Think creativity is only for painters and poets? Think again. From coding to choreography, we explore how STEM and the arts feed off each other—and how blending both can spark big ideas in work, school, and everyday life.

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Serial killers are often depicted as a Western phenomenon, with research and popular culture heavily focused on cases from the U.S. and the U.K. In this episode, criminologist Haezreena Begum talks about serial killers from the Malaysian perspective, with a look at how our socio-cultural norms, policing systems and media portrayals may have led to the misclassification of serial killings in the country. We’ll also explore the overlooked trauma faced by victims and families amidst sensationalised narratives of such crimes.

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In light of recent political actions by US President Donald Trump, we break down what tariffs are, how they work, and why they matter. From their impact on global trade to how they affect prices of goods, we simplify the complexities of tariffs and explore their role in shaping the world economy.

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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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