Today I Learned Podcast

Following the passing of the late Pope Francis, the world turns its attention to the secretive process of choosing his successor. How exactly does a papal conclave work, and how much of what we see in films like Conclave is true? Historian Miles Pattenden joins us to separate fact from fiction, and explain what really goes on behind the Vatican's closed doors.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think creativity is only for painters and poets? Think again. From coding to choreography, we explore how STEM and the arts feed off each other—and how blending both can spark big ideas in work, school, and everyday life.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serial killers are often depicted as a Western phenomenon, with research and popular culture heavily focused on cases from the U.S. and the U.K. In this episode, criminologist Haezreena Begum talks about serial killers from the Malaysian perspective, with a look at how our socio-cultural norms, policing systems and media portrayals may have led to the misclassification of serial killings in the country. We'll also explore the overlooked trauma faced by victims and families amidst sensationalised narratives of such crimes. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of recent political actions by US President Donald Trump, we break down what tariffs are, how they work, and why they matter. From their impact on global trade to how they affect prices of goods, we simplify the complexities of tariffs and explore their role in shaping the world economy. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flat earthers, anti-vaxxers, and TikTok grifters… Why do people believe in bad science, and is there any way to change their minds? Michael Marshall joins us to unpack the psychology behind conspiracies, why debunking bad science is so difficult, why trust in experts is fading, and how to push back without making things worse.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion framework, known as DEI, has long been a lightning rod for debate, even before recent political actions by US President Donald Trump brought it back into the spotlight. So we unpack what DEI looks like in practice, its challenges and what it means to imbue it into the workplace, especially in the Malaysian context.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where did cryptocurrency come from, and how does it actually work? In this episode, we break down the basics—from Bitcoin's beginnings to the mechanics of blockchain and decentralization. We also look at where crypto stands today, the challenges it faces, and what the future could hold, including financial risks and environmental concerns. Whether you're crypto-curious or just trying to sound smart at dinner parties, this is your 101 on the digital money revolution.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Muslims have begun fasting for Ramadhan - a month of abstinence from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. And later this week, Catholics also begin fasting for 40 days of Lent. But if we look beyond the spiritual or religious reasons, many people also fast for their health and wellbeing. On Today I Learned, we're answering the question of whether fasting can delay ageing, and is it for everyone? We explore the science behind fasting and calorie restriction, and what beneficial effects these practices have on the body over the short- and long-term.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Timor-Leste—one of the world's youngest nations—is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors. But how much do we really know about this Southeast Asian country? From its colonial past and hard-fought independence to its evolving democracy and growing economy, Timor-Leste has a rich history and a future full of possibilities. Joining us to explore this is Khoo Ying Hooi, Associate Professor at UM, who has also been appointed to the International Advisory Council by the Timor-Leste government for Centro Nacional Chega!Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you grew up in Johor, Penang, or Singapore, you might have seen or been a part of the Chingay Parade, a century-old annual event where devotees carry palanquins housing deities from the main Chinese clans of the Hokkien, Cantonese, Hainan, Hakka, and Teochew. Johoreans, in particular, might remember this event as a vital part of Chinese New Year festivities since 1870. What makes this festival unique is that while it began as a Chinese community event, it has grown to attract Malays and Indians, becoming an intercultural success. We delve into the history and significance of Chingay with Rayner Tan, vice chairman of the Johor Old Ancient Temple, which is part of the Chingay parade.Image credit: 柔佛古庙游神 Johor Chingay FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Thaipusam just around the corner, this time of year often brings Batu Caves back to the forefront of every Malaysian's mind. While most people remember the site for its colorful stairs and Hindu Temples, we often forget that this limestone structure is a biodiverse hotspot home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna in Peninsular Malaysia. In this episode, we speak to Zarris Kem, Karst Naturalist and Member of the Malaysian Cave and Karst Conservancy about what makes Batu Caves unique as a geopark. We also discuss protection efforts, ecotourism and the research carried out on the Batu Caves Scientific Expedition.Image: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, we see a familiar ritual taking place. People all over the world make ambitious New Year's resolutions, often involving learning new skills and personal development. But if we're honest with ourselves, how often does this pan out? We make promises to learn a new language, a new style of cooking or even play an instrument but come February, we're still binge-watching TV shows. Why does this happen? In this episode, we speak to Cheng Yi about exactly this; how to be ambitious but sensible, choosing the right learning resources and creating a sustainable learning routine.