Sliced Bread

Episodes

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  Mushroom Gummies 15.10.2026 28m

  Can mushroom gummies really sharpen your mind, reduce stress, and boost your energy?Listener Daisy has been seeing adverts for mushroom gummies all over her Instagram. These aren't the psychedelic kind of mushrooms - instead they're gummy sweets containing so-called 'functional mushrooms' such as lion's mane and reishi. The companies promise that taking just two a day will provide all sorts of beneficial effects, and some online posts even hint that they can address symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.But do they actually work?To find out, Greg Foot is joined by Dr. Nicholas Money, mycologist and science writer at Miami University in Ohio; and Dr. Helen Wall, GP and menopause specialist.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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  Acne Treatments 08.10.2026 36m

  What really helps to treat acne?Listener Louise got in touch about a subject that affects thousands of people both physically and emotionally. She experienced acne from her teens into adulthood; and now with a daughter herself, is all too aware of the pressures facing young people through social media.She's keen to find out which of the vast array of over-the-counter treatments work and which ingredients in particular are effective in treating acne.To get the answers, presenter Greg Foot is joined by consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth and founder of the 'Clear' skincare app, Ahana Banarjee.We're back with a new series of Sliced Bread and are hungry for your suggestions of wonder products to put through the evidence mill. 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.PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
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  Dough - Series 5: Supermarkets 01.10.2026 29m

  Are self-checkouts here to stay or will we soon be paying without scanning or stopping? Greg Foot examines the future of supermarkets 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 supermarkets might be like within five, ten and fifty years.In this episode:-David McIntosh - chief connected stores officer at Instacart which supplies smart trolleys to supermarkets that scan and weigh goods as they are dropped in and display a running basket total.-Nick Carroll - principal strategist for retail at the research insights company Mintel where he helps the UK's biggest retailers understand what's coming next-Anders Eriksson - chief executive of Swegreen which supplies the kit and support for supermarkets to grow their own fruit and vegetables inside their storesAmong the topics up for consideration: What more can be done to stop people from stealing at self-checkouts? Why are printed pricetags disappearing from supermarket shelves? Could smart shopping trolleys steer us to discounts? And might the supermarket of the future not just sell but also grow your produce?Produced by Jon Douglas. Dough is an Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Dough - Series 5: Pets 24.09.2026 24m

  Could advances in AI help us have conversations with our pets? Will a raccoon or a robot become the pet of the future? Or will or pets be sharing a seat beside us on the plane as we jet off for our next holiday?In this episode of Dough Greg Foot looks at pets and examines the rise of future wonder products.He's joined by experts, entrepreneurs and industry innovators to discuss the trends we'e 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 technology, food innovations and even changes in aviation might transform the future for our pets.With him is the futurist Tracey Follows and guests including;-Professor Daniel Mills: Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at Lincoln University -Dr Samantha Butler-Davies, MRCVS, veterinary director at Pets at Home and Vets for Pets. -Professor Clara Mancini: Professor of Animal-Computer Interaction and Head of the Animal-Computer Interaction Laboratory at the Open UniversityProduced by Linda Walker and presented by Greg Foot. Dough is a BBC Audio North Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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  Dough - Series 5: Cinemas 17.09.2026 24m

  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 24m

  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 24m

  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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  Experimental Peptides 27.08.2026 27m

  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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  Laundry Detergents 20.08.2026 32m

  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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  Pillows 13.08.2026 26m

  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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  Air Conditioning 06.08.2026 31m

  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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  Language Learning Apps 30.07.2026 26m

  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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  Kitchen Sponges, Cloths and Brushes 23.07.2026 25m

  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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  Robotic Lawnmowers 16.07.2026 29m

  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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  Gut Microbiome Tests 10.07.2026 27m

  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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  Food Containers 28.05.2026 32m

  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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  Cat Litter 21.05.2026 24m

  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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  Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice 14.05.2026 23m

  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
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  Vibration Plates 07.05.2026 30m

  Can Vibration Plates help with fitness, bone density, and even lymphatic drainage?They've been around for a while but vibration plates seem to be having another 'moment'. Originally touted as a piece of fitness kit for the gym or home, the latest ads on social media seem to be promoting claims around benefits to bone density and lymphatic drainage.Listeners Natasha and Steve got in touch wanting to know whether all this could really be true of a single wonder product! To find out, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Dr Claire Minshull, a sports rehabilitation expert, and Professor Neil Mansfield, author of the book 'Human Response to Vibration'.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
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  Hair Removal Devices 30.04.2026 29m

  Can Intense Pulsed Light devices really "zap" away your unwanted hair? You may have seen IPL devices advertised on social media - that promise painless hair removal using light to "zap" away body hair.Listener Karen got in touch to ask if these "Zappers" could possibly free her from having to shave her legs in the summer? How are they supposed to work, are they safe to use, and is it worth the investing in one?To find out, Greg Foot is joined by Dr Gill Westgate, a skin and hair biologist and honorary visiting lecturer at the University of Bradford. 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 SANSOMPRODUCERS: KATE HOLDSWORTH AND GREG FOOT