Podcast appearances and mentions of Matthew Syed

If the UN's experts are correct, Iran is - or was - three days away from enriching enough uranium to build an atomic bomb, supporting Netanyahu's claim that they're months, not years, from nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the IAEA says the IDF is exaggerating the damage it has done to Iran's nuclear facilities.Most of the allies who are furious with Israel's increasingly brutal war in Gaza are in lock step with Netanyahu on Iran. But that doesn't mean there is any public support for being dragged into a full-scale war. Piers Morgan discusses the latest developments with Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, before assembling a panel comprising of Times columnist Matthew Syed, founder and CEO of ‘The Young Turks' Cenk Uygur, co-host of ‘The Verdict with Ted Cruz' Ben Ferguson and Senior Editor at ‘Human Events'Jack Posobiec. Plus, Piers speaks with Iranian professor and regime supporter Mohammad Marandi and Editor-in-Chief at Zeteo News, Mehdi Hasan. Piers Morgan Uncensored is proudly independent and supported by: Ridge Wallet: Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code PIERS at https://www.Ridge.com/PIERS #Ridgepod Tax Network USA: Call 1-800-958-1000 or visit https://TNUSA.com/PIERS to meet with a strategist today for FREE Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/PIERS and use code PIERS to get our exclusive discount of up to 30% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israel attacked Iran's nuclear programme overnight - is there anything the West can do to influence the situation? Or are Britain and the US reduced to the role of bystanders? Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Emily Sheffield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and broadcaster Matthew Syed joins me on The Winston Marshall Show for a sharp takedown of the post-colonial guilt underlying the decision making of Britain's governing elite, Britain's looming debt crisis, the case for diversity and the decline of reason in Western discourse.Syed dismantles the lazy assumptions behind identity politics, arguing that equality of opportunity has been hijacked by a culture obsessed with group identity. He warns that diversity, when divorced from excellence, becomes a hollow virtue—and that critical thinking is being replaced by moral posturing.Syed delves into Britain's racial discourse, the myth of systemic whiteness, and the dangers of importing American-style race politics into a very different British context.All this—taboo truths, intellectual cowardice, the tyranny of groupthink, and the fight to restore reason in an age of ideological madness…-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To see more exclusive content and interviews consider subscribing to my substack here: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Substack: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/X: https://twitter.com/mrwinmarshallInsta: https://www.instagram.com/winstonmarshallLinktree: https://linktr.ee/winstonmarshall----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters0:00 Introduction 2:20 Matthew Saeed's Career and Views on Elite Guilt13:23 Historical Context and Moral Psychology 22:23 British Colonialism and Its Legacy 31:17 Challenges of Modern British Policy 55:54 The Role of Nationalism and the Nation State 1:00:10 The Impact of Post-Modernism and Critical Theory 1:13:59 The Consequences of Elite Failure and Guilt1:16:43 Diversity and Unity in Sports and Society Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textWhat happens when a leader embraces the role of team coach? In this episode, we sit down with Harvey Smith, VP Partners, who shares his experience leading partner teams across EMEA through his natural team coaching approach.  Harvey opens up about the delicate balance between authority and humility that defines great team coaching leadership. Drawing on his extensive experience at DocuSign, Salesforce, Tableau, and VMware, Harvey reveals how he transformed disparate teams into cohesive units through simple but powerful approaches.His mantra? “If you've got 27 priorities, you haven't got any.” By focusing on no more than three clearly ranked objectives, Harvey empowered his team to stay aligned, and say no to distractions. The phrase “Harvey says no” became a cultural shorthand for protecting priorities and staying on mission. We delve into how genuine trust is built within teams. Harvey shares his belief in vulnerability and accessibility, implementing skip-level meetings where team members could speak freely and career development sessions that demonstrated his commitment to their growth. This created psychological safety that allowed honest communication to flourish.Harvey's innovative approaches to breaking down silos include his "pod model" for cross-functional collaboration and strategic use of "stretch projects" that deliberately positioned team members to connect teams.When it comes to conflict, Harvey doesn't shy away. His take? “Partners are like a car accident – everyone slows down to look but no one wants to get involved.” His solution? Proactive education, clear communication channels, and shared understanding of roles and responsibilities.Book PicksRebel Ideas by Matthew Syed – on the power of diverse thinkingThe Culture Map by Erin Meyer – a must-read for navigating global teams.Whether you're managing partners, leading through change, or simply trying to create more effective teams, this episode offers practical wisdom for balancing the human element with unwavering focus on business outcomes.We would love you to follow us on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplified-group/

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Cecilia Poullain discuss:The intersection of personal transformation and professional identityNavigating and overcoming fear through self-expressionThe power of storytelling in reclaiming one's voiceShifting from traditional career paths to more authentic, purpose-driven lives Key Takeaways:To overcome fear of public speaking or visibility, engage in practices like vocal training or performance-based activities that reconnect you with your physical voice and sense of self-expression.Before pursuing a major career opportunity, reflect deeply on whether the role aligns with your true values and identity, rather than simply accepting it based on prestige or external validation.Avoid falling into perfectionism by giving yourself permission to make mistakes, take small experimental steps, and speak up even when your contribution feels imperfect or incomplete.Create intentional professional communities where you can actively contribute, connect with aligned individuals, and develop visibility, rather than waiting passively for recognition or advancement. " A real destroyer of confidence is perfectionism." —  Cecilia Poullain Unlock the secrets of the industry's top rainmakers with Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers' Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice. Grab your ultimate guide to building a thriving law firm now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT Thank you to our Sponsors!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ Episode References: Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed: https://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Ideas-Power-Diverse-Thinking/dp/1473613949 About Cecilia Poullain: Cecilia Poullain is a certified executive coach and former finance lawyer who helps women in law make partner and lead with confidence. Qualified in Australia, the UK, and France, she brings decades of legal experience to her work coaching female lawyers on the path to partnership.Cecilia supports women in building confidence, navigating firm politics, and developing a strong client base to succeed at the highest levels. Through her 1:1 coaching, Pathway to Partnership program, and Firm Women breakfasts in Paris, she empowers women lawyers to rise, lead, and drive change in the legal profession. Connect with Cecilia Poullain:  Website: https://www.ceciliapoullain.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliapoullain Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Mouths were agape when Donald Trump confronted South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's wisdom comes from Bounce by Matthew Syed.   If you're loving Heroic Wisdom Daily, be sure to subscribe to the emails at heroic.us/wisdom-daily.   And… Imagine unlocking access to the distilled wisdom form 700+ of the greatest books ever written.   That's what Heroic Premium offers: Unlimited access to every Philosopher's Note. Daily inspiration and actionable tools to optimize your energy, work, and love. Personalized coaching features to help you stay consistent and focused   Upgrade to Heroic Premium →   Know someone who'd love this? Share Heroic Wisdom Daily with them, and let's grow together in 2025!   Share Heroic Wisdom Daily →

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP Mark Ferguson, Conservative MP and shadow paymaster general Richard Holden, Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins and Times columnist Matthew Syed.

Is the new EU deal a 'betrayal'?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP Mark Ferguson, Conservative MP and shadow paymaster general Richard Holden, Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins and Times columnist Matthew Syed.

I recently read Black Box Thinking: Why Most People Never Learn From Their Mistakes—But Some Do, by Matthew Syed and harvested all the Go-related nuggets of knowledge just for all you Star Point listeners! Thank you so much for listening and supporting the show :)Pokémon Go Board Clip (Full Episode)The Devil's Plan Season 2 Trailer w/ Lee SedolBlack Box Thinking by Matthew Syed⁠Support Star Point⁠The Star Point Store

Today's wisdom comes from Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed.   If you're loving Heroic Wisdom Daily, be sure to subscribe to the emails at heroic.us/wisdom-daily.   And… Imagine unlocking access to the distilled wisdom form 700+ of the greatest books ever written.   That's what Heroic Premium offers: Unlimited access to every Philosopher's Note. Daily inspiration and actionable tools to optimize your energy, work, and love. Personalized coaching features to help you stay consistent and focused   Upgrade to Heroic Premium →   Know someone who'd love this? Share Heroic Wisdom Daily with them, and let's grow together in 2025!   Share Heroic Wisdom Daily →

As Keir Starmer celebrates getting a trade agreement with the US over the line, does Peter Mandelson fit into Donald Trump's circle? Plus, how has moral universalism led to the rise of Nigel Farage?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Miranda Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this enlightening episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Nikki Butler, the dynamic founder behind The Autistic Joyologist. Nikki shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to creating a thriving, purposeful business that supports neurodivergent entrepreneurs in finding joy, balance and authenticity. Nikki was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 36, and what followed was a profound transformation. Through her personal experiences and professional insights, she now empowers others through coaching, mentoring and her innovative RADIATE model – a framework for self-reflection, acceptance, and sustainable change. This conversation is full of thought-provoking perspectives on neurodiversity, entrepreneurship, and how to build a business that not only works with your strengths but also doesn't rely on your constant presence. The one key thing you'll hear from Nikki is the importance of building a business that doesn't depend on you constantly being present – one that's sustainable, scalable and aligned with your values. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Nikki.   Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk   Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/   Nikki can be found here: https://www.autisticjoyologist.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkibutlerautisticjoyologist/   Resources: Are You Maximising Your Business Potential? Quiz - https://nikkibutlerscaleup.scoreapp.com/ The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-obstacle-is-the-way-the-ancient-art-of-turning-adversity-to-advantage-ryan-holiday/321415?ean=9781781251492 Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rebel-ideas-the-power-of-thinking-differently-matthew-syed/4848192?ean=9781529348408 What's Your Dream by Simon Squibb - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/what-s-your-dream-find-your-passion-love-your-work-build-a-richer-life-simon-squibb/7678552?ean=9781529935578 ChatGPT Voice App - https://openai.com/index/chatgpt-can-now-see-hear-and-speak/

In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I had the enormous pleasure of speaking with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole—the official body for British luxury. Helen works closely with over 250 of the UK's most iconic high-end brands, and in our conversation, she shares the leadership behaviours, values, and mindset that make these businesses so resilient and remarkable.We explored what we can all borrow from the luxury sector—whether we're running heritage businesses or leading fast-paced teams with no historical playbook. Helen spoke beautifully about creativity, long-term thinking, emotional intelligence, and the importance of knowing your own strengths. She also reminded me why storytelling, craftsmanship, and deep human connection remain at the heart of excellent leadership.You'll hear us reflect on everything from scented candles and bespoke tailoring to the power of fiction and the role of culture in the workplace. Whether you lead a team of two or two thousand, this episode is full of insights to help you lead with clarity, creativity and care.Inside This Episode:What working with 250 luxury CEOs has taught Helen about extra-Ordinary leadershipWhy understanding your own strengths is the foundation of influenceThe long-term mindset behind British luxury's £81 billion impactWhy fiction (yes, even Jilly Cooper!) can sharpen your leadership instinctsHow resilience, creativity, and curiosity define high-performance leadershipWhat leaders in fast fashion and retail can borrow from heritage brandsThe value of “dual thinking”: acting in the now while planning for the nextHow memory-making and sensory detail create unforgettable customer experiencesWhy culture-building and empowerment matter more than everMentions & Links:Walpole – https://www.thewalpole.co.ukLearn more about Attachment Theory – https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Box-Thinking-Surprising-Success/dp/1473613779

It's time for guests with gifts as Bobby and Bridge take a short break. This week we've invited back the inimitable Wendy Faux to the show. Wendy is a Military veteran and reservist, an artistic innovator, the curator of "Not just a Wife" photography exhibition and the creator of the show's logo. She loves the concept of bringing your true self to your leadership but hates the title "authentic" and she chats with Bridge about why differences are so important. She audaciously suggests that Matthew Syed could challenge Saint Simon Sinek to the top leadership spot with his book 'Rebel Ideas' and is totally to blame for Bridge's bad language in the episode.LinksNot just a wifeRebel Ideas Matthew SyedSaint Simon SinekThe Bren!MTALJ Being your authentic self

Keir Starmer has announced he is abolishing NHS England, the quango in charge of NHS standards. Is he the chainsaw-wielding disruptor the UK didn't know it had? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you doing purposeful practice?Are you just going through the motions or truly engaging in purposeful practice? In this episode, I explore how intentional practice differs from mere repetition. Are you setting achievable yet challenging goals just outside your current abilities? Tune in as I delve into how you can apply purposeful practice to improve your skills and grow beyond where you are today.Listen to this new 9-minute episode for insights on setting goals just beyond your reach to ensure continuous improvement and mastery in your endeavors.Episode Summary:In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I delve into the concept of "purposeful practice," inspired by Matthew Syed's book, Bounce. While we often hear that 10,000 hours lead to mastery, I emphasize that it's the intentional practice within those hours that truly matters. Drawing parallels from sports, language learning, and my own golf lessons, I highlight the importance of setting specific, attainable goals that push our current abilities. I share my personal experiences with Duolingo and golf, illustrating how purposeful practice leads to genuine growth and mastery. I encourage you to stretch beyond mere completion, advocating for incremental improvements in your chosen endeavors.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan's site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Mon. Feb. 17th, Las Vegas, NV - Save $100 with this link: https://tinyurl.com/LVMini100Mon. Feb. 24th, Miami, FL - https://events.humanitix.com/nawp I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

In a theatre in Buenos Aires, six veterans from opposite sides of the Falklands War united to re-enact their experiences of the conflict in front of hundreds of people. The play was called Minefield, and it was an ambitious experiment by the Argentinian theatre director, Lola Arias.Former Royal Marine Dr David Jackson was one of the veterans who flew across the world to act out his memories of war alongside men he'd fought against over three decades earlier. There were hundreds of people watching, including mothers who had lost their sons in the conflict.The play took a risk - it was opening up a part of history that people still didn't agree on. But in the process, it ended up forging connections between groups that had once been divided.Matthew Syed explores the power and potential of re-enactment, and asks what happens when we try to bring the past back to life.With veteran, counsellor, and academic Dr David Jackson; director and writer Lola Arias; researcher, educator and humanitarian aid worker Dr Nena Močnik; and Professor of Modern Culture and Media at Brown University, Rebecca Schneider.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Caroline Thornham Editors: Georgia Moodie and Hannah Marshall Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

After a highly amicable meeting with the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, American President Donald Trump held a similar meeting with Zelensky - but the terms weren't quite as friendly. The world leaders interrupted each other and, to put it mildly, loudly disagreed on the prospect of a ceasefire. Vice President JD Vance also directly scolded the Ukrainian President for not thanking the US. The resounding consensus was that the meeting could not have gone worse. For an autopsy of this historic falling out, Piers Morgan speaks to President Trump's senior advisor Jason Miller as well as author Scott Horton, senior political correspondent at Puck News Tara Palmeri, Sunday Times correspondent Matthew Syed and founder of Outkick Clay Travis. Uncensored is proudly independent and supported by: Field of Greens: Visit https://BrickHouseNutrition.com/PIERS for 20% off your first order Tax Network USA: CALL 1-800-958-1000 or visit https://TNUSA.com/PIERS to meet with a strategist today for FREE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the break up of the Soviet Union in the 90s, the problem of street children in Ukraine began to grow. Pastor Gennadiy Mokhnenko started taking them off the streets in the now devastated city of Mariupol and adopting them. The 56 year-old is now father to over 40 kids, serves as a military chaplain on the frontline and continues to adopt throughout the war. Matthew Syed asks whether it's possible to truly love so many children. He hears from a biologist about the scientific limits of love and an anthropologist about the unique ways in which humans can grow and flex their love, almost like a muscle. He also delves into his mother's deeply personal experience of raising a non-biological child, relates expert analysis to her complex emotions and questions whether human beings really do have the capacity for limitless love.With Ukrainian pastor and military chaplain Gennadiy Mokhnenko, anthropologist and author Dr Anna Machin, biologist Dr Liat Yakir and Matthew's mum, Dilys Syed.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Vishva Samani Editor: Georgia Moodie Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

