Do you really know?

Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet?

If you have ever slept with a cat or a dog, you know how cozy it can be. Whether they are at the foot of the bed or on the duvet, pets can make you feel safe and comforted like a plush toy. According to the UK Pet Food Manufacturers Association, 62% of households in the country own a pet, including 13 million dogs and 12 million cats. But are there health risks when you share your bed with a furry friend? Studies have different opinions on the matter. Let’s investigate. What evidence is there on the subject ? What about hygiene ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Should you really drink hot drinks when it’s hot?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Could insects replace meat?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How can I stop my plants from dying?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 18/6/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you protect yourself from deepnudes?

The X platform formerly known as Twitter has often been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons since Elon Musk acquired it in 2022. But recent months have perhaps seen it hit a concerning new low, in terms of seediness at least. Users realised that Grok, X’s in-built AI, could be used to generate nude images of a person, based on an original image of them wearing clothes. How long has this Grok tool been around then? Isn’t all of this completely illegal? So how can I protect myself and my friends and family from deepnudes? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠What should I do with expired medicines?⁠ ⁠What is Quantum medicine and is it a scam?⁠ ⁠Why is physical contact important for our health?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you revitalise your relationship with 3 expert sex tips?

You might or might not be surprised to learn that warm weather naturally enhances the libido. According to a 2022 survey by the Kinsey Institute, 60% of Americans report that spring is the season when they most want to get under the duvet with their partner.  It all comes down to hormones. Light and warmth naturally stimulates our serotonin production, a mood-enhancing chemical. Additionally, it also increases testosterone production, a key player in libido. Light also activates the pineal gland, which regulates our sleep-wake cycles, further improving our mood. As a result, we become more pleasant and engaged in our relationships with others. Why is this? So how do you boost your libido when the weather is not good? What's the second tip? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠What is the 10-10-10 method for dealing with everyday worries?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Why has astrology come back into fashion?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What are the most addictive foods?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 12/9/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is male fertility declining so drastically?

For 30 years, male sperm counts have been declining all around the world, particularly in Western countries. It’s been demonstrated over and over again by scientific studies.  Indeed, research published by Oxford Academic in the Human Reproduction Update journal in 2017 looked at nearly 200 studies on the matter. It found that sperm counts in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand had plummeted by 59% from 1973 to 2011. What are the reasons behind this? What can men do to be aware of their fertility? ⁠⁠In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !⁠⁠ To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Do we have a treatment for Monkeypox at last?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Who are digital nomads, the new generation of remote workers?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Who is FN Meka, the world’s first AI rapper?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 14/9/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is intermittent fasting good for your health ?

Intermittent fasting (IF) isn’t just a diet; it’s a pattern of eating. It’s not about what you eat, but when. The idea is simple: you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. Popular methods include the 16/8 method, this involves fasting for 16 hours each day and eating all meals within an 8-hour window. On the 5:2 diet you eat normally for 5 days of the week and restricting calories to about 500–600 on the other 2 days. Finally, there is the Eat-Stop-Eat method that involves a 24-hour fast once or twice a week. What are the benefits of skipping meals ? What are the disadvantages ? How can you make it work for you ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠What is the living dead syndrome?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How to make the most out of hybrid working?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Does sex help us to sleep better?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast 21/03/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you spot a cloned website?

We're all aware that scammers are getting more meticulous day by day. Iit used to be our grandparents who were the primary targets of their schemes, but nowadays, even the most tech-savvy of us can fall prey to their tricks! At Do You Really Know, we aim to keep you informed about all the latest types of scam, so you can understand how they work and protect yourself. Today, we're tackling the issue of identifying cloned websites, a type of scam that's been on the rise in recent times. This involves creating a mirror version, i.e. an exact replica, of an existing website.  Why do people clone websites? How can you really tell if a site is legitimate? What should I do if I identify a cloned website then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠What threat does the Year 2038 problem pose to our computers?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Which foods shouldn't be eaten together?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is social jet lag?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 10/4/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are some of the world's best treasure hunts?

After over three decades of relentless searching, the Golden Owl was finally found on October 3, 2024. This €150,000 treasure was hidden back in 1993 by writer Régis Hauser, who took on the pseudonym Max Valentin to publish ‘Sur la trace de la chouette d'or’  ("On the Trail of the Golden Owl"). The book has 11 riddles, each one a clue to the owl’s secret location, setting off what would become the longest-running treasure hunt ever organised. More than 200,000 enthusiasts, known as “chouetteurs,” joined the chase.   What does the Golden Owl look like? Are there other famous treasure hunts like this one? Are there treasures we’re still searching for? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Are you an “ambivert”?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is the ‘Yes Man’ Technique?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Could vanlife be a lifestyle choice for you?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 19/11/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I get my spring cleaning right this year?

So long rain and dreary skies, hello buds and sunshine! Spring typically injects a fresh dose of energy into our lives, as the arrival of warmer days sparks a desire to get out, start new projects, focus on ourselves, and embrace a healthier lifestyle.  What better way to clean your mind than by making sure you've got a clean, organised space to live in! Spring-cleaning offers the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your indoor environment. By decluttering, scrubbing, and tidying up your living areas, you create an atmosphere that fosters mental clarity and creativity. Where should I begin ? What order should I clean in ? What are some overlooked areas ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Which bread is best for your health?⁠ ⁠Has the climate breakdown really begun?⁠ ⁠How small is a micropenis?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast 4/04/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I stay trendy buying only second hand clothes?

November is synonymous with Black Friday, great deals but what cost? Over consumption is endangering our already fragile planet. Is it time to change our ways? This week Do You Really Know is highlighting concepts and initiatives about reducing our consumption. If you thought Britney Spears shaving her head in 2007 marked the end of the flared jeans era, think again. In 2022, youngsters are hunting them down at Urban Outfitters or Shein to match their butterfly patterned diamante crop tops. But they don’t necessarily stop to think that many people already have the items they’re looking for, though they've long been retired to the back of wardrobes. How can you shop responsibly when fashion trends change all the time? What if I fall in love with a sweater I see in the window at Zara though? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Why do some men get ill after they orgasm?⁠ ⁠Is nostalgia good or bad for us?⁠ ⁠How can the unisex condom improve my sex life?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 23/11/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you protect yourself from being mugged?

Mugging is a form of robbery that involves violence or the threat of violence against a person in a public place. It’s also known as street robbery or personal robbery. However, would-be muggers have been foiled by a recent covert police operation in London which aimed at reducing street theft.  Brave officers posed as potential victims by wearing expensive luxury watches to tempt thieves and hanging around in dangerous places, then when anyone attempted to steal the watches they were arrested by hidden officers lying in wait. And it has been successful, the operation reduced annual watch robberies from 113 to 55 last year in three central London boroughs.  Who are the most likely victims and perpetrators of mugging? So how can you avoid being mugged or minimise the harm if you are attacked? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Why do women live longer than men?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Does money really make us happy?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Do I need to take vitamin D supplements?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 1/2/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are influencers over?

Promo codes, sponsored hauls, paid partnerships… If it feels like your feed has turned into a nonstop ad break, you’re not imagining it. And plenty of people are over it. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, 61% of users say they no longer trust influencers’ recommendations. That’s a serious credibility problem. Why are we growing more skeptical of influencers? Can influencers win back our trust? Are virtual influencers the next big thing? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How are social media influencers making money through rage baiting? What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace? How can I influence my dreams? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which foods are best for burning fat?

It’s common knowledge that autumn often sees people put on weight. But if you’re looking to shed a few pounds, there are some foods you can rely on to boost metabolism and thereby improve calorie burning. That’s because they increase thermogenesis, which is the production of heat in the body. That in turn stimulants our metabolism, forcing the body to use energy from its fat reserves. There are three main types of fat burning food. Firstly, those which see our bodies burn more calories digesting them than they actually contain. Then you’ve got those which are rich in fibre or protein and therefore make you feel full quickly. Finally there are those which possess active ingredients which boost your metabolism, causing you to burn calories. What are some examples then? What about other types of food apart from vegetables? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What are the biggest misconceptions on beating heatwaves?⁠ ⁠What are the health benefits of using sex toys?⁠ ⁠Which foods should I avoid after their expiry date?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 15/11/2023 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. First Broadcast: 3/1/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are our phones really eavesdropping on us?

Have you ever had the eerie feeling that you’re being spied on by your smartphone? You know: you're having dinner with a friend, chatting about how your aging computer is on its last legs, struggling with an old battery and making work a hassle. You’ve decided it’s time to replace it by getting a new one. Lo and behold, the next day, while casually surfing the internet, you're bombarded with ads for shiny new computers, even though you never actually searched for them online.  No need to worry, you're not under surveillance by FBI agents. Apple did admit a few years back that it was listening to iPhone users, but only after the voice assistant was activated. According to American cybersecurity expert Daniel Markuson: "Applications installed on your smartphone are eavesdropping on background noise, including conversations, to collect more information about you. Later on, the data gathered is shared with other devices." But is it just Apple that's doing this? And why would they do this? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What are the UK’s most haunted places to visit?⁠ ⁠Why do we enjoy being scared?⁠ ⁠What is chromophobia?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 1/11/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does pollution affect my mental health?

According to the government, air pollution is the “largest environmental risk to public health”, and accounts for between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths each year. But did you know that the air you breathe might be impacting not only your physical health but also your mental well-being? It's the largest environmental risk to public health because harmful pollutants like fine particulate matter, ammonia and nitrogen dioxide get into our bodies, affecting the eyes, nose and throat, heart and blood vessels and the respiratory system. But there are also risks regarding our mental health. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in February 2023 reported on the link between air pollution and psychological disorders. What did the study find? Who can be affected by air pollution? And how can we protect ourselves then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠What is Hugh Jackman’s 85% rule?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is burnout?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is the Werther effect?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 11/10/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do my eyelids twitch when I’m tired?

Have you ever noticed how your eyelids tend to start twitching at the end of a long day, or when you haven’t got enough sleep the previous night? Well, first of all there’s no need to panic, it’s actually a benign phenomenon. It’s known as benign fasciculation syndrome, or myokymia. But still there are some things you can do about it. What can be done to avoid this? What if the problem persists over time? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : ⁠⁠Which foods shouldn't be eaten together?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is xylazine, the so-called zombie drug?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How can I stop smoking?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 27/9/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we cry?

Humans are the only creatures on Earth that shed tears. Whether it's tears of joy, laughter, anger, pain, sadness, or fatigue, the emotions that bring about crying are diverse. You might be familiar with these emotional triggers, but have you ever wondered about the physiological explanations behind them? Let's start by categorising tears into three types. There are "basal" tears that maintain a continuous lubrication of the cornea, "reflex" tears that emerge when you're chopping onions, have dust in your eye, or encounter too much light, and then there are the emotional tears – and they’re the ones we're delving into today. What happens in our eyes when we're sad? What about tears of joy then? But why does witnessing someone else cry make us want to do the same? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠⁠What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan?⁠⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 16/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is sleeping less than 6 hours a night the equivalent to being drunk?

We've all been there - it's late, you're exhausted, but sleep just won't come. You toss and turn, check the clock every few minutes, and the longer you're awake, the more anxious you feel about how little rest you're going to get. Morning comes, and even though you're barely functioning, you drag yourself out of bed, grab a coffee, and stumble through the day in a fog. And it’s not just your imagination. When you sleep less than six hours a night, your brain starts to operate as if you were legally drunk. What do researchers mean by "drunk"? Why compare sleep deprivation to alcohol? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Why do people say that black cats bring bad luck?⁠ ⁠What are the dirtiest objects in your home?⁠ ⁠Why do we get travel sick?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast : 06/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are warming stripes?

If you’ve been to a climate demonstration in recent times, you may have noticed placards with a series of blue and red coloured stripes. Kind of like a barcode but in colour, with the shades varying from very light to very dark. You may have even seen them at political or sporting events, in the media, or on the cover of Greta Thunberg’s The Climate Book. This set of graphics are known as warming stripes, and they’re not as random as they might first seem. Indeed, the coloured stripes have become a go-to symbol for many climate activists, given that they feature no letters and no numbers, meaning anyone anywhere in the world can understand their meaning. What is the meaning? And how can such a simple graphic get across the complexity of climate change? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠How is AI giving a voice to the dead?⁠ ⁠Why is climbing stairs so good for you?⁠ ⁠Am I in a situationship?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 14/01/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where does St Patrick's Day come from?

If you’re a fan of sitcoms, no doubt you've seen episodes in which the characters were celebrating Saint Patrick's Day. It's a big deal in the UK and Ireland of course, as well as across the pond in North America. Each year in the build up to March 17th, bars and pubs, especially Irish ones, deck themselves out in green and shamrocks. But before it became an excuse to sink a few pints of Guinness with friends, the occasion was originally a religious affair in its native Ireland, centred around the man himself: Saint Patrick. Who exactly was Saint Patrick? Why do we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Why do mouth sounds drive some people crazy?⁠ ⁠Why does Ramadan start on a different date each year?⁠ ⁠How can I move house stress-free?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 16/3/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan?

Ever had that moment when you're relishing a juicy fig, and someone drops the bomb that you might be chowing down on a wasp? Surprising as it sounds, it's true. Fig wasps do their thing by pollinating figs from the inside, but unfortunately, they sometimes get stuck in there! Now, bear in mind, these wasps are tiny, at around 1 to 2 mm tiny, so you won't notice them when you take a bite. But, let's switch gears from figs and delve into what makes a fruit not quite as vegan as you might think. There are some steadfast rules for those rocking the vegan lifestyle: no animal flesh, no by-products from livestock like milk, eggs, cheese, or honey, and definitely no additives like E120, a colorant made from insects. That's the universal baseline. Beyond that, depending on personal beliefs, some might steer clear of non-organic or environmentally questionable items. What about fruits that don't quite fit the vegan bill? How do I know if this is the case in my supermarket? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize?⁠ ⁠What's really in vegan meat substitutes?⁠ ⁠Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 21/4/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is erectile dysfunction?

