Do you really know?

How can I beat a hangover?

If you drink alcohol, the chances are at some point you’ve had to deal with a nasty hangover, due to drinking too much. The associated headache, nausea, fatigue and other symptoms can make it a real challenge to get through the day after a night out.  There’s actually a scientific term for the unpleasant symptoms that come with a hangover; it’s veisalgia. According to Ted.com, between 3 and 23% of people actually don’t get hangovers at all. You can count yourself extremely lucky if you’re one of those people, although being prone to hangovers may be a blessing in disguise.   Why does the consumption of alcohol lead to such symptoms? Is drinking water effective at reducing hangover symptoms? What should I eat when hungover? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Do tongue scrapers actually help with bad breath?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Do our brains really tell the whole story about us?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How can heatwaves impact our mental health?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 18/11/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is mom shaming?

Just like with body shaming or slut shaming, mom shaming is another example of how women are often subjected to disproportionate criticism, and made to feel guilty about their choices, in this case specifically about parenting methods. The term refers to how mothers are criticised or even humiliated, for the way they bring up their children and fulfil their role as a mother. Such comments often come from within the family, but it can also be friends, colleagues or total strangers. It might be because of parental choices that don’t match their own, or that don’t match traditional societal norms. Who would be so judgemental as to make comments like that? What are the consequences of mom shaming? What about dad shaming; is that a thing too? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠How can I beat a hangover?⁠ ⁠Why is Qatar paying England fans to promote the word cup?⁠ ⁠What is bushcraft, the eco-friendly outdoor hobby?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 20/11/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does the future hold for the Amazon rainforest?

It’s been two years since we last discussed the Amazon on Do You Really Know, and even in that time, the outlook for the world’s largest tropical rainforest has worsened significantly. A report called “Amazonia against the Clock” was released in September, warning that the rainforest could reach a point of no return as soon as 2025. A study published in Nature Climate Change journal in March 2022 explained that three quarters of the Amazon has lost some of its resilience since the turn of the century. That means it’s recovering more slowly from events like droughts and fires affecting it. This is largely down to less water evaporating from leaves within the forest, which in turn means less rain. The more deforestation there is, the more the problem is exacerbated; it’s a vicious circle. What are the possible consequences? Has the destruction of the Amazon worsened in recent years? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠Why do we celebrate Halloween?⁠ ⁠Why do we change clocks twice per year?⁠ ⁠What is ghosting?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 11/2/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know about home design maximalism?

In past episodes of Do You Really Know, we’ve talked about a number of Scandinavian lifestyle trends, like death cleaning and hygge for example. Both of those are inspired by similar sentiments; to do with feeling good in surroundings that aren’t overflowing with useless items. And yet, in recent months, we’ve been hearing more and more about a home decor trend that’s the complete opposite. Maximalism is making a comeback! The signs have been there at furniture shows, such as the 2022 Milan Furniture Fair where Dimore Studio displayed a maximalist interior that got a lot of attention. Of course, influencers have been sharing pictures and videos of their interiors on social media too. Where does this desire for maximalism come from? How can I bring maximalism into my home then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠What is the best way to soothe a crying baby?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is the Suez Canal?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Who are the main victims of natural disasters?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 13/11/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you get rid of cellulite?

Cellulite is a regular source of insecurity among women. That’s been especially true since women’s magazines came along, pretty much labelling it public enemy number one. In our collective minds, it’s become inextricably linked to being overweight or having gone through pregnancy. In reality, cellulite is the result of a number of factors, and hormonal changes in particular. The first thing to know is that there are actually three types of cellulite: aqueous cellulite which is flexible and slightly visible; adipose cellulite, which is soft and limited to a certain part of the body, and fibrous cellulite, which is hard and painful to the touch, sometimes coming with a purplish-blue colour. What do those three types have in common? Can cellulite have negative health consequences? So what techniques are out there for getting rid of cellulite? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠What is the best way to soothe a crying baby?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is the Suez Canal?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Who are the main victims of natural disasters?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast : 14/11/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the Karpman drama triangle?

American psychiatrist Stephen B. Karpman coined this social model of human interaction in 1968. It describes the roles that we take on in unbalanced social relations. Relations which lead us to take one of three roles within Karpman’s triangle. These are three roles in Karpman's triangle. These are the victim, the persecutor and the saviour. And the role we take on unconsciously leads someone else to take on one of the others. Let’s take the role of the victim. If I consider myself as a victim, I’m going to tend to blame my hardships on a persecutor, who I consider responsible for my misfortune or pain. What are the roles in the Karpman triangle then? What’s the point of this whole theory? How does one escape from this infuriating triangle then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠What can we expect from Lula’s presidency in Brazil?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How did Guy Fawkes become more than just a bonfire effigy⁠⁠? ⁠⁠What is sapiosexuality?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 7/11/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is physical contact important for our health?

