logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2021
29m 26s

What are the Odds?

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode
Coincidences can feel like magic. When we realize that a co-worker shares our birthday or run into a college roommate while on vacation, it can give us a surge of delight. Today, we revisit a favorite episode about these moments of serendipity. Mathematician Joseph Mazur explains why coincidences aren't as unlikely as we think they are, and psychologist Nich ... Show More
Up next
Sep 14
Why Conversations Go Wrong
Do you ever struggle to communicate with your mom? Or feel like you and your spouse sometimes speak different languages? This week, we revisit a favorite conversation with linguist Deborah Tannen. She shows how our conversational styles can cause unintended conflicts, and what we ... Show More
1h 38m
Sep 7
Blowing Up Your Life
Have you ever had a flash of insight that hit you when you least expected it? How did it change your life? Psychologist Anthony Klotz studies the "jolts" that shake us out of our routines, and how these moments can help us make more intentional decisions about the people we want ... Show More
1h 26m
Aug 31
The Things We Don't Say
From childhood, we're taught that honesty is the best policy. Yet in everyday life, we hedge, soften our words, and leave things unsaid. This week, we talk with psychologist Steven Pinker about why indirect speech is such a fundamental part of human relationships. How long can yo ... Show More
50m 2s
Recommended Episodes
May 2016
The Science of Coincidence
<p>What are we to make of coincidence? From the numerological cats cradles we weave around famous events to the curious ways human lives converge through time, coincidence seems to fly in the face of reason and even suggest the supernatural. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your ... Show More
50 m
Nov 2023
The Science of Coincidence
Are some people just lucky? Is there any scientific formula behind coincidences? Is randomness the norm? Brian and Robin team up with comedian Sophie Duker, mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy and statistician David Spiegelhalter to uncover the reality and the maths behind seemingly i ... Show More
42m 30s
Oct 2025
Just My Luck
Are you a lucky person? Do the cards just fall well for you? Whether it's always finding a parking spot when you need one or chance encounters that change your life's trajectory for the better, some people seem to have more luck than others. Hannah and Dara explore the world of p ... Show More
28m 36s
Jul 2019
It's a small world
Learn an expression about coincidences. 
2m 37s
Nov 2010
Randomness
Physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince are joined by the Australian comedian and musician Tim Minchin and mathematician Alex Bellos to discuss randomness, probability and chance. They look at whether coincidences are far more common than one might think and how a mathematica ... Show More
28m 5s
Jan 2022
84. Why Do We Find So Much Meaning in Meaningless Coincidences?
<p>Why are humans so fascinated by coincidences? What do Carl Jung and an album by The Police have in common? And what did Stephen win in a bar mitzvah limbo contest? </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> ... Show More
29m 36s
Jun 2019
How to Rule the World
On a relatively recent trip to LA I experienced majestic coincidences, marvellous synchronicity and—at times—outright magic that showed me a secret universe of possibilities. In this super-valuable new episode of The Mastery Sessions, I decode precisely what you need to do so see ... Show More
17m 5s
Mar 2021
278: Amazing And Inexplicable Coincidences | Ear Biscuits Ep.278
Is it just a coinkidink or is it actual magic? The guys explore amazing and inexplicable coincidences from mysterious dreams coming true to seemingly fateful encounters on this episode of Ear Biscuits. 
1h 9m
May 2016
4: There is Magic and Serendipity in This World
<p>In this episode of The Lavendaire Lifestyle, Aileen reflects on a trip to New York City that was so magical and serendipitous, it left her baffled. After seemingly disconnected yet extremely lucky things kept happening to her throughout that trip, Aileen is convinced that ther ... Show More
19m 11s