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Excitement is kicking in as we approach Chinese New Year. Families are preparing to return to their hometowns, clean their houses, pack Ang Pows, and gear up for reunion dinners. This celebration remains a time to reconnect with family and friends, to usher out the old year and bring in the luck of the new one. While many traditions have endured, some practices have evolved to fit modern times. So we delve into this with Florence Kuek, and talk about how these traditions continue to shape and adapt to contemporary lifestyles.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Trump's inauguration, we take a deep dive into what's to come with Donald Trump's second term in the Oval office. We speak to Professor K.S. Nathan, Senior Research Fellow at the Asia-Europe Institute at Universiti Malaya, to understand how his return to power will reshape U.S. foreign policy. From shifting trade dynamics to ASEAN relations and security concerns in Greenland and the Panama Canal, Professor Nathan will discuss the challenges and opportunities that Malaysia (and the world) will face in the age of Trump 2.0.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the start of the new year, many of us pledge to get fit and healthy. But how do you stick with a fitness regime once the initial motivation wears off? We dive into the science behind habit formation, strategies for staying motivated and how to create a sustainable fitness plan with fitness coach, Abu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the time of the year when we're making resolutions for the year, we'll be exploring a few of the common questions asked in fulfilling these resolutions. To kick off the first Today I Learned in 2025, the question we're asking is related to eating healthier: how do I make vegan food taste good? We find out from Davina Goh, President of the Vegan Society Malaysia and Chef Stéphane Frelon, Executive Chef at Sunway Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's praised for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and health benefits—but what exactly is the Mediterranean Diet? Spanning 21 countries from Italy and Greece to Turkey and Morocco, this celebrated way of eating is more than just olive oil and fresh produce. Join us as we explore its origins, cultural significance, and what makes it a gold standard for healthy living.Image Credit: zi3000, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, we explore a question asked by our listener, Zuhayri, who wanted to know why he cringes when he hears his own voice in a recording. We delve into the psychology behind this common phenomenon and find out why we often find the sound of our own voice uncomfortable.Image Credit: Nicoleta Ionescu, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maurizio Cattelan's viral banana artwork - which consists of the yellow fruit duct-taped to a wall - was recently sold for US$6.2 million at an auction. This got us thinking - what makes something qualify as "art" especially in today's world? How is value placed on art, why do people collect it? For those of us not in the know, how do we get our start in the art collecting world? We speak to the experts, to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These days, people live accelerated lives, constantly on the go, rushing from one task to another. Everything needs to be faster. We pride ourselves on being busy. Technology which was once a promise of convenience and freedom, has instead tethered us to endless notifications and an always-on culture. The Tyranny of Speed, a new book by Sandy Clarke and Eugene Tee, dive into the impacts of our modern obsession with speed and the power of taking pause. We speak to the authors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year's World Toilet Day theme is “Toilets - A Place for Peace”. Now, Malaysia has made some progress when it comes to our public toilets, with the government making efforts to incentivise premises and ramping up inspections, but we haven't always been known for best toilet facilities. So we thought it would be a great time to investigate and find out what makes a good public toilet, the idea of “peace” when it comes to toilet-related sanitation and how far along are we in achieving the government's aim for a BMW (Bersih, Menawan, Wangi) rated toilet.Image Credit: Wemo, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We journey through the captivating life of historian William Dalrymple to trace his path from the UK to India and unveil the inspirations that led him to explore the subcontinent's layered history in his best-selling books. We also dive into his latest work, The Golden Road, a sweeping account of India's far-reaching influence on global civilization—from religion and art to mathematics—as it spread across continents over centuries, reshaping the ancient world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Figuring out how to navigate family dynamics as an adult will be stressful for most people, but throwing politics into the mix often makes heads spin. That's what Kamal, one of our listeners, has been experiencing with his family, who don't exactly share the same principles and values as him. We explore how we can bridge this divide, and what we can learn from taking a nuanced approach to the matter.Image Credit: Twinsterphoto, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Deepavali