English on the Rocks

The Truth About Coffee, a Surprising Ozempic Study, and Workplace Uniforms

The Truth About Coffee, a Surprising Ozempic Study, and Workplace Uniforms In the first part of today’s show, we looked at whether coffee really counts toward your daily water intake and what experts say about hydration, caffeine, and staying healthy. Then we discussed a surprising new study that found a possible link between Ozempic and violent behaviour, exploring what...

The News Trust Crisis, One-Night Stands, and the Worst Place to Find Love

The News Trust Crisis, One-Night Stands, and the Worst Place to Find Love In the first part of today’s show, we discussed new research suggesting that trust in the news has fallen to a new low and explored some of the reasons why so many people are becoming increasingly sceptical of the media. Today’s unpopular opinion was: one-night stands are harmful. In the second ...

Are Plants Conscious? The Return of Analogue Life & the Job Debate

Are Plants Conscious? The Return of Analogue Life & the Job Debate In the first part of today’s show, we looked at fascinating new research suggesting that we may be surrounded by trillions of conscious beings, and that many of them may not be human at all. Then we explored the "Year of Analogue" and why Gen Z and millennials are embracing retro technology, physi...

Vocational Education, Modern Loneliness, and the Price of Time

Vocational Education, Modern Loneliness, and the Price of Time In the first part of today’s show, we looked at why vocational education is still treated as the “back-up plan” for school leavers, even though society desperately needs skilled workers. Then we talked about the relationship recession and why it appears to be even bigger for Gen Z than we prev...

Thank-You Gifts from Crows, Scotland's Octopus Invasion, and Why Baths Are Gross

Thank-You Gifts from Crows, Scotland's Octopus Invasion, and Why Baths Are Gross In the first part of today’s show, we looked at the remarkable story of a woman who rescued an injured crow and has continued to receive what appear to be “thank-you gifts” from local birds ever since. Then we discussed a new study showing that octopuses are spreading up the UK coastline and a...

The iPhone Baby Bust, Humanity’s First Words, and Why Money Can Buy Happiness

The iPhone Baby Bust, Humanity’s First Words, and Why Money Can Buy Happiness In the first part of today’s show, we looked at a new paper suggesting that the iPhone may have played a surprising role in lowering birth rates around the world. Then we explored one of humanity’s biggest unanswered questions: where language came from, and the fascinating theories scientists ha...

Loneliness Influencers, Philosophy, and Why Wedding Rings May Be Obsolete

Loneliness Influencers, Philosophy, and Why Wedding Rings May Be Obsolete In the first part of today’s show, we looked at the rise of "loneliness influencers" and explored why some people are suddenly boasting about having no friends. Then we discussed an unexpected trend in the job market: why someone finally wants to hire philosophers and what their skills might offer...

How Many Farts Are Normal? The Science of Sleep & Birthday Pressure

How Many Farts Are Normal? The Science of Sleep & Birthday Pressure In the first part of today’s show, we looked at a question that has probably crossed everyone's mind at some point: how many farts a day is actually normal? Scientists have finally crunched the numbers. Then we explored new research suggesting that it may be possible to gain some of the benefits o...

Quiet Hours, Ageism in AI, and Why Absence Doesn't Help Love

Quiet Hours, Ageism in AI, and Why Absence Doesn't Help Love In the first part of today’s show, we looked at why more businesses are introducing "Quiet Hours" and what this growing trend says about modern life. Then we discussed the challenges facing job seekers over 45, including concerns that AI-driven hiring tools may be unfairly filtering out older cand...

Grey Gamers, The "Woke" Debate, and the Things Politicians Lie About

Grey Gamers, The "Woke" Debate, and the Things Politicians Lie About In the first part of today’s show, we looked at the growing yet often overlooked market of older gamers and asked why so few companies are creating games specifically for retirees. Today’s unpopular opinion was: the word "woke" is a meaningless political dog whistle and has become more of a poli...