Do you really know?

How can I avoid putting on weight when giving up smoking?

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of smokers in the UK is estimated at 6.6 million. The proportion has been steadily dropping for years now. Given the health risks, you’d think smokers would be delighted to give up, but the prospect of putting on weight is a cause of concern for many. To be fair, it i’s a well-founded fear to some extent. In 2014, Addiction journal reported that the average prevalence of weight gain after quitting smoking was 80%. In such cases, the average weight gain is 5 - 10lb. Of course, putting on a few pounds is far less dangerous than continuing to smoke, so the choice to quit should still be a no-brainer. Nevertheless, let’s delve deeper into the post-quitting weight gain phenomenon. What effects do cigarettes have on the body? It must be difficult not to start compulsive eating, mustn’t it? What about going on a diet? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠What is eatertainment, the "next-level" dining experience?⁠ ⁠Should vapes have the same restrictions as cigarettes?⁠ ⁠Why do we get goosebumps?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 2/3/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does daylight saving affect your health?

Daylight saving time (DST) It’s the practice of advancing your clocks by one hour during the spring and summer months, and then turning them back in the autumn and winter. The idea is to make better use of natural daylight and save energy. But some people question if it really works and if there are any advantages to us at all.   Daylight saving time was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 to conserve candles. But it wasn’t implemented in the United States until 1918, during World War I, as a way to save fuel. Since then, DST has been adopted by many countries around the world . It  was first introduced in the UK in 1916, during World War I, as a way to save coal. In the UK, DST begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October. But what are the benefits of DST? Does it really save energy? Does changing our clocks affect our sleep and well-being? 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 Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 26/10/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could the liking gap be harming your new relationships?

Ever walk away from a date or social event wondering, “Did they even like me?” You’re not alone—and the answer might not be what you think. Psychologists call it the liking gap: the tendency we all have to assume people like us less than they actually do. It’s common in dating, new friendships, and even in fresh work environments. But here’s the kicker—this self-doubt can sabotage potential relationships before they’ve even started. A 2018 study in Psychological Science showed most people underestimate how much others enjoy their company. Why? Because we’re often too critical of ourselves. So, how can you overcome the liking gap—and stop second-guessing every social interaction? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, you can click here: How often should you really wash your clothes? Why are voice notes so divisive? Which foods shouldn't be eaten together? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is mansplaining?

Have you ever noticed a man explaining something to a woman in a supremely confident way which suggests he absolutely knows more than her about the subject? Well, there’s a term for that, which is mansplaining. A recent thread on parenting forum Mumsnet invited women to share their worst examples of mansplaining. Among them were patronising explanations of the offside rule, a gas man telling a qualified engineer to wait for her partner to get home so he could tell him how to fix the boiler rather than her and a male doctor telling a pregnant woman not to worry as C-sections aren’t painful! How long has mansplaining been around? Why do men do this then? Are they really all that bad? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can you avoid bed bugs when you travel? What is microwork? How does pollution affect my mental health? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 19/7/2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I overcome my fear of speaking in public?

According to a study conducted by the Statistic Brain Research Institute in 2016, 74% of the global population feels uncomfortable speaking in front of an audience. That might be an oral exam at school, a presentation at work, or even making a toast at a birthday party for example. The symptoms are often the same: sweaty palms, shortness of breath and a racing heart. You may feel like you’re frozen! The level of anxiety can range from light nervousness to total panic. And it’s not always easy to shift this kind of stage fright. Is there a specific name for this fear? How can you overcome glossophobia then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How did Ozempic get so popular? Will AI steal my job? What is Pokémon? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 10/8/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How often should you really wash your clothes?

Most of us have that pile of clothes in limbo—not quite dirty, not quite clean. But do we actually need to wash our clothes as often as we do? The answer might surprise you. A rise in laundry loads in the UK has led to more water usage, higher energy bills, and more microplastic pollution. Synthetic fabrics, in particular, shed microfibres during washes. But experts say we could cut down—jeans, for example, don’t need a wash until 15 to 30 wears, and wool jumpers? Up to 15 wears. Meanwhile, underwear and socks still need a wash after every use (no surprises there!). So how can you keep clothes fresh between washes? And does washing less really make a difference? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, you can click here: How can you clean your hair without using shampoo? What is climate shadow, the newest way to measure your impact on global warming? Why do our tastes change as we get older? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is climate shadow, the newest way to measure your impact on global warming?