As many as six in ten men have experienced erection problems over the course of their life. And that proportion has been on the rise in the last fifteen years, according to a study released by IFOP in April 2019. It’s also known as impotence, and is a big health taboo among men. Erectile dysfunction is often linked to cardiovascular risk factors, so it’s important to consult a doctor if affected. Furthermore, it can impact relationships, sometimes due to misunderstandings about the cause of the problem. The good news is it can be addressed with lifestyle changes, as we’ll discuss in a minute. How do erections actually work? So why might that mechanism not work in some people? What about psychological or emotional factors? First broadcast: 07/02/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the benefits of slow sex?

We all know that having sex is a great form of stress relief. It releases pleasure hormones, like endorphins and oxytocin, also reinforcing the cardiovascular and immune systems. But slow sex may be a way of further enhancing pleasure and allowing you to fully savor the multi-sensory experience that is good sex. It doesn’t have to be a race to the finish line! First of all, it’s a bit of a leveller between men and women in a heterosexual relationship. On average it takes men from 5 to 7 minutes to climax during sex, whereas it’s more or less double that for women. So slowing things down makes it more likely both partners will have an orgasm. And a longer buildup tends to lead to more powerful climaxes for many people. The drawn out stimulation brings on a slow build up of blood flow in the genitals. How does it differ from the kind of sex most people are having then? How can slow sex help partners to be more intimate? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Why is generative AI set to explode in 2024?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Is being delulu a good thing?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Should you be reducing salt in your diet?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 11/7/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[PODCASTHON] Why do inequalities begin in early childhood?

Most of us would like to believe that the world can be a place of equal opportunities, where everyone has the same potential to shape their future, no matter their background. But in reality, the conditions into which a child is born is likely to shape their health, development and future. And some charities sadly witness that reality every day. In honour of Podcasthon 2026, let’s take a moment to talk about Little Village, a baby bank supporting families with babies and young children living in poverty across London. When exactly do inequalities begin then? Why are those early years so important? What does this mean for their everyday life? How can I help support a charity like Little Village? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How does the Matthew Effect help us understand class inequalities? Is putting on less heating a way to save money and be healthier? How could the 52 week method help me save money? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. 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. First broadcast: 5/3/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: ⁠⁠How much do surrogate mothers get paid?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is the Barnum effect?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How to spot, prevent and treat heatstroke ?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 14/01/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes someone a cat person?

People often refer to themselves as cat person or dog person, as well as meaning that they prefer this animal to the other, it implies that they identify with certain characteristics associated with their preferred pet, dogs are loyal, cats are smart, dogs can be trained to help people, cats cannot and so on.  The social psychologist Samuel D Gosling of the University of Texas studied the personality traits of so-called “dog people” and “cat people”. He found that cat people tend to score higher on neuroticism and openness to experiences, whereas dog people are more extroverted, agreeable and conscientious. Cat people tend to also be more sensitive, creative and curious, but more prone to anxiety and stress. Whereas dog people, on the other hand, are more sociable, cooperative and reliable, but also more conventional and conformist. But why do these personality traits match with our preference for cats or dogs? And what else makes someone a cat person? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Why are more and more people paying to find love?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Should I start my Christmas shopping in autumn?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is a power nap?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 7/11/2023 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. First Broadcast: 5/1/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does our personality change when we speak in another language?

When it comes to what proportion of people speak more than one language, estimates vary but the general consensus is that at least half of the world’s population do so. If you're bilingual, you may well have encountered a fascinating phenomenon: that a new personality seems to emerge when you switch languages. In March 2017, Quartz ran an article on the subject, written by Nicola Prentis. Prentis included accounts from a number of multilingual people, including Margarita, a Russian-American immigrant who fled the Soviet Union to escape anti-Semitism at the age of 19. Margarita revealed that when she speaks Russian, she feels 'guarded, reserved and uncomfortable.' How is it possible? And are we necessarily more at ease in our own native language? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠How can you protect yourself from being mugged?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How to use less water?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How did Covid lead to the emergence of meta cities?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 4/2/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is living by the sea better for your health?

I don’t know about you, but I find that there’s something about the seaside air which just always makes me relax and puts me in a better mood. As it turns out, that might be more than just my impression. A study conducted by the University of Vienna and published in May 2022 established that living near the sea can have significant effects on health and life expectancy.  Now the idea is not exactly brand new. Way back in the 17th century, English doctor Robert Wittie published a book entitled Scarborough Spa, in which he recommended people take sea baths and walk along the coast to treat certain illnesses.  Why is it good? What about people like me who don’t live close to the sea at all then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Could custobots do our shopping for us in a few years time?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What are some of the more unusual Royal servants jobs from the past?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Are cold showers good for you?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 20/1/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices