Sliced Bread
BBC Radio 4
Greg Foot, host of the BBC Radio 4 series Sliced Bread, now brings you Dough. Each episode explores the future wonder products that might rise to success and redefine our lives. Experts and entrepreneurs discuss the trends shaping what today's everyday technology may look like tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be like within five, 10 and 50 years.Episodes of Dough are released weekly on Thursdays wherever you get your podcasts. But if you’re in the UK, you can listen to the latest episode on BBC Sounds first, a week earlier than anywhere else. Produced by Jon Douglas and Jay Unger. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in October when Greg will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread.In the meantime, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 5, 2024 • 25min
Toast - Phones 4u
The mobile phone retailer, Phones 4u, was hugely profitable, so why did it have to close all of its 700+ shops? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington and the entrepreneur, Sam White discover how Phones 4u ended up toast with help from expert guests including:John Caudwell - Phones 4u founder Nikki Barrow & Chris Papageorgiou - former Phones 4u staff membersIan White - editor of Mobile News magazineProduced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds
Nov 28, 2024 • 25min
Toast - Dan-Air
Dan-Air was one of Britain's biggest airlines and took millions of people on their first package holidays. So, why did such a successful business end up 'toast'? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, and the entrepreneur, Sam White look into it. They are joined by:-Graham Simons - Dan-Air historian and author of the book 'The Spirit of Dan-Air'-Jackie Stacey & James Hoffmeister - former Dan-Air cabin crewProduced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds
Nov 21, 2024 • 25min
Toast - Our Price Records
Discover the fascinating rise and fall of Our Price Records, a once-thriving music retailer. Explore its innovative strategies that attracted young audiences and supported indie labels. Hear personal stories from former employees about the brand's community impact. Delve into challenges it faced during technological shifts and competition from larger chains. The discussion also considers potential revivals for brick-and-mortar music shops in the age of vinyl resurgence, emphasizing the need for passionate leadership and unique customer experiences.
Nov 14, 2024 • 25min
Toast - Kodak
Don Strickland, former VP of Digital Imaging at Kodak, shares his insights on the company's journey from photography pioneer to a smaller player in a digital world. He discusses Kodak's innovative history, like giving away cameras to sell film, and recalls its nostalgic impact. The conversation dives into Kodak's missteps during the transition to digital, including its fears of undermining film sales. Strickland emphasizes the crucial lessons about innovation, adaptability, and the unpredictable nature of business success.
Nov 7, 2024 • 28min
Toast - Reader's Digest UK
Join Richard Junger, a communication professor, Tom Browne, former editor, and Gary Hopkins, ex-owner of Reader's Digest UK, as they dissect the magazine's fall from grace. They tackle its fascinating history, from its cultural significance to its peak in the 1980s, and reveal the financial struggles post-acquisition by a private equity firm. The group also explores the challenges of adapting to a digital age and engaging younger audiences while reminiscing about Reader's Digest's nostalgic charm.
Oct 31, 2024 • 28min
Coffee Pods
Liz Redman, a concerned coffee pod user, teams up with Tim Ridley, a coffee expert and founder of United Baristas, and Cecile Chéron-Bessou, a research director in agroecology, to tackle the environmental dilemmas of coffee pods. They dive into the recyclability of these convenient products, weigh alternatives like AeroPress against traditional brewing, and explore how consumer choices impact our carbon footprint. The trio emphasizes sustainable practices, leaving listeners questioning their coffee habits while savoring their favorite brews.
4 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 30min
Cleaning Sprays
In this intriguing discussion, listener Alice Kemp sparks a debate on the necessity of various cleaning sprays. Joined by Dr. Sally Bloomfield, an expert in home hygiene, and Lynsey Crombie, the 'Queen of Clean,' they dissect whether cleaning sprays are essential or if soap and water suffices. The trio unpacks the effectiveness of natural products like vinegar versus commercial options, while emphasizing targeted hygiene practices for household safety. They also explore the evolution of cleaning products and the balance between cleanliness and sustainability.
11 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 33min
Longevity Supplements - 100th Episode
In this milestone discussion, physicist and computational biologist Andrew Steele, author of 'Ageless,' explores the science behind longevity supplements. He delves into popular compounds like NMN and spermidine, questioning their true effectiveness in extending life. Listener Solly Milton highlights the buzz around biohackers aiming to reverse aging, prompting a critical look at these claims. The conversation critiques the antioxidant myth and suggests a balanced approach to health, emphasizing evidence-based practices over costly supplements.
Oct 10, 2024 • 32min
Float Tanks
Maddy Emery, a passionate runner, dives into the world of float tanks to uncover their impact on performance and mental health. Joined by Justin Feinstein, a clinical neuropsychologist, they explore the scientific backing for claims of stress reduction and enhanced recovery. Paul Morgan adds insights on how float therapy aids athletic recovery, tackling muscle soreness and blood lactate levels. Together, they analyze personal experiences, societal pressures, and the real benefits of this trending therapy, making a compelling case for its potential.
Oct 3, 2024 • 29min
Slug Repellents
In this conversation, principal entomologist Dr. Hayley Jones and ecologist Dr. Gordon Port tackle the vexing issue of slugs in gardens. They discuss eco-friendly slug repellents like eggshells and copper tape, evaluating their effectiveness. The experts delve into the biology of slugs, innovative control strategies, and the ethical considerations of pest management. Join the fun as they even test some remedies to see which ones truly keep slugs at bay, blending science with a dash of humor.
