2023-09-21 How fans talk about their passions
Introduction Fandom is more than simply being a fan, and now the world of fandom has started to develop its own language. Beth and Neil discuss this and teach you…
2023-09-14 Making male friends
Introduction It is often thought that men are much worse than women at making and keeping friends. How true is this? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some useful…
2023-09-07 Space-saving solar hacks
Introduction Solar power is key for meeting net-zero targets, but how can we find space to build more solar panels? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some useful vocabulary.…
2023-08-31 The stories behind our names
Introduction Everyone has a name. It’s an important part of our identity. But names can also have meanings that reveal our culture and history. Neil and Beth discuss this and…
2023-08-24 Heatwaves: can we adapt?
Introduction Many cities are getting hotter and hotter. This can cause many problems for the people who live in them. What can we do to make heatwaves more bearable? This…
2023-08-17 Are you unhappy at work?
Introduction We spend so much of our day working – how can we ensure our job doesn’t make us miserable? It takes more than just money and conditions. Neil and…
2023-08-10 Do you have eco-anxiety?
Introduction A growing number of people around the world are experiencing something psychiatrists are calling ‘eco-anxiety’, an overwhelming sense of hopeless and doom due to the current climate situation. Neil…
2023-08-03 Can you stop a disaster?
Introduction Natural disasters can cause death and destruction. Should we just accept them, or is there any way we can stop natural disasters being so damaging? This week’s question Which…
2023-07-27 The right way to say sorry
Introduction It’s becoming increasingly important for public figures to apologise after making a mistake. Neil and Beth discuss different ways to say sorry and teach you some useful vocabulary. This…
2023-07-04 Foraging for wild food
Introduction Do you pick the fruit you eat from trees? In this programme, we’ll be hearing about a new foraging project taking place across the UK, and, as usual, we’ll be…
2023-07-13 Plants fighting pollution
Introduction Recently, scientists have been developing a new natural technique for cleaning up pollution by letting plants do the work instead. Neil and Beth discuss ‘phytoremediation’ – a natural way…
2023-07-06 Should we fear chatbots?
Introduction How human are chatbots? Do they really know what we are thinking, and should we fear them? That’s what Rob and Neil are talking about, and they teach you…
2023-06-29 Is it wrong to eat plants?
Introduction Plants don’t have brains or nerves, but according to some scientists, they can learn, solve problems, and even recognise other plants in their ‘family’. So, given the amazing things…
2023-06-14 Sonic seasoning
Introduction ‘Sonic seasoning’ is the idea that when you hear certain sounds or music they can enhance one flavour or another in the food you’re eating. That’s what Beth and Neil…
2023-06-15 The benefits of doing nothing
Introduction Some animals evolved to do nothing. And if it’s good enough for animals, would being lazy work for humans too? That’s what Beth and Neil talk about as they…