Most of us like to think our decisions are grounded in facts. Whether it’s in medicine, business, or everyday life, we assume the “best” option rises to the top through clear evidence.

But for most of history — and even today — that hasn’t really been the case.

In this episode, I talk with science journalist Helen Pearson, author of Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works, about the surprisingly recent rise of evidence-based thinking, why it transformed fields like medicine, and why it still struggles to take hold in others.

We discuss how doctors once relied more on authority than data, why a single study can be misleading, and how systematic reviews became the gold standard for figuring out what actually works. Helen also explains how these ideas have spread into social policy and business — with mixed success — and why human nature often resists evidence, even when it’s right in front of us.

Along the way, we get into how to spot bad claims, why misinformation spreads so easily today, and how you can become a sharper, more evidence-minded thinker in your own life.

Show Highlights

• Why evidence-based medicine is a surprisingly recent development
• The two pioneers who helped change how doctors make decisions
• What was wrong with the old “eminence-based” approach
• Why one study rarely tells you the truth
• What a systematic review is and why it matters
• How the Cochrane Collaboration helps doctors cut through information overload
• The challenge of dealing with millions of new studies every year
• What COVID revealed about our evidence systems under pressure
• How evidence-based thinking moved into social policy and reduced poverty
• Why most policies and programs still aren’t properly tested
• The problem with “HIPPOs” (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion) in business
• Why management is especially vulnerable to fads and trends
• How AI is both helping and complicating scientific research
• Why evidence alone isn’t enough to make decisions
• How to teach kids (and yourself) to spot bad claims
• Simple “evidence hacks” you can use in everyday life

Resources Related to the Podcast

• Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works by Helen Pearson
• The Cochrane Collaboration
• Helen Pearson

If you’re looking to make better decisions — in your work, your health, or your everyday life — this episode will give you a clearer lens for separating what works from what just sounds good.

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In this re-released episode of Undercurrent Stories, we revisit our powerful conversation with Rita Gigante — author, healer, psychic, and daughter of the infamous mafia boss Vincent “The Chin” Gigante.

Rita shares her extraordinary journey growing up in the shadow of one of New York’s most feared crime families, the trauma and secrets she carried from childhood, and how those experiences led her toward a life of healing, spirituality, and personal transformation.

This is a remarkable story of resilience, redemption, and finding light in the darkest places.

Originally released as one of our earlier episodes, this conversation remains as compelling and thought-provoking today as ever.

https://www.ritagigante.net/

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

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Imagine sitting down at a gig in Stockholm, striking up a conversation with the person next to you, and realising you’re talking to a man who didn't just witness music history—he helped package and sell it. From the tactile era of vinyl to the invisible world of streaming, he’s seen it all.

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s the result of a chance meeting at a Quint Starkie gig with a man named Sven Ake Peterson. Sven spent his entire career as a music executive for EMI in Sweden.

We’re talking about a career spent in the company of icons—David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner—but more than that, we’re talking about the soul of the industry. We dive into the transition from physical records to the digital age, what it actually takes to 'make it,' and where the music world is heading next.

 Beyond the industry talk, this conversation is a testament to why you should always talk to strangers. You truly never know what you might learn or whose hand you’re shaking. Here is my conversation with the incredibly warm and insightful, Sven Ake Peterson.

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

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🔥 Episode Summary

World War II is often told through a European lens—but across Asia, a parallel history unfolded that claimed tens of millions of lives.

In this episode, Jenny Chan shares how her grandmother’s story led her to uncover overlooked WWII atrocities, digitise over a million archival documents, and preserve survivor accounts before they disappear. We explore why this history remains largely untold—and why that matters today.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

•  Why WWII in Asia is often overlooked 
•  What Unit 731 was 
•  How politics shaped historical memory 
•  Why preserving survivor stories matters 
•  How history can repeat itself

💬 Quote

🔗 Resources

•  Pacific Atrocities Education https://www.pacificatrocities.org/
•  Jenny Chan’s books

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

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What is the paranormal—really?

Author and speaker Neil Nixon joins the show to explore ghosts, UFOs, and the limits of human understanding. From eerie encounters to cutting-edge theories about consciousness, this episode challenges what we think we know about reality.

💬 Memorable Quote

📚 About Neil Nixon

Neil Nixon is a writer, speaker, and former academic with a lifelong interest in the paranormal. He has written extensively on unexplained phenomena and regularly gives talks exploring the intersection of science, belief, and mystery.

🌐 Find Out More

• Neil’s website: https://neilnixon.com/
• Speaking & bookings: Search Neil Nixon Speaking

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?

If you found this conversation thought-provoking:

• Follow the podcast
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Share with someone who loves a good mystery 👻
• Sign up for  our weekly newsletter at https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

🎧 Final Thought

The paranormal may not just be about what’s “out there”…
 It might be about how little we truly understand ourselves.

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

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How do you tell the story of 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand?

In this episode, I talk with Jamie Woodward, Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Manchester about his book A Little History of the Earth. Jamie explains how scientists piece together the planet’s deep past—from the formation of the universe to the shifting of continents, the age of dinosaurs, and the powerful forces that have shaped our landscapes.

We discuss why Earth has always been a dynamic planet, how short “bite-sized” chapters can make big history accessible, and what studying deep time can teach us about today’s environmental challenges.

If you’re curious about geology, natural history, and the story of our planet, this episode offers a fascinating introduction to Earth’s epic past. 🌍

Highlights From Our Conversation

• Why Jamie chose to tell the story of Earth through short, bite-sized chapters
• How scientists reconstruct events that happened billions of years ago
• The dramatic forces that shaped Earth: plate tectonics, volcanoes, ice ages, and asteroid impacts
• The rise and fall of the dinosaurs
• How rivers, glaciers, and oceans sculpt the landscape we live in
• Why Earth’s climate has changed dramatically throughout history
• The concept of the Anthropocene — and why humans are now a geological force
• How learning Earth’s story can make us more curious and more responsible about the planet’s future

Link to Jamie's Book 'A Little History of The Earth.'

Audiobook link

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Why do so many breakthroughs happen by accident—and can we create the conditions for them?

In this episode of the Undercurrent Stories Podcast, Bob Wells speaks with innovation expert and author Paul Sloane about his book The Art of Unexpected Solutions.

They explore creativity, innovation, lateral thinking, and problem solving, and how mistakes and unexpected events have led to some of the world’s most important discoveries.

Whether you're interested in business ideas, personal development, or creative thinking, this conversation offers practical ways to challenge assumptions and spot opportunities others miss. 

Topics:
Creativity • Innovation • Lateral Thinking • Problem Solving • Personal Development 

Links:

Book 'The Art of Unexpected Solutions'

Paul's website: https://www.destination-innovation.com/

Sign up HERE for the latest episodes 

Instagram: @undercurrentstories 

Linkedin 

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It started with a walk… and a few unusual stones in a field.

In the smallest county in England, a chance discovery during lockdown led to one of the most remarkable Roman finds in recent years—a mosaic hidden beneath the soil for nearly 2,000 years.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Irvine, the man who found it, as we walk the very ground where the discovery was made.

From oyster shells and satellite images to uncovering a Roman villa, this is the story of how curiosity uncovered history.

If you’d like to explore the story further, Jim’s book Finding Troy is available now. Book link - Finding Troy 

👣 Explore Your Own Local History

Jim’s advice:
 "Start with maps, aerial images, and local records—you might be surprised what’s beneath your feet."

If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow the podcast
• Leave a review
• Share it with someone curious about history

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What does it mean to inherit one of the most famous family legacies in the world?

In this episode of Undercurrent Stories, Bob speaks with Ned Guinness, the current head of the Guinness family, 4th Earl of Iveagh, and author of Guinness: The Family Succession.

Drawing on private family archives, Ned reflects on legacy, responsibility, Irish history, philanthropy, and the small decisions that shape generations — revealing the human story behind the Guinness name beyond the brand.

Quote

Featured Book

📖 Guinness: The Family Succession

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• The real human story behind the Guinness name
• Growing up inside an historic family legacy
• The Guinness family’s role in Irish history and philanthropy
• How small decisions can shape generations
• Navigating politics, religion, and social inequality
• Lessons on responsibility, resilience, and stewardship
• Reflections on Netflix’s The House of Guinness
• Why preserving family history — honestly — matters

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How has religion shaped civilizations — and where is belief heading next?

In the final episode, Professor Robin Dunbar examines how religion helped build societies, fueled conflict, responded to crisis, and continues to influence the modern world.

From ancient empires to modern secular life, we explore whether religion is declining, transforming, or preparing for a resurgence — and what that means for humanity’s future.

A thought-provoking conclusion to the mini-series.

Guest

Professor Robin Dunbar — evolutionary psychologist, author of Dunbar’s Number

Book - How Religion Evolved (more info)

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