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The placebo effect is a phenomenon in which a person's symptoms or well-being improve after receiving a fake treatment that has no specific or intrinsic effect on their condition. For example, a person may feel less pain after taking a sugar pill that they believe is a painkiller, or they may feel more energetic after receiving an injection of saline solution that they think is a vitamin. The placebo effect is not just about positive thinking or wishful thinking. It involves complex psychological and physiological mechanisms that are not fully understood. How does the placebo effect work? What are the benefits of the placebo effect? What are the limitations of the placebo effect? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Could AI ever be able to offer therapy? What is plasticrust, the latest concerning form of pollution? Why don't scars disappear? A Bababam Originals podcast.A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast the 25/03/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, gift-giving and of course decorating. For the most part people tend to stick to ‘Christmassy colours' especially red and green but these ‘traditional' Christmas colours have a long history and symbolism. Arielle Eckstut, author of The Secret Language of Color found that holly, with its green leaves and red berries has long played a role in winter solstice celebrations that predate Christmas. People revered holly plants for being evergreen and surviving the winter and used them as symbols of protection and prosperity in their midwinter celebrations. “It's like a lot of things that have to do with culture and colour, where it's some combination of a natural phenomenon mixed with other cultural forces,” she says. What cultural events have made red and green Christmassy? Do red and green have any religious significance? 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 Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 19/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Tim Burton's 2004 film “The Corpse Bride,” groom to be Victor, rehearses his wedding vows in the forest to calm his anxiety. However, he mistakenly slips the ring onto what he thinks is a tree branch but is actually the finger of Emily, the corpse of a mysterious young woman in a bridal gown. Victor then finds himself immersed in the colorful and joyful world of the dead. But it is not just fairy stories or horror movies that are interested in zombies and the dead returning to the world of the living psychiatrists are as well. Cotard's syndrome, also known as the ‘living dead syndrome' is named after Jules Cotard, a 19th-century French neurologist who identified this disorder. Patients feel like wandering corpses, empty shells, convinced they are on the border between life and death. Immortality? Even though the patients believe they are dead? Is this syndrome common? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: 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 Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 19/3/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a world where “the early bird gets the worm,” staying up late is often mistaken for laziness or a lack of discipline. But what if it's not about motivation at all? It turns out, being a morning person or a night owl has little to do with willpower. As Dr. Jimmy Mohammed explains, we're simply wired differently: some people wake up refreshed before dawn, others come alive long after sunset. So what determines your chronotype? But what if you're a night owl living in an early-bird world? So how can you tell if you're out of sync? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How do I know if I sleepwalk? Which foods will help you get a good night's sleep? How can I wake up refreshed every morning? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our brain, much like our muscles, benefits from its own form of exercise. Through dedicated training and stimulation, we can enhance our cognitive abilities, a testament to the remarkable phenomenon known as ‘neural plasticity'. Neural plasticity is the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and reorganise itself. According to the Foundation for Brain Research, when we encounter a new concept, our brain responds by forging fresh neural connections. With consistent practice, these connections grow stronger and more efficient, leading to improved performance. What is Neural Plasticity? Can Intelligence Be Enhanced? What role does a healthy lifestyle play? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Can you train your brain like a muscle? How often should you wash your jeans? Should I walk 10000 steps a day? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 6/6/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Whether they're soft-boiled, fried, poached, or whipped into cakes and pies, eggs are a kitchen favorite for good reason. In the UK the average person consumes about 175 eggs per year, that's about 3 eggs weekly. They are packed with vitamins D, E, A, and B12, plus minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium, making eggs a healthy choice. They're also brimming with essential fatty acids—omega 3, 6, and 9—to support brain function and the immune system. But that's not all: eggs are protein-rich, rivaling meat and fish. In fact two eggs equate to a modest 100-gram steak, and our bodies love these proteins, especially the 8 essential amino acids they provide. Why are eggs good for you? But what about cholesterol? Do eggs contribute to weight gain? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How is micro-feminism helping women combat workplace sexism? Is a white tongue unhealthy? What is the great unretirement? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 28/5/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Towels, used to dry our freshly washed bodies, quickly become dirty, collecting dead skin cells, perspiration, bacteria and fungi that thrive in damp environments. This can lead to fungal infections and skin problems. To manage this, use separate towels for the body and face, and ensure they are thoroughly dried between uses to minimise bacterial growth. Experts recommend washing towels at a high temperature, ideally 60°C or above, to effectively eliminate bacteria and fungi. Lower temperatures, such as 30° to 40°, are only effective on light stains and may not fully sanitise the towels. Over time, the accumulation of microbes makes thorough cleaning more challenging. How should you wash your towels? What are the best cleaning tips for toothbrushes? What about make-up brushes? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is the 10-10-10 method for dealing with everyday worries? Why has astrology come back into fashion? What are the most addictive foods? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 11/9/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Walking is something we all do every day, but did you know it has numerous health benefits? It's not just a simple way to get from point A to point B; walking can improve cardiovascular health, boost your mood, and even enhance your overall well-being. According to specialists, it can also help you lose weight under certain conditions. By incorporating regular, brisk walks into your routine, you can take advantage of these benefits and work towards your weight loss goals. First, you need to walk enough. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 10,000 steps a day to stay fit and maintain a stable weight. But if your goal is to lose weight, you'll need to walk more and at a higher intensity. To really shed those pounds, aim to walk at least three times a week for an hour or more at a brisk pace (between 6 and 8 km/h) and maintain a heart rate between 135 and 160 beats per minute. So, what are those conditions? Is that enough to lose weight? Is one type of walking more effective than another? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is the 10-10-10 method for dealing with everyday worries? Why has astrology come back into fashion? What are the most addictive foods? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast : 4/9/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Swiss survey from 2023 suggests they do: 73% of women said they never watch pornography, compared to just 17% of men. Talking about porn consumption is still taboo and even more so for women. Sexologist and psychotherapist Patrizia Anex says that's no surprise. Admitting to watching and enjoying porn is still frowned upon, she explains. Many women do it quietly, fearing judgment. But do women actually watch less porn, or just keep it to themselves? And how do women feel about the porn that's out there? So why are more women watching now? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: What is revenge porn? What is poverty porn? What is Pornhub? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Let's face it, life throws curveballs at us—being stuck in traffic, a demanding boss, or even chores piling up at home. Anger is a natural response, but unchecked, it can wreak havoc on our personal and professional lives. Slow down and above all breathe! Breathing is crucial for getting rid of anger. By fully oxygenating the brain, it switches from a fight or flight reaction to immediate relaxation. As LeKisha Edwards Alesii, a chartered psychologist and owner of the Durham Health and Emotional Wellbeing Centre in the United States, explains in the pages of the Huffington Post: What can you do to calm down when you feel anger bubbling up? What's the second tip? Any last words of advice? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why are famous women being targeted by transvestigations? What is premium mediocre - the illusion of luxury? Is your employer tracking you while you work from home? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the consequences of the pandemic has been the increased interest and possibility for people to work from home. For many it is a great option, but increasingly employers are worried about time theft. Time theft is a catch all term for employees being paid for being at work when they were not really working. It could be because of things like taking longer breaks than scheduled; logging off early; or using work time to do personal tasks. This has all been illustrated rather well with the case of Karlee Besse who worked remotely as an accountant. But she was fired and sued her company for unfair dismissal and was awarded compensation. What is time theft? What is TimeCamp? What is the problem with ‘bossware' ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why are brownouts getting more and more common in the work world? Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? Why do we hiccup? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 26/1/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes all animal products from one's diet and other aspects of life. That means no meat, eggs or dairy but it can also include things like honey, leather, wool, silk, or anything else that comes from animals. People choose this lifestyle for different reasons, some for ethical reasons, others for environmental reasons, and some do it for health reasons. Some studies have found that vegan diets can improve heart health and lower risk of some cancers, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Is veganism better for your health than eating meat? Is it better for the environment? And for the animals? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Is it bad to hold in your pee? Why does looking at the sun make me sneeze? What is “Act your Wage”, Gen Z's latest work-life trend? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast : 8/9/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lying is the act of deliberately making a false statement or concealing the truth. People might lie for different reasons, like to avoid getting into trouble, to get something they want, to make someone feel better, or to look good in front of others. However, lying is not always easy or comfortable. When people lie, they have to deal with two conflicting realities: the truth and the lie. This can make them feel stressed or nervous. They have to remember what they said, watch how they act, and guess how others will react. They may also feel guilty, scared, or worried about being found out or exposed. So how can you tell if someone is lying to you? What are some verbal clues? What are some non-verbal clues? What changes for them physiological? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: What is the living dead syndrome? How to make the most out of hybrid working? Does sex help us to sleep better? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 16/5/23 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most of us never really forget the person who first made our heart race or that awkward, wonderful, or maybe disappointing teenage kiss. Whether it was magic or a mess, that first experience often leaves a mark that shapes the way we see relationships as adults. How can one relationship have such a lasting effect? So, do we keep comparing every relationship to that first one? Does it matter if that first relationship was happy or painful? And what happens if your first love was a positive experience? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Can you improve your relationship by learning your love language? How long does love last according to science? Could zero dates make your love life more efficient? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Covid allowed many people to work from home for the first time and created a world where more flexible, hybrid working, mixing office work and working from home is now possible. But there are things to keep in mind to optimise this type of experience According to Prof Jonathan Trevor at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School he suggests that it is better to match the task to the environment rather than following a strict schedule. He found that focused creative tasks, such as designing a brochure, can be easily done from home as they require little teamwork. Should you stick to a set schedule? How can you build team spirit? How can you create balance between home life and office life? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Why do we forget our dreams? What is omotenashi, the Japanese art of hospitality? What is kinkeeping, the invisible workload often done by women? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. First broadcast 2023-03-28 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eating a healthy diet that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish can help you keep your brain in tip-top shape. There are plenty of brain boosting foods but here are five that you might want to start including. First of all, oily fish. When people talk about brain foods this is often at the top of the list. This type of fish includes salmon, trout, tuna, herring, and sardines, all of which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are a major building block of the brain, and they play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood, as well as protecting your brain against cognitive decline. What if you do not eat fish? What foods are good for memory? What's an all round good food for the brain? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK? How can I make and keep my new year's resolutions? Why does the year begin on January 1st? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 27/6/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many people tend to exercise less during the colder months, preferring to stay indoors and avoid the chilly weather. But doing exercise in winter is a good idea for lots of reasons so don't let the cold put you off. Exercising in cold weather can offer many advantages for your physical and mental health. For example, according to a study published in March 2023 in BMC Public Health, winter workouts can improve your endurance, as your heart doesn't have to work as hard, you sweat less, and expend less energy. Winter exercise can also help you burn more calories, as your body has to generate more heat to keep warm. What are the other benefits of doing exercise when it is cold? And what about the risks? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do people R-bomb in the dating world? Are budget food brands really worth the savings they offer? How can you save money on your food bill? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 28/11/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Every January, many of us set ambitious resolutions for the year ahead. We jot down our aspirations, fueled by goodwill, and promise ourselves that this time, we won't give up after just a month. But somehow, as the year unfolds, our motivation wanes, and those once-clear goals seem increasingly elusive. If you're tired of this cycle, it might be time to consider a fresh approach: the twelve-week method. Imagine achieving all your goals within just three months. Sounds challenging, right? But fear not! The Twelve-Week Method, also known as the “Twelve-Week Year,” emerged from a personal development book published in 2013 by American entrepreneurs Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. Drawing on their experience as managers in major international companies, they designed this method to boost productivity while preventing burnout during periods of low motivation. What is the 12 week method? Why Twelve Weeks? So what is the Solution? So how do you go about it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Is taking milk with coffee good for you? What benefits can we get from journaling? Which foods and drinks stain teeth? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 23/4/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the UK, owning a home is still seen as a key sign of financial stability. For many, it means security against life's uncertainties - job loss, illness, or income drops and a way to build long-term wealth instead of paying rent. Today, according to the comparison site Finder the average age of a first-time buyer is just under 34. In London, it's closer to 35. That's several years older than in the 1990s, when most first-time buyers were in their late twenties. So why has it become so complicated to buy now? What about young people specifically? So, is it still possible for young people in the UK to become homeowners? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK? Why are so many young people suffering from financial dysmorphia? Do you know about home design maximalism? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The cost of living crisis has seen food prices increase by as much as 65% according to the Office for National Statistics meaning that the average British household spends an extra £600 pounds a year on food. But considering that there is also about 4.5 million tonnes of food waste annually the possibility of reducing wasted food as well as bills has never been more needed. Reducing your bill at the checkout comes down largely to planning. Getting organised about how, when and where you buy your food as well as how you store and cook it is essential. For starters buying in bulk can really reduce costs. How can I reduce the amount I spend on food? How can I reduce my food waste? How can technology help? 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 Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 08/12/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged an unprecedented offensive on Gaza. What began as retaliation against Hamas attacks has escalated into relentless violence. According to Statista, by July 30, 2025, more than 60,000 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli bombardments, including over 18,000 children. As early as November 2023, UN rapporteurs, NGOs, and lawyers warned that Israel's actions amounted to genocide, an accusation Israel and its allies reject. What does the term genocide mean? How does international law define genocide? Do these criteria apply to Gaza? Who can prosecute genocide? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Why is Israel going through a major political crisis? What is EU law primacy? What is the US Supreme Court? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the UK you can only buy vapes or e-cigarettes if you are over 18, but the bright packaging, fruit flavors and affordable prices attracts teenagers who often use disposable single-use products like Elf and Geek bars. Now campaigners are calling for tighter restrictions on vapes to bring them more into line with cigarettes. The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England, is asking for vapes to adhere to the same rules as cigarettes. This would mean they would have to be sold in plain packaging and kept out of reach and sight of children behind shop counters. While the charity, Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) is also calling for a £4 tax on single disposable vapes to be added on top of the usual £4.99 price. What would this change for vapes? Are vapes harmful? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? Why do we cross our fingers to wish for luck? Which conspiracy theories were actually true? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 28/2/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
House hushing is a decluttering method that aims to create peaceful spaces in your home by reducing visual noise. Visual noise refers to anything excessive, jarring, or inharmonious in your environment, such as clutter, mismatched colors, or loud patterns. According to interiors blogger Myquillin Smith of The Nester, "Everything in your room has a voice… taking up visual, physical and even emotional space. Quieting your space removes all those voices in a room at once." Why is house hushing beneficial? And how do you hush a house? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Why do my eyelids twitch when I'm tired? Is sleeping naked good for you? Do anti-anxiety patches really work? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 28/9/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're like many people, you probably want to save more money but hate the idea of budgeting. Maybe you don't like tracking every single expense or feeling restricted by spending categories. Maybe you just want a simple and flexible way to manage your money without too much hassle. That's where the 80/20 method comes in. Also known as the anti-budget or the “pay yourself first” budget, it's a simple approach to saving money that doesn't require a lot of maths or planning. It works by dividing your take-home income into two parts: 20% for savings and 80% for spending. How does the 80/20 method work? Why should I use the 80/20 method? How can I use the 80/20 method? What are some drawbacks of the 80/20 method? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: What are the four types of attachment in our relationships? Why are we obsessed with presenteeism? What is the snowball method of paying back debt? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 30/5/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The internet knows everything about us. Even when we think we're discreet, traces remain, bank accounts, emails, administrative forms, social media profiles. To vanish completely, you'd have to delete every account and disconnect entirely. It may sound extreme but for those facing harassment, identity theft, or stalking, it can feel necessary. So, where do you even start? But what about others posting about me? Are websites actually obliged to erase my information? And what if embarrassing content resurfaces years later? So, can I really disappear without cutting ties to the digital world? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: What is the internet of senses? How did Internet Explorer go out of fashion? What is Google Stadia? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For some, true-crime stories have a strangely calming effect when they are tucked up in bed for the night. It's a phenomenon that's not gone unnoticed on TikTok, where people share how tales of mystery and suspense are part of their go-to nighttime routine. If you're one of those who drift off to the narration of unsolved cases, rest assured, you're in good company. And although the link between crime stories and relaxation has yet to be formally established, it's clear that the habit has a huge following. It's an intriguing paradox: the very stories that chill us to the bone also usher us into slumber. Like a modern twist on the bedtime story, these narratives shift our focus away from daily stressors—be it looming work deadlines, pending homework, or endless to-do lists. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine even suggests that immersing ourselves in a story at bedtime can not only lead to better sleep but also enhance digestion and cognitive function. Why does it relax us? But Why Choose Crime Stories? Isn't it a bit weird to be fascinated by this kind of story? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can I improve my sense of direction? What does my urine colour say about my health? Why are brownouts getting more and more common in the work world? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 16/5/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Turmeric is a plant that belongs to the ginger family. It has a bright yellow-orange color, and a bitter and peppery taste. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. One of the conditions that turmeric may help with is indigestion which can be caused by various factors, such as stress, overeating, alcohol, medications, or underlying diseases. However, one of the main causes is excess stomach acid, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and the esophagus causing symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and heartburn. But what if there was a natural alternative to drugs? So, should you start taking tumeric? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we get screen apnea? What is kalsarikännit? What are lucid dreams? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 19/10/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you die, your physical body may be gone, but your digital legacy lives on. Your digital legacy is everything you leave behind online, such as your social media accounts, emails, photos, videos, documents, and more. These may hold financial or sentimental value for you and your loved ones, but they can also pose some challenges and risks. While most of us make a will stipulating what we want to happen to our possession, few of us consider how to manage our online presence once we are no longer present. The first step is to make an inventory of your online accounts and assets, write a list that includes the name of your accounts, website, and your username or account ID and be sure to keep it safe. And what do I do next? Are there any tools to help me? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Should I be cleaning my belly button? What do you get better at with age? Why has astrology come back into fashion? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 9/11/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A time optimist is someone who is overly optimistic about how much time they have to do something, and therefore often ends up being late or missing deadlines. They tend to underestimate how long tasks will take, overestimate how much they can accomplish in a given period, and ignore potential delays or interruptions. They may also have a distorted perception of time, losing track of how fast it passes or how much is left. Time optimists are not necessarily lazy or irresponsible. They may have good intentions and high ambitions, but they lack realistic planning and prioritisation skills. They may also suffer from procrastination, perfectionism, or fear of failure, which prevent them from starting or finishing tasks on time. Are there any benefits to being a time optimist? And how can you become more punctual and productive if you are a time optimist? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is a transference in psychiatry? Does cold weather really make us sick? How to save money on your heating bill this winter? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 14/11/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You know the feeling: you're running, cycling, or doing some other physical activity, and suddenly you feel a sharp pain in your side, just below your chest. It's like someone is stabbing you with a needle, and it makes you want to stop and catch your breath. Although there is no precise definition of exactly what a stitch is, everyone knows how to recognise it. This pain, which often prevents you from breathing, walking or running properly, disappears a few minutes after you stop exerting yourself. And while it can be a little frightening, it is completely benign and causes no complications. But where does the stitch come from? What can you do to avoid it? What if the stitch is already there? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do some men get ill after they orgasm? Is nostalgia good or bad for us? How can the unisex condom improve my sex life? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 20/2/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A matcha in hand… a tote bag slung over the shoulder… black nail polish neatly applied… a carefully styled mullet… and a copy of Sally Rooney peeking from his back pocket. That's the look of the so-called performative man. In the past few weeks, this character has turned into a full-blown meme, with videos racking up millions of views. On the surface, he checks all the boxes of a deconstructed man. But in reality, he often represents a slickly packaged version of masculinity 2.0. What does that mean, exactly? So how can you spot the difference between performance and sincerity? So how do you actually become an ally without overdoing it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How is micro-feminism helping women combat workplace sexism? Do men really have a better sense of direction than women? Why has purple become the colour of feminism? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After the emergence of ‘quiet quitting', it's now the turn of quiet hiring. And although the term is relatively new, the practice is not. The term "quiet hiring" first appeared in the report "9 Future of Work Trends for 2023" published at the end of 2022 by Emily McRae, a philosophy professor in New Mexico, USA. She explains that this phenomenon follows on from the quiet quitting craze that emerged in 2021 after the Covid-19 pandemic which saw a huge wave of resignations sweep the country with nearly 4 million people quitting their jobs every month during this period. Quiet quitters complain that their workload was too heavy for their salary and that Managers were unclear about their tasks or workload, rewarding best performance and thus pushing them to work more. Where does it come from? But what does this have to do with quiet hiring? But doesn't that open up more opportunities? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How does eldest daughter syndrome affect some women? What is a kakistocracy, in the world of work ? What does vaping do to the body? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 18/4/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Intermittent fasting has been making waves, especially on social media, where it's often hailed as a miracle fix for weight loss. While it's no silver bullet, fasting can be an effective tool when part of a well-rounded lifestyle tailored to individual needs. Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating that alternates between periods of fasting, usually 12 to 16 hours, and eating. Staying hydrated is key. The British Dietetic Association notes that this break can help regulate insulin levels and reduce fat storage. Unlike typical diets, it focuses on when you eat, not what, which may make it easier to stick to. Isn't this how the human body evolved to function? Is intermittent fasting safe for everyone? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are primitive reflexes? Is staying friends with an ex really a good idea? Is sex without feelings ever a good idea? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 1/9/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We've all got fears. For some, it's the dark, for others, it's spiders, heights, or maybe even something as ordinary as a phone call. But when those fears take root and are no longer reasonable; when they take over, that's when they cross into the territory of phobias. Phobias remind us that our brains, for all their brilliance, aren't always working in our favor and are flawed. According to a survey by Anxiety UK, there are ten phobias that show up more often than the rest. So what are these phobias? And are there any phobias related to animals?In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Where does our phobia of clowns come from? Can I cure my fear of spiders? What is omphalophobia, the fear of belly buttons? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fear of the dark is very common for children and usually starts between the ages of 5 and 10. At this age, children become more aware of the dangers around them. However, they often have difficulty correctly assessing just how real these dangers are. Usually, this fear disappears naturally as children gain confidence and grow up, but in rarer cases it may persist into adulthood. Principally, it is because darkness alters our main sense of reference: sight. This sense has taken over from the others, and human beings are particularly helpless in the dark. Not being able to see what's around us generates a feeling of insecurity. So, deprived of sight, the imagination runs riot, and our brains fill in the void with monsters under the bed! Folk tales, fairy tales and legends often reinforce this, conveying the idea that the dark is the playground of evil creatures. Why do we fear the dark ? Has it always existed ? What's the difference between fear and phobia ? How can you overcome your fear ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Which bread is best for your health? Has the climate breakdown really begun? How small is a micropenis? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 4/4/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ghost stories told around a camp fire, visiting a haunted house or watching a scary film are all common Halloween activities. We clearly enjoy scaring each-other and feeling scared, even though it seems completely counter intuitive. There are a number of reasons for this, which we'll explore in the episode. Fear is an emotional response to danger, both real or perceived. Our body releases a mixture of adrenaline and cortisol and triggers our ‘fight, flight or freeze' response. It makes us more alert, speeds up our heart rate and increases our blood pressure. We breathe faster, delivering more oxygen to the brain, and our glucose levels spike, giving us an energy boost so we are ready to act or react. How does fear affect us physically? Is feeling relief the only reason we like to feel scared? Can you have too much of a good thing? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is chromophobia? Why do we jump when we get scared? Why does not getting enough sleep make you selfish? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 27/10/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mugging is a form of robbery that involves violence or the threat of violence against a person in a public place. It's also known as street robbery or personal robbery. However, would-be muggers have been foiled by a recent covert police operation in London which aimed at reducing street theft. Brave officers posed as potential victims by wearing expensive luxury watches to tempt thieves and hanging around in dangerous places, then when anyone attempted to steal the watches they were arrested by hidden officers lying in wait. And it has been successful, the operation reduced annual watch robberies from 113 to 55 last year in three central London boroughs. Who are the most likely victims and perpetrators of mugging? So how can you avoid being mugged or minimise the harm if you are attacked? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do women live longer than men? Does money really make us happy? Do I need to take vitamin D supplements? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 1/2/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Perfectionism is the tendency to set excessively high and unrealistic standards for oneself and others, and to evaluate one's worth based on the ability to meet those standards. Perfectionists are not satisfied with anything less than flawless results, and they often fear failure, criticism, or disappointment but constantly striving for perfection can have serious consequences. How does perfectionism affect your productivity? How does perfectionism impact you? How does perfectionism impact your relationships? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions ! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Which jobs are most under threat from artificial intelligence? What is wellness syndrome? Does your name really affect your looks? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 20/07/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lemon water is a popular drink that many celebrities and wellness gurus swear by. But is it really as good as they claim? Or is it just another fad that has no scientific basis? Lemon water has been linked to several health benefits, such as hydration. Drinking enough water is essential for your overall health, as it helps prevent dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, dry skin, and constipation. Also lemon's contain vitamin C which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from free radicals, which are molecules that can cause inflammation and disease. Are there any other benefits? And what are the myths about lemon water? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do some men get ill after they orgasm? Is nostalgia good or bad for us? How can the unisex condom improve my sex life? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcadt : 21/11/23 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Muscle pain generally occurs after an intense sports session. "They are due either to unusual muscular work, or to an increase in the intensity of a workout, or to the resumption of a sporting activity after a break". According to Sports coach William Chanconie. In fact, muscle soreness results from micro-lesions in the muscle fibres and signals that the muscle has been damaged. When you feel pain going up the stairs after a long session at the gym, it's simply a sign that you've worked muscles that were weak to begin with, under-used, or that you've done a poor job. According to William Chanconie, the absence of pain is a sign of a good training session. What can you do to avoid them? What if you still feel sore? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can I stop being a people pleaser? Does our personality change when we speak in another language? How can I best preserve food in my freezer ? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 08/02/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mistletoe is a small evergreen parasitic plant that grows in clusters on trees. It has white berries and it has been used for centuries as a symbol of love, fertility, and peace. The Greeks used mistletoe as a cure for all sorts of ailments while the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noted it could be used as a balm against epilepsy, ulcers and poisons. The Druids came to view it as a sacred symbol of vivacity, and they gave it to humans and animals alike in the hope of restoring fertility. However, one of the most popular legends about mistletoe and probably the reason we associated this plant with kissing dates back to Norse mythology. But how did it become associated with kissing? How did kissing under the mistletoe become popular? 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 Amber Minogue. First broadcast : 21/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Seventy-four percent of 18 to 24-year-olds use AI every day, according to a February 2025 Ipsos study. No surprising really, chatbots now handle so much for us: emails, translations, studying, even creative projects. It almost makes you wonder how we ever managed before. But as fast as these models improve, they still make mistakes. And some researchers warn they could face a bigger problem: AI inbreeding, also known as model collapse. But do we have a specific example of this? So how can we combat AI inbreeding?In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: How much CO2 does a search on ChatGPT emit? How do you get better results with ChatGPT ? Which jobs are most under threat from artificial intelligence? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're aged between 30 and 40, you're part of Generation Y, also known as the ‘millennials' You may have already said to yourself that the next generation, Gen Z, look much older than their age. Millennials grew up amid the rise of the wellness industry and numerous public health campaigns that promoted healthy living, think about the messaging around eating five fruits and vegetables a day, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking. Not to mention, there was also a strong push for sun protection awareness. Consequently, Millennials have largely embraced skincare routines and self-care habits that keep them looking youthful. But how is that possible? Are many Gen Zers really getting these procedures? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why are young people going back to flip phones? What is “Act your Wage”, Gen Z's latest work-life trend? Is bikini waxing harmful for your health? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast : 05/11/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Salim Berrada, also known as "the Tinder rapist", has been on trial in France since 18 March 2024. He is accused of raping or sexually assaulting 17 women, after meeting them on the Internet via dating applications. According to victims his MO was always the same: he would invite them to his home for a photo shoot, offer them a drink that they felt compelled to take and which would result in them feeling extremely intoxicated. Although the defendant has denied the charges investigators were able to find traces of drugs, including antihistamines in several of the women. The women then described a sudden change in Salim's attitude towards them and said he then forced himself on them despite their objections and refusal. The only thing that unites all these women is that they were approached over the Internet Is it an isolated case? So how do you ensure a safe date on Tinder? Has the app put anything in place to prevent this kind of abuse? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the biggest misconceptions on beating heatwaves? What are the health benefits of using sex toys? Which foods should I avoid after their expiry date? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast: 16/04/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You've probably seen ads online promising easy money—“Make up to £300 a day using just your phone! Join me and change your life” It sounds tempting but here's the catch, most of the time, these claims are a scam designed to pull you into a pyramid scheme, afterall if making money online were that easy, we'd all be doing it. Pyramid schemes often masquerade as legitimate Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) businesses. While MLMs are legal in the UK and the USA if they focus on actual product sales, pyramid schemes make their money from recruitment alone, with little or no genuine product involved. Participants are asked to pay upfront fees, and the money collected is used to pay commissions to those who joined earlier. What is a pyramid scheme? How can you spot a pyramid scheme? What should you do if you fall victim? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can you protect yourself from being mugged? How do sim swapping scams work? What is a 419 scam? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First broadcast : 22/01/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on The Earful Tower podcast it's Jake and Holly Barker, two American tourists who were actually inside the Louvre's Apollo Gallery when it was broken into on Sunday. I met them in the Marais to record their dramatic story. "When we heard the saws, we both knew that something serious had happened." It's reported that nine items from the crown jewel collection were taken from the Louvre. Also featured in this episode was Amber Minogue, our Louvre tour guide. Please get in touch to book a tour with her. The music in this episode was from Pres Maxson, rather fittingly his take on Elton John's "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters". *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. For the past 92 months and counting it has cost just $10 a month to unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris. Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent. For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website Weekly newsletter Walking Tours
According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of births in the UK continues to fall. Experts are even talking about a “baby bust”, the opposite of the “baby boom”, to describe these statistics, which have reached the lowest level since records began in 1938. One explanation for this could be that people are having children later than previous generations, leaving them with a reduced fertility window. In 2020, the Office for National Statistics notes that the average age at which women become mothers is 30, compared with 26 in 1975. In addition to this, the latest ONS birth data, released in 2020, reveals that 28% of women have their first child after the age of 30 and 5% after the age of 40. Can you run into problems if you want to get pregnant after the age of 30? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Could intentional lazy parenting foster your child's independence? What causes tocophobia, the fear of pregnancy and childbirth? Why do children have imaginary friends? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 27/2/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Clowns are supposed to make you laugh, but often can make you shudder. What is supposed to be a figure of fun is for many the stuff of nightmares. Coulrophobia —the irrational fear of clowns that's surprisingly common. This has been reinforced by popular culture, and many horror film-makers know that a scary clown is the perfect recipe for thrills, resulting in them becoming an icon of terror. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology in February 2023 surveyed 900 individuals, revealing that 53% experienced clown-related fear. Participants pinpointed clown makeup as the primary source of discomfort, with its distortion of human features creating an air of menace. Unable to discern true emotions behind the painted facade, people feel unsettled by the clown's unpredictable antics. The Science Behind the Fear What exactly is so unnerving about clowns? Are murderous clowns a reality or mere fiction? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How do I know if I'm addicted to sex? Why does time go by faster with age? Why should I eat more fermented foods? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 7/5/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Starchy foods should actually be part of every meal. They come in three groups: cereal-based foods like bread, rice and pasta; pulses and legumes like lentils, beans, and chickpeas; and of course, potatoes. However, some members of this food group have a notoriously high glycemic index. What is a glycemic index? So does this mean we should avoid starchy foods? Is cooling the only way to lower the GI of starchy foods?In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: Which foods should I avoid after their expiry date? Which foods mustn't you put in the microwave? What are the most hydrating foods? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
She's one of the most influential women in the world. Taylor Swift, a country star in the United States who has become a global pop star, is shattering all records. She has been named the Personality of 2023, and has won Album of the Year for the record-breaking 4th time. In November 2024, Joe Biden, the President of the United States, is standing for re-election. His main opponent is still Donald Trump, what does Taylor Swift have to do with all this? Well, she has a considerable say in the outcome of the election. How so? What is the Taylor Swift effect ? And does it only apply to politics? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Is there really such a thing as love at first sight? Which foods can hurt your libido? How do I know if I sleepwalk? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 15/2/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices