The psychologist Chris French has spent decades studying paranormal claims and mysterious experiences, from seemingly impossible coincidences to paintings that purportedly predict the future. In this episode from April 2024, Ian Sample sits down with French to explore why so many of us believe in what he terms ‘weird shit’, and what we can learn from underst ... Show More
Yesterday
‘A break from scrolling’: how Gen Z fell in love with birding
In the last 50 years, Britain has lost an astonishing 73 million wild birds from its landscape, according to the British Trust for Ornithology. Habitat loss, pesticides, disease, cats and the climate crisis mean there are fewer birds than ever before. For children and young peopl ... Show More
16m 43s
Jul 2
‘Beautiful blobs’: can scientists build life from scratch?
Researchers claim they are closer to creating life from nothing after building tiny, quivering blobs that use lab-made DNA to feed, grow and multiply in a dish. To find out how significant this step is, and where scientists hope it will lead, Madeleine Finlay hears from co-host I ... Show More
16m 53s
Jun 30
Reflecting pool algae: the science Trump needs to know
The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington DC has hardly been out of the news since April when President Trump vowed to have it renovated, and painted ‘American flag blue’ by 4 July. Despite the pool being stripped, cleaned, coated and refilled, within days the algae that ... Show More
16m 19s
Oct 2021
Ghosts, Ouija boards and ESP: psychology and the paranormal, with Chris French, PhD
Just in time for Halloween, we talk about the psychology of strange stuff – including ghostly visitations, alien abductions, ESP, and more – with Chris French, PhD, head of the anomalistic psychology unit at Goldsmiths, University of London. Dr. French discusses how psychological ... Show More
40m 10s
Nov 2017
Creepypasta 4: More SCP, Polybius and Grifter
<p>Dive into a world of indestructible reptiles, killer video games, bizarre god towers and haunted video tapes as Robert and Christian take on a fourth helping of creepypasta. Join them on Stuff to Blow Your Mind as they seek scientific, psychological and cultural connections be ... Show More
1h 24m
Dec 2010
The Rock Star Weirdo Lives of Scientists
<p>It's no secret that genius and eccentricity are related, but scientists can be downright weird. In this episode, Julie and Robert explore the bizarre lives of history's greatest scientists. Tune in to learn more about clairvoyant dwarves, Tesla and more.</p><p> </p> Learn more ... Show More
38m 13s
Jan 2016
X-Files Science Part I: Mutants & Parasites
<p>With the return of television's The X-Files, it's never been a better time to look at the science behind the show. Join Joe and Christian as they examine the possibilities of classic Monsters of the Week, including otherworldly parasites, killer mutants, talking tattoos and mo ... Show More
1h 17m