Sideways

Exploring cognitive dissonance through a college student's unyielding support for Nixon during Watergate. Delving into the psychological impact of conflicting beliefs and values. Real-life examples and research on cognitive dissonance and its influence on decision-making and behavior. Encouraging self-reflection and rational thinking to address ideological resistance.

As a child, Kate Ertmann starred in commercials, in soap operas and on Broadway. But acting wasn’t her first love - mathematics was. She considered it to be “a balm" for her brain. And yet societal and teenage pressures made her turn away from maths.Growing up in Sweden, Sebastian Nillson Qvist loathed maths and found it a real struggle. But he still challenged himself to study it as part of a Political Science and Economics degree. It did not go well.But still, maths came back into their lives. In this episode of Sideways, we find out what led them back to mathematics and the impact it had on them. Something host Matthew Syed experienced first hand when a desire to understand inflation and economics led him back to studying for a maths A-Level in his own time and finding it actually enjoyable, rather than a chore as he had at school.We hear how determination to dominate in the sport of darts can lead to incredible mastery of mental arithmetic from Professor Marcus du Sautoy, who also suggests a novel approach to maths education which he believes could inspire and motivate children. And Field’s Medal winner Professor Efim Zelmanov introduces us to a brilliant young mathematician who was killed in a duel 150 years ago but left behind a theory which keeps all online banking safe.With Kate Eartmann of katelovesmath.com, Sebastian Nillson-Qvist, Professor Marcus du Sautoy - Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Professor of Mathematics, and Professor Efim Zelmanov - Field’s Medallist and Director of the Shenzhen International Center for Mathematics.Presented by Matthew Syed Producer: Marilyn Rust Series Editor: Katherine Godfrey Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson Theme Tune: Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

What's your name? You might think you know, but in this episode of Sideways, Matthew Syed discovers the answer could be more complicated than you first assume. That's what Hajar found out, after spending her whole life searching for a name to truly call her own.This is the story of our names, and the influence they have over who we are and who we choose to become. With Hajar Woodland, Eva Echo, Emilia Aldrin, David Zhu and Arjee Restar.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Leigh Meyer Series Editor: Katherine Godfrey Sound design and mix by Daniel Kempson Theme tune by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

In 2020, David Gutenmacher began to buy old photographs and videos that he came across in second hand shops. He was sad about the prospect that families had been severed from their treasured memories, and so he founded the Museum of Lost Memories to try and reconnect people with their personal archives. But when he came across a video of a family on a safari holiday he realised that finding out who was in these videos might not be all that straightforward.Matthew Syed considers the role of photography and video in personal memory making, and how we go about using photos to leave a record of our existence on earth.Featuring: David Gutenmacher, Founder and curator of the Lost Memory Museum Jono Marcus Lina Henkel, professor of psychology at Fairfield UniversityPresenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Nadia Mehdi Series Editor: Katherine Godfrey Music, Sound Design & Mix: Daniel Kempson Sideways theme by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

Two professional wrestlers turned bitter enemies due to a betrayal in Glasgow, sparking a grudge that transcended the wrestling ring. The podcast explores the complexities of forgiveness, loyalty, and the emotional dynamics of human relationships. It delves into the impact of holding onto grudges, the power of forgiveness, and the intense showdown between the rival wrestlers in a barbed wire match.

Matthew Syed kicks off the new season of Sideways with a story of one of the most brutal grudges ever seen in pro wrestling. Matthew asks us to consider when it's time to let go of a grudge and how. The new season starts on Wednesday 21 February 2024, with other episodes exploring the meaning of photo and video memories, the significance of our names and the creativity of mathematics.

In this episode, the podcast explores the enduring popularity of the Czechoslovakian Christmas movie 'Three Gifts for Cinderella' in Norway. It delves into the story of a Norwegian voice actor who dubbs the film, the anti-authoritarian themes in the movie, and its significance in German and Norwegian Christmas traditions.

Andrew Greene and Maggie Meister, members of Mediocre Melodies, discuss the benefits of embracing mediocrity and getting comfortable with being average. They share their experiences starting an a cappella group at Cornell University, the challenges they faced, and the importance of camaraderie and personal growth. The podcast explores the culture of perfectionism at an upper level college and the downsides of striving for perfection. It also highlights the power of embracing joy and conquering fears.

Artist David Henty found success by creating and selling forgeries of famous artists. The podcast explores the blurred line between creativity and imitation in art. It also delves into the impact of AI on detecting fakes and forgeries, as well as the role of satire in art.

Violinist and composer Diana Yukawa lost her father, Akihisa Yukawa, in the Japan Air Lines Flight 123 plane crash of August 1985. The crash was just five weeks before she was born. As she grew up, Diana wanted to get to know her father. Matthew Syed, explores the profound relationship that can exist between parent and child separated by a loss of this kind, and the role of storytelling in creating those connections.Writer Ashley Reese’s husband, Rob, died of cancer in 2022. Ashley is planning to get pregnant with hers and Rob’s child using IVF. She is making plans for their future child to know their father.Featuring Diana Yukawa, Ashley Reese and clinical psychologist Dr Emma Svanberg.Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Amalie Sortland Series editor: Katherine Godfrey Sound design and mix: Naomi Clarke Theme tune by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4