56 episodes

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

The Boring Talks BBC Sounds

    • Society & Culture

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

    #55 -Farts

    #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
    Jigsaws

    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
    #53 - Car Boots

    #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
    #52 - Breakfast Cereals

    #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
    #51 - Oboe Reeds

    #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
    #50 - Windows

    #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

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