Explain This

Why do people sometimes "overreact" to little things like losing their car keys? What can I do to to prevent myself from having a meltdown? What on earth is the Fork Theory, and how does it relate to the Spoon Theory? We continue our cutlery-themed episodes with a follow-up to last week's episode on Spoon Theory! Let's delve into the world of self-care. Email: explainthiscast@gma...

Why am I tired and irritated all the time? What does it feel like to have a chronic health condition like lupus? What can cutlery teach us about being a functional adult with a balanced life? Today we explore the zany-sounding Spoon Theory, a cool analogy that explains how we need to mindful of our physical and emotional energy reserves, and how to balance our life to improve our mental health. Re...

If you inherit your grandfather's axe then replace both the blade and the handle, is it still the same axe? Is it true that our body is completely turned over every seven years? Why does the Ship of Theseus matter? Today, we delve deep into one of the oldest thought experiments in Western philosophy and discuss how pondering philosophy can help us resolve our quarter- and mid-life crises! Emai...

Can bacteria get infections too? How do the new mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 work? Why on Earth would doctors make you swallow a pill full of poop? Today we study a curious organism with a name that literally means "devourer of bacteria" and how we can harness the power of viruses in modern medicine. Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explainthiscast Tw...

What do cameras, eyes and TVs have in common? How do we see and detect colour? Can you imagine a colour you have never seen? Today's episode is a colourful exploration of how colour vision works...and when it doesn't. Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explainthiscast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExplainThisCast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explaint...

What is the meaning of life? Why should I bother doing anything if nothing really matters? How can philosophy make me happy and content? This week, we explore a way of life that appears to be too oxymoronic to be effective, yet it can have a profound impact on your satisfaction with life. Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explainthiscast Twitter: https://twitter.c...

What do insects, angels and centaurs have in common? Why are dragons and pegasi unrealistic? How can we make an animal grow more limbs? Today we examine mythical creatures through the lens of science, learning a lot about evolutionary biology on the way! Example of forearm bone homology: https://i.imgur.com/0atTBJ8.png Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explainthis...

Why does my coffee get cold? How will the universe end? What can I do about my propensity for laziness and procrastination? This week, we tackle a particularly complicated thermodynamic physics concept, while applying it to our lives to strive for better productivity! Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explainthiscast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExplainThisCast In...

Is hygge some new interior design style promoted by influencers? What makes you feel cozy and safe? How do you introduce more sustainable happiness in your life? Let's jump into the wonderful world of hygge - a Danish word that encompasses so many different ways we can add happiness to our days. Come learn a thing or two about being consciously cozy! Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Facebook:...

Why does alcohol make us do silly things? What causes blackouts and Asian flushes? How can I get over hangovers quicker? In this episode, we go deep into the effects of alcohol on our brain, body and personalities. Because if you're going to recreationally use a poison, you might as well understand how it works, right? Side note: this episode pairs excellently with a glass of single malt whisk...

How can you shatter a wine glass with perfect singing? Why do I get goosebumps when I listen to sweet tunes? What have vibrations got to do with finding a soulmate? Today we'll learn about the science of resonance and vibrations, followed by an alternative interpretation of resonance and how it can positively impact our lives! Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com...

Why do we get fevers when we're sick? How do paracetamol and ibuprofen work? How did doctors in the early 20th century "fight fire with fire" using fever as a treatment? Let's learn about the cool (and hot) ways the body controls it's internal environment - and what happens when it goes pear-shaped!  Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explaint...

Why do New Year's Resolutions never work? What's the best way to plan for and action positive life change? What should the theme of my year be, and what is a Yearly Theme even? This episode, we learn about how SMART goals and Yearly Themes will help you lose weight, save money, get stuff done and generally become a better, more awesome you in 2021! Special thanks to @CortexPodcast for intr...

Is it right to let one person die to save five people? What do doctors, terrorists and self-driving cars have in common? How come Jin keeps pronouncing "lever" differently each time? We return to another thought experiment and go deep into the world of morality and ethics, while picking up some tips on how to look out for our own happiness! Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Twitter: https...

Why do I keep forgetting my anniversary date? How can I get better grades with flashcards? What's the easiest way to memorise the names of every Pokémon? Today Jin shares his not-so-secret, but super powerful study technique: spaced repetition! If you want to try Anki (free for web version and Android), follow this link: https://apps.ankiweb.net/ Forgetting curve graph: https://i.imgur.com/z4Q...

If my friend is A+ and I'm B-, is their blood superior to mine? What would happen if I injected myself with monkey blood? Why would a mother's body try to kill it's own baby in the womb? Today we'll learn all about the fascinating world of blood transfusions and how scientific discoveries and awesome, altruistic people have saved millions of lives! Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com...

What do musicians, artists and athletes mean when they say they're "in the zone"? What's the happiest state your mind can be in? How do you pronounce Mihály Csíkszentmihályi?? This week, we delve into the wonderful world of positive psychology and learn how to live a happier, more fulfilling life! Or in Jin's case, how to make exam study more bearable.  Email: explainthiscast...

When's the best time to start investing? Why is my credit card bill going up despite monthly payments? How can maths help me make money? In this episode, we'll explore the wonderful, scary world of compound interest and how powerful exponential growth can be! I wish someone had explained all of this to me 10 years earlier... Compound interest formula : A = P(1+r)^n (A = future value, P = p...

Why are feelings so darn complicated? How do I avoid my emotions taking over my life? How can I be proactive instead of reactive? Let's delve into the weird world of emotions and learn how we can be more in sync with our feelings to live happier, less stressful lives! Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExplainThisCast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explainthiscas...

How can you shock a dead person back to life? What happens when your heart stops beating? Which awesome 80's song should I play in my head while doing CPR? Listen to an emergency doctor explain how CPR works and why it's so important in layman's terms! Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExplainThisCast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explainthiscast Openin...

Who was Erwin Schrödinger and why is his cat so famous? How can quantum physics help us with our career choices and love life? What do you mean I might technically be immortal? Jin dives straight into the deep end on our first episode of Explain This, by tackling the task of explaining one of the most famous and popular thought experiments in science! Email: explainthiscast@gmail.com Twitter: http...