Podcasts about level up human

The Ugly Animal Preservation Society,  the world's funniest biologist Simon Watt, and a Blobfish walk into a bar; Melissa is grossed out by sound effects. We're back, baby! Season 4! #UglyAnimalDay is September 8th, 2022 - use the hashtag and let's DO THIS!  Resources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugly_Animal_Preservation_SocietyThe Ugly Animals: We can't all be pandas! (Go get it as a gift for your favorite little nature nerd, or to put on your shelf!) https://uglyanimalsoc.com/ - go become a member of the Ugly AnimalPreservation Society-it's funny, it's nerdy, it's smart, and it's free!https://www.edfringe.com/ Simon's show on the Ugly Animals Preservation Societyhttps://www.britishscienceassociation.org/british-science-festivalhttps://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24040130https://web.archive.org/web/20130612051847/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/10108195/Battle-of-the-mingers-why-ugly-animals-should-be-wildlife-pin-ups.htmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmyUm7n1U7k (Unusual creatures: The Incredible True Story of the Blobfish song)https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/88111/7-unattractive-facts-about-blobfish Intro/Outro: Tiptoe out the back by Dan LIbowicz! Interstitial music by MK2All other music and sound effects by artists on Pixabay and Freesound.org. Melissa can be found atBewilderBeastsPod.comTwitter.com/BewilderedPodInstagram.com/BewilderBeastsand Join the Patreon! Patreon.com/bewilderbeastspod Support the show

Simon and Rach consider listener suggestions for human body improvements. This week, adjustable digestive tracts, floral farts, and retractable testicles. In the newsElon Musk’s baby: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52557291Ocean warming: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2242786-a-japanese-nuclear-power-plant-created-a-habitat-for-tropical-fish/Golden tongue: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-52683468Wound healing blue-green algae: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2243352-wound-healing-patch-of-blue-green-algae-mends-skin-quickly/Listener suggestions@TraceyH100 - retractable breasts and testicles@KJames_IntBio - a pause button for the digestive tract@sheencr - floral fartsCheck out…In mice twitter account: https://twitter.com/justsaysinmiceKangaroos penis and testicles the other way round: https://grist.org/animals/kangaroo-genitals-are-weirder-than-you-ever-thought-possible-2/Face lice with no anuses: https://www.livescience.com/65533-your-face-mites-never-poop.htmlMiracle berry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synsepalum_dulcificumClare Jonas’s blog article: https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/blog/smell-language-difficult-to-describeDoes it fart?: https://amzn.to/2TkflxUSupport usIf you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanLeave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285…and join our newsletter: http://www.leveluphuman.com/keep-in-touch Follow usTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

S2E12: Level Up Human is a podcast on a mission to redesign the human body.Simon and Rach chat to biologist and science YouTuber Sally Le Page and science communicator James Piercy.We discuss periods, expanding skulls and a rebooted ear.In the news Female female aggression in fruit flies: https://bit.ly/LUHfruitfliesThe new kilogram: physicsworld.com/a/new-definition-of-the-kilogram-comes-into-force/Robots powered by the spines of rats: https://bit.ly/LUHRatSpinesThe pitches Sally wants selective ovulation, James wants a skull flap. There’s a suggestion from the audience for One Massive Ear and Simon is borrowing from the opossums which could hold the key to saving snakebite victims.Mentioned this episodeDragons’ Den: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006vq92Lesbian lizard colonies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico_whiptailParthenogenesis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ParthenogenesisDecompressive craniectomy: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319755Fontanelle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FontanelleBarn owl hearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SI73-Ka51EOpossum’s natural immunity to snake venom: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/03/150323-opossums-snakes-snakebites-venom-health-world-science/Stay In for Towel Day: https://www.savetherhino.org/get-involved/events/stay-in-for-towel-day-2020/Support usIf you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanLeave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285…or join our newsletter: http://www.leveluphuman.com/keep-in-touchWith thanks to the Physiological Society. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon and Rach consider regeneration. Humans are pretty rubbish at it. Some lizards, newts and salamanders are INCREDIBLE at it. How do we get it, and would we really want to? Check out…The Shining: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/THAT tweet: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1256239815256797184Bee sniffing tech: https://phys.org/news/2010-03-bee-sniffing-technology-dangerous-vapors.htmlFaceTime some Japanese eels: https://www.businessinsider.com/video-call-eels-tokyo-aquarium-so-they-dont-forget-people-2020-5?r=US&IR=TZoo animals are lonely in lockdown: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-52493750T1000 – Liquid Metal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8h8d2XLWKYTeratoma: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TeratomaPlanarian worm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlanarianCombination of master and mistress is: Mastress. No, I don’t have a link for that.Support usIt would make Rach so happy if you would support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanGive us a high-five with a 5* review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285Join our newsletter to get all our news first: http://www.leveluphuman.com/keep-in-touch Follow us Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

