Uncharted with Hannah Fry

From exposing fraud to finding true love, mathematician Hannah Fry follows the numbers on thrilling adventures of data and discovery. Join her for Series 2 of Uncharted.

Thomas Herndon, a student who challenged economic status quo, uncovers errors in a prominent economic paper, questioning the correlation between debt levels and economic growth. His discovery shakes the intellectual foundations of a global movement and sparks debates on flawed economic policies.

A young researcher uncovers shocking findings in a secretive data set. The podcast delves into the intersection of medicine and artificial intelligence, highlighting biases in healthcare algorithms. It discusses proactive patient care and the need for algorithmic transparency and equality.

Hannah Fry, a storyteller exploring the secrets to aging well, uncovers fascinating research on cognitive resilience among nuns. The tale begins with a remarkable 101-year-old nun, Sister Mary, showcasing extraordinary memory and mental vitality. As Fry delves into the impact of lifelong learning on brain health, she reveals how cognitive reserve can influence Alzheimer’s risk. The legacy of Sister Mary's brain donation highlights the intersection of emotion and science, shedding light on the complexities of memory and aging.

Hannah Fry, a researcher in network science, dives into the intriguing connections that shape workplaces and power grids. She recounts a tale from a Hungarian tile factory, showing how personal relationships can drive productivity. The discussion reveals how a well-connected employee often has more influence than their manager. Drawing parallels to a significant power line failure, Fry highlights how gossip and communication can impact both employee dynamics and critical infrastructure. It's a revealing look at the power of connections in unexpected places.

The podcast explores the U-shaped curve of happiness in human lives, comparing patterns in happiness data to wage data and discussing the impact of responsibilities, health, money, family, and career on well-being. It also delves into the concept of a midlife crisis in orangutans and great apes, highlighting the similarities in happiness assessments between humans and primates.

Join racing driver John Carter, a daring competitor facing a life-or-death decision just before a critical race, alongside storyteller Hannah Fry, who unpacks the complexities of risk and choice. They explore the heart-pounding pressure of engineers navigating extreme conditions to ensure safety and performance. They also dissect the pivotal role of data in high-stakes decisions, drawing parallels to the Challenger disaster. Prepare for a gripping discussion on the fine line between glory and disaster in the world of racing.

Jason Bay, a data scientist who tackled a puzzling glitch in Singapore's driverless train system, joins mathematician Hannah Fry for an engaging discussion. They delve into the chaos of the 2016 disruptions, exploring absurd theories and the complexities behind modern transportation. Bay’s team ingeniously used a 19th-century timetabling graph to uncover the hidden causes of the failures. Fry adds depth by sharing extraordinary human stories behind the data, emphasizing how even the most advanced systems can falter in unexpected ways.

Hannah Fry, a skilled storyteller and data enthusiast, delves into the shocking tale of a forged will that unravels lives in 1998. She reveals the chilling case of Harold Shipman, a doctor with a dark secret, shedding light on medical malpractice and the systemic failures that allowed his atrocities. Fry also discusses how data analysis can unearth troubling patterns in patient deaths, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance. The emotional toll of seeking justice for victims is poignantly examined, showcasing the turmoil faced by affected communities.

The podcast explores the controversy surrounding climate scientist Michael Mann and the implications of the Earth's warming. It delves into the challenges faced by climate scientists in reconstructing past climate conditions using ice cores, tree rings, and coral samples. The creation of the hockey stick curve, depicting global warming due to industrialization, is discussed along with its impact on climate change awareness.