Sideways

Best-selling author Matthew Syed explores the ideas that shape our lives with stories of seeing the world differently.

In this episode, Matthew tells two stories, both of which raise profound questions about how we think.

A group of terrified teenagers discover a disturbing app on social media. A world renowned doctor sets out to uncover hidden crimes.

The tragic events Matthew examines lead to a mother getting jailed for killing her two children. The key piece of testimony in her trial hinges on a question of statistical probability.

But, as Matthew reveals, human beings are extremely poor at understanding the improbable.

Producer: Gemma Newby

A Novel production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2021.