Main content

Late Night Woman's Hour: Instinct

Lauren Laverne discusses instinct with guests including businesswoman Hilary Devey, neuroscientist Sophie Scott, anthropologist Kit Davis and former detective Mo Dowdy.

"The hackles on the back of my neck stand up and the orange warning signs come on."

You know the feeling. It's the emotional equivalent of seeing something out of the corner of your eye. So fleeting you're not sure it's real. She's lying, it says. Or maybe, don't call him back. Or perhaps just, something's not right.

So do you trust it, this feeling, or brush it aside? And if you do trust it, what do you call it? Instinct or intuition? Sixth sense? Your bulls**t detector?

Whatever name you prefer, there's no doubt that - historically speaking - it gets a mixed press. At best perhaps, it's the preserve of animals. At worst, it's downright witchy. By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. Because after all, where does it come from, this information? Some kind of dialup to the spirit realm? Or could there be a scientific explanation?

Lauren Laverne and guests businesswoman Hilary Devey, neuroscientist Sophie Scott, anthropologist Kit Davis and former detective Mo Dowdy explore the benefits and frustrations of trusting your instincts.

Available now

28 minutes

Credits

RoleContributor
PresenterLauren Laverne
Interviewed GuestHilary Devey
Interviewed GuestSophie Scott
Interviewed GuestKit Davis
Interviewed GuestMo Dowdy

Broadcast

  • Fri 24 Feb 201723:00

Featured in...

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Instagram

Get all the pictures, videos, behind the scenes and more from Woman’s Hour

Podcast