Instant Genius

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.

Dr. Ian Taylor, a Reader in motivational science at Loughborough University, shares insights on effective goal-setting. He explains the common mistake of setting overly ambitious goals and advocates for starting small with micro goals for long-term success. The conversation delves into the benefits of cheat days in diets to maintain motivation and discusses building morning routines to enhance willpower. Dr. Taylor emphasizes a balanced approach to goal achievement, combining short-term objectives with long-term aspirations for a healthier relationship with personal goals.

Sumit Paul-Choudhury, a science writer and author of "The Bright Side," discusses the transformative power of optimism. He explores how optimism isn't just a human trait; even animals like chickens and bumblebees exhibit hopeful behaviors. Sumit highlights the role of optimistic thinking in overcoming 21st-century challenges, from pandemics to climate change. He also delves into the complexities of optimism, debunking biases and advocating for innovative policymaking driven by collective hope.

Get ready to supercharge your New Year with smart goal-setting strategies! Discover how to cut down your social media time for a healthier mindset. Plus, learn effective techniques to cope with stress like a pro. Join leading researchers as they dive into the science of health and well-being, offering you the tools to kick off the year on a positive note. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your life!