Flat earthers, anti-vaxxers, and TikTok grifters… Why do people believe in bad science, and is there any way to change their minds? Michael Marshall joins us to unpack the psychology behind conspiracies, why debunking bad science is so difficult, why trust in experts is fading, and how to push back without making things worse.

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The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion framework, known as DEI, has long been a lightning rod for debate, even before recent political actions by US President Donald Trump brought it back into the spotlight. So we unpack what DEI looks like in practice, its challenges and what it means to imbue it into the workplace, especially in the Malaysian context.

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Where did cryptocurrency come from, and how does it actually work? In this episode, we break down the basics—from Bitcoin’s beginnings to the mechanics of blockchain and decentralization. We also look at where crypto stands today, the challenges it faces, and what the future could hold, including financial risks and environmental concerns. Whether you're crypto-curious or just trying to sound smart at dinner parties, this is your 101 on the digital money revolution.

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Muslims have begun fasting for Ramadhan - a month of abstinence from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. And later this week, Catholics also begin fasting for 40 days of Lent. But if we look beyond the spiritual or religious reasons, many people also fast for their health and wellbeing. On Today I Learned, we’re answering the question of whether fasting can delay ageing, and is it for everyone? We explore the science behind fasting and calorie restriction, and what beneficial effects these practices have on the body over the short- and long-term.

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Timor-Leste—one of the world’s youngest nations—is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors. But how much do we really know about this Southeast Asian country? From its colonial past and hard-fought independence to its evolving democracy and growing economy, Timor-Leste has a rich history and a future full of possibilities. Joining us to explore this is Khoo Ying Hooi, Associate Professor at UM, who has also been appointed to the International Advisory Council by the Timor-Leste government for Centro Nacional Chega!

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If you grew up in Johor, Penang, or Singapore, you might have seen or been a part of the Chingay Parade, a century-old annual event where devotees carry palanquins housing deities from the main Chinese clans of the Hokkien, Cantonese, Hainan, Hakka, and Teochew. Johoreans, in particular, might remember this event as a vital part of Chinese New Year festivities since 1870. What makes this festival unique is that while it began as a Chinese community event, it has grown to attract Malays and Indians, becoming an intercultural success. We delve into the history and significance of Chingay with Rayner Tan, vice chairman of the Johor Old Ancient Temple, which is part of the Chingay parade.

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With Thaipusam just around the corner, this time of year often brings Batu Caves back to the forefront of every Malaysian’s mind. While most people remember the site for its colorful stairs and Hindu Temples, we often forget that this limestone structure is a biodiverse hotspot home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna in Peninsular Malaysia. In this episode, we speak to Zarris Kem, Karst Naturalist and Member of the Malaysian Cave and Karst Conservancy about what makes Batu Caves unique as a geopark. We also discuss protection efforts, ecotourism and the research carried out on the Batu Caves Scientific Expedition.

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Every year, we see a familiar ritual taking place. People all over the world make ambitious New Year’s resolutions, often involving learning new skills and personal development. But if we’re honest with ourselves, how often does this pan out? We make promises to learn a new language, a new style of cooking or even play an instrument but come February, we’re still binge-watching TV shows. Why does this happen? In this episode, we speak to Cheng Yi about exactly this; how to be ambitious but sensible, choosing the right learning resources and creating a sustainable learning routine.

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Excitement is kicking in as we approach Chinese New Year. Families are preparing to return to their hometowns, clean their houses, pack Ang Pows, and gear up for reunion dinners. This celebration remains a time to reconnect with family and friends, to usher out the old year and bring in the luck of the new one. While many traditions have endured, some practices have evolved to fit modern times. So we delve into this with Florence Kuek, and talk about how these traditions continue to shape and adapt to contemporary lifestyles.

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Ahead of Trump’s inauguration, we take a deep dive into what’s to come with Donald Trump’s second term in the Oval office. We speak to Professor K.S. Nathan, Senior Research Fellow at the Asia-Europe Institute at Universiti Malaya, to understand how his return to power will reshape U.S. foreign policy. From shifting trade dynamics to ASEAN relations and security concerns in Greenland and the Panama Canal, Professor Nathan will discuss the challenges and opportunities that Malaysia (and the world) will face in the age of Trump 2.0.

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