Should we think more like teens?

From a 16-year-old CEO to a climate activist to a rebellious, teenage Paris Lees, we examine impulsivity and bad decisions.

Dr. Frances Jensen speaks to Paris Lees about synaptic plasticity in a teenager’s brain during this active social phase, and why these formative years are key to establishing the adults we become.

The Flipside is hosted by Paris Lees, and written by Hannah Varrall and Paris Lees.

When do our bad habits become a problem?

Paris speaks to an ex-drug and alcohol addict and a gaming addict both of whom slipped into unhealthy patterns of behaviour. One found professional help and a new focus, the other learnt his limits.

Doctor Henrietta Bowden-Jones shares her research into behavioural addictions such as gambling and gaming.

The Flipside is hosted by Paris Lees, and written by Hannah Varrall and Paris Lees.

What makes someone family?

Paris speaks to a woman who found out her father wasn't exactly her father and another woman who will probably never even meet her offspring.

Dr Rachel Farr shares her research into children born into diverse families, specifically those born with LGBTQ+ parents.

Hosted by Paris Lees.

Assistant Producer: Lucy Evans

An ITN production for BBC Radio 4

We hear stories from a Palestinian whose young daughter was killed by an Israeli soldier, and an Australian who killed a man in a car accident after a night of partying. Paris asks them questions about how they can forgive others and themselves.

The Flipside is hosted by Paris Lees, and written by Hannah Varrall and Paris Lees.

Are we obsessed with sex?

Paris meets a female incel (involuntary celibate) and a woman who’s deep in the swinger lifestyle, and asks questions about what our intimate relationships with other people, tell us about ourselves.

Can speaking in another language change who we are?

Paris speaks to a YouTuber who found herself going through therapy in her second language and a woman who lost her mother tongue after crossing the US border.

Assistant professor and bilingual Sayuri Hayakawa explores how speaking a second language can affect how we think and behave.

The Flipside is hosted by Paris Lees, and written by Hannah Varrall and Paris Lees.

Is happiness a choice?

Paris speaks to a Bhutanese travel blogger about why Bhutan values happiness higher than GDP and a Syrian cheese-maker who was forced to flee his home country in a traumatic way.

Bruce Hood, who runs the Science of Happiness course at Bristol University, tells us what he knows about happiness.

The Flipside is hosted by Paris Lees, and written by Hannah Varrall and Paris Lees.

This science and storytelling podcast looks at two very different human experiences, as told by the people who lived them. Using social science, we find threads that tie the opposing stories together, and uncover bigger questions about the ways we behave.

Journalist Paris Lees hosts the podcast with warmth and intimacy, encouraging the guests to share their stories while also being open with her own history and anecdotes. Immersive sound design brings us deeper into the stories and the science, which we weave together to reflect on why we are the way we are.