Sliced Bread

Epizodes

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  Dough - Series 5: Cinemas 17.09.2026 24min

  Is streaming really killing off the big screen? Greg Foot examines the future of cinemas and considers wonder products and trends that might rise to success.Greg is joined by experts and entrepreneurs to discuss what is shaping today's everyday technology and what it may look like tomorrow, before the futurist Tom Cheesewright offers his predictions on what cinemas might be like within five, ten and fifty years.In this episode:- Tim Richards - the founder and CEO of Vue cinemas - Patrick von Sychowski - known in the trade as "the Cinema Guru" he's a writer and blogger who works for CinemaNext, the largest installer and upgrader of cinemas across Europe. - Alexis Scalice - Vice President for Business Development & Entertainment at Cosm which is pioneering 'shared reality' cinematic experiences in large entertainment domesAmong the questions up for consideration: Why are there more cinemas screenings of films from the past? Why are plastic popcorn buckets becoming collectors' items? And could the cinema of the future be a giant, panoramic dome?Produced by Jon Douglas. Dough is an Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Dough - Series 5: Gyms 10.09.2026 24min

  Could weight-loss jabs make gyms less relevant? Greg Foot examines the future of the fitness sector and considers wonder products and trends that might rise to success. Greg is joined by experts and entrepreneurs to discuss what is shaping today's everyday technology and what it may look like tomorrow, before the futurist Tracey Follows offers her predictions on what gyms might be like within five, ten and fifty years.In this episode: Rebecca Passmore - chief operating officer of PureGym Cameron Saunders - chief executive of ukactive Varun Bhanot - co-founder and CEO of Magic AIAmong the questions for consideration: Why are gyms becoming more popular? What might the training equipment of tomorrow look like? Will AI-instructors replace personal trainers?Produced by Jon Douglas. Dough is an Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Dough - Series 5: Money 03.09.2026 24min

  Could cash be losing its crown as digital money gains ground?Greg Foot looks at money and examines the rise of the wonder products and technologies emerging across the financial sector.He's joined by experts, entrepreneurs and industry innovators to discuss the trends we're seeing today and where they may lead us tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be like within five, ten and fifty years.In this episode, Greg hears how digital wallets, AI, cryptocurrencies and central bank digital currencies could reshape the way we earn, spend and save, and asks whether the future of money will be more convenient, more inclusive, or come at the cost of privacy and control.With him is the futurist Tom Cheesewright and guests including:Jack Leslie and Rupal Patel – Bank of England economists and co-authors of Money: The Inside Story Frane Maroević – Director General of the International Currency Association (ICA) Diane Ayres – Vice President and Client Director at Visa, LondonProduced by Linda Walker. Dough is a BBC Audio North Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Your Next Listen: Sort Your Life Out Unpacked 31.08.2026 26min

  Organisational expert Dilly Carter introduces her podcast, Sort Your Life Out Unpacked.In this episode, Dilly is joined by the ‘queen of podcasting’, Elizabeth Day. Elizabeth brings three meaningful items for Dilly to unpack – literally and figuratively. Each one reveals a story from her life, from cherished childhood memories she still carries with her to the beautiful love story of her grandparents.Elizabeth opens up about rebuilding a home after divorce, her relationship with partner Justin and whether she colour-codes her bookshelves. Things take an emotional turn when Dilly reflects on what Elizabeth’s words and books have meant to her personally. Elizabeth rates her organisation a confident 9.5/10 – but what will Dilly discover inside the boxes?Sort Your Life Out Unpacked is a podcast hosted by tidying expert Dilly Carter. In each episode, Dilly chats to a celebrity guest and unboxes three mystery objects from their home that reveal what is really important to them. At the end, Dilly asks her guest whether they are going to keep, donate or recycle any of the items and, along the way, we learn how to organise and sort our own lives out.If you enjoyed this episode then you can hear more by searching for Sort Your Life Out Unpacked on BBC Sounds.Presented by Dilly Carter Editing: Daniel King Line Producer: Philippa Pettett Production Co-ordinator: Berniee Ekomisa Assistant Producer: Emily D'Souza Executive Producer for Optomen: Charlotte Brookes Assistant Commissioner: Chris Bartlett Commissioning Editors: Rhian Roberts and Beejal-Maya Patel Produced by Holly Newson Hair & Make Up: Sarah Burrows Art Director: River Gibbs Production Runner: Molly MorganAn Optomen production for iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
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  Sliced Bread - Series 16: Experimental Peptides 27.08.2026 27min

  Is it OK to take experimental peptides like the Wolverine Stack?These are what bodybuilders, longevity gurus, and online influencers are all talking about: experimental peptides. They're chemicals that you can buy online, in packages with names like the Wolverine Stack or the Glow Stack. The websites say "for research purposes only" but talk about their supposed benefits for wound healing and de-aging, and lots of people have been injecting them in a bid to heal faster and look younger.Sliced Bread listener Steve is excited - and has even tried them for himself - but listener Sophie is worried. Both of them are asking whether there's any evidence behind the fantastic claims.To find out the truth, Greg Foot is joined by Dr Andrew Steele, longevity scientist and Director of the Longevity Initiative.All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: JULIA RAVEY, PHIL SANSOM AND GREG FOOT
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  Sliced Bread - Series 16: Laundry Detergents 20.08.2026 32min

  Pods, liquids and powders: which laundry detergent really cleans up?A trip down the laundry aisle can leave you faced with a welter of confusing marketing claims. From stain-busting formulas and lower-temperature washes to eco-friendly promises, every detergent seems to offer cleaner clothes, lower energy use and a lighter environmental footprint.Listener Rosanna came to Sliced Bread for help making sense of it all. She wants to know what really separates bio from non-bio detergents, whether pods, liquids and powders perform differently and if eco brands live up to their sustainability claims.To get the answers, Greg is joined by Professor Steven Abbott, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and an expert in cleaning agents.All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
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  Sliced Bread - Series 16: Pillows 13.08.2026 26min

  What makes the perfect pillow? Nothing saying ‘waking up on the wrong side of the bed’ like a crick in your neck. With up to 70% of us experiencing neck pain at some point in our lives, sleeping in a dodgy position can lead to days of discomfort. And pillows might be part of the problem... Listener Angela has a frozen shoulder, and hoped a new pillow might provide a more comfortable night’s sleep. But with so many options to chose from, which one should she buy? One advertised for her preferred sleeping position? Soft or firm? And what about material: feathers, foam or fibre? She's asked Sliced Bread to help pick out the facts from the marketing fluff.Physiotherapist Dr Chris McCarthy from Manchester School of Physiotherapy joins presenter Greg Foot to discuss the most important factors in selecting the perfect pillow, personalised to you - plus, how to save your sleep when faced with a floppy hotel pillow...All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: JULIA RAVEY, PHIL SANSOM AND GREG FOOT
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  Sliced Bread - Series 16: Air Conditioning 06.08.2026 31min

  What's the best way to keep your home cool?As heatwave after heatwave pushes temperatures higher across the UK and Europe, air conditioning has become a serious topic. Listener Rachel is one of many people who have turned to a portable air conditioner for relief. About the size of a dehumidifier, these units cool a room by drawing in warm air, chilling it, and venting the excess heat outside through a hose, usually attached to a window.But with hotter summers forecast, Rachel is wondering whether it's worth investing in a fixed, or "split", air conditioning system instead. These systems use an indoor unit paired with an outdoor condenser and are increasingly common in homes across Europe. She wants to know: how much do they cost to buy and run? Are they difficult to install? And how noisy are they in everyday use?Then there are the cheaper "air coolers" that claim to lower temperatures by blowing air over cold water or ice. Do they genuinely cool a room, or are they simply fans with clever marketing?To find out, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Rachel and Professor Richard Fitton, Technical Director of the Energy House 2.0 test facility at the University of Salford.All of our episodes start with your suggestions. If you've spotted an advert, trend or wonder product that claims to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note on WhatsApp: 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
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  Sliced Bread - Series 16: Language Learning Apps 30.07.2026 26min

  Can you really learn a new language from apps like Duolingo? Sliced Bread listener Nathan Phelps has been teaching himself Japanese. He’s tried textbooks, tutors, and crucially, language apps on his phone - and he came to us because he’s seen these apps claiming to be “backed by science” to help you “learn a new language, fast”. More recently he’s even seen apps boast about “AI powered features” to help you practice your language skills, available on premium subscriptions.Nathan wants to know: are language apps an effective way to learn? How do they compare to other ways of learning? And can AI really supercharge your language skills? To find out more, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Professor Elizabeth Wonnacott, Professor of Language Science at the University of Oxford and Director of the Language Learning Lab in their Department of Education. All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807. RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: PHIL SANSOM AND GREG FOOT
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  Sliced Bread - Series 16: Kitchen Sponges, Cloths and Brushes 23.07.2026 25min

  Which is the most hygienic for cleaning your kitchen?Most of us will be familiar with the cheap packs of coloured kitchen sponges with the abrasive tops, used for washing dishes and wiping surfaces. But could they be harbouring a host of bacterial baddies?Listener Caroline wants to know as she uses them regularly and even goes as far as running them through the washing machine to keep them cleaner for longer! Does that really work? And are there concerns about these sponges releasing microplastics? Would alternatives like cloths or brushes be a better option?To answer all of these questions, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Markus Egert, Professor of Microbiology and Hygiene at Furtwangen University in southwest Germany and one of the authors of a major study into the hygiene of sponges; and Vilde Snekkevik, research scientist at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research in Oslo.All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
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  Sliced Bread - Series 16: Robotic Lawnmowers 16.07.2026 29min

  Can robotic lawnmowers save you time without hassling hedgehogs?Listener Pat has seen adverts for robotic lawnmowers and has lots of questions: Do they cut effectively? How do they manage with edges and flower borders? And what about avoiding wildlife and other objects in the garden?To find out, presenter Greg Foot is joined by BBC Gardeners' World magazine's tech reviewer Harry Duncton, alongside Dr Sophie Lund-Rasmussen (aka 'Dr Hedgehog'), who has carried out research into the dangers to hedgehogs posed by robotic lawnmowers.All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
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  Sliced Bread - Series 16: Gut Microbiome Tests 10.07.2026 27min

  Can a test tell you what's living inside your gut - and what to do about it?That's what listener Pete Mace asked us, kicking off a brand new series of Sliced Bread! He's seen 'gut microbiome tests' advertised by ZOE, Randox Health and others. They promise to tell you about the bacteria - and other bugs - currently making your intestines their home. Many also claim they'll use this information to make personalised diet recommendations, showing you exactly what you should and shouldn't eat to nurture the right bugs and improve your health. Pete wants to know: what can these tests really tell you? And can they really provide a diet tailored precisely to your personal wellbeing? To find out more, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Dr Nick Ilott, Senior Researcher and lead Bioinformatician at the Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies; and Dr Fred Warren, group leader at the Quadram Institute who researches how gut microbes interact with food. All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807. RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: PHIL SANSOM AND GREG FOOT
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  Toast - Series 7: Orange 02.07.2026 24min

  Orange was once one of the most recognisable brands in Britain — a mobile network with its iconic slogan “The future’s bright, the future’s Orange”, it helped turn mobile phones from elite business tools into everyday essentials.But while the Orange name still exists globally, its mobile service disappeared from the UK. So what happened?BBC Business journalist Sean Farrington investigates how Orange took the UK by storm in the 1990s telecoms boom — and why, at home, it ultimately gave way to a new brand: EE.Joined by resident business expert and entrepreneur Sam White, Sean explores the bold brand thinking that set Orange apart, the rapid growth that made it a takeover target, and the strategic turning points that reshaped the company.Along the way, they hear from the people who built the brand, including founding marketer Chris Moss, former executives Linda Kennedy and Stuart Jackson, and former EE CEO Olaf Swantee, to understand how Orange captured the public imagination — and why it couldn’t remain a standalone mobile network in the UK.At the end, Sam draws her own conclusions: as the future stayed bright but less Orange, was the brand overtaken by change — or did it choose to evolve into something new?If you have an idea for an interesting Toast topic, email [email protected] episode was produced by Linda Walker. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Toast - Series 7: Izal Medicated Toilet Paper 25.06.2026 26min

  Izal medicated toilet paper was once a staple of British bathrooms - a curious cultural icon, remembered as much for its distinctive feel as for its antiseptic promise. Produced for decades by the Sheffield‑based company Newton, Chambers & Co., Izal became woven into the fabric of schools, hospitals and public buildings across the UK.So how did a product that was everywhere for so long, end up disappearing from shelves, surviving only in nostalgia, and uncomfortable memories?BBC Business journalist Sean Farrington investigates how Izal medicated toilet paper went from national widespread use to historical footnote, joined by resident business expert and entrepreneur Sam White.To uncover the story, Sean and Sam dig into industrial archives, public‑health records and the memories of those who grew up with the unmistakable crinkle of Izal. They hear from former Newton Chambers employees, alongside Dr Alice White - Digital Editor at English Heritage and Historian of Psychology and former Jeyes employees, Nicholas Goodwin and Jayne Howe- who followed the Izal brand closely after it changed hands in the 1980s.At the end, Sam must draw her own conclusions about the fate of Izal medicated toilet paper - from changing hygiene standards to the rise of softer, more luxurious competitors - and decide whether its decline was inevitable or simply a failure to adapt?If you have a good idea for an interesting Toast topic then tell us about it - email [email protected] episode was produced by Linda Walker. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Toast - Series 7: Paperchase 18.06.2026 29min

  Why did the popular stationery chain, Paperchase, end up closing all of its shops?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates in the company of resident entrepreneur, Sam White. Paperchase was founded by two former art students in the late 1960s and went on to become the design darling of the high street, known for its charming greeting cards, wrapping paper, stationery, gifts and art materials. It expanded across Britain and beyond to America, the Middle East and parts of Europe. What made Paperchase so special? And how could decades of success slide into decline then shop closures? Sean speaks to: -Chris and Rebecca Pond whose father, Eddie Pond, was Paperchase's co-founder -Timothy Melgund - who ran Paperchase under different ownership for over 20 years and led two management buyouts. -Liz Faulkner - from Jelly Armchair, a company that designs greeting cards and supplied Paperchase.At the end, Sam White has to come up with her own conclusions about the fate of Paperchase based on what she has just heard.If you have a good idea for an interesting Toast topic then tell us about it - email [email protected] by Jon Douglas, Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Toast - Series 7: EasyCinema 11.06.2026 30min

  The EasyJet founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Iannou, tried to shake up the cinema industry by introducing low-cost movie theatres. Tickets were priced as low as 20p for customers who booked in advance. So, why didn't EasyCinema take off?Stelios speaks to the BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, reflecting on his attempts in the early 2000s to bring to UK cinemas the same dynamic pricing that had revolutionized the aviation sector. Sean also hears from Mark Batey (who was chief executive of the Film Distributors' Association when EasyCinema opened) and speaks to Stewart Niblock (who was Easy Group's Head of New Projects so was responsible for refurbishing and opening the cinema) and Angela Chan (who is now Professor of Creative Industries at Royal Holloway, University of London but in 2003 she was a BBC producer/director who was filming a TV documentary about EasyCinema).At the end, the resident business expert and entrepreneur, Sam White, has to come up with her own conclusions about the fate of EasyCinema based on what she has just heard.If you have a good idea for an interesting Toast topic then tell us about it - email [email protected] by Jon Douglas, Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Toast - Series 7: Wilko 04.06.2026 30min

  Wilkinson - or Wilko as it became known - was a privately-owned family business that had been successful for decades, offering low-priced household products from its chain of high street stores. So why did it falter during a cost-of-living crisis when people were looking for value? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates how its stores ended up toast, in the company of resident business expert and entrepreneur, Sam White.To help explain what happened, Sean and Sam delve into the parliamentary archives and hear from expert guests including Gordon Brown who was Wilkinson's managing director for 15 years and Patrick O'Brien, Research Director at GlobalData who has followed the fortunes of high street names for over a decade. At the end, Sam has to come up with her own conclusions about the fate of Wilko based on what she has just heard.If you have a good idea for an interesting Toast topic then tell us about it - email [email protected] by Jon Douglas, Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Sliced Bread - Series 15: Food Containers 28.05.2026 32min

  Is it ok to store food in plastic containers?That's the question put by listener Joe Tattersall in this, the last episode in the current series of 'Sliced Bread'. Joe's noticed scuffs and abrasions on his reusable plastic containers and is concerned about whether that increases the risk of 'chemical leaching' into his food, or ingesting microplastics. He's keen to know if alternatives like glass, silicon, or metal containers could better for our health, as well as for the planet.And what about putting them in the microwave to heat food, using them to freeze food after batch-cooking, or putting them in the dishwasher to clean? To find out more, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Dr Stephanie Wright, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Toxicology at Imperial College London; and Jane Muncke, Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer at the Food Packaging Forum.We're taking a break to prepare another batch of Sliced Bread but we're as hungry as ever for your suggestions of wonder products to investigate. Please do send your ideas to us either on email to [email protected] or to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
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  Sliced Bread - Series 15: Cat Litter 21.05.2026 24min

  What kind of cat litter is best for cats, owners and the environment?After we looked at dog poo bags for an episode, it's only right that we answer some questions for the cat lovers, around cat litter. Listener Ella got in touch to ask about it, after adopting her Sphynx indoor cat, Mr. Big (short for Mr. Bigglesworth). She wanted to know: what is the most absorbent cat litter that doesn't smell, doesn't cause problems for her floors when kicked out of the litter tray and might be better for the environment?Greg Foot is joined by veterinary surgeon and author of the book What's My Cat Thinking? Dr. Jo Lewis – as well as engineer and former managing director of pet care company Bob Martin, Savi Madden – to get the inside scoop. All of our episodes start with your suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] or send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.Researcher: Phil Sansom Producers: Kate Holdsworth and Greg Foot
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  Sliced Bread - Series 15: Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice 14.05.2026 23min

  Do ergonomic devices like split keyboards and vertical mice help with comfort and health?If you're a heavy computer user there are an increasing variety of weird and wonderful options to help improve your comfort and reduce the risk of aches and pains associated with 'Repetitive Strain Injury' (RSI).Listener Tim is curious whether ergonomic tools—such as split keyboards, alternative layouts, or vertical mice—could optimise his professional setup as a software engineer.To find out, presenter Greg Foot does a deep-dive into the evidence alongside Nichola Adams, from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors; and Ben Vallack, who runs a YouTube channel all about workflow and design.And if you're interested in this topic, we have a companion episode on Standing Desks - available along with all our other episodes on BBC Sounds.All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT