Do you really know?

Latest Episodes:

Why do we get bad breath in the morning? Dec 30, 2023

Show notes

It’s somewhat unpleasant when you wake up with halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, but it’s actually a totally normal and natural phenomenon. A 2018 research review on the subject found that as many as 31.8% of people are affected. What’s more, it can happen even if you brush your teeth carefully the night before. There are actually quite a few different factors that contribute to morning bad breath.

One of those is to do with ketones, a type of energy source formed when glucose is not readily available, usually when our stomach is empty. Now while we sleep our bodies generate ketones, and the liver releases these compounds as a compensatory energy mechanism after we eat a meal. Their distinct odour is partly responsible when we have less-than-fresh morning breath.

What are the other reasons? Why do we sometimes have bad breath during the day? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

What is future faking?

Why are we so fascinated by true crime?

Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be?

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 body neutrality? Dec 29, 2023

Show notes

According to a 2019 online survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation and YouGov, over a third of UK adults have felt anxious or depressed because of their body image. Although that particular survey didn’t specifically address how gender affected the chances of someone feeling unsatisfied about their appearance, the summary acknowledged that it is often more common among young women.

We’ve talked about the increasing popularity of the body positive movement in the past on Do You Really Know, but such findings show that it hasn't yet fundamentally shifted women's perspectives on their bodies. The pressure to have a ‘perfect body’ remains significant. However, there’s a new trend out there which suggests adopting a more measured and neutral stance towards our appearance, rather than advocating unconditional self-love. It’s known as body neutrality.

Where does this movement come from? So, does this mean we shouldn't love our bodies anymore? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

What is future faking?

Why are we so fascinated by true crime?

Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be?

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

According to the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics. For boys, the top name was Noah, which replaced Oliver from the previous year. For girls, the top name was Olivia, which remained the same for the sixth year in a row. Other popular names for boys included Henry, Arlo, Sebastian and Luca, while for girls, Freya, Florence, Willow and Alys were among the favourites.

There are many factors that can influence parents' choices, such as family traditions, personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and even celebrities. For example, some parents may name their children after famous actors, singers, sports stars, or characters from books, movies, or TV shows.

What about uncommon names? Why do some parents opt for these unconventional names? What are the predictions for popular names in 2024? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

What is future faking?

Why are we so fascinated by true crime?

Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be?

A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

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.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is future faking? Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

“I can’t wait for us to get married;” “Let’s travel the world together;” “We’re going to have two kids and buy that apartment across the street” When you’re in a romantic relationship, it can be genuinely heartwarming to hear your partner paint a vibrant picture of days ahead. But what about if it happens much earlier than you expected - say on your second or third date? Usually at that stage, you're still figuring each other out, so beware - it could be a sign of what’s known as future faking.

Of course, there’s no one single pace for all relationships to abide by, but generally speaking couples don’t make life plans or even say “I love you” within the first couple weeks of dating. So it’s only really a red flag when talk of those kinds of plans pop up too early. In some cases, you could be dealing with a narcissist who’s using false promises to win you over in the moment, creating an illusion of intimacy when in reality they’re not thinking about the future at all. Hence the name: future faking.

Is it similar to love bombing? How can I deal with a future faking partner? 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.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

According to the World happiness report, of the 137 countries they include, the UK has fallen to 19th position. This follows a steady decline over the past few years although they are happier than Lithuania in 20th position and France in 21st position. As ever Finland has continued its winning streak and stays at number one just above New Zealand.

The report combines both subjective well-being assessments and objective indicators. Respondents rate their own current lives on a scale from 0 to 10. They ask people to imagine a ladder with the best possible life for them being a 10 and the worst possible life being a 0.

What has caused the decrease in happiness? Is this the same all across the UK? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

Which types of alcohol should we avoid mixing?

Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

What is erectile dysfunction?

A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we give each other gifts at Christmas? Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

In the UK, Christmas is synonymous with festive meals, Yule logs, and the classic roast turkey. We adorn our homes with red, gold, and green decorations, and the Christmas tree takes center stage – a topic we've previously explored on this podcast. These traditions have become so ingrained in our lives that we rarely question their origins. Take, for instance, the tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts.

Is the act of gift-giving tied to Christianity? How did New Year's gifts evolve into Christmas gifts then? 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.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is Christmas tree syndrome? Dec 24, 2023

Show notes

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.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the strangest Christmas traditions? Dec 23, 2023

Show notes

In the Western world, we celebrate Christmas on December 25th to honour the birth of Jesus, a tradition dating back to around the year 300 AD. But well before that, various cultures had been marking the end of the year as a symbol of life's renewal. Over time, Christmas has transcended its origins and found unique expressions in different corners of the globe, from Brazil and Ethiopia to Japan and Egypt.

Let’s take Nordic countries, for instance. Their holiday traditions, especially the culinary ones, can get quite bizarre. In Greenland, Christmas delicacies include Mattak – raw whale skin served with whale blubber.

Are there other traditions? What about the kids? Are there any less creepy traditions? 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.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which types of alcohol should we avoid mixing? Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

During the extended holiday feasts, it's common to let loose a little, perhaps mixing different kinds of alcohol. You might start out with a glass of champagne, then movie to wine or beer, and end the meal with a digestif. That’s despite the widespread belief that combining alcohol types can worsen the unpleasant aftermath of a hangover and all the symptoms that brings, like nausea, headaches, dehydration, vomiting, palpitations, and dizziness.

First of all, it’s important to note that ethanol, the molecule found in all alcoholic drinks, gets partly expelled through urine, sweat, and breath. The liver also filters a portion, converting ethanol into acetaldehyde, the culprit behind hangover symptoms. Unfortunately, the liver can only handle a limited amount.

So is it really more about how much alcohol you consume, then? What are these other substances? 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.

In partnership with upday UK.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices