Can you measure imagination? Following Episode 7 - Part 1, Hedi continues his conversation with neurologist Adam Zeman about his book “The Shape of Things Unseen: A New Science of Imagination” – from Francis Galton’s 19th-century “breakfast table” questionnaire to today’s ingenious experiments putting the “mind’s eye” under the microscope. You’ll hear how simply imagining sunlight can make your pupils constrict, and how mental imagery can bias what you see and smell.

We explore how imagination can heal – like playing Tetris after trauma to weaken intrusive images in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – and how it can misfire in the hallucinations of Parkinson’s disease or bereavement, when a “phantom spouse” may still be seen or felt, or in Functional Neurological Disorder, where expectations and emotions can produce real physical symptoms, even paralysis. Zeman shares the unforgettable case of “Toby” to show the power of suggestion at work.

We also look at how mental rehearsal helps surgeons, musicians, and athletes: imagery can boost performance and even increase strength via neural efficiency. Finally, we visit the extremes – from aphantasia to hyperphantasia – with hints of genetics, acquired cases, and aphantasic artists (including Ed Catmull, former President of Pixar & Disney Animation) who prove that creativity doesn’t depend on a mind’s eye.

Every two weeks, the podcast series Leafing Through Science brings together host Hedi Young, Champalimaud Foundation neuroscientist and science communicator, with the authors behind some of the most fascinating non-fiction books in the life sciences. From new releases to timeless classics, we explore everything from the mysteries of consciousness and free will, to alien hands and minds under siege. Expect page-turning ideas, head-spinning science, and stories that might just change how you see the world – and yourself.

Relevant links:

The Shape of Things Unseen: A New Science of Imagination by Adam Zeman

More about Adam (also read Adam Zeman Q&A – New Statesman)

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:23) At the Breakfast Table of the Mind

(05:31) Imagining Sunlight, Shrinking Pupils

(10:04) The Fragrance of Thought

(13:27) Tetris Therapy in PTSD

(16:34) The Case of Toby: Suggestion and Functional Disorders

(23:01) Phantom Spouse and the Predictive Brain

(26:32) Mind Gym: The Power of Mental Practice

(30:07) The Man Who Lost His Imagination

(37:13) Creativity Without Imagery: Painting With Jet-Black Paint

(38:42) Behind the Book: Twenty Years in the Making

(40:16) Adam's Book Recommendations

Episode Credits:

Creator & Series Producer: Hedi Young

Concept Development & Curation: Ana Rita Mendes, António Monteiro, Carla Emilie Pereira, Catarina Ramos, Diana Cadete, Hedi Young, João Van Zelst, John Lee, Marta Correia, Thaïs Lindemann, Andreia Pinho and Teresa Fernandes

Host: Hedi Young

Guest: Adam Zeman

Graphic Design: Marta Correia

Sound Design: João Van Zelst

Dissemination: Ana Rita Mendes, Diana Cadete, Thaïs Lindemann and Andreia Pinho