Today I Learned

They have been called the deadliest animal on Earth, spreading diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, and more, killing hundreds of thousands each year. But on a personal level, they serve as a daily annoyance to humans worldwide. So in this episode, we ponder if we should eradicate mosquitoes altogether. Dr Ong Song-Quan joins us to discuss the ecological role they play and how we can protect ourse...

Following the passing of the late Pope Francis, the world turns its attention to the secretive process of choosing his successor. How exactly does a papal conclave work, and how much of what we see in films like Conclave is true? Historian Miles Pattenden joins us to separate fact from fiction, and explain what really goes on behind the Vatican’s closed doors. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnyst...

Think creativity is only for painters and poets? Think again. From coding to choreography, we explore how STEM and the arts feed off each other—and how blending both can spark big ideas in work, school, and everyday life. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serial killers are often depicted as a Western phenomenon, with research and popular culture heavily focused on cases from the U.S. and the U.K. In this episode, criminologist Haezreena Begum talks about serial killers from the Malaysian perspective, with a look at how our socio-cultural norms, policing systems and media portrayals may have led to the misclassification of serial killings in the co...

In light of recent political actions by US President Donald Trump, we break down what tariffs are, how they work, and why they matter. From their impact on global trade to how they affect prices of goods, we simplify the complexities of tariffs and explore their role in shaping the world economy. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flat earthers, anti-vaxxers, and TikTok grifters… Why do people believe in bad science, and is there any way to change their minds? Michael Marshall joins us to unpack the psychology behind conspiracies, why debunking bad science is so difficult, why trust in experts is fading, and how to push back without making things worse. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion framework, known as DEI, has long been a lightning rod for debate, even before recent political actions by US President Donald Trump brought it back into the spotlight. So we unpack what DEI looks like in practice, its challenges and what it means to imbue it into the workplace, especially in the Malaysian context. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/...

Where did cryptocurrency come from, and how does it actually work? In this episode, we break down the basics—from Bitcoin’s beginnings to the mechanics of blockchain and decentralization. We also look at where crypto stands today, the challenges it faces, and what the future could hold, including financial risks and environmental concerns. Whether you're crypto-curious or just trying to sound smar...

Muslims have begun fasting for Ramadhan - a month of abstinence from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. And later this week, Catholics also begin fasting for 40 days of Lent. But if we look beyond the spiritual or religious reasons, many people also fast for their health and wellbeing. On Today I Learned, we’re answering the question of whether fasting can delay ageing, and is it for every...

Timor-Leste—one of the world’s youngest nations—is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors. But how much do we really know about this Southeast Asian country? From its colonial past and hard-fought independence to its evolving democracy and growing economy, Timor-Leste has a rich history and a future full of possibilities. Joining us to explore this is Khoo Ying Hooi, Associate Professor at UM,...

If you grew up in Johor, Penang, or Singapore, you might have seen or been a part of the Chingay Parade, a century-old annual event where devotees carry palanquins housing deities from the main Chinese clans of the Hokkien, Cantonese, Hainan, Hakka, and Teochew. Johoreans, in particular, might remember this event as a vital part of Chinese New Year festivities since 1870. What makes this festival...

With Thaipusam just around the corner, this time of year often brings Batu Caves back to the forefront of every Malaysian’s mind. While most people remember the site for its colorful stairs and Hindu Temples, we often forget that this limestone structure is a biodiverse hotspot home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna in Peninsular Malaysia. In this episode, we speak to Zarris Kem, Ka...

Every year, we see a familiar ritual taking place. People all over the world make ambitious New Year’s resolutions, often involving learning new skills and personal development. But if we’re honest with ourselves, how often does this pan out? We make promises to learn a new language, a new style of cooking or even play an instrument but come February, we’re still binge-watching TV shows. Why does...

Excitement is kicking in as we approach Chinese New Year. Families are preparing to return to their hometowns, clean their houses, pack Ang Pows, and gear up for reunion dinners. This celebration remains a time to reconnect with family and friends, to usher out the old year and bring in the luck of the new one. While many traditions have endured, some practices have evolved to fit modern times. So...

Ahead of Trump’s inauguration, we take a deep dive into what’s to come with Donald Trump’s second term in the Oval office. We speak to Professor K.S. Nathan, Senior Research Fellow at the Asia-Europe Institute at Universiti Malaya, to understand how his return to power will reshape U.S. foreign policy. From shifting trade dynamics to ASEAN relations and security concerns in Greenland and the Panam...

At the start of the new year, many of us pledge to get fit and healthy. But how do you stick with a fitness regime once the initial motivation wears off? We dive into the science behind habit formation, strategies for staying motivated and how to create a sustainable fitness plan with fitness coach, Abu.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the time of the year when we’re making resolutions for the year, we’ll be exploring a few of the common questions asked in fulfilling these resolutions. To kick off the first Today I Learned in 2025, the question we’re asking is related to eating healthier: how do I make vegan food taste good? We find out from Davina Goh, President of the Vegan Society Malaysia and Chef Stéphane Frelon, Execu...

It’s praised for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and health benefits—but what exactly is the Mediterranean Diet? Spanning 21 countries from Italy and Greece to Turkey and Morocco, this celebrated way of eating is more than just olive oil and fresh produce. Join us as we explore its origins, cultural significance, and what makes it a gold standard for healthy living. Image Credit: zi3000, Shut...

In this week’s episode, we explore a question asked by our listener, Zuhayri, who wanted to know why he cringes when he hears his own voice in a recording. We delve into the psychology behind this common phenomenon and find out why we often find the sound of our own voice uncomfortable. Image Credit: Nicoleta Ionescu, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maurizio Cattelan’s viral banana artwork - which consists of the yellow fruit duct-taped to a wall - was recently sold for US$6.2 million at an auction. This got us thinking - what makes something qualify as "art" especially in today's world? How is value placed on art, why do people collect it? For those of us not in the know, how do we get our start in the art collecting world? We speak to the e...

These days, people live accelerated lives, constantly on the go, rushing from one task to another. Everything needs to be faster. We pride ourselves on being busy. Technology which was once a promise of convenience and freedom, has instead tethered us to endless notifications and an always-on culture. The Tyranny of Speed, a new book by Sandy Clarke and Eugene Tee, dive into the impacts of our mod...

This year’s World Toilet Day theme is “Toilets - A Place for Peace”. Now, Malaysia has made some progress when it comes to our public toilets, with the government making efforts to incentivise premises and ramping up inspections, but we haven’t always been known for best toilet facilities. So we thought it would be a great time to investigate and find out what makes a good public toilet, the idea...

We journey through the captivating life of historian William Dalrymple to trace his path from the UK to India and unveil the inspirations that led him to explore the subcontinent’s layered history in his best-selling books. We also dive into his latest work, The Golden Road, a sweeping account of India’s far-reaching influence on global civilization—from religion and art to mathematics—as it sprea...

Figuring out how to navigate family dynamics as an adult will be stressful for most people, but throwing politics into the mix often makes heads spin. That’s what Kamal, one of our listeners, has been experiencing with his family, who don’t exactly share the same principles and values as him. We explore how we can bridge this divide, and what we can learn from taking a nuanced approach to the matt...

With Deepavali around the corner, we speak to Shankar Kandasamy about the origins of Deepavali, its spiritual significance and unique traditions. From the nostalgia of family gatherings to the significance of traditional dances, we’ll uncover the enchanting layers of Deepavali.  Image Credit: Toa 55, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.