What is beliefism, and can you spot a liar?

What is beliefism, and can you spot a liar?

Author: BBC Radio 4 October 14, 2025 Duration: 28:06

Just looking at the news can give the feeling that today’s world is more polarised than ever. And the stats show that in Britain, the majority of people believe that society is divided. How can we go about bridging this divide? Paul Dolan, professor of behavioural science at LSE, has written a book called Beliefism on exactly this. He chats to presenter Claudia Hammond about how we can learn to get along with people we disagree with, and how doing this can impact our lives for the better.

Also, The Celebrity Traitors starts this Wednesday on BBC One. To convince their fellow contestants that they’re innocent, the Traitors have to be pretty good at deception. But how can the Faithfuls successfully identify their lies? Claudia speaks to Sharon Leal, senior research fellow in forensic psychology at the University of Portsmouth, to scrutinise the psychological evidence on deceit – and Sharon’s research has real life impacts on how police conduct their interviews.

And Claudia is joined in the studio by Pete Olusoga, senior lecturer in psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. Pete shares new research that suggests the bigger a problem is, the smaller it seems, and how being nosy at work could be causing undue stress.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Sophie Ormiston Editor: Ilan Goodman Studio Manager: Emma Harth Production coordinator: Jana Holesworth


Ever wondered why we do the things we do, or how our thoughts truly shape our reality? All in the Mind, from BBC Radio 4, moves beyond simple self-help to explore the intricate workings of the human psyche. Guided by Claudia Hammond, each episode is a thoughtful journey into the latest research and evidence from the worlds of psychology, neuroscience, and mental health. You'll hear from leading scientists, clinicians, and sometimes people with direct personal experience, all contributing to a deeper understanding of topics like memory, emotion, resilience, and perception. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's about connecting scientific discovery to the everyday experiences that define us. The conversations in this podcast are designed to be accessible yet deeply informative, stripping away jargon to reveal what the evidence really tells us about our minds. Whether it's unpacking the mechanics of anxiety, the science of happiness, or the mysteries of consciousness, Claudia's nuanced approach provides clarity and insight. Tune in for a compelling blend of personal stories and rigorous science that challenges assumptions and illuminates the hidden forces behind our behaviour. This is a space for curious listeners who want to look beneath the surface of thought and feeling, discovering the fascinating evidence that explains how we all operate.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

All in the Mind
Podcast Episodes
Future Thinking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:41
In the second of two special holiday episodes Claudia Hammond and an expert panel of psychologists look to the future. A new year is upon us, a time when we often find ourselves reflecting on the year gone by and thinkin…
The Psychology of Nostalgia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:45
In the first of two special holiday episodes, Claudia Hammond and an expert panel of psychologists look back, nostalgically. At this festive time of year, you might be thinking wistfully about Christmas past – perhaps yo…
Smartphones and children, mental health labels and climate anxiety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:52
Smartphones are bad for the mental health of children and adolescents. At least, that’s the popular perception that has led to calls for smartphones to be banned for children under a certain age, with numerous media repo…
Toxic positivity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:55
In the last two years, online searches for ‘toxic positivity’ have spiked. In this discussion from the Cheltenham Science Festival, we find out what toxic positivity is, and how it can hurt you and people around you. In…