Learning English

Episode 260528 / 28 May 2026

Are you good at saving money?

Episode 260521 / 21 May 2026

How loud is it where you live?

Episode 260514 / 14 May 2026

Can learning to read alter the way your brain works?

Episode 260507 / 07 May 2026

Does life on another planet exist?

Episode 260430 / 30 Apr 2026

Ultra-processed food can be tasty, but what is it doing to our health?

Episode 260423 / 23 Apr 2026

How well do you cope with stress?

Episode 260416 / 16 Apr 2026

Can you learn to love the foods you hate?

Episode 260409 / 09 Apr 2026

Do you know where your food comes from?

Episode 260402 / 02 Apr 2026

Have you ever tried a sauna?

Episode 260326 / 26 Mar 2026

How do weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro help people lose weight?

Episode 260319 / 19 Mar 2026

Would you prefer to be too hot or too cold?

Episode 260312 / 12 Mar 2026

Is chocolate becoming more expensive?

Episode 260305 / 05 Mar 2026

The answer is not as black and white as you might think!

Episode 260226 / 26 Feb 2026

How many varieties of pepper do you know?

Episode 260219 / 19 Feb 2026

Do you enjoy cooking?

Episode 260212 / 12 Feb 2026

Do you think you could do gymnastics... underwater?

Episode 260205 / 05 Feb 2026

Is dyslexia actually a kind of superpower?

Episode 260129 / 29 Jan 2026

Is the end of the world closer than we thought?

Episode 260122 / 22 Jan 2026

Beth and Pippa talk about why we often find speaking a new language scary.

Episode 260115 / 15 Jan 2026

Why don't British people say what they mean, or mean what they say?

Episode 260108 / 08 Jan 2026

How has AI affected social media?

Episode 260101 / 01 Jan 2026

Are we becoming a divided society?

Episode 251225 / 25 Dec 2025

Beth and Neil talk about a strange emotion we can feel at Christmas called nostalgia

Episode 251218 / 18 Dec 2025

Would you know how to spot a Death Cap mushroom?

Episode 251211 / 11 Dec 2025

Could your next therapist be a horse?

Episode 251204 / 04 Dec 2025

Have you ever tried a crisp sandwich?

Episode 251127 / 27 Nov 2025

Do you follow politics on social media?

Episode 251120 / 20 Nov 2025

What's the worst thing someone can do while eating?

Episode 251113 / 13 Nov 2025

Would you ever consider playing in a bomb site?

Episode 251106 / 06 Nov 2025

Have you ever had garlic breath?

Episode 251030 / 30 Oct 2025

Do you usually have a big breakfast, or do you skip it?

Episode 251023 / 23 Oct 2025

Have you ever heard of the Silurian hypothesis?

Episode 251016 / 16 Oct 2025

Is our enthusiasm for protein taking our attention away from other important food groups, like fibre?

Episode 251009 / 09 Oct 2025

Is a good citizen someone who votes and follows the law? Or is there something more to it?

Episode 251002 / 02 Oct 2025

How have humans treated whales throughout history?

Episode 250925 / 25 Sep 2025

How are criminals making money from stolen artefacts?

Episode 250918 / 18 Sep 2025

How would you feel if you shared your home with a robot?

Episode 250911 / 11 Sep 2025

As we get older, our hearing naturally gets worse. But what are the causes of this decline?

Episode 250904 / 04 Sep 2025

Shopping lists, to-do lists, check lists – when was the last time you made, or followed, a list?

Episode 250828 / 28 Aug 2025

What question would you most like to ask a twin?

Episode 250821 / 21 Aug 2025

Do you prefer healthy, homemade snacks... or modern, packaged goodies?

Episode 250814 / 14 Aug 2025

Did you know that some adults play with children's toys too?

Episode 250807 / 07 Aug 2025

What can we do to help ourselves flourish?

Episode 250731 / 31 Jul 2025

Have you ever come across a so-called masculinity influencer on social media?

Episode 250724 / 24 Jul 2025

Should we shrink the economy to save the planet?

Episode 250717 / 17 Jul 2025

Did you know that many species of wild bees are endangered in the UK? What can we do to help?

Episode 250710 / 10 Jul 2025

Is your home neat and tidy? Or is it full of stuff you no longer need? You might need to declutter!

Episode 250703 / 03 Jul 2025

Different cultures apologise in different ways. How do people say sorry where you are from?

Episode 250626 / 26 Jun 2025

Processed meat has been shown to be bad for our health, but are plant-based meat substitutes any healthier?

Episode 250619 / 19 Jun 2025

What does it mean when newborn babies wave their arms and legs about?

Episode 250612 / 12 Jun 2025

Is your mental health being affected by climate change?

Episode 250605 / 05 Jun 2025

How would you greet somebody you didn't know?

Episode 250529 / 29 May 2025

How much do you know about noodles?

Episode 250522 / 22 May 2025

Would you ever eat an insect?

Episode 250515 / 15 May 2025

Are some cooking oils better for your health than others?

Episode 250508 / 08 May 2025

Are zoos an important scientific resource, or an unnecessary abuse of animal rights?

Episode 250501 / 01 May 2025

How are cows helping to prevent wildfires in Spain?

Episode 250424 / 24 Apr 2025

How is climate change affecting animal migration?

Episode 250417 / 17 Apr 2025

Could artificial intelligence be used to solve a murder?

Episode 250410 / 10 Apr 2025

Is learning languages good for you?

Episode 250403 / 03 Apr 2025

Do you know anyone who has 50+ allergies?

Episode 250327 / 27 Mar 2025

Can ginger shots, turmeric and cold water swimming boost your immune system?

Episode 250320 / 20 Mar 2025

Is eating healthily always expensive?

Episode 250313 / 13 Mar 2025

Is it possible to grow rice in a more eco-friendly way?

Episode 250306 / 06 Mar 2025

Is happiness the key to success?

Episode 250227 / 27 Feb 2025

Could a vaccine for cancer soon be a reality?

Episode 250220 / 20 Feb 2025

How do women in different countries experience the online world?

Episode 250213 / 13 Feb 2025

How do people make money from rage bait?

Episode 250206 / 06 Feb 2025

How can smells make you feel at home?

Episode 250130 / 30 Jan 2025

Hear about life as a professional musician

Episode 250123 / 23 Jan 2025

How did fast food spread around the world?

Episode 250116 / 16 Jan 2025

How do you compare education systems?

Episode 250109 / 09 Jan 2025

Would you eat a stew that's been in a pot for 50 years?

Episode 250102 / 02 Jan 2025

How much water do you drink every day? Is it enough?

Episode 241226 / 26 Dec 2024

Have you ever been embarrassed to go to the doctor?

Episode 241219 / 19 Dec 2024

Have you ever phoned up a company and had your call held in a queue? Could AI make this less painful?

Episode 241212 / 12 Dec 2024

Is making new ‘mum friends’ the positive experience it’s often described as?

Episode 241205 / 05 Dec 2024

Are DNA ancestry tests a reliable way to trace your ancestry?

Episode 241128 / 28 Nov 2024

What do babies need to learn to do to be able to talk?

Episode 241121 / 21 Nov 2024

How can we stay healthy in old age?

Episode 241114 / 14 Nov 2024

Are the stereotypes about older and younger sisters true?

Episode 241107 / 07 Nov 2024

What is acne and how can it affect someone's confidence?

Episode 241031 / 31 Oct 2024

Why is it so important to get a good night's sleep?

Episode 241024 / 24 Oct 2024

How is divorce talked about in different countries?

Episode 241017 / 17 Oct 2024

Technology is always changing! Or is it...?

Episode 241010 / 10 Oct 2024

Did Taylor Swift move the Earth?

Episode 241003 / 03 Oct 2024

What makes us like the flavours we like?

Episode 240926 / 26 Sep 2024

Would you find it different to adapt to a new food culture?

Episode 240919 / 19 Sep 2024

How do farmers in the driest place on Earth manage to grow crops? With this solution!

Episode 240912 / 12 Sep 2024

Should we stop under 14s having phones?

Episode 240905 / 05 Sep 2024

Why do we need to reduce our salt intake?

Episode 240829 / 29 Aug 2024

Would you like to be a chocolate maker, like Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka?

Episode 240822 / 22 Aug 2024

Warning! This episode might make you very hungry...

Episode 240815 / 15 Aug 2024

What are young people's thoughts on climate change?

Episode 240808 / 08 Aug 2024

Do you remember your childhood birthday cakes?

Episode 240801 / 01 Aug 2024

What's really happening in our brain when we fall in love?

Episode 240718 / 25 Jul 2024

Why is it better to read from a book than a screen?

Episode 240718 / 18 Jul 2024

Could AI reduce the need for animal testing?

Episode 240711 / 11 Jul 2024

What happens when you put the kids in charge of the school?

Episode 240704 / 04 Jul 2024

Learn to speak to yourself in the way that toddlers do!

Episode 240627 / 27 Jun 2024

How can literacy change people's lives?

Episode 240620 / 20 Jun 2024

How can buildings made from wood help our mental health?

Episode 240613 / 13 Jun 2024

Could our name have painful baggage?

Episode 240606 / 06 Jun 2024

Could E-rickshaws give us cleaner air?

Episode 240530 / 30 May 2024

Is it OK to be older parents?

Episode 240523 / 23 May 2024

How was bubble tea invented?

Episode 240516 / 16 May 2024

Is it always negative to keep a secret?

Episode 240509 / 09 May 2024

Could bitter foods be better for your health?

Episode 240502 / 02 May 2024

What do you talk about while having dinner?

Episode 240425 / 25 Apr 2024

Is it OK to eat unhealthy food during pregnancy?

Episode 240418 / 18 Apr 2024

Do you love to dance?

Episode 240411 / 11 Apr 2024

Are nudges good or bad?

Episode 240328 / 04 Apr 2024

Could sitting be damaging to our health?

Episode 240328 / 28 Mar 2024

Could it be best to be the underdog?

Episode 240321 / 21 Mar 2024

Learn about the people who are making it easier for disabled musicians and music fans to perform and see live music

Episode 240314 / 14 Mar 2024

What makes a library a library?

Episode 240307 / 07 Mar 2024

Period poverty affects over 500 million people worldwide. How can a volunteer project help?

Episode 240229 / 29 Feb 2024

Plastics can be difficult to recycle. Could a recently discovered enzyme help?

Episode 240222 / 22 Feb 2024

Food is fuel for our brains. So, what should we be eating?

Episode 240215 / 15 Feb 2024

Having a baby is exhausting! What do mothers need to eat after giving birth?

Episode 240208 / 08 Feb 2024

Hear how a project in the Netherlands is helping in the fight against loneliness

Episode 240201 / 01 Feb 2024

Is AI going to take away your job?

Episode 240125 / 25 Jan 2024

Why is the language used on menus important?

Episode 240118 / 18 Jan 2024

Is it ever OK to be greedy?

Episode 240111 / 11 Jan 2024

Are we addicted to sugar?

Episode 240104 / 04 Jan 2024

Are you a dog or a cat person?

Episode 231228 / 28 Dec 2023

How can female farmers beat rural sexism?

Episode 231221 / 21 Dec 2023

What can the Moon tell us about Earth?

Episode 231214 / 14 Dec 2023

Do we even want to live without plastic?

Episode 231207 / 07 Dec 2023

Could we eat invasive species?

Episode 231130 / 30 Nov 2023

Mozzarella, ricotta, cannolis and focaccia... Where are we? Little Italy of course!

Episode 231123 / 23 Nov 2023

What are the health risks of social media for teenagers?

Episode 231116 / 16 Nov 2023

Have you ever seen an alien?

Episode 231109 / 09 Nov 2023

How can you stop elephants eating your crops?

Episode 231102 / 02 Nov 2023

Is it OK to eat animals that can feel emotion?

Episode 231026 / 26 Oct 2023

How do people live to 100?

Episode 231019 / 19 Oct 2023

Do you know how your money is being invested?

Episode 231012 / 12 Oct 2023

Should we be using mushrooms as medicine?

Episode 231005 / 05 Oct 2023

How can dead languages be revived?

Episode 230928 / 28 Sep 2023

Are there any sounds you find upsetting?

Episode 230921 / 21 Sep 2023

What language do fans use?

Episode 230914 / 14 Sep 2023

Do men find it hard to make and keep friends?

Episode 230907 / 07 Sep 2023

How can we find space for more solar panels?

Episode 230831 / 31 Aug 2023

What do our names reveal about our culture and family history?

Episode 230824 / 24 Aug 2023

Can we adapt to heatwaves?

Episode 230817 / 17 Aug 2023

Does work leave you feeling bored and exhausted?

Episode 230810 / 10 Aug 2023

What is eco-anxiety and do you have it?

Episode 230803 / 03 Aug 2023

Can natural disasters be prevented?

Episode 230727 / 27 Jul 2023

Different ways to say sorry.

Episode 230720 / 04 Jul 2023

Do you pick the fruit you eat from trees?

Episode 230713 / 13 Jul 2023

Can plants clean up our mess?

Episode 230706 / 06 Jul 2023

How human are chatbots?

Episode 230629 / 29 Jun 2023

Should we treat plants with the same consideration we treat animals with?

Episode 230622 / 14 Jun 2023

Does sound make food taste better?

Episode 230615 / 15 Jun 2023

Would being lazy have a purpose in life?

Episode 230608 / 08 Jun 2023

Hear how subtitles can help bring TV and movies to life

Episode 230601 / 01 Jun 2023

We discuss the growing popularity of ecotourism.

Episode 230525 / 25 May 2023

With warming temperatures, mosquitos are now spreading to new areas, including Europe.

Episode 230518 / 18 May 2023

Listen to an expert on the global food system.

Episode 230511 / 11 May 2023

BBC war correspondent Fergal Keane tells his story.

Episode 230504 / 04 May 2023

We talk about an essential element for life to thrive.

Episode 230427 / 12 Apr 2023

We discuss some of the reasons why women make up only 26% of the world's politicians.

Episode 230420 / 20 Apr 2023

We discuss the role of museums in the 21st century and the items taken from different countries.

Episode 230413 / 11 Apr 2023

What ways do you think culture can influence sadness?

Episode 230406 / 06 Apr 2023

Hear about a new kind of vegetable making an entrance in British kitchens

Episode 230330 / 06 Mar 2023

Let's talk about the ugly green-eyed monster

Episode 230323 / 23 Mar 2023

We discuss the role of crowds in modern life

Episode 230316 / 16 Mar 2023

We look at the link between what you eat and how you feel.

Episode 230309 / 09 Mar 2023

The dos and don'ts of trying to discuss science with someone who doesn't believe in it

Episode 230302 / 02 Mar 2023

Hear the story of a woman who replaced her native Czech for English.

Episode 230223 / 23 Feb 2023

Could 'an apple a day keep the doctor away'?

Episode 230216 / 16 Feb 2023

Do you leave your work until the last minute?

Episode 230209 / 27 Jan 2023

What is doomscrolling and why are we attracted to bad news? Listen to find out!

Episode 230202 / 22 Jan 2023

What's the least amount of exercise you should do to stay healthy?

Episode 230126 / 26 Jan 2023

Hear about the software engineer who became 'friends' with his computer

Episode 230119 / 13 Jan 2023

Does the size of your carbon footprint depend on where in the world you were born? Listen to find out!

Episode 230112 / 12 Jan 2023

Neil and Sam discuss buffet meals and the history behind them.

Episode 230105 / 05 Jan 2023

Writing a memorable song isn't easy. So is there an art to good songwriting?

Episode 221229 / 16 Dec 2022

According to the UN, one third of the food we grow ends up in the rubbish bin - how can we stop this?

Episode 221222 / 16 Dec 2022

How are 3D printers providing solutions to some of our medical problems?

Episode 221215 / 15 Dec 2022

What can opinion polls really tell us?

Episode 221208 / 29 Nov 2022

Learn about an idea to deal with climate change that could affect marine ecosystems.

Episode 221201 / 24 Nov 2022

Is music really a cure for a broken heart?

Episode 221124 / 24 Nov 2022

We discuss whether the art of conversation is being lost in the era of social media

Episode 221117 / 17 Nov 2022

Hear about the workers who built the World Cup stadiums

Episode 221110 / 10 Nov 2022

How people are trying to manipulate the weather

Episode 221103 / 03 Nov 2022

We talk about the people who make flavours

Episode 221027 / 25 Oct 2022

We discuss whether Halloween costumes are now too scary to be fun.

Episode 221020 / 20 Oct 2022

We discuss how extreme weather events are affecting our mental health.

Episode 221013 / 13 Oct 2022

How to adapt dishes from other countries

Episode 221006 / 06 Oct 2022

We talk about Mozart, Jimi Hendrix and teach you vocabulary.

Episode 220929 / 29 Sep 2022

Learn vocabulary to talk about inflation

Episode 220922 / 22 Sep 2022

We discuss the language used for online dating

Episode 220915 / 15 Sep 2022

We discuss the advantages of the design of the human body

Episode 220908 / 08 Sep 2022

Hear the inspiring story of people who are doing it

Episode 220901 / 01 Sep 2022

Are emojis turning us into lazy writers?

Episode 220825 / 25 Aug 2022

Hear about women who are using social media to change attitudes to beauty

Episode 220818 / 18 Aug 2022

Hear about the career-killing tasks that are holding women back in the workplace

Episode 220811 / 11 Aug 2022

How can you connect the unconnected?

Episode 220804 / 04 Aug 2022

We talk about previous periods in which deadly diseases went global

Episode 220728 / 28 Jul 2022

Having a Groundhog Day? Keen to break the internet? Learn some modern idioms.

Episode 220721 / 21 Jul 2022

How sharks have become an endangered species.

Episode 220714 / 14 Jul 2022

Can today's animals evolve quickly enough to survive a changing climate?

Episode 220707 / 07 Jul 2022

Missing your mother's cooking? We talk about traditional dishes.

Episode 220630 / 30 Jun 2022

Astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson's quest to highlight the difference between opinion and fact

Episode 220623 / 23 Jun 2022

In this episode, we discuss the events leading to the creation of the first atomic bomb.

Episode 220616 / 16 Jun 2022

What is life really like in the Pacific islands?

Episode 220609 / 31 May 2022

What is the relationship between translation, technology and the human brain?

Episode 220602 / 02 Jun 2022

We talk about a very British tradition

Episode 220526 / 26 May 2022

Living with synaesthesia

Episode 220519 / 19 May 2022

Is there north and south in space?

Episode 220512 / 12 May 2022

Hear how tech is helping people change their behaviour for the better

Episode 220505 / 05 May 2022

How do you mark your personal territory?

Episode 220428 / 28 Apr 2022

Deep convictions and a sense of humour - we talk about a man who helped end apartheid in South Africa.

Episode 220421 / 21 Apr 2022

We talk about an extreme environment which is stranger than fiction

Episode 220414 / 14 Apr 2022

We talk about an art that started with ancient Greek philosophers

Episode 220407 / 07 Apr 2022

It's not all about tea. Britons love coffee too!

Episode 220331 / 11 Mar 2022

Listen to a conversation about optimists and pessimists

Episode 220324 / 24 Mar 2022

Hear a chat about the queen of murder mystery, who had her books translated into over 100 languages

Episode 220317 / 17 Mar 2022

Is there life on Mars?

Episode 220310 / 10 Mar 2022

Shouldn't we take laughter more seriously?

Episode 220303 / 03 Mar 2022

Listen to what scientists are saying about the benefits of giving others a helping hand

Episode 220224 / 24 Feb 2022

Would you eat a cricket? How about a portion of nice crunchy ants?

Episode 220217 / 17 Feb 2022

Why not put your idle brain to good use?

Episode 220210 / 10 Feb 2022

We wonder what all that licking is really all about

Episode 220203 / 03 Feb 2022

Life in a place where people work, study longer hours and get less sleep than anywhere else

Episode 220127 / 27 Jan 2022

Artificial snow, coronavirus and controversy surround the Beijing Games starting soon.

Episode 220120 / 20 Jan 2022

Learn how microbes help digest food and have an impact in our bodies.

Episode 220113 / 13 Jan 2022

How do languages get invented?

Episode 220106 / 06 Jan 2022

What will future technology be like?

Episode 211230 / 30 Dec 2021

We talk about the defences plants might develop after facing periods of stress.

Episode 211223 / 23 Dec 2021

We talk about the maths formulas that are increasingly part of our lives

Episode 211216 / 16 Dec 2021

Diamonds and poo - could these be used to help prevent climate catastrophe?

Episode 211209 / 09 Dec 2021

How can we make video conferences feel more natural?

Episode 211202 / 02 Dec 2021

Hear about a project through which you can borrow a person to have a candid chat with

Episode 211125 / 25 Nov 2021

Questions about the safety of nuclear plants remain for many people.

Episode 211118 / 18 Nov 2021

Georgina and Rob talk about memorising things.

Episode 211111 / 11 Nov 2021

We talk about a famous video game character from the 80s.

Episode 211104 / 15 Oct 2021

Should athletes be sponsored by companies that produce unhealthy food?

Episode 211028 / 28 Oct 2021

We talk about the music of Wiley and Stormzy, inspired by derelict housing in London

Episode 211021 / 21 Oct 2021

We discuss what happens to the extra money you give at restaurants

Episode 211014 / 14 Oct 2021

Why is the German leader Angela Merkel called 'Mutti'?

Episode 211007 / 07 Oct 2021

Could AI be the answer in the fight against climate change?

Episode 210930 / 30 Sep 2021

Why don't people talk more about this aspect of women's lives?

Episode 210927 / 27 Sep 2021

Bitcoin: is it an investment option for ordinary people?

Episode 210923 / 23 Sep 2021

Hear about a woman's effort to keep her language alive

Episode 210920 / 20 Sep 2021

What are non-fungible tokens?

Episode 210916 / 16 Sep 2021

Could robots be artists?

Episode 210909 / 13 Sep 2021

Learn more about these furry flying mammals

Episode 210909 / 09 Sep 2021

Some extreme weather events are puzzling scientists

Episode 210906 / 06 Sep 2021

Can spending hours online affect the new generation's mental health?

