We all know that certain diseases are contagious, but sometimes behaviour is contagious as well. We take a look at some historical examples—such as the Tanganyika laughter epidemic of 1962, and the 1518 case of uncontrollable dancing—and we consider what might drive copycat crimes. There's also the possibility of sui ... Show More
Jul 2022
Taking back control of your time
Our brains are easily distracted or overwhelmed. And that can make getting stuff done harder than it needs to be.
This week, we look at methods and strategies for avoiding unnecessary stress by managing your priorities, your focus, and your energy with organisational psychologist ... Show More
29m 30s
Jul 2022
Not broken, just wired differently: ADHD in adulthood
Imagine getting a diagnosis in adulthood that suddenly made so much of your life make sense.
It explains why you’ve always had trouble being on time, starting things you don’t finish, avoiding difficult projects.
Producer Jennifer Leake explores the impact of an ADHD diagnosis in ... Show More
29m 5s
Nov 2017
Ep 2 Skin in the Game, Horse in the Race
This week we tackle leprosy. That biblical (or is it?) infection that, believe it or not, is still with us today. Leprosy has an ancient history that exemplifies some of the worst of human behavior, and its present day status may surprise you. <p> </p><p>See <a href="https://omny ... Show More
54m 19s
Feb 2023
Weird Epidemics, Part One: From Sweating to Pokemon
What makes people laugh uncontrollably, for hours at a time? Whatever happened to that 'Sweating Sickness,' and why did so many parents in Japan become convinced their children might die if those kids watched a certain Pokemon episode? Tune in as Ben, Noel and Max explore the str ... Show More
49m 38s
Nov 2020
THE UNKNOWN: Dancing Plague
<p>One summer day in 1518, a woman named Frau Troffea started dancing. She didn't stop. Her dancing compulsion was contagious, and spread to hundreds of people before it turned deadly.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm ... Show More
28m 59s
Feb 2024
Dengue, decaying dead bodies, and a stone age deer trap
In the news pod, as an outbreak of Dengue fever rips through Brazil, we ask, should we be worried in Europe? Also, scientists describe the microbes responsible for the decomposition of animal flesh, and a miraculous underwater archaelogical find sheds light on ancient hunting pra ... Show More
28m 3s