

Richard Wiseman
Psychologist and author known for research into humour, deception, and quirky aspects of human behaviour, and author of books including 59 Seconds and Quirkology.
Top 10 podcasts with Richard Wiseman
Ranked by the Snipd community

377 snips
May 10, 2022 • 1h 53min
#593: Richard Wiseman on Lessons from Dale Carnegie, How to Keep a Luck Diary, Mentalism, The Psychology of the Paranormal, Mass Participation Experiments, NLP, Remote Viewing, and Attempting the Impossible
Richard Wiseman, a leading psychologist and expert on luck, illusion, and the paranormal, joins the discussion to dive into captivating psychological concepts. He reveals intriguing insights about keeping a luck diary and shares his experiences with mentalism and parapsychology. Wiseman tackles misconceptions surrounding NLP, explores the fascinating world of dreams, and critiques self-help literature. He also discusses the magical intersection of performance and human connection, emphasizing authenticity in artistry while exploring the allure of the impossible.

300 snips
Jul 22, 2022 • 1h 21min
The Sure-Fire Way To Be Luckier In Life - Advice From Psychology Professor Richard Wiseman
This week, Richard Wiseman, a psychology professor and author renowned for his work on luck and magic, shares intriguing insights into how we can create our own luck. They discuss his decade-long research on luck, the transformative power of 'lucky journals', and the psychological principles that mold our perceptions of chance. Wiseman emphasizes the significance of curiosity and self-perception, revealing how a positive mindset can attract opportunities. He also reflects on career paths shaped by serendipity and the joy of community engagement in creative pursuits.

295 snips
Sep 15, 2022 • 55min
Lessons in Happiness, Side Hustles, Self-Care, Productivity, Luck and Business - Season 3 Round Up
In this enlightening discussion, Mo Gawdat explains how to balance expectations for greater happiness. Grace Beverley shares secrets to thriving side hustles while maintaining self-care. Tiago Forte introduces the 'second brain' concept to boost productivity. Richard Wiseman reveals strategies to enhance luck, emphasizing mindset and social connections. Lastly, Alex Lieberman discusses the art of storytelling in business, highlighting its impact on successful selling. Together, these insights create a roadmap for a fulfilling and productive life.

56 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 29min
Just My Luck
David Spiegelhalter, an Emeritus Professor of Statistics, and Richard Wiseman, a Psychology Professor known for his research on luck, dive into the fascinating world of probability and perception. They define luck, explaining how it involves both chance and personal meaning. Wiseman reveals traits common among 'lucky' individuals, like resilience and social engagement, while discussing his 'Luck School' that encourages mindset changes. Their insights suggest that while some luck is circumstantial, anyone can enhance their perceived luck through attitude and awareness.

41 snips
Apr 13, 2026 • 28min
What the World’s ‘Best Chat-Up Line’ Reveals About Human Psychology
Professor Richard Wiseman, a psychologist who studies luck, persuasion and everyday quirks, shares surprising findings from experiments. He explains how small rewards can backfire. He reveals why pratfalls make people more likeable. He describes a photo that helps wallets come back and the top chat-up line plus playful alternatives to small talk.

35 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 6min
Magic, Skepticism, and Success w/ Dr. Richard Wiseman
This week, Scott chats with Dr. Richard Wiseman, a prominent psychologist and researcher on magic and self-development, known for his work on luck and illusion. They dive into the psychology behind magic tricks and the importance of skepticism. The conversation explores transformative self-help strategies and the role of criticism in achieving success. Wiseman also discusses the intriguing relationship between belief, mentalism, and the paranormal, revealing how audience perceptions create a unique experience in performances. It's a captivating blend of science and magic!

34 snips
Apr 27, 2026 • 31min
Prof Wiseman: “This is how you spot a liar”
Richard Wiseman, psychologist and author known for Quirkology and public experiments. He reveals how people usually miss lies, what behavioural cues actually matter, whether the world is really ‘six degrees’ apart, and quirky studies on luck, honesty and pupil-driven buying. Short, surprising science stories and live-experiment tales.

26 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 49min
How to Quickly Change What Matters & What Happens Inside Your Imagination
In this enlightening discussion, Richard Wiseman, a UK psychology professor and author, shares rapid strategies for personal transformation and tackling psychological issues. Adam Zeman, an honorary fellow at the University of Edinburgh and an expert on imagination, reveals how our daydreams and mind-wandering can consume half our day. They delve into the science behind brain freeze, the importance of gratitude over material goods for happiness, and the complex nature of imagination that shapes our lives and creativity.

22 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 25min
The psychology of paranormal experiences
In this insightful discussion, psychologist and magician Richard Wiseman dives into the intriguing world of paranormal psychology. He explains how our brains might misinterpret the environment, leading us to feel eerie presences or see faces in everyday objects, a phenomenon known as pareidolia. Wiseman also covers the science behind ghostly sensations and night terrors, revealing cultural influences and evolutionary factors that shape our experiences. Plus, he sheds light on the mechanics of seances and the tricks behind mediumship. Get ready to rethink what spooks you!

19 snips
May 11, 2026 • 24min
Prof Wiseman: “My (Failed) Search for the World's Funniest Joke”
Richard Wiseman, psychologist and author known for quirky research into humour and deception, recounts his Laugh Lab search for the world’s funniest joke. He discusses how superiority, incongruity and cultural differences shape what makes people laugh. He also tells stories about placebo effects, wine tasting and why some classic psychology findings are hard to replicate.


