Episodes

SeriesEpisodeTitleFirst
Broadcast
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0102Being Invisible2004122120090924 (R4)

Journalist and broadcaster Jon Ronson tries to find out how to be invisible with the help of a collection of extraordinary stories which try to illuminate the human condition.

He talks to Frank Ahearn, whose job it is to make people vanish; comedian Jon Holmes, whose parents are 'invisible' to him as he is adopted; and Maggie O'Farrell who recalls her time as a chamber maid, cleaning hotel rooms while guests carried on extremely personal activities.

Jon investigates invisibility, with extraordinary stories from Michael Foot and Jon Holmes

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0105The Comfort of Strangers2005011120091001 (R4)

Jon Ronson collects a series of extraordinary stories to illuminate the human condition.

Jon talks to Abdullah Redpath, who found and then lost the love of his life in a remarkable 12-hour period. Comedian Danny Robins tries to make new friends in Amsterdam and Miranda Sawyer interviews Mark Pilkington, who hitch-hiked and found himself in the company of helpful strangers who turned out to be criminals.

Jon talks to Abdullah Redpath, who found and lost the love of his life in a 12-hour period

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0201Living in the Past2006011720090903 (R4)

Journalist and broadcaster Jon Ronson looks at the human condition with the help of interviewees and reporters from the world of writing and performance.

Jon investigates why often it is so difficult to leave a particular incident in the past. He he looks back to the time when he was thrown into a lake by his school friends, and confronts his bullies at his school reunion. Father Ted writer Graham Linehan remembers his own bully, and comedians Dan Tetsell and Robert Popper discover that they have parallel stories: one has a Nazi grandfather, the other a Jewish evacuee grandmother.

A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon recalls an incident in the past when he was thrown into a lake by school friends.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0206Building Bridges2006062120091008 (R4)

Journalist and broadcaster Jon Ronson asks why and how we learn to metaphorically build bridges.

He talks to Tom Hart Dyke, who was kidnapped by Colombian rebels when out orchid hunting and spent nine months trying to build bridges with his captors. He hears how writer Jesse Armstrong remembers failing to build bridges while working in politics.

Jon also takes his producer to a workplace mediator to find out if he really is a difficult person to work with.

Journalist Jon Ronson finds out about political networking and resolving conflict.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0301The Internet Date from Hell20070529

Journalist Jon Ronson investigates the extraordinary story of Mary Turner Thompson, who experienced the worst internet date ever which lasted seven years and was to cause the total devastation of her life.

Edinburgh-based Mary met and married a man who told her he was a CIA agent. Jon visits her in Scotland and hears the incredible twisting and turning love story of Will and Mary. Will carried a gun and had to dash off to Israel at a moment's notice; Mary was left holding the baby, never knowing when he would come back, and was unable to contact him. She even feared a terrorist attack on her home. But the most bizarre twist was still to come.

Mary's tale of marriage to a man who appeared to be a clever and brave CIA agent.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0301The Internet Date from Hell2007052920090827 (R4)

Journalist Jon Ronson investigates the extraordinary story of Mary Turner Thompson, who experienced the worst internet date ever which lasted seven years and was to cause the total devastation of her life.

Edinburgh-based Mary met and married a man who told her he was a CIA agent. Jon visits her in Scotland and hears the incredible twisting and turning love story of Will and Mary. Will carried a gun and had to dash off to Israel at a moment's notice; Mary was left holding the baby, never knowing when he would come back, and was unable to contact him. She even feared a terrorist attack on her home. But the most bizarre twist was still to come.

Mary's tale of marriage to a man who appeared to be a clever and brave CIA agent.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0302Waking Up From a Dream20070605

Waking up from a Dream

Jon talks to John Downes, director of the Centre of Fortean Zoology who spent his life searching for mythical creatures. When he woke up and realised they didn't exist, he turned his attention to something much more real, a giant eel spotted in Lake Windermere. Jon follows him on his underwater adventure.

