Photo by Flickr/Theafroman9

Today I've been listening to This American Life's latest podcast all about infidelity.  Many of you may have heard of this award winning series, but for those of you who haven't then let me warn you that listening to the most recent episode may kick start a little podcast addiction!

The format of each program is based around a collection of stories (which are mostly true) connected by a central theme, in this case 'infidelity'.  With such a tricky subject I was shamefully allured to this particular episode and on listening found that each of the stories built on each other to expose all the different sides of infidelity, from the cheaters, cheated and cheating, painting a complete yet complex picture of the associated emotions involved.  Although many of you may not be inclined to cheat, the truthful descriptions from every speaker will probably throw out some sentiments that everyone will identify with. 

In terms of the sound and editing quality, This American Life does a damn good job; layering voices interrupted at just the right moments with music and pauses.  In this last episode there are samples of music from Mulato Astatke and Miles Davis adding to the mellow listen-ability of the entire show. 

Link to Podcast:
This American Life: infidelity

Related Links:
This American Life
Wikipedia on Infidelity
Miles Davis
Mulato Astatke

photo by Flickr/adotjdotsmith

Today, on my day off, I found myself mulling over the small observations I made around me while sat in a local cafe.   Surrounded by fresh face students, retired ladies and fellow Tuesday vacationers, in particular I noticed a young tourist couple who looked smitten with each other, which got me thinking about 'love'.  Why do we fall in love?  Why are we drawn to certain people?   Why do we want and need love?...

Later in the day, whilst scrolling through a list of TED podcasts, a talk by anthropologist Helen Fisher caught my eye, as it was about studies on the brain in love.  Helen not only talks about her research on the topic but also examines some of the thoughts and questions I had been musing over earlier in the day.  Her fast paced talking style means that she covers a lot of ground in the 20 minute programme, even a couple of poems on the topic which balance out the otherwise quite scientific yet fascinating approach to such a romantic and emotional topic.

Link to Podcast: 
Ted Talk: Helen Fisher Studies the Brain in Love 

Related Links:
Chemistry.com
Wikipedia: Helen Fisher