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 children

and 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.com

Outro: 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 thisupbeatlife@gmail.com 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.com

Outro: 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 brain

Curious? 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.com

Outro: 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 thisupbeatlife@gmail.com 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.com

Outro: 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 thisupbeatlife@gmail.com - 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.