The Boring Talks

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

In 2011, comedian Rosie Wilby was dumped by email. (Though she did feel better about it after correcting her ex’s spelling and punctuation). Obsessing ever since about whether technology has enabled abrupt endings to relationships, she discovered an entire new language. But what are ghosting, breadcrumbing, submarining, pocketing, benching and curving?

Rosie Wilby is a comedian and presents The Breakup Monologues podcast.

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Rosie Wilby Producer: Luke Doran

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

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

'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

Science has historically studied penises more often than vaginas, but why? Florence Schechter and Emma Parkin attempt to redress the balance by examining some curious genitalia from the female of the species, including those of the two-legged, four-legged, and even eight-legged variety.

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Florence Schechter Contributor: Emma Parkin Producer: Luke Doran