Tempting fate is often seen as a fine line between courage and foolishness. It's rooted in the belief that pushing certain boundaries or showing too much confidence might invite some kind of cosmic retribution.Even those who don't believe in fate hesitate to take chances, driven by an instinctual fear of what might go wrong. Matthew Syed explores why we're both drawn to and wary of tempting fate, and why our minds often trick us into a bit of magical thinking.By unpacking the dynamics of hubris, overconfidence, and the possibility of universal retribution, we explore whether challenging fate is a self-defining act - or a dangerous game.With pilot Amelia Rose Earhart, professor of Behavioural Science Jane Risen and philosopher Simon Critchley.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Julien Manuguerra-Patten Series Editors: Georgia Moodie Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

Matthew Syed is the author of Rebel Ideas, Columnist for The Times & The Sunday Times, as well as a presenter on BBC Radio 4's Sideways. | Follow Matthew on X: https://x.com/matthewsyed SPONSOR. We're honoured to partner with Hillsdale College. Go to https://hillsdale.edu/trigger to enroll for free. SPONSOR. Shopify! Sign up for a £1 per month trial at https://www.shopify.co.uk/trigger/ SPONSOR. ShipStation. Go to https://shipstation.com and use code TRIGGER to sign up for your FREE trial. Join our exclusive TRIGGERnometry community on Substack! https://triggernometry.substack.com/ OR Support TRIGGERnometry Here: Bitcoin: bc1qm6vvhduc6s3rvy8u76sllmrfpynfv94qw8p8d5 Shop Merch here - https://www.triggerpod.co.uk/shop/ Advertise on TRIGGERnometry: marketing@triggerpod.co.uk Find TRIGGERnometry on Social Media: https://twitter.com/triggerpod https://www.facebook.com/triggerpod/ https://www.instagram.com/triggerpod/ About TRIGGERnometry: Stand-up comedians Konstantin Kisin (@konstantinkisin) and Francis Foster (@francisjfoster) make sense of politics, economics, free speech, AI, drug policy and WW3 with the help of presidential advisors, renowned economists, award-winning journalists, controversial writers, leading scientists and notorious comedians. 00:00 Introduction 05:59 The Broader Conversation Around Islam 11:34 Dealing With A Subset Of The Muslim Population That Wants To Destroy Us 18:06 Hillsdale College Advert 19:18 Cousin Marriage Results In Serious Genetic Disorders 22:16 Why Are Facts Racist? 26:14 The Weakness Of Liberals 31:37 Should Cousin Marriage Be Banned? 34:25 Grooming Gangs 44:47 Shopify Advert 46:04 Why Has This Failure Happened? 55:20 The Gold Standard 59:38 Bond Crisis 01:04:50 Changing The Tax System 01:07:56 How Do We End The Complacency? 01:13:12 ShipStation Advert 01:14:40 Diversity Debate 01:31:29 What's The Thing We're Not Talking About That We Should Be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Kurzweil's dad is a famous inventor, futurist and pioneer in the field of AI. In 2015, she discovers his aspiration to make an AI chatbot of her late grandfather, Fred. Fred was a musician who dramatically escaped the Holocaust, but he died before Amy was born. Matthew Syed delves into Amy's fascinating journey with her father to build the ‘Fredbot' and have an online conversation with the grandfather she never met. He also hears from Lynne Nieto, who worked with her late husband to make an interactive AI video of him before he passed away. Today, she struggles to engage with it. The idea of using AI to simulate conversations with the dead troubles Matthew and raises all sorts of ethical questions. With the help of experts, he discovers how similar concepts were once debated by ancient Chinese philosophers and explores how digital ghosts could affect the grieving process. With cartoonist and writer Amy Kurzweil; Alexis Elder, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Minnesota Duluth and author of the forthcoming book The Ethics of Digital Ghosts: Confucian, Mohist, and Zhuangist Perspectives on AI and Death; grief therapist and author of The Loss Prescription, Dr Chloe Paidoussis-Mitchell; and Lynne Nieto. Featuring references to the graphic novel Artificial: A Love Story by Amy Kurzweil, published in 2022 by Catapult Books.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Vishva Samani Series Editor: Georgia Moodie Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

Now that President Donald Trump is back in America's driving seat, his plan to slash spending, particularly to foreign countries, is moving ahead practically unencumbered. The United States Agency for International Development aka USAID now sits squarely in the crosshairs of MAGA, with questions like; “Where is our money going?”, “How does this help America?” and “Why weren't we told about this?” being shouted rather than whispered. Conversely, there are those who wholly support USAID and say the influence it affords the US is invaluable. Piers Morgan dives deeply into this issue, joined by Harvard mathematician and physicist Dr Eric Weinstein. former USAID head and national security adviser to Donald Trump, Ambassador John Bolton, commentator and Babylon Bee contributor Ashley St Clair and Sunday Times columnist Matthew Syed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we discuss a chess improvement philosophy based on the book Black Box Thinking: Why Most People Never Learn from Their Mistakes--But Some Do (Amazon) by Matthew Syed. We also cover some additional topics from our Listener Mailbag. Chapters: Intro & Listener Mailbag Playing Unrated Games & Bots Online Facing the London System The "Black Box" Theory of Chess Improvement Open vs. Closed Analysis Loops Perfectionism Revisited Outro

