Are curses real - or are they powerful stories humans have told for centuries to explain misfortune?

In this episode of It’s A Small World, Tanya and Mich explore the strange history of curses, from ancient Roman curse tablets and African spiritual traditions to European folklore and modern horror stories.

Why have humans across almost every culture believed that misfortune could be deliberately sent to someone? Is it about magic… revenge… justice… or something deeper in human psychology?

Along the way we look at the difference between curses and superstitions, why humans have such a deep need to create meaning when life feels chaotic, and how belief itself can influence reality through concepts like confirmation bias and the nocebo effect.

We also explore famous stories of cursed objects, unsettling films that seem surrounded by misfortune, and the fascinating ways perception and belief shape what we see and experience.

Because as evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould once said:

Humans are primates that tell stories.

And sometimes those stories are powerful enough to feel real.

Next week: Epigenetic Curses - can trauma really be passed down through generations?

Welcome to It’s A Small World! - the podcast where we explore identity, culture, belief systems, human behaviour… and the subtle societal shifts that say something much bigger about who we’re becoming.

Sometimes we go deep.
Sometimes we go philosophical.
And sometimes… we talk about dogs.

This week’s episode was inspired by something simple that made us smile: a cinema for dogs.

Instead of asking, “Should dogs be allowed in places?”We’re asking… why not?

Because dogs are everywhere - cafés, pubs, hotels, offices, shops… and now museums and cinemas. For some people, that’s a step too far. For us, it opens up a bigger cultural conversation.

Are dogs just pets anymore? Or are they family?

In this episode, Tanya and Mich explore:

• Why dogs make spaces feel warmer and more human
• How modern loneliness and flexible living have changed our relationship with animals
• Whether “dog mum/dad” culture reflects something deeper
• The real issue behind the backlash - is it dogs… or bad owners?
• Where dogs should (and shouldn’t) be allowed
• And the etiquette code every responsible owner should follow

This isn’t about chaos.
It’s about comfort.
It’s about connection.
It’s about whether public spaces are evolving to reflect how people actually live now.

Because when someone says, “It’s only a dog”…
For many of us, it really isn’t.

It’s companionship.
It’s grounding.
It’s family.

And maybe the world feels better - when it makes room for what people love.

So yes, we’re firmly in the camp of:
Let the dogs in. Responsibly. Respectfully. But unapologetically.

Gendered Ageism, Media Bias & Turning 50

In this episode of It’s A Small World!, we explore gendered ageism, workplace bias, media representation and the cultural double standard of ageing.

Why are older men described as “distinguished,” “seasoned” and “authoritative”, while women are sold anti-ageing products and warned about wrinkles before they’ve earned them?

We discuss:

• What ageism really means (for young and old)

• Gender bias in the workplace

• Age discrimination in media and television

• Anti-ageing culture and cosmetic pressure

• Imposter syndrome vs societal messaging

• Turning 50 and navigating visibility

• Professional age preferences and trust bias

• How ageing impacts income, confidence and identity

From “silver fox” stereotypes to newsroom double standards, from job adverts coded with “digital native” language to influencer culture and cosmetic surgery, we unpack how society frames female ageing differently.

Is ageing decline, or accumulation of power, authority and lived experience?

If you're interested in identity, culture, feminism, workplace equality, psychology, or how media shapes self-worth - this episode is for you.

New episodes every Wednesday.

Book mentioned in episode 'Super Ageing" available from Amazon - https://amzn.to/46Y3v2f