Podcast appearances and mentions of greg foot

Can supplements claiming to make menopause symptoms more bearable, really help? Going through menopause can result in a myriad of symptoms, leaving women stressed, exhausted, and desperate for anything that might make it easier to deal with. In recent years, a huge range of products have become available in supermarkets, pharmacies and online, all promising to help alleviate some of these symptoms ? for a price. So listener Susie, who said she felt she was experiencing some of these symptoms, got in touch with Sliced Bread, to ask if it might be money well spent? Greg Foot drills down into the top ingredients of these supplements and their claims, alongside GP Dr Helen Wall who runs a Menopause Clinic in Greater Manchester. They look at what the science says, and ask if these supplements really can support women through the menopause?RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM PRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH, PHIL SANSOM & GREG FOOT

Can supplements claiming to make menopause symptoms more bearable, really help? Going through menopause can result in a myriad of symptoms, leaving women stressed, exhausted, and desperate for anything that might make it easier to deal with. In recent years, a huge range of products have become available in supermarkets, pharmacies and online, all promising to help alleviate some of these symptoms ? for a price. So listener Susie, who said she felt she was experiencing some of these symptoms, got in touch with Sliced Bread, to ask if it might be money well spent? Greg Foot drills down into the top ingredients of these supplements and their claims, alongside GP Dr Helen Wall who runs a Menopause Clinic in Greater Manchester. They look at what the science says, and ask if these supplements really can support women through the menopause?RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM PRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH, PHIL SANSOM & GREG FOOT

When staring at shelves full of sticks, tubs and tubes all promising us the perfect pout, how do you know which Lip Balms will really help keep chapped lips at bay?Listener Kiran is a regular lip balm applier - saying she often suffers with dry or cracked lips, and recently splashed out on an expensive lip balm after seeing celebrity endorsed adverts for it online. But she isn?t sure it?s any better than her trusty tub of Vaseline.To find out, Greg Foot speaks to Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon Dr Emma Craythorne about lips, lip lickers, mouth breathers and the causes of cracking - as well as lecturer in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry at the University of Sunderland, Dr Teresa Borrello about what is IN these lip balms to plump, smooth, or repair.All 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.PRODUCERS: KATE HOLDSWORTH AND GREG FOOT RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM

When staring at shelves full of sticks, tubs and tubes all promising us the perfect pout, how do you know which Lip Balms will really help keep chapped lips at bay?Listener Kiran is a regular lip balm applier - saying she often suffers with dry or cracked lips, and recently splashed out on an expensive lip balm after seeing celebrity endorsed adverts for it online. But she isn?t sure it?s any better than her trusty tub of Vaseline.To find out, Greg Foot speaks to Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon Dr Emma Craythorne about lips, lip lickers, mouth breathers and the causes of cracking - as well as lecturer in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry at the University of Sunderland, Dr Teresa Borrello about what is IN these lip balms to plump, smooth, or repair.All 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.PRODUCERS: KATE HOLDSWORTH AND GREG FOOT RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM

What is keeping the traditional watch industry ticking over?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted.Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability.In this episode on traditional watches, they hear from expert guests including:-Mike France - a co-founder of the British watchmaking company, Christoper Ward -Fflur Roberts - Head of Luxury Goods at the data analytics company, Euromonitor International -Laura McCreddie-Doak - a freelance watch journalist who has written for publications including Wired, GQ & The TimesThey trade opinions on traditional watches 'game-changing' innovations and their most pointless, or least effective, ones too, before Tom draws on his expertise as a futurist to imagine what the wristwatch might be like in the decades to come.Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

