More or Less: Behind the Stats

Mathematician and comedian Matt Parker discusses using math to find the perfect partner, while exploring the accuracy of pregnancy due dates. The podcast also delves into the statistics of baby births and the slim chances of synchronized births among friends.

Analyzing Boris Johnson's misleading statements on NHS funding and foreign students, debunking statistics. Discussing child hunger in the UK during school holidays and Lord Wilton's role in food supply during WWII. Exploring explosive energy and historical dynamite innovations.

Exploring the increasing death rates among middle-aged white Americans, focusing on the impact of opioid drug use, cardiovascular diseases, and lifestyle issues. The correlation between having a college degree and lower death rates highlights education disparities in mortality. Contrasting trends in death rates among different age groups and races reveal a complex disparity in health outcomes.

Exploring living standards and income trends, the podcast discusses the evolution of household incomes post-2011. It also delves into mathematical elements in music, with examples from musicians like Kate Bush and Bob Dylan. Additionally, the podcast covers the variability in polling data and the cost implications of a British passport redesign.

Explore global vaccination rates, child population projections, and challenging preconceived notions about global development. Discover the impact of outdated views and the importance of global understanding for business success. Find out how statistics can shift perspectives and inspire critical thinking.

Explore the rationale behind airlines overbooking flights, rising tooth extractions in England, motivated reasoning and the backfire effect, myth-busting impact on vaccine hesitancy, and the debunked belief of goldfish having longer attention spans than humans.

Sharon Burke, a senior security adviser, and Yoni Applebaum from The Atlantic discuss the threat of a North Korean EMP attack on the US electrical grid. They explore the exaggerated claims of societal collapse and highlight the resilience of the grid against such catastrophic scenarios.

Neuroscientist Jamie Horder questions the accuracy of the claim that one in four people will develop a mental health problem. The podcast explores the origins of this widely cited statistic, reveals that one in five actually experience common mental disorders within a year, and discusses gender differences in mood and anxiety disorder prevalence. It also highlights the complexities in surveying mental health problems and challenges the traditional 'one-in-four' statistic.

Exploring the impact of Finland's baby box initiative on lowering infant mortality rates and promoting safe sleep practices. Analyzing the differences in infant mortality rates between Finland and the US, and the rise of baby boxes globally. Delving into the significance of post-birth home visiting programs and parental education in enhancing infant health outcomes.

Did China use more concrete in three years than the US in the 20th Century?