Why does heartbreak hurt so much?
Anyone who has had their heart broken will know how horrible it feels. But did you know that the pain you feel is not just imaginary – it re...
Radio and PodcastLive Radio & Podcasts
Education
6 Minute English
Learn and practise useful English language for everyday situations with the BBC. A weekly instruction manual for saying or doing something in English is published every Thursday.
Episodes
20 of 343 episodesWhy do we itch?
Feeling itchy is unpleasant, and the feeling of finally scratching that itch can be very satisfying! But why do we feel itchy in the first p...
Is rejection good for us?
How would you feel about going up to a stranger on the street and asking them for a cheeky favour? If the idea makes you nervous, then don't...
Can apps teach you a language?
Have you ever used Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu or perhaps another language-learning app? How did you get on? Some people love the convenience of...
Climate change and extreme weather
Every year we see damage, death and destruction caused by hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons - tropical storms. Is climate change making this...
How do we describe smells?
What is the worst smell in the world? And what is the best smell? Are there any smells that you like, but that your friends or family hate?...
Sharing the road with driverless cars
Imagine crossing a road and turning to see a car heading towards you... without a driver! While this might seem scary, driverless cars are a...
Who does the housework?
Unloading the dishwasher, mopping the floor, cleaning the loo... what is your most hated household chore? We all know there are jobs around...
How do climate scientists make predictions?
Across the world, climate change is already beginning to change the way we live our lives. But how big will that change be and what kinds of...
The Enhanced Games
What would the world of athletics look like if athletes were allowed to take drugs? Pippa and Neil discuss the Enhanced Games. Learn English...
Children in warzones
The most recent figure from 2024 says that 520 million children are living in conflict zones. That's about one in every five children worldw...
What's in a footballer's brain?
Football players are faster than ever before. But in a game where every tiny decision counts, elite clubs are turning to neuroscience to und...
Should we cycle more?
When did you learn to ride a bike? Perhaps you learnt as a child and have not cycled for a long time. Well don't worry, you can pick it up a...
Rude emails
What is the rudest email you have ever received? We all deal with emails on a daily basis, but sometimes people can write them too quickly,...
Stress-free family meals
Are you a fussy eater? Many of us remember foods that we used to hate as children – some of us still do hate those foods! But what can paren...
Limiting screen time for children
Many parents worry that their children spend too much time on screens. Governments around the world, such as in the UK, Australia and China,...
How advertisers make us spend money
What was the last thing you bought? And can you remember why you bought that particular thing, rather than something else? We all like to th...
The power of poetry
Do you like to read poetry? When was the last time you heard someone recite a poem? Some people may just think of poetry as something they s...
Living with debt
Many people have to borrow money to make big purchases, like buying a house or a car. When you do this, you have to pay the money back over...
Making cities feel quieter
What do you prefer – the sounds of birdsong and wind rustling in the trees, or the hum of traffic and chatter of people passing by? Some peo...