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.

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 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.

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 thisupbeatlife@gmail.com 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/