logo
episode-header-image
May 2016
50 m

The Science of Coincidence

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

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 Mind, Robert and Joe explore the synchronicity, statistics and psychology of coincidence.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
The Manta Ray, Part 3
In this series of episodes from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the majestic manta ray. In this episode, learn all about their parasites, brains and cleaning stations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
1h 1m
Jul 9
The Monstrefact: Monster Mantas of Chilean Folklore
In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses a pair of creatures from Chilean folklore that may connect to observations of the manta ray…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
5m 54s
Jul 8
The Manta Ray, Part 2
In this series of episodes from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the majestic manta ray. In this episode, learn all about manta ray reproduction and accounts of their pulling boats around by their anchors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
38m 26s
Recommended Episodes
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
Jun 2021
What are the Odds?
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 ... Show More
29m 26s
Oct 2017
Radio Replay: What's In It For Me?
Coincidences can make the everyday feel extraordinary. But are they magical, or just mathematical? On this week's Radio Replay, we explore our deep fascination with these moments of serendipity. New research suggests they reveal important things about how our minds work, and have ... Show More
50m 1s
Aug 2021
BONUS: Mysteries of Science – Deja vu
We're sharing an episode of our sister podcast, Mysteries of Science. It's made by Dan and Ciaran who you'll recognise from The Week Junior Show. Remember to subscribe to the podcast by searching for 'Mysteries of Science' wherever you're listening to this.  Have you ever felt li ... Show More
18m 39s
Jul 2021
An Eerie Premonition
Actor Robert Llewellyn (Red Dwarf) recounts a terrifying dream that coincided with the death of a close friend. Was it a premonition? Our science experts Dr. Kiki Sanford, Brian Dunning, Natalia Reagan, and Jonathan Pritchard weigh in on what really happened. Plus the hosts disse ... Show More
48m 23s
Sep 2021
How Numerology Works
The premise of numerology - that numbers are responsible for our destinies and personalities - is plainly nuts, but the history and thinking behind it is too interesting to skip.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener ... Show More
43m 52s
Jun 2011
How Curiosity Works
Alternately hailed a crucial part of the human condition or accused of killing cats, curiosity remains a subject of debate among researchers. Where does it come from? How does it work? Join Chuck and Josh as they explore the mysterious roots of curiosity. Learn more about your ad ... Show More
33m 46s
Dec 2021
Christmas Music Psychology, Most Influential Films, Mistletoe Science
Learn about why Christmas music sounds like Christmas; the most influential films ever; and the truth behind mistletoe.The stories in this episode originally aired on these dates:December 21, 2018: "Scientists Have Determined the Most Influential Film of All Time" and "Mistletoe ... Show More
23m 14s
Feb 2022
Is there an explanation for the Universe, or is it random?
Daniel and Katie explore the anthropic principle and whether it can provide some understanding of why the Universe is the way it is. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
58m 12s
Jul 2019
Facts Aren't Enough
Sometimes when we believe something, we resist data that can change our minds. This week, we look at how we rely on the people we trust to shape what we believe, and why emotions can be more powerful than facts. This episode features new reporting and favorite conversations with ... Show More
48m 58s