Ed Byrne

You might think materials are a bit boring and inconsequential but without them we would still be living in the stone age. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by material scientists Mark Miodownik and Anna Ploszajski and comedian Ed Byrne to discover the life changing materials that are hidden in plain sight. Which materials have made us human? Which materials do we completely depend on? And how will materials shape our future?Producer: Caroline Steel Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

In this installment, comedian Ed Byrne, known for his sharp wit and appearances on Mock the Week, joins a spirited panel to dissect the week's news. They hilariously navigate the chaos of power outages across Spain and France, poking fun at human behavior during crises. The conversation dives into a quirky mineral deal involving the U.S. and Ukraine, mixed with political satire. Lively banter ensues over a study linking champagne to heart health, as they explore the absurdities of modern life and the oddities of food regulations.

Comedian Ed Byrne showcases his surprising horticultural knowledge as the hosts debate about plants, strawberries, and invasive species. They also discuss encounters with grey squirrels and defend mosquitoes. The episode is filled with humor and fascinating insights into the world of gardening.