Richard Wiseman's On Your Mind

Podimo & TellTale

Why are some people so happy? How can you tell when politicians are lying? Is it logical to carry a lucky charm? Why do long lists of questions hold our attention?

Welcome to Richard Wiseman’s On Your Mind, the podcast that aims to answer a thousand questions about the human mind. A magician, academic and author, Richard holds the UK’s only professorship in the public understanding of psychology. Together with science journalist Marnie Chesterton, they take on all manner of questions from the public, celebrities and each other, on everything from ghosts to laughter, dreaming to luck, sleep to memory. This fact-filled, irreverent, interactive podcast is the ultimate guide to the human psyche and provides listeners with an invaluable toolkit for successful living.

Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod

https://twitter.com/wisemanpod

CREDITS
Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton
Produced by Kate White
Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White
Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee
Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

42 episodes
Updated Jan 3, 2024

Episodes42

Newest first

Jan 3, 2024 · 27 min
40: Friendship
Richard and Marnie turn the spotlight on friendship, revealing the secrets to small talk, what makes people likeable and how to turn acquaintances into friends. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Dec 27, 2023 · 28 min
39: Can You Spot a Con?
Richard and Marnie answer some more of your listener questions, delving into the psychology of the street con-artist, sleepwalking, the importance of a growth mindset, attention spans and much more. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Dec 20, 2023 · 26 min
38: Christmas
Get into the festive spirit with Richard and Marnie, as they unwrap the psychology of gift giving, reveal why cracker jokes are so bad, look at what our Christmas decorations say about us and whether we find people with beards more trustworthy (spoiler alert, it doesn't bode well for Santa!). Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Dec 13, 2023 · 28 min
37: Are You a Blurter?
Richard and Marnie answer some of your listener questions that have been sent in over the season. Such as, why do some people have no filter when they speak? Does everyone have an inner voice? Which is more powerful, nature or nurture? And why do people pick their nose (how delightful!). Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Dec 6, 2023 · 25 min
36: Hidden Persuaders
Richard and Marnie reveal some of the hidden persuaders that affect our decision making. Are we really as rational as we think we are? Do our names affect our lives and how successful we are? And how are we swayed by advertising, without even realising it? Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Nov 29, 2023 · 27 min
35: Richard's Favourite Studies
In this episode we explore Richard's favourite psychological studies. How does our pace of life affect us? Do we all have the potential to harm others? And how good are we at telling if politicians are lying? Find out why these studies and more made it into Richard's hall of fame. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Nov 22, 2023 · 28 min
34: Mind Control
Can you control someone’s mind? Marnie takes a suggestibility test, Richard reveals the secrets of hypnosis and they explore whether mind control exists, plus how hypnosis can be used for good. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Nov 15, 2023 · 26 min
33: More Myths
Join Richard and Marnie as they dispel some more psychological myths. Including, whether playing Mozart to a baby makes them more intelligent? Do people really leave their bodies during an out of body experience? And when it comes to decision making, are two heads better than one? Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Nov 8, 2023 · 25 min
32: Robin Ince & Curiosity
In this special episode, Richard and Marnie are joined by comedian and author Robin Ince, as they explore the psychology of curiosity. They reveal why staying curious is good for your health, how it can be used to drive learning and Richard sets Marnie a surprising curiosity test. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Nov 1, 2023 · 27 min
31: The Workplace
Join Richard and Marnie as they explore the psychology of the workplace. Richard reveals the secrets to the perfect job interview, what makes for a good manager and why open plan offices are a bad idea. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Oct 25, 2023 · 26 min
30: Adrian Owen & The Brain
In this special episode about the brain, Richard and Marnie talk to cognitive neuroscientist Professor Adrian Owen about his ground breaking research. He then goes on to answer your questions about the brain, including can you train your brain? What happens when we meditate? And is there a higher state of consciousness? Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Oct 18, 2023 · 27 min
29: Weird Studies
Richard and Marnie take a look at some of the weird psychology studies that have been carried out over the years, from trying to weigh the soul, to the tale of the talking mongoose. Join them as they reveal the surprising impact that these strange cases actually had on today's world. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com and thanks to the Creative Martyrs for the use of their track 'Gef': thecreativemartyrs.bandcamp.com/track/gef Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Oct 11, 2023 · 25 min
28: Nature & Animals
Ever wondered what you can tell about a person's personality from their pets? What are the psychological benefits of owning a dog? In this episode, Richard and Marnie take a closer look at the psychology of pet ownership, as well as exploring how being in nature affects us. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Oct 4, 2023 · 25 min
27: The Power of Small Change
Join Richard and Marnie as they discuss how small life changes can have a big impact, and why you might need to go on a digital detox. They provide top tips on how to start making lifestyle changes and reveal why starting small is key. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Sep 27, 2023 · 25 min
26: Psychics
Richard and Marnie explore the world of psychic ability and take a closer look at how scientists test for extra sensory perception. They look at why psychic readings can seem so accurate and reveal some of the tricks of the trade. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Additional research by Helen Keen The presenters and producer are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this podcast and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.
Sep 20, 2023 · 31 min
25: Jonathan Goodwin: Courage & Resilience
In this special episode, Richard and Marnie talk to daredevil and escapologist Jonathan Goodwin. They explore the psychological lessons that can be found in Jonathan's incredible story of courage and resilience, after a catastrophic accident left him with life-changing injuries. We're back to our normal format next week, with Richard and Marnie in the studio. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio Note: Jonathan is a trained professional. Don't try any of the stunts discussed in this episode at home. All opinions expressed are the individuals own.
Sep 13, 2023 · 26 min
24: Relationships
Join Richard & Marnie as they discuss the psychology behind how to keep a long term relationship exciting, the best ways to communicate with your partner and whether small acts of romance add up. And if your partner starts to mark notches on the mantlepiece, then watch out! Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio
Sep 6, 2023 · 24 min
23: The Apollo Expedition
In this episode we’re talking about the Apollo space mission and the psychological lessons we can learn from it. How does passion motivate us? What are the secrets of success...and failure? And how to tread the line between risk and recklessness. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com, or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Knights Audio
Aug 30, 2023 · 23 min
22: Pippa Evans & Improvising in Everyday Life
In this second of our two special episodes from Edinburgh Festival, we talk to improv comedian Pippa Evans about how improv can help us in everyday life. Plus, how we can use these skills in our relationships and to be more successful. We're back to our normal format next week, with Richard and Marnie in the studio. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com, or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Chris O'Shaughnessy
Aug 23, 2023 · 28 min
21: Jo Caulfield & The Psychology Of Stand-Up
In this special episode, recorded at this year's Ediburgh Festival, we take a break from our usual question and answer format to talk to comedian Jo Caulfield about the psychological lessons that can be learned from stand-up comedy. Including the importance of keeping going when things get tough, the secret to being confident, and why you shouldn’t say yes to everything. Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the show (it's published weekly). Got a question for Richard? We’d love to hear from you - send a text or voice message to @wisemanpod, email kate.white@telltaleindustries.com, or head to listentoonyourmind.com. https://twitter.com/wisemanpod CREDITS Presented by Professor Richard Wiseman and Marnie Chesterton Produced by Kate White Executive Producers for Podimo: Jake Chudnow and Matt White Executive Producers for TellTale: Rami Tzabar & Jago Lee Music: For My Friend / Daniel Fridell & Sven Lindvall / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Mixed by Chris O'Shaughnessy Note. Psychology tests taken from the following paper: Shurcliff, A. (1968). Judged humor, arousal, and the relief theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4, Pt.1), 360–363