When it comes to expressions about skin, the English language is not lacking. For example, we can be thick or thin skinned, or have someone under our skin. To show indifference, we say “it’s no skin off” our noses, and when we get excited we “jump out of” our skin.  The sheer number of different idioms reflects the deep links the skin has with our brains. Sometimes these links are visible and give away our feelings, when we blush, go pale or get goosebumps. The same can be said for stress too, in the case of some skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. How does the skin send information to the brain? What impact does touch have on our brains? How does touch affect health then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Why was Kanye West’s Twitter account suspended?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How can you save money on your food bill?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Why is 'permacrisis' the new dictionary word of the year?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First boradcast : 12/12/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do crowd crushes happen?

On 29th October 2022, 20,000 people were celebrating Halloween in the Itaewon neighbourhood of Seoul in South Korea. One particularly narrow street became very overcrowded, and a huge crush ensued, leading to the deaths of 153 people, with many more injured. A month later, we still don’t know exactly what caused the crush.  One of the theories out there is that a rumour spread in the crowd, leading them to believe that a celebrity was in a nearby bar. But a lot of blame has been apportioned to the authorities for poor planning and a slow response to events. A lot of people think that crowd crushes are down to a stampede of people running in panic and crushing others on the floor. Why do things get dangerous in such situations? Are crowd crushes rare or do they happen often? How can I protect myself and others if I end up in an overcrowded area?  In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Is Britain the new place to get your wine?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Why is there such a taboo over the prostate?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How can I take part in Giving Tuesday?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 30/11/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you save money on your food bill?

The cost of living crisis has seen food prices increase by as much as 65% according to the Office for National Statistics meaning that the average British household spends an extra £600 pounds a year on food. But considering that there is also about 4.5 million tonnes of food waste annually the possibility of reducing wasted food as well as bills has never been more needed. Reducing your bill at the checkout comes down largely to planning. Getting organised about how, when and where you buy your food as well as how you store and cook it is essential. For starters buying in bulk can really reduce costs. How can I reduce the amount I spend on food? How can I reduce my food waste? How can technology help? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the 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 Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 08/12/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can I do to relieve heartburn?

Christmas festivities are coming and often go hand in hand with overindulgence, in the form of large servings of roast dinner, yummy pudding and alcohol consumption. That can result in heartburn, a condition which despite the terrifying sounding name, is usually relatively harmless.  It’s a burning sensation felt in the chest, behind the breastbone, which explains where the name comes from. But it’s actually down to stomach acid travelling back up the oesophagus, which is the tube that carries food down from your throat. Let’s discuss a few tips for preventing heartburn, or relieving the symptoms if you do get some during the holiday season. Are some people more vulnerable than others? Are there particular foods to avoid? What can I do to calm the symptoms? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠How can I protect my mental health during the holiday season?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Why does Christmas boost our libido?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Is Santa Claus red because of Coca Cola?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 25/2/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can standing on one leg save your life?

Surprising as it may seem, balance is more important than you might think. In September of 2022 the British Journal of Sports Medicine published the results of a ten year study which involved more than 1,700 middle-aged participants. They concluded that not being able to balance was associated with an almost twofold increase in risk of death.  Volunteers were asked to stand on one leg with their arms by their sides and keep their eyes looking straight ahead. They discovered that an inability to hold the position for 10 seconds was associated with an 84% heightened risk of death from any cause. Participants were allowed to try 3 times. Balance is quite difficult to explain. It involves several different systems in your body: muscles, nerves, eyesight, the inner ear and even the sensory system that lets you recognise where your body is in space. What is balance? How did they test participants for balance? Why does losing your balance matter? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠How does eldest daughter syndrome affect some women?⁠ ⁠What is a kakistocracy, in the world of work ?⁠ ⁠What does vaping do to the body?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 13/12/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I prepare my home for a blackout?

National Grid has warned of potential blackouts in the UK this winter, due to gas shortages. If it does happen, it would be the first time the country has seen controlled blackouts since the 1970s. The government has its Electricity Supply Emergency Code in place in case we end up in such a situation. The government plan sees rolling blackouts, with areas split into 18 different load blocks, each assigned a letter from A to U. At level one, each load block has three three-hour blackout periods per week, at level two, six and at level three, nine, meaning up to 27 hours per week without power. Should I stock up on candles? What about food storage? What can I do to stay entertained? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Why do Christmas decorations make me feel happier?⁠⁠ ⁠Are electric toothbrushes really more effective?⁠ ⁠How can I save money when using electrical appliances?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast : 17/12/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should I eat before going to bed?

No doubt you’ve realised that some types of food have a boosting effect, like eggs, oats and avocado for example. That’s because they contain tyrosine, an amino acid which is a precursor to dopamine, making them an ideal breakfast option. At the other end of the scale, some foods are better suited for preparing our bodies to go to sleep, by bringing on certain chemical reactions. In terms of what not to do, it’s most important not to eat anything too rich, not to eat meals that are too large, and not to eat too close to bedtime. You should aim to end dinner at least two hours before going to bed. That’s to limit any potential nighttime discomfort from indigestion or heartburn. On top of that, our body temperature needs to drop when we go to sleep, but digestion does the exact opposite. So what are the better options available to us then? Why is the role of amino acids so important? What about simply skipping dinner; does that work? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to more episodes, click here: ⁠⁠⁠Do "light" food products really help you lose weight?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Are budget food brands really worth the savings they offer?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠How can I best preserve food in my freezer ?⁠⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 7/1/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does the 3-30-300 rule affect my mental health?

In our increasingly urbanised world, it’s important to make time for reconnecting with nature. The latest study to grab our attention in this area was conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and published in December 2022. It looked into the so-called 3-30-300 rule, which was theorised by Spanish forest researcher Cecil Konijnendijk in 2021.  It's made up of three criteria, which each give our mental health a boost: we should have three trees in view from our home, live in a neighbourhood with 30% tree canopy cover and live within 300 metres of a park. Researchers interviewed over 3,000 residents in Barcelona and found that less than 5% of them were lucky enough to live in an area which met all three of the 3-30-300 rule’s criteria. Indeed, 22.4% of respondents had none of the elements. Interesting, so what did we learn from the latest study? What is it about green spaces that makes us calmer? What are the best ways to apply the 3-30-300 rule? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠How can I return unwanted gifts?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Could the deep work technique help me concentrate better at work?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What can I do to relieve heartburn?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 28/12/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why has astrology come back into fashion?

Have you noticed more of your friends talking about their star signs of late? Maybe they try to guess the sign of people they meet, or come out with unexpected references to “Mercury in retrograde” or “Saturn return” over dinner. Maybe you’re into it yourself; and you have an app which sends you horoscope notifications all day long. It wasn’t so long ago that most people would just read horoscopes in the paper for a laugh, but these days astrology seems to be all the rage. Dedicated webpages are getting more and more traffic, and there are even astrology based dating apps, like Ilios and Stars Align. Analysing human behaviour according to star and planet positions has existed for millenia across different civilisations, like the Mayas for example. Are we saying astrology has never been this popular before? What’s caused the resurgence then? 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: 31/12/22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is menstrual leave?

All week long, we’re looking into 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone’s lips in 2023! Despite the fact that we’re in 2023, there’s still a certain squeamishness when it comes to discussions about menstruation, including in the workplace. But that might be about to change in Europe, due to a measure that was recently approved by the lower house of Spain’s parliament... In mid-December 2022, Spanish MPs voted to adopt a new bill creating menstrual leave for women suffering from period pain. That’s right, 3-5 days off work per month paid by the state. And while it’s a first in Europe, such a measure has already existed for decades in other parts of the world. Why do women need time off work during their periods? Which other countries in the world have a menstrual leave policy? Why is menstrual leave a controversial measure? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to more episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Can a weighted blanket help you get a better night’s sleep?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is the internet of senses?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is goblin mode?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 11/1/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is goblin mode?

All week long we're looking at the 10 words that will be on everyone's lips in 2023. Every year, linguists at Oxford University choose a Word of the Year and in 2022, they allowed the public to vote on the winner for the first time. The 340,000 English speakers who voted were given three choices: metaverse, the #IStandWith hashtag and, drumroll please, the eventual runaway winner…Goblin Mode. The term secured an impressive 93% of votes. It might seem anecdotal and light-hearted, but you’re going to hear it a lot more often in 2023 as it’s definitely an expression that speaks to the times. Basically, it means shamelessly living as one wants, or ‘slobbing out’ if you like. What’s the official definition? Is it a brand new expression? So is going goblin mode a good thing then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Why are brownouts getting more and more common in the work world?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Why do we hiccup?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 08/1/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the best holiday destinations?

Everyone has their own expectations when it comes to summer holidays. Regardless, you don't necessarily have to travel far to have a good time. At least, that's what 31% of British people think, according to research from TripAdvisor. That’s the proportion of people who plan to holiday exclusively in the UK this year. But for others, going on holiday is all about turning dreams of exotic destinations into a reality. Let's discuss some of the top domestic and international destinations for 2023. What are the best destinations within the UK? Is going to Europe really that expensive? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠⁠Why are famous women being targeted by transvestigations?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠What is premium mediocre - the illusion of luxury?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Is your employer tracking you while you work from home?⁠⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 12/07/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should my next holiday be a staycation?

May 29th was Spring Bank Holiday in UK. Going on holiday is cool, but not always within reach for everyone. It requires time, as you may need to get your leave request approved by your employer, and money. In recent years, a new kind of holiday has been catching on: the staycation. It generally refers to a trip which doesn’t require any overnight accommodation. The idea comes from the United States and really took off following the financial crisis from 2007 onwards. Middle class Americans no longer had the means to go on holiday, so they got creative. The idea then spread to Europe, and more specifically the UK, in 2009, when currency exchange rates became unfavourable. Isn’t that kind of the opposite of a holiday? Is it really possible to relax while surrounded by reminders of work and stress? How has the staycation concept evolved in the last few years? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! Date of first release : 16th of August, 2022 To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : ⁠⁠Why are we obsessed with presenteeism?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is the snowball method of paying back debt?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is Face Wine, a viral beauty product from Tiktok?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 23/8/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is synthetic fuel?

For a number of years now, we’ve been hearing that the future of transport is electric, in particular due to the impact of fossil fuels on global warming. But there are a number of drawbacks, including cost, battery life, battery recycling, charging time which mean some people are reluctant to get on board. There are also fears that the switch to electric vehicles won’t be quick enough to meet environmental objectives. Some experts believe that the fastest way to reduce CO2 emissions from transport is to use fuels synthesised from organic materials that are carbon-neutral and can power existing vehicles. How are synthetic fuels made? Why are they a good alternative to fossil fuels? Will it be available to the general public? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to more episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Could job enrichment make your work more rewarding?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is Ulysses Syndrome?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What are nepo babies?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 16/01/2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are nepo babies?

All week long, we’re looking into 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone’s lips in 2023! In December 2022, New York magazine ran a cover which got a lot of attention. It featured the heads of a number of Hollywood celebs like Lily-Rose Depp, Ben Platt, Dakota Johnson and Zoe Kravitz, all edited onto babies’ bodies. In the centre of the page the bright pink headline read: “She Has Her Mother’s Eyes. And Agent.” The article inside labelled 2022 the “Year of the Nepo Baby”. What those celeb babies all have in common is that they’re the children of famous, successful parents. That’s where the “nepo” part comes from, as in nepotism. Right from the get go, these kids had an advantage or arguably a sure road to success. Isn’t that obvious? That’s been the case forever, hasn’t it? What do nepo babies themselves have to say on the issue? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to more episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Can a weighted blanket help you get a better night’s sleep?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is the internet of senses?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is goblin mode?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 11/1/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is 'Tomato Girl summer'?

You might have seen this term on TikTok, Instagram or Pinterest, but do you really know what it means? ‘A Tomato Girl Summer’ is a retro trend inspired by Mediterranean living rather than actual tomatoes. It's about projecting the style and lifestyle of the region, wearing clothes that are comfortable and colourful, eating fresh and seasonal food, exploring new places, and having fun. What is the inspiration for this trend? How can I get the Tomato Girl look? What is Potato Girl Summer? 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 Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 31/07/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are my ears ringing?

It’s not uncommon to hear ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing sounds that can’t be heard by anyone else. The medical term for these symptoms is tinnitus. The sounds may affect both ears, or just one. If you’re lucky, they’re a temporary or intermittent problem, but for some people they can be more severe, affecting their daily lives.  2019 figures from the British Tinnitus Association suggested that persistent tinnitus affects 1 in 8 people. Occasional ringing in the ears is nothing to worry about. It’s when it lasts for longer than a few minutes that you may wish to consult a GP. Bear in mind that tinnitus itself isn’t actually a disease. The sounds are symptoms of other disorders and health conditions. Where does it come from? Does it get worse with age? Are there any treatments for permanent tinnitus? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠⁠How can I beat a hangover?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Why is Qatar paying England fans to promote the word cup?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠What is bushcraft, the eco-friendly outdoor hobby?⁠⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast : 20/11/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is productivity paranoia?

Covid-19 restrictions changed work practices radically; a large proportion of the workforce have worked remotely for nearly three years now. That’s the case even in post-pandemic working structures, with many sectors favouring a hybrid model rather than a full-time return to the office. We now have a generation of workers who often have never met their colleagues in person. But still the fear persists among a lot of managers that their teams aren’t as productive working from home. What do employees think? So what’s the problem then? What can be done to fix productivity paranoia? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to more episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Which jobs are most under threat from artificial intelligence?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What’s the point of flight mode?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is wellness syndrome?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 18/1/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is holding back a sneeze dangerous?

Whether it's a matter of courtesy or preventing the spread of germs, it's not uncommon for people to hold back a sneeze. When this happens, the intercostal muscles contract strongly, but without the release of air if the nose is pinched or the mouth is closed. However, sneezing is a natural bodily reflex designed to expel dust, microbes, or any other irritating substances from the nasal cavity. Our respiratory system comes equipped with a filter lining the airways. Dust and allergens, for instance, are wrapped in mucus and propelled by vibratile cilia. Sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose helps expel this mixture, effectively cleansing the respiratory passages. So are you saying that sneezing is important? What kind of consequences are we talking about? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠What's the best way to choose my toothpaste?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How did flat Earth conspiracy theory start?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 9/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can I relax my brain while on holiday?

Whether you're lounging on a beach, exploring a new city, or simply taking a break from your daily routine, finding ways to calm your mind while on holiday is really important for our mental and physical health. We often promise ourselves we’re going to disconnect from day one, but it's not as simple as that.  After all, when we’re at work our brains are constantly processing information, making decisions, solving problems, and dealing with stress. And we don’t just have an on-off switch allowing us to lower the intensity of our brain activity to zero in a split-second. Why is disconnecting from work-related stress and responsibilities so difficult? Is there anything I can do to calm my brain while I’m away? 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: 09/08/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it bad to drink water with a meal?

It's often said that drinking water while eating can make the stomach swell, causing bloating. But in reality, there are no studies to back that up. Similarly, drinking or avoiding drinking while eating also has no impact on the effectiveness of digestive juices or on any supposed difficulty in secreting them and therefore on digestion. We know that that water helps soften food boluses being digested by the body. A bolus is a ball-like mixture of food and saliva that forms in the mouth when we chew. Water also has the advantage of curbing hunger, thereby regulating our appetite.  What do we know for sure about drinking water with meals? When is the best time of day to drink water? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Why do some people sleep with their mouths open?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How can you avoid bed bugs when you travel?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is microwork?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast : 16/10/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is my circadian rhythm so important?

You’ve no doubt heard references to the existence of body clocks, and it’s no surprise because all of our bodily functions are regulated by the circadian system. To put it simply, our circadian rhythms optimise bodily functions. In this episode, we explain why it is important. They are managed by a master clock known as the circadian pacemaker which is formed of around 20,000 neurons. It’s situated in the brain, more specifically in the hypothalamus. The sleep-wake cycle is an obvious example of a circadian rhythm. But these cycles help many other systems to function too, like hunger, organ activity, memory consolidation and pain perception. The word “circadian” actually comes from the Latin “circa diem”, meaning “around a day”. What are the dangers of a disrupted circadian rhythm? What’s the best way to stop circadian rhythms from getting disrupted? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Do tongue scrapers actually help with bad breath?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Do our brains really tell the whole story about us?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How can heatwaves impact our mental health?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 28/10/22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do I need to know before getting laser eye surgery?

Shortsightedness or myopia affects long distance vision, preventing people from seeing objects over a few yards away. You may remember we covered the subject on Do You Really Know? a while back and that it has been labelled an epidemic due to ever increasing prevalence worldwide. It’s estimated that a third of all people suffer from myopia, and the World Health Organisation has suggested that half of all human beings in the world will be shortsighted by 2050, with excessive screen use and a lack of time spent outdoors largely to blame. If you simply can't stand contacts or glasses, laser surgery is another option. It's been in fashion since the turn of the century and according to Optegra, over 15,000 Brits choose to go down that route each year. Can all shortsighted people get laser eye surgery? How does the laser work? Does it work every time? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠What is Sisu?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What does Mercury in retrograde mean?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Does the Mediterranean diet lower risks of dementia?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 2/4/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is false memory syndrome?

Have you ever been sure about a memory only to be told you’ve got it wrong? It’s a common experience: you confidently recall a detail from the past, only for someone to insist it didn’t happen that way. Or maybe you’re convinced you saw something with your own eyes when in reality, you only heard about it repeatedly. These are examples of false memories. They don’t mean you’re lying; in fact, you probably have no idea the memory’s been altered. Why does our brain reshape memories in the first place? Does that mean memory-recovery techniques aren’t always reliable? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Why do children have imaginary friends?⁠ ⁠What are umbrella species?⁠ ⁠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