This Upbeat Life

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 others it would be great if you could like them or subscribe so you don't miss anymore.Thank you for listening and if you feel like buying me a coffee so I can carry on what I’m doing, I’d really appreciate it and you can do that here. If you don’t, that’s also cool, I know times are tight.If you like the show please share with your friends!Intro: Wallpaper Paste by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comOutro: Funky House by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay

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 childrenand 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 what I’m doing, I’d really appreciate it and you can do that here. If you don’t, that’s also cool, I know times are tight.If you like the show please share with your friends!Intro: Wallpaper Paste by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comOutro: Funky House by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay

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 hundred years old?On the Real Deal I’ll investigate Blue Zones where people there don’t rely on expensive supplements or extreme fitness routines to become centenarians. But, are these Blue Zones the secret to living longer… or is it simply a load of old codswallop?And on Far Out Stuff, the Smurf Supplement – Methylene Blue. Touted by wellness influencers as the next great brain enhancer, but is it as safe as it seems?In the latest episode of This Upbeat Life, I explore the mystery, the science, and what we can actually learn from having dogs, I’ll be looking at remarkable Blue Zone communities and a blue drug that is used to disinfect fish tanks but somehow may improve your brainCurious? Press play to find out more.If you feel like buying me a coffee so I can carry on what I’m doing, I’d really appreciate it and you can do that here. If you don’t, that’s also cool, I know times are tight.Intro: Wallpaper Paste by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comOutro: Funky House by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay

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 temperatures, and people casually saying things like, “Only minus twenty? A lovely day for a stroll!”Honestly, if that’s fun, I’ve been doing it wrong.Then on the Real Deal—science steps in to design the perfect day. Six hours with family, two with friends, two hours of exercise… and less than one hour of screen time.So… already unrealistic by 9:15am.Or perhaps your perfect day is simpler— a coffee, a walk, a sunset… or, according to one person, golf all day followed by—well—marital enthusiasm.And finally on Far Out Stuff—TikTok’s latest wellness trend: Brain flossing.Nope, not dental care for your thoughts— just “8D audio” swirling around your head…Which sounds suspiciously like… stereo.Does it relax you or transform your brain? There's omly one way to find out.Find out in this week’s episode of This Upbeat Life— where we test the trends, question the science… and have a good laugh along the way.Because happiness shouldn’t be this complicated.If you feel like buying me a coffee so I can carry on what I’m doing, I’d really appreciate it and you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/simonjjgreen If you don’t, that’s also cool, I know times are tight.Email me at [email protected] and let me know and I’ll read out some emails on a near future episode.Intro: Wallpaper Paste by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comOutro: Funky House by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay

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 buying me a coffee so I can carry on what I’m doing, I’d really appreciate it and you can do that here. If you don’t, that’s also cool, I know times are tight.Email me at [email protected] and let me know and I’ll read out some emails on a near future episode.Intro: Wallpaper Paste by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comOutro: Funky House by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay

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 resilience, I guess.Over on the Real Deal I’ll be exploring the resurgence of measles, the disease we thought we’d shown the door back in 2000. Turns out, it let itself back in—and it didn’t even knock! And we’re going to find out whose fault it is.And finally, on Far Out Stuff, – The God Molecule. Have you ever wondered what happens when you mix highfalutin wellness vibes, and a desert toad? Psychedelics bro! I’ll be talking about 5 MeO DMT, the active constituent of toad venom, also called the God molecule, why people take it and its potential benefits as well as its darker side.Don't forget to like, share and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.Music: Wallpaper Paste by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Funky House by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay

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 of information is out on the internet he'll have to do it!) and the importance of family.Steve is a genuine bloke who says it like it is.

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 Rage Gallons, the Frat students favourite. Enjoy.Sources for Crib Mattress Off Gassing study: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.5c00051 (original study)https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.5c03560 (additional study)Music accreditation – Shane Ivers at https://www.silvermansound.com/Any comments please drop me a line at [email protected] - cheers!

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.silvermansound.com/

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 fear not, prosthetic nuts may just be the answer to Fido's doggy prayers.Music accreditation – Shane Ivers at https://www.silvermansound.com/

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/

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 TeensThis 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 and longer demonstrate sharper thinking, better memory, stronger vocabulary, improved problem-solving skills, and even larger brain volume.Listeners are invited to self-experiment: try three or four nights of proper rest and see if life feels easier. Report back to: [email protected] Real Deal: Sunscreen ContouringToday’s deep dive explores the unusual and risky social-media trend of sunscreen contouring—using different SPF levels to create natural-looking contour lines through tanning. Dermatologists universally warn against it, noting the very real dangers of UV damage, premature ageing, and skin cancer.Have you tried sunscreen contouring or its safer alternatives? Share your story at [email protected] Out Stuff: The Man Who Robbed a Bank to Escape His WifeIn 2017, 70-year-old Lawrence John Ripple of Kansas took marital frustration to spectacular extremes. After arguing with his wife, he declared he’d rather be in jail than at home—then walked into a bank with a note claiming he had a gun, collected $3,000, and calmly waited for police.Thank you for listening! Until next time, remember: happiness is the best medicine.Music accreditation – Shane Ivers at https://www.silvermansound.com/

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. You can’t help but smile when you listen to him!If you feel like buying me a coffee so I can carry on what I’m doing, I’d really appreciate it and you can do that here. If you don’t, that’s also cool, I know times are tight.Join the conversation and have your say: – How do your children stay happy and healthy? What’s important to them? Are they managing to get enough exercise and thriving – or not?Email me at [email protected] and let me know and I’ll read out some emails on a near future episode.If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it with a friend or two who could use a little lift.Music accreditation – Shane Ivers at https://www.silvermansound.com/

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 by a tiger to sound more ferocious. (this on the web page)If you feel like buying me a coffee so I can carry on what I’m doing, I’d really appreciate it and you can do that here. If you don’t, that’s also cool, I know times are tight.Join the conversation and have your say: – are your kids behaviours affected by sugar? What’s your go-to chocolate — dark, milk, or something wild and nutty? And if you could have one emotional support animal (within reason!), what would it be? Email me at [email protected] your confessions may just make it into a near future episode.If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it with a friend who could use a little lift. Because life’s better when it’s upbeat — and a little more chocolatey!Music accreditation – Shane Ivers at https://www.silvermansound.com/

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 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 embraced a wellness trend this year? Or are you a proud expert in doing nothing at all? I want to hear from you — drop me a line at [email protected] and your story might feature in an upcoming episode.Music - Shane Ivers at https://www.silvermansound.com/

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 latest trends and so-called “miracle cures” to what’s really in the news. But more importantly, I’ll be chatting with ordinary, everyday people to discover what truly makes them happy. Because sometimes, the best advice doesn’t come from a guru — it comes from the person standing next to you in the checkout queue.So, join me for honest conversations, surprising insights, and the occasional laugh, as we explore what it really means to live… an upbeat life.Because, honestly — happiness might just be the best medicine!RSSVERIFYMusic attribution: Wallpaper Paste by Shane Ivers