More or Less: Behind the Stats

BBC Radio 4
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33 snips
May 5, 2025 • 15min

Bonus episode: The Autism Curve

Join Joshua Stott, a Professor of ageing and clinical psychology at University College London, as he dives into the striking rise in autism diagnoses. He reveals alarming statistics showing an eightfold increase in the UK, with a possibility of undercounting 1.2 million autistic individuals. The discussion challenges traditional perceptions of autism, examines new definitions, and highlights the complexities of diagnosing older adults versus youth. Stott's insights prompt us to rethink our understanding of autism and its evolving landscape.
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54 snips
May 3, 2025 • 9min

Donald Trump: 100 days fact-check

Mike Wendling, BBC's US National Digital Reporter, joins to dissect Donald Trump's claims made during his first 100 days in office. He tackles the controversial issues around rising egg prices and their real causes. Wendling scrutinizes the economic performance, revealing a decline in the stock market amid tariff woes, and evaluates immigration statistics in light of historical data. The discussion also highlights the alarming rise in fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the U.S. and examines the exaggeration of statistics connected to opioid use.
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66 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 9min

Are 80% of women really only attracted to 20% of men?

Marina Adshade, a professor at the Vancouver School of Economics, dives into the provocative claim that 80% of women are attracted to only 20% of men. She dissects its origins and the ethical pitfalls of using Tinder data to back this assertion. The discussion extends to how this myth fuels misogyny and radicalization among young men, as seen in the Netflix series 'Adolescence.' Adshade challenges the reliability of dating app trends, revealing that dating is often more nuanced than the simplistic 80-20 rule suggests.
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41 snips
Apr 19, 2025 • 9min

The pioneers of proof

Explore the intriguing history of statistical proofs, from estimating German tank production in WWII to modern day predictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover the challenges of validating data and how innovative methods have shaped our understanding. Uncover the fascinating work of a hero in statistics who highlighted the differences between breast milk and cow's milk. Plus, delve into the complexities of confounders in research, especially regarding childbirth and breast cancer risk. Statistics has never been more captivating!
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16 snips
Apr 12, 2025 • 9min

How much is a human life worth?

What is the true monetary value of a human life? Explore the varying prices through the lens of bereavement payouts and the dark world of contract killing. A former mafia operative sheds light on the economics of taking a life, revealing how desperation drives costs. The discussion also dives into the financial hardships of fertility treatments, illustrating how experiences differ for couples. Ultimately, the conversation highlights charitable efforts that make a positive difference in saving lives.
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5 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 30min

The mistake in Trump’s tariff formula

Discover the miscalculations behind Trump's tariff policies and their broader economic effects. Uncover the challenges of accurately counting police presence and the implications for community safety. Dive into local tax debates in Wandsworth, where humor meets serious policy discussions, notably around council tax freezes. Plus, learn about the fascinating genetics of redheads and their surprisingly higher pain tolerance. This mix of serious stats and lighthearted topics keeps the conversation engaging!
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41 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 9min

Trump tariffs: All about the deficits

The discussion dives into the controversial tariffs introduced by Trump, questioning their supposed purpose of addressing trade imbalances. Tariff calculations reveal complexities that challenge the administration's claims. The podcast further examines the exclusion of service exports in trade calculations, shedding light on how countries can still thrive despite apparent deficits. Misconceptions about bilateral trade deficits are addressed, encouraging a broader perspective on global trade dynamics.
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51 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 27min

Is one in four people in the UK disabled?

Lizzy McNeill, a correspondent specializing in economic issues, joins economist Duncan Weldon to debate whether one in four people in the UK is disabled. They delve into disability statistics and clarify the criteria for classification, challenging common perceptions. The conversation also touches on the broader economic implications of disability on the workforce, as well as government financial policies, providing insights into how these factors affect public spending and individual lives.
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53 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 9min

What’s Trump’s problem with Canada?

Discover the surprising twists in U.S.-Canada relations, as tariffs spark controversy and political tension. The discussion unpacks President Trump's claims of an exaggerated $200 billion subsidy and clarifies the true nuances of trade dynamics. Delve into the impact of a 25% tariff on Canadian car imports, and challenge misconceptions surrounding Canada’s role in the opioid crisis. By examining these critical issues, the conversation sheds light on the complexities of maintaining a strong border relationship amid growing economic friction.
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77 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 29min

Could a 2% wealth tax raise £24bn?

The discussion kicks off with the proposed 2% wealth tax to potentially raise £24 billion, unpacking the numbers behind it. There’s a deep dive into why the UK has the oldest housing stock in Europe, linking it to the Industrial Revolution. The Office for National Statistics' recent valuation changes on pensions have stirred debate, knocking off £2 trillion from wealth estimates. Finally, the origins and flexible nature of Lent are explored, revealing fascinating historical insights.

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