Think of the scene from Harry Potter where Harry makes Ron think that he has spiked his drink with the liquid luck potion. Ron then goes on to play the best game of Quidditch he’s ever played, only for Harry to later reveal that he didn’t actually put anything in Ron’s drink. Ron played well because he thought his drink contained the liquid luck potion. 

This is called The Placebo Effect. But how does it work, exactly?



Image credit: Shutterstock

Think of the scene from Harry Potter where Harry makes Ron think that he has spiked his drink with the liquid luck potion. Ron then goes on to play the best game of Quidditch he’s ever played, only for Harry to later reveal that he didn’t actually put anything in Ron’s drink. Ron played well because he thought his drink contained the liquid luck potion.&nbsp;This is called The Placebo Effect. But how does it work, exactly?Image credit: Shutterstock

The world is in debt, but who are we in debt to? Pro-wrestling is fake, so why do we love it? These are the kinds of discussions we have on Today I Learned -- a weekly show exploring a plethora of topics, to satisfy your curious mind!

The world is in debt, but who are we in debt to? Pro-wrestling is fake, so why do we love it?&nbsp;These are the kinds of discussions we have on Today I Learned -- a weekly show exploring a plethora of topics, to satisfy your curious mind!

Today I Learned

The world is in debt, but who are we in debt to? Pro-wrestling is fake, so why do we love it? These are the kinds of discussions we have on Today I Learned -- a weekly show exploring a plethora of topics, to satisfy your curious mind!

The world is in debt, but who are we in debt to? Pro-wrestling is fake, so why do we love it? These are the kinds of discussions we have on Today I Learned -- a weekly show exploring a plethora of topics, to satisfy your curious mind!

How Does the Placebo Effect Work?

Most Malaysians will recognise the 90-year-old Adibah Amin as the author of the twice-weekly New Straits Times column in the 1970s and 1980s, “As I Was Passing” (originally published under a pen name, Sri Delima). Recipient of the 1991 Southeast Asian Writers Award, she is also a celebrated novelist, educator, translator, and, whose warmth, wit and humanity shaped generations of readers across racial and linguistic lines. We’re diving into the question of why Adibah Amin is considered one of the most important and unforgettable voices of Malaysia’s literary and media landscape, together with Aishah Ali, Former Journalist and Editor (Women, Features and Sunday Mail), New Straits Times.

A special tribute ceremony to celebrate the veteran journalist and writer will be held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 12 April 2026. The event will also mark the launch of As I Was Passing: Legacy Edition and serve as a fundraiser to help cover the costs of her care and medical treatment. Those who wish to attend can contact adibahamin.tribute@gmail.com for more information.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Most Malaysians will recognise the 90-year-old Adibah Amin as the author of the twice-weekly New Straits Times column in the 1970s and 1980s, “As I Was Passing” (originally published under a pen name, Sri Delima). Recipient of the 1991 Southeast Asian Writers Award, she is also a celebrated novelist, educator, translator, and, whose warmth, wit and humanity shaped generations of readers across racial and linguistic lines. We’re diving into the question of why Adibah Amin is considered one of the most important and unforgettable voices of Malaysia’s literary and media landscape, together with Aishah Ali, Former Journalist and Editor (Women, Features and Sunday Mail), New Straits Times. A special tribute ceremony to celebrate the veteran journalist and writer will be held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 12 April 2026. The event will also mark the launch of As I Was Passing: Legacy Edition and serve as a fundraiser to help cover the costs of her care and medical treatment. Those who wish to attend can contact <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:adibahamin.tribute@gmail.com">adibahamin.tribute@gmail.com</a> for more information. Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Why Malaysians Love Adibah Amin 

Women-only spaces have a long and complex history. From grassroots support groups and domestic violence shelters to professional networks, gyms, book clubs, and online communities. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, we sit down with Zara Riza, owner of the first gentlewomen’s club in KL. We also learn about the importance of women’s safe spaces with the folks at Women’s March Malaysia. 

Image Credit: Marookha TTDI Facebook

Women-only spaces have a long and complex history. From grassroots support groups and domestic violence shelters to professional networks, gyms, book clubs, and online communities. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, we sit down with Zara Riza, owner of the first gentlewomen’s club in KL. We also learn about the importance of women’s safe spaces with the folks at Women’s March Malaysia.&nbsp; Image Credit: Marookha TTDI Facebook

Why Are Women-Only Spaces Still Important?

Wang Kelian, located in the north western corner of Perlis and bordering Thailand, is a valley where limestone hills, rare plants, wildlife and stories are waiting to be told. In 2024, a team of conservationists and storytellers embarked on a journey to document its hidden beauty through a project. One of those individuals, Peter Ong, joins us to talk about the project and why Wang Kelian should be on our list of travel destinations. 

Image Credits: Pexels

Wang Kelian, located in the north western corner of Perlis and bordering Thailand, is a valley where limestone hills, rare plants, wildlife and stories are waiting to be told. In 2024, a team of conservationists and storytellers embarked on a journey to document its hidden beauty through a project. One of those individuals, Peter Ong, joins us to talk about the project and why Wang Kelian should be on our list of travel destinations.&nbsp; Image Credits: Pexels

How Does the Placebo Effect Work?

In 1 playlist(s)

Today I Learned

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips