a 2022 survey by recruitment agency Randstad found that 72% of women have “encountered inappropriate behaviour from male colleagues”, while 67% had experienced some form of gender discrimination. But there are some simple everyday actions that can help us to counter sexism at work, and social media has recently been rife with discussion of these so-called micro-feminist acts. So the trend really began taking off when American producer and host Ashley Chaney posted a clip on Tiktok in late March 2024, talking about a couple of her own favourite examples of microfeminism. What kind of actions are we talking about? How did microfeminism come to be so popular on TikTok? What’s the point of microfeminism? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Is a white tongue unhealthy? What is the great unretirement? What are the risks of anal sex? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is a white tongue unhealthy?
A white coating on the tongue can occur when your health is compromised, like during a cold or fever. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol, and too much sugar, coffee, tea, or dairy can also contribute to this by disrupting the balance of your oral microbiota or affecting saliva production. In most cases, it’s an accumulation of bacteria and dead cells, a condition known as saburral tongue or white patches. This coating can often be removed by gently using a tongue scraper. However, other factors can lead to a thicker coating, localized patches, or even a metallic taste in the mouth. What exactly causes the tongue to turn white? Could this be a sign of infection? What about other health implications? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can you manage your anger better? What are the best holiday destinations? How can you manage your anger better? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the risks of anal sex?
Anal sex has become more and more popular in recent years, and that’s true for young people in particular. In August 2022, The Guardian reported on a survey conducted by National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyle, which found that 28.5% of 16 to 24-year-olds were engaging in anal sex, up from a previous figure of just 12.5% from “recent decades”. Anal sex doesn’t come without its risks though. For one thing, doing it unprotected carries significantly higher risks of sexually transmitted infection, including HIV. According to the NHS, that’s because “the lining of the anus is thin and can easily be damaged”. What kind of other issues are we talking about? Why are more people having anal sex than before? What’s the safest way to have anal? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why are famous women being targeted by transvestigations? What is premium mediocre - the illusion of luxury? Is your employer tracking you while you work from home? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can plate colour really affect our sense of taste?
Surely nothing affects taste other than what you actually put in your mouth, right?! Well actually no, that’s not true - at least according to a study published in December 2022 in Food Quality and Preference. The researchers behind that found that the colour of our dishware might influence our perception of taste. And it’s not the first study of its kind; I’m going to tell you about other similar ones in just a moment. Well, the Food Quality and Preference study was conducted by researchers at the University of Portsmouth . They gathered 47 students to participate, splitting them into two groups: picky and non-picky eaters. That’s crazy! How did these studies work then? What other studies have been done in this area then? What’s the point of all this research? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why are famous women being targeted by transvestigations? What is premium mediocre - the illusion of luxury? Is your employer tracking you while you work from home? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you manage your anger better?
Let’s face it, life throws curveballs at us—being stuck in traffic, a demanding boss, or even chores piling up at home. Anger is a natural response, but unchecked, it can wreak havoc on our personal and professional lives. Slow down and above all breathe! Breathing is crucial for getting rid of anger. By fully oxygenating the brain, it switches from a fight or flight reaction to immediate relaxation. As LeKisha Edwards Alesii, a chartered psychologist and owner of the Durham Health and Emotional Wellbeing Centre in the United States, explains in the pages of the Huffington Post: What can you do to calm down when you feel anger bubbling up? What's the second tip? Any last words of advice? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why are famous women being targeted by transvestigations? What is premium mediocre - the illusion of luxury? Is your employer tracking you while you work from home? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are famous women being targeted by transvestigations?
What do Serena Williams, Beyoncé, Henry Cavill, Ryan Gosling and Nicole Kidman all have in common? Well apart from being famous, they’ve all been the targets of transvestigations in recent times. As you may have guessed, the term is a combination of "transgender" and "investigation." It’s actually a bizarre type of conspiracy theory which sees web users attempt to prove that certain famous people are secretly transgender. Who is being targeted the most? Are transvestigators just bored people with no lives? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the health impacts of taking public transport? Does true crime help us fall asleep? What is goblin mode? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could the one-week method help you stop drinking?
Some psychological and addiction experts say that making and sticking to resolutions can do wonders for your health. And just because it’s not the New Year right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t start a resolution right away. After all, there’s no time like the present, right? Let's face it though, sticking to a resolution can be tough, especially when it comes to giving up something you’re used to doing, eating or drinking on a regular basis. Like alcohol for example. If you’re looking to cut back on alcohol but can’t see yourself managing to go without, we’ve got an approach from Tiktok to tell you about today, which may just help you in your quest: it’s called the one-week method. How does it work? What are the benefits? Should I be looking to give up alcohol completely after a while? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the health impacts of taking public transport? Does true crime help us fall asleep? What is goblin mode? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the health impacts of taking public transport?