around the corner, we speak to Shankar Kandasamy about the origins of Deepavali, its spiritual significance and unique traditions. From the nostalgia of family gatherings to the significance of traditional dances, we'll uncover the enchanting layers of Deepavali. Image Credit: Toa 55, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every parent worries about their child's future employment prospects. But if you have a child who is neurodivergent, such as a child with autism, ADHD, or Down Syndrome, these concerns become even more marked and urgent. In today's show, we answer parent Samantha Yong's question: How do I prepare my neurodivergent child for employment in adulthood? Ivy Philip, the founder of EmployAble, explores what parents and potential employers need to know in terms of training and support for neurodiversity in the workplace.Image Credit: tawanroong, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 44th ASEAN (short for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit is underway, so we thought it would be a great time to do a deep dive on ASEAN, especially since Malaysia is set to take the Chairmanship next year. The idea for this conversation came from one of our listeners, Aaron Iskandar, who wanted to know more about ASEAN's role in promoting economic and security cooperation among its members. We speak to our expert, Sharon Seah, Senior Fellow and Coordinator at the ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, for this.Image Credit: BUTENKOV ALEKSEI, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ageing anxiety is the fear of growing old and what might come with it, from illness to losing your lustre for life. It's a fear that has irked Soraya Carol, one of our listeners, who recently turned 60. We take a closer look at this fear, and hear from Soraya to understand where she's coming from. Then, we speak to our gerontologist Lily Fu, on the best practices to living well in one's older years, and dealing with issues that may arise from this new chapter in one's life. Image Credit: aslysun, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you find yourself tearing up when someone else is crying, even if you don't know why? We delve into why tears can make people uneasy, the cultural stigma surrounding crying, and how reactions differ between men and women. Plus, we discuss those who seldom cry and how tears became a sign of weakness, and something you should grow out of.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's well-known that some animals, like the axolotl and the salamander possess remarkable regenerative abilities. Humans, however, don't possess this ability (unless you're a fictional superhero character like Deadpool). We explore the reasons why we cannot regrow our limbs and organs, and if scientists are close to making a breakthrough in the world of regenerative medicine.Image Credit: Split Gill Studios, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Sexual Health Awareness Month, which means it's the perfect opportunity to learn about sex. But for many, learning about one's sexual health might be confusing, embarrassing or even taboo. So who do we turn to when we need to learn about the birds and the bees? Friends, our parents or the internet? We explore the best way to learn, with sex educator June Low.Image Credit: NEOSiAM 2024+, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Merdeka approaches, we examine the man who was Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-haj, our first Prime Minister, and founding father of Malaya and Malaysia. We reminisce about Tunku's remarkable life and enduring legacy with Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Hj Shad Saleem Faruqi (Holder of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Chair, University of Malaya, Trustee, Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman) and Johan Rozali-Wathooth (Trustee, Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman).Image Credit: Hafiez Razali, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've watched the Planet of the Apes series, you've probably wondered: What would happen if apes decided to gang up on humans? Would we stand a chance against them? If apes ever learn to speak, are we absolutely done for? Some even say the apes have entered the stone age. How much longer do we have until they decide to club us in the head and take the world for their own? And if they hypothetically come together, could they develop a culture? Will they demand human (or ape) rights? We pick apart our monkey brains for answers with Dr Felicity Oram, a behavioural ecologist and primatologist who (fun fact!) actually cared for the real-life orangutan that inspired Maurice in the first three Planet of the Apes films.Image Credit: Jo Kasis, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learning languages can be a daunting task, especially when you're expected to be a master of three or more. But what if we can merge our languages to become one? We explore the idea of a unified language, and also the intricacies involved in language-learning.Image Credit: pathdoc, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the profound connection between Indigenous people and their land? What is the difference between Orang Asal and Orang Asli? We speak to Dr Welyne Jeffrey Jehom, an anthropologist from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of Universiti Malaya about these cultural ties and the challenges these communities face.Image Credit: Shahjehan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are Malayan Tigers so special? Why are there so few of them left in the wild? What led to their decline? Why aren't efforts to protect them working? What would happen if there are no more Malayan Tigers left in the wild? This Global Tiger Day, we explore these questions and more with conservationist Lau Ching Fong, who is also the Acting Director of the Perak State Parks Corporation.Image Credit: kksteven, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a brain healthy? How can we keep our minds sharp and resilient? Will your brain rot because you're spending too much time on your phone? On this episode of Today I Learned, we explore key factors that make a brain healthy and debunk some myths too.Image Credit: ESB Professional, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you love using emojis to convey the emotions behind your words but find that not everyone actually gets what you're trying to say? Why do people interpret emojis differently? On this episode of Today I Learned we dive into the world of emojis to find out how they've evolved as a language and whether the miscommunications are worth the fun.Image Credit: Domingo Alvarez E, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we explore a question from Nicole Cheok, a parent, who wants the answer to a perennial parenting question: how can we support our children and give them tremendous amounts of love and support… without raising someone who's spoiled? Tan Cheng Yi, an educational psychologist, gives her take, as we field questions from listeners as well.Image Credit: japansainlook, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're a columnist for a newspaper, a film critic, a nonfiction writer or just enjoy writing casually, improving your creative writing skills is essential for achieving success. So, how do you do it?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do we take turns when talking to one another? On the surface, it seems quite basic. Of course, we shouldn't be talking over each other. But did you know that this seemingly basic thing we do every single day in all our conversations requires tremendous precision?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine pursuing a romantic interest while harbouring deep-seated insecurities or fear of intimacy, leading to self-sabotaging behaviours such as overanalyzing, pushing or creating unnecessary drama in the relationship. This is an example of self-sabotaging. But why do people self-sabotage?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hope is that feeling of wanting something to happen or to be true. It is the spark that keeps us going through tough times. But what is the deeper importance of hope? We speak to Dr Eugene Tee, Associate Professor in Psychology.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour Day is celebrated on the 1st of May every year. But why do we observe Labour Day? What is its history? We speak to Audi Ali, who's a labour rights activist and a writer for Jentayu.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine this. Your partner seems a bit distant or quiet for a day or two. Instead of considering that your partner might be stressed or busy, your immediate thought is "They're probably cheating on me! Our relationship is doomed, and I'll never find love again!" That's called catastrophizing. But what exactly is it and how do we overcome it?Image Credit: metamorworks, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is becoming increasingly common for us to receive a call from an unknown number telling us that we have a package stuck somewhere or a WhatsApp message offering the best salaries and investment plans. You engage, go down the rabbit hole and then lose tens of thousands of ringgit, as they turned out to be scams. But how do scams work and how do we spot a scam?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think of the scene from Harry Potter where Harry makes Ron think that he has spiked his drink with the liquid luck potion. Ron then goes on to play the best game of Quidditch he's ever played, only for Harry to later reveal that he didn't actually put anything in Ron's drink. Ron played well because he thought his drink contained the liquid luck potion. This is called The Placebo Effect. But how does it work, exactly?Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is estimated that there are more than 7000 languages in the world. Some languages are going extinct, some are growing in popularity, some are spoken in many regions around the world, and some are considered more niche. So, how are languages formed and how do they evolve and travel?Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia, or BNM, is the central bank of Malaysia. We often hear about its pivotal role in Malaysia's economy, in monitoring and perhaps even managing currency exchange rates and OPRs. But what exactly is Bank Negara Malaysia? What are its powers and limitations?Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has been listed as the 5th happiest country (or 5th best mental well-being) in the world according to a report by the Global Mind Project. But are we really doing that well? We spoke to Dr Eugene Tee about the difference between happiness and well-being, why Malaysia ranked so highly and more.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Revenge bedtime procrastination" is when people decide to sacrifice sleep to enjoy leisure time or time to themselves. But what are the root causes of revenge bedtime procrastination and how is it different from excitedly staying up to binge-watch a TV series you're currently addicted to?Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're often told that striving for perfection is the key to success. But is it? Or is it detrimental to one's wellbeing? What's the difference between perfectionism and healthy striving? We speak to Sandy Clarke, licensed counsellor.Image credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.