Health & Fitness
Sliced Bread
BBC Radio 4
While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers. In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist Sean Farrington examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did people back it? Why did they get burnt? Some of the world’s most successful businesses have also brought us some of the world’s most remarkable failures. So, what led them to be toast? And what can we learn from their stories today? Sean unpicks all the early optimism, hype and ambition. He learns about the tremendous success of a brand before hearing how it faltered, with help from expert commentators and people who were directly involved. How do they view things now and what, if anything, could have been done differently? The self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White, is alongside him, analysing the missteps that changed a brand’s fortunes and reaching her own, often instructive, conclusions. From big tech to high street retail and, of course, food, Toast tackles the business ideas that, one way or another, ended up cooked. Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in July, 2026. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds. Episodes will be released weekly on Thursdays wherever you get your BBC podcasts. But you can listen to the latest episodes, seven days earlier than anywhere else, first on BBC Sounds.Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4.
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Cholesterol Lowering Products
Jun 27, 202428 min<p>Can fortified drinks and spreads really reduce cholesterol?</p><p>Almost half of UK adults have raised cholesterol, according to the charity Heart UK - and Sliced Bread listener Cathy is one of them. She found out after taking a test at her GP and wants to do something about it. Her first plan of action is to make changes to her lifestyle, such as diet and exercise. As part of that, Cathy wants to know if the spreads and drinks that claim to lower cholesterol really do work. </p><p>Greg Foot is joined by Cathy and a panel of experts at our studios in Salford to investigate. What are the ingredients that are proven to lower cholesterol? How effective are they compared to widely-prescribed statins - and are the supermarket own brand versions of these drinks and spreads just as good as branded ones?</p><p>All of the ideas for our investigations come from you, our listeners, and we're always on the lookout for more. If you have seen a wonder product that claims to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS then please do send it over on email to <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807</p><p>PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCER: Simon Hoban</p>
Acupressure Mats
Jun 20, 202434 min<p>This episode has been edited since broadcast. Twelve year old Bradley got in touch with Sliced Bread after trying out his mum Jennifer’s acupressure mat. Jennifer says she swears by it, it relaxes her, and she even falls asleep on it! But after testing it out himself, he was less than convinced. </p><p>He asked us to find out what these mats are meant to do, whether they work or if they’re a placebo effect, and whether paying more for one could mean better results? Joining Greg in the studio to discuss them, is Clinical Acupuncturist Phil Trubshaw from the Manchester Movement Unit based at Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as the Director of Research at the Northern College of Acupuncture, Dr. Karen Charlesworth. </p><p>Have you seen a product that claims to make you happier, healthier or greener? Want to know if it is SB or BS? Then please do send it over on email to <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807.</p><p>PRESENTER: Greg Foot</p><p>PRODUCER: Kate Holdsworth</p>
Pest Control
Jun 13, 202431 min<p>What's the best - and most humane - way to get rid of pests?</p><p>For some of us Tom and Jerry might be the sum total of our knowledge of the struggle between domestic life and unwanted rodents. But for listeners Colin and Mary, things are getting much more real! Colin wants to know if the plug-in devices he's seen that promise to deter rats and mice using ultrasonic actually work. Mary has caught mice and then released them back into the wild in nearby woodland, believing it's the more humane way to deal with the problem. But is it?</p><p>With the help of Natalie Bungay from the British Pest Control Association and Rob Young, Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Salford, Greg Foot sets out to find the answers, hoping to nibble at the metaphorical cheese without getting caught in the figurative trap (or something).</p><p>All of the ideas for our investigations come from you, our listeners, and we're always on the lookout for more. If you have seen a wonder product that claims to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS then please do send it over on email to <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807</p><p>PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: SIMON HOBAN</p>
Contact Lenses
Jun 6, 202430 min<p>Listener Jennifer is considering switching contact lenses, if there's an alternative that's more eco friendly. She's not alone - we've had lots of questions about eyecare options, and whether the fancy features some lenses offer are worth the extra cash. Joining Greg and Jennifer in the studio to talk all things contact lens are Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, a clinical adviser to the College of Optometrists, and Sarah Smith - a research optometrist who's studied the environmental impact of these tiny pieces of plastic.</p><p>Have you seen a product that claims to make you happier, healthier or greener? Want to know if it is SB or BS? Then please do send it over on email to <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807</p><p>PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCER: Tom Moseley</p>
Car Tyres
May 30, 202431 min<p>Is it worth paying more for premium car tyres?</p><p>There's a huge range of car tyres to choose from and the price differences between them can be significant. So do you really need to pay more to get a good tyre?</p><p>Listener Ian runs a car maintenance business and wants to know if the budget tyres he's been fitting are the right choice. Will they last as long and be just as safe? What do the different ratings on the labels you can see online mean? And as he moves towards electric cars he's also keen to know whether they need a special sort of tyre.</p><p>With the help of two experts in the field, Greg Foot 'treads' through the studies and the science to find out more. It's how he rolls (we'll stop now). </p><p>As ever we are still looking for your suggestions of products to look into. If you've seen something promising to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS please do send it over on email to <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807</p><p>PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: SIMON HOBAN</p>
Sustainable Period Products
May 23, 202427 min<p>Lots of different types of period products claim to be eco friendly, from menstrual cups to period pants and reusable pads. But how do their environmental credentials stack up? That's what listener Sam wants to know - and she's not the only one asking about not just the impact of these so called sustainable period products on planetary health, but also on women's health too. Joining Sam and Greg for this one are Natalie Fee, founder of the non profit City to Sea, who campaigns for "plastic-free periods", and Dr Nicola Tempest, a senior lecturer in gynaecology at Liverpool University.</p><p>And if you've seen something promising to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS please do send it over on email to <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807</p><p>PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY</p>
Air Fresheners
May 16, 202427 min<p>The UK market for air care products is expected to grow to £674 million this year - and for this episode, we're investigating just how these products tackle bad smells in our homes. Can air fresheners really "eliminate" stinky odours with science, or do they just smell nicer? And what does using them do for our air quality? That's what listener Conor from Manchester wants to know. He joins Greg in the studio, alongside two experts - Nicola Carslaw, a professor in indoor air chemistry‘ at the University of York, and emeritus professor of chemo-reception at the University of Manchester, Krishna Persaud.</p><p>Have you seen something promising to make you happier, healthier or greener? Want to know if it's SB or BS? Please let us know - you can email <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807.</p><p>PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY</p>
LED Face Masks
May 9, 202429 min<p>Is an LED face mask the secret to brighter, clearer, more youthful skin?</p><p>Greg Foot is back with a new series of Sliced Bread to run a whole new batch of your suggested wonder products through the evidence mill. From car tyres to contact lenses, air fresheners to LED face masks, Greg will separate science fact from marketing fiction as he investigates whether each product is 'the best thing since sliced bread' or 'marketing BS'.</p><p>There's a slightly new sound to this new series: having recorded most of the previous episodes remotely, Greg is going to be joined in the studio by the listener and experts to investigate the wonder products together!</p><p>First to join Greg is Helen Leneghan from County Down. She’s seen LED Face Masks all over social media and wants to know if they actually work. Do they reduce your wrinkles? Will they give you a radiant glow? And can they help with some skin conditions like acne or rosacea?</p><p>As ever, if YOU have seen something promising to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS please do send it over on email to <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807</p><p>PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCER: Simon Hoban</p>
Toast - Series 3: Safeway UK
May 2, 202425 min<p>Why did Safeway's UK supermarkets disappear? </p><p>Safeway was once one of our biggest supermarket chains, so why did it drop down the list of top performers before disappearing altogether? </p><p>The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, looks into it and speaks to the former Safeway director, Teresa Wickham, a former Safeway supplier, Judy Garner, and the News Editor, Ronan Hegarty, from The Grocer magazine. </p><p>Alongside them all to analyse Safeway's fortunes is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White.</p><p>This episode was produced by Viant Siddique. </p><p>Toast examines the brands that reached dizzy heights only to end up…toast. </p><p>It is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.</p><p>You can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.</p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in May. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p>
Toast - Series 3: Green Shield Stamps
Apr 25, 202425 min<p>Green Shield Stamps could be traded in for 'free' gifts so why did consumers abandon them? </p><p>Sean Farrington examines their rise and fall and discovers how they spawned a famous retail chain which is still trading. </p><p>The stamps were the centrepiece of an early form of loyalty scheme and were collected by tens of millions of people across the UK. </p><p>They were given out by shops with every purchase and could be exchanged for a wide range of household goods and luxury items from handbags to vacuum cleaners and even cars. </p><p>The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, speaks to expert guests including:</p><p>Sir John Timpson - chairman of the retail services provider, Timpson, who dedicated a chapter of his book on 'High Street Heroes' to the Green Shield Stamp founder, Richard Tompkins. </p><p>Professor Leigh Sparks - Professor of Retail Studies at the University of Stirling.</p><p>Alongside them, analysing the stamps' fortunes is the entrepreneur, Sam White.</p><p>Toast is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.</p><p>This episode was produced by Jon Douglas.</p><p>You can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.</p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in May. </p><p>In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. </p><p>In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p>
Toast - Series 3: Mothercare's UK Stores
Apr 18, 202425 min<p>Why did Mothercare have to close all of their UK stores?</p><p>Sean Farrington discovers what happened to the baby goods retailer which once dominated the high street. </p><p>Alongside him, analysing Mothercare's fortunes, is the entrepreneur, Sam White.</p><p>The pair hear from Tim Curtis who once ran Mothercare's website, catalogue and home delivery service; Amena Khan, a loyal Mothercare customer and Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics. </p><p>They chart the highs and the lows and learn how Mothercare continues to trade today, albeit in a different form. </p><p>Produced by Jon Douglas and Shanaye Mainoo-Magnone. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.</p><p>You can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.</p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in May. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p>
Toast - Series 3: Vine
Apr 11, 202425 min<p>Why was the video sharing platform, Vine, closed down?</p><p>Sean Farrington discovers what happened to the app which pioneered short, shareable videos on social media. </p><p>Sean speaks to one of Vine's founders, Rus Yusupov, the Vine content creator, Eric Dunn, and the BBC's Technology Editor, Zoe Kleinman.</p><p>Alongside them all analysing Vine's fortunes is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White.</p><p>Produced by Viant Siddique. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.</p><p>You can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.</p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in May. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p>
Toast - Series 3: Little Chef
Apr 4, 202425 min<p>Why did the restaurant chain, Little Chef, disappear from our roadsides? </p><p>Sean Farrington discovers what happened to the brand which brought us Jubilee Pancakes, Olympic Breakfasts and free lollies for the kids. </p><p>At its peak, Little Chef had over 400 restaurants on most of our major highways and a turnover well in excess of £100m. </p><p>So, how did such a successful business ultimately end up toast? </p><p>Sean speaks to Fiona Alper who was married to the Little Chef co-founder, Sam Alper; the entrepreneur, Lawrence Wosskow, who once owned Little Chef and Becky Parr-Phillips who started as a waitress but rose through the ranks to become Little Chef's head of operations. </p><p>Alongside them all to analyse Little Chef's fortunes is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White. </p><p>This episode was first broadcast in April 2024</p><p>Produced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. </p><p>You can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes. </p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in May. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p>
Mushroom Coffee
Mar 28, 202430 min<p>This one's all about mushrooms - not so much your chestnut, button or portobellos from the supermarket, but more the likes of lion's mane, reishi and chaga. These much-feted fungi are claimed to offer all sorts of benefits, from relaxation to disease-fighting properties. We've had loads of questions about products containing them, particularly around mushroom coffee. Is there any evidence that it's better for you than your regular brew? Listener Leon is fond of it - and wants to know if there's any science to back up his inclination. To get him some answers, we hear from a registered nutritionist and a mycologist (fungi expert) who's just written a book all about medicinal mushrooms. So are they the best thing since Sliced Bread?</p><p>If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know how it stacks up, then email us: <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or send a voice note to our WhatsApp number: 07543 306807</p><p>PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY</p>
Dishwashers
Mar 21, 202431 min<p>Is it better to wash your dishes by hand or use a dishwasher? </p><p>This question from listener Eve has got to be among the most hotly contested debates out there. She wants to know which method uses more water and which is more energy efficient. To find out, we speak to a man who's spent decades studying the differences - Professor Rainer Stamminger from the University of Bonn in Germany.</p><p>Eve also wants to know about the eco settings on dishwashers: how can they save money if they take so much longer? And should you pre-rinse before putting things in?! In short, does the evidence around dishwashers stack up (sorry!) Greg will be finding out.</p><p>PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCER: Simon Hoban</p>
Tens Machines and Circulation Boosters
Mar 14, 202432 min<p>Greg's getting electric for this one, as he tries out a tens machine. Tens (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a type of pain relief which uses a mild electrical current. They're marketed at all types of pain - but do they work? The NHS isn't convinced yet. Listener Patrick is one of many who have asked about these devices, so we got in touch with a a professor who's studied them for 40 years. Also - another type of electrotherapy is a circulation booster. These circular devices claim to be able to help sore legs by activating the muscles. On behalf of listener Rick, Greg finds out what the evidence is for their effectiveness.</p><p>PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY PRESENTER: GREG FOOT</p>
Milk Alternatives
Mar 7, 202433 min<p>Which is the cream of the crop for your health and the planet?</p><p>The supermarket shelves are fairly bulging with plant-based options for people who either prefer not to drink cow's milk or can't for health reasons like an allergy. Some have been around for a while - like soy, almond and the current best-seller in the UK, oat - but there are newer additions to consider like hazelnut, hemp and a drink made from dried peas.</p><p>Listener Sian wants to know if these milk alternatives are better for her health and the environment than cow's milk. Do they give you the same nutritional benefits? And what's the carbon footprint of each, and how do they compare to the production of cow's milk? </p><p>If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if there’s any evidence behind it, then email us: <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or you can send a voice note to our WhatsApp number: 07543 306807</p><p>Presenter: Greg Foot Producer: Simon Hoban</p>
Fitness Trackers
Feb 29, 202427 min<p>Millions of us use fitness tracker watches to count how many steps we take each day - they also claim to tell us how we're sleeping and how stressed we are, as well as a host of other metrics. But how accurate are they - and are they the best thing since Sliced Bread? We've had loads of requests from you to look into fitness trackers. So with multiple watches on each arm, Greg's being put through his paces at Loughborough University under the watchful eye of Dr James Sanders, senior research associate in digital health for lifestyle.</p><p>PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY</p>
Pots and Pans
Feb 22, 202429 min<p>What cookware is best for your kitchen?</p><p>There is a bewildering array of pots and pans on offer: stainless steel saucepans, cast iron skillets, even 10-in-1 cookware systems that use layers of various materials. But do they deliver on their promises to help you reach culinary bliss? Listener Emily wants to know if the ones she's seen live up to the hype or are just marketing BS. What do all the materials do? What about cleaning them? And just what is the much-vaunted 'hot spot' that lights up at a certain temperature?!</p><p>There are also lingering concerns about non-stick coatings. Are they safe? And what about the alternatives if you're not sure?</p><p>Please do keep your suggestions coming of wonder products for me to investigate. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if there’s any evidence behind it, then email us: <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or you can send a voice note to our WhatsApp number: 07543 306807</p><p>Presenter: Greg Foot Producer: Simon Hoban</p>
Dog Dental Chews
Feb 15, 202430 min<p>Gum disease is extremely common in dogs - with some breeds particularly badly affected. So it's no surprise there are all sorts of products on the market offering to clean your pet's teeth - which might be particularly appealing if you don't fancy grabbing a toothbrush and doing the job yourself. As well as chews of many shapes and sizes, there are additives to water - and even seaweed extract to sprinkle on their food. It's a serious business. We've had loads of emails asking us to look into this one - including from listener Sarah, who wants help on behalf of Heidi, her Miniature Schnauzer. To get them some answers, Greg hears from a pet nutritionist and a vet who's an expert in dental care. Are dog dental chews the best thing since sliced bread?</p><p>PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY</p>
Face Creams
Feb 8, 202433 min<p>Are more expensive face creams worth it?</p><p>I'm back with a new series of Sliced Bread to investigate more of your suggested wonder products and I'm starting with one of the most-requested so far. Do more expensive moisturisers, serums and oils live up to the hype? Can they result in smoother, brighter, firmer, healthier skin or is it all just marketing BS? </p><p>Listener Aristide wants to know whether one of the most expensive products on the market - 'Creme de la Mer' (£80 for 15ml) - has any more evidence to back it up than the cheap moisturiser he uses from the High Street. And listener Fiona is keen to hear about the effectiveness of retinol, one of the most popular ingredients used in creams and serums today.</p><p>In this episode I'll get the answers with the help of our expert, consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth.</p><p>Once again this series I'm looking for more of your suggestions for wonder products to investigate. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or fad rproduct promsing to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if there’s any evidence behind it, then email us: <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or you can send a voice note to our WhatsApp number: 07543 306807</p><p>Presenter: Greg Foot Producer: Simon Hoban</p>
Toast - Series 2: Jamie's Italian
Jan 11, 202425 min<p>What went wrong at Jamie Oliver's UK restaurant chain, Jamie's Italian?</p><p>While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers.</p><p>In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist, Sean Farrington, examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did it fail? What can we learn from it today?</p><p>In this episode, which was first broadcast in February 2024, Sean and the serial entrepreneur, Sam White, examine the fortunes of Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant chain. It was a big hit when it launched so why couldn't it maintain that success? </p><p>Expert commentators - and Jamie Oliver himself - reflect on what made his restaurants so special and what led to their demise.</p><p>Tracey MacLeod, formerly of The Independent, was one of the first restaurant critics through the door; Emma Lake, Assistant Editor at The Caterer magazine wrote extensively about Jamie's Italian; Peter Harden, the co-founder of Harden's Restaurant Guide, has trawled through reviews of Jamie's Italian to see what changed from the customers' perspective.</p><p>Jamie Oliver's perspective comes through an interview he did with Kirsty Young for the Radio 4 series 'Young Again'.</p><p>If you have an idea for a topic with a toast moment then you can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in February. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Toast is produced by Jon Douglas and Viant Siddique and is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.</p>
Toast - Series 2: Commodore Computers
Jan 11, 202425 min<p>Why did the best-selling computer manufacturer, Commodore, go bust?</p><p>While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers.</p><p>In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist, Sean Farrington, examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did it fail? What can we learn from it today?</p><p>In this episode, Sean examines the remarkable story behind the man who founded one of the world's best-selling computer manufacturers. </p><p>Commodore computers were huge in the 1980s so why couldn't the business adapt to survive in an age when computing became even more popular? </p><p>Expert commentators and employees reflect on why the company was so successful and what led to its demise. </p><p>Guests include David Pleasance - a former Commodore international executive and later joint managing director of its UK arm; Tim Danton - editor-in-chief of PC Pro magazine; Dan Wood - a Commodore computers enthusiast.</p><p>Alongside them is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White, to analyse the missteps that changed the brand’s fortunes.</p><p>If you have an idea for a topic with a toast moment then you can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in February. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Toast is produced by Jon Douglas and Viant Siddique and is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.</p>
Toast - Series 2: Club 18-30
Jan 11, 202425 min<p>Why did the package holiday brand, Club 18-30, disappear?</p><p>While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers.</p><p>In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist, Sean Farrington, examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did it fail? What can we learn from it today?</p><p>In this episode, which was first broadcast in January 2024, Sean learns why Club 18-30 fell out of favour. </p><p>Its package holidays for young people were a hit for decades so why couldn't it keep going? </p><p>Sean speaks to holidaymakers who remember their Club 18-30 experiences well. </p><p>A former manager explains how they hoped to keep the brand going and why that proved impossible.</p><p>Alongside them all, analysing the business' fortunes is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White. </p><p>You can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Feel free to suggest topics which we could cover in future episodes</p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in February. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Toast is produced by Jon Douglas and Viant Siddique and is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.</p>
Toast - Series 2: Sunny Delight
Jan 11, 202425 min<p>Why did sales of the best-selling soft drink, Sunny Delight, suddenly bomb in the 1990s?</p><p>While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers.</p><p>In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist, Sean Farrington, examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did it fail? What can we learn from it today?</p><p>In this episode, which was first broadcast in January 2024, Sean learns why sales of Sunny Delight faltered in the UK after an extraordinarily successful launch. </p><p>Sean speaks to some of the people who worked on the brand, hearing how it became a hit before a series of unfortunate coincidences undermined its popularity. </p><p>The self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White, is alongside him, analysing the missteps that changed Sunny Delight's fortunes.</p><p>'Sunny D', as it is known today, is still sold in some UK supermarkets. It has different owners and ingredients but it has never matched the incredible sales figures which it achieved in its early days. </p><p>CORRECTION: Beta-carotene is not a B vitamin as briefly referenced in this programme. It's turned into vitamin A in the body.</p><p>You can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Feel free to suggest topics which we could cover in future episodes</p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in February. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Toast is produced by Jon Douglas and Viant Siddique and is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.</p>
Toast - Series 2: Toys R Us
Dec 18, 202325 min<p>Why did Toys R Us have to close all of its UK superstores in 2018? </p><p>While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers. </p><p>In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist, Sean Farrington, examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did it fail? What can we learn from it today? </p><p>In this Christmas special, Sean examines the charming story behind one of our best-known toy brands before hearing how it faltered. </p><p>Expert commentators and employees reflect on why the business had been so successful and what went wrong. </p><p>Alongside them is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White, to analyse the missteps that changed the brand’s fortunes. </p><p>Together, they hear how Toys R Us is making a comeback in the UK. </p><p>You can email the programme at <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>Feel free to suggest topics which we could cover in future episodes. </p><p>From big tech to high street retail and, of course, food, Toast tackles the business ideas that, one way or another, ended up cooked.</p><p>Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in February. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Toast is produced by Jon Douglas and Viant Siddique and is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.</p>
Bedding
Dec 7, 202330 min<p>Can changing your sheets be good for you - and the environment? We've had loads of requests to look at the best way to make your bed - specifically, how all the different options for sheets and pillowcases compare. Cotton seems to be king when it comes to popularity, but is it justified? Listener Rosemary is a linen fan, but wants to know whether eucalyptus bedding lives up to the hype. How do its eco credentials stack up - and what does it feel like? Speaking of feel - silk pillow cases have a reputation for luxury, but listener Cathy wants to know whether sleeping on one will - as the marketing promises - also help your skin and your hair. Could it really help with acne? We'll hear from a dermatologist and a fabrics expert - and there are some surprising answers to this one!</p><p>If you've seen a claim you'd like investigating, you can email the team on <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or send us a WhatsApp voice note on 07543 306807.</p><p>PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY</p>
Christmas Trees
Nov 30, 202330 min<p>Which Christmas tree is better for the environment - real or fake?</p><p>Everyone loves the smell of a freshly cut pine or spruce but the vast majority of them go to landfill. So would a plastic tree be better?</p><p>Listener Eleanor wants to have a more sustainable Christmas and has some great questions. Is there a better way to dispose of your real tree? How about a pot-grown tree you could use again the next year? And she's even heard about the possibility of renting a Christmas tree - the same one, year after year! Is that a thing?</p><p>In this frankly festive episode I attempt to get to the root of the problem (sorry!) by speaking to an ecological expert and a journalist who's attempted to rent the whole of Christmas.</p><p>Presenter: Greg Foot Producer: Simon Hoban</p>
Sports Bras
Nov 27, 202336 min<p>Are expensive sports bras worth the money?</p><p>Buying a sports bra can be a baffling experience, not least because of the marketing terminology which is full of buzz-phrases like 'high intensity support', 'specialist materials' and 'racer backs'. </p><p>Listener Teresa has seen sports bras ranging in price from just a few pounds to three figures and wants to know if paying more means you get greater support.</p><p>Greg speaks to Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, 'The Bra Professor', to take a deep dive into the science and find out more. Can one sports bra suit all sports, like running and yoga? Does the support reduce over time? And when should you wash or replace your sports bra?</p><p>If you’ve seen an ad, trend or fad relating to another consumer product and wonder if there’s any evidence to back up a claim, then email us: <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or you can send a voice note to our WhatsApp number: 07543 306807</p><p>Presenter: Greg Foot Producer: Emma Salkeld</p>
Vacuum cleaners
Nov 23, 202336 min<p>Trying to buy a new vacuum cleaner can be a pretty confusing experience. Do you go bagged or bagless? Corded or cordless? Is it worth paying extra for something with anti hair wrap tech? Or forking out for a robot to do it all for you? That's what listener Sally is tempted by - she wants to know if a robot will clean as well as a regular handheld version. Listener Rachel wants advice on which features are worth the extra cash. To help them navigate this complicated market, Greg consults Grace Forell, a consumer expert from Which? and host of its Get Answers podcast - and finds out all about dust with professor Hasan Arshad, who leads allergy research at the University of Southampton.</p><p>If you’ve seen an ad, trend or fad relating to another consumer product and wonder if there’s any evidence to back up a claim, then email us: <a href="mailto:sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk">sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk</a> or you can send a voice note to our WhatsApp number: 07543 306807</p><p>PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCER: Tom Moseley</p>