Episode 210902 / 02 Sep 2021

They make coalitions and have a desire for power. Are they like us?

Episode 210826 / 26 Aug 2021

What's behind counting people in a country?

Episode 210823 / 23 Aug 2021

How much maths do you need to know to get by?

Episode 210819 / 19 Aug 2021

We discuss if AI could replace human doctors and nurses

Episode 210816 / 16 Aug 2021

How actors are made to feel more comfortable in intimate scenes

Episode 210812 / 12 Aug 2021

We discuss the long-term effects on players who make a career taking heavy tackles

Episode 210809 / 09 Aug 2021

What goes in the mind of the richest person in the world?

Episode 210805 / 05 Aug 2021

How a fun activity was discouraged by religion and in the name of school discipline

Episode 210802 / 02 Aug 2021

Companies are considering using carbon labelling the same way as they use nutrition information

Episode 210729 / 29 Jul 2021

Learn the language of going to the toilet

Episode 210722 / 22 Jul 2021

A toast to the vocabulary you'll learn here!

Episode 210719 / 19 Jul 2021

Which colour makes you happy?

Episode 210715 / 15 Jul 2021

Is there a stigma attached to not wanting to work the 9-to-5 shift?

Episode 210708 / 08 Jul 2021

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Episode 210701 / 01 Jul 2021

We talk about a breeding programme with the last individuals of the species.

Episode 210624 / 24 Jun 2021

Shouldn't we stop throwing things away and start fixing them?

Episode 210617 / 17 Jun 2021

Do you 'read' people easily?

Episode 210610 / 10 Jun 2021

Does carving scary faces into pumpkins really frighten away evil spirits?

Episode 210603 / 03 Jun 2021

We talk about the famous piece of rock that was key to translating the writing system created in ancient Egypt.

Episode 210527 / 27 May 2021

Covid-19: Are we tired of feeling sorry for others?

Episode 210520 / 20 May 2021

Why do people decide to be alone for long periods of time?

Episode 210513 / 17 Mar 2021

Learn about self-cloning animals

Episode 210506 / 06 May 2021

Sirens, mermaids, mami wata... we talk about different representations of these intriguing water creatures.

Episode 210429 / 29 Apr 2021

Hear about whether noise is bad for our health

Episode 210422 / 11 Mar 2021

Can the two biggest polluters work together?

Episode 210415 / 15 Apr 2021

Hear about why being naked in nature might be good for you

Episode 210408 / 08 Apr 2021

Learn why this tasty snack became popular with the Industrial Revolution

Episode 210401 / 01 Apr 2021

Where did today's English language really come from?

Episode 210325 / 25 Mar 2021

Hear all about the Skylab astronauts’ disagreement with mission control

Episode 210318 / 18 Mar 2021

Hear about digital technology which helps blind people improve their lives

Episode 210311 / 11 Mar 2021

Hear about what small things you can do to feel happier about life

Episode 210304 / 04 Mar 2021

Hear about how to create a happy place

Episode 210225 / 25 Feb 2021

Hear about Covid-19 and how our knowledge has changed

Episode 210218 / 18 Feb 2021

Hear about singing and why it’s good to do it

Episode 210211 / 11 Feb 2021

Hear about why some people are choosing to freelance

Episode 210128 / 28 Jan 2021

Hear about a woman whose cells never die

Episode 210121 / 21 Jan 2021

Hear about storytelling and how it helps us to connect and communicate

Episode 210114 / 14 Jan 2021

Is learning languages good for head, heart and soul?

Episode 210107 / 07 Jan 2021

Hear about comfort food and why we eat it

Episode 201231 / 31 Dec 2020

Hear about why fat-shaming is on the rise

Episode 201224 / 24 Dec 2020

Hear about coronavirus and how it isn’t that bad compared to historical pandemics

Episode 201217 / 17 Dec 2020

Hear about how trees can communicate with each other

Episode 201210 / 10 Dec 2020

Could jellyfish could reduce plastic pollution?

Episode 201203 / 03 Dec 2020

Hear how texting has become more popular than talking

Episode 201126 / 26 Nov 2020

Hear about how loneliness can affect everyone

Episode 201119 / 19 Nov 2020

Hear about different people's attitude to being on time

Episode 201112 / 12 Nov 2020

Hear about online fraud and how it is becoming more common

Episode 201105 / 05 Nov 2020

Scientists worry about this year's global heating and melting polar ice

Episode 201029 / 29 Oct 2020

About 40 years ago, portable music players became a craze with the launch of the Sony Walkman.

Episode 201022 / 22 Oct 2020

Hear about projects to create liveable underwater habitats

Episode 201015 / 15 Oct 2020

Volunteer hackers are invited to prevent election cyber-attacks

Episode 201008 / 08 Oct 2020

Hear the iconic environmentalist Jane Goodall talk about the deep connections between humans and the great apes

Episode 201001 / 01 Oct 2020

Learn about Web Science, a new academic subject about the internet

Episode 200924 / 24 Sep 2020

What will the jobs market look like after the coronavirus pandemic ends?

Episode 200917 / 17 Sep 2020

Local project trains grandmothers to help Zimbabweans mental health

Episode 200910 / 10 Sep 2020

The number of bees is declining at an alarming rate, with serious consequences for humans.

Episode 200903 / 03 Sep 2020

Conspiracy theories: Don't be fooled!

Episode 200827 / 27 Aug 2020

What does your blood type say about you?

Episode 200820 / 20 Aug 2020

The future of cities after the Covid-19 crisis

Episode 200813 / 13 Aug 2020

What is trust? And who should we place our trust in?

Episode 200806 / 06 Aug 2020

Can companies operate better without managers?

Episode 200730 / 17 Jul 2020

Neil and Georgina talk about the origins of Covid-19 and teach you related vocabulary.

Episode 200723 / 23 Jul 2020

Could plant growth studies in the ISS help feed people on Earth in the future?

Episode 200716 / 16 Jul 2020

Surf in South Africa, skateboarding in Afghanistan – are making poor children more assertive.

Episode 200709 / 09 Jul 2020

Lots of companies are rushing to install technology to make offices and workplaces safer.

Episode 200702 / 02 Jul 2020

Is wearing a face mask necessary?

Episode 200625 / 25 Jun 2020

Why are millennials so attracted to starting their own businesses?

Episode 200618 / 18 Jun 2020

We talk about being a saver in a consumer culture and discuss the meaning of 'thrift' through history.

Episode 200611 / 11 Jun 2020

New apps are transforming the way people order food from home

Episode 200604 / 04 Jun 2020

Listen to civil rights activist, Tarana Burke, who coined the phrase

Episode 200528 / 28 May 2020

Is recycling a guilt-free way of encouraging us to use more plastic?

Episode 200521 / 21 May 2020

How can books help us relax and feel more alive during troubled times?

Episode 200514 / 14 May 2020

How do electric systems differ across the world?

Episode 200507 / 07 May 2020

Episode 200430 / 30 Apr 2020

Episode 200423 / 23 Apr 2020

Does crying make you feel better?

Episode 200416 / 16 Apr 2020

Bucket list dilemma

Episode 200409 / 09 Apr 2020

Where does a pasty come from?

Episode 200402 / 02 Apr 2020

Music with a smaller carbon footprint

Episode 200326 / 26 Mar 2020

How smart is artificial intelligence?

Episode 200319 / 19 Mar 2020

Free your mind

Episode 200312 / 12 Mar 2020

How long will we survive for?

Episode 200305 / 05 Mar 2020

Who's responsible for recycling?

Episode 200227 / 27 Feb 2020

Pond scum - the new superfood which could benefit your health and the planet

Episode 200220 / 20 Feb 2020

Cheap production of clothes is being blamed for contributing to global warming.

Episode 200213 / 13 Feb 2020

Are we born with the ability to cope well with difficult situations? Can we learn it?

Episode 200206 / 06 Feb 2020

Can a battle of ideas be a constructive exercise?

Episode 200130 / 30 Jan 2020

What are low emission zones and why are more cities adopting these cleaner-air initiatives? Clean up your English by listening to this discussion

Episode 200123 / 23 Jan 2020

What's inspiring women to get involved in politics?

Episode 200116 / 10 Jan 2020

Giving up beer, wine and spirits is a challenge many people include in their New Year's resolutions.

Episode 200109 / 09 Jan 2020

Apostrophe misuse

Episode 200102 / 02 Jan 2020

Why is yawning contagious?

Episode 191226 / 26 Dec 2019

What's the carbon footprint of your Christmas tree?

Episode 191219 / 19 Dec 2019

Can ecotherapy heal our urban woes?

Episode 191212 / 12 Dec 2019

Anxious about talking to people you don't know? Listen to what a social psychologist has to say about it.

Episode 191205 / 05 Dec 2019

Does delaying university to travel help you get a job in the future?

Episode 191128 / 28 Nov 2019

Diving without air

Episode 191121 / 21 Nov 2019

Robots with a heart?

Episode 191114 / 14 Nov 2019

How small changes can make a big difference to people with mental health issues at work.

Episode 191107 / 01 Nov 2019

What goes on in the brain and the body when we listen to Adele?

Episode 191031 / 31 Oct 2019

Do we only learn language from our mother?

Episode 191024 / 24 Oct 2019

Are you prepared to be the canvas for a painting that might last forever?

Episode 191017 / 17 Oct 2019

Internships: exploitation or valuable work experience?

Episode 191010 / 10 Oct 2019

How lying helps society

Episode 191003 / 30 Sep 2019

Consumers are less keen to keep quiet when they are not happy with the service.

Episode 190926 / 26 Sep 2019

Learn about alphabet disadvantage!

Episode 190919 / 19 Sep 2019

Something to smile about

Episode 190912 / 12 Sep 2019

Everyone loves a holiday, but what damage can tourists do? Sam and Rob find out.

Episode 190905 / 05 Sep 2019

How are we going to feed ourselves?

Episode 190829 / 29 Aug 2019

Being more environmentally friendly

Episode 190822 / 22 Aug 2019

Age and political views

Episode 190815 / 15 Aug 2019

Libra, Bitcoin... would you invest in digital money?

Episode 190808 / 08 Aug 2019

How much should you tip?

Episode 190801 / 01 Aug 2019

Does recycling coffee cups make a difference?

Episode 190725 / 25 Jul 2019

Falling for fraud

Episode 190718 / 18 Jul 2019

Why is 'shame' the emotion of now?

Episode 190711 / 11 Jul 2019

Are you planning for a comfortable retirement?

Episode 190704 / 04 Jul 2019

FIFA Women's World Cup 2019

Episode 190627 / 27 Jun 2019

Game on for eSports!

Episode 190620 / 20 Jun 2019

Does fast, loud, aggressive, guitar-based music inspire violence or happiness?

Episode 190613 / 13 Jun 2019

Is talking on the telephone embarrassing?

Episode 190606 / 06 Jun 2019

Why do we associate motorcycles with men?

Episode 190530 / 30 May 2019

Shopping online in the middle of the night is becoming popular but, is it always a good idea?

Episode 190523 / 23 May 2019

Is there anything more frustrating?

Episode 190516 / 16 May 2019

Studies have shown that about 40% of the variation in a person's weight is influenced by genes.

Episode 190509 / 09 May 2019

Do smart speakers make life easier or spy on you?

Episode 190502 / 02 May 2019

Has anxiety been good for humans?

Episode 190425 / 25 Apr 2019

Everyone's wearing them!

Episode 190418 / 18 Apr 2019

Neil and Rob talk about the animal symbol of Easter in literature and in the real world.

Episode 190411 / 11 Apr 2019

Is it time you decluttered?

Episode 190404 / 04 Apr 2019

Do you know that cringey feeling?

Episode 190328 / 28 Mar 2019

Do you have a second job?

Episode 190321 / 21 Mar 2019

Be careful where you look!

Episode 190314 / 14 Mar 2019

Debating veganism

Episode 190307 / 07 Mar 2019

How much do you enjoy doing housework and paying bills?

Episode 190228 / 28 Feb 2019

Why are these magical creatures back in fashion?

Episode 190221 / 21 Feb 2019

Are you allergic to anything?

Episode 190214 / 14 Feb 2019

How effective are dating apps when you're looking for a romantic partner?

Episode 190207 / 07 Feb 2019

What's so special about these uncomfortable shoes?

Episode 190131 / 31 Jan 2019

How good is your memory?

Episode 190124 / 24 Jan 2019

What makes you happy?

Episode 190117 / 17 Jan 2019

New technology might be putting an end to instrumental introductions to pop songs

Episode 190110 / 10 Jan 2019

What's the positive side of feeling good when bad things happen to people you envy?

Episode 190103 / 03 Jan 2019

Would you all but give up eating meat to save the environment?

Episode 181227 / 27 Dec 2018

The former US First Lady and her mission to inspire women

Episode 181220 / 20 Dec 2018

Are you a button presser?

Episode 181213 / 13 Dec 2018

Inside a teenager's head

Episode 181206 / 06 Dec 2018

What does 'x' really mean?

Episode 181129 / 29 Nov 2018

Making good-looking food

Episode 181122 / 22 Nov 2018

How important is the smell of coffee?

Episode 181115 / 09 Nov 2018

What can chickens teach us about organisation?

Episode 181108 / 08 Nov 2018

Can people feel lonely in a crowded place?

Episode 181101 / 01 Nov 2018

Neil and Sam discuss objectification. What is it and is there really a 'perfect body'?

Episode 181025 / 25 Oct 2018

Rob and Neil discuss the must-have skill of the future

Episode 181018 / 18 Oct 2018

Paying a lot to look a mess!

Episode 181011 / 11 Oct 2018

Could we live without plastic? We discuss the issues and the progress that's being made.

Episode 181004 / 04 Oct 2018

Have you grown up with social media?

Episode 180927 / 27 Sep 2018

A bright new fashion trend

Episode 180920 / 20 Sep 2018

The word snowflake has taken on a new meaning. We discuss this new term without causing offence!

Episode 180913 / 13 Sep 2018

What does our brain tell us to do when faced with a dating app?

Episode 180906 / 06 Sep 2018

Do you lead a sedentary lifestyle? Learn what made people more active in Finland.

Episode 180830 / 30 Aug 2018

Why is street food becoming more popular in the UK?

Episode 180823 / 10 Aug 2018

Do people still buy cameras when everybody is keen on selfies?

Episode 180816 / 16 Aug 2018

Why do men want to be fathers?

Episode 180809 / 09 Aug 2018

Does being taller mean you earn more at work?

Episode 180802 / 02 Aug 2018

Learn more about this fascinating animal

Episode 180726 / 26 Jul 2018

Why are countryside walks no longer so popular?

Episode 180719 / 19 Jul 2018

Why technology doesn't always know best

Episode 180712 / 12 Jul 2018

Smartphone addiction

Episode 180705 / 05 Jul 2018

Surf and turf shopping

Episode 180628 / 28 Jun 2018

A healthy heart

Episode 180621 / 21 Jun 2018

The Fortnite phenomenon

Episode 180614 / 14 Jun 2018

Are you a football fan?

Episode 180607 / 07 Jun 2018

Our new virtual assistants

Episode 180531 / 31 May 2018

Risky language

Episode 180524 / 24 May 2018

Gender equality

Episode 180517 / 17 May 2018

Why are football fans so quiet nowdays?

Episode 180510 / 10 May 2018

hungry + angry = hangry

Episode 180503 / 03 May 2018

What does your smell say about you?

Episode 180426 / 26 Apr 2018

Is the internet a positive thing?

Episode 180419 / 19 Apr 2018

Is it good to lie?

Episode 180412 / 12 Apr 2018

How much do you know about the food you eat?

Episode 180405 / 05 Apr 2018

Marriage decline

Episode 180329 / 29 Mar 2018

A bag for a man

Episode 180322 / 22 Mar 2018

A mini-adventure

Episode 180315 / 15 Mar 2018

Words to learn

Episode 180308 / 08 Mar 2018

Would you tell a robot your deepest secrets?

Episode 180301 / 01 Mar 2018

The history of the humble ‘hello’

Episode 180222 / 22 Feb 2018

A new approach to swimming

Episode 180215 / 15 Feb 2018

Are drones taking off?

Episode 180208 / 08 Feb 2018

Future travel

Episode 180201 / 01 Feb 2018

A new wedding trend?

Episode 180125 / 25 Jan 2018

Are robots and artificial intelligence taking over from humans? Dan and Neil discuss the rise of the machines

Episode 180118 / 18 Jan 2018

Are you trying to give up drinking this month? Catherine and Rob discuss abstaining and the benefits of a dry January

Episode 180111 / 11 Jan 2018

Would you pay more for coffee if you knew it was doing some good? Dan and Catherine discuss the pros and cons of ethically produced coffee.

