Do you really know?

November is synonymous with Black Friday, great deals but what cost? Over consumption is endangering our already fragile planet. Is it time to change our ways? This week Do You Really Know is highlighting concepts and initiatives about reducing our consumption. You might not be able to afford a Balenciaga coat, a Prada bag or a Chanel suit, but you could probably stretch to a branded baseball cap, pair of socks or some other small accessory. According to blogger Venkatesh Rao this is the definition of ‘premium mediocre’ a term he came up with to describe the illusion of luxury without the price tag. Is premium mediocre just for fashion? What is the problem with premium mediocre? Why do people purchase premium mediocre products? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the health impacts of taking public transport? Does true crime help us fall asleep? What is goblin mode? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 22/10/2022 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: 26/01/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some psychological and addiction experts say that making and sticking to resolutions can do wonders for your health. And just because it’s not the New Year right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t start a resolution right away. After all, there’s no time like the present, right? Let's face it though, sticking to a resolution can be tough, especially when it comes to giving up something you’re used to doing, eating or drinking on a regular basis. Like alcohol for example. If you’re looking to cut back on alcohol but can’t see yourself managing to go without, we’ve got an approach from Tiktok to tell you about today, which may just help you in your quest: it’s called the one-week method. How does it work? What are the benefits? Should I be looking to give up alcohol completely after a while? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are the health impacts of taking public transport? Does true crime help us fall asleep? What is goblin mode? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the Daily Mail, the “seven year itch” in relationships is now a thing of the past. The average relationship length is just two years and nine months, according to a UK survey from 2014.  Since the late 20th century, long-lasting relationships have tended to be the exception rather than the norm. It’s a trend that has fascinated researchers, with many carrying out studies in search of the secrets behind a lasting relationship. What can we learn from those studies then? What about physical signs of affection? What factors are giveaways that a relationship won’t last then? 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 Joseph Chance. Date of first release : 11 /02/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to UK government data, a total of 6.5 billion passenger journeys were completed using public transport vehicles like buses, trains and tram systems, in the year to March 2023.  Packed platforms, overcrowded carriages and uncertain schedules are just some of the issues public transport commuters have to deal with on a regular basis, not to mention the occasional strike. Being crammed into a tube, bus or train with other commuters can make you feel oppressed, fatigued or even suffocated. Some people experience dizziness and anxiety, and fainting isn’t uncommon. What about psychological impacts? Public transport always seems dirty too, doesn't it? How can I safeguard my health then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Does true crime help us fall asleep? What is goblin mode? Could you be micro-flirting without realising? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All week long we're looking at the 10 words that will be on everyone's lips in 2023. Every year, linguists at Oxford University choose a Word of the Year and in 2022, they allowed the public to vote on the winner for the first time. The 340,000 English speakers who voted were given three choices: metaverse, the #IStandWith hashtag and, drumroll please, the eventual runaway winner…Goblin Mode. The term secured an impressive 93% of votes. It might seem anecdotal and light-hearted, but you’re going to hear it a lot more often in 2023 as it’s definitely an expression that speaks to the times. Basically, it means shamelessly living as one wants, or ‘slobbing out’ if you like. What’s the official definition? Is it a brand new expression? So is going goblin mode a good thing then? 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 Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 08/01/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are plenty of ways to get the attention of someone you're crushing on. It might come very naturally to some, but for others, flirting can be an intimidating proposition. Have you ever wondered if someone is flirting with you, because of their somewhat ambiguous approach? Well, they may have been micro-flirting, a technique that dating experts say is used by shy men in particular. And there are actually some pretty recognisable under-the-radar strategies that qualify as micro-flirting, which is what we’re going to shed light on today. How exactly does one micro-flirt then? Why do shy people tend to veer towards a micro-flirting approach then? 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 Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last week or so has seen temperatures reach around 20° in the south of England, and you can expect to see similar temperatures for the next month or so as we head into summer. Whenever the weather warms up, there’s always a temptation to try to mask any odours or stains that are coming from our sweaty bodies, but it’s worth bearing in mind that sweating is actually a crucial bodily function. Did you know that sweat is a watery solution that contains mostly water, but also some minerals and proteins. Just what is the purpose of sweat then? Is there a link between sweating and hair removal? 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 Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us feel completely disoriented at times, and are afraid of getting lost, whether in the middle of the city, in the forest, when travelling or in the car. In an age where GPS reigns supreme, many of us have become overly reliant on technology. Yet, there’s a growing desire to hone our natural navigational skills and understand the brain’s role in guiding us. What we call our "sense of direction" is the result of a calculation by our brain, based on data such as leg movement or walking speed, and external information such as visual cues. The brain therefore processes a huge amount of information via two main areas: the hippocampus, which is involved in the memory process and navigation, and the prefrontal cortex, which manages decision-making and planning.  Why are some people better at finding their way around? And what about the age-old debate: Do women have a poorer sense of direction? What can we do to improve our spatial orientation? 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the course of our lifetime, we around 34,000 litres of urine, according to Business Insider. Urine evacuates the nitrogen-containing waste produced by the organs and expelled into the blood, like urea and uric acid for example. It's also made up of water and mineral salts. It tends to be a clear shade of yellow, ranging from pale to dark at different times of the day. Nevertheless, our pee can come in as many as ten different shades, which can on occasion lead to unpleasant surprises when going to the bathroom. Some are due to what we eat and drink, while others are caused by health conditions like urinary infections, diabetes or kidney stones. As we approach World Kidney Day, which falls on 9th March every year, let’s take a moment to go through all those various colours and what they may mean from a health perspective. To start out, why is it yellow most of the time? What are the oddest colours urine can take on? What if the colour doesn’t go back to normal? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! Date of first release : Mars 6th, 2023 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 Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Research by productivity software provider Asana showed that 70% of knowledge workers experienced burnout in 2021. Now we’ve talked about the symptoms of burnout before on Do you Really Know. It's typically characterised by physical and emotional exhaustion at work, and considered a psychiatric condition. But in recent years, the younger generation has been reshaping workplace norms. Many young workers see personal fulfilment as more important than pay when it comes to their jobs. And that’s led to phenomenons like the Great Resignation, which saw record numbers of people quit for that very reason. What's the difference between a brownout and a burnout then? Does finding meaning at work really matter? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Does the G spot really exist? Is it a good idea to fall asleep to music? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our bodies are covered in billions of bacteria, and while some are good for our skin barrier, others can be troublemakers, contributing to the development of skin diseases. In September 2023, American researchers from George Washington University published a study in Frontiers in Microbiology. It found that our skin hosts its own microbiota, much like our intestines. This microbiota is a mix of millions of viruses, bacteria, and tiny fungi. Interestingly, they noted that the composition of the skin microbiota changes based on whether the skin is dry, moist, or oily. Over four years of studying the skin of 129 Americans, they pinpointed two areas with a high concentration of harmful bacteria. Are we talking about the belly button and armpits? What kind of skin issues can these bacteria cause? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is black associated with grief? Should you sleep with socks on? How can I get the most out of daytime napping? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 11/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Of all the involuntary spasms the human body has, hiccuping is one of the most peculiar. Sure, it’s funny at first, and in particular if it’s happening to someone else rather than you. But it quickly gets annoying if it doesn’t go away! There are two things to note when you have the hiccups. First, your respiratory muscles, and the diaphragm in particular, contract suddenly and push out air from within our lungs. Secondly, the epiglottis has a role to play. It can be found in the throat, and contracts, stopping air from entering. That’s what causes the vocal cords to vibrate, creating the distinctive hiccuping sound. What’s the best way to avoid getting hiccups? How long can a bout of hiccuping last? What about all the home remedies you hear about for hiccuping? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Does the G spot really exist? Is it a good idea to fall asleep to music? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 11/10/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the most recent figures from the Association of British Travel Agents, the number of people going on holidays alone has soared over the last decade. In 2011, the proportion was just 6%, but in 2023 it had risen to 16%. The organisation’s media release said it showed people have a “strong appetite to go it alone”. And you could say the solo travel trend is part of the wider "self-love" movement, a personal development method named after the best-selling book of the same name written by American clinical social worker Megan Logan.  Where does the trend come from? Are people really getting fed up with dating apps? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Does the G spot really exist? Is it a good idea to fall asleep to music? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the extended holiday feasts, it's common to let loose a little, perhaps mixing different kinds of alcohol. You might start out with a glass of champagne, then movie to wine or beer, and end the meal with a digestif. That’s despite the widespread belief that combining alcohol types can worsen the unpleasant aftermath of a hangover and all the symptoms that brings, like nausea, headaches, dehydration, vomiting, palpitations, and dizziness. First of all, it’s important to note that ethanol, the molecule found in all alcoholic drinks, gets partly expelled through urine, sweat, and breath. The liver also filters a portion, converting ethanol into acetaldehyde, the culprit behind hangover symptoms. Unfortunately, the liver can only handle a limited amount. So is it really more about how much alcohol you consume, then? What are these other substances? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is black associated with grief? Should you sleep with socks on? How can I get the most out of daytime napping? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 22/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah, the G-spot... An often cited but frequently elusive erogenous zone which has a reputation of being able to unlock intense female orgasms if you know how to stimulate it the right way.  The G-spot was first discovered by German gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg - hence the G part of the name - back in 1950. But the term was only coined in his honour in the 1980s, by a group of researchers who were writing about female ejaculation and popularised Grafenberg’s findings in a book. Gräfenberg attributed three main functions to this hotspot: generating pleasurable sensations, causing swelling, and sometimes leading to female ejaculation. Where is the G-spot said to be located? Is this area really a magic button for intense orgasms? What’s the best way to stimulate the G-spot? 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? What is King Charles’ role in the Church of England? Where does our phobia of clowns come from? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us have a ritual of falling asleep to our favorite tunes or a comforting podcast. It’s no surprise we find solace in this routine; after all, music is known to dial down blood pressure and heart rate, ease anxiety, and reduce cortisol levels. The benefits don’t stop there – music can also boost oxytocin production and sweep away those pesky negative thoughts, setting the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. For those battling chronic pain, melodies can be a balm, offering a more tranquil slumber thanks to music’s proven pain-dulling powers. In fact, the innovative Music Care app, developed by Dr. Stéphane Guétin, even lets healthcare providers prescribe tunes as a form of pain management. What’s the best soundtrack for slumber? Does a musical bedtime routine make a difference? Are there any potential pitfalls to this melodic method? And what about falling asleep with the TV on? 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? What is King Charles’ role in the Church of England? Where does our phobia of clowns come from? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics. For boys, the top name was Noah, which replaced Oliver from the previous year. For girls, the top name was Olivia, which remained the same for the sixth year in a row. Other popular names for boys included Henry, Arlo, Sebastian and Luca, while for girls, Freya, Florence, Willow and Alys were among the favourites. There are many factors that can influence parents' choices, such as family traditions, personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and even celebrities. For example, some parents may name their children after famous actors, singers, sports stars, or characters from books, movies, or TV shows. What about uncommon names? Why do some parents opt for these unconventional names? What are the predictions for popular names in 2024? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is black associated with grief? Should you sleep with socks on? How can I get the most out of daytime napping? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 29/12/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As of March 2024, the UK inflation rate stood at 3.2%, well below the record levels that had been seen a year prior. But still the cost of living crisis is biting and grocery shopping is one of the areas in which prices rose the most across 2022 and 2023. Thinking of ways to save on groceries has become really important and we’ve got a special tip for all of you listening today. The 6-1 method comes from renowned American chef Will Coleman. Let’s listen to him talking about it in a Tiktok post in January 2024, which has been liked over 150,000 times at the time of recording. What does the 6-1 method entail then? Does the 6-1 method actually work though?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 Joseph Chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices