logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2025
28m 36s

Just My Luck

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

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 probability and psychology to figure out if some people are luckier than others, and if there's anything we can do to turn things around.

You can send your everyday mysteries for the team to investigate to: curiouscases@bbc.co.uk

Contributors David Spiegelhalter - Emeritus Professor of Statistics in the Centre for Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge Richard Wiseman - Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology University of Hertfordshire Maia Young - Professor of Organization and Management at UC Irvine, California US Edward Oldfield

Producer: Emily Bird Executive Producer: Sasha Feachem A BBC Studios Production

Up next
Jan 2026
Frosty Fractals
One winter morning, listener Jane opened her curtains to find her car roof covered in breathtaking, fern-like frost so intricate it looked like a William Morris print. But how does something as ordinary as ice create patterns so beautifully complex?Hannah and Dara explore this cr ... Show More
29m 10s
Dec 2025
Mining for Gold (GOLD!)
From pharaohs' tombs in Ancient Egypt and medieval currency, to priceless royal jewellery and Spandau Ballet songs - gold has been prized for millennia. But it's only really in the last century or so that we've started uncovering its usefulness in less decorative applications.Tod ... Show More
27m 51s
Dec 2025
Phantom Pain
What exactly is 'phantom pain' and how does it work? Hannah and Dara investigate a medical phenomenon that's been known about for centuries but is often misunderstood; and involves masses of unanswered questions.The condition 'phantom pain' is when someone gets a sensation of pai ... Show More
28m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2021
Luck & randomness
Do we create our own luck? Or is it random? In this episode of Thick & Thin, I strive to discover the true definition of luck and why humans are so obsessed with being lucky. // Follow me on IG: instagram.com/katybellotte // Sources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/reinve ... Show More
31m 50s
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
Mar 2021
Get the luck of the Irish
Do you feel like luck isn’t on your side? Do you even believe in luck? According to luck expert Tina Seerlig it all comes down to your mindset. We share a few tips from Tina that can help you notice good luck in unlikely places. For more on this episode and to join a community of ... Show More
3m 51s
Dec 2020
STOP Blaming Lady Luck!
"They are so lucky and fortunate to be where they are in life". - Do you feel that people in life are just lucky and fortunate for their success and achievements? Hoping and wishing that it will happen to you. Please think again. In this podcast we talk over how this can be dange ... Show More
12m 24s
Jun 2025
The Psychology of Luck: How INFJs & Empaths Can Copy Lucky People
Is luck a random force—or a skill you can sharpen?In this episode, I explore the real psychology behind luck: the personality patterns, mindset shifts, and energy dynamics that separate lucky people from the rest. Through the lens of INFJs, empaths, and intuitives, we’ll unravel ... Show More
16m 12s
Mar 2021
How to Embrace the Luck of the Irish
Do you consider yourself lucky? Do you commonly win while others struggle? Some depend on good luck charms while others rely on a bold &amp; focused mind. <p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/priv ... Show More
51m 47s
Jul 2022
Chance and Opportunity
As the Tory leadership election highlights questions of social mobility, David Goodhart looks at why some people seem to have more luck than others. To what extent can we create our own opportunities, regardless of background? What role does personality play? And is it really pos ... Show More
10m 13s
Jun 2021
What are the Odds?
<p>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 <a href="http://ww ... Show More
29m 26s
Mar 2025
The Science of Changing Your Personality & What Really Happens to Your Trash
Some people just seem to have more luck. Things seem to go their way. When you look closer, those lucky people often have some interesting traits in common. If you want to become luckier in life, listen to the beginning of this episode. https://www.popsci.com/luck-real/ Are you ... Show More
46m 47s
Jul 2022
How to create your own luck
Luck is not a passive thing that happens to us. It’s something we have the power to influence, to bring to life. There are certain habits that “lucky” people tend to have. Let’s learn what they are and how to put them to use.Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript i ... Show More
8m 3s