6 Minute English

Intermediate level

Does your age affect your political views?

Episode 190822 / 22 Aug 2019

Introduction

Does our age affect the way we vote? And do our political views change as we get older? It's what Sam and Neil are discussing in 6 Minute English - as well as teaching some related vocabulary.

This week's question

What was the first UK general election in which 18-year-olds could vote?

A: 1929
B: 1950, or
C: 1970

Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

Vocabulary

plausible
believable, possible

resistant to
against

idealistic
having a clear and simple moral view of how things should be

platform
the policies of a political party or politician

the status quo
the situation as it is now 

pragmatism
the idea of being realistic and practical about what can be achieved.

Transcript 

Note: This is not a word for word transcript   

Neil
Hello. This is 6 Minute English, I'm Neil.

Sam
And I'm Sam.

Neil
Sam, do you remember the first time you voted?

Sam
No I don’t, but I remember being very keen to do it. It would have been the first election after my 18th birthday.

Neil
So, over the many, many, many years since then …

Sam
… eh, not so much with the ‘manys’ if you don’t mind Neil!

Neil
In the very, very few years since then …

Sam
That’s more like it!

Neil
In the years since then, have your political views changed very much?

Sam
I think my political views are a lot better informed now. I think the decisions I make are based on a better understanding of the political situation – but I still generally agree with the same things I did when I was younger, I think.

Neil
There is a belief that as we get older we become more right-wing in our political views and opinions. Is this true and if so, why? We’ll be finding out a little bit more about this, but first a question. What was the first UK general election in which 18-year-olds could vote?
A: 1929
B: 1950, or
C: 1970
So, what do you reckon then Sam?

Sam
Well, they were all before my time. I’m going to say 1950 – that sounds about right – it was the decade in which teenagers were invented, after all!

Neil
OK. Well, I will reveal the answer later in the programme. James Tilley is a professor of politics at the University of Oxford. He appeared recently on BBC Radio 4’s programme Analysis and was asked why, if it is true, do we become more right-wing as we get older. What does he think?

Professor James Tilley 
The question that age affects our political views is a tricky one. I think probably the most plausible explanation is that people just generally become a bit more resistant to change as they get older and I think also that they also tend to perhaps, become less idealistic.

Neil
So, what reasons does he give?

Sam
Well, he talks about what he thinks are the most plausible explanations. Plausible is an adjective which means something is believable; it’s reasonable and it makes sense.

Neil
And what are the plausible explanations?

Sam
Well, he says that generally, as we get older, we like to have more stability in our lives, we don’t like change, in fact we are resistant to change. That means we are against change. When we are younger we might like the idea of revolution, we might be very idealistic. This means, for example, we might think that we can and should change the world to make things better. This would cause big changes in the world which when we are older and more settled in our lives, do not seem like such a good idea.

Neil
Let’s listen again.

Professor James Tilley 
The question that age affects our political views is a tricky one. I think probably the most plausible explanation is that people just generally become a bit more resistant to change as they get older and I think also that they also tend to become less idealistic.

Neil
Professor Tilley goes on to explain more about why being resistant to change might lead people to support more right-wing policies.

Professor James Tilley
So, if parties on the right represent a platform which is perhaps more favourable to the status quo, it’s perhaps more about pragmatism than it is about idealism, then that might be more attractive to older people than younger people.

Neil
So, what is seen as the appeal of moving to the right?

Sam
Political parties have a particular set of policies. This is sometimes known as their platform. Professor Tilley says that if their platforms support the status quo, they might be more attractive to older people. The status quo is a Latin phrase we use in English to refer to the situation as it is now – that is, one that is not going to change. Traditionally it’s parties of the centre right that seem to be more supportive of the status quo.

Neil
So, as we get older he says our political views are less about idealism and more about pragmatism. Pragmatism is being practical and realistic about what can be achieved and how it can be achieved.

Sam
But of course this doesn’t apply to everyone and just because people seem to move more to the right as they get older doesn’t mean that they completely change their politics.

Neil
Let’s hear Professor Tilley again.

Professor James Tilley
So, if parties on the right represent a platform which is perhaps more favourable to the status quo, it’s perhaps more about pragmatism than it is about idealism, then that might be more attractive to older people than younger people.

Neil
Right, let’s get the answer to our question. What was the first UK general election in which 18-year-olds could vote?
A: 1929
B: 1950, or
C: 1970
Sam, what did you say?

Sam
I thought it was 1950.

Neil
Well, you’re wrong I’m afraid. The correct answer is1970. 18-year-olds have been allowed to vote in the UK since 1969 and the first general election after then was in 1970. So, a bit later than you thought, Sam, but congratulations to anyone who did get that right. OK, let’s remind ourselves of our vocabulary.

Sam
Yes, first we had plausible. An adjective that means ‘believable and possible’.

Neil
Being resistant to something means you are against it and don’t want it to happen.

Sam
If you are idealistic you have a clear and simple moral view of how things should be.

Neil
This contrasts with one of our other words, pragmatism, this noun is the idea of being realistic and practical about what can be achieved.

Sam
A platform can describe the policies and ideas of a political party or politician. And the status quo is the unchanging situation as it is now.

Neil
OK, thank you Sam. That’s all from us in this programme. Do join us again and if you can’t wait you can find lots more from BBC Learning English online, on social media and on our app. Goodbye!

Sam
Bye!

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

  • A future without doctors?

    A future without doctors?

    Episode 210819 / 19 Aug 2021

    We discuss if AI could replace human doctors and nurses

  • Lights! Camera! Kiss! - Intimacy on screen

    Lights! Camera! Kiss! - Intimacy on screen

    Episode 210816 / 16 Aug 2021

    How actors are made to feel more comfortable in intimate scenes

  • Concussion in sport

    Concussion in sport

    Episode 210812 / 12 Aug 2021

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

  • Inside the head of Jeff Bezos

    Inside the head of Jeff Bezos

    Episode 210809 / 09 Aug 2021

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

  • The history of swimming

    The history of swimming

    Episode 210805 / 05 Aug 2021

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

  • Do consumers care about carbon footprint?

    Do consumers care about carbon footprint?

    Episode 210802 / 02 Aug 2021

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

  • Are humans a messy species?

    Are humans a messy species?

    Episode 210729 / 29 Jul 2021

    Learn the language of going to the toilet

  • The loneliest man in history

    The loneliest man in history

    Episode 210726 / 26 Jul 2021

    How the Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins felt in 1969 about not walking on the Moon.

  • The language of wine

    The language of wine

    Episode 210722 / 22 Jul 2021

    A toast to the vocabulary you'll learn here!

  • How colour affects us

    How colour affects us

    Episode 210719 / 19 Jul 2021

    Which colour makes you happy?

  • Flexible working

    Flexible working

    Episode 210715 / 15 Jul 2021

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

  • Hypnotism

    Hypnotism

    Episode 210708 / 08 Jul 2021

    Can anyone be hypnotised?

  • Saving the white rhinos

    Saving the white rhinos

    Episode 210701 / 01 Jul 2021

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

  • Making old things last longer

    Making old things last longer

    Episode 210624 / 24 Jun 2021

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

  • Building rapport with others

    Building rapport with others

    Episode 210617 / 17 Jun 2021

    Do you 'read' people easily?

  • Food superstitions

    Food superstitions

    Episode 210610 / 10 Jun 2021

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

  • The Rosetta Stone

    The Rosetta Stone

    Episode 210603 / 03 Jun 2021

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

  • Compassion fatigue

    Compassion fatigue

    Episode 210527 / 27 May 2021

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

  • Hermits

    Hermits

    Episode 210520 / 20 May 2021

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

  • When males are not needed

    When males are not needed

    Episode 210513 / 17 Mar 2021

    Learn about self-cloning animals

  • Mermaids

    Mermaids

    Episode 210506 / 06 May 2021

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

  • A quieter world

    A quieter world

    Episode 210429 / 29 Apr 2021

    Hear about whether noise is bad for our health

  • US and China vs climate change

    US and China vs climate change

    Episode 210422 / 11 Mar 2021

    Can the two biggest polluters work together?

  • Naked in nature

    Naked in nature

    Episode 210415 / 15 Apr 2021

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

  • The language of biscuits

    The language of biscuits

    Episode 210408 / 08 Apr 2021

    Learn why this tasty snack became popular with the Industrial Revolution

  • Is English really English?

    Is English really English?

    Episode 210401 / 01 Apr 2021

    Where did today's English language really come from?

  • Astronauts on strike?

    Astronauts on strike?

    Episode 210325 / 25 Mar 2021

    Hear all about the Skylab astronauts’ disagreement with mission control

  • Digital help for blind people

    Digital help for blind people

    Episode 210318 / 18 Mar 2021

    Hear about digital technology which helps blind people improve their lives

  • What’s the key to happiness?

    What’s the key to happiness?

    Episode 210311 / 11 Mar 2021

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

  • Looking for utopia

    Looking for utopia

    Episode 210304 / 04 Mar 2021

    Hear about how to create a happy place

  • Covid: One year on

    Covid: One year on

    Episode 210225 / 25 Feb 2021

    Hear about Covid-19 and how our knowledge has changed

  • Singing in tune

    Singing in tune

    Episode 210218 / 18 Feb 2021

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

  • Working for yourself

    Working for yourself

    Episode 210211 / 11 Feb 2021

    Hear about why some people are choosing to freelance

  • The woman whose cells never die

    The woman whose cells never die

    Episode 210128 / 28 Jan 2021

    Hear about a woman whose cells never die

  • What makes a good story?

    What makes a good story?

    Episode 210121 / 21 Jan 2021

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

  • For the love of foreign languages

    For the love of foreign languages

    Episode 210114 / 14 Jan 2021

    Is learning languages good for head, heart and soul?

  • Comfort Food

    Comfort Food

    Episode 210107 / 07 Jan 2021

    Hear about comfort food and why we eat it

  • What is fat-shaming?

    What is fat-shaming?

    Episode 201231 / 31 Dec 2020

    Hear about why fat-shaming is on the rise

  • Coronavirus vs other pandemics

    Coronavirus vs other pandemics

    Episode 201224 / 24 Dec 2020

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

  • Are trees intelligent?

    Are trees intelligent?

    Episode 201217 / 17 Dec 2020

    Hear about how trees can communicate with each other

  •  Can jellyfish help us solve our problems?

    Can jellyfish help us solve our problems?

    Episode 201210 / 10 Dec 2020

    Could jellyfish could reduce plastic pollution?

  • Why do we choose to text instead of talk?

    Why do we choose to text instead of talk?

    Episode 201203 / 03 Dec 2020

    Hear how texting has become more popular than talking

  • Loneliness

    Loneliness

    Episode 201126 / 26 Nov 2020

    Hear about how loneliness can affect everyone

  • Is punctuality important?

    Is punctuality important?

    Episode 201119 / 19 Nov 2020

    Hear about different people's attitude to being on time

  • Could you be a victim of online fraud?

    Could you be a victim of online fraud?

    Episode 201112 / 12 Nov 2020

    Hear about online fraud and how it is becoming more common

  • Melting ice sheet: Is it too late?

    Melting ice sheet: Is it too late?

    Episode 201105 / 05 Nov 2020

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

  • Walkman: the music player revolution

    Walkman: the music player revolution

    Episode 201029 / 29 Oct 2020

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

  • Could humans live in underwater cities?

    Could humans live in underwater cities?

    Episode 201022 / 22 Oct 2020

    Hear about projects to create liveable underwater habitats

  • Hacking help for US elections

    Hacking help for US elections

    Episode 201015 / 15 Oct 2020

    Volunteer hackers are invited to prevent election cyber-attacks

  • Do chimps have the same emotions as us?

    Do chimps have the same emotions as us?

    Episode 201008 / 08 Oct 2020

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

  • How can we make the web a better place?

    How can we make the web a better place?

    Episode 201001 / 01 Oct 2020

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

  • Coronavirus: Dealing with mass unemployment

    Coronavirus: Dealing with mass unemployment

    Episode 200924 / 24 Sep 2020

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

  • Grandma therapy in Zimbabwe

    Grandma therapy in Zimbabwe

    Episode 200917 / 17 Sep 2020

    Local project trains grandmothers to help Zimbabweans mental health

  • Is there a future without bees?

    Is there a future without bees?

    Episode 200910 / 10 Sep 2020

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

  • How to talk about conspiracy theories

    How to talk about conspiracy theories

    Episode 200903 / 03 Sep 2020

    Conspiracy theories: Don't be fooled!

  • What’s the point of blood types?

    What’s the point of blood types?

    Episode 200827 / 27 Aug 2020

    What does your blood type say about you?

  • Will Covid-19 change cities?

    Will Covid-19 change cities?

    Episode 200820 / 20 Aug 2020

    The future of cities after the Covid-19 crisis

  • Is this the era of distrust?

    Is this the era of distrust?

    Episode 200813 / 13 Aug 2020

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

  • No more bosses

    No more bosses

    Episode 200806 / 06 Aug 2020

    Can companies operate better without managers?

  • The medicine of coronavirus

    The medicine of coronavirus

    Episode 200730 / 17 Jul 2020

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

  • Food made in space

    Food made in space

    Episode 200723 / 23 Jul 2020

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

  • Sport against poverty

    Sport against poverty

    Episode 200716 / 16 Jul 2020

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

  • Covid-19: The office after lockdown

    Covid-19: The office after lockdown

    Episode 200709 / 09 Jul 2020

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

  • Should we wear a face mask?

    Should we wear a face mask?

    Episode 200702 / 02 Jul 2020

    Is wearing a face mask necessary?

  • Millennials and business

    Millennials and business

    Episode 200625 / 25 Jun 2020

    Why are millennials so attracted to starting their own businesses?

  • Is being thrifty a virtue?

    Is being thrifty a virtue?

    Episode 200618 / 18 Jun 2020

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

  • The food delivery revolution

    The food delivery revolution

    Episode 200611 / 11 Jun 2020

    New apps are transforming the way people order food from home

  • What difference has #MeToo made?

    What difference has #MeToo made?

    Episode 200604 / 04 Jun 2020

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

  • Is the recycling system broken?

    Is the recycling system broken?

    Episode 200528 / 28 May 2020

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

  • The soothing power of books

    The soothing power of books

    Episode 200521 / 21 May 2020

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

  • Shocking facts about electricity

    Shocking facts about electricity

    Episode 200514 / 14 May 2020

    How do electric systems differ across the world?

  • The importance of handwashing

    The importance of handwashing

    Episode 200507 / 07 May 2020

  • Tips for parents coping with kids at home

    Tips for parents coping with kids at home

    Episode 200430 / 30 Apr 2020

  • The power of crying

    The power of crying

    Episode 200423 / 23 Apr 2020

    Does crying make you feel better?

  • Are bucket lists always a good thing?

    Are bucket lists always a good thing?

    Episode 200416 / 16 Apr 2020

    Bucket list dilemma

  • Is the pasty really Cornish?

    Is the pasty really Cornish?

    Episode 200409 / 09 Apr 2020

    Where does a pasty come from?

  • Touring bands and climate change

    Touring bands and climate change

    Episode 200402 / 02 Apr 2020

    Music with a smaller carbon footprint

  • Training artificial intelligence

    Training artificial intelligence

    Episode 200326 / 26 Mar 2020

    How smart is artificial intelligence?

  • Meditation and the brain

    Meditation and the brain

    Episode 200319 / 19 Mar 2020

    Free your mind

  • Will humans become extinct?

    Will humans become extinct?

    Episode 200312 / 12 Mar 2020

    How long will we survive for?

  • The circular economy

    The circular economy

    Episode 200305 / 05 Mar 2020

    Who's responsible for recycling?

  • Eating pond scum

    Eating pond scum

    Episode 200227 / 27 Feb 2020

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

  • Could you give up fast fashion?

    Could you give up fast fashion?

    Episode 200220 / 20 Feb 2020

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

  • How resilient are you?

    How resilient are you?

    Episode 200213 / 13 Feb 2020

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

  • Is it good to disagree?

    Is it good to disagree?

    Episode 200206 / 06 Feb 2020

    Can a battle of ideas be a constructive exercise?

  • The benefits of low emission zones

    The benefits of low emission zones

    Episode 200130 / 30 Jan 2020

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

  • Women in politics

    Women in politics

    Episode 200123 / 23 Jan 2020

    What's inspiring women to get involved in politics?

  •  Could you give up booze for a month?

    Could you give up booze for a month?

    Episode 200116 / 10 Jan 2020

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

  • The decline of the apostrophe

    The decline of the apostrophe

    Episode 200109 / 09 Jan 2020

    Apostrophe misuse

  • Why does seeing someone yawn make you yawn?

    Why does seeing someone yawn make you yawn?

    Episode 200102 / 02 Jan 2020

    Why is yawning contagious?

  • Fake or real: What’s the best tree  to have at Christmas?

    Fake or real: What’s the best tree to have at Christmas?

    Episode 191226 / 26 Dec 2019

    What's the carbon footprint of your Christmas tree?

  • The calming power of nature

    The calming power of nature

    Episode 191219 / 19 Dec 2019

    Can ecotherapy heal our urban woes?

  • Chatting to new people

    Chatting to new people

    Episode 191212 / 12 Dec 2019

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

  • Why take a gap year?

    Why take a gap year?

    Episode 191205 / 05 Dec 2019

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

  • The joy of free diving

    The joy of free diving

    Episode 191128 / 28 Nov 2019

    Diving without air

  • Can robots care for us?

    Can robots care for us?

    Episode 191121 / 21 Nov 2019

    Robots with a heart?

  • Mental health in the workplace

    Mental health in the workplace

    Episode 191114 / 14 Nov 2019

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

  • Why do people like sad music?

    Why do people like sad music?

    Episode 191107 / 01 Nov 2019

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

  • Why's it called 'mother tongue'?

    Why's it called 'mother tongue'?

    Episode 191031 / 31 Oct 2019

    Do we only learn language from our mother?

  • Is it a good idea to have a tattoo?

    Is it a good idea to have a tattoo?

    Episode 191024 / 24 Oct 2019

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

  • Working for free

    Working for free

    Episode 191017 / 17 Oct 2019

    Internships: exploitation or valuable work experience?

  • Can you tell when someone is lying?

    Can you tell when someone is lying?

    Episode 191010 / 10 Oct 2019

    How lying helps society

  • Are you good at complaining?

    Are you good at complaining?

    Episode 191003 / 30 Sep 2019

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

  • Does your name start with the wrong letter?

    Does your name start with the wrong letter?

    Episode 190926 / 26 Sep 2019

    Learn about alphabet disadvantage!

  • Faking it: Computers that spot a real smile

    Faking it: Computers that spot a real smile

    Episode 190919 / 19 Sep 2019

    Something to smile about

  • Is tourism harmful?

    Is tourism harmful?

    Episode 190912 / 12 Sep 2019

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

  • The future of food

    The future of food

    Episode 190905 / 05 Sep 2019

    How are we going to feed ourselves?

  • How can I help the environment?

    How can I help the environment?

    Episode 190829 / 29 Aug 2019

    Being more environmentally friendly

  • Does your age affect your political views?

    Does your age affect your political views?

    Episode 190822 / 22 Aug 2019

    Age and political views

  • Cryptocurrencies

    Cryptocurrencies

    Episode 190815 / 15 Aug 2019

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

  • The art of tipping

    The art of tipping

    Episode 190808 / 08 Aug 2019

    How much should you tip?

  • Coffee cups: Do you use your own?

    Coffee cups: Do you use your own?

    Episode 190801 / 01 Aug 2019

    Does recycling coffee cups make a difference?

  • Are you at risk from online fraud?

    Are you at risk from online fraud?

    Episode 190725 / 25 Jul 2019

    Falling for fraud

  • Is shame always bad?

    Is shame always bad?

    Episode 190718 / 18 Jul 2019

    Why is 'shame' the emotion of now?

  • Do you care if you're poor when you're old?

    Do you care if you're poor when you're old?

    Episode 190711 / 11 Jul 2019

    Are you planning for a comfortable retirement?

  • Women’s football

    Women’s football

    Episode 190704 / 04 Jul 2019

    FIFA Women's World Cup 2019

  • The business of eSports

    The business of eSports

    Episode 190627 / 27 Jun 2019

    Game on for eSports!

  • Can death metal bring you joy?

    Can death metal bring you joy?

    Episode 190620 / 20 Jun 2019

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

  • Is talking on the phone embarrassing?

    Is talking on the phone embarrassing?

    Episode 190613 / 13 Jun 2019

    Is talking on the telephone embarrassing?

  • Women and motorbikes

    Women and motorbikes

    Episode 190606 / 06 Jun 2019

    Why do we associate motorcycles with men?

  • Vampire shoppers

    Vampire shoppers

    Episode 190530 / 30 May 2019

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

  • What to do when you can't sleep

    What to do when you can't sleep

    Episode 190523 / 23 May 2019

    Is there anything more frustrating?

  • Being slim: Is it in our genes?

    Being slim: Is it in our genes?

    Episode 190516 / 16 May 2019

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

  • Can we trust a smart speaker?

    Can we trust a smart speaker?

    Episode 190509 / 09 May 2019

    Do smart speakers make life easier or spy on you?

  • Evolution and anxiety

    Evolution and anxiety

    Episode 190502 / 02 May 2019

    Has anxiety been good for humans?

  • The rise in popularity of the comfy shoe

    The rise in popularity of the comfy shoe

    Episode 190425 / 25 Apr 2019

    Everyone's wearing them!

  • Rabbits: cuddly friends or cunning tricksters?

    Rabbits: cuddly friends or cunning tricksters?

    Episode 190418 / 18 Apr 2019

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

  • The decluttering trend

    The decluttering trend

    Episode 190411 / 11 Apr 2019

    Is it time you decluttered?

  • Why do we feel awkward?

    Why do we feel awkward?

    Episode 190404 / 04 Apr 2019

    Do you know that cringey feeling?

  • Side hustles

    Side hustles

    Episode 190328 / 28 Mar 2019

    Do you have a second job?

  • How your eyes predict your personality

    How your eyes predict your personality

    Episode 190321 / 21 Mar 2019

    Be careful where you look!

  • Debating veganism: How to change someone's opinion

    Debating veganism: How to change someone's opinion

    Episode 190314 / 14 Mar 2019

    Debating veganism

  • What's on your to-do list?

    What's on your to-do list?

    Episode 190307 / 07 Mar 2019

    How much do you enjoy doing housework and paying bills?

  • Unicorns

    Unicorns

    Episode 190228 / 28 Feb 2019

    Why are these magical creatures back in fashion?

  • Are food allergies more common now?

    Are food allergies more common now?

    Episode 190221 / 21 Feb 2019

    Are you allergic to anything?

  • Dating apps

    Dating apps

    Episode 190214 / 14 Feb 2019

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

  • High heels

    High heels

    Episode 190207 / 07 Feb 2019

    What's so special about these uncomfortable shoes?

  • Improving your memory

    Improving your memory

    Episode 190131 / 31 Jan 2019

    How good is your memory?

  • Concepts of happiness

    Concepts of happiness

    Episode 190124 / 24 Jan 2019

    What makes you happy?

  • Is music getting faster?

    Is music getting faster?

    Episode 190117 / 17 Jan 2019

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

  • The benefits of schadenfreude

    The benefits of schadenfreude

    Episode 190110 / 10 Jan 2019

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

  • Could you be flexitarian?

    Could you be flexitarian?

    Episode 190103 / 03 Jan 2019

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

  • Michelle Obama on empowerment

    Michelle Obama on empowerment

    Episode 181227 / 27 Dec 2018

    The former US First Lady and her mission to inspire women

  • Why we push buttons

    Why we push buttons

    Episode 181220 / 20 Dec 2018

    Are you a button presser?

  • The teenage brain

    The teenage brain

    Episode 181213 / 13 Dec 2018

    Inside a teenager's head

  • Why does 'x' mean 'kiss'?

    Why does 'x' mean 'kiss'?

    Episode 181206 / 06 Dec 2018

    What does 'x' really mean?

  • Photo-friendly food

    Photo-friendly food

    Episode 181129 / 29 Nov 2018

    Making good-looking food

  • The smell of coffee

    The smell of coffee

    Episode 181122 / 22 Nov 2018

    How important is the smell of coffee?

  • What chickens can teach us about hierarchies

    What chickens can teach us about hierarchies

    Episode 181115 / 09 Nov 2018

    What can chickens teach us about organisation?

  • Loneliness

    Loneliness

    Episode 181108 / 08 Nov 2018

    Can people feel lonely in a crowded place?

  • Objectification

    Objectification

    Episode 181101 / 01 Nov 2018

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

  • How creative should we be?

    How creative should we be?

    Episode 181025 / 25 Oct 2018

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

  • What is scumbro?

    What is scumbro?

    Episode 181018 / 18 Oct 2018

    Paying a lot to look a mess!

  • Curbing our plastic addiction

    Curbing our plastic addiction

    Episode 181011 / 11 Oct 2018

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

  • Describing Generation Z

    Describing Generation Z

    Episode 181004 / 04 Oct 2018

    Have you grown up with social media?

  • High-vis fashion

    High-vis fashion

    Episode 180927 / 27 Sep 2018

    A bright new fashion trend

  • Snowflakes and taking offence

    Snowflakes and taking offence

    Episode 180920 / 20 Sep 2018

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

  • Dating apps: How our brains react

    Dating apps: How our brains react

    Episode 180913 / 13 Sep 2018

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

  • Beating a sedentary lifestyle

    Beating a sedentary lifestyle

    Episode 180906 / 06 Sep 2018

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

  • Street food: Why is it becoming so popular?

    Street food: Why is it becoming so popular?

    Episode 180830 / 30 Aug 2018

    Why is street food becoming more popular in the UK?

  • Are smartphones killing cameras?

    Are smartphones killing cameras?

    Episode 180823 / 10 Aug 2018

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

  • Fathers

    Fathers

    Episode 180816 / 16 Aug 2018

    Why do men want to be fathers?

  • A tall story

    A tall story

    Episode 180809 / 09 Aug 2018

    Does being taller mean you earn more at work?

  • How intelligent is the octopus?

    How intelligent is the octopus?

    Episode 180802 / 02 Aug 2018

    Learn more about this fascinating animal

  • Not going out

    Not going out

    Episode 180726 / 26 Jul 2018

    Why are countryside walks no longer so popular?

  • Is technology always the solution?

    Is technology always the solution?

    Episode 180719 / 19 Jul 2018

    Why technology doesn't always know best

  • Smartphone addiction

    Smartphone addiction

    Episode 180712 / 12 Jul 2018

    Smartphone addiction

  • Surf and turf

    Surf and turf

    Episode 180705 / 05 Jul 2018

    Surf and turf shopping

  • Broken hearts

    Broken hearts

    Episode 180628 / 28 Jun 2018

    A healthy heart

  • Is gaming a sport?

    Is gaming a sport?

    Episode 180621 / 21 Jun 2018

    The Fortnite phenomenon

  • Are you excited about the World Cup?

    Are you excited about the World Cup?

    Episode 180614 / 14 Jun 2018

    Are you a football fan?

  • Talking to machines

    Talking to machines

    Episode 180607 / 07 Jun 2018

    Our new virtual assistants

  • Taking risks

    Taking risks

    Episode 180531 / 31 May 2018

    Risky language

  • Women in space

    Women in space

    Episode 180524 / 24 May 2018

    Gender equality

  • Football songs: Why are crowds so quiet these days?

    Football songs: Why are crowds so quiet these days?

    Episode 180517 / 17 May 2018

    Why are football fans so quiet nowdays?

  • Hangry: are you angry when you're hungry?

    Hangry: are you angry when you're hungry?

    Episode 180510 / 10 May 2018

    hungry + angry = hangry

  • Perfume: what your smell says about you

    Perfume: what your smell says about you

    Episode 180503 / 03 May 2018

    What does your smell say about you?

  • Is the internet good or bad?

    Is the internet good or bad?

    Episode 180426 / 26 Apr 2018

    Is the internet a positive thing?

  • Lying to children

    Lying to children

    Episode 180419 / 19 Apr 2018

    Is it good to lie?

  • Are you a foodie?

    Are you a foodie?

    Episode 180412 / 12 Apr 2018

    How much do you know about the food you eat?

  • The future of marriage

    The future of marriage

    Episode 180405 / 05 Apr 2018

    Marriage decline

  • Who needs a manbag?

    Who needs a manbag?

    Episode 180329 / 29 Mar 2018

    A bag for a man

  • Microadventures!

    Microadventures!

    Episode 180322 / 22 Mar 2018

    A mini-adventure

  • How do you learn to speak  a language?

    How do you learn to speak a language?

    Episode 180315 / 15 Mar 2018

    Words to learn

  • Robot therapist

    Robot therapist

    Episode 180308 / 08 Mar 2018

    Would you tell a robot your deepest secrets?

  • Hello, hello

    Hello, hello

    Episode 180301 / 01 Mar 2018

    The history of the humble ‘hello’

  • Swimming like a mermaid

    Swimming like a mermaid

    Episode 180222 / 22 Feb 2018

    A new approach to swimming

  • The rise of drones

    The rise of drones

    Episode 180215 / 15 Feb 2018

    Are drones taking off?

  • Transport of the future

    Transport of the future

    Episode 180208 / 08 Feb 2018

    Future travel

  • What’s in a name?

    What’s in a name?

    Episode 180201 / 01 Feb 2018

    A new wedding trend?

  • Rise of the machines

    Rise of the machines

    Episode 180125 / 25 Jan 2018

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

  • A dry January?

    A dry January?

    Episode 180118 / 18 Jan 2018

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

  • Ethical coffee

    Ethical coffee

    Episode 180111 / 11 Jan 2018

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

  • Bitcoin: digital crypto-currency

    Bitcoin: digital crypto-currency

    Episode 180104 / 04 Jan 2018

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

  • Is 'man flu' real?

    Is 'man flu' real?

    Episode 171228 / 28 Dec 2017

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

  • The perfect Santa

    The perfect Santa

    Episode 171221 / 21 Dec 2017

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

  • Should schoolchildren have jobs?

    Should schoolchildren have jobs?

    Episode 171214 / 14 Dec 2017

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

  • What do you buy when you're sad?

    What do you buy when you're sad?

    Episode 171207 / 07 Dec 2017

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

  • Do you need to upgrade your phone?

    Do you need to upgrade your phone?

    Episode 171130 / 30 Nov 2017

    How old is your smartphone?

  • Why more of us are getting fitter together

    Why more of us are getting fitter together

    Episode 171123 / 23 Nov 2017

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

  • How do you like your coffee?

    How do you like your coffee?

    Episode 171116 / 16 Nov 2017

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

  • Pedestrianisation - is it good for cities and towns?

    Pedestrianisation - is it good for cities and towns?

    Episode 171102 / 02 Nov 2017

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

  • Too much sugar

    Too much sugar

    Episode 171026 / 26 Oct 2017

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

  • What’s wetiquette?

    What’s wetiquette?

    Episode 171019 / 19 Oct 2017

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

  • Why pay for bottled water?

    Why pay for bottled water?

    Episode 171012 / 12 Oct 2017

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

  • Do adults exercise enough?

    Do adults exercise enough?

    Episode 171005 / 05 Oct 2017

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

  • What can't computers do?

    What can't computers do?

    Episode 170928 / 28 Sep 2017

    Are you afraid of machines that copy human intelligent behaviour?

  • The wonders of hair

    The wonders of hair

    Episode 170921 / 21 Sep 2017

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

  • Having a row or asking for directions?

    Having a row or asking for directions?

    Episode 170914 / 14 Sep 2017

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

  • Uniforms

    Uniforms

    Episode 170907 / 07 Sep 2017

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

  • Laughing could kill you

    Laughing could kill you

    Episode 170831 / 31 Aug 2017

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

  • Would the world stop without clocks?

    Would the world stop without clocks?

    Episode 170824 / 24 Aug 2017

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

  • What makes a video go viral?

    What makes a video go viral?

    Episode 170817 / 17 Aug 2017

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

  • Fancy dress funerals

    Fancy dress funerals

    Episode 170810 / 10 Aug 2017

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

  • It's good to talk

    It's good to talk

    Episode 170803 / 03 Aug 2017

    The treatments that help people stay mentally healthy

  • How honest are we?

    How honest are we?

    Episode 170727 / 27 Jul 2017

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

  • You think you're invisible?

    You think you're invisible?

    Episode 170720 / 20 Jul 2017

    Do you not want to be seen?

  • How do pets navigate?

    How do pets navigate?

    Episode 170713 / 13 Jul 2017

    How do lost cats and dogs find their way home?

  • Self-help

    Self-help

    Episode 170706 / 06 Jul 2017

    Want to improve your life?

  • Faces and first impressions

    Faces and first impressions

    Episode 170629 / 29 Jun 2017

    Can we trust our first impressions?

  • Built to fail?

    Built to fail?

    Episode 170622 / 22 Jun 2017

    Why do we throw away so much technology?

  • Mindfulness

    Mindfulness

    Episode 170615 / 15 Jun 2017

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

  • Is happiness genetic?

    Is happiness genetic?

    Episode 170608 / 08 Jun 2017

    Is happiness in the DNA?

  • Water Burial

    Water Burial

    Episode 170601 / 01 Jun 2017

    A new way to rest in peace

  • Could you go vegan?

    Could you go vegan?

    Episode 170525 / 25 May 2017

    Could you give up meat and animal products?

  • Goldfish, brains and phones

    Goldfish, brains and phones

    Episode 170518 / 18 May 2017

    Do people now have shorter attention spans than goldfish?

  • How much food do you waste?

    How much food do you waste?

    Episode 170511 / 11 May 2017

    Food waste is a major problem

  • The super rich

    The super rich

    Episode 170504 / 04 May 2017

    The rich are getting richer

  • Miraculous survival

    Miraculous survival

    Episode 170427 / 27 Apr 2017

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

  • Sighing

    Sighing

    Episode 170420 / 20 Apr 2017

    Why do we sigh?

  • Multiple Careers

    Multiple Careers

    Episode 170413 / 13 Apr 2017

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

  • Food and mood

    Food and mood

    Episode 170406 / 06 Apr 2017

    How does your food affect your mood?

  • Dog detectors

    Dog detectors

    Episode 170330 / 30 Mar 2017

    Can dogs be used to detect cancer?

  • The rise of the emoji

    The rise of the emoji

    Episode 170323 / 23 Mar 2017

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

  • What your lunch says about you

    What your lunch says about you

    Episode 170316 / 16 Mar 2017

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

  • Mermaids – Fact or fiction?

    Mermaids – Fact or fiction?

    Episode 170309 / 09 Mar 2017

    Are mermaids real?

  • Life expectancy

    Life expectancy

    Episode 170302 / 02 Mar 2017

    Can humanity really breach the 90 year limit?

  • Gun control without guns

    Gun control without guns

    Episode 170223 / 23 Feb 2017

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

  • How romance ruined love

    How romance ruined love

    Episode 170216 / 16 Feb 2017

    Neil and Dan discuss romanticism

  • Can you trust your own eyes?

    Can you trust your own eyes?

    Episode 170209 / 09 Feb 2017

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

  • Why do cities make us rude?

    Why do cities make us rude?

    Episode 170202 / 02 Feb 2017

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

  • Family history

    Family history

    Episode 170126 / 26 Jan 2017

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

  • Life on the edge

    Life on the edge

    Episode 170119 / 19 Jan 2017

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

  • What's your superpower?

    What's your superpower?

    Episode 170112 / 12 Jan 2017

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

  • Driving

    Driving

    Episode 170105 / 05 Jan 2017

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

  • Introvert... and proud!

    Introvert... and proud!

    Episode 161229 / 29 Dec 2016

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

  • Why do crazes take off?

    Why do crazes take off?

    Episode 161222 / 22 Dec 2016

    Why is it that some games, hobbies and activities become crazes while others don’t? Alice and Neil talk about their preferences

  • When do you feel sleepy?

    When do you feel sleepy?

    Episode 161215 / 15 Dec 2016

    Alice and Neil discuss circadian rhythms – the so-called body clock that influences an organism's daily cycle of changes

  • Cleopatra

    Cleopatra

    Episode 161208 / 08 Dec 2016

    Sophie and Neil discuss why the last pharaoh of Egypt still fascinates people today

  • Animal phobias

    Animal phobias

    Episode 161201 / 01 Dec 2016

    Why do we fear animals that pose no threat to us? Sophie and Neil discuss the reason why fear of spiders is so common

  • Women's right to vote

    Women's right to vote

    Episode 161124 / 24 Nov 2016

    Neil and Alice talk about the defiant women who fought for their right to choose their representatives

  • Why we love trainers

    Why we love trainers

    Episode 161117 / 17 Nov 2016

    Call them what you want – trainers, sneakers, tennis shoes – but why does everybody love them so much?

  • On your bike

    On your bike

    Episode 161110 / 10 Nov 2016

    Sophie and Neil discuss the bike's mass appeal, from helping to widen the gene pool to blazing a trail for the women’s movement

  • Hi, meet my online persona!

    Hi, meet my online persona!

    Episode 161103 / 03 Nov 2016

    Sophie and Neil discuss social networks and why we often use different identities for different social media

  • How do you read your news?

    How do you read your news?

    Episode 161027 / 27 Oct 2016

    Free, digital news is threatening traditional newspapers. Sophie and Neil discuss the pros and cons of news in print

  • Do opposites attract?

    Do opposites attract?

    Episode 161020 / 20 Oct 2016

    Why are we attracted to some people and not to others? Sophie and Neil discuss love at first sight

  • Is loneliness in our genes?

    Is loneliness in our genes?

    Episode 161013 / 13 Oct 2016

    What is loneliness and why do we feel it? Sophie and Neil discuss how feeling lonely can help us to survive

  • Who do you think you are?

    Who do you think you are?

    Episode 161006 / 06 Oct 2016

    How do you see yourself and how do others see you? Alice and Neil discuss identity and how appearances can be deceptive

  • Does punctuation matter?

    Does punctuation matter?

    Episode 160929 / 29 Sep 2016

    Why is punctuation important? Neil and Alice discuss rhetoric, commas and full stops.

  • Penicillin: breaking the mould

    Penicillin: breaking the mould

    Episode 160922 / 22 Sep 2016

    Alice and Neil discuss penicillin, the so-called wonder drug discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming

  • Global warming

    Global warming

    Episode 160915 / 15 Sep 2016

    What might the world look like if temperatures keep rising? Neil and Alice discuss the need to adapt to the changes ahead

  • Old tech

    Old tech

    Episode 160908 / 08 Sep 2016

    Did you ever own a Walkman or a record player? Alice and Neil discuss old tech and why the US Pentagon still uses floppy disks

  • Slang

    Slang

    Episode 160901 / 01 Sep 2016

    Neil and Alice discuss the differences between slang, jargon, and swearing, while teaching you some Cockney Rhyming Slang

  • Domestic chores

    Domestic chores

    Episode 160825 / 25 Aug 2016

    Do women clean the house more often than men? Alice and Neil discuss the topic and teach you a tidy amount of vocabulary

  • Have you walked off your pizza?

    Have you walked off your pizza?

    Episode 160818 / 18 Aug 2016

    Is food labelling clear enough to help us make healthy choices? Alice and Neil discuss chocolate chip muffins along with some other tasty vocabulary

  • How to cure writer's block

    How to cure writer's block

    Episode 160811 / 11 Aug 2016

    Who were the Muses and how did they help the creative process? Neil and Alice discuss how to be more creative

  • Is English changing?

    Is English changing?

    Episode 160804 / 04 Aug 2016

    Will we still be speaking in an English we recognise in a thousand years' time? Alice and Neil make some educated guesses!

  • Heritage sites

    Heritage sites

    Episode 160728 / 28 Jul 2016

    Neil and Alice discuss the threat to The Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon, and the Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru

  • Are we there yet?

    Are we there yet?

    Episode 160721 / 21 Jul 2016

    Why do some weeks just fly by but sometimes minutes can seem like hours? Neil and Alice discuss our perception of time

  • Cities of the future

    Cities of the future

    Episode 160714 / 14 Jul 2016

    What will the cities of the future look like, and will we enjoy living in them? Alice and Neil discuss Neil's attempt at town planning

  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    Episode 160707 / 07 Jul 2016

    Why is the disease diabetes on the rise? Alice and Neil talk about the role that diet has to play in this global health problem

  • Get on with it!

    Get on with it!

    Episode 160630 / 30 Jun 2016

    Why do we procrastinate? Rob and Alice discuss why it can be difficult to get on with tasks

  • Who would you imitate?

    Who would you imitate?

    Episode 160623 / 23 Jun 2016

    Why do we like to impersonate people? Neil tries out his best impression of Elvis while teaching you some related vocabulary

  • How to prepare for an exam

    How to prepare for an exam

    Episode 160616 / 16 Jun 2016

    Alice and Rob consider which study techniques are good and which aren't. Does sleeping with a book under your pillow help?

  • Young and in business

    Young and in business

    Episode 160609 / 09 Jun 2016

    Young entrepreneurs are appearing everywhere. Alice and Rob discuss whether grey hair is best

  • Do as I say, not as I do

    Do as I say, not as I do

    Episode 160602 / 02 Jun 2016

    Why do people often say one thing and do another? Alice and Rob ask how far hypocrisy is actually part of who we are

  • Could you be an astronaut?

    Could you be an astronaut?

    Episode 160526 / 26 May 2016

    Do you have what it takes to go to space? Alice and Rob discuss the challenges of a job thousands of people are keen on

  • Conspiracy theories

    Conspiracy theories

    Episode 160519 / 19 May 2016

    Do you believe men walked on the Moon? Alice and Rob discuss why some people are suspicious about everything

  • Have you got too much stuff?

    Have you got too much stuff?

    Episode 160512 / 12 May 2016

    You've decluttered and tidied but could you live life free of stuff? Alice and Rob discuss why we give objects emotional value

  • How bad is booze?

    How bad is booze?

    Episode 160505 / 05 May 2016

    Are you a teetotaler or a drinker? Rob and Alice discuss what risk to your health regular drinking may have

  • Is chivalry dead?

    Is chivalry dead?

    Episode 160428 / 28 Apr 2016

    What does it take to impress the ladies in the 21st century? Neil and Alice discuss knights in shining armour

  • Never too old

    Never too old

    Episode 160421 / 21 Apr 2016

    Is retirement the end of everything or just a door for new opportunities? Alice and Rob talk about aging

  • Do you think for yourself?

    Do you think for yourself?

    Episode 160414 / 14 Apr 2016

    Do you always agree with what most people in your group say? Neil and Sophie discuss staff meetings.

  • Brain training

    Brain training

    Episode 160407 / 07 Apr 2016

    Neil and Sophie discuss the health benefits of being able to speak two languages fluently. And Neil... speaks Japanese!

  • Is social media a distraction?

    Is social media a distraction?

    Episode 160331 / 31 Mar 2016

    How often do you check your phone? Neil and Sophie discuss how social media is changing the way we interact.

  • Gardening

    Gardening

    Episode 160324 / 24 Mar 2016

    Sophie and Neil discover that soil has some surprising qualities and discuss how growing food can be therapeutic too

  • What's in a fairy tale?

    What's in a fairy tale?

    Episode 160317 / 17 Mar 2016

    Sophie and Neil talk about traditional fairy tales for the adult market and teach you some magical vocabulary

  • Corporate team building

    Corporate team building

    Episode 160310 / 10 Mar 2016

    Neil and Sophie discuss the growing industry of team building – from zombie bootcamps to horse training for executives.

  • Life on Mars

    Life on Mars

    Episode 160303 / 03 Mar 2016

    Neil and Sophie discuss Mars, the fourth rock from the Sun

  • It's all in the genes

    It's all in the genes

    Episode 160225 / 25 Feb 2016

    Neil and Sophie talk about gene editing, designer babies and how many errors Neil might have in his genetic code.

  • Giving away your fortune

    Giving away your fortune

    Episode 160218 / 18 Feb 2016

    How generous are you? Neil and Sophie discuss Mark Zuckerberg and what it takes to be a modern-day philanthropist.

  • How would you like to pay?

    How would you like to pay?

    Episode 160211 / 11 Feb 2016

    Are the days of paying by cash for a latte or a newspaper nearly gone? Alice and Neil discuss Neil's fondness for loose change...

  • How do you like your tea?

    How do you like your tea?

    Episode 160204 / 04 Feb 2016

    Tea comes in different forms – milky, sweet or spicy. Alice and Neil discuss how this Asian leaf conquered the world.

  • The commute

    The commute

    Episode 160128 / 28 Jan 2016

    Train, car, bicycle ... Hundreds of millions of us make the same journey day in day out. Take a hike with Alice and Neil and learn new vocabulary.

  • Are we afraid of food?

    Are we afraid of food?

    Episode 160121 / 21 Jan 2016

    Are food allergies on the increase and if so, why? Neil and Alice talk about the growing fear of food and teach new words.

  • Is modern life making us tired?

    Is modern life making us tired?

    Episode 160114 / 14 Jan 2016

    Are artificial lights and late night TV ruining our sleep? Neil and Alice discuss the issue and teach you related vocabulary.

  • Asking the right questions

    Asking the right questions

    Episode 160107 / 07 Jan 2016

    What does it take to be a good interviewer? Neil and Alice discuss TV chat show hosts and teach you some related vocabulary.

  • The way we look

    The way we look

    Episode 151231 / 31 Dec 2015

    How much does appearance really matter? Neil and Alice discuss fitness and New Year's resolutions

  • Christmas kindness

    Christmas kindness

    Episode 151224 / 24 Dec 2015

    Some families struggle to buy even food and can’t afford presents. Neil and Alice discuss how some charities are helping those in need.

  • Why do we take risks?

    Why do we take risks?

    Episode 151217 / 17 Dec 2015

    Alice and Finn talk about the passion some people have for danger and the unseen threats we face every day

  • Is student life all good?

    Is student life all good?

    Episode 151210 / 10 Dec 2015

    Alice and Neil discuss the psychological pressures of going to university. They also teach some related vocabulary.

  • Robin Hood

    Robin Hood

    Episode 151203 / 03 Dec 2015

    Neil and Alice discuss the long-lasting appeal of this man with a bow and how he has changed over the centuries

  • How much is your spouse worth?

    How much is your spouse worth?

    Episode 151126 / 26 Nov 2015

    Do you know how much your partner earns? Is he or she in debt? Would this make you love them less?

  • 100 Women

    100 Women

    Episode 151119 / 19 Nov 2015

    The BBC broadcasts a season of programmes discussing women's issues around the world

  • What makes us laugh?

    What makes us laugh?

    Episode 151112 / 12 Nov 2015

    Are you good at telling jokes? What makes a good comedian?

  • The impact of plastic

    The impact of plastic

    Episode 151105 / 05 Nov 2015

    Should we all pay for supermarket plastic bags? Neil and Alice take a look at the environmental impact of plastic and teach you some related words.

  • Shakespeare in plain English

    Shakespeare in plain English

    Episode 151029 / 29 Oct 2015

    Should the difficult language of Shakespeare be 'translated' into plain English?

  • New transport on two wheels

    New transport on two wheels

    Episode 151022 / 22 Oct 2015

    The bicycle is the most popular form of two-wheeled transport in the world, but could we all soon be using hoverboards? Listen to Neil and Finn's conversation and learn some new words.

  • Will robots take our jobs?

    Will robots take our jobs?

    Episode 151015 / 15 Oct 2015

    If you are sitting at a desk or answering the phone, stop for a moment and ask: could a robot or machine do this job better? Neil and Finn discuss the future of our jobs.

  • Do we read to show off?

    Do we read to show off?

    Episode 151008 / 08 Oct 2015

    Neil and Alice discuss what kind of book people like to be seen reading. Do you like to impress people with a classic book in your hands?

  • Summer-born kids

    Summer-born kids

    Episode 151001 / 01 Oct 2015

    Does being born in the summer reduce your chance of going to university?

  • The Earth's core

    The Earth's core

    Episode 150924 / 24 Sep 2015

    Take a trip with Rob and Alice to find out about the Earth’s core. They’ll discuss how hot it is – and whether there are any dinosaurs living there!

  • The meaning of clothes

    The meaning of clothes

    Episode 150917 / 17 Sep 2015

    Do you dress formally or casually? Do you choose trendy items or old comfortable ones? Rob and Will talk about the meaning of clothes.

  • The Proms

    The Proms

    Episode 150910 / 10 Sep 2015

    It's been described as the world's largest and most democratic classical music festival. Neil and Finn guide you through the BBC Proms

  • Is knuckle cracking good for you?

    Is knuckle cracking good for you?

    Episode 150903 / 03 Sep 2015

    What an awful sound - cracking your knuckles! Listen in to Rob and Neil to find out if it's a useful skill or just an annoying habit

  • Evolution before Darwin

    Evolution before Darwin

    Episode 150827 / 27 Aug 2015

    Was Charles Darwin the only man with ideas about evolution? Rob and Neil talk about someone else who discovered it first.

  • Lifts

    Lifts

    Episode 150820 / 20 Aug 2015

    What are the modern day dilemmas in using a lift? Rob and Neil discuss the awkwardness and irritation of being in one

  • Compulsory voting

    Compulsory voting

    Episode 150813 / 13 Aug 2015

    Should young people be made to vote in elections or should we choose? We discuss the ideas behind compulsory voting

  • Chins

    Chins

    Episode 150806 / 08 Aug 2015

    What do we need our chins for? Rob and Neil discuss how we got them and what our chins say about us

  • Why do gibbons sing duets?

    Why do gibbons sing duets?

    Episode 150730 / 30 Jul 2015

    Why do gibbons sing duets and what has this got to do with the evolution of the human language?

  • Are models too skinny?

    Are models too skinny?

    Episode 150723 / 23 Jul 2015

    Skinny models: What does the law say about walking the catwalk?

  • Is a game just a game?

    Is a game just a game?

    Episode 150716 / 16 Jul 2015

    The dangers of computer games. How good are they for our health?

  • The wonder of blood

    The wonder of blood

    Episode 150709 / 09 Jul 2015

    It's amazing! What part of our body have scientists discovered can heal and help us?

  • Why did Singapore ban gum?

    Why did Singapore ban gum?

    Episode 150702 / 02 Jul 2015

    Do you chew gum and what do you do with it when you've finished? Listen to Rob and Finn discussing the history and chemical properties of gum and why it's messing up our streets whilst explaining some related vocabulary

  • Food banks

    Food banks

    Episode 150625 / 25 Jun 2015

    Food banks provide food to people in the UK who can't afford to buy their own. Rob and Finn discuss this how they work and how they help many of the country's poorest

  • The teenage brain

    The teenage brain

    Episode 150618 / 18 Jun 2015

    Listen to Neil and Rob discussing mood swings, risk taking, and why people make fun of teenagers, while they also explore some related vocabulary.

  • The Outernet

    The Outernet

    Episode 150611 / 11 Jun 2015

    How can remote parts of the world get access to the internet? Neil and Catherine discuss a new idea for spreading knowledge

  • Is aggression useful?

    Is aggression useful?

    Episode 150604 / 04 Jun 2015

    What makes us angry and why is aggression useful? Neil and Catherine discuss human behaviour.

  • Are beards back to stay?

    Are beards back to stay?

    Episode 150528 / 28 May 2015

    Big bushy beards have become so fashionable that there's now an art exhibition dedicated to them

  • Is a door just a door?

    Is a door just a door?

    Episode 150521 / 21 May 2015

    A London apartment block has front and back entrances for private and social housing - or so-called rich and poor doors. Does it make sense to you? Listen to a discussion whilst learning some housing-related vocabulary

  • The first space walk

    The first space walk

    Episode 150514 / 14 May 2015

    Fifty years ago, on 18 March 1965, Soviet astronaut Alexei Leonov took the first space walk. Listen to Rob and Neil describing the struggles of that ground-breaking space mission whilst explaining some related vocabulary.

  • Wireless furniture for phones

    Wireless furniture for phones

    Episode 150507 / 07 May 2015

    Furniture with built-in wireless charging technology - like a coffee table is now being sold. 'Built-in' means the technology is included as part of the table. So you just pop your phone on the table, and technology does the rest!

  • Saving China's elephants

    Saving China's elephants

    Episode 150430 / 30 Apr 2015

    Many animals face extinction. But people are realising that they must act now to stop further losses. A scheme to save the Asian elephant in China could provide an answer.

  • Life without music

    Life without music

    Episode 150423 / 23 Apr 2015

    How does music make you feel? Research shows that it actually influences us more than we realise - whether we're at the movies, the supermarket, or down the pub

  • The story behind coffee

    The story behind coffee

    Episode 150416 / 16 Apr 2015

    Coffee is now the most popular drink in the world. But what about the economics and politics of coffee production? It's as complicated as getting the right flavour in your cup

  • The sun

    The sun

    Episode 150409 / 09 Apr 2015

    Rob and Neil put on their sunglasses to find out more about this special star and teach some related vocabulary. We promise you won’t be blinded with science!

  • The three-parent baby

    The three-parent baby

    Episode 150402 / 02 Apr 2015

    The UK has become the first country to approve legislation allowing the creation of babies with genetic material from three people. Listen to Neil and Harry’s conversation and learn some related vocabulary.

  • A threat to London's artwork?

    A threat to London's artwork?

    Episode 150326 / 26 Mar 2015

    What are some art galleries banning to protect their paintings? Find out with Neil and Harry

  • Human microchips

    Human microchips

    Episode 150319 / 19 Mar 2015

    An electronic device under your skin?! Workers in Sweden take part in experiment which allows them to get in and out of their office without a key, ID or password. Listen to Neil and Harry’s chat and learn some related vocabulary.

  • The two sides of Churchill

    The two sides of Churchill

    Episode 150312 / 12 Mar 2015

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s death. He is known throughout the world for his role in defeating Nazi Germany but he also made mistakes. Listen to Neil and Mike’s discussion, and learn new vocabulary.

  • Poverty in a rich world

    Poverty in a rich world

    Episode 150305 / 05 Mar 2015

    We live in a richer world. But the gap between rich and poor is still very wide in individual countries. How to change this? Listen to Rob and Harry’s discussion, and learn some related vocabulary.

  • The cost of life-saving vaccines

    The cost of life-saving vaccines

    Episode 150226 / 26 Feb 2015

    The price of vaccines has escalated and some poor countries are struggling to prevent children from catching certain life-threatening diseases, says Medecins Sans Frontieres. Listen to Rob and Neil’s discussion, and learn some related vocabulary.

  • Do you fear Artificial Intelligence?

    Do you fear Artificial Intelligence?

    Episode 150219 / 19 Feb 2015

    Will thinking computers be the end of humans? Listen to Rob and Neil’s chat and learn some related vocabulary.

  • Should tourists go to Antarctica?

    Should tourists go to Antarctica?

    Episode 150212 / 12 Feb 2015

    About 37,000 tourists are expected to visit Antarctica this season. But should they be going to a region with such a sensitive environment? Listen to Rob and Neil’s conversation and learn some new vocabulary.

  • Does your CV shine?

    Does your CV shine?

    Episode 150205 / 05 Feb 2015

    At a time when more people compete for fewer jobs, are you sure you present your skills and abilities well to a potential employer? Listen to Rob and Neil's conversation and learn some related vocabulary.

  • Are you big on small talk?

    Are you big on small talk?

    Episode 150129 / 29 Jan 2015

    Going to a party where you don't know anyone? Listen to Rob and Neil's advice and learn some related vocabulary

  • Are computers making us dumb?

    Are computers making us dumb?

    Episode 150122 / 22 Jan 2015

    We use computers for everything nowadays. Are we forgetting our own abilities - and losing our talent? Listen to Rob and Neil's discussion, and learn some related vocabulary

  • Smokers to face one more ban

    Smokers to face one more ban

    Episode 150115 / 15 Jan 2015

    Smoking in cars with children might be banned in England. Listen to Neil and Rob's chat and learn some related vocabulary

  • Bullying or normal competition?

    Bullying or normal competition?

    Episode 150108 / 08 Jan 2015

    Is bullying just an attempt to give a bad name to what is part of human nature? Listen to Rob and Neil’s chat and learn some related vocabulary.

  • Time capsules

    Time capsules

    Episode 150101 / 01 Jan 2015

    What would you put in your time capsule? Listen to Rob and Neil’s chat and learn new vocabulary

  • The Christmas Truce

    The Christmas Truce

    Episode 141225 / 25 Dec 2014

    When enemy soldiers sang together in WW1. Listen to Rob and Finn’s chat and learn some related vocabulary.

  • 42 languages

    42 languages

    Episode 141218 / 18 Dec 2014

    The London school where students speak 42 different languages

  • Laughter is bad for you

    Laughter is bad for you

    Episode 141211 / 11 Dec 2014

    Laughter isn't always the best medicine, says research

  • Cloud of suspicion

    Cloud of suspicion

    Episode 141204 / 04 Dec 2014

    Are your pictures, documents and videos safe online? Listen to Rob and Finn's chat and learn new vocabulary

  • Sharing economy

    Sharing economy

    Episode 141127 / 27 Nov 2014

    Nowhere to park? How the sharing economy is changing the way we use our space

  • Can science fiction save the world?

    Can science fiction save the world?

    Episode 141120 / 20 Nov 2014

    How can science fiction help the world? Rob and Finn discuss a project which aims to inspire through stories of a bright future

  • Is eating meat killing our planet?

    Is eating meat killing our planet?

    Episode 141113 / 13 Nov 2014

    Why is eating meat bad news?

  • What makes a superhero?

    What makes a superhero?

    Episode 141106 / 06 Nov 2014

    Do real-life superheroes exist or are they just cartoon characters?

  • Cigarettes v e-cigarettes

    Cigarettes v e-cigarettes

    Episode 141030 / 30 Oct 2014

    Rob and Finn discuss the World Health Organisation's recommendations on e-cigarettes

From the Archive