S2E11: Level Up Human is a podcast on a mission to redesign the human body.This week, Simon and Rach chat to naturalist and broadcaster Steve Backshall and visual perception scientist Kate Storrs.We discuss enhanced vision, limb regeneration, gecko hands, super kidneys and re-breathing.Extended show notes including edited transcripts are available here.In the news Kate is tickled and baffled by a news story about MicrosoftSteve's news story is entitled, 'Venomous Frogs use Heads as Weapons.'Rach's levelled up human is Bertolt Meyer, who has hacked his prosthetic hand to hook it up to his synth.The pitches Steve wants to borrow the abilities of the Iberian sharp-ribbed newt, a type of salamander which can regenerate limbs and organs.Kate thinks the human body should be able to see the polarisation of lightPlus pitches from our audience and Mother Nature herself

Episode summarySimon and Rachel take a detailed look at flight. Why can’t we fly, how could we achieve it, and wouldn't it be exhausting?An edited transcript is available here.Mentioned this episodeAlan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, the most attractive man in the world, according to Simon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZhCCu-2gbwStarlink: https://www.starlink.com/Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_GalaxyThe incredible, gliding Hoatzin – the Johnny Rotten of the bird world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87_shPJxdnsBarotrauma: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BarotraumaPentadactyl limb: https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/pentadactyl-limbSupport usIf you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphuman Leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 …or join our newsletter: http://www.leveluphuman.com/keep-in-touchFollow usTwitter: twitter.com/leveluphuman Facebook: facebook.com/leveluphuman Instagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon and Rachel recap Episode 10 of Series 2, where we chatted with immunologist Professor Sheena Cruickshank and microbiologist Dr. Chloe James. Plus Simon has good news for Eurovision fans.We dive deeper into what RNA is, how to train bacteriophages, and how we know humans are still evolving.An edited transcript is available here.Mentioned this episode2001: A Space Odyssey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(film)Patrick Moore’s Gamesmaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCuPX_tmOOoRibonucleic acid (RNA): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA Messenger RNA: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/messenger-rnaTransfer RNA: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Transfer-RNAAre we evolving to survive Alzheimers?: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/alzheimers-asthma-high-cholesterol-eradicated-natural-selection-plos-biology-research-a7932566.htmlThunderdome (featuring Tina Turner): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HeZrI5Giw4Cytokine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CytokineCytokine storm: https://www.newscientist.com/term/cytokine-storm/The AI Eurovision Song Contest: https://www.vprobroadcast.com/titles/ai-songcontest.htmlBoris: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_(band)Support us If you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 Follow us Twitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rachel and Simon are locked down in London. Joining them from Liverpool and Manchester are microbiologist Dr. Chloe James and immunologist Professor Sheena Cruickshank.A full transcript is available here. Episode summary We discuss if it’s possible for scientists to work from home, cytokine storms and a brand new 'magic' toilet. Our panellists this week make pitches for command over our internal armies of bacteria phages and reprogramming our immune cells. The audience want self-scratching backs and bodies we can repair ourselves. Which will make it onto the shortlist? Which pitch will win? Listen to find out! Mentioned this episode NHS Covid-19 advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/Quantitative PCR machine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantitative_PCR_instrumentMagic toilet: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/06/magic-toilet-could-monitor-users-health-say-researchersBacteria found in gut might help boost physical performance: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jun/24/bacteria-found-in-gut-could-help-boost-physical-performanceWithnail and I: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withnail_and_IHow stress causes gray hair: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200122135313.htmBarbara Woodhouse “I took to dog training when I had to give up cows”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic5fe7M_SysCytokine storm: https://www.newscientist.com/term/cytokine-storm/Support us If you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 Follow us Twitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Imagine a perfect rhino. Done it? Great. Keep it in mind while Elena and Ian are joined by the Level Up Human podcast's Simon Watt, to discuss what we're really doing when we look for beauty in nature. If you liked this episode, subscribing/following means you'll get the next one automatically. We'd love it if you could leave us a review on iTunes too. And if you want to get in touch with us, you can do that at wondercupboard.com.

In the last of our Barbican centre recordings from November 2019, Simon and Rachel are souping up the homo sapien once again. Our guest experts are professor of experimental psychopathology from the university of Birkbeck, Naz Derakshan, and Hephzi Tagoe, a skin specialist from Queen Mary, University of London. Episode summary We discuss resilience as well as the impacts of skin conditions on psychological health and wellbeing. Rach has news of an ant with a six legged gallop. In our pitches for human body redesign, Naz wants a boost to resilience and Hephzi pitches snake skin. The audience want gecko hands, improved brain plasticity and there’s a pitch from Simon stolen from C. Elegans. Which will make it onto the shortlist? Which pitch will win? Listen to find out! Mentioned this episodeBuilding Resilience in Breast Cancer (BRIC) centre: http://briccentre.bbk.ac.ukThe fastest ant in the world: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/oct/16/fastest-ants-in-world-northern-saharaIchthyosis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IchthyosisC. Elegans: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caenorhabditis_elegansSupport us If you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 Follow us Twitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon and Rachel report from their respective bunkers during the March 2020 coronavirus pandemic. We take a long hard look at disease. Are humans a particularly diseased species? What can we learn from pandemics and is panic buying inevitable? Mentioned this episodeNHS advice on coronavirus: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ Pandemic board game: https://www.zmangames.com/en/games/pandemic/28 Days Later: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_Days_LaterOutbreak: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outbreak_(film)Contagion: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1598778/Global village: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_villageDarwinian medicine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_medicineThe Tragedy of the Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commonsSyphilis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/syphilis/Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_de_Toulouse-LautrecÉdouard Manet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89douard_ManetPaul Gaugin: https://hyperallergic.com/111730/posthumous-prognosis-for-supposedly-syphilitic-gauguin-via-his-teeth/Oscar Wilde: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/no-oscar-wilde-probably-didnt-die-of-syphilisThermal imaging cameras in airports: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/30523865/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/t/how-thermal-imaging-cameras-spot-flu-feversSocialised medicine: https://time.com/5794672/health-insurance-deductibles-coronavirus/Universal Basic Income: https://time.com/5804656/ubi-yang-coronavirus/Experts are back in fashion:

Simon and Rachel are souping up Homo sapiens once again, live at the Barbican Centre with guest experts: reproductive physiologist Kim Jonas, and cardio-vascular pharmacologist, Michael Preedy. This episode was created with the support of the Physiological Society and the Biochemical Society. Episode summary We discuss the weirdest reproductive physiology on the planet, hypersexuality and how stem cells can now be reprogrammed into a new type of cell. In our news section, Rach explains why putting ice on a sprain may not longer be best practice. Next: pitches from our guest experts, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself. Michael wants lightening breath. Kim wants improved longevity for ovaries.The audience want a cure for FOMO and a projector for thoughts. Simon pitches the collagen scales of the Amazonian fish, Arapaima gigas. Which will make it onto the shortlist? Which pitch will win? Listen, and find out. Mentioned this episode Sensing north: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jan/06/first-humans-sense-where-north-is-cyborg-gadgetThe Sims: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_SimsArapaima gigas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arapaima_gigasSupport us If you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 Follow us Twitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon and Rachel are live at the Barbican with marine biologist, writer and documentary maker, Helen Scales and KCL professor of developmental neurobiology, Robert Hindges. Episode summary First we look at human enhancements from around the world. Helen brings news of a man with an exo-skeleton allowing him to walk. Robert tells us about developments in prosthetics which allow users to experience feedback from artificial limbs. And Rach has evidence that thumbs are getting faster. Next: pitches from our guest experts, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself. Robert wants a higher flicker frequency in the human eye. Helen suggests we all become extreme free divers with the breath holding abilities of the sperm whale.The audience want improved cooling systems, reduced urination, lego wrists and multi-sensory anaesthesia. Simon pitches the arsenic resistant qualities of the Mono lake nematodes. Which will make it onto the shortlist? And which will win? Have a listen to find out. Mentioned this episode Robot exo-skeleton: https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/exoskeleton-controlled-by-brain-signals-allows-disabled-man-to-walk/Prosthetic sensory feedback: https://www.genengnews.com/news/prosthetic-leg-with-neural-sensory-feedback-shows-benefits-for-patients/Thumbs are getting faster: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/oct/02/ready-text-go-typing-speeds-mobiles-rival-keyboard-usersObama swats fly during CNBC interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rbUH_iVjYwThe incredible diving abilities of the sperm whale:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NpZLhqly8sThe marabou stork which urinates on its legs to cool itself down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5NCubQutpEArsenic resistant mono lake nematodes: https://gizmodo.com/scientists-find-three-sex-arsenic-resistant-nematode-i-1838497056 Support us If you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 Follow us Twitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon and Rachel are live at the Barbican with heart specialist Vanessa Lowe and comedian, podcaster and researcher, Cerys Bradley. Episode summary First we look at human enhancements from around the world. Vanessa has news of a heart attack vaccine from Harvard. Cerys tells us that there is a back-up ‘fight or flight’ system in the bones. Rach has found evidence of the loudest mating call on Earth. Next: pitches from our guest experts, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself. Cerys pitches a second eyelid for enhanced bio-informatic security. Vanessa wants hearts that continue to regenerate throughout life.The audience want more information from the body and gel pads for feet. Simon pitches the ability of mucus-digesting bacteria that can convert their blood type for universal donation. Which will make it onto the shortlist? And which will win? Have a listen to find out. Mentioned this episode Cerys’ podcast, The Coming Out Tapes: https://www.smartmaterialcollective.net/the-coming-out-tapes/Bone, not adrenaline, drives fight or flight response: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190912111018.htmThe loudest bird on Earth: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/10/this-is-loudest-bird-on-earth/ Support us If you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 Follow us Twitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon and Rachel are live at the Bluedot festival. They are joined by geomicrobiologist, Sarah Jones, and Holly Shiels, reader in cardiac physiology at the University of Manchester. Episode summary The news is first up as we explore some of the latest human enhancements around the globe. Sarah has a story about some scientists working on the first synthetic microbiome – but how do we ensure it stays in the body? Holly has discovered that bubble wrap is to be placed on the surface of Mars to encourage terraforming. Rach is deeply concerned that Elon Musk is trying to take over our brains. Next: pitches from our guest experts, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself. Rach is looking for ways to make her brain more efficient. Holly thinks it would be a great idea to purify the air with our nose hairs. Sarah suggests we eat rocks. The audience want pimped tastebuds, double jointedness and zoom vision. Simon's suggestion from nature is to borrow the super-power of the Chinese water turtle so that he doesn’t have to get up so much in the night. Which will make it onto the shortlist? Mentioned this episode Neuralink’s brain reading ‘threads’: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/7/17/20697812/elon-musk-neuralink-ai-brain-implant-thread-robotThe Chinese water turtle: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/10/121012-turtles-urine-pee-mouth-science-animals-weird/ Support us If you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 Follow us Twitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon and Rachel skype in with some interesting items from the science news.Episode summary On this episode of Level Up Human Extra, we have news that scientists have managed to build the first organic robots using stem cells from the African clawed frog. A team from Japan have successfully cultured an elusive species of archaea and Diego the sex tortoise is retiring. Mentioned this episodeOrganic robots: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/13/scientists-use-stem-cells-from-frogs-to-build-first-living-robotsThe first ever archaea culture: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/15/breakthrough-gives-insight-into-early-complex-life-on-earthDiego’s retirement: https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/01/12/diego-tortoise-species-retiring/Support us If you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphuman Or leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 Follow us Twitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon and Rachel are joined by writer and computer scientist Dr. Kate Devlin and digital artist Eric Drass.Episode summary We dive into the latest human enhancement developments before getting into pitches. Rach has news of a potential Alzheimer’s vaccine; Kate found a robotic tail at a conference and Eric warns of ‘rooms full of people’ listening as we chat to Alexa, Siri and Google.Next: pitches from our guest experts, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself.Eric wants us to have multiple versions of ourselves online, Kate wants a way to know where North is. The audience want lego organs, an eye on our index finger and ‘pain on purchase’ – a device to prevent us buying too much when we’re drunk. Simon's suggestion from nature is quadruplets for all, borrowed from the nine-banded armadillo. Which will make it onto Rach’s shortlist? Mentioned this episodeEric’s Ian Hislop deep fake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkWvkNAbgfgKate's robotic tail: https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/japan-robotic-tail-intl-hnk-trnd/index.htmlAn imminent Alzheimer’s vaccine?: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/alzheimers-vaccine-united-neuroscienceTech companies listen when we talk to our virtual assistants: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/19/tech/siri-alexa-people-listening/index.htmlSupport us If you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285 Follow us Twitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon and Rachel are joined at the Barbican centre by renal-cardiovascular physiologist Keith Siew and evolutionary psychologist, Dr. Gillian Forrester.Episode summaryThe team have brought news stories from the world of science to share before we kick off the pitches. Gillian shares a study that suggests that babies can recognise faces in utero, Keith has news that salt makes us hungry rather than thirsty and Rach reports on a colony of tardigrades on the moon.Then we hear pitches for how we should redesign the human body from each of the panellists, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself.Keith has a back up kidney or two up his sleeve, GIllian thinks humans should understand animals better. The audience want more senses, a pain over-ride, and adjustable IQ. Simon's suggestion from nature is the sensitivity of the star-nosed mole.Which of these will make it onto Rach’s shortlist?Mentioned this episodeGillian's 'Me, Human' project at the science museum: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/news/birkbeck-project-me-human-at-the-science-museumThe star-nosed mole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egz2f5_Ip3UTerminator tries to smile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnrIdXWtOP8Support usIf you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285Follow usTwitter: twitter.com/leveluphumanFacebook: facebook.com/leveluphumanInstagram: instagram.com/leveluphuman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In June, Level Up Human went to Hatch in Manchester for the Microdot festival.Simon and Rachel are joined by bioethicist Prof. Andy Miah and physiologist and cardiovascular specialist Dr. Sarah Withers, both from the University of Salford.If you’d like to see us live, we’re in the middle of a residency at the Barbican in London. Please join us on November 7th 2019. You can reserve free tickets at https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/level-up-humanEpisode summaryThe team have brought news stories from the world of science to share before we kick off the pitches. Rach has news of the UK’s commitment to reduce the UK’s greenhouse emissions by 2050, Andy shares a discovery about the earliest recorded use of cannabis, and Sarah has a breakthrough in dementia research.Then we hear pitches for how we should redesign the human body from each of the panellists, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself.Sarah wants to level up fat, Andy is interested in a universal translator and we have pitches from the audience about empathy, full body transplants and more robust organs. Simon’s suggestion is borrowed from a warty comb jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi), also known as a 'sea walnut.' I’m going to let you listen to find out what the suggestion is. Which of these will make it onto Rach’s shortlist?Mentioned this episodeUK commits to net zero emissions by 2050https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-becomes-first-major-economy-to-pass-net-zero-emissions-lawEarliest evidence of cannabis usehttps://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/culture-history/2019/06/earliest-evidence-cannabis-smoking-discovered-ancient-tombsEffect of late-life weight change on dementia incidence: a 10-year cohort study using claim data in Koreahttps://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/5/e021739Cryonicshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CryonicsThe warty comb jelly: https://www.geek.com/news/scientist-discovers-jellyfish-like-creature-with-transient-anus-that-only-appears-when-it-is-needed-1777327/Support usIf you're enjoying the podcast, you can support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leveluphumanOr leave us an iTunes review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/level-up-human/id1096637285Follow usTwitter:

Level Up Human is back redesigning the human body! This series we are supported by the Physiological Society. This episode was created with the help of the Society for Endocrinology, a world leading authority on hormones.This episode was recorded at the Barbican as part of the Life Rewired season. Host Simon Watt and judge Rachel Wheeley are joined by Dr. Miles Levy, consultant endocrinologist and honorary associate professor at University Hospitals of Leicester. And by Dr. Clare Jonas, psychologist and blogger at That Thinking Feeling.If you’d like to see us live, we’re in the middle of a residency at the Barbican in London. Please join us on October 28th and November 7th 2019. You can reserve free tickets at https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/level-up-humanEpisode summaryThe team have brought news stories from the world of science to share before we kick off the pitches. Clare explains why elephants are basically cancer-proof, Miles sings the praises of the pituitary, and Rach has tardigrade news.Then we hear pitches for how we should redesign the human body. Clare would like every human to have synaesthesia and Miles suggests we tone down testosterone. The audience want to eat like termites, improve face recognition and control their adrenaline. Simon wants to make humans stripy. Which suggestions will make it onto Rach’s shortlist?Mentioned this episodeSynaesthesia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SynesthesiaAcromegaly: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AcromegalyThe Hyrax: does this sound like a video recorder rewinding to you?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF3rPvzTPF4Video recorder, for the under 35s: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videocassette_recorderTardigrades could hold the key to treating life-threatening injuries: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2019/01/could-an-extremophile-hold-the-secret-to-treatment-of-devastating-injuries/Pareidolia (recognising faces in inanimate objects): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PareidoliaProsopagnosia (face blindness): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ProsopagnosiaExtracts“The pituitary gland is the most under-rated gland in the whole body. It is the size of a pea and it’s the conductor of the endocrine-orchestra (thyroid gland, adrenal gland, ovaries, testes, pancreas and all other glands.) It controls every hormone. It’s the most important, yet the most misunderstood and ignored part of the body.” – Miles Levy“Everyone should have synaesthesia. It’s a completely harmless, possibly even helpful neurological condition where your senses get mixed up. So you might... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Simon breaks exciting news about the brand new series of Level Up Human - hitting your podcast device next Wednesday October 23rd.We've been recording episodes as part of our residency at the Barbican and you can join us at two more recordings happening on October 28th and November 7th.https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/level-up-humanThis series of Level Up Human is supported by the Physiological Society. Specials for the Endocrinology Society and the Biochemical Society are coming up soon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paul Sinha joins Simon for this special episode in collaboration with the Royal Society. Paul judges suggestions from neuroscientist Dr. Holly Bridge, bio-physical chemistry researcher Steve Lee and the studio audience live at the Science Museum. The team discuss fluorescing frogs, brain plasticity and why we need to milk a lot of spiders to improve care for stroke patients. If you enjoy Level Up Human you can now donate via Patreon: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode #0016 we review Under the Skin with Will and Joe from Exploding Helicopter website and podcast. SPOILER. There are NO exploding helicopters in Under the Skin. This is the 2013 film from Jonathan Glazer featuring Scarlett Johansson as an alien scouring the streets of Glasgow for unsuspecting prey.   Chosen by Will as a second or third-time watcher - and not for the faint hearted casual viewer - Under the Skin blends arthouse and mainstream in a unique and challenging way. Lacking in dialogue, largely improvised without a clear linear narrative this film isn’t an easy watch, as our reviews reveal though there is a lot of beauty and nuanced intention. A minimal and stripped down role, Scarlett Johansson compels expectations and pushes the boundaries of mainstream performances.   Does she learn humanity? Is it a feminist film? What happens in diesel sex dungeon? The scene with the baby? Aren’t you glad Brad Pitt never got involved? So many questions but what are your answers? If you agree its not style over substance and can get beyond the room of goo - please share with us your thoughts and opinions of this film. One of the more obscure choices for the Flixwatcher pod, we urge you to get Under the Skin and experience this unique and obscure film on Netflix. Scores [supsystic-tables id='17'] Episode #016 Crew Links Just to remind you all, the Episode #015 Crew of Simon and Rachel from Level Up Human @LevelUpHuman You can listen to Exploding Helicopter on iTunes and can be found on Twitter at @chopperFireball Please make sure you give them some love Flixwatcher Spotify Playlist The Under the Skin soundtrack is freaky and ethereal and we wonder if you can separate it from the film, BUT just in case you did want to listen in isolation we have added "Andrew Void" to the Flixwatcher Soundtrack.   More about Under The Skin If you want to know more about Under The Skin you can find check it out on IMDB or you can find more info via Rotten Tomatoes.   @undrthskn Jonathan Glazer @Swindon_gol Scarlett Johansson @Scarlett_Jo Jeremy McWilliams @McWill99 Dougie McConnell @dougiemcconnell Kevin McAlinden @kevin_mcalinden Andrew Gorman @andrewgm3 Joe Szula @joe_szula Final Plug! Subscribe, Share and Review us on iTunes If you enjoyed this episode of Flixwatcher Podcast you probably know other people who will like it too! Please share it with your friends and family, review us, and join us across ALL of the social Media links below.  

Steve and Nick return to unclog the blocked u-bend of science. In this week's manic ramble - we discuss how Nick likes tea on trains, an angry Steve explains how a gin and tonic can save your life, what hungry hungry hippos has got to do with stem cell differentiation and finally we find out how the plague can help you build a telescope!..... phew that's a busy one. Plus there's a new song - and a shout out to Level Up Human, The Royal Society & the lovely Dr Bov. Please share, like and subscribe. PRETTY PLEASE leave us a review on iTunes. If you do, tell us on twitter (@TheScienceShed) & we'll send you a coveted ScienceShed sticker! twitter @SteveTheChemist @theevanslab @TheScienceShed www.youtube.com/channel/UCWv6XjH8pzmWMVuE_pwz1mg Here's the link to the structure of quinine (https://goo.gl/7etTzC)

Episode #008 sees Simon from Level Up Human choose the 2015 science fiction film Advantageous. A self-proclaimed sci-fi snob, Simon choose this as it was the most science fiction film he could find on Netflix ...and because he liked the cover image!     Set in a bleak, near-future, urban environment, where we communicate with bots via holographic Skype calls and women are 'completely shelved' after a certain age, the film's protagonist is forced into undergoing an experimental full body swap. It's a future with no animals, not much fun for kids and shopping for her new body is like being on Tinder. Ultimately the film suffers from what Simon calls the 'prototype problem'. Also noted was it's shoddy sci-fi and being inferior to Black Mirror. Despite scoring a relatively low 2.3 (Kobi would recommend Transformers 3 ahead of this!!) and really REALLY annoying Rachel it gave for a surprisingly in-depth discussion and debate on memory, ethics of body swaps, personality and cloning. "Believably bland" a Hollywood remake is calling.... Scores [supsystic-tables id='9'] Despite scoring a relatively low 2.3 (Kobi would recommend Transformers 3 ahead of this!!) and really REALLY annoying Rachel it gave for a surprisingly in-depth discussion and debate on memory, ethics of body swaps, personality and cloning. "Believably bland" a Hollywood remake is calling....   Episode #008 Crew Links Just to remind you all, the Episode #008 Crew of Simon and Rachel from Level Up Human @LevelUpHuman You can listen to Level Up Humans on iTunes . Simon Watt can be found on Twitter at @ SimonDWatt and Rachel @ RachelWheeley Please make sure you give them some love Flixwatcher Spotify Playlist At the start of the film the mother and daughter were playing the piano and singing the French Christmas Classic "Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant". We couldn't find their version but we found that Annie Lennox did a version and that's what we have added to the Flixwatcher Playlist!   More about The Little Prince If you want to know more about Avantageous you can find check it out on IMDB or you can find more info via Rotten Tomatoes. Advantageous @advantageousme Jennifer Phang @Phangvantageous Jacqueline Kim @jpkimchii James Urbaniak @JamesUrbaniak Freya Adams @freya_adams Ken Jeong @kenjeong Jennifer Ehle @jenniferehle Samantha Kim @samanthagkh Troi Zee @troizee Olivia Horton @Olivia_Horton97 COMPETITION TIME To celebrate the launch of The Flixwatcher Podcast and the fact that you can now download films and shows onto your iPad so you can watch anywhere we are giving away a free iPad Air with 128 GB memory, a year's free Netflix and oodles of popcorn. All you have to do is fill in your details in the sidebar or head to this competition entry page to enter. If you have already entered and you want to check your position you can do so here.   Final Plug! Subscribe, Share and Review us on iTunes If you enjoyed this episode of Flixwatcher Podcast you probably know other people who will like it too! Please share it with your friends and family, review us, and join us across ALL of the social Media links below. PS we have a private Flixwatcher Podcast Facebook Group that is only available to members of our email subscribers list. You will be sent the link to the group when you sign up for the competition! Win win! Join the banter - SPOILERS ALLOWED!  

Halfway to 30, its Episode #015 and we welcome back Rachel and Simon from Level Up Human for Rachel’s choice the unlikeliest natural disaster Sharknado 3. "Oh Hell No." Thats right, the THIRD, in the Sharknado series. What is the premise you might ask, do you really care, its called Sharknado. Sharknado 3. Shark advocate Simon genuinely loved it, but wouldn’t describe as ‘good’. Kobi had concerns about the possibly of an actual sharknado. Helen was not impressed not even with the David Hasselhoff cameo. Sadly it doesn’t pass the Bechdel test. Preposterous only begins to scratch the surface, if you love chainsaws, extreme product placement and frilled sharks this is the movie for you. It doesn’t score highly, are you surprised? Its about a sharknado. Fun fact, geckos can’t survive in space, but apparently sharks can… Scores [supsystic-tables id='16'] Episode #015 Crew Links Just to remind you all, the Episode #015 Crew of Simon and Rachel from Level Up Human @LevelUpHuman You can listen to Level Up Humans on iTunes . Simon Watt can be found on Twitter at @ SimonDWatt and Rachel @ RachelWheeley Please make sure you give them some love Flixwatcher Spotify Playlist The Sharknado 3 Soundtrack is a travesty and contains a "Jedward" song so forfeits the right to be included in the episode!   More about Sharknado 3 If you want to know more about Sharknado 3 you can find check it out on IMDB or you can find more info via Rotten Tomatoes. Anthony C. Ferrante      @acferrante Ian Ziering       @IanZiering Tara Reid      @TaraReid Cassandra Scerbo     @CassieScerbo Frankie Muniz    @frankiemuniz Ryan Newman    @ryrynewman David Hasselhoff      @DavidHasselhoff Mark Cuban    @mcuban Bo Derek     @boderek   Final Plug! Subscribe, Share and Review us on iTunes If you enjoyed this episode of Flixwatcher Podcast you probably know other people who will like it too! Please share it with your friends and family, review us, and join us across ALL of the social Media links below. PS we have a private Flixwatcher Podcast Facebook Group that is only available to members of our email subscribers list. You will be sent the link to the group when you sign up for the competition! Win win! Join the banter - SPOILERS ALLOWED!

Episode #008 sees Simon from Level Up Human choose the 2015 science fiction film Advantageous. A self-proclaimed sci-fi snob, Simon choose this as it was the most science fiction film he could find on Netflix ...and because he liked the cover image!     Set in a bleak, near-future, urban environment, where we communicate with bots via holographic Skype calls and women are 'completely shelved' after a certain age, the film's protagonist is forced into undergoing an experimental full body swap. It's a future with no animals, not much fun for kids and shopping for her new body is like being on Tinder. Ultimately the film suffers from what Simon calls the 'prototype problem'. Also noted was it's shoddy sci-fi and being inferior to Black Mirror. Despite scoring a relatively low 2.3 (Kobi would recommend Transformers 3 ahead of this!!) and really REALLY annoying Rachel it gave for a surprisingly in-depth discussion and debate on memory, ethics of body swaps, personality and cloning. "Believably bland" a Hollywood remake is calling.... Scores [supsystic-tables id='9'] Despite scoring a relatively low 2.3 (Kobi would recommend Transformers 3 ahead of this!!) and really REALLY annoying Rachel it gave for a surprisingly in-depth discussion and debate on memory, ethics of body swaps, personality and cloning. "Believably bland" a Hollywood remake is calling....   Episode #008 Crew Links Just to remind you all, the Episode #008 Crew of Simon and Rachel from Level Up Human @LevelUpHuman You can listen to Level Up Humans on iTunes . Simon Watt can be found on Twitter at @ SimonDWatt and Rachel @ RachelWheeley Please make sure you give them some love Flixwatcher Spotify Playlist At the start of the film the mother and daughter were playing the piano and singing the French Christmas Classic "Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant". We couldn't find their version but we found that Annie Lennox did a version and that's what we have added to the Flixwatcher Playlist!   More about The Little Prince If you want to know more about Avantageous you can find check it out on IMDB or you can find more info via Rotten Tomatoes. Advantageous @advantageousme Jennifer Phang @Phangvantageous Jacqueline Kim @jpkimchii James Urbaniak @JamesUrbaniak Freya Adams @freya_adams Ken Jeong @kenjeong Jennifer Ehle @jenniferehle Samantha Kim @samanthagkh Troi Zee @troizee Olivia Horton @Olivia_Horton97 COMPETITION TIME To celebrate the launch of The Flixwatcher Podcast and the fact that you can now download films and shows onto your iPad so you can watch anywhere we are giving away a free iPad Air with 128 GB memory, a year's free Netflix and oodles of popcorn. All you have to do is fill in your details in the sidebar or head to this competition entry page to enter. If you have already entered and you want to check your position you can do so here.   Final Plug! Subscribe, Share and Review us on iTunes If you enjoyed this episode of Flixwatcher Podcast you probably know other people who will like it too! Please share it with your friends and family, review us, and join us across ALL of the social Media links below. PS we have a private Flixwatcher Podcast Facebook Group that is only available to members of our email subscribers list. You will be sent the link to the group when you sign up for the competition! Win win! Join the banter - SPOILERS ALLOWED!

Robin Ince joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions for human enhancement from science writer and broadcaster, Kat Arney, zoologist Jules Howard and the audience at Brighton Science Festival. Jules Howard has written off Robin Ince for being too old, Kat Arney wants a hangover free life and we discuss audience suggestions including cuddling improvements and more knee caps. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zoe Lyons chooses ideas for future human, taking in suggestions from doctor of neuroscience Dean Burnett, champion rugby player Maggie Alphonsi, the studio audience at Winchester Science Festival and the 'smurf bird' cassowary. We discuss bird brains, horse health monitors and whether it's time for an alternative, doped, Olympics? Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics are by Theo Weedon and web design by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. You can now support us directly with a donation: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman - help us land a resident gig and make more podcasts! Patreons receive new episodes before anyone else. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Matthew Collins joins Simon Watt at the Northern Ireland Science Festival to judge evolutionary suggestions from glyco-biologist Triona O'Connell, clinical geneticist Shane McKee and the studio audience at the Black Box Theatre. Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics are by Theo Weedon and website design is by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. You can now support us directly with a donation: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman - help us land a resident gig and continue to make more podcasts! Patreons receive new episodes before anyone else. Thank you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lindsay Sharman joins Simon Watt for a sun soaked episode from the gorgeous Wilderness festival. Lindsay has to consider pitches from geneticist Maia Elliott and biologist Jamie Upton, our lively audience and Mother Nature herself. The panel discuss death, harvesting your own buttocks for stem cells and how a poo transplant could help fight infections. This is all grist to the Level Up Human mill by this stage. However we also need to tell Jamie Upton where babies come from, as he seems to have been misled. Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics are by Theo Weedon and website design is by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hugh Dennis judges ideas for human enhancement from Professor Alice Roberts, Marcus du Sautoy and the studio audience at Glastonbury festival. Simon Watt officiates with offerings from Mother Nature's buffet table. In this episode we discuss transcranial magnetic stimulation, how we know bees are good at maths and why there's never been a giraffe at the International Space Station. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Suzi Gage, Rosie Wilby and Jim Bell join Simon Watt for a recording live at the 2015 Green Man festival in Einstein's Garden. The panel discuss bum cushions, stackable humans and what is the best addiction? Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ellie Taylor judges suggestions by Paul Duncan McGarrity, Dr. Julia Shaw, the Science Museum studio audience and Mother Nature herself with Simon Watt. The panel discuss sonogenetics, how to win at pool and why you don't necessarily want to be using 'all' of your brain. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon and web design by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Danielle Ward joins Simon Watt with Cam Robinson and Nick Hawes to discuss ideas for the next stage of human evolution. Recorded at the Science Museum lates. The panel discuss glow in the dark testicles, oxygen producing hair and the venomous slow loris in this wide ranging episode taking in ethics, logic and the benefits of elbow blades. Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Robert Llewellyn settles into the judge's chair for Level Up Human live from Cheltenham Science Festival. Simon Watt arbitrates as Dr. Kathryn Harkup, Ben Garrod and the studio audience vie for Robert's attention with ideas for improved humans. Ben Garrod explains how to air-taste when you have no sense of smell and we set Kathryn Harkup the task of working out how much would be a fatal dose of marzipan. Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Robin Ince joins Simon Watt to decide what humans should evolve next. Expert pitches from science writer and broadcaster Kat Arney and zoologist Jules Howard. Additional pitches from the studio audience at the Brighton Science Festival and Mother Nature herself. The panel discussed hair colour, immortality and Jules's testicles, but which suggestion made it through to be incorporated into our genome? Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics by Theo Weedon and website design by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Libby Purves meets biologist and stand-up Simon Watt; motoring journalist Martin Gurdon; hip-hop artist Baba Israel and journalist Cal Flyn. Martin Gurdon is a motoring journalist. In his book, An Estate Car Named Desire, he recounts tales of his car-obsessed childhood in the 1960s - a lost world of Ford Anglias, Triumph Heralds and Morris Minors. During his dysfunctional years at boarding school cars were both his salvation and his undoing. An Estate Car Named Desire - A Life on the Road is published by Duckworth Overlook. Baba Israel is a hip-hop artist. He will be performing The Spinning Wheel at the Roundhouse, as part of The Last Word Festival. The multi-media production explores the life of his father Steve Ben Israel, a New York-based poet, jazz musician, activist, stand-up comedian and member of the Sixties performance collective The Living Theatre. The Spinning Wheel is at The Roundhouse, London NW1. Cal Flyn is a journalist whose book, Thicker than Water, tells the story of her great-great-great uncle, Angus McMillan. Mythologized as a dashing explorer and pioneer who left his native Scotland for Australia during the time of the Highland Clearances, he in fact led a number of gruesome massacres of indigenous people. As she traces his footsteps across Australia, Cal asks how a man could commit such terrible acts and considers the concept of intergenerational guilt. Thicker Than Water - History, Secrets and Guilt is published by William Collins. Simon Watt is a biologist, stand-up, writer and broadcaster. His new comedy science podcast, Level Up Human, explores various ways to improve the human condition. Featuring guests from the worlds of comedy and science, the podcast asks whether we will soon be able to edit the human genome with so-called molecular scissors and examines the case for driverless transport and companion robots. Level Up Human launches at the Cheltenham Science Festival.

A mentor can help you make the most of career opportunities and aid your personal development. Today programme studio director Rachel Wheeley was able to see a clearer path to working in another area of radio with help from Caroline Raphael, then a commissioner at Radio 4. In this podcast they emphasise that it's the mentee who needs to put in the hard work. “It's not an easy option. You do have to work quite hard. It's not all tea and sympathy,” says Caroline. Mentoring is not a quick fix. It's a chance to stand back and reassess your career, in search of the best direction to take. Caroline, who runs independent radio production company Dora Productions and is editorial director of Penguin Random House Audio, describes it as “letting you see a bird's-eye view - how the organisation fits together… that's quite difficult to do unless you have some support”. Media and leadership trainer Natasha Maw, a partner at Quattrain and founding member of Sound Women, explains how to find a mentor to advise on everything from how to reach your goals to building confidence in your abilities. Rachel is also a producer at BBC Radio Comedy and is to launch the science comedy podcast Level Up Human very soon.