One day each year, why do hundreds of car alarms go off in San Francisco at the same time?

The answer to that at the end of the show. My name's Tom Scott, and this is Lateral.

Tonight, we gather not to address the status quo, but to challenge it.

This podcast promises a brighter, more imaginative future for all.

In these uncertain times, we need answers that come not from linear thinking, but from bold

creative solutions.

We propose a new way forward, solving puzzles with flair, approaching problems from the sides and providing boxes

for everyone to think outside. Our manifesto is simple, lateral thinking for all. Together, we can solve

the riddles that hold us back. Let us rewrite the rules of logic for the many and for the few.

I'm glad I got that right. Lining up to put their X in the box, today we have, first of all,

returning to the show, magician, author and podcaster Nicholas J. Johnson. Welcome back.

Thank you so much for having me. I've got to bring the energy back down to normal levels

after being giving an inspiration. I wasn't sure whether I say say polite thank you or whether I should say Viva La Revolution.

This is the script I was handed and it says more intense towards the end.

I feel like I feel like I got that.

Tell us about the podcast.

What's going on with you?

Yes.

So I host Scamapaloo, which is a podcast about lies and deception. So we talk about

conats and scams, but we also talk about how magic works. Like what happens inside your brain

when you see a magic trick. We talk about deception in nature. We had a recent episode about

why birds lie to us and how they lie to each other. And essentially just all the different

...