Do you really know?

Assisted dying is the term used to describe the practice of helping a person who is terminally ill or suffering from an incurable condition to end their own life, usually by providing them with the means to do so, such as lethal drugs. It is currently illegal in the UK under the Suicide Act 1961, which makes it a criminal offence to assist or encourage another person to commit suicide. The maximum penalty is 14 years in prison. It is a highly contentious and emotive issue that raises ethical, legal, medical and religious questions. Supporters of assisted dying argue that it is a matter of personal choice and autonomy, and that people who are suffering from unbearable pain or distress should have the right to end their lives with dignity and compassion. Why is assisted dying controversial? What is the current situation in the UK? What is the public opinion on assisted dying? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is generative AI set to explode in 2024? Is being delulu a good thing? Should you be reducing salt in your diet? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence really came to the fore in 2023, with chatGPT in particular gaining global recognition, and being used by many people on a daily basis for assistance and entertainment. Despite the recent hype, the idea of AI is nothing new. In fact, you can trace its roots back to the time of World War II, and Alan Turing’s enigma cracking machine. But you can’t deny that these days a real AI revolution is underway. So, what exactly can you do with it? Why is generative AI poised to make headlines in 2024? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could custobots do our shopping for us in a few years time? What are some of the more unusual Royal servants jobs from the past? Are cold showers good for you? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"May all your delulu come trululu, because being delulu is the solulu." The clip you just listened to comes from American influencer Bianca Bernardo on Tiktok, and it’s had over 2/3 million views at the time of recording. If you’re wondering what the heck those crazy words mean, it’s best summed up as saying: “may all your fantasies turn into reality”. Indeed, the delulu hashtag has racked up over 6 billion views on TikTok. And it’s more than just an online trend; delulu is genuinely morphing into something of philosophy, or coping mechanism for Gen Z to deal with reality. So, what does delulu actually mean? What are some real life examples of being delulu then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could custobots do our shopping for us in a few years time? What are some of the more unusual Royal servants jobs from the past? Are cold showers good for you? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don’t know about you, but I find that there’s something about the seaside air which just always makes me relax and puts me in a better mood. As it turns out, that might be more than just my impression. A study conducted by the University of Vienna and published in May 2022 established that living near the sea can have significant effects on health and life expectancy. Now the idea is not exactly brand new. Way back in the 17th century, English doctor Robert Wittie published a book entitled Scarborough Spa, in which he recommended people take sea baths and walk along the coast to treat certain illnesses. Why is it good? What about people like me who don’t live close to the sea at all then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could custobots do our shopping for us in a few years time? What are some of the more unusual Royal servants jobs from the past? Are cold showers good for you? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The subject of today’s episode is a form of technology that’s halfway between artificial intelligence and blockchain. What’s more, American technology consulting company Gartner included it in its list of the Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2024. The word is a combination of "customer" and "robot." Gartner say that custobot systems are capable of autonomously negotiating and purchasing goods and services in exchange for payment. They’re intelligent enough to behave like customers, buying services and supplies for both their owners and themselves. Do you have any concrete examples of how one could use a custobot? Is there any use for regular people? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What’s the meaning of rizz, the 2023 word of the year? Can we really multitask effectively? What is the Honours list and who is on it this year? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might think that working for the Queen or any other member of the Royal family is a glamorous and prestigious job, but not all positions within the British Royal Household are as glamorous as they sound. Some of them are downright weird, and some of them no longer exist. An exhibition opening in Kensington palace from March ‘Untold Lives: A Palace at Work’ hopes to bring to life these forgotten professionals who kept the palace running. What are some roles that no longer exist? What are some unusual roles that still exist? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What’s the meaning of rizz, the 2023 word of the year? Can we really multitask effectively? What is the Honours list and who is on it this year? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may well be familiar with Oxford University Press, and its annual “word of the year" award. Regular listeners may remember that the 2022 word of the year was "goblin mode," as we ran a dedicated episode on the topic around a year ago. Now for the 2023 award, "swifties," "situationship," and "prompt" were among the final four terms in the running. But those three fell just short. Drumroll, please— it was the less well-known term "rizz" that took the crown. Who came up with the word “rizz” then? How do I use it in a sentence then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's pretty common these days to have to tackle several things at once, like responding to an email while on a work call. Our constant pursuit of productivity leads us to mix various activities simultaneously, whether it's at work, home, or even at school for kids. This blending of at least two tasks at the same time is commonly known as multitasking. When you focus on something that you’re doing or creating, the frontal lobes of both halves of your brain communicate. But trying to pull off two things at once shows that things operate differently. How so? Does it also depend on the nature of the tasks? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Honours list is a way of recognising people who have made achievements in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping the UK. The honours system is overseen by the Cabinet Office and the King approves the final list of recipients. There are different types of honours, such as knighthoods, damehoods, orders of the British Empire, and medals. Anyone can nominate someone for an honour, as long as they are not a close relative or an employee. The nominations are then reviewed by independent committees of experts, who make recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister then submits a final list to the King, who has the final say. Who is on the Honours list this year? What are the different honours? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK? How can I make and keep my new year’s resolutions? Why does the year begin on January 1st? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel bad about swearing out of frustration? You know, when someone cuts in front of you while you're driving, you stub your toe or you accidentally delete an important file from your phone or PC. Well its understandable if you want to keep your emotions under control, or not set a bad example to any children around you. But maybe you shouldn't actually feel bad. It turns out that saying rude words may actually be good for us. And that's according to science! How come? Are there any specific situations in which it helps then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to recent data from personal finance website NimbleFins, the average British family of four spent around £4,678 for a 9-night holiday abroad in 2023. And of that total amount, £1,828 went towards flights, nearly 40%, reflecting the reality that air fares still account for a high proportion of the total cost of a holiday. And experts say that flight prices are set to continue rising in the coming years, as more expensive sustainable aviation fuels are brought in to replace traditional kerosene. With that in mind, let’s discuss some ways in which you can make some savings on the most expensive part of your next holiday. What should I do if I’m buying online? When’s the best time to make my booking? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've talked about a few gimmick diets in the past on Do You Really Know, and here's another one: the "baby food" diet. Now you may not have heard of it, but it has gained popularity among celebrities worldwide. Rumours have abound in the past suggesting that stars like Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, and Cheryl Cole were embracing it, Due to the quick slimming it promises through low-calorie meals. The diet involves consuming between ten and fourteen jars of baby food over the course of the day, for a duration of fifteen days. The baby food replaces the first two meals of the day, but in the evening a "normal meal" is allowed. The diet was crafted by renowned American celebrity trainer coach Tracy Anderson in the 2000s. It sounds pretty extreme though, doesn't it? Aren't extreme diets generally discouraged anyway? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buccal fat removal is a type of plastic surgery that involves removing the buccal fat pads from your cheeks. These are rounded pads of fat that are located between your facial muscles, in the hollow area beneath your cheekbones. Their size affects your face shape; the larger they are the rounder or fuller your face appears. The goal of buccal fat removal is to thin the cheeks and define the facial angles. Some people may want to do this to achieve a more sculpted or chiseled look, or to enhance their cheekbones and jawline. This procedure is also sometimes called a cheek reduction. Why has it become more popular recently? How is the procedure done? What are the risks with this procedure? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK? How can I make and keep my new year’s resolutions? Why does the year begin on January 1st? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. First broadcast: 29/09/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For a number of years now, our smartphones have played a central role in many aspects of our lives, from work to personal relationships to entertainment. There’s a close and sometimes addictive connection. Just think of doomscrolling for example, which is a phenomenon we’ve discussed in the past on Do You Really Know. It’s a form of behaviour which sees us compulsively scrolling through depressing content on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. It can easily end up draining us, leaving us feeling unfulfilled and possibly leading to anxiety or exhaustion. How can I recognise if I’m addicted to my smartphone? What about at other times of the day? What’s the best way to get started? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may have seen it on the news, on social media, or even on the tube: hundreds of people riding the underground with no trousers on, in the middle of winter. On Sunday the 7th of December London commuters braved the cold to strip off to their underwear for this unusual event. The No Trousers Tube Ride, as it is officially called, is an annual event that takes place on the first Sunday of January. It started in London in 2009, inspired by the No Pants Subway Ride, which was created by Improv Everywhere, a New York-based comedy collective, in 2002. What does it mean? Is it a protest, a prank, or a party? What is the reaction to the event? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK? How can I make and keep my new year’s resolutions? Why does the year begin on January 1st? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s be honest; who among us doesn’t daydream about having saving money effortlessly? The new year period is often synonymous with ambitious resolutions, but let's face it: they can be tough to stick to, especially when it comes to money. The hard part isn’t only having enough money coming in to set some aside; being organised enough to do is also a challenge. So let’s introduce a simple and quirky method that could help you save nearly £1,400 in 2024: the 52-week challenge. Isn't it a big commitment? Are there any tips for seeing it through? What’s the best thing about the challenge? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that each of us has a truly unique body odour, which is influenced by a mix of genetic, hormonal, age-related, environmental, and lifestyle factor? And your diet plays a role in shaping your natural scent. Some foods have their own noticeably strong odours, like garlic or onions for example, and can in turn cause us to sweat more. The same goes for spices and chili, which makes sense given how hot they are. If you eat a lot of turmeric, you may notice a tangy aroma emanating straight from your skin pores, caused by an uptick in sweat acidity and the presence of a molecule called carvone. Is there anything else that could explain a change in odour? Are there any foods that can improve body odour? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The SPOTY award is the main prize of an annual ceremony organised by the BBC. It was created in 1954 by Paul Fox, who was the editor of a sports magazine show called Sportsview. The idea was to honour the sportsperson who had achieved the most that year, as voted by the public. The first winner was Christopher Chataway, a runner who beat Roger Bannister, the first man to run a mile in under four minutes. Since then, the award has become one of the most prestigious and popular awards in British sport. It has been won by legends such as Bobby Moore, Daley Thompson, Steve Redgrave, Kelly Holmes and Andy Murray. The award is open to any sportsperson who is British or who plays a significant amount of their sport in the UK. The winner is chosen from a shortlist of 10 nominees, selected by an expert panel, and announced live on TV in December. Who won for 2023? Why was this person chosen? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK? How can I make and keep my new year’s resolutions? Why does the year begin on January 1st? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it's a reflex, a craving, or a belief in its necessity, people often find themselves snacking more in winter, or opting for heartier meals than usual. And it's been backed up by scientific studies. For example, a 2006 Massachusetts study found that we eat an average of 86 more calories per day in winter. And While it's true that colder temperatures make us burn more calories, the difference is actually quite minimal. When it's chilly outside, our metabolism works harder to keep our body at around 37°C, resulting in slightly higher energy expenditure. This process is known as thermoregulation but in reality, our warm clothing and indoor heating already play a significant role! Are you saying we shouldn't really compensate by eating more? So, what kinds of foods should we focus on? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How often should I shower? Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you feeling the chills, a scratchy throat, and a non-stop runny nose? Winter brings the cold bug everywhere – in public transport, at work, and even at home. Coughs and sneezes all around! Getting a stuffy nose is another annoying symptom that can keep us tossing and turning at night. But surprisingly, it's a crucial mechanism for keeping us healthy. To combat the situation, our body produces mucus. When you say Mucus, do you mean snot? So, what should we do when our nose is running? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How often should I shower? Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The landscape of work has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, and in particular since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. From the surge in remote work to the emergence of "lazy girl jobs" and generative AI, a profound revolution is unfolding. Yet, some aspects of the work environment seem resistant to change. Remember that person who contributed little to nothing in a group project at school, yet somehow managed to get the best grade? Frustrating as hell and puzzling for everyone else right? Well, that kind of behaviour is also sometimes seen in work colleagues, and it's recently been labelled as "Social Loafing." How can I recognize Social Loafing in the workplace then? Is it just a matter of laziness, then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it's for the sake of comfort or maintaining good hygiene, many of us opt for taking a shower on a daily basis. Studies have shown it's the most popular shower frequency. Some swear by the virtues of a refreshing morning shower while others like theirs in the evening when winding down and getting ready for bed. But in actual fact, our bodies are pretty adept at self-cleaning. For instance, dead skin cells shed completely naturally! If you're someone who showers more than once a day, you may be stripping away too much sebum, which is a crucial component of the skin's protective barrier. Daily showers also stop us smelling bad, right? Is there a downside to washing too often? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could Britain ever rejoin the EU? What 5 foods can improve brain performance? What is pandemic skip? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Brexit deal, signed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in December 2020, has had a profound impact on the UK's economy, society, and politics. But what if Britain changed its mind and wanted to go back to the EU? According to Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, any European country that respects the EU's values and is committed to promoting them can apply to become a member of the EU. This means that, in theory, Britain could rejoin the EU at any time, as long as it meets the criteria and follows the procedure set out by the EU. Is it possible then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK? How can I make and keep my new year’s resolutions? Why does the year begin on January 1st? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you wake up feeling rough after a night of heavy drinking, it's likely your liver couldn't handle all that alcohol, and your body couldn't flush it out completely. That's when you get stuck with classic hangover symptoms, like nausea, a pounding headache and perhaps even a bout of diarrhoea. Apart from chugging water to rehydrate, figuring out what to eat to get back on your feet can be a bit tricky. When you're in this situation, there's often a hankering for fast food. A 2016 study from the University of Chicago's Department of Medicine suggested this craving is linked to sleep deprivation, which causes the brain to release endocannabinoids, compensating for the energy drop. That leads to a yearning for comfort food, often on the greasier or sweeter side. Interestingly, the sweeter the alcohol you consume, the more likely it is that your appetite will be revved up the next day. Why does that happen? So what should else we eat then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK? How can I make and keep my new year’s resolutions? Why does the year begin on January 1st? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still palpable, with repercussions stretching across various facets like the economy, education, and health. These sectors took a severe hit due to the virus and the ensuing lockdowns. On a more personal level, our mental well-being has faced significant challenges. According to the World Health Organistion, the world saw a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide during the first year of the pandemic. Amidst this continued unease, a new sentiment has emerged, and it’s been labelled "pandemic skip". What does it mean? Who’s most affected by this phenomenon? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK? How can I make and keep my new year’s resolutions? Why does the year begin on January 1st? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Currently there are many people that just feel they cannot get onto the property ladder, but is buying your own home really the best way to invest your money? Well, there are many benefits to owning your home, such as the stability and peace of mind that it can bring you. You can’t be evicted by a landlord, you can decorate and furnish it as you want, and you can enjoy the social and psychological benefits of having a place to call your own. Another benefit is you can save money. When interest rates are low, and if you have a big deposit, owning your home can be cheaper than renting. You can also control your monthly payments with a fixed mortgage. And of course you can make money. In a rising property market, you can benefit from the increase in property values. You can also use your home as an asset to borrow money, or rent it out if you live elsewhere for a while. What are the cons then? And what are the advantages of renting? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is body neutrality? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? How can I return unwanted gifts? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we embrace resolutions and light up the skies with fireworks, it's time to mark the arrival of the New Year! All of us on the Do You Really Know team, hoping you soaked in the holiday vibes and send you our warm wishes for a splendid 2024. Today, planet Earth has set off on another full orbit around the sun, a journey which will span 365 days until we hit the reset button again next year. And that's why we now refer to January 1st as New Year's Day. But bear in mind, that wasn't always the case. We can trace back our calendar roots to the Romans and their initial 355-day calendar. That’s right: 355, and not the 365 we're used to these days. That lunar-based system was credited to Numa Pompilius, the legendary second King of Rome, who succeeded Romulus. And it saw the New Year kick off in March, a nod to Mars, the Roman god of war. When did January 1st appear then? What about elsewhere in the world? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is body neutrality? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? How can I return unwanted gifts? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been over two decades since Wikipedia flipped the script on how we gather information. Every year, millions of us turn to it to feed our curiosity or settle friendly debates. Now there might be doubts over how reliable it is, but Wikipedia can count on the over 250,000 volunteers who keep it a top-notch source by regularly updating its pages. In 2023, the English-language version of Wikipedia racked up a whopping 84 billion page views. But of course, some pages stood out more than others. Are you saying there’s a ranking? What about number one then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is body neutrality? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? How can I return unwanted gifts? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s somewhat unpleasant when you wake up with halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, but it’s actually a totally normal and natural phenomenon. A 2018 research review on the subject found that as many as 31.8% of people are affected. What’s more, it can happen even if you brush your teeth carefully the night before. There are actually quite a few different factors that contribute to morning bad breath. One of those is to do with ketones, a type of energy source formed when glucose is not readily available, usually when our stomach is empty. Now while we sleep our bodies generate ketones, and the liver releases these compounds as a compensatory energy mechanism after we eat a meal. Their distinct odour is partly responsible when we have less-than-fresh morning breath. What are the other reasons? Why do we sometimes have bad breath during the day? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is future faking? Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As you may well know, astrology involves looking at the position of planets and stars when we were born, and using that to interpret their influence on our lives. Mercury happens to be one of the planets which is supposed to have the most influence and that’s particularly true when it’s in retrograde, which happens several times a year. Planets in our solar system orbit around the sun. If you think about it, those that are closest to the Sun have to travel the distance to complete a full orbit. Of all the planets, Mercury is closest to the Sun, and it actually completes a full rotation in just 88 days, compared to the 365 days it takes planet Earth. What does that mean in concrete terms? Why are astrologers interested in this phenomenon? Is Mercury being in retrograde always negative then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is future faking? Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. First broadcast: 29/03/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to a 2019 online survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation and YouGov, over a third of UK adults have felt anxious or depressed because of their body image. Although that particular survey didn’t specifically address how gender affected the chances of someone feeling unsatisfied about their appearance, the summary acknowledged that it is often more common among young women. We’ve talked about the increasing popularity of the body positive movement in the past on Do You Really Know, but such findings show that it hasn't yet fundamentally shifted women's perspectives on their bodies. The pressure to have a ‘perfect body’ remains significant. However, there’s a new trend out there which suggests adopting a more measured and neutral stance towards our appearance, rather than advocating unconditional self-love. It’s known as body neutrality. Where does this movement come from? So, does this mean we shouldn't love our bodies anymore? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is future faking? Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics. For boys, the top name was Noah, which replaced Oliver from the previous year. For girls, the top name was Olivia, which remained the same for the sixth year in a row. Other popular names for boys included Henry, Arlo, Sebastian and Luca, while for girls, Freya, Florence, Willow and Alys were among the favourites. There are many factors that can influence parents' choices, such as family traditions, personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and even celebrities. For example, some parents may name their children after famous actors, singers, sports stars, or characters from books, movies, or TV shows. What about uncommon names? Why do some parents opt for these unconventional names? What are the predictions for popular names in 2024? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is future faking? Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 21st century has seen true crime stories surge in popularity, dominating bookshelves and TV schedules. Documentaries like Making A Murderer and podcasts like Serial, which investigate real-life crimes, have become smash hits, attracting millions of viewers and downloads. Over in the US, a 2022 YouGov poll revealed that half of Americans enjoy true crime content, with one in three consuming it weekly. True crime is a unique genre, and distinct from detective fiction or thrillers due to its non-fictional nature. To comprehend the modern fascination with true crime, you have to venture back in time. The roots of the cultural phenomenon trace back to the early days of penny dreadfuls, crime novels and sensationalised crime reporting in the 19th century. How did it become popular? What is it about true crime that captivates so many people? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can I protect my mental health during the holiday season? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? Why do we give each other gifts at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I can’t wait for us to get married;” “Let’s travel the world together;” “We’re going to have two kids and buy that apartment across the street” When you’re in a romantic relationship, it can be genuinely heartwarming to hear your partner paint a vibrant picture of days ahead. But what about if it happens much earlier than you expected - say on your second or third date? Usually at that stage, you're still figuring each other out, so beware - it could be a sign of what’s known as future faking. Of course, there’s no one single pace for all relationships to abide by, but generally speaking couples don’t make life plans or even say “I love you” within the first couple weeks of dating. So it’s only really a red flag when talk of those kinds of plans pop up too early. In some cases, you could be dealing with a narcissist who’s using false promises to win you over in the moment, creating an illusion of intimacy when in reality they’re not thinking about the future at all. Hence the name: future faking. Is it similar to love bombing? How can I deal with a future faking partner? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can I protect my mental health during the holiday season? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? Why do we give each other gifts at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the World happiness report, of the 137 countries they include, the UK has fallen to 19th position. This follows a steady decline over the past few years although they are happier than Lithuania in 20th position and France in 21st position. As ever Finland has continued its winning streak and stays at number one just above New Zealand. The report combines both subjective well-being assessments and objective indicators. Respondents rate their own current lives on a scale from 0 to 10. They ask people to imagine a ladder with the best possible life for them being a 10 and the worst possible life being a 0. What has caused the decrease in happiness? Is this the same all across the UK? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Which types of alcohol should we avoid mixing? Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? What is erectile dysfunction? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the UK, Christmas is synonymous with festive meals, Yule logs, and the classic roast turkey. We adorn our homes with red, gold, and green decorations, and the Christmas tree takes center stage – a topic we've previously explored on this podcast. These traditions have become so ingrained in our lives that we rarely question their origins. Take, for instance, the tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts. Is the act of gift-giving tied to Christianity? How did New Year's gifts evolve into Christmas gifts then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Where did the story of the Grinch come from? Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes, asthma flare-ups, and even sleep disruptions. If you're wondering why you're dealing with all the telltale signs of hay fever smack in the middle of December, you might just be grappling with what's commonly known as the Christmas tree syndrome. In a nutshell, it's a seasonal allergy triggered by the presence of mould in the needles and trunk of the tree. The cosy and humid indoor setting provides the perfect breeding ground for mould, which had already set up camp on the tree back when it was outside. So, what does this mean in everyday terms? What other exposures are we talking about? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Where did the story of the Grinch come from? Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the Western world, we celebrate Christmas on December 25th to honour the birth of Jesus, a tradition dating back to around the year 300 AD. But well before that, various cultures had been marking the end of the year as a symbol of life's renewal. Over time, Christmas has transcended its origins and found unique expressions in different corners of the globe, from Brazil and Ethiopia to Japan and Egypt. Let’s take Nordic countries, for instance. Their holiday traditions, especially the culinary ones, can get quite bizarre. In Greenland, Christmas delicacies include Mattak – raw whale skin served with whale blubber. Are there other traditions? What about the kids? Are there any less creepy traditions? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Where did the story of the Grinch come from? Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the extended holiday feasts, it's common to let loose a little, perhaps mixing different kinds of alcohol. You might start out with a glass of champagne, then movie to wine or beer, and end the meal with a digestif. That’s despite the widespread belief that combining alcohol types can worsen the unpleasant aftermath of a hangover and all the symptoms that brings, like nausea, headaches, dehydration, vomiting, palpitations, and dizziness. First of all, it’s important to note that ethanol, the molecule found in all alcoholic drinks, gets partly expelled through urine, sweat, and breath. The liver also filters a portion, converting ethanol into acetaldehyde, the culprit behind hangover symptoms. Unfortunately, the liver can only handle a limited amount. So is it really more about how much alcohol you consume, then? What are these other substances? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mistletoe is a small evergreen parasitic plant that grows in clusters on trees. It has white berries and it has been used for centuries as a symbol of love, fertility, and peace. The Greeks used mistletoe as a cure for all sorts of ailments while the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noted it could be used as a balm against epilepsy, ulcers and poisons. The Druids came to view it as a sacred symbol of vivacity, and they gave it to humans and animals alike in the hope of restoring fertility. However, one of the most popular legends about mistletoe and probably the reason we associated this plant with kissing dates back to Norse mythology. But how did it become associated with kissing? How did kissing under the mistletoe become popular? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the evening of December 24th, as many households in the UK prepare for festive gatherings with traditional roast turkey and yule log, an intriguing Christmas tradition unfolds in Japan. In the land of the rising sun, people aren't bustling around their kitchens; instead, they're braving the winter cold to queue up for a unique holiday feast at KFC. Many Japanese then return home with a special Christmas bucket in red, white, and green colors, containing fried chicken, coleslaw salad, a Japanese strawberry shortcake to share, and sometimes even champagne. Yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken has become a Christmas essential for millions of Japanese families. And when did this tradition start? Where does KFC come in then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the festive season, what beats snuggling up under a blanket with a classic Christmas movie? If you're a '90s kid, you'll likely recall a certain massive hit from the year 2000. That's right, we're talking about The Grinch, starring Jim Carrey. It sees Carrey play a recluse with a sour attitude who decides to spoil Christmas for the folks in Whoville, a small town nestled in a snowflake. And in English-speaking countries, the Grinch is a familiar character; someone might well be dubbed a "Grinch" if they show a miserly attitude towards Christmas. Who's the genius behind the Grinch? How did Seuss come up with the Grinch character? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, gift-giving and of course decorating. For the most part people tend to stick to ‘Christmassy colours’ especially red and green but these ‘traditional’ Christmas colours have a long history and symbolism. Arielle Eckstut, author of The Secret Language of Color found that holly, with its green leaves and red berries has long played a role in winter solstice celebrations that predate Christmas. People revered holly plants for being evergreen and surviving the winter and used them as symbols of protection and prosperity in their midwinter celebrations. “It’s like a lot of things that have to do with culture and colour, where it’s some combination of a natural phenomenon mixed with other cultural forces,” she says. What cultural events have made red and green Christmassy? Do red and green have any religious significance? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas is coming and at Do You Really Know, we just can't wait! Now everybody knows that means pressies under the tree, precious family moments and a hearty Christmas dinner. It all calls for a lot of preparation, but the joy of the season makes it worth it, doesn't it! Still, the holiday season can cause some people to get the blues, so let's not forget them. This week, the team are discussing some of the main Christmas traditions and trends out there; and giving you advice on how to get the most out of this special time of year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To stay in shape, it's crucial that you watch what you eat and steer clear of snacks. What's less commonly known, though, is that there are specific times when the body burns more calories. Researchers at Harvard University were astonished when they stumbled upon this revelation. In a 2018 study published in Current Biology, they found that, "The number of calories people burn at rest varies depending on the time of day." Even at rest, "People burn 10% more calories in the late afternoon and early evening compared to the early morning." Impressive! How did they figure that out? That sounds like a challenging regimen! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace? Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK? Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all experienced it: the sudden urge to pee when it's cold is a common thing. This connection was supposedly discovered by Austrian physician Alfred Adler back in 1918. His experiment involved injecting cold water into a bladder to see how the body reacts. You might think it caused the kidneys to contract, but that's not the case... What did Adler discover then? Are there other factors explaining the link between the bladder and cold? What can you do if you struggle to hold it in? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace? Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK? Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Humans are the only creatures on Earth that shed tears. Whether it's tears of joy, laughter, anger, pain, sadness, or fatigue, the emotions that bring about crying are diverse. You might be familiar with these emotional triggers, but have you ever wondered about the physiological explanations behind them? Let's start by categorising tears into three types. There are "basal" tears that maintain a continuous lubrication of the cornea, "reflex" tears that emerge when you're chopping onions, have dust in your eye, or encounter too much light, and then there are the emotional tears – and they’re the ones we're delving into today. What happens in our eyes when we're sad? What about tears of joy then? But why does witnessing someone else cry make us want to do the same? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace? Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK? Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all had that moment of slipping on our headphones heading to school or work and feeling like an unstoppable force. But while most of us leave that unwavering confidence at the front door, for some, it's a whole different story. Their analyses are top-notch, decisions flawless, and social networks unbeatable. This phenomenon has a name – it's called the "god complex." Where does this god complex come from then? What's behind the causes of the god complex? How can one break free from the god complex? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize? What's really in vegan meat substitutes? Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Panto, short for pantomime, has become a staple of British Christmas celebrations but surprisingly its origins are neither British or Christmassy. It has its roots in the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, which was celebrated in December and involved dressing up as the opposite gender, swapping roles, and having a lot of fun. The word ‘pantomime’ comes from the Latin ‘pantomimus’, which means ‘actor who plays every role’. The Romans also had a tradition of performing plays called mummia, which were based on stories from Egypt. How did panto come to Britain? What are some of the earliest examples of panto in Britain? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize? What's really in vegan meat substitutes? Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As winter quickly approaches, you might find yourself yearning to spend your evenings nestled on the couch, wrapped in a cosy blanket, sipping on hot tea or cocoa, all while enjoying a comforting movie – and ideally, with some company. You know, someone to share cuddles with. Who is that someone? Well, that's what cuffing season is all about. Think of it as the time of year when temperatures drop, and single folks start looking to couple up for the duration of the winter – whether they're consciously seeking it or not. Interestingly, many breakups tend to happen come spring. While the term has been around for quite some time in North America, it gained popularity through the 2013 song 'Cuffin' Season' by rapper Fabolous. In it, he crooned, "Though we gotta say goodbye for the summer, baby, I promise you this, I'll send you all my love, every day in a letter, sealed with a kiss." Does it really exists? And why ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize? What's really in vegan meat substitutes? Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices