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Latest Episodes:

Why do we cry? Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Humans are the only creatures on Earth that shed tears. Whether it's tears of joy, laughter, anger, pain, sadness, or fatigue, the emotions that bring about crying are diverse. You might be familiar with these emotional triggers, but have you ever wondered about the physiological explanations behind them?

Let's start by categorising tears into three types. There are "basal" tears that maintain a continuous lubrication of the cornea, "reflex" tears that emerge when you're chopping onions, have dust in your eye, or encounter too much light, and then there are the emotional tears – and they’re the ones we're delving into today.

What happens in our eyes when we're sad? What about tears of joy then? But why does witnessing someone else cry make us want to do the same?

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⁠⁠⁠What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace?⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK?⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan?⁠⁠⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 16/12/2023

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What are warming stripes? Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

If you’ve been to a climate demonstration in recent times, you may have noticed placards with a series of blue and red coloured stripes. Kind of like a barcode but in colour, with the shades varying from very light to very dark. You may have even seen them at political or sporting events, in the media, or on the cover of Greta Thunberg’s The Climate Book.

This set of graphics are known as warming stripes, and they’re not as random as they might first seem. Indeed, the coloured stripes have become a go-to symbol for many climate activists, given that they feature no letters and no numbers, meaning anyone anywhere in the world can understand their meaning.

What is the meaning? And how can such a simple graphic get across the complexity of climate change? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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

⁠How is AI giving a voice to the dead?⁠

⁠Why is climbing stairs so good for you?⁠

⁠Am I in a situationship?⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 14/01/2023

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Is sleeping less than 6 hours a night the equivalent to being drunk? Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

We've all been there - it's late, you're exhausted, but sleep just won't come. You toss and turn, check the clock every few minutes, and the longer you're awake, the more anxious you feel about how little rest you're going to get. Morning comes, and even though you're barely functioning, you drag yourself out of bed, grab a coffee, and stumble through the day in a fog.

And it’s not just your imagination. When you sleep less than six hours a night, your brain starts to operate as if you were legally drunk.

What do researchers mean by "drunk"? Why compare sleep deprivation to alcohol? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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⁠Why do people say that black cats bring bad luck?⁠

⁠What are the dirtiest objects in your home?⁠

⁠Why do we get travel sick?⁠

A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast : 06/2025

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Where does St Patrick's Day come from? Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

If you’re a fan of sitcoms, no doubt you've seen episodes in which the characters were celebrating Saint Patrick's Day. It's a big deal in the UK and Ireland of course, as well as across the pond in North America.

Each year in the build up to March 17th, bars and pubs, especially Irish ones, deck themselves out in green and shamrocks. But before it became an excuse to sink a few pints of Guinness with friends, the occasion was originally a religious affair in its native Ireland, centred around the man himself: Saint Patrick.

Who exactly was Saint Patrick? Why do we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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⁠Why do mouth sounds drive some people crazy?⁠

⁠Why does Ramadan start on a different date each year?⁠

⁠How can I move house stress-free?⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 16/3/2025

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Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan? Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Ever had that moment when you're relishing a juicy fig, and someone drops the bomb that you might be chowing down on a wasp? Surprising as it sounds, it's true. Fig wasps do their thing by pollinating figs from the inside, but unfortunately, they sometimes get stuck in there! Now, bear in mind, these wasps are tiny, at around 1 to 2 mm tiny, so you won't notice them when you take a bite. But, let's switch gears from figs and delve into what makes a fruit not quite as vegan as you might think.

There are some steadfast rules for those rocking the vegan lifestyle: no animal flesh, no by-products from livestock like milk, eggs, cheese, or honey, and definitely no additives like E120, a colorant made from insects. That's the universal baseline. Beyond that, depending on personal beliefs, some might steer clear of non-organic or environmentally questionable items.

What about fruits that don't quite fit the vegan bill? How do I know if this is the case in my supermarket? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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

⁠What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize?⁠

⁠What's really in vegan meat substitutes?⁠

⁠Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies?⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 21/4/2025

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What is erectile dysfunction? Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

As many as six in ten men have experienced erection problems over the course of their life. And that proportion has been on the rise in the last fifteen years, according to a study released by IFOP in April 2019. It’s also known as impotence, and is a big health taboo among men.

Erectile dysfunction is often linked to cardiovascular risk factors, so it’s important to consult a doctor if affected. Furthermore, it can impact relationships, sometimes due to misunderstandings about the cause of the problem. The good news is it can be addressed with lifestyle changes, as we’ll discuss in a minute.

How do erections actually work? So why might that mechanism not work in some people? What about psychological or emotional factors?

First broadcast: 07/02/2022

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[PODCASTHON] Why do inequalities begin in early childhood? Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Most of us would like to believe that the world can be a place of equal opportunities, where everyone has the same potential to shape their future, no matter their background. But in reality, the conditions into which a child is born is likely to shape their health, development and future.

And some charities sadly witness that reality every day. In honour of Podcasthon 2026, let’s take a moment to talk about Little Village, a baby bank supporting families with babies and young children living in poverty across London.

When exactly do inequalities begin then? Why are those early years so important? What does this mean for their everyday life? How can I help support a charity like Little Village? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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How does the Matthew Effect help us understand class inequalities?

Is putting on less heating a way to save money and be healthier?

How could the 52 week method help me save money?

A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

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What are the benefits of slow sex? Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

We all know that having sex is a great form of stress relief. It releases pleasure hormones, like endorphins and oxytocin, also reinforcing the cardiovascular and immune systems. But slow sex may be a way of further enhancing pleasure and allowing you to fully savor the multi-sensory experience that is good sex. It doesn’t have to be a race to the finish line!

First of all, it’s a bit of a leveller between men and women in a heterosexual relationship. On average it takes men from 5 to 7 minutes to climax during sex, whereas it’s more or less double that for women. So slowing things down makes it more likely both partners will have an orgasm. And a longer buildup tends to lead to more powerful climaxes for many people. The drawn out stimulation brings on a slow build up of blood flow in the genitals.

How does it differ from the kind of sex most people are having then? How can slow sex help partners to be more intimate? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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

⁠⁠Why is generative AI set to explode in 2024?⁠⁠

⁠⁠Is being delulu a good thing?⁠⁠

⁠⁠Should you be reducing salt in your diet?⁠⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 11/7/2022

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Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Mar 16, 2026

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.

First broadcast: 5/3/2025

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How can I get cheaper flight tickets? Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

According to recent data from personal finance website NimbleFins, the average British family of four spent around £4,678 for a 9-night holiday abroad in 2023. And of that total amount, £1,828 went towards flights, nearly 40%, reflecting the reality that air fares still account for a high proportion of the total cost of a holiday.

And experts say that flight prices are set to continue rising in the coming years, as more expensive sustainable aviation fuels are brought in to replace traditional kerosene. With that in mind, let’s discuss some ways in which you can make some savings on the most expensive part of your next holiday.

What should I do if I’m buying online? When’s the best time to make my booking? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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

⁠⁠How much do surrogate mothers get paid?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What is the Barnum effect?⁠⁠

⁠⁠How to spot, prevent and treat heatstroke ?⁠⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 14/01/2024

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