The passing of time brings inevitable change - corrosion, disintegration and, eventually, disappearance. While the certainty of this process may seem like cause for despair, Matthew Syed explores the beauty that can be found in the process of decay.American composer William Basinski, watching his old reel-to-reel tapes disintegrate into a masterpiece of ambient music, discovered how even decay can lead to something unexpectedly profound.In Detroit's abandoned neighbourhoods, the ruins tell a story of transformation, where the decline of once-thriving industry serves as both a stark reminder of impermanence and a catalyst for reflection and artistic expression.With composer William Basinski, cultural historian Professor Dora Apel, Detroit artist Scott Hocking, and religion professor Ankur Barua. Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Julien Manuguerra-Patten Series Editors: Georgia Moodie and Max O'Brien Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

When David Wright went to Iraq as an 18-year-old soldier - he had no idea the battlefield would become a place where he'd enter deep states of bliss. For decades, David remained silent about the intense joy he experienced alongside the horrors of war. Matthew Syed ponders the extraordinary possibility of experiencing joy while suffering and hears more about the remarkable potential of the brain to respond to trauma in unexpected ways. He discovers how others too, like actor Renu Arora, experienced something similar when she was hit by a bus - and considers how such stories might help us shift our perspective on pain. With ex-soldier David Wright, actor/singer/writer Renu Arora, neuroscientist Dr Andrew Newberg, Director of Research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital in Philadelphia and Dr Steve Taylor, lecturer at Leeds Beckett University in transpersonal psychology and author of the book Extraordinary Awakenings. Featuring an excerpt sung by Renu Arora from the RSC Enterprise performance recording of Anything Could Happen from The Magician's Elephant. Music by Marc Teitler and lyrics by Nancy Harris. Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Vishva Samani Series Editors: Georgia Moodie and Max O'Brien Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson Theme Music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

In 2020, a curious trend went viral on social media, especially among teenagers and young adults. As much of the world stayed at home to curb the spread of COVID-19, Reality Shifters began claiming they could move from one reality to another, referencing multiverse theory.Beyond the actual possibility of switching between realities, this craze raised intriguing questions about the fabric of the reality we experience. Philosophers and scientists have long speculated about the existence of multiple realities. Today, Matthew Syed explores the blurry line between what we perceive as reality and what may lie beyond it, inviting us to question the very nature of existence.With Reality Shifter Kristin Dattoo, clinical psychologist Professor Eli Somer, neuroscientist Professor Anil Seth, and theoretical physicist Professor Ulf Danielsson.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Julien Manuguerra-Patten Series Editors: Georgia Moodie and Max O'Brien Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

As a fragile ceasefire is agreed between Israel and Hamas, is this a peek into Donald Trump's new world order?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Zoe Strimpel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Geoffrey Hinton's work laid the foundation for today's artificial intelligence systems. His research on neural networks has paved the way for current AI systems like ChatGPT.In artificial intelligence, neural networks are systems that are similar to the human brain in the way they learn and process information. They enable artificial intelligence to learn from experience, as human beings would.But Geoffrey Hinton has warned that machines could one day outsmart humans. He has even warned that autonomous weapons could be active on the battlefields of the future. In this final episode of 25 Years of the 21st Century, Matthew Syed interviews Professor Hinton. Historian and author Margaret MacMillan and Baroness Joanna Shields also join Matthew in discussion. Baroness Shields has been working in the field of technology for forty years, holding senior roles at both Google and Facebook. She was the UK's first Minister for Internet Safety and Security. She's also a Conservative life peer in the House of Lords. Does she agree with Geoffrey Hinton's concerns for the future?For 25 Years of the 21st Century, is this the age of artificial intelligence?Production team Editor: Sara Wadeson Producers: Michaela Graichen, Marianna Brain, Emma Close Sound: Tom Brignell Production Co-ordinators: Janet Staples and Katie MorrisonArchive Steve Jobs launches the Apple iPhone, 2007

As we swipe to find love and consult chatbot therapists, Matthew Syed asks how technology has altered the way we approach dating, friendship and community.It's not all technology, though. Key changes in social trends, medical innovations, demography and economic factors have also played a part in how people live. How have relationships changed in the past 25 years?Contributors Margaret MacMillan, Emeritus Professor of International History at the University of Oxford and author of several acclaimed books. Meghan Nolan, an Irish novelist and journalist based in New York. Sarah Harper, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford and a fellow at University College.Production team Editor: Sara Wadeson Producers: Emma Close, Marianna Brain, Michaela Graichen Sound: Tom Brignell Production Co-ordinators: Janet Staples and Katie MorrisonArchive Steve Jobs launches the Apple iPhone, 2007

As the scale of the grooming gangs scandal in the United Kingdom begins to dawn on the rest of the world, there is a gravely large amount of blame to be shared about. It's a well-known fact that this type of abuse has been committed by various demographic groups, but the clearly racialised nature of the gangs in places like Rotherham is being weaponized by those who hope to stir up social tensions. Covering this evolving story further, Piers Morgan brings Sunday Times columnist Matthew Syed into the studio, who reacts to Piers' interviews with Editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo News Mehdi Hasan and Visiting Professor and Global Ambassador at Northwood University Gad Saad. All have a lot to say on the grooming scandal, the assimilation of immigrants to the west and criticising Islam.

