Episodes

  • What is Christmas tree syndrome?

    What is Christmas tree syndrome?
    Dec 22 2025
    Sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes, asthma flare-ups, and even sleep disruptions. If you're wondering why you're dealing with all the telltale signs of hay fever smack in the middle of December, you might just be grappling with what's commonly known as the Christmas tree syndrome. In a nutshell, it's a seasonal allergy triggered by the presence of mould in the needles and trunk of the tree. The cosy and humid indoor setting provides the perfect breeding ground for mould, which had already set up camp on the tree back when it was outside. So, what does this mean in everyday terms? What other exposures are we talking about? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?⁠ ⁠Where did the story of the Grinch come from?⁠ ⁠Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 24/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 mins
  • How to choose the best detergent?

    How to choose the best detergent?
    Dec 22 2025
    In the days of yore, clothes were scrubbed with soap, brushes, and sheer elbow grease. But today, laundry detergents have revolutionized the way we clean our garments. These modern marvels remove stains without requiring Herculean effort. But navigating the overwhelming array of choices in the detergent aisle can be overwhelming. The French consumer magazine 60 millions de consommateurs carried out an extensive study in February 2020 to answer just this question. They scrutinized 25 different washing powder brands. Their evaluation criteria included chemical risk, environmental impact, health considerations, washing efficiency, and color preservation. There's so much choice how do you sort through it all? What were the results? Should you make your own washing to avoid chemicals? 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: 13/5/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • What makes us ticklish?

    What makes us ticklish?
    Dec 22 2025
    Whether it’s as kids in the school playground, fooling around with our first partner as a teenager or with our own kids when we become parents, tickling is generally synonymous with moments of playful fun. Of course tickling can bring on strong reactions and some people hate it, so it’s important to only do it to someone if they’re not objecting, no matter how harmless it might seem to you. Some people are just way more sensitive to it than others, and might start laughing or cringing at the slightest touch, or even in anticipation of being tickled. Why are some parts of our bodies more sensitive to tickling than others? Why can’t I tickle myself? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Can deep sleep help stop dementia?⁠ ⁠What is conscious quitting?⁠ ⁠Why is Israel going through a major political crisis?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast. A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 10/4/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK?

    Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK?
    Dec 21 2025
    Panto, short for pantomime, has become a staple of British Christmas celebrations but surprisingly its origins are neither British or Christmassy. It has its roots in the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, which was celebrated in December and involved dressing up as the opposite gender, swapping roles, and having a lot of fun. The word ‘pantomime’ comes from the Latin ‘pantomimus’, which means ‘actor who plays every role’. The Romans also had a tradition of performing plays called mummia, which were based on stories from Egypt. How did panto come to Britain? What are some of the earliest examples of panto in Britain? 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 Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 14/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 mins
  • How can I avoid the side effects of antibiotics?

    How can I avoid the side effects of antibiotics?
    Dec 21 2025
    Antibiotics are critical to modern medicine, and have saved millions of lives since first being introduced in the mid-20th century. However, there are drawbacks to prescribing antibiotics when they’re not actually required. Of course there’s the issue of antibiotic resistance, which is seen as a major threat to human health. And there are also unwanted side effects of antibiotic use to take into account. After all, they don’t only target the bacteria that are making us sick. They also kill harmless bacteria in the gut which actually keep us healthy. What’s more, according to MedicalXpress.com, “this disruption to gut microbiome composition can last for up to two years after antibiotic treatment.” Other side effects include diarrhea and bloating. Is there anything we can do to protect our gut? Can antibiotics also lead to yeast infections? Do I have to go right to the end of my course of antibiotics? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to more episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Why does walking through doorways make us forget things?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Will ChatGPT replace Google?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is the loverboy method Andrew Tate is accused of using?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 28/1/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 mins
  • Could vanlife be a lifestyle choice for you?

    Could vanlife be a lifestyle choice for you?
    Dec 21 2025
    he last two and a half years have caused a lot of us to reassess our priorities in life. Are we really living our lives to the full? Are there new experiences that we should be trying out? Within that context, an alternative nomadic lifestyle called vanlife has seen a resurgence. It’s been around since the 1960s, when hippies would travel across the United States in vans. But social media has made it trendy again, and in particular Instagram where the #vanlife hashtag has over 13 million posts. Essentially, vanlife is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: living in a van. It’s a minimalist lifestyle, which also grants the freedom to travel and be adventurous. What are some of the coolest things about vanlife? How do I know if the van lifestyle is for me? ⁠⁠In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !⁠⁠ To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : ⁠⁠How does Paris syndrome affect some visitors to the French capital?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Can I get health benefits from masturbation?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How have dating apps broken into the friendship market?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 25/8/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 mins
  • Why does Christmas boost our libido?

    Why does Christmas boost our libido?
    Dec 20 2025
    According to a study published in the Scientific Reports journal in 2017, the holiday season sees a peak in sex-related searches on Google and Twitter. The researchers behind the study also identified an increase in birth rates in late September, in other words nine months after Christmas of the previous year. So the evidence is there: for many of us, sexual desire increases at Christmas time. The study was called “Human Sexual Cycles are Driven by Culture and Match Collective Moods”, suggesting there’s something about our mood during the holiday season. And it’s not just Christmas. What’s the science behind all that then? Does it apply to other culture holidays? Christmas can also be a stressful period though, can’t it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠At which time of day do we burn the most calories?⁠ ⁠Why does the cold make us need to pee?⁠ ⁠How can I meditate without meditating?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 21/12/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • What are the most hydrating foods?

    What are the most hydrating foods?
    Dec 20 2025
    We all know staying hydrated is crucial for feeling fit and healthy. The general recommendation is to drink between 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day. But let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to stick to that. Ideally, you shouldn’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water because thirst signals that your body has already lost about half a litre of water. But you might be surprised to learn that your diet can also play a big role in keeping you hydrated. Which foods are the best for hydration? Are there hydrating options for winter? Is there anything to avoid? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠⁠Which foods mustn't you put in the microwave?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What does eating junk food do to our brains?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How can I recognise ultra-processed foods?⁠⁠ A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 24/9/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins