Researchers all over the world have studied what’s known as a “happiness paradox” a phenomenon where trying to make ourselves happier actually makes us less happy. But not making happiness a goal, and trying to live in the moment is not as easy as it sounds, especially in this era where everything’s so fast-paced and ephemeral. Is it even possible? We explore this with Sandy Clarke. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 30, 2025•37 min
Often called ‘Heaven on Earth,’ Kashmir has been riddled with geopolitical conflict for decades. After the recent attacks in Pahalgam, we sit down with Hafsa Kanjwal to explore its historical roots, major events and the way this conflict has shaped relations between India and Pakistan. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 23, 2025•36 min
How have fathers changed in today’s modern families? In conjunction with Father’s Day, which was just celebrated this past Sunday, we explore this question with Alan Yong, a licensed counsellor. From being the silent and strong provider, to taking on a bigger share of the emotional load, are fathers today raising their children the same way their own fathers did? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 16, 2025•39 min
What does it mean to be someone else’s voice, using sign language? Joining us to answer that question is Tan Lee Bee, one of our country’s most beloved sign language interpreters, who was recently awarded the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara by the Agong for her service to the country. Joining her is Wan Zuraidah Abu, Head of Sign Language Interpreting Services, from the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf. We’ll also find out about the important role of sign language interpreters in reminding us that th...
Jun 09, 2025•46 min
From quarter-life panic to mid-life meltdowns, psychologist Evone Phoo helps us unpack what an existential crisis really is, how meaning, identity, and even boredom shape these turning points, and how to navigate them without spiraling. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 26, 2025•36 min
It's a drink that's near and dear to every Malaysian's heart. After all, teh tarik is our national drink. But, this drink was once a major tool of trade that travelled across empires, cultures and centuries. We spill the tea with Erika Rappaport, author of A Thirst for Empire: How Tea Shaped the Modern World to find out how this drink became a cultural icon and a daily ritual for millions. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 19, 2025•41 min
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 ourselves from these pests. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...
May 05, 2025•39 min
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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 28, 2025•43 min
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.
Apr 21, 2025•42 min
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 country. We’ll also explore the overlooked trauma faced by victims and families amidst sensationalised...
Apr 14, 2025•35 min
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.
Apr 07, 2025•43 min
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 information.
Mar 24, 2025•42 min
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/listener for privacy information....
Mar 17, 2025•43 min
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 smart at dinner parties, this is your 101 on the digital money revolution. Image Credit: Shutterstock Se...
Mar 10, 2025•46 min
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 everyone? We explore the science behind fasting and calorie restriction, and what beneficial effects thes...
Mar 03, 2025•33 min
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, who has also been appointed to the International Advisory Council by the Timor-Leste government for...
Feb 24, 2025•32 min
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 unique is that while it began as a Chinese community event, it has grown to attract Malays and India...
Feb 17, 2025•42 min
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, Karst Naturalist and Member of the Malaysian Cave and Karst Conservancy about what makes Batu Caves un...
Feb 10, 2025•32 min
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 this happen? In this episode, we speak to Cheng Yi about exactly this; how to be ambitious but sensi...
Feb 03, 2025•41 min
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 we delve into this with Florence Kuek, and talk about how these traditions continue to shape and ad...
Jan 27, 2025•35 min
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 Panama Canal, Professor Nathan will discuss the challenges and opportunities that Malaysia (and the world...
Jan 20, 2025•44 min
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.
Jan 13, 2025•44 min
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, Executive Chef at Sunway Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/liste...
Jan 06, 2025•38 min
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, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 16, 2024•29 min
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.
Dec 09, 2024•41 min
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 experts, to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 02, 2024•45 min
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 modern obsession with speed and the power of taking pause. We speak to the authors. See omnystudio.com/...
Nov 25, 2024•44 min
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 of “peace” when it comes to toilet-related sanitation and how far along are we in achieving the gove...
Nov 18, 2024•37 min
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 spread across continents over centuries, reshaping the ancient world. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...
Nov 11, 2024•46 min
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 matter. Image Credit: Twinsterphoto, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 04, 2024•42 min