The idea of carbon footprint dates back to the early 2000s and ironically was introduced by oil giant BP. But recently, a new concept was created: the climate change shadow. It's a relatively recent addition to the ever growing list of terms relating to climate change. American writer Emma Pattee introduced the idea of the climate shadow in a blog post for Mic.com in December 2021, as a more comprehensive metric for each person’s impact on the climate crisis.  What exactly contributes to my climate shadow? Isn’t that very similar to a carbon footprint? How useful is the concept of a climate shadow? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can you clean your hair without using shampoo? What is the Batman effect? What is cookie jarring in the dating world? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. First broadcast : 10/08/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the Batman effect?

For many people, asserting themselves at work is a real challenge. There’s a lot of possible reasons for that, including stress, anxiety, new responsibilities, deadlines, personal issues or a lack of self-confidence for example. But there is an active congitive strategy, actually a pretty simple one, based on the psychological concept of "self-distancing," that could help you overcome these obstacles and become more confident in the workplace: the Batman effect. Batman is the powerful, vengeful, and ultra-confident alter ego of Bruce Wayne, a billionaire who was traumatised by the murder of his parents when he was a child. When he dons the Batsuit though, the adult consumed by sadness becomes the hero of Gotham City. In the same way, the Batman effect allows people to access their heroic selves. Why Batman ? Does it work for adults too ? How can I use the Batman effect then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is cookie jarring in the dating world? What is hobby dating? How can I beat Monday morning syndrome? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 17/10/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do people R-bomb in the dating world?

We’ve talked about a lot of dating trends on Do You Really Know, many of which are pretty negative. And the subject of today’s episode is no exception. R-bombing might sound pretty dramatic, but in fact it just refers to leaving someone on read when they message you.  You know, those annoying blue ticks you see on whatsapp which tell you your message has been seen. They light up and you expect the other person to start typing back; only they never do? Well if that’s happened to you, then you’ve been R-bombed! Isn’t that the same as ghosting? Why do people do it then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How do I know if I'm allergic to gluten? Are gas cookers dangerous? Why is funflation causing us to spend more on live entertainment? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What household products should I avoid?

Cleaning can feel satisfying, but did you know many household products might actually harm your health? A 2021 Which? study revealed that nearly half of common UK cleaning products contain potentially dangerous chemicals. Even those labeled “eco-friendly” or “for sensitive skin” aren’t always safe. Preservatives like Methylisothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone are known to cause allergic reactions, while others may disrupt hormones or affect reproductive health. And then there’s bleach—a go-to for many households, but a major contributor to indoor air pollution and respiratory problems. So how can you clean safely without risking your well-being or the environment? Or my health ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How can I celebrate New Year’s at home and still have fun? Should we be worried about the Lensa AI avatar app? How does the 3-30-300 rule affect my mental health? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is end-to-end encryption really secure?

In late April 2024, police chiefs from the UK’s National Crime Agency and 32 European countries issued a statement expressing their concerns about the use of end-to-end encryption by instant messaging services like WhatsApp. The statement recognised that E2E encryption protects users’ personal data, but emphasised that it also prevents authorities from identifying suspicious or illegal activities. And, as we’ll get to in just a moment, encryption doesn’t always guarantee full privacy for users. What does "end-to-end encryption" actually mean in concrete terms? Does that mean all my data is protected when I send a message then? What’s the best way to stay safe and secure then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could gamophobia be hurting your relationship? How do I know when to end a friendship? How often should I wash my hair? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 12/6/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much do surrogate mothers get paid?

The NHS says that one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving, which can be a traumatic experience for those who want to have children. Sometimes, infertility can be treated through medicine or surgery, and other times assisted conception through artificial insemination or IVF helps those couples get pregnant. But other times, it just doesn’t work out and a couple aren’t able to have a child on their own. Surrogacy may be an option in such cases. It’s a process where a woman, known as a surrogate mother, agrees to carry a child for the couple who are unable to conceive.  Is that even legal? Why would someone choose to be a surrogate mother? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why are some people clumsier than others? What is Quantum medicine and is it a scam? How to follow the beach flag system? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 15/7/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does climate change cause allergies?