Jon talks to Jon Downes, who spent his life searching for mythical creatures.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0303Uncontrollable Responses20070612

Jon Ronson continues his look at human behaviour by finding the moments where we respond in an uncontrollable way.

Comedian Robert Popper couldn't stop his drunken friend from putting their lives at risk while at a wedding in Israel. The story involved a pair of underpants, but no hilarious consequences.

Another interviewee, who survived the 7/7 terrorist attacks, found herself - during the period of her recovery - uncontrollably joining in with message boards accusing her of being a government plant on one of the bombed trains.

Comedian Robert Popper's drunken friend put their lives at risk.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0303Uncontrollable Responses2007061220090910 (R4)

Jon Ronson continues his look at human behaviour by finding the moments where we respond in an uncontrollable way.

Comedian Robert Popper couldn't stop his drunken friend from putting their lives at risk while at a wedding in Israel. The story involved a pair of underpants, but no hilarious consequences.

Another interviewee, who survived the 7/7 terrorist attacks, found herself - during the period of her recovery - uncontrollably joining in with message boards accusing her of being a government plant on one of the bombed trains.

Comedian Robert Popper's drunken friend put their lives at risk.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0304Crushed Egos20070619

Jon Ronson continues his sideways look at the world.

This edition features an Italian waiter who offered up his action film script to comedy writer Graham Linehan over the pasta, an American real estate entrepreneur who owns unsaleable houses all over America and owes millions, and the architects of a new town which proved a spectacular failure.

Jon Ronson meets a failed entrepreneur and visits a failed new town.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0305Getting Lost at Glastonbury20070626

Getting Lost at Glastonbury

Jon Ronson continues his series with the first of two special programmes recorded at Glastonbury, taking a different look at the festival and the many human dramas being played out over four intense days.

Jon observes how performers, audience and organisers get lost and found at Glastonbury, both literally and figuratively. With Danny Robins and Pete Paphides.

Jon explores the Glastonbury Festival, but will the incessant rain dampen his spirits?

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0306Good v Evil at Glastonbury20070703

Jon Ronson concludes his series with the second of two special programmes recorded at Glastonbury, taking a different look at the festival and the many human dramas being played out over four intense days.

Jon searches for good and for evil at the festival, looking for acts of kindness, bad deeds of hedonistic excess and emotional moments rarely captured. With Danny Robins and Pete Paphides.

Jon continues to experience Glastonbury, but has some of the magic worn off?

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0401Bad News20080828

Jon Ronson looks at how we take bad tidings. He talks to a man who was told that he had terminal cancer and spent the last six months of his life living it up, only to find out that the doctors got it wrong. He also hears the story of William Lobdell, the LA Times religious correspondent who became an atheist.

Looking at how we take bad tidings, Jon meets a man misdiagnosed with terminal cancer.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0402Being Fancy20080904

Jon Ronson talks to Elliot Castro, who spent 5 years as a conman, living a 5-star life before his eventual capture. Castro talks about his early school years when he would try to convince his school friends that he had magic powers.

Other contributors include writer Charlie Brooker, who offers his thoughts on travelling first class, and wealth counsellor Theyer Willis, who advises rich people on how to cope with their huge wealth.

Elliot Castro recalls his five-star life. Charlie Brooker talks about going first class.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0403States of Mind20080911

Jon Ronson looks at how we all exist in different states of reality, according to the balance of our minds.

He talks to ex-Labour spin doctor and psychoanalyst Derek Draper about the sociopathic behaviour in Parliament. Jon also interviews the ex-Norwegian prime minister who resigned after announcing he was depressed and who later went on to be re-elected.

There is also an update on a previous story involving ex-MI5 officer David Shayler, who announced he is the Messiah and invites Jon along to his first press conference.

How we all exist in different states of reality, according to the balance of our minds.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0403States of Mind2008091120090917 (R4)

Jon Ronson looks at how we all exist in different states of reality, according to the balance of our minds.

He talks to ex-Labour spin doctor and psychoanalyst Derek Draper about the sociopathic behaviour in Parliament. Jon also interviews the ex-Norwegian prime minister who resigned after announcing he was depressed and who later went on to be re-elected.

There is also an update on a previous story involving ex-MI5 officer David Shayler, who announced he is the Messiah and invites Jon along to his first press conference.

How we all exist in different states of reality, according to the balance of our minds.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0404How to Stop Time20080918

Jon Ronson wonders how we slow down or even stop time in a world which seems to be constantly accelerating. He talks to the scientist who claims to be developing a method of time travel and eventually hopes to visit the father who died in his childhood. He also talks to a man who holds the world record for staying awake the longest, thereby doubling his time. Guests include comedian Danny Robins.

The scientist who wants to time travel and the world record holder for staying awake.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0405Anything for Love20080925

Jon explores the silly things we sometimes do to prove our devotion to loved ones.

He visits the perimeter fence at Stonehenge, which he once almost jumped over in an attempt to curry favour with his girlfriend. He talks to comic writer Jane Bussman about the time she decided to drop her well-paid job in the media to seek out a man who worked in Africa for a charity. Her story has some remarkable twists, not least that he never materialised.

Silly things done to prove devotion.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0501Fear Of Flying2010010520110921 (R4)The writer Jon Ronson looks at one of our deepest fears. When Vicky Coren realised her fear of flying was stopping her travelling, she sought help from a specialist councillor. He cured her - only to die a year later in an air crash.

Mike Thexton tells Jon of his ordeal on board a hijacked plane, waiting to be shot for 12 hours. And comedian Danny Robins is terrified of death - so terrified that Jon decides to send him to a near death experience festival in Spain in order to try to cure his phobia. Finally, Jon finds a scientist who is working on finding an answer to eternal life.

Producer: Laura Parfitt

An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

The writer Jon Ronson looks at one of our deepest fears - the fear of flying.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0502When Small Talk Goes Wrong20100112

Jon Ronson talks to Denis Fillion who was behind one of the first major internet hoaxes. Denis used to post threads and make small talk on a technical forum called Anandtech. Irritated by the misogyny he found on the site, he invented a female character to join in the chat.

Soon he found himself flirting with his own character and weaving a tale so believable that the character took on an air of reality, even for him. As the relationship deepened, Denis was forced to take drastic action to get out of his own hoax. With additional contributions from comedian Josie Long and Charlie Brooker.

Producer: Laura Parfitt
A Unique Production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson talks to Denis Fillion, who was behind one of the first major internet hoaxes.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0502When Small Talk Goes Wrong20110920Jon Ronson talks to Denis Fillion who was behind one of the first major internet hoaxes. Denis used to post threads and make small talk on a technical forum called Anandtech. Irritated by the misogyny he found on the site, he invented a female character to join in the chat.

Soon he found himself flirting with his own character and weaving a tale so believable that the character took on an air of reality, even for him. As the relationship deepened, Denis was forced to take drastic action to get out of his own hoax. With additional contributions from comedian Josie Long and Charlie Brooker.

Producer: Laura Parfitt

A Unique Production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson talks to Denis Fillion, who was behind one of the first major internet hoaxes.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0503Living in a Movie20100119

The journalist and documentary maker Jon Ronson talks to the conflict photographer Jason Howe. Jason had gone to Colombia to photograph both sides of the war when he met a Colombian woman Marilyn at a bus stop. They quickly became romantically involved but then she revealed she was a paramilitary fighter. Suddenly Jason was living his life as if it were a movie, going down a dangerous path that would end in tragedy.

Producer: Laura Parfitt
An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson talks to conflict photographer Jason Howe about a romance full of danger.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0503Living in a Movie2010011920110919 (R4)

The journalist and documentary maker Jon Ronson talks to the conflict photographer Jason Howe. Jason had gone to Colombia to photograph both sides of the war when he met a Colombian woman Marilyn at a bus stop. They quickly became romantically involved but then she revealed she was a paramilitary fighter. Suddenly Jason was living his life as if it were a movie, going down a dangerous path that would end in tragedy.

Producer: Laura Parfitt
An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson talks to conflict photographer Jason Howe about a romance full of danger.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0504Being Alone20100126

The writer Jon Ronson asks are we more ourselves or less ourselves when we are alone? He confronts David Quantick, who Jon noticed avoiding him in the street one day.

Father Ted writer Graham Linehan reveals the moment he was ignored. We also talk to Yoshiro Nakamatsu, the world's most prolific inventor about the moment he invents - alone and under water. Finally we hear of the British man who was jailed in Japan and wasn't allowed to speak to anyone in his daily life for nearly 3 years.

Producer: Laura Parfitt
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson asks if we are more ourselves or less ourselves when we are alone.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0504Being Alone2010012620110922 (R4)

The writer Jon Ronson asks are we more ourselves or less ourselves when we are alone? He confronts David Quantick, who Jon noticed avoiding him in the street one day.

Father Ted writer Graham Linehan reveals the moment he was ignored. We also talk to Yoshiro Nakamatsu, the world's most prolific inventor about the moment he invents - alone and under water. Finally we hear of the British man who was jailed in Japan and wasn't allowed to speak to anyone in his daily life for nearly 3 years.

Producer: Laura Parfitt
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson asks if we are more ourselves or less ourselves when we are alone.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0505Ambition20100202

The writer Jon Ronson asks how our driving ambitions shape us. By interviewing several people at different points in their lives, he sees how ambition can make and break people.

He talks to an 11 year old boy who has plans to be a world class architect, a young woman who has set her sites on being Prime Minister and an ambitious stock broker whose success led him down a dangerous path towards a high security prison in the US.

Producer: Laura Parfitt
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon interviews people at different points in their lives to assess how ambition shapes us.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0505Ambition2010020220110923 (R4)

The writer Jon Ronson asks how our driving ambitions shape us. By interviewing several people at different points in their lives, he sees how ambition can make and break people.

He talks to an 11 year old boy who has plans to be a world class architect, a young woman who has set her sites on being Prime Minister and an ambitious stock broker whose success led him down a dangerous path towards a high security prison in the US.

Producer: Laura Parfitt
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon interviews people at different points in their lives to assess how ambition shapes us.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0601Voices In The Head20110426Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for another 5 part series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

Eleanor Longden started to hear voices in her head when she was at university and was diagnosed as a schizophrenic - a label she totally rejects. Now she is a high achieving academic. What started the voices and how did she get to a point where she not only lives happily with the voices that still exist but also works with others who have the same experience? With contributions from writer Graham Linehan and comedian Josie Long.

Producer: Laura Parfitt and Simon Jacobs

An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Academic Eleanor Longden hears voices in her head, but rejects her schizophrenic diagnosis

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0601Voices In The Head20120604Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for another 5 part series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

Eleanor Longden started to hear voices in her head when she was at university and was diagnosed as a schizophrenic - a label she totally rejects. Now she is a high achieving academic. What started the voices and how did she get to a point where she not only lives happily with the voices that still exist but also works with others who have the same experience? With contributions from writer Graham Linehan and comedian Josie Long.

Producer: Laura Parfitt and Simon Jacobs

An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Academic Eleanor Longden hears voices in her head, but rejects her schizophrenic diagnosis

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0602Spying20110503

Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for another series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

Jon Ronson talks to comedian Josie Long who found herself in a situation where she had to make a choice on whether to spy on someone's life... did morality step in? Writer Danny Wallace recalls the days when a spy was sent to his home to spy on his father, a leading expert on East German literature.

Johnny Howorth, rookie documentary maker, was also in a situation where he was asked by US Marshals to spy on the couple Ed and Elaine Brown who were convicted of tax crimes. As he naively got more deeply involved, he feared another Wako and had to make a difficult decision... John Symonds, a so-called 'romeo spy' also tells his sometimes shocking story.

Producers: Laura Parfitt and Simon Jacobs
An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

What are the qualities that make a good spy? Jon Ronson talks to spies to find out.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0602Spying2011050320120605 (R4)

Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for another series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

Jon Ronson talks to comedian Josie Long who found herself in a situation where she had to make a choice on whether to spy on someone's life... did morality step in? Writer Danny Wallace recalls the days when a spy was sent to his home to spy on his father, a leading expert on East German literature.

Johnny Howorth, rookie documentary maker, was also in a situation where he was asked by US Marshals to spy on the couple Ed and Elaine Brown who were convicted of tax crimes. As he naively got more deeply involved, he feared another Wako and had to make a difficult decision... John Symonds, a so-called 'romeo spy' also tells his sometimes shocking story.

Producers: Laura Parfitt and Simon Jacobs
An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

What are the qualities that make a good spy? Jon Ronson talks to spies to find out.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0603The Fine Line Between Good and Bad20110510

Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for another series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

Recorded on location in Fremont, New Hampshire, Jon meets the sisters who were part of the girl group from the 1960s 'The Shaggs'. Created by their father, the sisters were home schooled and made to practice every day. Their album, Philosophy of the World was ridiculed and a flop, but remarkably many years later they were re-discovered and hailed as way ahead of their time and a major contribution to music. The other story in this programme is told by Simon Hollis who recalls the time he worked as a designer in Calvin Klein's New York flag ship store and made a major mistake with too many red candles.

Producers: Laura Parfitt and Simon Jacobs
An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon meets the sisters who were part of the girl group from the 1960s, 'The Shaggs'.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0603The Fine Line Between Good and Bad2011051020120606 (R4)

Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for another series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

Recorded on location in Fremont, New Hampshire, Jon meets the sisters who were part of the girl group from the 1960s 'The Shaggs'. Created by their father, the sisters were home schooled and made to practice every day. Their album, Philosophy of the World was ridiculed and a flop, but remarkably many years later they were re-discovered and hailed as way ahead of their time and a major contribution to music. The other story in this programme is told by Simon Hollis who recalls the time he worked as a designer in Calvin Klein's New York flag ship store and made a major mistake with too many red candles.

Producers: Laura Parfitt and Simon Jacobs
An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon meets the sisters who were part of the girl group from the 1960s, 'The Shaggs'.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0604Witch Hunts20110517

Jon Ronson considers the moment when we follow the herd and make accusations. Jon talks to Meredith Maran who at one time believed she was abused by her father. Her beliefs wrecked her family's relationships. Years later she was to question her memory, and ask whether she had been caught up in a wave of accusations that swept America at the same time which was based on false memory syndrome. But what were the consequences of her doubts on her family and her father?

Music writer David Quantick brings a lighter note to the programme with his stories of his time as entertainment officer at the student union where he took part in an evening of humiliation towards the rock society. He is still left with feelings of guilt around his actions.

Producers: Laura Parfitt and Simon Jacobs
An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson considers the moment when we follow the herd and make accusations.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0604Witch Hunts2011051720120607 (R4)

Jon Ronson considers the moment when we follow the herd and make accusations. Jon talks to Meredith Maran who at one time believed she was abused by her father. Her beliefs wrecked her family's relationships. Years later she was to question her memory, and ask whether she had been caught up in a wave of accusations that swept America at the same time which was based on false memory syndrome. But what were the consequences of her doubts on her family and her father?

Music writer David Quantick brings a lighter note to the programme with his stories of his time as entertainment officer at the student union where he took part in an evening of humiliation towards the rock society. He is still left with feelings of guilt around his actions.

Producers: Laura Parfitt and Simon Jacobs
An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson considers the moment when we follow the herd and make accusations.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0605Aiming Low20110524Jon Ronson talks to Stewart Lee about why we are all so caught up in competitive lives.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0605Aiming Low20120608Jon Ronson talks to Stewart Lee about why we are all so caught up in competitive lives.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

070111:1120130404

Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for another five-part series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

In the first programme, he investigates confirmation bias - or why so many people look for evidence that confirms their pre-existing beliefs.

Jon believes he may be susceptible to confirmation bias himself. Over the last two years he has kept noticing that the time on his phone is 11.11. After looking on the internet, he found out there are many other people also doing this, including Uri Geller who first started noticing the number 11 over twenty years ago. Jon has also discovered that a particular community of people believe 11.11 is a sign for a new spirit guide who will come to earth, coincidentally known as Monjoronson. He speaks to the owner of the Monjoronson web domain, Ron Besser, and asks if it is possible that Jon himself is the spirit guide they're looking for.

Jon talks to other people who have been affected by confirmation bias, including an Oxford academic who believes her fate can be determined by looking at two lip balm pots.

The journalist David Aaronovitch says he believed the delusions he had while suffering intensive care psychosis after a routine operation were real.

Lotfi Raissi, the first person to be charged in connection with the September 11th attacks, tells Jon he believes his arrest was down to confirmation bias because he fitted a certain profile. A judge found there was no evidence to link Raissi to any form of terrorism.

Finally Jon speaks to the lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, who believes people who are prone to confirmation bias are more likely to be recruited to police forces.

Producer: Lucy Greenwell
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson wonders why he keeps noticing the time is 11.11. Is it confirmation bias?

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

070111:112013040420151119 (R4)

Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for another five-part series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

In the first programme, he investigates confirmation bias - or why so many people look for evidence that confirms their pre-existing beliefs.

Jon believes he may be susceptible to confirmation bias himself. Over the last two years he has kept noticing that the time on his phone is 11.11. After looking on the internet, he found out there are many other people also doing this, including Uri Geller who first started noticing the number 11 over twenty years ago. Jon has also discovered that a particular community of people believe 11.11 is a sign for a new spirit guide who will come to earth, coincidentally known as Monjoronson. He speaks to the owner of the Monjoronson web domain, Ron Besser, and asks if it is possible that Jon himself is the spirit guide they're looking for.

Jon talks to other people who have been affected by confirmation bias, including an Oxford academic who believes her fate can be determined by looking at two lip balm pots.

The journalist David Aaronovitch says he believed the delusions he had while suffering intensive care psychosis after a routine operation were real.

Lotfi Raissi, the first person to be charged in connection with the September 11th attacks, tells Jon he believes his arrest was down to confirmation bias because he fitted a certain profile. A judge found there was no evidence to link Raissi to any form of terrorism.

Finally Jon speaks to the lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, who believes people who are prone to confirmation bias are more likely to be recruited to police forces.

Producer: Lucy Greenwell
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson wonders why he keeps noticing the time is 11.11. Is it confirmation bias?

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0702Brainstorming20130411

Brainstorming.

Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for the second episode of his latest series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

In this programme, he looks at brainstorming and asks whether it really works.

He travels to Latvia to investigate the story of how media PR agency Inspired came up with a bizarre idea after a mobile phone company asked them for a concept to advertise their new tariff. Their brief was that it had to have a superhero theme. The agency decided then to fake a meteorite landing in a field outside Riga by digging a giant hole in the middle of the night and setting fire to it.

Jon finds out what happened when the stunt backfired.

He also speaks to the author Susan Cain who says forty years of research into brainstorming in groups has shown it doesn't work.

And Jon considers other brainstormed ideas that have gone wrong - such as the decision by the American restaurant chain Hooters, known for its young waitresses dressed in revealing outfits,
to go into the airline business.

Finally Jon asks whether we should listen more to quiet, thoughtful introverts who say little in brainstorming meetings, rather than the extroverts who shout loudest?

Producer: Lucy Greenwell

A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Suspicious of respect for loud extroverts, Jon Ronson asks if brainstorming really works.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0702Brainstorming2013041120151126 (R4)

Brainstorming.

Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson returns for the second episode of his latest series of fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

In this programme, he looks at brainstorming and asks whether it really works.

He travels to Latvia to investigate the story of how media PR agency Inspired came up with a bizarre idea after a mobile phone company asked them for a concept to advertise their new tariff. Their brief was that it had to have a superhero theme. The agency decided then to fake a meteorite landing in a field outside Riga by digging a giant hole in the middle of the night and setting fire to it.

Jon finds out what happened when the stunt backfired.

He also speaks to the author Susan Cain who says forty years of research into brainstorming in groups has shown it doesn't work.

And Jon considers other brainstormed ideas that have gone wrong - such as the decision by the American restaurant chain Hooters, known for its young waitresses dressed in revealing outfits,
to go into the airline business.

Finally Jon asks whether we should listen more to quiet, thoughtful introverts who say little in brainstorming meetings, rather than the extroverts who shout loudest?

Producer: Lucy Greenwell

A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Suspicious of respect for loud extroverts, Jon Ronson asks if brainstorming really works.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0703Being Normal20130418

As a new edition of the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is published this year, writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson travels around the UK meeting people whose behaviour might be considered normal, but may soon fall under the criteria of some brand new disorders.

He goes to a competitive eating competition in Bristol to speak to a man who has been obsessed with his weight. And he visits Adam Buxton, who may be a candidate for "intermittent explosive disorder" as he is prone to losing his temper in an explosive way.

Psychiatrist Dr Joanna Moncrieff says she believes the DSM is amplifying a tendency to label more and more people as having health problems. While Dr Jeffrey Lieberman, president elect of the American Psychiatric Association, which publishes the DSM, defends the manual saying it does not attempt to pathologise normal behaviour such as anger but look at repeated behaviour.

Jon also hears from David Aaronovitch who was sent to a psychiatrist by his parents for being a shouty teenager and he wonders if, these days, he would be misdiagnosed? Finally Jon speaks to Alex Trenchard who tells his story for the first time of how his obsession with his music festival resulted in a prison sentence.

Producer: Lucy Greenwell
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Travelling the UK, Jon Ronson puts a manual of mental disorders to the test.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0703Being Normal2013041820151203 (R4)

As a new edition of the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is published this year, writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson travels around the UK meeting people whose behaviour might be considered normal, but may soon fall under the criteria of some brand new disorders.

He goes to a competitive eating competition in Bristol to speak to a man who has been obsessed with his weight. And he visits Adam Buxton, who may be a candidate for "intermittent explosive disorder" as he is prone to losing his temper in an explosive way.

Psychiatrist Dr Joanna Moncrieff says she believes the DSM is amplifying a tendency to label more and more people as having health problems. While Dr Jeffrey Lieberman, president elect of the American Psychiatric Association, which publishes the DSM, defends the manual saying it does not attempt to pathologise normal behaviour such as anger but look at repeated behaviour.

Jon also hears from David Aaronovitch who was sent to a psychiatrist by his parents for being a shouty teenager and he wonders if, these days, he would be misdiagnosed? Finally Jon speaks to Alex Trenchard who tells his story for the first time of how his obsession with his music festival resulted in a prison sentence.

Producer: Lucy Greenwell
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Travelling the UK, Jon Ronson puts a manual of mental disorders to the test.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0704Undeserved Rewards2013042520151210 (R4)We like to think we live in a fair world - but writer and documentary-maker Jon Ronson investigates the way in which the least deserving often win the greatest rewards.

Writer Helen Keen opens the programme, describing how she won an award for comedy she wrote about working class life in a gritty northern town - but, when she met the judges, she sensed that her 'poshness' disappointed them and made her less deserving of the award.

Jon meets comedian Bob Mortimer who admits that, when he was a criminal barrister in Peckham, he couldn't resist asking his clients if they were guilty. Astonishingly, he says, all fifteen hundred admitted their guilt. Nevertheless, he fought their cases in court and a huge proportion of them walked free. He was rewarded for his success but it cost him dear on other more profound levels.

South Hampstead Synagogue sounds like an unlikely site for misplaced rewards. Jon travels there to meet a charismatic young rabbi who had a novel idea to increase youth attendance. Kids won raffle tickets for turning up and joining in. The competition ran over a year, culminating in a grand draw. The prizes were massive. Emotions were running high. But things went drastically wrong, leaving the children asking 'how could God let this happen?'.

Finally, Jon talks to ex-New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, who added fictitious flourishes to his news stories. He embellished details, put words in people's mouths and created poignant touches about his interviewees' lives. He knew it was wrong but his lies started earning him huge respect from his bosses and readers - until the whole fa瀀ade dramatically unravelled.

Producer: Lucy Greenwell

A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson investigates why the least deserving people often get the richest rewards.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

We like to think we live in a fair world - but writer and documentary-maker Jon Ronson investigates the way in which the least deserving often win the greatest rewards.

Writer Helen Keen opens the programme, describing how she won an award for comedy she wrote about working class life in a gritty northern town - but, when she met the judges, she sensed that her 'poshness' disappointed them and made her less deserving of the award.

Jon meets comedian Bob Mortimer who admits that, when he was a criminal barrister in Peckham, he couldn't resist asking his clients if they were guilty. Astonishingly, he says, all fifteen hundred admitted their guilt. Nevertheless, he fought their cases in court and a huge proportion of them walked free. He was rewarded for his success but it cost him dear on other more profound levels.

South Hampstead Synagogue sounds like an unlikely site for misplaced rewards. Jon travels there to meet a charismatic young rabbi who had a novel idea to increase youth attendance. Kids won raffle tickets for turning up and joining in. The competition ran over a year, culminating in a grand draw. The prizes were massive. Emotions were running high. But things went drastically wrong, leaving the children asking 'how could God let this happen?'.

Finally, Jon talks to ex-New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, who added fictitious flourishes to his news stories. He embellished details, put words in people's mouths and created poignant touches about his interviewees' lives. He knew it was wrong but his lies started earning him huge respect from his bosses and readers - until the whole fa瀀ade dramatically unravelled.

Producer: Lucy Greenwell

A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson investigates why the least deserving people often get the richest rewards.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

0705Pride20130502

Writer and documentary maker Jon Ronson with more fascinating stories shedding light on the human condition.

If you discovered that Hitler was a fugitive on the run, you might call the police. But what if, when he met you, he exclaimed how much he loved your work. Graham Linehan opens the programme with this conundrum, which tells you nothing about Nazi escapees, and everything about what too much pride in your work can do to your morals.

Having a surfeit of pride wraps its tendrils around us, it can affect whole lives - as was the case with Anna, who always held her much loved grandparents up as role models for a long happy marriage. That was until her grandfather died and they discovered a box of cassettes in his office, revealing a secret so shocking it changed Anna's entire understanding of her family.

Luke Wright is a performance poet who once fell foul of his pride when he tried to impress a band he greatly admired. He planned to seduce them with his wit so that they'd want to be his friend. Things began to go awry but pride, that most domineering of masters, forced Luke to struggle on. The gap between his imagined evening and the one that was actually happening widened to epic proportions.

There's a lesson in there somewhere - one that comedian Helen Keen learnt the hard way. A good degree from Cambridge University meant she felt she was sure to walk into a successful career. When she found herself doing filing in a dead end engineering firm in London, she took matters into her own hands and tried to become a spy. MI5 must have collectively raised an eyebrow as she set about trying to convince them of her credentials by weaving together some far-fetched untruths.

Producer: Lucy Greenwell
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

Jon Ronson investigates how having pride in your work can backfire.

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects