84. Absurdity on Toast

About this episode

Matthew Syed explores the absurd moments in life when everything seems to stop making sense.

A morning routine. A cup of tea brewing. Toast almost ready. It’s Monday, and a young man is getting ready to leave for work, when there’s a knock at the door. Two police officers stand outside with news that will change his life - he’s under arrest. He’s stunned. There must be a mistake. What has he done? “I’m afraid we can’t share that information yet,” one of the officers says. He’s never been in trouble with the law. But now he is - and no one will tell him why. Matthew Syed invites us to confront the absurd - the moments when life stops making sense, when there’s nothing to grasp or explain. He asks whether we have grown used to the absurdity woven into our lives and whether there is a way to push against it. With author Michael Foley, Professor of Anthropology Nina Holm Vohnsen (University of Aarhus) and Mathijs Bal, Psychologist and Professor of Management (University of Lincoln). With special thanks to Tom Wright and Joe Savage. Presenter: Matthew Syed Producer: Julien Manuguerra-Patten Editor: Katherine Godfrey Sound Design and Mix: Mark Pittam Production Coordinator: Joe Savage Theme music by Ioana Selaru A Novel production for BBC Radio 4

People in this episode

Host: Matthew Syed

Guests: Michael Foley, Nina Holm Vohnsen, Mathijs Bal

Topics covered

• absurdity
• life changes
• law
• morning routine
• existentialism
• psychology

Keywords

• absurdity
• arrest
• morning routine
• existential crisis
• psychology
• law
• life changes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Aarhus, University of Lincoln

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