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.

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.

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 Teens

This 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: thisupbeatlife@gmail.com.

The Real Deal: Sunscreen Contouring

Today’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 thisupbeatlife@gmail.com.

Far Out Stuff: The Man Who Robbed a Bank to Escape His Wife

In 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.