When you no longer work at a job, you can spill the beans about what really goes on. Hear former real estate agents, legal secretaries and librarians reveal the secrets about their profession. You’ll be amazed, amused and horrified at the revelations.

Slate Culture Gabfest is a weekly podcast in which three commentators discuss every aspect of popular culture. Julia Turner, Stephen Metcalf and Dana Stevens were in Australia for talks.

‘First world problem’ is a phrase that describes minor issues that only afflict the privileged. Given we live in a first world country, there are plenty of examples to choose from. But what’s the most first world problem?

Wherever you turn, there’s advice on health, cooking, cleaning, relationships and finances. But does anyone use this advice? In this investigation, James discovers there’s at least one trusted source.

What’s your behaviour at a self-scan checkout at the supermarket? Do you wrongly enter produce? Or, like James, only discover when you get to the car that you didn’t scan a tin of tuna and can’t be bothered to rectify your mistake?

James Valentine and Jonathan Green. Just like Annabel Crabb and Leigh Sales, but blokier.

You’ll be amazed at some of the home remedies people use for ailments. Be prepared to hear how leeches, urine and potatoes can cure all manner of ills.

As kids, of course we’re scared of spiders and things that go bump in the night. But why are we scared of bridges, pigeons and magic pianos? In this episode, we explore childhood fears that shouldn’t be fears at all.

James Valentine’s son Roy is a keen podcast listener but he has serious concerns about the current most popular podcast in the world, Missing Richard Simmons. James and Roy critique Missing Richard Simmons and wonder if we should be missing him.

Did you know that ute drivers have an unwritten understanding with other ute drivers in busy traffic? Or that if you’ve had a heart bypass, you become part of the ‘zipper club’? There are many unexpected ways we connect with others.