From the phone in your pocket to the car on your driveway, batteries quietly power modern life. But how do these tiny boxes of chemistry actually work? In this episode we crack open the science of batteries — from the basics of anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes, to the differences between lithium-ion, alkaline, and lead–acid cells. We explore why voltage and current matter, how thousands of cells are scaled up to run electric cars, and what really happens when batteries fail or catch fire. We also dig into why they wear out over time, the challenge of long-term storage, and the big question: can energy storage keep up with our growing global demand? Batteries aren’t just about powering gadgets — they may shape the entire future of energy.

Join us on this episode as we delve into the stealthy threat of appendicitis. We explore the anatomy of the appendix, why its obstruction turns emergency, how symptoms can mislead even seasoned clinicians, and what scores like Alvarado and AIR add to the diagnostic toolkit. We’ll guide you through the treatment landscape— from keyhole surgery to antibiotic-first strategies—highlighting the risks, benefits, and when each is appropriate. Through real-life cases, we’ll underscore the consequences of a delayed diagnosis and the power of early intervention.

Ever wonder why you keep scrolling, buying, or clicking — even when you know you shouldn’t? In this episode, we dive into the science of attention and the clever tricks marketers and social media platforms use to capture it. From supermarket layouts and clever packaging to TikTok’s endless scroll and online ads, we explore how your brain is being subtly steered and why compulsive behaviours like doomscrolling are so hard to resist. Music: HOME - AWAY

Ever wonder why we spend a third of our lives lying in the dark trying to hallucinate? ME TOO FRIEND! So, come and dive into the science of sleep, from the stages your brain cycles through, to the surprising tricks animals use to rest, and the shocking effects of going without sleep. Plus, explore why we sometimes stay up late on purpose and what really makes sleep restorative. Music: HOME – AWAY

The universe is vast—hundreds of billions of stars, trillions of planets—so where is everyone? This week we dive into the Fermi Paradox, the puzzling question of why we haven’t found any signs of intelligent extraterrestrial life despite the overwhelming odds. We break down the science behind the paradox, explore the Drake Equation, and examine possible explanations for the cosmic silence—from civilizations being short-lived to the unsettling idea of the Great Filter. Is the galaxy teeming with life that hides from us, or are we truly alone? Music: HOME – AWAY

This week we’re back in the world of dog minds, digging into whether dogs really understand the words we say, or if we’re just wishful-thinking pet parents. We explore why they might ignore our commands, whether their so-called “bad behaviour” is actually intentional, and how different training styles affect behaviour. It’s dog psychology with a healthy dose of science, scepticism, and sympathy for the little chaos machines we love

The UK’s Online Safety Act just went live — and it's got nothing to do with safety. In this episode, we break down how this sweeping new law threatens free speech, demands intrusive age checks, and opens the door to mass surveillance.

We’ll expose the tech behind the ID dragnet, unpack the VPN boom, and ask the big question: is this the end of online privacy in Britain?

Plug in, encrypt everything, and hit play — your digital freedom depends on it.

This week we dive into the minds of dogs — exploring how they interpret human gestures, what their behaviour might reveal about their emotions, and whether breed really shapes personality. We break down the science of training, cognition, and attachment — and ask what’s really going on behind those puppy-dog eyes. Turns out, your dog might be understanding more than you think. And probably judging you a little less than you fear. Music: HOME – AWAY