

Lateral with Tom Scott
Tom Scott and David Bodycombe
Award-winning comedy panel game about weird questions with wonderful answers. Each week, Tom Scott is joined by three guests to ask each other questions with a sideways twist. There's no points or prizes - just reputation and bragging rights on the line. Enquiries and question submissions: https://www.lateralcast.com.Ad-free shows and bonus content: https://www.lateralcast.com/club.
Episodes
Mentioned books

19 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 53min
158: Room 556
Join comedy writer Jay Foreman and co-host Mark Cooper-Jones of the Map Men as they delve into quirky geographical trivia. They tackle puzzling questions like why aircraft landing precision was compromised and the inspiration behind a spy-themed room in Dubai. Physics expert Mithuna Yoganathan adds a scientific twist, exploring the implications of colorful artillery markers from historical battles. The trio also discusses unique church pew designs that accommodate different denominations, ensuring a blend of humor and insight throughout!

21 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 42min
157: A red rubber ball
Neil Freeman, a producer at Morning Brew, joins forces with co-host Toby Howell and creative video maker Macy Gilliam. Together, they tackle wacky lateral thinking puzzles. They delve into the origins of the Ugly Jerry font, inspired by gerrymandering, and unveil how a red rubber ball signals safety in aerial performances. Hilarious anecdotes about a dog’s saliva and a tanning salon's unexpected job connections add extra spice to their banter, making for an entertaining and thought-provoking discussion.

24 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 51min
156: Newspaper espionage
Join Colin Felton, a trivia podcast co-host, and Karen Chu, a fellow trivia expert, alongside puzzle writer Daniel Peake, as they tackle quirky puzzles and wild trivia. They discuss how Alfred Vale's work at a newspaper influenced Morse code design. Dive into the jamming avoidance response of Eigenmannia fish, and discover the clever use of special glasses in climbing that enhance safety. Plus, find out why locals move a concrete sphere to mark the Arctic Circle annually. Get ready for a light-hearted and informative ride!

23 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 47min
155: The missing whiskey
Join Tom Lum, Ella Hubber, and Caroline Roper from the Let's Learn Everything podcast as they tackle fascinating questions. They dive into a bizarre case where locals were rewarded for breaking fossilized skulls, and the mystery behind why 70,000 whiskey bottles went missing due to evaporation. Ella shares the wild story of a spinning birthing table inspired by an elephant, while Tom Lum reveals the clever strategic names used in rock-paper-scissors. Expect laughter and curiosity as they unravel these quirky topics!

30 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 48min
154: Beware: falling house
Ali Spagnola, a creative YouTuber known for her DIY brilliance, joins content creators Evan and Katelyn Heling for a lively discussion. They dive into bizarre criminal capers and share surprising facts about baking and sports. Discover how a family's TV experience with The Wizard of Oz led to unexpected color revelations. They also explore fleeting records, like the title of 'youngest person on earth' and the quirky world of Legoland's 'model citizens.' Packed with laughter and eccentric insights, this conversation is a makers' delight!

30 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 46min
153: An unequal game
Join Luke Cutforth and Corry Will from the Sci Guys podcast, alongside wine critic Hannah Crosbie, for a hilariously intriguing discussion. They dive into the whimsical world of wine tasting and its quirky terminology while also exploring the playful side of Olympic sports and historical events. Expect lighthearted banter on board games, absurd Olympic moments, and quirky holiday myths about Santa's reindeer. The trio's chemistry and humor make for an entertaining exploration of strange stories and fascinating themes.

48 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 51min
152: Microwaving chocolate
Abby Cox, an archivist known for her insights on fashion and women's history, joins engineer Ruth Amos, famous for her Kids Invent Stuff channel, and YouTuber Evan Edinger, who shares cultural nuances. They hilariously tackle topics like the quirks of food delivery and the science of melting chocolate. Listeners will enjoy their amusing tales of Guinness World Records and the oddities of online shopping. With playful banter about a chocolate ritual and unique graveside traditions, this conversation is both enlightening and entertaining.

31 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 50min
151: Betting for free
Iszi Lawrence, a children's author and podcaster, is joined by Bill Sunderland and Dani Siller from Escape This Podcast. They dive into whimsical topics like the allure of crafty containers and the quirks of The Farmer's Almanac. The trio humorously discusses time zones and their challenges, while reminiscing about 1980s music dynamics. They explore both nostalgic reflections and intriguing insights into ancient runes and the ethics of gambling, all sprinkled with their trademark comedic banter.

32 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 46min
150: Here's a xylophone
Macy Gilliam, a job-exploring YouTuber, Toby Howell, breakfast news analyst, and Neal Freyman, co-host of a business podcast, dive into bizarre topics. They discuss a quirky xylophone sign sparking creativity, President Garfield's absurd metal detector mishap, and aviation mysteries like a puzzling yellow lever. The trio also unravels riddles about clocks and heartbeats while playfully dissecting actor Jack Lemmon's legacy. Their humorous banter keeps the conversation lively, blending absurdity with intriguing trivia.

27 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 47min
149: Sea 26
Colin Felton and Karen Chu, co-hosts of the quirky trivia podcast 'Good Job Brain', team up with Daniel Peake, a puzzle writer from 'Only Connect'. Together, they dive into whimsical discussions on high-altitude challenges, the oddities of retail visits, and comically bizarre parenting practices in Norway. They tackle engaging trivia questions about Swiss railways and naming conventions, all while mixing humor with cultural insights. Their playful banter turns everyday topics into a delightful trivia adventure, making for a truly entertaining listen.