Do you really know?
Episodes
Is the five second rule a real thing?
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you react when a piece of food you’re eating falls to the floor? Some people would throw it away in disgust, while others would still eat it,...
How should I organise my fridge?
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You might be the kind of person that meticulously fills your fridge with your groceries ensuring that every item is in the correct spot or perhaps you...
Are smoothies actually good for you?
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Smoothies can be seen pretty prominently in organic food stores and supermarkets during the summer. They’ve been a popular choice for years now and ...
Why should I avoid showering after a workout?
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Because moving and doing regular physical activity is important for our physical and mental health! Listen again to our episodes about sport! After an...
How does Paris syndrome affect some visitors to the French capital?
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some visitors can be so shocked by the reality of Paris compared to their expectations that they can experience psychiatric breakdowns or symptoms suc...
What is the 10-10-10 method for dealing with everyday worries?
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all have to deal with tricky dilemmas and situations from time to time, the kind which we just can’t seem to get out of our head, that keep us up...
Why has astrology come back into fashion?
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you noticed more of your friends talking about their star signs of late? Maybe they try to guess the sign of people they meet, or come out with u...
Why do we get the post-sex blues?
17 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever felt strangely sad after having sex, you may have wondered what on earth was wrong with you. After all, we’re supposed to lie aroun...
Am I fexting in my relationships like the Bidens?
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Interviewed by Harper's Bazaar in June 2022, US First Lady Jill Biden admitted to arguing over text with her husband. She said it’s been a good way ...
How can I avoid always feeling hungry?
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The feeling of hunger can be difficult to explain sometimes, especially if you feel like you've eaten as much as you usually do. As a result, we often...
Is running actually bad for our joints and bones?
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Running is one of the most common forms of exercise, and it makes sense when you think about it. You can do it more or less anywhere and equipment cos...
Could tourism quotas help preserve endangered local environments?
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s worth bearing in mind that overtourism has become a real nuisance. As tourists, it’s not exactly fun being in a highly overcrowded area, but ...
Can jellyfish offer the key to immortality?
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Throughout history people have been keen to find the answer to immortality. It's now commonly accepted that eternal life is not possible. Yet, somewhe...
What are 3 sex tips to give your relationship a boost?
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You might or might not be surprised to learn that warm weather naturally enhances the libido. According to a 2022 survey by the Kinsey Institute, 60...
What are the biggest misconceptions on beating heatwaves?
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to a World Meteorological Organisation report from May 2023, it’s now more likely than not that global temperatures will surpass the key m...
What is kakeibo, the mindful Japanese budgeting method?
10 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are a number of possible reasons why people don’t manage to save as much money as they would like. For example: paying for things with a credi...
Does sleeping next to someone improve sleep quality?
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever cursed your luck at having a partner who snores, or spends the whole night tossing and turning in bed? It can be tempting to consider ab...
Why are four leaf clovers considered lucky?
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve most likely heard of this plant before, and seen one if you were lucky! Maybe you’ve even tried to find one in a field or a garden. The fou...
What's really in vegan meat substitutes?
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the rising popularity of vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, many people still love the taste and texture of meat, or simply can’t kick the habi...
Are baths or showers better for our health?
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to getting clean, some people prefer chilling in the bath for a good half an hour or more, while others like how quick and practical it ...
How can I save money when using electrical appliances?
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You might be surprised to learn that how we use our electric devices can make real changes to our energy consumption and our bills. So here are some s...
Does sex help us to sleep better?
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to Mental Health UK, nearly one in five people in the country don’t get enough sleep. We’ve talked about various types of sleep disorder...
How can we choose the right sunscreen product?
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re going on a beach holiday, city break or camping trip, the chances are you’ll be soaking up the sun’s rays. Sunshine activates vit...
Why does looking at the sun make me sneeze?
03 Aug 2024
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 ...
What is bae-realing, the new dating trend?
03 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever since social media came along, dating trends have evolved constantly. They tend to reflect changes in society too. In previous episodes of Do You...
What is the No Bra movement?
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For women, wearing a bra to support their breasts may seem vital from puberty onwards. However, it’s claimed that bras may in fact be useless or eve...
What is sea snot?
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the last few weeks, a thick and foul-smelling foam known as mucilage has appeared in the Marmara Sea on Turkey’s northwestern coast. It’s been ...
Why are some deadly diseases re-emerging?
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're not up to date with your vaccinations, it might just be time to schedule an appointment with your doctor! When it comes to the diseases we’...
What is the Dunning Kruger effect, the phenomenon that causes overconfidence?
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Charles Darwin once wrote that “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge”, and real-life situations which reflect that are...
What are the strangest events at the Olympic Games?
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Olympic Games are known for their records, unforgettable stars, and moments that will forever be remembered. But (because there’s always a but),...
What's the ideal temperature to stay healthy at home?
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The World Health Organisation suggests that 18° C is the perfect temperature to set your heating to, but in reality that is just an average. There ar...
Why is French the official language of the Olympics?
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It may seem surprising that French is the official language of the Olympic Games, given that it’s ‘only’ the 5th most spoken language in the wor...
How much money makes you happy?
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Money can buy a lot, but can it buy happiness? This is a question that philosophers, economists, scientists and storytellers have puzzled over for so...
What are the three most unusual Olympic moments?
27 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Paris is hosting the Olympics for the first time in a century, which is a reminder of just how long the modern Games have been running. Since their in...
How can I stop micro-awakenings from disrupting my sleep?
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to a Direct Line Group study from 2022, over 70% of UK adults don’t get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Nighttime micro-awa...
Why are the Olympic Games held every 4 years?
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here we are, seven years after the announcement by the International Olympic Committee, the Paris Summer Games are about to begin! And for the first t...
How can I relax my brain while on holiday?
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're lounging on a beach, exploring a new city, or simply taking a break from your daily routine, finding ways to calm your mind while on ho...
How long do I have to wait to swim after eating?
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m sure at some point as a child on holiday you were told not to go swimming right after eating. Popular belief suggests that we should wait a cert...
What are the world's least safe travel destinations?
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In past episodes of Do You Really Know, we’ve talked about the best holiday destinations in the UK and abroad, as well as how to find the most budge...
Is Bedrotting bad for your health?
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it’s reading, journaling, enjoying breakfast, or scrolling through social media, these are just a few activities people indulge in while lou...
Could intentional inflexibility help you succeed at work?
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Multitasking, or the art of juggling several tasks at once, is more common than ever before in the workplace. In 2022, a German think tank called Next...
Why do we get travel sick?
20 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
During summer holidays, many of us experience the discomfort of motion sickness while travelling by car, coach, plane, or boat. motion sickness is Als...
How can you improve your memory and recall skills?
20 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Memory is the ability to store and retrieve information, and recall is the process of accessing that information when needed. Both are essential for l...
Could textertunism be damaging your friendships?
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is there anyone in your phone contacts who only seems to text you when they need something? It might be a nice surprise at first when you see their na...
What foods should you avoid to lose belly fat?
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Losing belly fat is a common health and wellness goal. The fat we consume in excess is stored in specialized cells called adipocytes, and its distribu...
How can I cut my summer holiday spending?
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to comparison website Finder.com, UK residents plan to spend an average of over £2100 on holidays abroad in the year 2023. Spending abroad ...
Why do some people believe in ghosts?
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You might assume that belief in the paranormal is limited to the fringes of society. After all, according to science, ghosts don’t exist; or at leas...
Could chronoworking make you work more efficiently?
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most productivity methods aim to boost your efficiency during office hours. But a new technique, based on your biological clock, might be the key: chr...
How much do surrogate mothers get paid?
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The NHS says that one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving, which can be a traumatic experience for those who want to have children. Someti...
How do you know what size condom to use?
13 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Condoms are the best protection out there against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies! And you can get them for free on the NHS f...
Why do people get angry when they drive?
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to Compare the Market research from November 2023, 69.5% of UK drivers say they experience road rage, with 12% admitting it happens to them ...
Is palm oil really bad for your health?
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We know that palm oil cultivation isn’t great for the environment, but it’s also not the best for our health. Despite this, palm oil production co...
Why do we get brain freeze?
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream” goes the popular tongue twister, based on a song written in the 1920s by American musicians Ho...
Do penises really get bigger in the summer?
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many men feel self-conscious about the size of their penis, and it’s often down to constant comparisons with other men, driven by pornography. Inter...
What is this new toxic trend looksmaxxing all about?
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beauty standards evolve over time, often influenced by social media. While beauty is typically associated with femininity, men are also subject to the...
How can I stay cool at home during summer?
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brits have just experienced the hottest June on record, according to the Met Office. The average mean temperature across the UK was 15.8°C, nearly a ...
Why is laughing contagious?
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever found yourself laughing at a completely inappropriate moment? If so, you know just how embarrassing it can be. And it gets even worse wh...
How can social media exposure lead to vicarious trauma?
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Social media has been part of our daily digital lives for nearly two decades now, and while there are plenty of positives associated with it, there’...
How does the Matthew Effect help us understand class inequalities?
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“The rich get richer and the poor get poorer”, the saying goes. And there’s actually a name for that phenomenon: the Matthew Effect. The term wa...
What’s the worst kind of meat for the environment?
06 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to The Telegraph, Brits eat an average of 220g of meat per day, which is almost double the global average. And agriculture is responsible fo...
Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet?
06 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you have ever slept with a cat or a dog, you know how cozy it can be. Whether they are at the foot of the bed or on the duvet, pets can make you fe...
Why are some people clumsier than others?
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you consider yourself a clumsy person? For some of us, accidents just seem to happen more often than for others, despite our best efforts to be mor...
What is Quantum medicine and is it a scam?
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In January 2024, the renowned French perfumery Guerlain is set to unveil a groundbreaking range of products inspired by quantum physics. Their marketi...
What three things do I need to know about the clitoris?
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The clitoris is the only organ in the human body that’s dedicated solely to pleasure. It doesn’t have any muscles or play any role in the body's o...
Can chocolate really kill dogs?
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been terrified of finding your dog munching on an Easter egg or chocolate treat during the holidays? It’s the kind of thing that can t...