Episode 180104 / 04 Jan 2018

Bitcoin is here and it's generating interest. Is that a good or bad thing? Dan and Neil discuss the pros and cons of this digital currency.

Episode 171228 / 28 Dec 2017

Can science prove the existence of 'man flu' or are men just big babies? Dan and Neil discuss all this and give you six useful items of vocabulary.

Episode 171221 / 21 Dec 2017

A popular job at this time of year is playing the part of Santa. But what does it take to be the perfect Father Christmas? Neil and Dan discuss whether it's a role that would suit Dan.

Episode 171214 / 14 Dec 2017

The number of schoolchildren doing part-time jobs in the UK has fallen. Is that a good thing? Neil and Dan discuss the pros and cons of working while you're still at school.

Episode 171207 / 07 Dec 2017

Have you ever bought something when you're sad and then regretted it later?

Episode 171130 / 30 Nov 2017

How old is your smartphone?

Episode 171123 / 23 Nov 2017

More people are going to the gym to get fitter but why?

Episode 171116 / 16 Nov 2017

Does a cafe's free wi-fi encourage you to go in and buy a coffee?

Episode 171102 / 02 Nov 2017

There’s a fresh interest in keeping cars out of cities. Is it a good idea?

Episode 171026 / 26 Oct 2017

Are you aware of how much of the sweet stuff you eat?

Episode 171019 / 19 Oct 2017

When you have to be polite and courteous ... even when you swim!

Episode 171012 / 12 Oct 2017

Can you tell the difference between the taste of bottled water and tap water?

Episode 171005 / 05 Oct 2017

Neil and Rob talk about vigorous exercise – and whether adults take enough of it!

Episode 170928 / 28 Sep 2017

Are you afraid of machines that copy human intelligent behaviour?

Episode 170921 / 21 Sep 2017

Did you know that when the entire body is aging hair can grow stronger?

Episode 170914 / 14 Sep 2017

Tim and Neil talk about interactions that can be misunderstood by people of different backgrounds

Episode 170907 / 07 Sep 2017

A policeman, a pilot, a chef - what's our fascination with uniforms?

Episode 170831 / 31 Aug 2017

Tim and Neil laugh their head off as they teach you useful vocabulary

Episode 170824 / 24 Aug 2017

Rob and Neil are in a hurry to discuss our concept of time and teach you new words

Episode 170817 / 17 Aug 2017

Rob and Neil discuss what makes people want to share a video

Episode 170810 / 10 Aug 2017

Have you ever thought about what sort of funeral you would like to have?

Episode 170803 / 03 Aug 2017

The treatments that help people stay mentally healthy

Episode 170727 / 27 Jul 2017

Have you ever cheated an honesty box? Is honesty really the best policy?

Episode 170720 / 20 Jul 2017

Do you not want to be seen?

Episode 170713 / 13 Jul 2017

How do lost cats and dogs find their way home?

Episode 170706 / 06 Jul 2017

Want to improve your life?

Episode 170629 / 29 Jun 2017

Can we trust our first impressions?

Episode 170622 / 22 Jun 2017

Why do we throw away so much technology?

Episode 170615 / 15 Jun 2017

Relax, slow down and breathe. Neil and Catherine explore mindfulness - what it is and what benefits it offers

Episode 170608 / 08 Jun 2017

Is happiness in the DNA?

Episode 170601 / 01 Jun 2017

A new way to rest in peace

Episode 170525 / 25 May 2017

Could you give up meat and animal products?

Episode 170518 / 18 May 2017

Do people now have shorter attention spans than goldfish?

Episode 170511 / 11 May 2017

Food waste is a major problem

Episode 170504 / 04 May 2017

The rich are getting richer

Episode 170427 / 27 Apr 2017

How did a man fall from a 47 storey skyscraper and survive?

Episode 170420 / 20 Apr 2017

Why do we sigh?

Episode 170413 / 13 Apr 2017

What's behind the trend for having more than one career?

Episode 170406 / 06 Apr 2017

How does your food affect your mood?

Episode 170330 / 30 Mar 2017

Can dogs be used to detect cancer?

Episode 170323 / 23 Mar 2017

Are you an emoji person? We explore how simple smiley faces have become powerful communication tools.

Episode 170316 / 16 Mar 2017

What do you eat for lunch? Sandwiches are the most popular lunchtime meal in the UK, but why?

Episode 170309 / 09 Mar 2017

Are mermaids real?

Episode 170302 / 02 Mar 2017

Can humanity really breach the 90 year limit?

Episode 170223 / 23 Feb 2017

Gun control with no guns? How is that possible? Join Dan and Neil to find out.

Episode 170216 / 16 Feb 2017

Neil and Dan discuss romanticism

Episode 170209 / 09 Feb 2017

Catherine and Neil discuss why the police and the legal system are concerned about eyewitness testimony

Episode 170202 / 02 Feb 2017

Catherine and Neil discuss how the pressures of modern living are making us hostile to each other

Episode 170126 / 26 Jan 2017

Why are so many people obsessed with learning about their family history? Neil and Catherine talk about genealogy

Episode 170119 / 19 Jan 2017

The increased study of extremophile microbes has revealed a lot about what is and is not needed to sustain life on Earth

Episode 170112 / 12 Jan 2017

Why are we so fascinated with the superheroes that populate our cinema screens and comic books?

Episode 170105 / 05 Jan 2017

Alice and Neil discuss whether we would miss driving as driverless cars are tested in cities around the world

Episode 161229 / 29 Dec 2016

What’s your personality type? If you are an introvert you’re in good company; Barack Obama, JK Rowling are introverts...