Do you really know?

Could vanlife be a lifestyle choice for you?

he last two and a half years have caused a lot of us to reassess our priorities in life. Are we really living our lives to the full? Are there new experiences that we should be trying out? Within that context, an alternative nomadic lifestyle called vanlife has seen a resurgence.  It’s been around since the 1960s, when hippies would travel across the United States in vans. But social media has made it trendy again, and in particular Instagram where the #vanlife hashtag has over 13 million posts. Essentially, vanlife is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: living in a van. It’s a minimalist lifestyle, which also grants the freedom to travel and be adventurous. What are some of the coolest things about vanlife? How do I know if the van lifestyle is for me?  In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : How does Paris syndrome affect some visitors to the French capital? Can I get health benefits from masturbation? How have dating apps broken into the friendship market? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 25/8/2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could precrastination be affecting your productivity?

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

What is the ‘Yes Man’ Technique?

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

Why are young people looking so old?

If you're aged between 30 and 40, you're part of Generation Y, also known as the ‘millennials’ You may have already said to yourself that the next generation, Gen Z, look much older than their age. Millennials grew up amid the rise of the wellness industry and numerous public health campaigns that promoted healthy living, think about the messaging around eating five fruits and vegetables a day, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking.  Not to mention, there was also a strong push for sun protection awareness. Consequently, Millennials have largely embraced skincare routines and self-care habits that keep them looking youthful. But how is that possible? Are many Gen Zers really getting these procedures? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why are young people going back to flip phones? What is “Act your Wage”, Gen Z’s latest work-life trend? Is bikini waxing harmful for your health? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is cybersickness, the mysterious condition linked to screen use?

You may well have experienced motion sickness or travel sickness in the past. Well, cyber sickness is a modern ailment that follows a similar kind of logic, or rather the opposite logic. Instead of moving while feeling still, like when you’re on a boat or in a car, with cyber sickness you perceive movement while you’re actually still. But the result is the same: your brain fails to adapt to this dissonance, and hence brings on nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and other balance disorders. This can happen when using a computer, smartphone, or virtual reality headset. What's the similarity with motion sickness ? Why doesn’t it affect all of us then? What can I do if I start feeling unwell in front of my laptop or smartphone screen then?In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Are women really more emotional than men? Why are celebrities dissolving their facial fillers? What is the Smurfette Principle? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 28/8/2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which five foods slow ageing?

Ageing is part of the natural cycle of life, and there’s no such thing as a miracle pill to prevent it. At least not yet ! Nevertheless, it is still possible to delay the effects of this process through a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition. No doubt you’ve already heard of the benefits of regular physical activity, getting enough sleep and giving up cigarettes or alcohol. But generally speaking, you should prioritise foods that are rich in antioxidants. The term "antioxidants" includes certain vitamins, trace elements, and micronutrients found in large quantities in fruit and vegetables, for example. What foods should we be focusing on ? Where can you find antioxidants in abundance ? What about drinks? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Are women really more emotional than men? Why are celebrities dissolving their facial fillers? What is the Smurfette Principle? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broascast: 26/8/2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are yellow flags in dating?

In recent years, dating has become a lot more structured. Terms like "green flags" and "red flags" are now part of everyday language, and the criteria for evaluating potential partners have become more specific and defined. Of course, the main idea behind these colour codes is to help you figure out if someone is right for you based on how they behave. But lately even the flag system has become a little less straightforward, with the introduction of "beige flags" and "yellow flags". Now beige flags refer to boring or insignificant traits, while yellow flags can have a more meaningful impact on a relationship. Are they good or bad? What are some examples? How do yellow flags differ from red flags? Why is she considered a pop culture icon? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the secrets of a successful LAT couple? Why do couples often look alike? Could date stacking really help me find love? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to interact with ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a computer program from a company called OpenAI. It along with other forms of AI are changing the way we communicate, create, and learn. They can help us with various tasks, such as writing emails, coding, designing presentations, and much more. However, to use AI effectively, we need to know how to interact with it.  How to use prompts? What are the factors you have to consider? What are the problems with ChatGPT? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : What is negging, the toxic flirting technique? Could the Pomodoro technique help me work better? Why do I attract mosquitoes more than other people? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 22/8/2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which actors have undergone the most extreme body transformations?

If you were a WWE fan in the 2000s, a mere mention of the name Dave Bautista is likely to get you feeling all nostalgic. During his wrestling career, Bautista became well known for his muscular build. And even after quitting the WWE, he stayed in the spotlight, going into acting and being recognised as the “best wrestler-turned-actor” out there, according to the likes of ScreenRant, AVclub.com and a prominent Reddit thread with over 1800 comments. After he put a lot of weight on for a role in Knock at the Cabin in 2023, fans were shocked to see him looking super slim at the premiere of The Last Showgirl at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024. Do actors often go to such extremes to lose weight for roles? Do actors sometimes go in the opposite direction and gain weight for a role? What about female actors? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we love hate-watching certain films and series? What is the Cannes Film Festival ? Does music really make us more productive? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Kamala Harris become a pop culture icon?

On 10th September 2024, Kamala Harris made her presidential debate debut in Philadelphia, going head-to-head with Republican candidate Donald Trump. It was a fiery affair, and when all was said as done most observers had the sitting vice president down as having come out on top. From political columnists to casual social media commenters, Harris had everyone impressed. Just how popular has Kamala become? Would you say that being a woman contributes to her popularity? Why is she considered a pop culture icon? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Which swing states could decide the US election result? What is the European Political Community, the continent’s intergovernmental organization? What is Roe vs Wade, the ruling that guaranteed American women abortion rights? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could the Pomodoro technique help me work better ?

Do you ever feel like time is slipping through your fingers? That you had several hours to complete one or two simple tasks, but you didn't notice the clock ticking away? The problem might stem from poor time management or a tendency to procrastinate. It could also result from an inability to isolate yourself from sources of distraction. Let’s delve into a productivity strategy that could potentially revolutionise the way you work: the Pomodoro technique. Where does the name come from? How does the Pomodoro method actually work? Why is it so effective? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : What is the Pygmalion effect? What are the alternatives to air conditioning? What is misogynoir? 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 love horror films so much?

Halloween is the only time of year when you can scare yourself silly! While some people go trick-or-treating around the neighbourhood, others prefer a thrilling film. Being scared and anxious are generally unpleasant sensations. So what’s the point of watching a film that makes you feel uncomfortable? It may seem paradoxical, but horror films are incredibly popular. According to a Statista study, 37 percent of people in the UK love them. What happens to our bodies when we’re scared? So it’s only for the feeling of release at the end? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we celebrate Halloween? Can I cure my fear of spiders? Why do we love hate-watching certain films and series? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which swing states could decide the US election result?

The US presidential election is now just a few days away, and polls between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have been tight ever since the sitting vice president replaced Joe Biden as the Democrat candidate. Experts agree that, as is often the case in the US, the election outcome will be determined by what happens in certain swing states. All eyes are on these seven battlegrounds ahead of Election Day, given their potential to tip the scales. If there are fifty states, why are those seven so pivotal in deciding the election? Which states are we talking about? How do swing states affect campaign strategies? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Who are the main victims of natural disasters? Why has far-right terrorism increased so much? What is Roe vs Wade, the ruling that guaranteed American women abortion rights? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does music really make us more productive?

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

Does stress really cause grey hair?

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

Who are the real-life zombies that have been seen in Haiti?

Zombies are familiar to most of us Westerners through popular culture; thanks to depictions in classic horror movies, TV shows like The Walking Dead, or even video games like Resident Evil. But the idea of zombies actually goes beyond the realm of fiction. In fact, some people in the real world claim to have encountered them, and not just as gory monsters with a taste for brains. Today, we’re going to discuss the cultural beliefs that keep these stories alive. What parts of the world do such beliefs come from? Is it like being turned into a zombie strips away the very essence of being human? Is there any evidence to support the existence of real-life zombies? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is Quantum medicine and is it a scam? Can men get breast cancer? What is the Fermi paradox? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we change clocks twice per year?

“Spring forward, fall back” goes the saying; that’s right - today, Sunday the 27th of October 2024, saw the clocks go back an hour, meaning it gets dark earlier all of a sudden and winter is on its way! If there’s one day, or rather two days, of the year where you don’t want to schedule any important appointments, it’s on a day when the clock changes. Forgetting the time change is something that’s happened to all of us at least once in our lifetimes. Changing our clocks is so ingrained into our culture that we never really call it into question. But it has actually become a subject of debate in recent years, with some people even saying we should do away with the whole idea. Who first came up with the idea then? What’s the point of it all? Why is it a subject of debate then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is Disney becoming unpopular? What is the coffee cup test in job interviews? Faux self-care: are we being fooled by the wellness industry? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 30/10/22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do some people get a headache during sex?

Sex is generally synonymous with pleasure, but sometimes it can bring on headaches that are unpleasant at best. They’re known as sex headaches or orgasm headaches, but the scientific term is “primary headache associated with sexual activity”. And they don’t just kill the mood in the bedroom. The resulting pain usually lasts at least a few minutes according to The Mayo Clinic, but it can be a matter of hours or even days. These headaches can happen regularly, occasionally, or even just once in a lifetime. A case report published in Medical Principles and Practice in 2013 estimated the prevalence of sex-related headaches at 1% to 1.6%, meaning they’re pretty rare all things considered. What do people typically experience? Do we know what causes them? What should I do if I start getting sex headaches then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Is sex without feelings ever a good idea? Could using lube help you get more pleasure from sex? How is grounding helping women to have more orgasms? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can men get breast cancer?

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

What is the Fermi paradox?

Have you ever felt tiny when contemplating the vast, 14-billion-year-old universe? Maybe you’ve wondered, “Is there another form of intelligence out there, pondering the same questions I am?” This thought often leads to another: “If the universe is infinite, there must be other forms of life! So why don’t we have any proof?”  Congratulations, you’ve just stumbled upon the Fermi Paradox! What is the Fermi paradox? Who is Fermi? What’s the point of posing this paradox? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do children have imaginary friends? Which are the best cities in the world to live in? What are umbrella species? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is grounding helping women to have more orgasms?

According to a study published in Current Psychiatry Reports in 2000, 10% - 15% of women are affected by anorgasmia, the inability to reach orgasm. Often, these difficulties stem from a person or their partner lacking a true understanding of their body. Difficulty in letting go during sexual activity can also be a factor. Today we’re going to talk about a personal development technique which aims to help those who struggle with such issues; it’s called grounding. What is grounding? How does it actually work? A good communication isn’t enough? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the three types of female orgasm? What are the strangest reactions caused by an orgasm ? Is sex without feelings ever a good idea? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do noses and ears grow throughout your life?

You may have heard that our ears and noses never stop growing, you may even have found yourself wondering if your ears are indeed bigger than they used to be. But there might be an answer, a study published in the British Medical Journal in 1993 took a very serious look at the question. The scientists measured the earlobes of 206 volunteers aged between 30 and 93. The result: the lobes lengthened by an average of 22 millimetres a year, or 1 cm after 50 years!  Do ears continue to grow throughout life? When does this nose sagging begin? What can you do about it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Is it better sleeping with or without a pillow? How can I save money on my gas bill? How can I influence my dreams? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is jeffing?

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

Why are driverless cars not yet on the road?

The Tesla “We, Robot” event in October 2024 saw Elon Musk unveil the company’s Robotaxi, a fully autonomous car which he said passengers would soon be able to fall asleep in, and wake up at their destination. And all for a price tag of under $30,000! Critics quickly pointed out that Musk has often made ambitious claims about his company’s new technology in the past, which didn’t quite end up turning out as he’d promised. Does a self-driving car always mean there’s no human behind the wheel? When we reach level 5, will we no longer need a driver's licence? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Which jobs are most under threat from artificial intelligence? What is wellness syndrome? Does your name really affect your looks? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is omphalophobia, the fear of belly buttons?

Be honest, if you hadn’t heard the title of this episode, would you have been able to guess that this person was talking about a belly button? She was a contestant on Family Feud Australia in 2017, and just hearing mention of the words “belly button” were enough to trigger her. It might sound like an extreme reaction to a belly button, but she’s actually far from being the only person to have what’s called omphalophobia. Throughout history, people’s belly buttons were almost always concealed unless they were in the comfort of their own homes, but these days seeing girls in crop tops is really common, especially in summer. That’s not great news for those with omphalophobia! How do you explain this phobia? Can it be managed? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is wellness syndrome? What are the dangers of self-diagnosis? Is scratching a mole really dangerous? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 28/10/2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which jobs are most under threat from artificial intelligence?

Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, artificial intelligence has transformed how many workers go about their jobs on a daily basis. AI developments are certainly exciting to many people, but there’s also a lot of nervousness out there, due to the inevitability that AI-based automation will end up replacing some parts of human work in a lot of fields. In January 2024, the IMF issued a cautionary report titled AI Will Transform the Global Economy. Let’s Make Sure It Benefits Humanity. It suggested that 40% of jobs worldwide will be impacted by AI, a figure that could reach 60% in more advanced economies. Are some of those jobs at risk? What about creative fields? What about jobs that require human interaction, like teaching? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Does your name really affect your looks? hat are the dangers of self-diagnosis? How can I beat my smartphone addiction? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does your name really affect your looks?

Does your face match your name? Surprisingly, researchers have scientifically proven that an Emma will never resemble a Sophie, or a Jack or an Oliver.  They stem from a Franco-Israeli study published in July 2024, a collaboration between HEC Paris and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Participants were shown a photograph of a person and asked to choose their first name from four options. How can a first name influence our appearance? What is the Dorian Gray effect? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Who was the real Count of Monte Cristo? What is microwork? How can I beat my smartphone addiction? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is scratching a mole really dangerous?

Moles can be flat, raised, discreet, or visible. They appear all over our skin and tend to increase in number over time. While these harmless little spots are generally not a cause for concern, they can sometimes be the source of skin cancer, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. A mole is a small, dark spot on the skin formed by a cluster of melanocytes. These are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour and helps you tan when exposed to sunlight. While melanocytes are typically spread throughout the skin, in the case of moles, they group together, creating a visible mark. Why do moles itch? What if you scratch it until it bleeds? When should you consult a dermatologist? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is exercise good for my skin? Why do we get moles? Is it a good idea to fall asleep to music? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could job enrichment make your work more rewarding?

A lot has changed in the workplace since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Companies have had to figure out how to best manage remote work for their employees, all the while supporting their career development and helping them feel more satisfied at work. Well, the concept we’re going to talk about today may be just what’s needed to address those challenges. It’s a modern HR strategy known as job enrichment and basically, it means making an employee’s role more fulfilling. How can companies do that ? What does this all mean in an actual job though? Are protein bars really worth it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : What is microwork? What is the best time of year to find work? Can a messy desk help some people work better? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is bikini waxing harmful for your health?

According to a Jama Dermotology study of 3,316 American women in 2016, 83.8% reported removing at least some of their pubic hair. The most common hair removal methods are waxing, shaving and lasering. Over half of the respondents cited hygiene reasons for doing so, but in reality there may be health risks associated with the practice. How did female pubic hair get to be out of fashion? What are the actual functions of pubic hair? Are there any other risks?  In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Why will it be years before Ukraine could join the EU? Why is Elvis known as the King? Is the menopause still a taboo subject? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 6/7/2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices