Sudden Savant Syndrome, also known as Acquired Savant Syndrome, is an extremely rare and incredibly fascinating medical phenomenon whereby a person becomes a ‘sudden genius’ in a particular field. Only a handful of documented cases exist, and most have one specific thing in common. What’s behind this utterly captivating condition? Join Chyaz as she explores the stories and the science…

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Mental health resources Global: https://unitedgmh.org/support/

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Source Shout Outs

BBC Future Articles:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20180116-the-mystery-of-why-some-people-become-sudden-geniuses

https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20190411-the-violent-attack-that-turned-a-man-into-a-maths-genius

Guardian Article: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/oct/12/experience-head-injury-musical-prodigy

Vice Article:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/meet-the-guy-ben-mcmahon-who-woke-from-a-car-accident-coma-speaking-chinese-language/

HuffPost Article:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/are-human-limitations-sel_b_7777510

Psychology Today Articles:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/articles/202403/the-mystery-of-sudden-genius

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brainstorm/202508/inside-the-worlds-first-savant-convention

BBC Sounds Interview: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct41ds

TODAY Show Interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX6ONPQGBfo

National Library of Medicine Case Report:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9781516/

Could a mystery that’s baffled historians for over 500 years finally have an answer? The  chilling tale of the Princes in the Tower is one of the most compelling cold cases of all time - but in recent years, several bizarre and dramatic theories have emerged which could help to answer the age-old question: did Richard III really end the lives of his nephews, or has the real truth been hiding in plain sight?

Mental health resources UK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠

Mental health resources Global: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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The Whaley House in San Diego fully embraces its title as America’s Most Haunted House…but what are the true stories behind these apparent hauntings? Can the property’s dark history explain why so many have reported ghostly encounters at the home for decades? And who is Yankee Jim? Join Chyaz as she explores the strange and twisted tales associated with this real-life haunted mansion…

Mental health resources UK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

Mental health resources Global: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://unitedgmh.org/support/

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In 1994, the body of an unidentified man was pulled from the North Sea near to the German archipelago of Heligoland. He was dressed in notably smart clothing, and foul play looked to have been involved in his death. Yet despite his distinctive appearance, the man’s identity still remains unknown to this day. However…could new clues uncovered in the past few years mean the Gentleman of Heligoland mystery may soon be solved? Chyaz investigates…

Mental health resources UK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Mental health resources Global: ⁠⁠ https://unitedgmh.org/support/

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Hero Complex, sometimes called Hero Syndrome or even Saviour Complex, is a strange psychological phenomenon that has fascinated doctors and academics for decades. But what does this intriguing term mean, and how has it ended up playing into numerous true crime cases over the years? Chyaz explores all of these questions and more in today’s episode…

Mental health resources UK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Mental health resources Global: https://unitedgmh.org/support/

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On the 1st April 2006, medical student Brian Shaffer was enjoying a night out with friends in his university city of Columbus, Ohio. Just before 2am, he appeared to re-enter the bar he had been drinking at…and was never seen again. This mystery has baffled police and internet sleuths alike for almost two decades, so today Chyaz explores the question: what on earth happened to Brian Shaffer?

Mental health resources UK: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/ ⁠⁠⁠

Mental health resources Global: ⁠⁠⁠https://unitedgmh.org/support/

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The lobotomy: one of the strangest and most controversial surgical procedures of all time, with arguably one of the darkest histories. In this highly requested episode, Chyaz explores how the lobotomy came about, who performed the infamous surgery and how it affected those who were subjected to it, as well as a couple of notable lobotomy patients. This bizarre episode is not for the squeamish…

Mental health resources UK: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/ ⁠⁠⁠

Mental health resources Global: ⁠⁠⁠https://unitedgmh.org/support/

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Craig-Y-Nos Castle: one-time home to the renowned opera singer Adelina Patti, a former TB hospital, a hotel and…the most haunted castle in Wales? In today’s episode, Chyaz explores some of the fascinating, spooky tales from this stunning building, and delves into how it got its haunted reputation..

Mental health resources UK: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/ ⁠⁠⁠

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In August of 1971, a unique psychological experiment was carried out at California’s Stanford University: male college students volunteered to enter a mock prison, as either a prisoner or a guard, with their every move being monitored by a team led by Dr Philip G Zimbardo. But what should have been a fascinating study quickly became something more darker for all involved…

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Mental health resources Global: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://unitedgmh.org/support/

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Superstitions: they’re something many of us perform little rituals in the name of without giving it too much thought. Touching or knocking on wood for luck, avoiding the number 13 and certainly never opening an umbrella indoors. But where did the idea of superstitions originate, and why are they observed all around the world? Chyaz explores these questions (and takes a look at some of the strangest examples) in today’s episode…

Mental health resources UK: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/ ⁠

Mental health resources Global: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://unitedgmh.org/support/

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