Researchers all over the world have studied what’s known as a “happiness paradox” a phenomenon where trying to make ourselves happier actually makes us less happy. But not making happiness a goal, and trying to live in the moment is not as easy as it sounds, especially in this era where everything’s so fast-paced and ephemeral. Is it even possible? We explore this with Sandy Clarke.

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Often called ‘Heaven on Earth,’ Kashmir has been riddled with geopolitical conflict for decades. After the recent attacks in Pahalgam, we sit down with Hafsa Kanjwal to explore its historical roots, major events and the way this conflict has shaped relations between India and Pakistan.

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How have fathers changed in today’s modern families? In conjunction with Father’s Day, which was just celebrated this past Sunday, we explore this question with Alan Yong, a licensed counsellor. From being the silent and strong provider, to taking on a bigger share of the emotional load, are fathers today raising their children the same way their own fathers did?

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What does it mean to be someone else’s voice, using sign language? Joining us to answer that question is Tan Lee Bee, one of our country’s most beloved sign language interpreters, who was recently awarded the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara by the Agong for her service to the country. Joining her is Wan Zuraidah Abu, Head of Sign Language Interpreting Services, from the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf. We’ll also find out about the important role of sign language interpreters in reminding us that the deaf are also part of our communities.

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From quarter-life panic to mid-life meltdowns, psychologist Evone Phoo helps us unpack what an existential crisis really is, how meaning, identity, and even boredom shape these turning points, and how to navigate them without spiraling.

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It's a drink that's near and dear to every Malaysian's heart. After all, teh tarik is our national drink. But, this drink was once a major tool of trade that travelled across empires, cultures and centuries. We spill the tea with Erika Rappaport, author of A Thirst for Empire: How Tea Shaped the Modern World to find out how this drink became a cultural icon and a daily ritual for millions.

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They have been called the deadliest animal on Earth, spreading diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, and more, killing hundreds of thousands each year. But on a personal level, they serve as a daily annoyance to humans worldwide. So in this episode, we ponder if we should eradicate mosquitoes altogether. Dr Ong Song-Quan joins us to discuss the ecological role they play and how we can protect ourselves from these pests.

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Following the passing of the late Pope Francis, the world turns its attention to the secretive process of choosing his successor. How exactly does a papal conclave work, and how much of what we see in films like Conclave is true? Historian Miles Pattenden joins us to separate fact from fiction, and explain what really goes on behind the Vatican’s closed doors.

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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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