Free Daily Podcast Summary
Sliced Bread: Daily Summaries Delivered
by BBC Radio 4
Sliced Bread is the series that investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Are they really 'the best thing since sliced bread'? Science presenter Greg Foot finds out. Greg speaks to experts on a bunk-busting mission to test the latest consumer trends chosen by listeners. Do they live up to the hype? Or are they just marketing BS? Greg chats to the experts, dives into the data, performs tests and crunches the numbers before putting his findings back to the listener so they can decide if it's worth spending their hard earned money on.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago25 min
Sliced Bread - Series 17: Kitchen Sponges, Cloths and Brushes
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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
- 1 weeks ago29 min
Sliced Bread - Series 17: Robotic Lawnmowers
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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
- 2 weeks ago27 min
Sliced Bread - Series 17: Gut Microbiome Tests
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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807. RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: PHIL SANSOM AND GREG FOOT
- 3 weeks ago24 min
Toast - Series 7: Orange
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 toast@bbc.co.uk.This episode was produced by Linda Walker. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
- Jun 25, 202626 min
Toast - Izal Medicated Toilet Paper
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 toast@bbc.co.ukThis episode was produced by Linda Walker. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
- Jun 18, 202629 min
Toast - Paperchase
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 toast@bbc.co.ukProduced by Jon Douglas, Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
- Jun 11, 202630 min
Toast - EasyCinema
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 toast@bbc.co.ukProduced by Jon Douglas, Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
- Jun 4, 202630 min
Toast - Wilko
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 toast@bbc.co.ukProduced by Jon Douglas, Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Get Sliced Bread summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The Food Programme
Explores all aspects of the food we eat, from production to consumption.
The Boring Talks
BBC Sounds
Seriously...
BBC Radio 4
What? Seriously??
Two comedians explore bizarre true stories with a guest expert who has a personal connection to the tale.
Fed with Chris van Tulleken
A doctor investigates the complex forces behind humanity’s most consumed meat, exploring its impact on health, animals, and the planet.
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
A doctor-hosted podcast offering practical health advice on eating, sleeping, moving, and relaxing from medical experts and real-life stories.
The Toast
Dear Media
Best Medicine
A comedian and guests explore groundbreaking, quirky, and life-changing innovations in medicine through history and science.
The Food Chain
Explores the business, science, and culture behind how food gets from source to plate.
The Crumb - Bake from Scratch
A baking podcast exploring the culture, people, and places behind the world of baking.
Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley
Michael Mosley shares science-backed health tips that can improve wellbeing in minimal time.
Breaking Bread with Tom Papa
Comedian Tom Papa shares laughs and stories with guests over bread-filled conversations.
About Sliced Bread
Sliced Bread is the series that investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Are they really 'the best thing since sliced bread'? Science presenter Greg Foot finds out. Greg speaks to experts on a bunk-busting mission to test the latest consumer trends chosen by listeners. Do they live up to the hype? Or are they just marketing BS? Greg chats to the experts, dives into the data, performs tests and crunches the numbers before putting his findings back to the listener so they can decide if it's worth spending their hard earned money on.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Sliced Bread in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Sliced Bread daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Sliced Bread as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Sliced Bread podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Sliced Bread product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by BBC Radio 4.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Sliced Bread release new episodes?
Sliced Bread publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Sliced Bread cover?
Sliced Bread covers topics including Fitness, Health & Fitness. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Sliced Bread summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.