What do Mozart, Picasso, Tiger Woods, and the Williams sisters all have in common? That they are all considered masters of their field. They have all also been called "talented." Let's explore the myth of talent and how you can achieve greatness in your field with Bounce by Matthew Syed. A great way to kick off the new year, and Season 4 of Zoo-notable! Want to check the book out yourself? Buy from your local bookstore Check it out at your local library Download Libby and start listening to it today, FREE

The economy hasn't grown since Labour came to power, can the government continue blaming the Tories?Plus, christmas jumpers and showbiz PR scandals. Hugo Rifkind Unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch gives an interview in which she claims sandwiches aren't 'real food' - and says she identifies with a murderous Game of Thrones character.Hugo Rifkind is joined by Matthew Syed and Jenni Russell to unpack the politics of the day, including the Tory leader's lunch habits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we have the fabulous Lucy Gower, a regular on the show who always brings insightful perspectives. We look at 3 books that bring into focus the world of change, culture, + the power of diverse thinking. Lucy shares her experiences working with teams + how understanding our emotional responses can lead to better communication + collaboration. And there's a lot of talk of the chimp mindset. It's fascinating, do click play.  Look for more shows in this Book Huddle strand where we have experts share their favorite books. It's also part of the December Daily – where, you guessed it, the show is gasp, daily for the whole month Books discussed in this episode: The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed (mentioned as a previous work) Lucy's Book:  The Innovation Workout Lucy on LinkedIn:  Profile here Lucy's Membership: www.lucidity.org.uk Lucy's New Podcast: Juliet & Lucy's Quiet Leadership Revolution https://www.quietleadershiprevolution.com/ ==== If you'd like my help with your Business go to www.lizscully.com/endlessClients ==== And don't forget to get your reading list of the 10 essential reads for every successful biz owner - these are the books Liz recommends almost on the daily to her strategy + Mastermind clients. This isn't your usual list of biz books, these answer the challenges you've actually got coming up right now. Helpful, quick to read and very timely. Click here lizscully.com/reading to get your book list

Keir Starmer sets out six milestones for voters to judge his premiership, but did his speech reboot his premiership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the speech and the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Syed asks what it means to be distracted in a media world vying for our attention.In this first episode, he seeks answers in the work of the media theorist and educator Neil Postman. Forty years ago Postman wrote 'Amusing Ourselves To Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business'. Postman feared that the rise of television had created a world where the image became more important than information, and that democracy was in danger to becoming entertainment.Postman cited the author Aldous Huxley as a key influence. Huxley's novel 'Brave New World' depicts a World State where citizens are engineered to focus on pleasure rather than the challenges of life and society. Huxley feared that tyranny may appear not through censorship, but due to "man's almost infinite appetite for distractions."Matthew speaks to Andrew Postman, Neil Postman's son, and Aldous Huxley's biographer Uwe Rasch, to ask what the ideas of the two writers might mean for us today, in a world where media and entertainment are at our fingertips 24/7. Has the prophecy of either Postman or Huxley come to pass?Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Sam Peach

Matthew Syed asks what it means to be distracted in a media world vying for our attention.In this episode, Matthew looks into history to uncover different approaches to focus. He finds out where the idea of 'attention' came from, whether there has always been a fear that humanity's ability to focus was declining, and what the historical relationship of technology to distraction has been.He hears from the historian of science D Graham Burnett. Burnett has explored different philosophies of attention across the ages and is an advocate for a change in behaviours regarding our attention today. Professor Nilli Lavie, of University College London's Attention Research Laboratory, provides an insight into modern scientific views of attention.Matthew looks for answers in a community renowned for their ability to focus...monks. Historian Jamie Kreiner has uncovered how early Christian monks thought about distraction in her book 'The Wandering Mind'. Jamie reveals that there is more to connect the monks of the first millennia with our technological world today than we might think.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Sam Peach

Matthew Syed asks what it means to be distracted in a media world vying for our attention. In this episode, Matthew analyses the medium through which we consume so much our media, the smartphone, and asks how whether it changes the nature of how we read, watch and interpret the world around us.Matthew looks into the culture of smartphone use around the world and finds out what we can interpret from the growing use of the devices, particularly among younger generations. He looks into the technological advancements in the smartphone that have driven the most change, and considers how information consumption on a phone changes our approach to attention as opposed to the television or a book.Contributors:Gloria Mark, Chancellor's Professor of Informatics at the University of California, Irvine and author of Attention Span: Finding Focus for a Fulfilling Life Daniel Miller, Professor of Anthropology, University College LondonPresenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Sam Peach

Matthew Syed asks what it means to be distracted in a media world vying for our attention.In this episode Matthew traces the inexorable rise of shortform video and investigates its success. He asks what the increasing popularity of this type of media might mean for our attention and finds out about the people using for purposes that may have surprised Neil Postman.Apps such as Tik Tok, Youtube and Snapchat are ubiquitous and for many have become the chief way that they consume media. What does watching shorter videos mean for the content, and how do these apps change our habits and possibly, our brains? The popularity of this medium has driven traditional institutions that are concerned with public affairs to embrace shortform video. So what's the result? Matthew finds out.Contributors:Dr Zoetanya Sujon, University of the Arts London Dave Jorgenson, Senior Video Journalist, Washington Post. Communications and Media Society, University of LiverpoolPresenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Sam Peach