According to UK government data, a total of 6.5 billion passenger journeys were completed using public transport vehicles like buses, trains and tram systems, in the year to March 2023. Packed platforms, overcrowded carriages and uncertain schedules are just some of the issues public transport commuters have to deal with on a regular basis, not to mention the occasional strike. Being crammed into a tube, bus or train with other commuters can make you feel oppressed, fatigued or even suffocated. Some people experience dizziness and anxiety, and fainting isn’t uncommon. What about psychological impacts? Public transport always seems dirty too, doesn't it? How can I safeguard my health then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Does true crime help us fall asleep? What is goblin mode? Could you be micro-flirting without realising? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does true crime help us fall asleep?
For some, true-crime stories have a strangely calming effect when they are tucked up in bed for the night. It’s a phenomenon that’s not gone unnoticed on TikTok, where people share how tales of mystery and suspense are part of their go-to nighttime routine. If you’re one of those who drift off to the narration of unsolved cases, rest assured, you’re in good company. And although the link between crime stories and relaxation has yet to be formally established, it's clear that the habit has a huge following. It’s an intriguing paradox: the very stories that chill us to the bone also usher us into slumber. Like a modern twist on the bedtime story, these narratives shift our focus away from daily stressors—be it looming work deadlines, pending homework, or endless to-do lists. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine even suggests that immersing ourselves in a story at bedtime can not only lead to better sleep but also enhance digestion and cognitive function. Why does it relax us? But Why Choose Crime Stories? Isn't it a bit weird to be fascinated by this kind of story? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can I improve my sense of direction? What does my urine colour say about my health? Why are brownouts getting more and more common in the work world? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we sweat?
The last week or so has seen temperatures reach around 20° in the south of England, and you can expect to see similar temperatures for the next month or so as we head into summer. Whenever the weather warms up, there’s always a temptation to try to mask any odours or stains that are coming from our sweaty bodies, but it’s worth bearing in mind that sweating is actually a crucial bodily function. Did you know that sweat is a watery solution that contains mostly water, but also some minerals and proteins. Just what is the purpose of sweat then? Is there a link between sweating and hair removal? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can I improve my sense of direction? What does my urine colour say about my health? Why are brownouts getting more and more common in the work world? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could you be micro-flirting without realising?
There are plenty of ways to get the attention of someone you're crushing on. It might come very naturally to some, but for others, flirting can be an intimidating proposition. Have you ever wondered if someone is flirting with you, because of their somewhat ambiguous approach? Well, they may have been micro-flirting, a technique that dating experts say is used by shy men in particular. And there are actually some pretty recognisable under-the-radar strategies that qualify as micro-flirting, which is what we’re going to shed light on today. How exactly does one micro-flirt then? Why do shy people tend to veer towards a micro-flirting approach then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can I improve my sense of direction? What does my urine colour say about my health? Why are brownouts getting more and more common in the work world? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I improve my sense of direction?
Many of us feel completely disoriented at times, and are afraid of getting lost, whether in the middle of the city, in the forest, when travelling or in the car. In an age where GPS reigns supreme, many of us have become overly reliant on technology. Yet, there’s a growing desire to hone our natural navigational skills and understand the brain’s role in guiding us. What we call our "sense of direction" is the result of a calculation by our brain, based on data such as leg movement or walking speed, and external information such as visual cues. The brain therefore processes a huge amount of information via two main areas: the hippocampus, which is involved in the memory process and navigation, and the prefrontal cortex, which manages decision-making and planning. Why are some people better at finding their way around? And what about the age-old debate: Do women have a poorer sense of direction? What can we do to improve our spatial orientation? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why are brownouts getting more and more common in the work world? Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? Why do we hiccup? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are brownouts getting more and more common in the work world?
Research by productivity software provider Asana showed that 70% of knowledge workers experienced burnout in 2021. Now we’ve talked about the symptoms of burnout before on Do you Really Know. It's typically characterised by physical and emotional exhaustion at work, and considered a psychiatric condition. But in recent years, the younger generation has been reshaping workplace norms. Many young workers see personal fulfilment as more important than pay when it comes to their jobs. And that’s led to phenomenons like the Great Resignation, which saw record numbers of people quit for that very reason. What's the difference between a brownout and a burnout then? Does finding meaning at work really matter? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Does the G spot really exist? Is it a good idea to fall asleep to music? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could wanderlove give you more dating options?
According to the most recent figures from the Association of British Travel Agents, the number of people going on holidays alone has soared over the last decade. In 2011, the proportion was just 6%, but in 2023 it had risen to 16%. The organisation’s media release said it showed people have a “strong appetite to go it alone”. And you could say the solo travel trend is part of the wider "self-love" movement, a personal development method named after the best-selling book of the same name written by American clinical social worker Megan Logan. Where does the trend come from? Are people really getting fed up with dating apps? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Does the G spot really exist? Is it a good idea to fall asleep to music? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the G spot really exist?
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices