Wandering Thoughts

Evidence-based Medicine | Dr Gordon Guyatt

In this episode, Gordon Guyatt & I discuss evidence-based medicine, a term and movement he helped create and develop. We explore what evidence-based medicine actually means, the hierarchy of evidence, randomised controlled trials, bias in research, and how evidence can be systematically summarised to improve clinical decision-making. We also discuss the origins and evolution of evidence-based medicine, communicating risks and benefits effectively to patients, making decisions consistent with patient values and preferences, balancing research with clinical work, building intellectually stimulating teams, and what determines success in research.

When Will We Go Beyond Morphine? | Prof. Allan Basbaum

In this episode, Prof. Allan Basbaum and I discuss the neuroscience of pain and humanity’s attempts to discover a drug beyond morphine that is effective but with minimal side effects. We talk about nociceptors, pain pathways, and different types of pain, alongside recent developments in drug design and emerging imaging technologies. We end the podcast with Prof. Allan’s advice for young aspiring scientists, including why research that appears less clinically relevant can still lead to major breakthroughs.

Beyond Procedure: A Model For Effective Learning | Michael Eleftheriou

In this episode, Michael Eleftheriou and I explore how to achieve deep, genuine understanding and what it truly means to learn effectively beyond memorisation and mechanical procedure. We discuss Michael’s 4-step model for effective learning — order, structure, procedure, and depth — and why modern education often rewards shallow repetition instead of curiosity, creativity, and understanding.We explore the difference between mechanical and curiosity-based learning, the role teachers and human relationships play in education, and how assessments could be redesigned to better reflect real understanding. Throughout the episode, we apply these ideas to mathematics and everyday life, discussing concepts such as arithmetic series, the Monty Hall problem, the Birthday problem, geometric constructions, and Euler’s number to show how deep understanding develops through exploration rather than rote memorisation.

Postmodernism VS Objective Truth | Dr Stephen Hicks

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Hicks and I discuss postmodernism and its relationship to truth, meaning, and culture. We explore what postmodernism really is, its connection to nihilism, and how these ideas shape society from the top down and bottom up. We dive into poststructuralism, Jacques Derrida, and how writing styles reflect the philosophies they are trying to express. We also touch on impressionism and expressionism, before tackling the central question: is there objective truth? Finally, we discuss the human search for meaning, and the importance of engaging with philosophical ideas from a young age.

Is Consciousness An Illusion? | Prof. Keith Frankish

In this episode, Prof. Keith Frankish and I discuss illusionism, a theory of consciousness that says we’re mistaken in thinking our experiences have special inner “what-it’s-like” qualities (qualia). We talk about philosophical zombies, artificial consciousness, and whether science can truly account for subjective experience. We also reflect on the idea of God, the future of education, and Prof. Frankish’s admiration for and relationship with Daniel Dennett.