Matthew Syed asks what it means to be distracted in a media world vying for our attention.In this final episode, he considers where our media consumption might be headed. Many are concerned about smartphone addiction and a disintegration of public discourse, but others see a brighter future and our current times as a turning point to a world where the capacities of technology are used to benefit of society.Matthew speaks to a former tech engineer who has become a philosopher and activist on attention, a historian who believes that our current era has many precedents, a psychologist who is wary of headlines about collapsed attention spans and a behavioural economist who can see a way that our society will adapt to the digital world.Contributors:James Williams, author of Stand Out of Our Light: Freedom and Resistance in the Attention Economy Matthew Sweet, Historian and Broadcaster Professor Pete Etchells, Psychologist, Bath Spa University and author of Unlocked: The Science of Screen Time and How to Spend it Better Michael Muthukrishna, Associate Professor of Economic Psychology and author of A Theory of Everyone: The New Science of who we are, how we got here and where we are going.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Sam Peach

This is the sixth and final episode in a series diving into The Coaching Business Flywheel and the fundamental parts of a sustainable coaching business. In this episode, Robbie and Ruth get to grips with the final part of the flywheel, the thing we all got into this coaching thing for: working with clients.They share the most effective ways to make your coaching more powerful and useful for your clients and – more than that – how to make your coaching more likely to create future referrals and connections, making each client coached a seed planted that could sprout as new business at any time.The episode is packed with ways to create more referrals: get your pens ready and start thinking about how to turn the ideas in this episode into actions you can take.In particular, Robbie and Ruth cover:How to use the science of deliberate practice to improve your work as a coach.The ONE question to ask yourself to help generate more referrals from your clients.The two most important qualities to make your coaching more impactful.Why having a niche can be really useful as a coach.We hope you've enjoyed this series – we certainly have. The shownotes on this page and the other episode pages are a treasure trove of resources to help you with your business – but if you want more, consider joining The Coach's Journey Community.Listen to the first episode in this series, giving an overview of the Flywheel and why it matters here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/75-how-to-grow-your-coaching-businessThe second, about using connections to create coaching clients, is here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/77-how-to-make-connections-who-become-clients-coaching-business-fundamentalsThe third, focusing on offering people the opportunity to experience you more, is here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/80-dont-wait-for-coaching-clients-create-them-coaching-business-fundamentalsThe fourth, focusing on creating insight, is here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/82-want-more-clients-create-more-insight-coaching-business-fundamentalsThe fifth, focusing on talking about how you work and how much it costs, is here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/83-if-you-want-to-make-more-money-talk-about-money-more-coaching-business-fundamentalsMore episodes on the nuts and bolts of coaching businesses are coming soon – sign up here to be the first to hear about them: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/subscribeTo see a diagram of the Coaching Business Flywheel, and read Robbie's ebook, An Introduction toThe Coaching Business Flywheel,visit https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheelFor more information about Robbie, visit https://www.robbieswale.com/For more information about Ruth , visit http://www.daretorise.co.uk/Read more about The Coach's Journey at www.thecoachsjourney.com.Music by My Good Man William: listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KmeQUcTbeE31uFynHQLQgTo support the Coach's Journey, visit www.patreon.com/thecoachsjourney and to join the Coach's Journey Community visit www.thecoachsjourney.com/community.THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN:The first episode in this series, giving an overview of The Coaching Business Flywheel: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/75-how-to-grow-your-coaching-business The second episode in the series, focusing on Connecting with People: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/77-how-to-make-connections-who-become-clients-coaching-business-fundamentals The third, focusing on offering people the opportunity to experience you more, is here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/80-dont-wait-for-coaching-clients-create-them-coaching-business-fundamentals The fourth, focusing on creating insight for people, is here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/82-want-more-clients-create-more-insight-coaching-business-fundamentals The fifth, focusing on talking about how you work and how much it costs, is here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/83-if-you-want-to-make-more-money-talk-about-money-more-coaching-business-fundamentals A diagram of The Coaching Business Flywheel: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel Robbie's ebook, An Introduction to the Coaching Business Flywheel, is available for free here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel The ONE Thing by Gary Keller: https://the1thing.com/book/ Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0141036257 Bounce by Matthew Syed: https://www.matthewsyed.co.uk/book/bounce-the-myth-of-talent-and-the-power-of-practice/ Myles Downey on The Coach's Journey the first time: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-31-myles-downey Myles Downey on The Coach's Journey the second time: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/69-myles-downey-what-is-effective-coaching-performance-coaching-when-to-be-directive-changing-clients-maps-of-reality-and-more The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey: https://theinnergame.com/inner-game-books/the-inner-game-of-tennis/ Katie Harvey on The Coach's Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-1-katie-harvey-14000-hours-of-coaching-being-part-of-the-uk-coaching-vanguard-and-being-a-generalist-coach Gary Buxton's Coaches Walks in the North West: https://www.garybuxton.co.uk/walk Ruth Richards' Coaches Walks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-richards-46153a23/ Claire Pedrick's Coaches Walks in the Malverns and a LinkedIn Group for coaches walking everywhere: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12827884/ Julie Starr Reflection Form: https://learnstarr.com/courses/the-coaching-manual-free-downloads/ Jim Dethmer on Coaches Rising Podcast: https://www.coachesrising.com/podcast/jim-dethmer-coaching-from-source/ Robbie's article, Recommiting Is The Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/writing/recommitting-is-the-journey The Meaning Revolution by Fred Kofman: https://www.fredkofman.org/lrds-ing.php Robbie's article, It's Time For You To Die: https://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2021/12/15/its-time-for-you-to-die Mike Toller on The Coach's Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-32-mike-toller The Coach's Journey videos page: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/videos Kim Morgan on The Coach's Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-25-kim-morgan Robbie's friend, Nina O'Farrell: https://www.ninaofarrell.com/ Jackee Holder on The Coach's Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/73-jackee-holder-trauma-informed-coaches-have-never-been-more-needed The Coach's Journey Community: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/community The Coaching Business Flywheel Booster Pack: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel-booster-pack

Matthew Syed is a journalist, author and former champion table tennis player. To master anything, you have to put in the time. But what are the key mindset principles that all resilient, high performers have? Expect to learn how people can learn more effectively from failure, the skill you need to develop to overcome the fear of risk, whether the 10,000 hours rule is the actual key to mastery, Matthew's new theory on why the modern generations are struggling so much and much more... Sponsors: See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://chriswillx.com/deals Get 15% off every Plunge, all month long, at https://plunge.com/modernwisdom (automatically applied at checkout) Get up to $600 off the Pod 4 Ultra at https://eightsleep.com/modernwisdom (use code MODERNWISDOM) Get a 25% discount on the best supplements from Momentous at https://livemomentous.com/modernwisdom (automatically applied at checkout) Extra Stuff: Get my free reading list of 100 books to read before you die: https://chriswillx.com/books Try my productivity energy drink Neutonic: https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom Episodes You Might Enjoy: #577 - David Goggins - This Is How To Master Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/43hv6y59 #712 - Dr Jordan Peterson - How To Destroy Your Negative Beliefs: https://tinyurl.com/2rtz7avf #700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain: https://tinyurl.com/3ccn5vkp - Get In Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hugo Rifkind is unpacking the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Manveen Rana. Can Europe hold Donald Trump responsible if the US walks away from its role as the world's policeman, or are politicians this side of the Atlantic to blame?You can read Matthew's column here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Biden makes another blunder, is the US president making the campaign impossible for Kamala Harris? And are both parties failing to diagnose the real problems in Washington D.C.? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With James Cleverly out of the Conservative leadership contest and Boris Johnson teasing a possible return to frontline politics, does that party know what it stands for?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever heard the term thinking in 5D or quantum leap? Get ready to unpack it all in this episode.  If you are someone who is currently going through it at the moment and feel like your manifestations couldn't be further away from your current reality then this one is for you. G shares her tried & tested trick to calling in your next level manifestations and holding the faith DESPITE what is happening in your 3D reality. Strap in because this one is a goodie.  You can find out more about the Abundance Academy here.  You can watch Emily in Paris here.  You can watch The Perfect Couple here.  You can find Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey here.  You can find Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh here.  You can find Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell here.  You can find Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed here.  You can join our Facebook group here.    You can shop our courses here.  You can shop our products here.  Disclaimer: The content provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. The views expressed are personal opinions & experiences and should not be interpreted as professional financial recommendations. Please do your own research or consult with a professional before making any financial decisions.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know the power of a great love story. In films, literature, television - a “happy ending” is shorthand for the main characters coupling up at the end. But are these romantic aspirations really a key ingredient for a happy and fulfilled life? Matthew Syed explores the idea that you can be long term single, and happy. Social scientist Bella DePaulo always knew that marriage wasn't for her. At 70 years-old, she is happily single, and always has been. She's spent her career researching, writing and speaking on the single experience, in an effort to dismantle the conventional wisdom that a happy, fulfilled life, means a coupled-up one. Matthew speaks to Yale sociologist and PhD candidate Hannah Tessler about her research into the complex, expansive relationship networks of single people. We also hear from David Bather Wood, an Assistant Professor from the University Warwick, who explains how a philosophical parable about porcupines, dating back to the 1830s, influenced contemporary understandings of the choice to live a single life. Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Leona Hameed Series Editor: Katherine Godfrey Sound Design and Mix: Rob Speight Theme Music: Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

In the 1960s and 70s, Maisie Barrett and Noel Gordon were two black British children wrongly labelled as “educationally subnormal”. They were sent to schools where children were never taught to read or write.They're just two examples of a scandal that affected hundreds of children in the UK, one that has never been officially acknowledged.As adults, Noel and Maisie made a surprising discovery - they were both dyslexic. And with that diagnosis came a profound reimagining of themselves and what had happened to them.Matthew Syed considers the relationship between ableism, racism and eugenics - concepts with roots that stretch back centuries and which continue to have a profound impact on society today.With Maisie Barrett, Noel Gordon, sociologist Dr Chantelle Jessica Lewis, Assistant Professor Dr Robert Chapman, and occupational therapist Jenny Okolo.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Tej Adeleye & Tom Wright Series Editor: Katherine Godfrey Sound Design and Mix: Rob Speight Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4