Hay fever already affects around 20% of people in the UK—and that number is expected to rise sharply. A 2024 University of Manchester study found that cases have increased by 33% in the last 20 years, a trend driven in part by climate change, along with urbanisation and pollution. The World Health Organization now classifies allergies as a global health concern, predicting that by 2050, half of the EU’s population could suffer from chronic allergies. Why? Rising CO₂ levels are fueling pollen production, and shifting seasons are extending the pollen calendar, making allergy risks more intense and longer-lasting. But are people in cities more at risk than those in the countryside? And what can you do to protect yourself from worsening symptoms? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, you can click here : What is binge eating disorder? Should I quit air travel to save the planet? What are the most common sexual kinks? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are boomerang employees in the world of work?

You may remember that we talked about the Great Resignation a little while back on Do You Really Know. The trend saw millions of workers across the US quit their jobs in 2021 and 2022 in particular, with a similar pattern being seen in other Western countries too. Well it might have seemed like a great idea at the time for a lot of those resignees, but it hasn’t been all rosy for some of them since. A 2023 survey by American HR solutions provider Paychex suggested that as many as 80% of workers who quit during the Great Resignation already regretted their decision to do so. There’s always a good reason for having left a job though, isn’t there? Surely, it’s better to leave the past in the past?! Is the boomeranging trend really that common? What do employers stand to gain from taking back boomerang employees? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is auto-brewery syndrome? What are five foods that make us happy? What is the Queer movement? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 21/6/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is staying friends with an ex really a good idea?

Most of us have to go through a painful breakup at some point in our life. Even if you thought you’d found your soulmate, started planning a grand future together and so on, sometimes things simply don’t work out. Maybe your partner ended it unexpectedly, or maybe you did so yourself. But one question that often rears its head is whether it’s a good idea to remain friends after the breakup. It might be tempting at the start in particular, to avoid completely cutting an important person out of your life, especially if the friendship is authentic.  How can you tell if staying friends is really possible? Is it OK if I just don’t want to remain friends at all? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do children have imaginary friends? Is sleeping naked good for you? What are umbrella species? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. 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

Is it a bad idea to fall asleep in front of screens?

We’re surrounded by screens all day, right up until we go to bed. Our lives are intertwined with technology, from the smartphone alarms that wake us to the late-night emails we check. An Ifop study from April 2021 revealed a startling figure: 69% of those scrolling in bed battle with sleep disorders. And while we might think that a quick video or message thread could usher us into dreamland, the reality is, these habits impact both how quickly we fall asleep and the quality of our rest. You might have heard about the notorious blue light emitted by screens. It’s like an unwanted alarm for our bodies, tricking our brains into thinking it’s still daytime and halting the production of melatonin, our natural sleep-inducing hormone. But it’s not just about the light; a UK study by the University of Oxford from 2016 found that smartphone addiction is linked to poor sleep, regardless of how long we’re glued to the screens. In what ways do screens interfere with our sleep? Are there other consequences of dozing off to digital content? What’s the secret to a good night’s sleep in the screen-saturated world? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can social media exposure lead to vicarious trauma? What is binge eating disorder? How can I beat a hangover? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 25/6/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does waxing our private parts really increase sexual pleasure?

Full, Brazilian, landing strip or none at all, pubic hair removal can hide multiple motivations (often driven by societal expectations). While aesthetics tops the list, 56% of men and 45% of women groom their pubic hair with oral sex in mind. But there’s a rumor going around: removing pubic hair could increase sexual pleasure. In 2021, an Ifop survey on hair removal practices in France, conducted for the Charles.co platform, showed that full hair removal has been steadily increasing since 2013: 14% in October 2013, compared to 24% in January 2021. Is this the result of social pressure or proof that sex is better without hair? Does removing pubic hair really increase sensation? Does it have the same effect for women and men? Are there precautions to take when shaving or waxing the pubic area? 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 Amber Minogue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is binge eating disorder?

Binge eating, also known as uncontrollable overeating, is an eating disorder. It is characterized by compulsive and excessive consumption of food within a specific period, usually not exceeding two hours, and a loss of control over eating behavior.  This means that a person can’t measure the amounts or types of food they are consuming, and may eat quickly without feeling full. This loss of control often leads to feelings of shame or disgust after a binge-eating episode. Is it similar to bulimia then? What causes binge eating disorder? How is binge eating disorder treated? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is auto-brewery syndrome? What are five foods that make us happy? What is the Queer movement? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 15/03/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the coffee cup test in job interviews?

Job interviews have always been a daunting prospect for a number of reasons. And the process is only getting more time-consuming for candidates, without offering increased chances of success. According to a June 2023 report from the Josh Bersin Company and AMS, the average recruitment process now take a whopping 44 days. As if all this isn’t demanding enough, interviewers like to throw in the occasional curveball too when meeting candidates. One such example is the coffee cup test, which gained attention in 2019 after a man called Trent Innes, then Managing Director of Xero Australia, appeared on The Venture Podcast with Lambros Photios to discuss his hiring strategy. Why are we talking about it in 2023 then? Why is there a growing emphasis on soft skills in the workplace? 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: 25/10/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should I quit air travel to save the planet?

Flying is far from being the most eco-friendly means of transport. Right now it’s responsible for around 2% of global carbon emissions, but that could grow to as high as 16% by 2050. With the notable exception of travel restrictions in the last two years, the airline industry has gradually been transporting more and more passengers for decades now. While that continued growth is impressive, we have to recognise that along with it come certain undesirable effects on the environment.  Now that the climate crisis is all the more undeniable, could we see the general trend reversing at some point? Certain environmentalists gave up flying long ago to limit their carbon footprint. Greta Thunberg is one prominent example. Can individuals really make a difference? Isn’t taking the train way more expensive and time-consuming? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Could vanlife be a lifestyle choice for me? How does Paris syndrome affect some visitors to the French capital? Can I get health benefits from masturbation? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 26/8/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the most common sexual kinks?

In the Western world, a true sexual revolution began in the 1960s. The idea that sex isn’t solely for procreation became widely accepted, leading to the breakdown of many taboos. This cultural shift paved the way for major social progress, such as the legalisation of contraception and abortion. Over time, perspectives on sex have expanded beyond the traditional, heteronormative framework. Today, many people feel more free to embrace and express their sexual preferences — including practices that fall under what we call "kinks". What is a sexual kink? How is it different from a fetish? What are some of the most common kinks today? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : What is the Oosouji method of house cleaning? What do you get better at with age? How is AI being used in the legal system? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is inflation affecting our eating habits?

The past year has seen the highest inflation rates in over 40 years, and consumers have adapted by changing their shopping habits. That’s particularly true when it comes to grocery shopping. While annual inflation fell slightly to 10.1% in the year to March 2023, figures for food and drink alone reached 19.1%. If you break it down further, for some food categories, the rate is even higher; for example the price of sugar has risen by a whopping 42.1% in a year. Which items are people giving up as a result ? Are people still getting a healthy diet ? How else are consumers adapting? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : What is the 10-10-10 method for dealing with everyday worries? What is Mukbang, the latest type of video going viral on social media? What is the placebo effect and how does it work? A Bababam Originals podcast. A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is AI being used in the legal system?

ChatGPT has been invading all walks of life in recent months, and that even includes the justice system. In late March 2023, a Pakistani judge consulted the chatbot before granting bail to a 13 year old boy who stood accused of kidnapping and attempting to rape a 9 year old. According to Pakistan Observer, the judge asked ChatGPT the following initial question: ““Can a juvenile suspect in Pakistan, who is 13 years old, be granted bail after arrest?” The chatbot responded: “Under the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, according to section 12, the court can grant bail on certain conditions.” A discussion then ensued on how this option could be interpreted when taking into account certain other laws. The judge included ChatGPT’s responses in his judgement and stated how impressed he was. The cases have led to hope that AI could help make legal systems around the world more efficient, but there’s been a lot of criticism and skepticism too. Are there any other examples aside from ChatGPT ? What are the possible risks then? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : How is inflation affecting our eating habits? How can you improve your memory and recall skills ? What is the 10-10-10 method for dealing with everyday worries ? A Bababam Originals podcast. 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 ergophobia, the fear which can throw our careers off track?

Many of us have joked in the past about being allergic to work, or afraid of it, but did you know that there’s actually a real phobia of work?Have you ever felt anxious or stressed about going to work? Do you dread the thought of facing your boss, your colleagues, or your tasks? Do you avoid applying for jobs or quit them easily? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have ergophobia. It’s an extreme, irrational, and debilitating fear of working and of the features of work, such as specific tasks, social relationships, or speaking during meetings. It is considered a form of social phobia or performance anxiety, and is also recognised as a derivative of burnout, due to constantly feeling pressure or excessive expectations at work. How do people develop ergophobia? What are the symptoms? Can ergophobia be cured? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How can I use the 80/20 method to save money? What are the four types of attachment in our relationships? Why are we obsessed with presenteeism? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 31/5/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could slow living make me happier?

The societies we live in these days, and especially in cities. We sometimes feel exhausted, anxious, depressed, and lonely in this ultra-productive life. What’s more, the constant fast pace can lead to memory and concentration problems. If you’re struggling to keep up, the slow living philosophy could be for you.  Slow Living is to do less in order to enjoy more. Instead of wanting to have multiple experiences that we only half-enjoy, slow living encourages us to simplify our lives and savour the present moment. It’s related to concepts of mindfulness and being fully present. Slow living can be interpreted in different ways, but the common thread is the idea of intentionality in what we do. When did the slow movement start ? Isn’t it impossible to live a slow life in a city? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here : What are earworms, the songs we just can't get out of our heads? Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet? Who are digital nomads, the new generation of remote workers? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 21/6/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much CO2 does a search on ChatGPT emit?

AI is everywhere—from helping us write emails to planning our meals. But while it may feel invisible, it comes with a real environmental cost. According to a 2024 Ifop-Talan survey, 70% of young adults use AI every day—without realizing how much energy and water it consumes. A 2024 study by researcher Shaolei Ren found that generating a short 100-word email with AI uses the same amount of energy as keeping 14 LED bulbs on for an hour—and nearly a bottle of water. Multiply that across millions of users, and the environmental footprint becomes significant. A single ChatGPT request emits between 2.5 and 5 grams of CO₂, and just 10 daily exchanges over a year could add up to nearly one ton. Why does AI consume so much energy? What are tech companies doing to reduce its environmental impact? And can AI ever be truly sustainable? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, you can click here: Which words has Donald Trump banned? Is looking older a bad thing? Can naps keep the brain healthy? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which words has Donald Trump banned?

When Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025, one of his priorities was to roll back progressive policies from the Biden administration. Among the main targets were scientific projects—many of which now risk losing funding if they include certain terms related to social or environmental issues. According to The Washington Post, an internal document from the U.S. National Science Foundation flagged over 120 words, including ‘activism’, ‘equity’, ‘inclusion’, ‘women’, ‘stereotypes’, and ‘trauma’. These terms have effectively been blacklisted, threatening research in fields like ecology, gender studies, and racial equity. Why is this happening? And how has the scientific community responded? Could this mark a turning point for academic freedom in the U.S.? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is sugar bad for our memory? Does the law of attraction really work? How can I stay trendy buying only second hand clothes? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is looking older a bad thing?

“Time and tide waits for no one”, the old saying goes, but it’s fair to say that some people are affected by symptoms of ageing earlier than others. And the latest study to come out of the University of Rotterdam suggests that there may be a link between how old we look, and how likely we are to develop certain age-related conditions. The team of researchers published their findings in the British Journal of Dermatology in January 2023. They had studied a group of 2679 people aged between 51 and 87. Facial photographs were taken of each participant. They’d all been instructed not to wear any creams, make-up or jewellery. 27 assessors were then tasked with estimating the age of participants, based on the photos of their faces. What evidence is that based on? Where does the link to health conditions come in? Is looking older linked to a higher mortality rate then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is eatertainment, the "next-level" dining experience? Should vapes have the same restrictions as cigarettes? Why do we get goosebumps? A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 5/3/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the Mediterranean diet lower risks of dementia?

According to new research a mediterranean diet could lower the risk of dementia by a quarter regardless of a person's genetic risk. “The findings from this large population-based study underscore the long-term brain health benefits of consuming a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats," said Joint lead author of the study, Dr Janice Ranson, a senior research fellow at the University of Exeter, for the Guardian newspaper.  The researchers measured people, who did and did not follow a Mediterranean diet, and took into account each individual’s genetic risk for dementia. Over nearly a decade, there were 882 cases of dementia, but those who followed a strict Mediterranean diet had a 23% lower risk of developing the condition.  What did the researchers find? What foods are included? Is diet the only factor? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How long do I have to wait to swim after eating? What are the world's least safe travel destinations? Why do we get travel sick? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: March 29th, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices