The Boring Talks

BBC Sounds
  • 4.6 (344)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting... maybe.

  1. 28/04/2021

    #55 -Farts

    The colorectal surgeon and comedian Jenan Younis wants to get to the bottom of a taboo subject, that everyone has struggled with at some stage. Farts. James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting.... maybe.

    15 min

  2. 06/07/2020

    Jigsaws

    It started with 'regency wedding scene' puzzle purchased for £2 in a charity shop. Now Anya Driscoll is a jigsaw junkie. In this edition of The Boring Talks, she discussions her obsession, and pieces together the history of jigsaws, the art of jigsaws and whether or not they could save your life (spoiler - they can't really). James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting... maybe.

    25 min

  3. 01/06/2020

    #53 - Car Boots

    From Anglo-American differences, to escaping kidnappers and celebrating the classic car boot sale. In this Boring Talk, Auto Express journalist Hugo Griffiths climbs inside the 'space of temporariness' that is the car boot. James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting.... maybe.

    18 min

  4. 04/05/2020

    #52 - Breakfast Cereals

    Family holidays for the artist Louise Ashcroft meant one thing - variety pack cereals. Would it be Cornflakes? Or Frosties? Coco Pops or Ricicles? Through this multi-grain multiple choice Louise realised she could be anyone..... kind of. Join her for a creative, personal journey through her favourite corn syrup-infused inflated grain. James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting.... maybe.

    22 min

  5. 20/04/2020

    #51 - Oboe Reeds

    Gouging, scraping and chopping. The reporter Chloe Veltman shows us the painstaking art of making an oboe reed, and how it can be the difference between sounding like a singing nightingale, or a belligerent duck. James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting.... maybe.

    18 min

  6. 06/04/2020

    #50 - Windows

    Where does the word 'Window' derive from? And what does it have to do with a Norwegian architectural historian and a bohemian Austrian poet? On a lyrical journey from death to inspiration, Anne Ulrikke Andersen takes a look through the windows in the life of Christian Norberg-Schulz. James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting.... maybe.

    20 min

  7. 30/03/2020

    #49 - Coal Holes

    They are either 12, 14 or 16 inches wide, they live just outside our doors, and they come in a variety of striking designs. So why has no one heard of coal holes? Local historian Amir Dotan explores the streets of London to find the small metal discs you may not have noticed before, but may well have stepped over thousands of times. James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting.... maybe.

    22 min

  8. 23/03/2020

    Data Centres

    What do we all use, but never visit? The sound artist Matt Parker takes us inside the bizarre world of remote Data Centres, where our wireless world is powered by rows and rows of computers running all day, everyday. But what is the true cost of these centres to our planet? What do they sound like? And why does one have an empty white room with an executive leather armchair and a faceless portrait hanging on the wall? James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting.... maybe.

    30 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
344 Ratings

About

James Ward introduces another curious talk about a subject that may seem boring, but is actually very interesting... maybe.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Sounds
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2021
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2021
  • Show Website
    The Boring Talks

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