Do you really know?

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: 08/1/2023

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Everyone has their own expectations when it comes to summer holidays. Regardless, you don't necessarily have to travel far to have a good time. At least, that's what 31% of British people think, according to research from TripAdvisor. That’s the proportion of people who plan to holiday exclusively in the UK this year.

But for others, going on holiday is all about turning dreams of exotic destinations into a reality. Let's discuss some of the top domestic and international destinations for 2023.

What are the best destinations within the UK? Is going to Europe really that expensive? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

⁠⁠⁠Why are famous women being targeted by transvestigations?⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠What is premium mediocre - the illusion of luxury?⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Is your employer tracking you while you work from home?⁠⁠⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 12/07/2023

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May 29th was Spring Bank Holiday in UK. Going on holiday is cool, but not always within reach for everyone. It requires time, as you may need to get your leave request approved by your employer, and money. In recent years, a new kind of holiday has been catching on: the staycation.

It generally refers to a trip which doesn’t require any overnight accommodation. The idea comes from the United States and really took off following the financial crisis from 2007 onwards. Middle class Americans no longer had the means to go on holiday, so they got creative. The idea then spread to Europe, and more specifically the UK, in 2009, when currency exchange rates became unfavourable.

Isn’t that kind of the opposite of a holiday? Is it really possible to relax while surrounded by reminders of work and stress? How has the staycation concept evolved in the last few years? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

Date of first release : 16th of August, 2022

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here :

⁠⁠Why are we obsessed with presenteeism?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What is the snowball method of paying back debt?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What is Face Wine, a viral beauty product from Tiktok?⁠⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 23/8/2025

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All week long, we’re looking into 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone’s lips in 2023! In December 2022, New York magazine ran a cover which got a lot of attention. It featured the heads of a number of Hollywood celebs like Lily-Rose Depp, Ben Platt, Dakota Johnson and Zoe Kravitz, all edited onto babies’ bodies.

In the centre of the page the bright pink headline read: “She Has Her Mother’s Eyes. And Agent.” The article inside labelled 2022 the “Year of the Nepo Baby”. What those celeb babies all have in common is that they’re the children of famous, successful parents. That’s where the “nepo” part comes from, as in nepotism. Right from the get go, these kids had an advantage or arguably a sure road to success.

Isn’t that obvious? That’s been the case forever, hasn’t it? What do nepo babies themselves have to say on the issue? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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⁠⁠Can a weighted blanket help you get a better night’s sleep?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What is the internet of senses?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What is goblin mode?⁠⁠

A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 11/1/2023

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For a number of years now, we’ve been hearing that the future of transport is electric, in particular due to the impact of fossil fuels on global warming.

But there are a number of drawbacks, including cost, battery life, battery recycling, charging time which mean some people are reluctant to get on board. There are also fears that the switch to electric vehicles won’t be quick enough to meet environmental objectives. Some experts believe that the fastest way to reduce CO2 emissions from transport is to use fuels synthesised from organic materials that are carbon-neutral and can power existing vehicles.

How are synthetic fuels made? Why are they a good alternative to fossil fuels? Will it be available to the general public? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to more episodes, click here:

⁠⁠Could job enrichment make your work more rewarding?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What is Ulysses Syndrome?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What are nepo babies?⁠⁠

A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 16/01/2023.

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You might have seen this term on TikTok, Instagram or Pinterest, but do you really know what it means? ‘A Tomato Girl Summer’ is a retro trend inspired by Mediterranean living rather than actual tomatoes.

It's about projecting the style and lifestyle of the region, wearing clothes that are comfortable and colourful, eating fresh and seasonal food, exploring new places, and having fun.

What is the inspiration for this trend? How can I get the Tomato Girl look? What is Potato Girl Summer? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here :

⁠⁠What threat does the Year 2038 problem pose to our computers?⁠⁠

⁠⁠Which foods shouldn't be eaten together?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What is social jet lag?⁠⁠

A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

First broadcast: 31/07/2023

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Covid-19 restrictions changed work practices radically; a large proportion of the workforce have worked remotely for nearly three years now.

That’s the case even in post-pandemic working structures, with many sectors favouring a hybrid model rather than a full-time return to the office. We now have a generation of workers who often have never met their colleagues in person. But still the fear persists among a lot of managers that their teams aren’t as productive working from home.

What do employees think? So what’s the problem then? What can be done to fix productivity paranoia? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to more episodes, click here:

⁠⁠Which jobs are most under threat from artificial intelligence?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What’s the point of flight mode?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What is wellness syndrome?⁠⁠

A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 18/1/2023

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It’s not uncommon to hear ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing sounds that can’t be heard by anyone else. The medical term for these symptoms is tinnitus. The sounds may affect both ears, or just one. If you’re lucky, they’re a temporary or intermittent problem, but for some people they can be more severe, affecting their daily lives. 

2019 figures from the British Tinnitus Association suggested that persistent tinnitus affects 1 in 8 people. Occasional ringing in the ears is nothing to worry about. It’s when it lasts for longer than a few minutes that you may wish to consult a GP. Bear in mind that tinnitus itself isn’t actually a disease. The sounds are symptoms of other disorders and health conditions.

Where does it come from? Does it get worse with age? Are there any treatments for permanent tinnitus? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the latest episodes, click here:

⁠⁠⁠How can I beat a hangover?⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Why is Qatar paying England fans to promote the word cup?⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠What is bushcraft, the eco-friendly outdoor hobby?⁠⁠⁠

A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast : 20/11/2022

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Whether it's a matter of courtesy or preventing the spread of germs, it's not uncommon for people to hold back a sneeze. When this happens, the intercostal muscles contract strongly, but without the release of air if the nose is pinched or the mouth is closed. However, sneezing is a natural bodily reflex designed to expel dust, microbes, or any other irritating substances from the nasal cavity.

Our respiratory system comes equipped with a filter lining the airways. Dust and allergens, for instance, are wrapped in mucus and propelled by vibratile cilia. Sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose helps expel this mixture, effectively cleansing the respiratory passages.

So are you saying that sneezing is important? What kind of consequences are we talking about? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

⁠⁠What's the best way to choose my toothpaste?⁠⁠

⁠⁠Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet?⁠⁠

⁠⁠How did flat Earth conspiracy theory start?⁠⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 9/12/2023

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Whether you're lounging on a beach, exploring a new city, or simply taking a break from your daily routine, finding ways to calm your mind while on holiday is really important for our mental and physical health. We often promise ourselves we’re going to disconnect from day one, but it's not as simple as that. 

After all, when we’re at work our brains are constantly processing information, making decisions, solving problems, and dealing with stress. And we don’t just have an on-off switch allowing us to lower the intensity of our brain activity to zero in a split-second.

Why is disconnecting from work-related stress and responsibilities so difficult? Is there anything I can do to calm my brain while I’m away? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

⁠⁠How much do surrogate mothers get paid?⁠⁠

⁠⁠What is the Barnum effect?⁠⁠

⁠⁠How to spot, prevent and treat heatstroke ?⁠⁠

A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 09/08/2023

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices