Guardian

Psychologists have traditionally believed we become less curious as we age, but recent research has shown that curiosity actually becomes more targeted and specific in our later years. To find out why this happens, and how maintaining broad curiosity into older age can help keep our brains young, Madeleine Finlay hears from Dr Mary Whatley, an assistant professor of psychology at Western Carolina University, and Dr Matthias Gruber, of Cardiff University’s Brain Imaging Centre. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

It’s the first week back after summer recess and Labour is already in trouble, with the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, referring herself to the standards watchdog over underpaying tax on her flat. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer and his ministers have been proclaiming their love of British flags as they struggle to compete with Reform UK. John Harris speaks to the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff and policy editor Kiran Stacey Send your questions and thoughts to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, George Elek and Sanny Rudravajhala to sift through a bonkers deadline day, questionable spending, and the best Championship pick-ups you’ve never heard of.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod

It’s been a dramatic week at the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the space of seven days, the agency’s head was sacked and replaced by an interim head, four senior staff members resigned, and existing staff took to the streets to express support for their ousted leaders. To understand how everything unfolded and what it could mean for the health of Americans, science editor Ian Sample hears from health reporter Melody Schreiber and former CDC director Mandy Cohen. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are back, talking through all of the challenges the government faces as MPs return to Westminster. Plus, they discuss the prime minister’s shake-up of his Downing Street team. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Max Rushden is joined by Philippe Auclair, Lars Sivertsen and Nooruddean Choudry to discuss Liverpool’s perfect start, Manchester City’s latest stumble and another chaotic weekend. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod

Max Rushden is joined by Jonathan Wilson, Robyn Cowen, Mark Langdon and Ewan Murray to discuss Manchester United’s shock defeat to Grimsby, a disastrous week for Scottish football and look ahead to the weekend’s Premier League action.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod

There are increasing reports of people experiencing delusions after intensive use of AI chatbots. The phenomenon, dubbed ‘AI psychosis’, has raised concerns that features built into large language models may contribute to some users losing touch with reality. Madeleine Finlay speaks to Dr Hamilton Morrin, a psychiatrist and researcher at King’s College London, about his recent preprint exploring who is at risk and how models could be made safer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

In a major speech this week, Reform UK set out how it would lower immigration. With controversial plans to deport hundreds of thousands of migrants and scrap key human rights protections, Nigel Farage described immigration as a ‘scourge’ and an ‘invasion’. Was this a watershed moment in the way politicians talk about small boat crossings? And what is Labour’s response? The Guardian’s policy editor Kiran Stacey asks the deputy political editor Jessica Elgot. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Max Rushden is joined by John Brewin, Lucy Ward and Jonathan Liew as Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-2 away from home thanks to a debut goal in the 100th minute from teenager Rio Ngumoha. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod