Why is China offering marriage ‘rewards’? Can a metal disc improve sporting ability? And is laughter really the best medicine? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Julia Macfarlane, Abdulwahab Tahhan and Suchandrika Chakrabarti

#343 Marriage, Iron Man energy and medical laughter

Have you missed the biggest news of the week? Olly Mann and The Week’s writers and editors talk about under-reported stories with long-term consequences

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Scientists are arguing that octopuses – and many other animals – experience consciousness. What does that mean for how humans treat them? Plus the size of the electric car market, and Morocco's controversial football kitOlly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Jessica Hullinger and Emma Smith

377. What does an Octopus feel?

What is happening in Sudan? Could London really end rough sleeping? And why has Joe Lycett been making up stories? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Mariana Vieira, Rebekah Evans and Jamie Timson

#376 Sudan, tackling homelessness and fake news

Is the "Hardest Geezer" a high-endurance trendsetter? Will Ted Baker survive? And what's the beef with lab-grown meat? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Leaf Arbuthnot and Holden Frith

#375 Ultrarunning, menswear and a meaty row

What's behind a row about an uninhabited rock? How did Bassirou Diomaye Faye get from a Senegalese jail to the presidency – in just two weeks? And how often should we wash? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Julia O'Driscoll, Arion McNicoll and Suchandrika Chakrabarti

#374 Deserted islands, Africa's youngest leader and showering

Is it time to say sorry for slavery? Can female sport stars close the pay gap? And is country music moving into the mainstream? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Rebekah Evans, Emma Smith and Jamie Timson

#343 Marriage, Iron Man energy and medical laughter

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