The Boring Talks

BBC Sounds

4.8 (101)
SOCIETY & CULTURE

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

04/28/2021

#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
07/06/2020

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
06/01/2020

#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
05/04/2020

#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
04/20/2020

#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
04/06/2020

#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
03/30/2020

#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
03/23/2020

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

See All (56)

4.8

out of 5

101 Ratings

Please bore me again!

05/01/2023

MHakka

Dear James- I’ve been waiting for you and your guest contributors to come back! I really miss the podcast and even have the episodes on the Dutch Paintings and Asterix on repeat when I’m having a difficult day. They make me laugh and relax me at the same time. Come back!!!
434677466 stars!!!!!!!

04/28/2023

mspassell

I miss this show so much and relisten to old episodes all the time. All I want for Christmas is more Boring Talks.
Fantastic!!!

03/25/2023

Qwertiop8

This podcast is the perfect mix of obscurity, borderline lunacy, and fascination--all wrapped up in a perfect little 15-20 min package. If only it were still active....alas. Please bring the boring talks back!
The perfect balance

04/25/2021

Mir🐉

It’s boring. It’s interesting. It’s the perfect balance. I have an issue with most podcasts that is advertised for sleeping because I usually get too interested and soaked up in the story or topic. But this podcast is perfect! It doesn’t make my eye roll and be like ‘this is totally useless and boring that I’m gonna fall into my own thoughts’. It talks about things that is somewhat interesting so I pay attention, then when the details go deep I just fall asleep! It’s also quite good for a semi-meditational experience to clear my head lol... Love the work, good job people.