This Upbeat Life

On today’s show – I look at some recent research that says walking can reduce the risk of getting 13 different cancers! I find out how Forest Schools are fantastic opportunities for child development and finally - You've always wanted to be rich? It would make you happy? Well, there's a volcano in Antarctica that spews out gold . All you have to do is get it - but there is a catch! Of course there...

On today’s show – Sunshine! Yes, it does make us happy, but is there more to it than that? I also take a look at Fire Therapy and how gazing into the hypnotic flames of a fire is helping those dealing with depression, grief and trauma and finally a feel-good story. An Australian billionaire has spent A$10 million on creating a giant conservation area, I find out why and how it’s benefitting local...

In this episode I catch up with a few of the latest health trends circulating the internet. Some you may want to embrace, others you may want to avoid! I also investigate your Circadian Rhythm and the importance it plays in a person's happiness and wellbeing and finally I dip a toe into the world of Ball Maxxing , a subculture of Look-maxxing where any part of the human body can be enhanced, and i...

On this episode Quick News looks at International Donut day, a glorious day to celebrate the humble doughnut and the joy it brings millions of people around the world. On the Real Deal I explore the subject of loneliness , a hidden epidemic of global proportions and how museums around the world are tackling this issue and becoming a key player in helping to support people who feel isolated. And fi...

In this episode on Quick News I find out the possible link between picking your nose and acquiring Alzheimer's disease . On the Real Deal I find out if Steam saunas, dry saunas, infrared saunas or hot tubs are better for you. Assuming you have deep pockets. And on Far Out Stuff, I discover the benefits of dancing to alleviate depression . If you enjoyed today's episode, or in fact, any of the othe...

On this episode I explore the need (or not) to make sure we do 10,000 steps a day . Where did it come from and will we all become slobs if we don't? On the Real Deal I take a look at the importance of climbing trees , especially for our children and on Far Out Stuff I dig a little deeper into the world of Championship Worm Charming , oh yeah! If you feel like buying me a coffee so I can carry on w...

Have you got a dog? Obviously, you know they’re good for you. But, it turns out that dogs and other pets, other than putting a smile on your face, could actually be good for your gut health. On Quick News I look at the beneficial relationship between us and our best friends. And, what about living to a ripe old age? Did you know, there are 5 places in the world where people regularly live past one...

This week on Quick News—are you living in one of the happiest cities in the world ? Apparently, if you’re not in Copenhagen, Zurich… or—brace yourself—Brighton in the UK… you might want a word with your estate agent. Yes, Brighton made the list. Proof that happiness is, in fact… relative. We also head to Finland—officially the happiest country on Earth… Despite six months of darkness, sub-zero tem...

Apologies for the delayed release but my hard drive died. Technology eh? On today's episode in Quick News I find out why chewing wood could be good for your brain. On the Real Deal I explore why there's such a Hoo-Ha about microplastics - it turns out there's quite a bit of Hoo to be Ha'd and on Far Out Stuff, Who owns the moon? Well, if you have a bit of cash it could be you! If you feel like buy...

On this episode of This Upbeat Life I’ll be looking at - Brain Gains , why your melon needs exercise! A study in 2025 looked at resistance training, you know, lifting weights—and found that it can slow down brain aging (too late for me perhaps!) and may even help protect against Alzheimer’s disease. That’s right: lifting weights isn’t just about building muscle; it’s about building, well cognitive...

Steve, (66) a retired London Metropolitan Police officer tells us how he fills his time with his 7 grandchildren, what pushes his buttons and how sport helps to keep him fit but more importantly is a how it's a large part of his social life. We discuss diet, how Steve likes to relax, (hint: it may have something to do with Freddy Mercury's Queen) his ambition to write a book (and now this tidbit o...

On this episode: Quick News is all about Chlorella Vulgaris , a superfood, but unfortunately it resembles pond slime - and tastes like it too! On the Real Deal I look at the dangers of brand new crib mattresses that give off potentially dangerous gases and on Far Out Stuff I set phasers to stun and ponder the BORG - but not as you know it, Captain. No, I'm investigating the phenomenon of Blackout...

Ann chats about diet, pet peeves, her favourite music, the love of the outdoors, playing rugby and football as a young woman in the 1970s, her favourite doughnut, her run in with a ghost! - and what makes her happy. Ann also talks about her work in Health & Social Care and what it means for her and the people she supports and advocates for. Music accreditation – Shane Ivers at https://www.silv...

Yes, in this episode on Quick News we delve into the realities of artificial sweeteners in our diet. Are they bad for us or is it all a storm in a teacup (or diet soda can)? You probably think that your brain starts ageing later in life, like your 70,s. Apparently not! Find out on the Real Deal. And on Far Out Stuff, you've neutered Fido and he's lost his swagger. It looks like this is it - but fe...

Martyn is now retired from his job at the British Library and he joins me where we have a discussion and a laugh about his life and what makes him happy. Music accreditation – Shane Ivers at https://www.silvermansound.com/

Let's find out what the predicted Health & Wellness trends are for 2026. Are you missing out on something or is it all a load of old nonsense? We’ll also be exploring the very difficult subject of Doing Absolutely Nothing. This is harder than you think and then we'll finish off with a look at the bizarre trend of eating packing peanuts as a snack. Someone pass the mayo. Yummy! Have you embrace...

You're a young and stylish woman in today's world. How do you stay happy, healthy and deal with what life has to throw at you? Find out with Lucy and Jess as we discuss everything from pet peeves to staying fit and healthy as well as tips for dealing with pressures of being young women and how they stay happy. This was my first time ever interviewing anyone. It shows but we had fun! Music - Shane...

Today’s show is a wild mix of myth-busting, cocoa-fuelled revelations, and, yes… seven comfort tigers. I tackle the age-old question – does too much sugar send your kids into orbit? And…staying with the sweet theme, is chocolate as bad for you as we’ve been told? And finally, a comforting story about 7 tigers – roar! Fun fact, Leo, the Lion from MGM logo fame does not use his own roar, it’s done b...

Join me as we meet William who is 10. William, a very cheerful young man, talks about his schooling, likes and dislikes, his musical abilities, the importance of sport and how important family is to him. I have known William and his family for a few years now and he’s one of the most gung-ho young men I know, always ready with a cheeky smile, very smart and will have a go at virtually anything. Yo...

Welcome to another edition of This Upbeat Life , where we explore the lighter, stranger, and occasionally eyebrow-raising corners of health, wellness, and happiness. Quick News: Sleep-Deprived Teens This week’s headline topic examines a major study tracking more than 3,000 adolescents through sleep monitors, brain scans, and cognitive testing. The results are striking: teenagers who sleep earlier...

Have you ever wondered what wellness really means? Or been tempted by one of those weird TikTok health trends — and thought, should I actually try that? And what about happiness? What is it, really… and how do we find it? Well, I’m Simon JJ Green , and on This Upbeat Life , I’m on a mission to find out. Every 2 weeks, I take a slightly cheeky look at the world of health and wellness — from the lat...