What is keeping the traditional watch industry ticking over?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted.Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability.In this episode on traditional watches, they hear from expert guests including:-Mike France - a co-founder of the British watchmaking company, Christoper Ward -Fflur Roberts - Head of Luxury Goods at the data analytics company, Euromonitor International -Laura McCreddie-Doak - a freelance watch journalist who has written for publications including Wired, GQ & The TimesThey trade opinions on traditional watches 'game-changing' innovations and their most pointless, or least effective, ones too, before Tom draws on his expertise as a futurist to imagine what the wristwatch might be like in the decades to come.Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Could the next generation of lawn mowers create any image you like on your lawn?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted.Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability.In this episode on lawn mowers, they hear from expert guests including: -Yvette Henshall-Bell - President of the European Business Unit at the lawn mower manufacturer, Husqvarna -Craig Hoare - Sales and Marketing Manager for the lawn mower manufacturers Hayter and its parent company Toro -Nick Darking - General Manager of the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery AssociationThey trade opinions on the lawn mower's 'game-changing' innovations and its most pointless, or least effective, ones too, before Tom draws on his expertise as a futurist to imagine what cutting the grass might be like in the decades to come.Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Could the next generation of lawn mowers create any image you like on your lawn?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted.Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability.In this episode on lawn mowers, they hear from expert guests including: -Yvette Henshall-Bell - President of the European Business Unit at the lawn mower manufacturer, Husqvarna -Craig Hoare - Sales and Marketing Manager for the lawn mower manufacturers Hayter and its parent company Toro -Nick Darking - General Manager of the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery AssociationThey trade opinions on the lawn mower's 'game-changing' innovations and its most pointless, or least effective, ones too, before Tom draws on his expertise as a futurist to imagine what cutting the grass might be like in the decades to come.Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

How can the bicycle industry recover from sales that plummeted after the pandemic?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted.Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability.In this episode on bicycles Sam and Tom hear from expert guests including:- Nikki Hawyes - the chief executive officer of Whyte Bikes - Andy Smallwood - the chief executive officer at Pashley Cycles - Simon Irons - the Data and Insights Director at the Bicycle AssociationThey explain how the boom in sales during the Covid-19 pandemic bottomed out, creating huge turmoil from which the industry is still trying to recover.They trade opinions on the bicycle's 'game-changing' innovations and come up with some classic suggestions for 'pointless' innovations too, before Tom draws on his expertise as a futurist to imagine what bicycles could be like in the decades to come.Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

