The Boring Talks

Latest Episodes:

Jeremy Bentham's 'Auto-Icon' Nov 19, 2018

Show notes

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

Did Bentham leave his body to University College London? Does he still attend council meetings there? Has anyone played football with his head? Subhadra Das debunks some myths

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Subhadra Das Producer: Jack Soper

#24 - The Taxonomy Of Cornflakes Nov 12, 2018

Show notes

From lollipop sticks, to batteries and used car headlight bulbs, the collectaholic Anne Griffiths has always made art from the 'accumulations of the bricolage of everyday life'. But how did Anne get 84 mounted cornflakes accepted in to the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition? We take a trip to her studio to find out.

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Anne Griffiths Producer: Luke Doran

#23 - NATO Phonetic Alphabet Nov 05, 2018

Show notes

Charvy Narain is fed up with people mispronouncing her name, especially when trying to book a taxi down the phone. Could the NATO phonetic alphabet help clarify things? Or will it just add to the confusion? And what does this have to do with Bradley Walsh?

Presenter: Juliett Alfa Mike Echo Sierra Contributor: Charlie Hotel Alfa Romeo Victor Yankee Producer: Lima Uniform Kilo Echo

#22 - Toilet Graffiti Nov 05, 2018

Show notes

Declarations of love, offers of sex, messages of hope and even film reviews. The graffiti we leave behind in toilets is strange, personal and anonymous. But is there a difference between what is written in male and female bathrooms? Scott Kelly ventures forth to find out.

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Scott Kelly Contributor: Clara Nissen Producer: Luke Doran

#21 - Thank You Jun 07, 2018

Show notes

James Ward says thank you for listening to series one and chooses the best word from each of the twenty talks.

Presenter: James Ward Producer: Luke Doran

#20 - Carry On Shakespeare Jun 04, 2018

Show notes

Infamy! Infamy! The writer and broadcaster Samira Ahmed explains just why the Carry On films are actually better than Shakespeare.

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Samira Ahmed Producer: Luke Doran

#19 - Ice Cream Vans May 28, 2018

Show notes

Good maths, a strong bladder and the ability to hold eight '99s' in one hand. Ali Coote remembers the important lessons she learned as an Ice Cream Van driver.

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Ali Coote Producer: Luke Doran

#18 - Kinder Egg Linguistics May 21, 2018

Show notes

What's 119mm long & 55 mm wide, and contains a world of linguistic pleasure? Keith Kahn-Harris explores the wonders of the Kinder Surprise warning label.

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Keith Kahn-Harris Producer: Luke Doran

#17 - Gasometers May 14, 2018

Show notes

Tall rusting skeletal relics of our industrial past. Why would anyone care about London's Gasometers? Sarah O'Carroll explains.

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Sarah O'Carroll Producer: Luke Doran

#16 - Toilet Roll Serial Numbers May 07, 2018

Show notes

'Do you recall the fogged beef, mate?'.

The writer Nicholas Tufnell proves that poetic inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places, including a toilet roll. But what is 'fogged beef'?

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Nicholas Tufnell Producer: Luke Doran

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