Sliced Bread

Greg Foot investigates the effectiveness of LED face masks for skincare, exploring their ability to reduce wrinkles, promote collagen production, and improve skin conditions like acne and rosacea. The podcast delves into the different light types, safety concerns, and limited scientific evidence supporting the benefits of LED face masks. It discusses the popularity of LED face masks, their application, pricing, and the surging demand for these skincare devices.

BBC Business journalist and guests explore the rise and fall of Safeway UK, discussing its innovative strategies, challenges, and ultimate acquisition by Morrison's. They delve into nostalgic memories, competitive initiatives, and the supermarket's impact on the industry.

Green Shield Stamps could be traded in for 'free' gifts so why did consumers abandon them? Sean Farrington examines their rise and fall and discovers how they spawned a famous retail chain which is still trading. The stamps were the centrepiece of an early form of loyalty scheme and were collected by tens of millions of people across the UK. They were given out by shops with every purchase and could be exchanged for a wide range of household goods and luxury items from handbags to vacuum cleaners and even cars. The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, speaks to expert guests including:Sir John Timpson - chairman of the retail services provider, Timpson, who dedicated a chapter of his book on 'High Street Heroes' to the Green Shield Stamp founder, Richard Tompkins. Professor Leigh Sparks - Professor of Retail Studies at the University of Stirling.Alongside them, analysing the stamps' fortunes is the entrepreneur, Sam White.Toast is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.This episode was produced by Jon Douglas.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 May. In the new series, Greg Foot 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, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.

Entrepreneur Sam White joins the host to delve into the rise and fall of Mothercare's UK stores. They discuss the challenges faced by the retailer, its female-centric approach, and the evolution of its retail strategy. Insights into the emotional connection with Mothercare and the impact of changing consumer behavior are shared, highlighting the resilience and transformation of the iconic brand.

Why was the video sharing platform, Vine, closed down?Sean Farrington discovers what happened to the app which pioneered short, shareable videos on social media. Sean speaks to one of Vine's founders, Rus Yusupov, the Vine content creator, Eric Dunn, and the BBC's Technology Editor, Zoe Kleinman.Alongside them all analysing Vine's fortunes is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White.Produced by Viant Siddique. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for 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 May. In the new series, Greg Foot 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, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.

Why did the restaurant chain, Little Chef, disappear from our roadsides? Sean Farrington discovers what happened to the brand which brought us Jubilee Pancakes, Olympic Breakfasts and free lollies for the kids. At its peak, Little Chef had over 400 restaurants on most of our major highways and a turnover well in excess of £100m. So, how did such a successful business ultimately end up toast? Sean speaks to Fiona Alper who was married to the Little Chef co-founder, Sam Alper; the entrepreneur, Lawrence Wosskow, who once owned Little Chef and Becky Parr-Phillips who started as a waitress but rose through the ranks to become Little Chef's head of operations. Alongside them all to analyse Little Chef's fortunes is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White. This episode was first broadcast in April 2024Produced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for 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 May. In the new series, Greg Foot 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, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.

Delving into the world of mushroom coffee and medicinal mushrooms like lion's mane and reishi, the podcast explores the potential health benefits and controversies surrounding these products. From claims of relaxation to disease-fighting properties, the discussion highlights the lack of scientific evidence supporting these claims. It also touches on the gut health benefits of mushrooms and the ongoing debate on the efficacy of mushroom-based products in enhancing overall well-being.

Join Professor Rainer Stamminger as he sheds light on the age-old debate of hand washing vs. dishwashers. Learn about efficient dishwashing methods, equipment features, and the environmental impact of both options. Discover tips on arranging dishwasher items and the effectiveness of eco settings. Explore the mechanics of dishwashers, including the role of enzymes, energy savings, and environmental considerations. Dive into a study comparing water and energy consumption, and debate the pros and cons of pre-rinsing dishes. Uncover unconventional dishwashing methods and intriguing facts about energy efficiency and quirky tips for plate pre-soaking.

Greg explores the effectiveness of TENS machines for pain relief and investigates circulation boosters. He talks to a professor who has studied TENS devices for 40 years. The podcast discusses the science behind TENS technology, differences between poor circulation in arteries and veins, and the controversy over the efficacy of circulation boosters for pain relief.

Exploring the popularity of various plant-based milk alternatives like soy, almond, oat, hazelnut, hemp, and dried pea. Discussing the health benefits and environmental impact compared to cow's milk. The chapter also focuses on lactose intolerance and protein content in milk alternatives. Highlighting the importance of fortification in plant-based milk and concerns about additives. Previewing upcoming podcast topics on mummies and magic.