Chris and Xand continue their conversation about belief with Ryan McKay, Professor of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London.
They want to know why some beliefs take hold so strongly, what’s happening in our brains when we hold on to them, and how trust, identity, and community shape what we believe. Beyond that, they’ll explore why health beliefs can be so difficult to shift, and whether it’s ever really possible to change someone’s mind. From the psychology of delusions to the spread of everyday health narratives, this episode dives deeper into the mechanics of belief.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Professor Ryan McKayProducer: Maia Miller-LewisExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Jo RowntreeResearcher: Grace RevillTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin RickarbyAt the BBC:
Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
