Do you really know?

Why is it so hard to remember people’s names?

27 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ever met someone… and forgotten their name almost instantly? Awkward, right, especially after chatting for a few minutes. But if that happens to you...

Why do our tastes change as we get older?

27 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Think back to when you were a kid and there was a type of vegetable you simply wouldn’t go near, let alone eat. It might have been broccoli, Brussel...

Do I have poor blood circulation?

27 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve got heavy legs, nighttime cramps, varicose veins or swelling in the legs, you may have blood flow issues. When you consider that our bodie...

What is the olive theory from Tiktok?

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The olive theory actually started trending on Tiktok as of early 2023, leading younger generations to get familiar with How I Met Your Mother and on...

What is environmental racism?

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What is environmental racism? We’ve covered a lot of environmental issues on Do You Really Know? so regular listeners will be well aware of how th...

Should you be reducing salt in your diet?

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Salt is a common ingredient in many foods, and it’s essential for our health. Salt is made up of sodium and chloride, two minerals that help regulat...

Why are young men becoming more and more misogynistic?

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We might like to think of our Western countries as progressive, and take pride in how our societies have evolved in recent decades to become more incl...

What are the strangest reactions caused by an orgasm?

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Having an orgasm triggers a cascade of physiological responses, including the tightening of muscles in the pelvic and genital regions, and the release...

Could brain dumping help you manage your anxiety?

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Overthinking can be a real cause of anxiety for some people. Have you ever struggled to get to sleep at night with all the thoughts running through yo...

What is Fridgescaping?

24 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ever thought about making your fridge as stylish as your wardrobe or living room? Afterall presentation is important. Welcome to the world of fridgesc...

Why do children have imaginary friends?

24 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What fun it is to have an imaginary friend to blame when you get into mischief! If you have children, you may have experienced a rather amusing situat...

Why do web addresses start with www?

24 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You might be surprised to learn that the famous “www” in website addresses didn’t originate in Silicon Valley or New York, but at the European O...

Is sex without feelings ever a good idea?

23 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With the rise of dating apps, it seems more common to have sex without being in love. Sex for sex's sake, promises to be mindless and commitment-free....

Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?

23 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You may well have been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so you shouldn’t skip it. But did you know that prior to the indus...

What is chemical submission?

23 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You may have seen headlines in recent weeks about a deeply shocking French court case. A man has admitted drugging his wife with powerful sedatives ov...

What is ecological debt?

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s take a moment to consider a concept which highlights both the scale of the climate crisis and inequalities between different areas of the worl...

Does being a vegetarian lead to dietary deficiencies?

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe you’ve considered going vegetarian in the past for ethical reasons, linked to the environment or animal welfare for example. But you may have ...

What is the best time of day to take a shower?

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

YouGov data from 2019 showed that 49% of Brits shower once per day, while 20% do so 4 to 6 times per week. And 6% even shower more than once per day! ...

Could sofa theory help you find your ideal partner?

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Picture the scene: a woman is sitting in a bar, when a man comes up to try to talk to her. She finds him attractive, but acts disinterested and more o...

Why should you be happy to see spiders in your home?

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What's your relationship with spiders like? Some people are pretty terrified of them, and for many their first reaction is to grab something to squash...

How long do people have sex for?

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Popular fantasy might suggest that we need to have hours of sex in order to be satisfied, but is that actually true? A study published in the Journal ...

What is de-extinction?

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What is de-extinction? The process of de-extinction is all about bringing extinct species back to life. It became known in the 2010s, thanks to an a...

How do aeroplanes fly?

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been on an aeroplane and wondered how on earth a vehicle weighing tens of thousands of kilograms can even take off, let alone stay in th...

Can a messy desk help some people work better?

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”. If you’re obsessed with having a tidy work environ...

Is staying friends with an ex really a good idea?

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us have to go through a painful breakup at some point in our life. Even if you thought you’d found your soulmate, started planning a grand f...

Is it really good to drink coffee every morning?

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If the mere smell of a good cup of coffee is enough to get you out of bed, you might want to rethink your early morning ritual. According to nutritio...

Who was the real Count of Monte Cristo?

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

French novelist Alexandre Dumas first published The Count of Monte Cristo as a novel in 1844, and it went on to gain a reputation as one of the most c...

How did domestic violence become legal in Afghanistan?

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Since January 2026, Afghanistan has been operating under a new Code of Criminal Procedure, and for women, the situation has deteriorated further. In s...

How to choose the best detergent?

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the days of yore, clothes were scrubbed with soap, brushes, and sheer elbow grease. But today, laundry detergents have revolutionized the way we cl...

Is it dangerous if I get heart palpitations?

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On average the human heart beats at a rate of 1.16 times per second, or 100 times per minute. Sometimes the heart rate gets faster, slower or is irreg...

What is the Oosouji method of house cleaning?

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Japan, cleanliness is cultural and synonymous with well-being. That’s down in no small part to the influence of Shintoism, the country's oldest r...

How can I improve my posture in the office?

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Musculoskeletal disorders, like back pain and arthritis, are recognized as occupational diseases in Western countries which have a large office workfo...

Which foods should I avoid after their expiry date?

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some expired food products are easy to identify, due to an unpleasant smell, mould, swollen packaging or abnormal colour for example. But others show ...

Why do we blow out candles on birthdays?

16 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a scene that plays out in millions of homes across the world every day. There’s a sense of anticipation as the lights go out, only for the ro...

What are plant milks?

16 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Plant milks have been all the rage for a number of years now, and they’re gradually taking up more and more space on supermarket shelves, to the det...

What benefits can we get from journaling?

16 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

According to a 2016 WHO study, 25% of the global population is likely to develop a mental disorder during their lifetime. But of course there are cert...

How can I meditate without meditating?

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Meditation is often sighted as a great way to relax, reduce stress and help us focus, but it can be difficult for lots of people to do in the traditio...

What is “community entrenchment” and why can it make us believe fake news?

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

These days, with the internet and social media, we’re exposed to fake news more than ever, misleading or false information presented as fact, someti...

Have you ever looked in the mirror and not recognized yourself?

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Depersonalization, a dissociative psychological syndrome, can be incredibly destabilising. It often takes years for sufferers to identify it. Charac...

What is social jet lag?

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve probably heard of jetlag, the feeling of fatigue and disorientation that occurs when you travel across different time zones, but did you know...

Is sleeping in bad for your health?

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I don’t know about you but for me not having to set an alarm on a Saturday or Sunday morning is really one of life’s simple pleasures. With my pac...

Which foods change our body odour?

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that each of us has a truly unique body odour, which is influenced by a mix of genetic, hormonal, age-related, environmental, and lifesty...

Could unfaithfulness be caused by genetics?

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

No one's proud of being unfaithful, but what if some people’s cheating was actually caused by genetics, rather than selfishness? That might sound li...

Why does looking at the sun make me sneeze?

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We usually sneeze to protect ourselves from irritants such as pollen, dust, or chemicals. But there are some people who consistently sneeze when they ...

Can I cure my fear of spiders?

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If just thinking of spiders is enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck, or you jump any time you see one, the chances are you suffe...

Why does not getting enough sleep make you selfish?

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Not getting a good night’s sleep can certainly leave you feeling grumpy and groggy, but can it also make you selfish? Sleep experts at the Universit...

Why do couples often look alike?

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You may remember we talked about whether or not opposites attract in a recent episode of Do You Really Know. As it turns out, more often than not, cou...

Do our brains really tell the whole story about us?

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You know how sometimes you might indulge in a bit too much junk food, or maybe the kids aren’t acing their tests, or perhaps you’re navigating the...

Why are young people looking so old?

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you're aged between 30 and 40, you're part of Generation Y, also known as the ‘millennials’ You may have already said to yourself that the next...

Why doesn’t every language have a word for blue?

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Our planet is full of blue things. The sea, the sky. Blueberries, bluebirds, bluebells. If English is your only language, it’s probably inconceivabl...

What is muscle dysmorphia?

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's back to school! DYRK is dedicating a special week to sport. Because moving and doing regular physical activity is important for our physical and ...

Does money really make us happy?

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, people in wealthier countries are happier on average, but only up to a point. Even in so-called ...

How do you explain intuition?

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We've all experienced those gut feelings, hunches, or flashes of insight that seem to come from nowhere. But what exactly is intuition, and can it be ...

What is digital sobriety?

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Digital sobriety is all about reducing the ecological footprint of our daily digital lifestyles. That’s right, using your cell phone, PC or connecte...

Can we really multitask effectively?

09 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's pretty common these days to have to tackle several things at once, like responding to an email while on a work call. Our constant pursuit of prod...

Should we all be working a 4 day week?

09 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

One of the unsuspected consequences of a global pandemic is a re-evaluation not only of how we work but what work means to us. For some the flexibili...

What is sexsomnia?

09 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We all know someone who talks in their sleep, or occasionally sleepwalks around the house, perhaps even heading to the kitchen to prepare a nighttime ...

What is Focus Friday?

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Let's be honest: being productive at work on Fridays can be a real challenge. A 2019 study by Accountemps found that Friday was the least common choic...

How can you stop giving in to impulse buying?

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever picked up clothes or random items on a whim, because you were stressed, bored, or just felt like celebrating? That’s what experts ca...

What is the soft evening concept from Tiktok?

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel frustrated about work dominating your life? Maybe in your free time, you try to make up for that by enjoying yourself and having a bu...

Why do we get great ideas in the shower?

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever noticed that you tend to have your best ideas in the shower? If so, you’re not alone! A 2014 study conducted by cognitive psychologist...

What are the dangers of overusing paracetamol?

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Paracetamol, a staple in UK households, is widely available over the counter and commonly used to alleviate headaches, toothaches, joint pain, flu sym...

What is the keto diet?

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What is the keto diet? The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet which allegedly helps weight loss and fighting diseases such as diabetes, epil...

What is astropsychology?

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Regular listeners will remember how astrology has undergone somewhat of a revival in recent years. Knowledge of terms like “Saturn return” and “...

What are pick me boys?

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Self-deprecation can be an endearing trait in some people. After all, it’s important not to take oneself too seriously, isn’t it? But when pick me...

Are micro naps actually effective?

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After lunch, many of us get that familiar afternoon slump, an overwhelming urge to just doze off for a little while. And on weekends or during holida...

What was the Nazis' Madagascar Plan?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When we talk about the Holocaust, most of us immediately think of death camps like Auschwitz or Dachau, chilling symbols of the Nazis’ “Final Solu...

Does stress really cause grey hair?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve all heard the saying, "This is giving me grey hair!" But is there any truth to it? Actually, yes. Several scientific studies confirm that st...

How can I limit the effects of sugar on my health?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When we think of those who have high blood sugar, we tend to think of people with diabetes, as they often have to monitor their levels and sometimes u...

Why are there more cancer deaths than ever before?

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not something we like to dwell on too often, but the chance for each of us getting some kind of cancer during our lifetime is significant. Afte...

Why do mouth sounds drive some people crazy?

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s face it there are certain sounds that are just annoying to be exposed to, or sometimes even to think of! Someone chewing loudly with their mou...

Is oversleeping bad for you?

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You’re no doubt familiar with what it feels like to be extremely tired after a long sleep. It’s a little like a hangover really: sluggishness, irr...

Does true crime help us fall asleep?

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For some, true-crime stories have a strangely calming effect when they are tucked up in bed for the night. It’s a phenomenon that’s not gone unnot...

Could SMART goals help you reduce stress?

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

All personal development coaches emphasise the importance of setting goals, even ones that may seem out of reach at first. Doing so not only boosts mo...

Why is black associated with grief?

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A funeral is one of those rare occasions where you don’t really need to think too much about your choice of outfit. After all, everyone wears black ...

Is cracking my knuckles bad for me?

02 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re asking yourself whether cracking your knuckles is a bad thing, we'll take it as a given that you do crack your knuckles. You’ve probably...

How often should I cut my hair?

02 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For some, a trip to the hairdresser feels like a chore, while for others, it’s a refreshing boost. Either way, getting regular haircuts isn’t just...

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

02 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS, is related to hormonal imbalances in women’s bodies. It’s the leading cause of fertility problems in ...

Why is it so hard to disobey?

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Picture this: your boss asks you to do something that feels unfair or pointless. You disagree… but you go along with it anyway. It happens all the...

Why do we hiccup?

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Of all the involuntary spasms the human body has, hiccuping is one of the most peculiar. Sure, it’s funny at first, and in particular if it’s happ...

Has the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle finally been solved?

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every year, an average of four planes and twenty boats vanish in this notorious area. Straddling the line between legend and reality, the Bermuda Tr...

Are protein bars really worthwhile?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to boost your protein intake, you might have considered eating a protein bar. They are convenient, come in...

Why do our bodies need to sleep?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sleep is often seen as a waste of time. Many businessmen, politicians, and celebrities boast about sleeping only 5 hours per night or even being insom...

How can you boost your morale in just 8 minutes?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Modern life moves fast—work, responsibilities, and that endless to-do list. It often feels like there’s no time for what truly matters. Relationsh...

Why did Tiktok ban the "legging legs" trend ?

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Social media just can't seem to shake off its obsession with thinness! Despite knowing that what we see online isn't always real, it still manages to ...

What are five foods that make us happy?

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re feeling a little blue, eating to feel better can be an appealing proposition. But the reality is we often turn to junk food or sugary tr...

Will the meat of the future be printed in 3D?

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Climatologists and medical experts are in agreement about the detrimental impact of excessive meat consumption on both our environment and health. Ind...

Why do some people need to sleep more than others?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the years go by, we're getting less and less sleep. A survey by Chemist4U in 2022 found that Brits get just 6 hours and 10 minutes of sleep per nig...

How can you use Tinder safely?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Salim Berrada, also known as "the Tinder rapist", has been on trial in France since 18 March 2024. He is accused of raping or sexually assaulting 17 w...

What are the health benefits of using sex toys?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We've long known that masturbation can help relieve stress and even alleviate menstrual pain in women, thanks to the release of hormones like endorphi...

What is anticipatory grief?

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

At some point in life, most people experience grief, whether after losing a loved one or at the end of an important relationship. We tend to associate...

How do I know if I'm addicted to sex?

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hypersexuality, overactive libido and sex addiction are just a few of many terms used to describe those who simply can’t seem to get enough when it ...

Which foods will help you get a good night's sleep?

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Here at Do You Really Know, we’ve talked over and over again about the importance of getting good quality sleep. So of course, you don’t want your...

Could job enrichment make your work more rewarding?

26 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A lot has changed in the workplace since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Companies have had to figure out how to best manage remote work f...

What do I need to know before getting a tattoo?

26 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A 2022 YouGov study suggested that 26% of British people have at least one tattoo, a statistic which reflects just how the perception of tattoos has c...

Why do we talk about “left” and “right” in politics?

26 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today, “left” and “right” are the main labels we use to categorise political views, but their origins go back over two centuries. To understan...

What is the 10-3-2-1-0 Method for Better Sleep?

25 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The pursuit of restful sleep is a common goal, especially considering that around one-third of people in the UK experience sleep disorders such as in...

Can you have sex on your period?

25 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Getting intimate while you or your partner are menstruating isn’t always straightforward. Still, the idea of period sex has gradually become less an...

How can I optimise my interior through Ikea hacking?

25 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ever since Covid-19 lockdowns, many people have developed a taste for interior design and regularly take to Pinterest for inspiration. But as you may ...

How did running a marathon become a status symbol?

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The London Marathon takes place this Sunday, with more than 50,000 runners set to take part. Simply getting hold of a bib is hard enough, with a worl...