In this podcast I explore the fascinating phenomenon of synaesthesia. Using the enlightening book by Richard Cytowic and David Eagleman titled Wednesday is Indigo Blue as template, I discuss the different types and manifestations of the condition, and I highlight the current understanding of its genesis. As I review its associated advantages, such as a superior memory, I also discuss its downsides, such as physical pain.
To illustrate the lived experience of synaesthesia, I deploy such historical anecdotes as that of Solomon Shereshevky as narrated by neurologist Alexander Luria in his book titled The Mind of a Mnemonist. This remarkable case showed how synaesthesia contributes to superior memory.
I also use contemporary memoirs of syanesthesia, such as that of Daniel Tammett titled Born on a Blue Day, and that of physician Joel Salinas titled Mirror Touch. Other helpful sources for the podcast are Cytowic’s The Man Who Tasted Shapes, and Guy Leschziner’s The Man Who Tasted Words.
