Whether it’s accepting a work assignment we know we don’t have time for, attending a social occasion even though we’d much rather hunker down at home with a cup of tea, or something more serious such as not speaking up when we witness an act of discrimination, many of us find it difficult to say ‘no’. But why is this?In this episode, we speak to psychologist Dr Sunita Sah about her latest book Defy, The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes.She tells us how we are wired to comply, even if doing so comprises our true values, the far-reaching effect this has on our lives and the structure of society, and how by following her advice we can all unlock the power of a ‘True No’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Professor Richard Gale, an expert in age-related macular degeneration from Hull York Medical School, discusses the impact of this common sight loss condition, affecting many, including Dame Judi Dench. He highlights early warning signs and the necessity of regular eye exams. Gale shares insights on the differences between wet and dry forms of AMD, treatment advancements like genetic therapy, and innovative drug delivery methods. His optimism about emerging therapies offers hope for enhancing the quality of life for those at risk.

Over the last century or so neuroscientists around the world have been uncovering more and more about how our very identities are formed by the different cognitive functions carried out by our brains. And we now know that our identities can even be transformed by brain disorders such as stroke, dementia of head injuries.In this episode, we catch up with neurologist Masud Husain to talk about his latest book – Our Brains, Our Selves, What a Neurologist’s Patients Taught Him about the Brain.He takes us through some of the discoveries he has made while treating patients during his long career. We learn how a stroke led to a previously successful, motivated man to suddenly lose interest in all areas of this life, how a previously demure, shy woman began dressing flamboyantly and insulting people in the street thanks to the effects of dementia and a woman suffering from Alzheimer’s began to think that there were multiple copies of her husband. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Be it a Marvel superhero, a fashion model or a professional athlete, we likely all have an image in our minds of what we wish our bodies looked like. But for some, the pressure of meeting these expectations can lead to the use of anabolic steroids in an attempt to get that Hollywood or magazine cover look.In this episode, we speak to Dr Orlanda Harvey, a senior lecturer in social work based at Bournemouth University.She tells us what steroids do to our bodies, the various motivations recreational users have for using them and the health issues, both for body and mind, that can arise from doing so. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether it’s due to deadlines at work, an upcoming exam or a rocky personal relationship, we’ve no doubt all felt stress at some point in our lives. And while a certain amount of stress can help to motivate us and make us more productive, if things get too much, stress can have a significant effect on both our mental and physical health.In this episode, we speak to Despina Djama, a psychologist and stress researcher based at the University of Plymouth.She tells us what happens in our brains and bodies when we experience stress, explains how the reaction stems from our evolutionary fight or flight response and shares some tips and techniques we can all use to help us get through stressful times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many of us listen to music every day, perhaps to help us relax in the evening after a hard day’s work, get us through a tough workout or maybe even to allow us to feel closer to absent loved ones. There can be no doubt that music plays a huge part in what it means to be human.In this episode, we catch up with neuroscientist and musician Daniel Levitin to talk about his latest book Music as Medicine: How We Can Harness Its Therapeutic Power.He tells us what happens in our bodies and brains when we listen to music or play an instrument, explains the unique relationship between music and memory, and details how music can be used as a powerful therapeutic tool to help patients struggling from everything from Alzheimer’s disease to post traumatic stress disorder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether it’s a sport, painting or spending hours buried in puzzles, there is a clear link between our experience of hobbies and our mental health. Part of our Healthy Start series, we spoke to Karen Mak, a senior research fellow at UCL about how hobbies can bolster our mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, Prof. Keon West, an expert in social psychology and author of 'The Science of Racism,' reveals stark truths about systemic racism. He shares shocking statistics showing racial bias in job interviews and education. West critiques the flawed idea of color blindness as a solution and emphasizes the importance of diverse interactions. He highlights how unconscious biases affect employment opportunities and the role of media representation in shaping perceptions of race. This conversation is crucial for understanding and tackling racial inequalities.

Niklas Ihssen, an associate professor at Durham University specializing in human behavior and social media, discusses the fine line between regular and problematic social media use. He highlights the emotional impacts and societal dynamics influenced by social media, drawing parallels with older media forms. The conversation emphasizes recognizing signs of unhealthy engagement and promotes responsible usage over complete abstinence. Ihssen advocates for understanding motives behind social media habits to foster healthier connections and improve mental well-being.

Jonas Olofsson, a Professor of Psychology at Stockholm University and author of "The Forgotten Sense," dives into the remarkable capabilities of the human sense of smell. He debunks myths about our olfactory abilities, revealing how humans are sophisticated sniffers. The conversation tackles the link between scent, memory, and emotion, explores how genetics and culture influence our odor perceptions, and discusses the fascinating world of pheromones. Olofsson also highlights the trained skill of sommeliers in identifying complex wine aromas.