Do you really know?

How can I get cheaper flight tickets?

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

What is the baby food diet linked to a number of celebrities?

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

How can I have a healthier relationship with my smartphone?

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

What is London's No Trouser Day?

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

Which foods change our body odour?

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

How could the 52 week method help me save money?

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

What is the UK Sports personality of the year award?

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

Do we really need to eat more during winter?

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

Why does our nose run when I'm sick?

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

What is social loafing, the latest harmful workplace trend?

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

How often should I shower?

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

Could Britain ever rejoin the EU?

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

What are the best hangover foods?

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

What is pandemic skip?

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

What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK?

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

Why does the year begin on January 1st?

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

Which Wikipedia pages were most visited in 2023?

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

Why do we get bad breath in the morning?

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

What does Mercury in retrograde mean?

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

What is body neutrality?

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

What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK?

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

Why are we so fascinated by true crime?

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

What is future faking?

“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

Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be?

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

Why do we give each other gifts at Christmas?

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

What is Christmas tree syndrome?

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

What are the strangest Christmas traditions?

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

Which types of alcohol should we avoid mixing?

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

Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

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

Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas?

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