Should you really drink hot drinks when it’s hot?
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s known that to beat the heat and avoid dehydration, we need to drink plenty of water. But while some reach for a hot cuppa, others swear by ice-...
Could insects replace meat?
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Although it is quite usual to find insects in markets in both Africa and Asia it is rather more unusual for people in the West to eat them. However, w...
How can I stop my plants from dying?
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s common knowledge that having plants in your home is incredibly beneficial. They reduce carbon dioxide levels, purify air, reduce dust, and can ...
Why do friend breakups hurt so much?
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all know that getting over romantic relationships can take time, sometimes weeks, months or years. Many poems, songs and film scenes have been dedi...
What is broken heart syndrome?
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The idea of a broken heart may make you think of a cartoon, an emoji or a bad break-up from your past. But broken heart syndrome is a real physical co...
Why do we cry when we cut onions?
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ending up in tears when preparing a dish with onions can be pretty darn inconvenient. No sooner have you started chopping them up, you find your eyes ...
Could hot rodent men be the new male ideal?
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Society’s beauty standards constantly evolve, and sometimes in surprising ways. The terms "rodent man" and "hot rodent man" have gone viral on TikTo...
Why are mini animals so popular?
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In late March 2024, actor Pierre Niney took to TikTok to reveal his newest love affair—not with a co-star, but with an adorable miniature donkey he’...
Could brain dumping help you manage your anxiety?
26 Jun 2024
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...
Could smartphone use be giving you text neck?
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to data from Finder.com, the average Brit now spends 4 hours and 14 minutes using their smartphone each day. It’s hardly surprising; smart...
Is it a bad idea to fall asleep in front of screens?
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re surrounded by screens all day, right up until we go to bed. Our lives are intertwined with technology, from the smartphone alarms that wake us...
Why is my circadian rhythm so important?
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve no doubt heard references to the existence of body clocks, and it’s no surprise because all of our bodily functions are regulated by the ci...
What should you do after having unprotected sex?
22 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s happened to most of us at least once. A condom breaks, it turns out the girl forgot to take her pill, or you got carried away and had sex even ...
What are boomerang employees in the world of work?
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You may remember that we talked about the Great Resignation a little while back on Do You Really Know. The trend saw millions of workers across the US...
What is auto-brewery syndrome?
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine being drunk, without having drunk a single drop of alcohol, it seems completely implausible, and yet for some is a reality. South-West media s...
Which countries are the most LGBTQI+-friendly?
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When choosing a holiday destination abroad, what factors do you take into account? Perhaps stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural scenes or enticing lo...
What is the Queer movement?
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pride Month 2024 is in full flow and this week, Do You Really Know brings you a week-long exploration of topics aimed at deepening your understanding ...
How are LGBTQIA+ people getting on at work?
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A global study by Deloitte, conducted early last year, uncovered that fewer than half of queer employees are comfortable disclosing their identity to ...
Why is June Pride Month?
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You’re probably familiar with the fact that June is Pride month, as it’s been the case for over 50 years now. And this week, we’re covering a ra...
How can I save on my water bill?
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
2022 marked the driest summer in nearly 30 years according to the UK government. And authorities felt the need to bring in a hosepipe ban across Kent ...
Could sofa theory help you find your ideal partner?
15 Jun 2024
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...
Do tongue scrapers actually help with bad breath?
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, our mouths host no fewer than 700 species of microbes, including “germs like bacteria...
Do our brains really tell the whole story about us?
13 Jun 2024
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...
How can heatwaves impact our mental health?
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re all aware of the physical risks associated with extreme heat, like dehydration and fainting for example. But a number of scientific studies ha...
Is end-to-end encryption really secure?
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In late April 2024, police chiefs from the UK’s National Crime Agency and 32 European countries issued a statement expressing their concerns about t...
Can the weather really influence our mood?
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re only a few weeks from the official start of summer, but you wouldn’t guess it given the wet conditions that we’ve seen for most of spring ...
Does olive oil really make you fat?
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, boasts a rich composition of essential fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with polyphenol...
Could gamophobia be hurting your relationship?
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Committing to a romantic relationship is by its very nature a significant transition in a person’s life. And that can often be a source of stress or...
What does general anesthesia do to the brain?
08 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Research published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia suggested that there are nearly 3 million general anesthesia procedures in the UK each year. ...
Why should you be happy to see spiders in your home?
07 Jun 2024
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 do you build up your brain power?
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our brain, much like our muscles, benefits from its own form of exercise. Through dedicated training and stimulation, we can enhance our cognitive abi...
Which clothes help us sleep best?
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Slipping into sleepwear is an essential part of most people’s nighttime routine. We often do it when we’re winding down from a busy day, and it me...
Which flights are most likely to be hit by turbulence?
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a nervous flyer thinking ahead to your next flight, you may have wondered whether it's possible to predict whether you'll encounter any tu...
Why do we startle when we fall asleep?
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You're peacefully drifting off to sleep when suddenly you feel as if you're falling into a void and you startle awake. This rather unpleasant sensatio...
How long do people have sex for?
03 Jun 2024
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 ...