Leaf & Elfie: Curious Talks

In 2020, animal welfare charity Viva! launched 'Hogwood: A Modern Horror Story'. The documentary film is presented by Jerome Flynn and exposes the harrowing conditions on a Warwickshire pig farm. Their undercover footage ultimately forced big brand like Tesco to rethink their relationship with the company, but only after the animal-loving British public reacted to shocking scenes of abus...

In this episode Leaf and Elfie talk with Dr Carl Johan Calleman on the subject of Mayan Quantum Science and Psychedelics. Dr Calleman is recognized as a world authority on the Mayan Calendar and his latest book ‘Quantum Science of Psychedelics’ launched this year on worldwide release. We hear his theory that explains how psychedelics interact with the human mind to create altered states that may f...

To overcome anxiety and panic attacks, Ben Aldridge delves into the world of stoicism, Buddhism, CBT and  extreme challenges. Ben's new book, How to be Comfortable with being Uncomfortable, is based on experiences building a resilient mind and body by getting out of his comfort zone in weird and wonderful ways including: Taking ice baths Climbing mountains Queuing unnecessarily  Inducing vert...

It's a sad fact that young men often really struggle in our society. 95% of prisoners are men 80% of the homeless population is male 13 men every day will commit suicide In this episode we speak with Hugh Newton, who leads the training at award-winning charity 'A Band of Brothers'. The organisation has an unorthodox approach to "re-fathering" young men and takes inspiratio...

Boredom. We've all experienced it from time to time, but what does it actually do? Can it make us angry? Make us depressed? Slowly kill us? Or does it serve a less clear and more positive function? In this episode we speak to a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscientist and boredom 'expert', James Danckert who aims to answer these and many other boredom related questions in his research...

People are taking up a plant-based diet to improve their health, help the environment or to address animal welfare concerns.  Sam Shorkey is a pioneering body builder, fitness coach and first ever vegan World Naturals bikini pro. We catch up with Sam to discuss: Transitioning to a healthy vegan diet (without piling on pounds!) Building muscle and losing fat  Highs and lows of bodybuilding bikini c...

Our relationship with machines is changing. Artificial intelligence has changed the way we manufacture, spend our leisure time and gather information - but what does it mean for human intimacy in the future? In this episode we talk to sex tech researcher Eleonor Hancock who has interviewed sex workers, technology pioneers and robot enthusiasts to try to answer the questions: Will sex robots replac...

Have you ever wanted to read somebody's mind? Reading their body language could be the key to unlocking what they REALLY think! Would it be powerful to know instantly when a person is telling you lies? To know when to push a bit harder in a business negotiation? Or perhaps you just want to know if your crush fancies you... In this episode Leaf and Elfie talk to former military interrogator an...

The sex toy business is booming during Covid-19 lockdown. Many couples are apart and frankly, we're all in need of a little TLC. In this episode, Leaf and Elfie meet Eleanor Hancock, a researcher from leading sex-tech company Kiiroo to talk about the rise and evolution of "teledildonics". The award winning company has been at the forefront of developing futuristic sex toys from thei...

Covid-19 has left many people jobless or struggling with a reduced income. It's been a testing and stressful time. In contrast, for some its also been a time to appreciate nature, our families and give the planet a long-overdue rest from some of the pollution that human activities inflict. In this episode Zoe Morrison, award winning eco-blogger and author of the money saving book 'Eco th...