Do you really know?

Why are Christmas films so popular?

If you were to turn on your TV right now, or open up Netflix, the chances of you stumbling upon a cheesy Christmas movie would be pretty high. They tend to be full of clichés, cringeworthy one-liners and predictable plots, but still we just can't seem to get enough.  Let’s take a moment to delve into the psychology behind Christmas movies, and how they got to be so successful. Mormon director George Albert Smith released the first Christmas film : a short silent drama called Santa Claus, in 1898, which showed Santa visiting a house on Christmas eve. Moving into the 20th century, the history of Christmas movies reflects the story of Hollywood itself. In the US, they really became a genre, or even tradition, in their own right. The first wave came in the 1990s. Who made the first Christmas film? If they’re repetitive and predictable, how come we keep coming back for more? What are the key ingredients for a good Christmas film then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How can I protect my mental health during the holiday season? Why does Christmas boost our libido? Is Santa Claus red because of Coca Cola? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[10 WORDS THAT MADE 2022] Is "quiet quitting" helping employees find a better work-life balance?

Do You Really Know, Bababam's daily podcast, helps you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. This week, we're looking back at 10 words and phrases that have been on everyone's lips in 2022. From the Uber Files leak to "shrinkflation" in stores or "quiet quitting" at work, refresh your memory on some of the events and phenomena that best sum up the year gone by. "Quiet quitting" has been getting a lot of attention of late. So many young people have been rejecting “hustle culture”, which puts work at the centre of a person’s life and can lead to burnout. On this podcast, we’ve talked about a lot of factors affecting young workers and their mental health in recent times. It’s pretty well established that the Covid pandemic was a game changer, in that flexible working models became the norm and everybody started reassessing their priorities in life.  Is that like slipping out the back door? Is quiet quitting a good thing? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why does Norway offer a Christmas tree to London every year? How to have an eco-friendly Christmas? How can I prepare my home for a blackout? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[10 WORDS THAT MADE 2022] What shady tactics have been uncovered by the Uber files leak?

Do You Really Know, Bababam's daily podcast, helps you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. This week, we're looking back at 10 words and phrases that have been on everyone's lips in 2022. From the Uber Files leak to "shrinkflation" in stores or "quiet quitting" at work, refresh your memory on some of the events and phenomena that best sum up the year gone by. The chances are at some point in your life you’ve taken an Uber ride, perhaps heading home from a night out, to get to the airport or when running late for work for example. The company’s rise to prominence over the last decade has been staggering, and it’s now worth over $40 billion. But the ride-sharing tech giant has had its fair share of controversy along the way. And less than two weeks ago, a massive leak called the Uber files saw the company again come under the spotlight for the wrong reasons. It stands accused of employing questionable tactics on its way to the top. How did the scandal break out? How did Uber develop into the giant it is these days? What else did the leaks reveal? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why does Christmas boost our libido? Is Santa Claus red because of Coca Cola? Why does Norway offer a Christmas tree to London every year? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I protect my mental health during the holiday season?

Christmas is seen as a season of joy, but it can also be a testing time for many people, whether it’s mentally, emotionally, physically or financially. And 2022 may be worse than most years in that respect. Most of the population are feeling additional pressure due to the cost-of-living crisis, and Christmas tends to be an expensive time. Furthermore, upsetting news stories have been dominating headlines throughout the year, like the ongoing war in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, the global climate crisis and new waves of Covid 19. What’s the best way to deal with difficult family situations? What strategies can I adopt? What should I do if it all just gets too much? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why does Christmas boost our libido? Is Santa Claus red because of Coca Cola? Why does Norway offer a Christmas tree to London every year? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[10 WORDS THAT MADE 2022] Do we have a treatment for Monkeypox at last?

Do You Really Know, Bababam's daily podcast, helps you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. This week, we're looking back at 10 words and phrases that have been on everyone's lips in 2022. From the Uber Files leak to "shrinkflation" in stores or "quiet quitting" at work, refresh your memory on some of the events and phenomena that best sum up the year gone by. In the last few months alone more than 3,000 people in the UK have caught the monkeypox virus and around 20 cases are being confirmed a day. As of  July the World Health Organisation declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. British scientists from the University of Oxford, in fact the same team who led the ‘Recovery trial’ which looked into a cure for acute covid, have become the first in the world to launch a clinical trial for Monkeypox. What actually is monkeypox and how does it spread? What is the trial going to do? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why does Christmas boost our libido? Is Santa Claus red because of Coca Cola? Why does Norway offer a Christmas tree to London every year? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Amber Minogue In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does Christmas boost our libido?

According to a study published in the Scientific Reports journal in 2017, the holiday season sees a peak in sex-related searches on Google and Twitter. The researchers behind the study also identified an increase in birth rates in late September, in other words nine months after Christmas of the previous year. So the evidence is there: for many of us, sexual desire increases at Christmas time. The study was called “Human Sexual Cycles are Driven by Culture and Match Collective Moods”, suggesting there’s something about our mood during the holiday season. And it’s not just Christmas. What’s the science behind all that then? Does it apply to other culture holidays? Christmas can also be a stressful period though, can’t it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why does Norway offer a Christmas tree to London every year? How to have an eco-friendly Christmas? Why do Christmas decorations make me feel happier? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Santa Claus red because of Coca Cola?

Christmas is almost upon us, and many of us see Coca Cola as being intrinsically linked to the season’s celebrations. That’s in no small part due to their iconic “Holidays are coming” TV adverts, like the 2019 version you can hear in the background. Indeed, it’s such a strong connection that many people wonder whether Santa Claus wears red because of Coca Cola. In fact, the idea of a kind-hearted old man known for his displays of generosity predates Santa by quite some time. Another name for Santa is Saint Nicholas, who was a 4th century Turkish bishop of the same name. He would leave coins in the shoes and stockings of poor children around the end of the year. Historians agree that Santa was inspired by Saint Nicholas, who would also have worn red robes due to his religious role.  Where does Santa Claus come from? What was the link with Christmas? So what does Coca Cola have to do with all of this? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why does Norway offer a Christmas tree to London every year? How to have an eco-friendly Christmas? Why do Christmas decorations make me feel happier? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does Norway offer a Christmas tree to London every year?

If you have ever been to London over Christmas then you could not have missed the lights on oxford street and of course the huge Christmas tree standing proud in Trafalgar Square. But it is a little-known fact that this tree is actually a gift from Norway. The very first tree was offered to England back in 1947 and every year since a tree is given to the British people from Norway to thank them for their support during WWII. During the war, Norway was occupied by Germany. The country, which had been at peace for over 150 years, surrendered quickly. But if Hitler thought that getting Norway to collaborate would be easy he was wrong. The king of Norway Haakon VII, in a fraught journey that nearly cost him his life on numerous occasions, fled to London. When did this tradition start? How did the UK support Norway? How does it get to  London from Norway?  In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How to have an eco-friendly Christmas? Why do Christmas decorations make me feel happier? How can I choose the perfect gift, according to science? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to have an eco-friendly Christmas?

Christmas need not be a frenzy of shopping and unwanted gifts; more and more of us want to be mindful, minimal-waste consumers so here are some tips on how to have an eco-friendly Christmas.  Real trees are more sustainable than artificial, but there is still a lot of waste, once Christmas is over go to recyclenow.com  to find out about drop-off points in your area, where old trees get turned into chippings for local parks and woodland areas. Alternatively, consider renting a real tree that is replanted once you are done.   The same goes for wreaths, real and if you are on a budget you can make your own from foliage, red berries, or mistletoe that you can pick up in a park or wood.   How to have an eco-friendly tree and decorations? What about gifts? What about the meal? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why do Christmas decorations make me feel happier? How can I choose the perfect gift, according to science? Why is the latest wave of Covid-19 destabilising the Chinese regime? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[10 WORDS THAT MADE 2022] What are puff bars?

Do You Really Know, Bababam's daily podcast, helps you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. This week, we're looking back at 10 words and phrases that have been on everyone's lips in 2022. From the Uber Files leak to "shrinkflation" in stores or "quiet quitting" at work, refresh your memory on some of the events and phenomena that best sum up the year gone by. Health professionals have warned against the dangers of puff bars on younger consumers for some time now. This recent phenomenon has become massively popular with young people, and especially on TikTok. Puff bars, also known as vape pens or pod mods, are flavoured electronic cigarettes designed for one-time use. Social networks have been flooded with puff bars of all different colours. Do they taste like regular cigarettes? How did this trend start? Are they as bad for you as regular cigarettes? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why do Christmas decorations make me feel happier? How can I choose the perfect gift, according to science? Why is the latest wave of Covid-19 destabilising the Chinese regime? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[RERUN] What is Hanukkah?

This week marks the start of Hanukkah, so listen to our rerun episode that looks at the history and customs related to the annual Jewish festival which falls in December each year. It's often known as the festival of Lights, and its origins go back as far as 22 centuries!  The celebration is synonymous with commemorating a miracle. According to rabbinic tradition and ancient texts, Hanukkah represents the victory of the Jewish people over Greek invaders. In the 2nd century BC, Jewish peoples only accounted for a small portion of the vast territory governed by Greek king Antiochus IV. He ordered a campaign of repression against the Jewish religion, in favour of Hellenisation, meaning assimilating Greek traditions. He forbade rites and customs like circumcision, the Shabbat and even reading the Torah. What did the Jewish community do? What happened next? How is Hanukkah celebrated? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why do Christmas decorations make me feel happier? How can I choose the perfect gift, according to science? Why is the latest wave of Covid-19 destabilising the Chinese regime? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I prepare my home for a blackout?

National Grid has warned of potential blackouts in the UK this winter, due to gas shortages. If it does happen, it would be the first time the country has seen controlled blackouts since the 1970s. The government has its Electricity Supply Emergency Code in place in case we end up in such a situation. The government plan sees rolling blackouts, with areas split into 18 different load blocks, each assigned a letter from A to U. At level one, each load block has three three-hour blackout periods per week, at level two, six and at level three, nine, meaning up to 27 hours per week without power. The National Grid warning suggested this could happen in January and February 2023. Let’s be clear; as of yet it’s not a foregone conclusion that we’ll get to that stage; but it pays to be prepared. Let’s go over some top tips to make sure you’re ready. Should I stock up on candles? What about food storage? What can I do to stay entertained? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why do Christmas decorations make me feel happier? How can I choose the perfect gift, according to science? Why is the latest wave of Covid-19 destabilising the Chinese regime? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do Christmas decorations make me feel happier?

Now if you’re anything like us, you get your Christmas tree, baubles and tinsel out before November has even ended! And as it turns out, psychologists say there could be mental health benefits to having Christmas decorations up in the house. So there’s no shame in wanting to get festive as early as possible.  Improving your mood to start with. This is often linked to feelings of nostalgia. We think back to our childhood, when things were simpler. In our stressful adult lives, we have few opportunities to really feel irresponsible. Reliving the magic of Christmas by putting up colourful decorations is one way to take the pressure off, as it’s a time of innocence and joy. Bear in mind, this might not apply to people who have negative memories of the holiday season from the past. In that case, you might not feel like getting in the Christmas spirit at all. What kind of benefits are we talking about? What do Christmas decorations do to our brains? Do Christmas decorations affect our social lives? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How to save money on your heating bill this winter? Who is Viktor Bout, the Russian "Merchant of Death" freed by the US? What is friluftsliv, the perfect Norwegian lifestyle trend for winter? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I choose the perfect gift, according to science?

Here we are, it’s one week until Christmas Day, meaning it’s your last chance to buy gifts for loved ones. There’s always a certain amount of pressure on givers to get their choice right, which can lead to stress. Gifts at Christmas are pretty much expected, so you have to do a little better than with a spontaneous gift at any other time of the year. Fear not, science is here to help you hit the nail on the head! In 2016, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Indiana University in the US looked at all existing studies on gift-giving and receiving to create a review. Their findings were published in the Current Directions in Psychological Science journal. What makes a gift “good” then? Should I avoid surprise gifts then? What about experience-driven gifts? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How to save money on your heating bill this winter? Who is Viktor Bout, the Russian "Merchant of Death" freed by the US? What is friluftsliv, the perfect Norwegian lifestyle trend for winter? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is the latest wave of Covid-19 destabilising the Chinese regime?

On the night of 24th November 2022, a locked down building caught fire in Urumqi in the majority-Uyghur Xinjiang region of China. Firefighters were held back by the sealed entrance to the building, in place due to the latest strict Covid-19 lockdown measures. 10 people ended up dying in the fire. The following day, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in cities across China. Grievances against the Zero Covid policy had turned into grievances against Xi Jinping’s authoritarian regime. CNN has called it an “unprecedented uprising”. This kind of protest movement hadn't been seen since Tiananmen Square, where a student revolt was brutally put down on the night of 3rd June 1989. Tanks were deployed, killing over 2000 protesters . Are we saying this kind of protest movement has never happened before? What form are the latest protests taking? Could this really cause the Chinese regime to wobble? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How to save money on your heating bill this winter? Who is Viktor Bout, the Russian "Merchant of Death" freed by the US? What is friluftsliv, the perfect Norwegian lifestyle trend for winter? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to save money on your heating bill this winter?

As the cold weather closes in, it's time to put on the heating but there are plenty of ways to efficiently heat your home and save money. 46 percent of people believe it is better to leave the heating on low at all times however, according to experts from the Energy saving Trust it is better to only put the heating on when you need it. The reason is that your home is constantly losing heat and if you have the heating on all day you are making greater losses, heat the house when you need it and you will only lose a minimal amount of heat. First, get to the heart of the issue - the boiler. If you have an older boiler, particularly over ten years, it is probably less efficient and may cost more. Make sure you get it serviced, and if needed consider changing it. Is it better to leave the heating on low all day or only heat when I need it? How can I reduce heat loss? How else can I keep heat from escaping? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Who is Viktor Bout, the Russian "Merchant of Death" freed by the US? What is friluftsliv, the perfect Norwegian lifestyle trend for winter? Can standing on one leg save your life? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[RERUN] What is Ugly Sweater Day?

It could be a Christmas tree, a skier in a bobble hat, a team of reindeer, a snowman or Mr Santa Claus himself. OK no need to guess, we’re talking about motifs that you could find on an ugly Christmas sweater. It’s truly become a popular gift option and wardrobe staple of the holiday season in recent years. The concept originated with commercial impetus in the 1950s in the United States, before gaining further exposure in TV series. It thus entered pop culture as a way to celebrate self-conscious kitsch. From then on, the ugly sweater became a fashion phenomenon and evolved into a global industry. Brands, department stores and distribution chains, couldn’t help but fall for it, turning the knitted ugliness into a serious and highly lucrative business! But how did the Christmas sweater get so popular? Let me guess, there’s a dedicated hashtag isn’t there? But how did we go from Christmas sweater to ugly Christmas sweater? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Who is Viktor Bout, the Russian "Merchant of Death" freed by the US? What is friluftsliv, the perfect Norwegian lifestyle trend for winter? Can standing on one leg save your life? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who is Viktor Bout, the Russian "Merchant of Death" freed by the US?

Prior to February 2022, the scenario of a women’s basketball star being traded for an arms dealer might have seemed inconceivable. But that’s exactly what happened last week, when Russia and the United States exchanged prisoners at Abu Dhabi airport. Phoenix Mercury player Brittney Griner was arrested a week prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine beginning, for allegedly possessing cannabis oil in her luggage upon arrival in Russia. She ended up being sentenced to nine years in prison, but her nightmare was finally brought to an end through the prisoner exchange. The cost for the United States was releasing the world’s biggest living arms dealer, Viktor Anatolievitch Bout, also known as the Merchant of Death. He had been imprisoned for 11 years in the United States.  What is Bout’s background? Who did Viktor Bout sell arms to? Why was he imprisoned in the United States? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Can standing on one leg save your life? Why is physical contact important for our health? What's the ideal temperature to stay healthy at home? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is friluftsliv, the perfect Norwegian lifestyle trend for winter?

Last weekend brought snowfall across much of the United Kingdom, offering a clear sign that winter is here. Now with temperatures this low, the instinct for many of us may be to cuddle up in bed under a blanket. But the subject of today’s episode is all about getting outdoors whatever the weather. Friluftsliv is a Norwegian term that more or less translates as “open-air living”. You could call it the outdoor equivalent of Denmark’s hygge, which is all about finding comfort indoors. Indeed, Norway has strong outdoor traditions all year round, even when days are short during the winter. Friluftsliv is so ingrained in Norwegian culture that universities offer bachelor’s degree courses in it, and it’s protected by law through the Outdoors Recreation Act.  Where does it come from? What about us city dwellers? How can we embrace friluftsliv in our local area? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Can standing on one leg save your life? Why is physical contact important for our health? What's the ideal temperature to stay healthy at home? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can standing on one leg save your life?

Surprising as it may seem, balance is more important than you might think. In September of 2022 the British Journal of Sports Medicine published the results of a ten year study which involved more than 1,700 middle-aged participants. They concluded that not being able to balance was associated with an almost twofold increase in risk of death.    Volunteers were asked to stand on one leg with their arms by their sides and keep their eyes looking straight ahead. They discovered that an inability to hold the position for 10 seconds was associated with an 84% heightened risk of death from any cause. Participants were allowed to try 3 times. Balance is quite difficult to explain. It involves several different systems in your body: muscles, nerves, eyesight, the inner ear and even  the sensory system that lets you recognise where your body is in space. What is balance? How did they test participants for balance? Why does losing your balance matter?  In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why is physical contact important for our health? What's the ideal temperature to stay healthy at home? Why are Nobel Prizes so important? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[RERUN] What is the Tiananmen Square Massacre?

32 years ago today, Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing, saw unprecedented student protests. As night fell on June 3rd 1989, the Chinese military entered the square with a number of tanks and opened fire on the unarmed crowd.  The number of deaths is estimated between 1,000 and 2,000, in what became known internationally as the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Thus ended seven weeks worth of pro-democracy and anti-corruption protests. One particular image is shared every time the month of June comes around. It’s that of a lone man blocking the path of the Chinese army tanks. It really highlights the imbalance of force between the military and the peaceful student protesters. How did we get to such a drastic situation? Are you saying the massacre put a stop to a series of social movements? Why is this period of Chinese history so poorly known? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why is physical contact important for our health? What's the ideal temperature to stay healthy at home? Why are Nobel Prizes so important? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is physical contact important for our health?

When it comes to expressions about skin, the English language is not lacking. For example, we can be thick or thin skinned, or have someone under our skin. To show indifference, we say “it’s no skin off” our noses, and when we get excited we “jump out of” our skin.  The sheer number of different idioms reflects the deep links the skin has with our brains. Sometimes these links are visible and give away our feelings, when we blush, go pale or get goosebumps. The same can be said for stress too, in the case of some skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. How does the skin send information to the brain? What impact does touch have on our brains? How does touch affect health then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why was Kanye West’s Twitter account suspended? How can you save money on your food bill? Why is 'permacrisis' the new dictionary word of the year? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the ideal temperature to stay healthy at home?

Winter is coming and this year in particular people are wondering how to strike the right balance between comfort at home and continually rising energy bills. The World Health Organisation suggests that 18° C is the perfect temperature to set your heating to, but in reality that is just an average. There are a number of variables to take into account.  For example, certain rooms might need to be heated more than others. And generally speaking, when we’re away from home or sleeping at night we can turn the heating down or off completely. That’s right, it can depend on age and medical conditions like thyroid problems for example. Where a certain temperature might be comfortable for some, for others it might be less bearable. Isn’t it true that some people are more sensitive to the cold than others? Which rooms need to be heated more than others then? What should you do if your home is humid? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why was Kanye West’s Twitter account suspended? How can you save money on your food bill? Why is 'permacrisis' the new dictionary word of the year? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[RERUN] What is the thyroid?

This small butterfly-shaped gland is situated at the bottom of the neck, wrapped around the windpipe. It plays an important role in a number of bodily functions, but isn’t as well known as it should be.  According to The American Thyroid Association, over 12% of the country’s population will develop a thyroid disorder at some point in their life. Many people are actually unaware of the fact that they even have thyroid disease. Such problems are actually five to eight times more common in women than in men. World Thyroid Day falls on 25th May every year, so let’s take the opportunity to boost awareness. What is the purpose of the thyroid? How can I find out if my thyroid functions correctly? Is there anything I can do to stop myself from developing a thyroid disorder? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Why was Kanye West’s Twitter account suspended? How can you save money on your food bill? How did the Act Up group change the way we think about AIDS? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are Nobel Prizes so important?

This Saturday sees the 2022 Nobel Prize award ceremony take place in Stockholm. Like every year, it’s held on 10th December, to coincide with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. Tradition also dictates that the Prize laureates are announced in October. This year’s laureates include Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger in Physics, Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Morton Meldal and K. Barry Sharpless in Chemistry, Svante Paabo in Physiology or Medicine, and Annie Ernaux in Literature. Meanwhile, the Nobel Peace Prize laureates are all being recognised for their role in documenting war crimes and human rights abuses since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February. Who was Alfred Nobel then? On what criteria are the Nobel Prizes awarded? Who chooses the laureates? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why was Kanye West’s Twitter account suspended? How can you save money on your food bill? Why is 'permacrisis' the new dictionary word of the year? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why was Kanye West’s Twitter account suspended?

In recent weeks, one of the world’s most famous singers has been generating even more headlines than usual, but for all the wrong reasons. It all started on 3rd October at Paris Fashion week. Kanye West, now known as Ye, wore a T-shirt with the words “White Lives Matter” on it. The slogan has been linked to white supremacists in the US. Following that incident, fellow rapper P Diddy defended Ye in public and tried to reason with him privately. But Ye went on to post a screenshot of their conversation on Instagram, accusing Diddy of being controlled by Jews. A common antisemitic trope suggests that the Jews control various sections of society, like the media, financial institutions and even governments. What do Jewish people have to do with P Diddy? What was the fallout? Isn’t Kanye West mentally ill? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How can you save money on your food bill? Why is 'permacrisis' the new dictionary word of the year? Is it dangerous if I get heart palpitations? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you save money on your food bill?

The cost of living crisis has seen food prices increase by as much as 65% according to the Office for National Statistics meaning that the average British household spends an extra £600 pounds a year on food. But considering that there is also about 4.5 million tonnes of food waste annually the possibility of reducing wasted food as well as bills has never been more needed. Reducing your bill at the checkout comes down largely to planning. Getting organised about how, when and where you buy your food as well as how you store and cook it is essential. For starters buying in bulk can really reduce costs. How can I reduce the amount I spend on food? How can I reduce my food waste? How can technology help? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why is 'permacrisis' the new dictionary word of the year? Is it dangerous if I get heart palpitations? Why do we get great ideas in the shower? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[RERUN] What is Generation Covid?

In social sciences, a generation refers to a group of the population whose members are around the same age and have hence lived through the same era. Think the baby boomers, Generation X, Millennials… and now Generation Covid! While they may be significantly less at risk of serious illness from Covid-19, young people are bearing the brunt of the pandemic’s economic consequences. Their development into adulthood is increasingly being affected, and it’s taking a mental toll. It’s become clear that Covid-19 will have a lasting impact long after the pandemic ends, to such an extent that it will shape an entire generation. So who exactly do we count as part of Generation Covid? What about students and young adults? How have they been affected? Is there any cause for optimism? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why is 'permacrisis' the new dictionary word of the year? Is it dangerous if I get heart palpitations? Why do we get great ideas in the shower? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the Act Up group change the way we think about AIDS?

Every year, 1st December is World AIDS day. To mark the occasion, let’s look back at the story of the Act Up group. Act Up started causing a buzz in New York in 1987, four years after the AIDS virus had been discovered. The highly organised group met several times a week to discuss their action plan. They demanded more prevention and communication campaigns from the state, better access to care, transparency from pharmaceutical labs and an end to the deportation of undocumented migrants. They used shock tactics to attract the attention of the media. When was this group formed? What kind of campaigns did they use? What are some examples of concessions secured by Act Up? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why is 'permacrisis' the new dictionary word of the year? Is it dangerous if I get heart palpitations? Why do we get great ideas in the shower? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who are the FARC, Colombia's most dangerous rebel group?

In late November 2022, fighting killed at least 18 in a rural area of the Putumayu province in South west Colombia, near to the borders with Ecuador and Peru. It involved two dissident groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC for short. It has reignited tensions in an internal armed conflict which has spanned six decades, despite the government and FARC signing a peace agreement back in 2016. Their origins go back to Cold War times, when there was high instability in the country. Even before that, there had been a bloody civil war between 1948 and 1953, which was known as La Violencia. It started when popular Liberal presidential candidate Jorge Eliecer Gaitan was assassinated in 1948. How did the FARC organisation start out? Why did they turn to violence? How did the peace process start?  In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why is 'permacrisis' the new dictionary word of the year? Is it dangerous if I get heart palpitations? Why do we get great ideas in the shower? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices