Matthew Syed dives into the consequences of distraction in today's media-saturated world. He draws on Neil Postman's concerns that entertainment might undermine democracy. The dialogue also touches on Aldous Huxley's vision of a society overly focused on pleasure, warning of the subtle tyranny of distraction. Conversations with Postman's son and Huxley's biographer reveal how relevant these ideas are in the age of smartphones and 24/7 entertainment. Plus, a shocking story from a yoga school highlights the dark side of wellness culture.

Bella DePaulo, a social scientist and advocate for singlehood, shares her insights on finding happiness outside of traditional relationships. At 70, she challenges societal norms that equate fulfillment with marriage, emphasizing the joyful and rich experiences of single life. The discussion includes research on the diverse social networks of single individuals and a philosophical parable about porcupines that illustrates the delicate balance between intimacy and independence. This thought-provoking conversation invites listeners to reconsider what it means to live a fulfilling life.

Maisie Barrett and Noel Gordon share their experiences as black British children labeled 'educationally subnormal' in the 1960s and 70s. They discuss how this mislabeling led them to schools that neglected literacy and learning. Both later discovered they were dyslexic, prompting a transformative re-evaluation of their identities. The conversation delves into the intersections of ableism, racism, and the enduring impact of eugenics on educational systems. Their stories highlight the importance of recognizing and supporting diverse educational needs.

Raven Saunders, an extraordinary shot put athlete and mental health advocate, shares their journey of self-discovery. They reflect on their memorable Olympic experience in Tokyo while wearing a Hulk mask, symbolizing resilience and non-binary identity. The discussion unveils the dual nature of masks—used historically for expression and identity, especially during the pandemic. Raven opens up about the emotional highs and lows of competition, emphasizing the importance of mental health and therapy, advocating for personal authenticity and support in the sports world.

Jen Simonic and Masey Kaplan, passionate knitters, share their journey of creating a global movement for completing unfinished knit projects. They discuss how their endeavor helps others process grief while challenging societal norms that equate success with completion. The duo explores the emotional and creative significance of unfinished works, revealing how they foster connections and inspire creativity. They also highlight the beauty of imperfection, encouraging listeners to embrace the journey rather than just the result.

Astronauts reveal the life-changing 'overview effect' experienced during space travel, inspiring altruism and a new connection to Earth. The discussion shifts to the ambitious dreams of colonizing Mars and what it means for humanity's future. Ethical dilemmas arise as billionaires lead the charge in space exploration, raising questions of morality and international collaboration. Insights from former astronauts and space philosophers shed light on the complexities of our cosmic ambitions and responsibilities.

Delve into the new era of space exploration with private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin allowing more people to travel into space. Explore the ambitions of spacefaring billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to settle on celestial bodies like Mars, raising questions about land ownership and governance. Join the conversation with astronaut Ed Dwight, anthropologist Deana Weibel, NASA consultant Linda Billings, and space lawyer Michelle Hanlon on the ethical dilemmas and challenges of space exploration.

Matthew Syed explores the ethics of space exploration by looking back at the origins of the space race between the USA and the USSR. He questions the benefits of space exploration for all humankind, highlighting the nationalistic aspects of the Apollo moon landing and America's exceptionalism. The podcast discusses NASA's ethical dilemmas, historical influences on the American space program, and the collaboration and ethical considerations in space exploration, including the Artemis Program.

In this special series from Sideways, called A New Frontier, Matthew Syed explores the most out of this world ethical questions posed by the evolution of human space exploration. He takes us into the cosmos with stories from astronauts who’ve been there and those who can only dream of going, to explore the moral debates that have permeated space exploration since before the moon landings, and are evolving dramatically today in a new era of commercial space flight, of asteroid mining and almost daily satellite launches. Matthew begins the series by diving into the ethics of humanity’s search for extra-terrestrial life. In 1974, Richard Isaacman was a young graduate, studying to become an astronomer, from some of the field's biggest names - like Carl Sagan and Frank Drake. At just 21-years-old, he’s asked to contribute to humankind's first ever deliberate attempt to send a targeted radio transmission to a cluster of stars in the outer reaches of the galaxy. A rudimentary picture, designed to be intercepted and decoded by aliens. Delving into our obsession with aliens, science fiction and the vastness of space, Matthew discovers how asking questions about space ethics can often lead us to answers that tell us much more about the ways we treat our own environment, other animals, and each other, than it does about little green men.With former NASA astronaut John Herrington, York University astronomer Sarah Rugheimer and space ethicist, podcaster and author Erika Nesvold. Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Leona Hameed Series Editor: Katherine Godfrey Sound Design and Mix: Rob Speight Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

Travel into the cosmos for a four-part series about the ethics of space exploration. Matthew Syed invites you to enter the vast wilderness of the galaxy to explore the moral dilemmas that sit at the heart of space exploration, and why they should matter to you.When the space race began in the 1960s, the United States and the Soviet Union dominated. Today, multiple commercial entities and many more governments vie for space in the skies above us. Now we may go to other planets not in order to bring back knowledge that will benefit humankind on earth, but potentially to stay and make a new life for the human race… out there. Exploration is turning to colonisation. In this series, Matthew Syed explores the moral underpinning of space exploration beginning with the space race and early attempts to send a message to little green men. He will ask who gets to go to space, how should we behave when we're there, and whether we have the ethical and legal framework to avoid replicating the conflicts we face on earth, up in the skies above us.Despite all the complexities and necessary moral questions to be wrangled with in this new era, Matthew explores the profound experiences to be had by standing outside our planet. It may offer a unique vantage point to ask questions about who we are, what we owe to each other, where we’re going, and why.Producers: Leona Hameed, Julien Manuguerra-Patten, Vishva Samani Series Editor: Katherine Godfrey Sound design and mix: Rob Speight Theme tune by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4