How can the bicycle industry recover from sales that plummeted after the pandemic?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted.Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability.In this episode on bicycles Sam and Tom hear from expert guests including:- Nikki Hawyes - the chief executive officer of Whyte Bikes - Andy Smallwood - the chief executive officer at Pashley Cycles - Simon Irons - the Data and Insights Director at the Bicycle AssociationThey explain how the boom in sales during the Covid-19 pandemic bottomed out, creating huge turmoil from which the industry is still trying to recover.They trade opinions on the bicycle's 'game-changing' innovations and come up with some classic suggestions for 'pointless' innovations too, before Tom draws on his expertise as a futurist to imagine what bicycles could be like in the decades to come.Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Could washing machines soon be cleaning our clothes without using any water?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted.Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability.In this episode on washing machines, they hear from expert guests including:- Teresa Arbuckle - Regional Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at the washing machine manufacturer, Beko Europe - John Elliott MBE - the founder and chairman of Ebac which make washing machines in County Durham - Paul Hide - chief executive of the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic AppliancesThey trade opinions on the washing machine's 'game-changing' innovations and its most pointless, or least effective, ones too, before Tom draws on his expertise as a futurist to imagine what doing the laundry might be like in the decades to come.Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Could washing machines soon be cleaning our clothes without using any water?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted.Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability.In this episode on washing machines, they hear from expert guests including:- Teresa Arbuckle - Regional Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at the washing machine manufacturer, Beko Europe - John Elliott MBE - the founder and chairman of Ebac which make washing machines in County Durham - Paul Hide - chief executive of the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic AppliancesThey trade opinions on the washing machine's 'game-changing' innovations and its most pointless, or least effective, ones too, before Tom draws on his expertise as a futurist to imagine what doing the laundry might be like in the decades to come.Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Game consoles have come a long way since the 1970s but could their days now be numbered?The entrepreneur, Sam White, returns with a new series of Dough - the BBC Radio 4 show which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next. In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted. Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability. In this episode on video game consoles, the pair hear from expert guests including:Seamus Blackley - the original creator of Microsoft's XboxKeza MacDonald - video games editor at the GuardianJames McWhirter - a senior analyst specialising in video games for the research firm, Omdia. They trade opinions on the game console's 'game-changing' innovations and its most pointless, or least effective, ones too, before Tom steps in, drawing on his expertise as a futurist, to imagine where consoles might end up in the decades to come. Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Game consoles have come a long way since the 1970s but could their days now be numbered?The entrepreneur, Sam White, returns with a new series of Dough - the BBC Radio 4 show which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next. In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation for the everyday things that we often take for granted. Together they look back on a product's earliest (sometimes ridiculous!) iterations, discuss how a product has evolved and the trends which have driven its profitability. In this episode on video game consoles, the pair hear from expert guests including:Seamus Blackley - the original creator of Microsoft's XboxKeza MacDonald - video games editor at the GuardianJames McWhirter - a senior analyst specialising in video games for the research firm, Omdia. They trade opinions on the game console's 'game-changing' innovations and its most pointless, or least effective, ones too, before Tom steps in, drawing on his expertise as a futurist, to imagine where consoles might end up in the decades to come. Dough is produced by Jon Douglas and is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in the spring when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Edinburgh gardener Alan got in touch with Sliced Bread, to ask if he really needs to be spending money on buying and applying plant food or fish, blood and bone meal to his roses and woody perennials? He was keen to know what is in these commercial plant foods that come as a solid, liquid or granule, how often he is supposed to use them, whether they make as much of a difference as they claim, and if he can save money by making his own “mulch” out of fallen leaves? Greg Foot investigates with the help of Gardener's Question Time's expert and botanist, Pippa Greenwood – as well as Head of Fertilisers from the Agricultural Industries Confederation Jo Gilbertson. They “dig in” to the claims on the packets, and try to determine if pricey plant foods are the best thing since Sliced Bread?We are looking for more of YOUR suggestions of products to investigate. 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.PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

Edinburgh gardener Alan got in touch with Sliced Bread, to ask if he really needs to be spending money on buying and applying plant food or fish, blood and bone meal to his roses and woody perennials? He was keen to know what is in these commercial plant foods that come as a solid, liquid or granule, how often he is supposed to use them, whether they make as much of a difference as they claim, and if he can save money by making his own “mulch” out of fallen leaves? Greg Foot investigates with the help of Gardener's Question Time's expert and botanist, Pippa Greenwood – as well as Head of Fertilisers from the Agricultural Industries Confederation Jo Gilbertson. They “dig in” to the claims on the packets, and try to determine if pricey plant foods are the best thing since Sliced Bread?We are looking for more of YOUR suggestions of products to investigate. 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.PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

Listener Helen from Manchester got in touch to ask about Protein Powders, as she considered replenishing her supply that she's been taking after long distance runs. She wanted to know if Whey or Plant-based protein really can help her build and repair muscle, whether there's a set amount she should be having, if one type is better than the other, or if she could just get the protein she needs from her food – and save on buying another bag?Greg Foot brings back Professor of Human Physiology, Sport and Exercise Sciences at Liverpool, John Moores University, Graeme Close to answer Helen's questions, tell us what our body needs and uses protein for, and whether it really can deliver ‘Gainz' (with a Z.)As always, all of our investigations 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.PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH & PHIL SANSOM

Listener Helen from Manchester got in touch to ask about Protein Powders, as she considered replenishing her supply that she's been taking after long distance runs. She wanted to know if Whey or Plant-based protein really can help her build and repair muscle, whether there's a set amount she should be having, if one type is better than the other, or if she could just get the protein she needs from her food – and save on buying another bag?Greg Foot brings back Professor of Human Physiology, Sport and Exercise Sciences at Liverpool, John Moores University, Graeme Close to answer Helen's questions, tell us what our body needs and uses protein for, and whether it really can deliver ‘Gainz' (with a Z.)As always, all of our investigations 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.PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH & PHIL SANSOM

Listener Steve got in touch with us after trying out a set of Smart Scales himself. He wanted to keep an eye on his protein levels – which his scales claimed to do – for health reasons, and because he'd heard that we need more protein as we get older. His scales also promised to show him his body fat, muscle mass, and bone mass via a corresponding app on his phone. However, some of those readings didn't seem quite right – making him question how accurate his scales are, and if they can REALLY tell you so much about yourself? Greg Foot asks two experts - a GP and a professor of applied mathematics – to weigh in on the topic, and find out whether these scales can measure up. As always, all of our investigations 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. PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

Listener Steve got in touch with us after trying out a set of Smart Scales himself. He wanted to keep an eye on his protein levels – which his scales claimed to do – for health reasons, and because he'd heard that we need more protein as we get older. His scales also promised to show him his body fat, muscle mass, and bone mass via a corresponding app on his phone. However, some of those readings didn't seem quite right – making him question how accurate his scales are, and if they can REALLY tell you so much about yourself? Greg Foot asks two experts - a GP and a professor of applied mathematics – to weigh in on the topic, and find out whether these scales can measure up. As always, all of our investigations 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. PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

The team has gone through over 100 episodes of Sliced Bread, and carved out five popular products that may well be heading down a chimney to you this Christmas. Greg Foot will share with you the key points from experts we've spoken to on Air Fryers, Mascara, Perfume, Running Shoes, and DNA Ancestry Tests - as well as their conclusions in one handy festive slice! We've also updated some of the topics too. (The information in this episode was correct at the time of recording.)And as always, all of our investigations 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.PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

The team has gone through over 100 episodes of Sliced Bread, and carved out five popular products that may well be heading down a chimney to you this Christmas. Greg Foot will share with you the key points from experts we've spoken to on Air Fryers, Mascara, Perfume, Running Shoes, and DNA Ancestry Tests - as well as their conclusions in one handy festive slice! We've also updated some of the topics too. (The information in this episode was correct at the time of recording.)And as always, all of our investigations 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.PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

The mobile phone retailer, Phones 4u, was hugely profitable, so why did it have to close all of its 700+ shops? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington and the entrepreneur, Sam White discover how Phones 4u ended up toast with help from expert guests including:John Caudwell - Phones 4u founder Nikki Barrow & Chris Papageorgiou - former Phones 4u staff membersIan White - editor of Mobile News magazineProduced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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

The mobile phone retailer, Phones 4u, was hugely profitable, so why did it have to close all of its 700+ shops? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington and the entrepreneur, Sam White discover how Phones 4u ended up toast with help from expert guests including:John Caudwell - Phones 4u founder Nikki Barrow & Chris Papageorgiou - former Phones 4u staff membersIan White - editor of Mobile News magazineProduced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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

Dan-Air was one of Britain's biggest airlines and took millions of people on their first package holidays. So, why did such a successful business end up 'toast'? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, and the entrepreneur, Sam White look into it. They are joined by:-Graham Simons - Dan-Air historian and author of the book 'The Spirit of Dan-Air'-Jackie Stacey & James Hoffmeister - former Dan-Air cabin crewProduced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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

Dan-Air was one of Britain's biggest airlines and took millions of people on their first package holidays. So, why did such a successful business end up 'toast'? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, and the entrepreneur, Sam White look into it. They are joined by:-Graham Simons - Dan-Air historian and author of the book 'The Spirit of Dan-Air'-Jackie Stacey & James Hoffmeister - former Dan-Air cabin crewProduced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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

Our Price Records was one of Britain's biggest music retailers offering cut-price albums at over 300 local high street stores. So, why did the chain disappear even before the internet transformed the music industry?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, and the entrepreneur, Sam White, examine the retailer's fortunes. How did it manage to become so successful? And why did it end up 'toast'?The pair are joined by expert guests including: -Neil Boote - former commercial director at Virgin Our Price -Phil Cokell - former marketing director at Chrysalis Records -Alison Warner who worked at Our Price Records in the 1980sProduced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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

Our Price Records was one of Britain's biggest music retailers offering cut-price albums at over 300 local high street stores. So, why did the chain disappear even before the internet transformed the music industry?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, and the entrepreneur, Sam White, examine the retailer's fortunes. How did it manage to become so successful? And why did it end up 'toast'?The pair are joined by expert guests including: -Neil Boote - former commercial director at Virgin Our Price -Phil Cokell - former marketing director at Chrysalis Records -Alison Warner who worked at Our Price Records in the 1980sProduced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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

Kodak made photography mainstream so why did it falter in a digital age? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, discovers how Kodak rose to become a massive global enterprise best known for its cameras and film. Alongside him is the serial entrepreneur, Sam White, ready to offer her opinions on the business's fortunes.Kodak is still trading profitably but is now a much smaller business than it once was. Sean and Sam hear from expert guests including: Kamal Munir - Professor of Strategy & Policy at Cambridge Judge Business School which is part of the University of CambridgeDon Strickland - Kodak's former Vice President of Digital ImagingPaul O'Sullivan - who runs a film processing business in LondonAndrew Long - who worked in Kodak's consumer products division in the UK.Produced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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.

Kodak made photography mainstream so why did it falter in a digital age? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, discovers how Kodak rose to become a massive global enterprise best known for its cameras and film. Alongside him is the serial entrepreneur, Sam White, ready to offer her opinions on the business's fortunes.Kodak is still trading profitably but is now a much smaller business than it once was. Sean and Sam hear from expert guests including: Kamal Munir - Professor of Strategy & Policy at Cambridge Judge Business School which is part of the University of CambridgeDon Strickland - Kodak's former Vice President of Digital ImagingPaul O'Sullivan - who runs a film processing business in LondonAndrew Long - who worked in Kodak's consumer products division in the UK.Produced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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.

Why did we lose Reader's Digest magazine when it is still going in America?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, discovers what happened to the brand which started over a hundred years ago and became the most widely read magazine in the world. Alongside him is the serial entrepreneur, Sam White, ready to offer her opinions on the business's fortunes. How did a magazine which pinched articles from other publications become so successful? And why did it end up toast in the UK? Sean speaks to: - Sir Alexander McCall Smith, the best-selling author of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency who also wrote for The Reader's Digest - Richard Junger, Professor of Communication at Western Michigan State University - Tom Browne, a former editor of Reader's Digest UK - Gary Hopkins, a former owner of the business's UK division - Jason Buhrmester, Chief Content Officer for Magazines & Books at Trusted Media Brands which owns the Reader's Digest brand, still publishes it in America and licenses it for publicaiton in other parts of the world. Produced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes. Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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.

Why did we lose Reader's Digest magazine when it is still going in America?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, discovers what happened to the brand which started over a hundred years ago and became the most widely read magazine in the world. Alongside him is the serial entrepreneur, Sam White, ready to offer her opinions on the business's fortunes. How did a magazine which pinched articles from other publications become so successful? And why did it end up toast in the UK? Sean speaks to: - Sir Alexander McCall Smith, the best-selling author of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency who also wrote for The Reader's Digest - Richard Junger, Professor of Communication at Western Michigan State University - Tom Browne, a former editor of Reader's Digest UK - Gary Hopkins, a former owner of the business's UK division - Jason Buhrmester, Chief Content Officer for Magazines & Books at Trusted Media Brands which owns the Reader's Digest brand, still publishes it in America and licenses it for publicaiton in other parts of the world. Produced by Jon Douglas. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes. Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in December, where Greg Foot investigates 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.

Listener Liz has recently switched to a coffee pod machine, that promises to deliver her a quick, convenient and delicious cup of coffee when she wants at the touch of a button. But she started to wonder about how the pods can be recycled, and whether her decision to swap to them had a greater impact on the environment?Greg Foot ‘filters' through the research on coffee's carbon footprint alongside two experts, to find out where pods fall. He tastes the difference between a few different brewing methods, finds out how easy it is to recycle our pods, and what effect recycling them (or not) can have on their environmental impact. (The information in this episode was accurate at the time of recording.)All our investigations 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. PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

Listener Liz has recently switched to a coffee pod machine, that promises to deliver her a quick, convenient and delicious cup of coffee when she wants at the touch of a button. But she started to wonder about how the pods can be recycled, and whether her decision to swap to them had a greater impact on the environment?Greg Foot ‘filters' through the research on coffee's carbon footprint alongside two experts, to find out where pods fall. He tastes the difference between a few different brewing methods, finds out how easy it is to recycle our pods, and what effect recycling them (or not) can have on their environmental impact. (The information in this episode was accurate at the time of recording.)All our investigations 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. PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

Does a session in a float tank work wonders for your mental health and exercise recovery?Listener Maddy has heard a lot about float tanks and joins Greg Foot to find out if it really is the latest product worth spending money on.She's a keen runner and wants to know if claims that it can help with exercise recovery stack up. And what about the effects on the brain? When Maddy's partner recently paid for a session in a float tank he reported a sense of both relaxation and euphoria, which helped him through a period of poor mental health. But is any of that backed up the science? Greg speak to two experts in the field to run the studies through the evidence mill. All of the ideas for out 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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voice note on WhatsApp to 07543 306807.PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: SIMON HOBAN

Does a session in a float tank work wonders for your mental health and exercise recovery?Listener Maddy has heard a lot about float tanks and joins Greg Foot to find out if it really is the latest product worth spending money on.She's a keen runner and wants to know if claims that it can help with exercise recovery stack up. And what about the effects on the brain? When Maddy's partner recently paid for a session in a float tank he reported a sense of both relaxation and euphoria, which helped him through a period of poor mental health. But is any of that backed up the science? Greg speak to two experts in the field to run the studies through the evidence mill. All of the ideas for out 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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voice note on WhatsApp to 07543 306807.PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: SIMON HOBAN

Could fridges make way for kitchen cabinets that don't just keep food fresh but actually grow it?Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products, assessing where the smart money is going now and what that could mean for all of us in the years ahead.In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of refrigeration including:Federica Torelli – Head of Product Management with Smeg which makes fridge freezers.Emir Lasic - Principal Analyst with the industry analysts, Omdia.Jason Hirst - CEO and founder of EvoGro which makes plant growing cabinets.Also joining them is the technology expert and applied futurist, Tom Cheesewright, who offers his insight and predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline.Together, they explore fridge freezer trends and inventions chatting about their own choices for game changing, and pointless, innovations.We hear how energy efficiency labels are not always as accurate as you might think and assess the chances of indoor incubators providing a new home for vegetables and leafy greens away from the fridge. Produced by Viant Siddique & Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Could fridges make way for kitchen cabinets that don't just keep food fresh but actually grow it?Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products, assessing where the smart money is going now and what that could mean for all of us in the years ahead.In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of refrigeration including:Federica Torelli – Head of Product Management with Smeg which makes fridge freezers.Emir Lasic - Principal Analyst with the industry analysts, Omdia.Jason Hirst - CEO and founder of EvoGro which makes plant growing cabinets.Also joining them is the technology expert and applied futurist, Tom Cheesewright, who offers his insight and predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline.Together, they explore fridge freezer trends and inventions chatting about their own choices for game changing, and pointless, innovations.We hear how energy efficiency labels are not always as accurate as you might think and assess the chances of indoor incubators providing a new home for vegetables and leafy greens away from the fridge. Produced by Viant Siddique & Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Will anyone iron clothes in the future?Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products, assessing where the smart money is going now and what that could mean for all of us in the years ahead.In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of garment care including:Leonor Carneiro - the category leader for garment care at Versuni which owns the Philips brand and is famous for making products including steam irons. Veronika Kandusova - a consultant with the market researchers, Euromonitor International.Frej Lewenhaupt - the CEO and co-founder of Steamery, a company which makes garment steamers.Also joining them is the technology expert and applied futurist, Tom Cheesewright, who offers his insight and predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline.Together, they explore the products that are replacing traditional irons, explain why fewer people in the UK tend to iron today and chat about their own choices for game changing and least effective ironing innovations. We hear why clothes iron manufacturers are yet to crack battery power and get a tantalising glimpse of how even more of us might avoid ironing in the future. Produced by Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Will anyone iron clothes in the future?Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products, assessing where the smart money is going now and what that could mean for all of us in the years ahead.In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of garment care including:Leonor Carneiro - the category leader for garment care at Versuni which owns the Philips brand and is famous for making products including steam irons. Veronika Kandusova - a consultant with the market researchers, Euromonitor International.Frej Lewenhaupt - the CEO and co-founder of Steamery, a company which makes garment steamers.Also joining them is the technology expert and applied futurist, Tom Cheesewright, who offers his insight and predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline.Together, they explore the products that are replacing traditional irons, explain why fewer people in the UK tend to iron today and chat about their own choices for game changing and least effective ironing innovations. We hear why clothes iron manufacturers are yet to crack battery power and get a tantalising glimpse of how even more of us might avoid ironing in the future. Produced by Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

How do modern hairdryers protect against damage from excessive heat?Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products and considers how they might evolve in the future.In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of hairdryer manufacturing, namely Robyn Coutts, a senior design manager at Dyson and Andrew McDougall, director of beauty and personal care research at the analysts, Mintel. Also joining them is the technology expert and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright, who offers his insight and predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline.Together, they explore how hairdryers went from gas-powered chimneys to handheld devices, examine some of the latest trends and technology before giving their expert opinions on game-changing - and pointless - hair drying innovations.Dough looks at where the smart money's going now and what that could mean for all of us in the years ahead.Produced by Viant Siddique and Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sound

How do modern hairdryers protect against damage from excessive heat?Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products and considers how they might evolve in the future.In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of hairdryer manufacturing, namely Robyn Coutts, a senior design manager at Dyson and Andrew McDougall, director of beauty and personal care research at the analysts, Mintel. Also joining them is the technology expert and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright, who offers his insight and predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline.Together, they explore how hairdryers went from gas-powered chimneys to handheld devices, examine some of the latest trends and technology before giving their expert opinions on game-changing - and pointless - hair drying innovations.Dough looks at where the smart money's going now and what that could mean for all of us in the years ahead.Produced by Viant Siddique and Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sound

Why do we buy so many vacuum cleaners? Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products and considers how they might evolve in the future.In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of vacuum cleaner manufacturing, including:Grahame Capron-Tee - who has seen many significant changes during his long career in the industry;Nick Grey - the inventor and founder of Gtech;Anthony Williams - a global director at the data insights company, GFK. Also joining them is the technology expert and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright, to offer his insight and predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline.Together, they explore how vacuum cleaners went from exterior, horse-drawn contraptions to interior, automatic robots scuttling around on the floor, explain why UK households buy so many vacuum cleaners and give their expert views on game-changing - and pointless - product innovations. There's a debate about bagged versus bagless vacuum cleaners and a discussion on when robotic vacuum cleaners might be able to clean more than just the floors. Dough looks at where the smart money's going now and what that could mean for all of us in the years ahead.Produced by Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Why do we buy so many vacuum cleaners? Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products and considers how they might evolve in the future.In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of vacuum cleaner manufacturing, including:Grahame Capron-Tee - who has seen many significant changes during his long career in the industry;Nick Grey - the inventor and founder of Gtech;Anthony Williams - a global director at the data insights company, GFK. Also joining them is the technology expert and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright, to offer his insight and predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline.Together, they explore how vacuum cleaners went from exterior, horse-drawn contraptions to interior, automatic robots scuttling around on the floor, explain why UK households buy so many vacuum cleaners and give their expert views on game-changing - and pointless - product innovations. There's a debate about bagged versus bagless vacuum cleaners and a discussion on when robotic vacuum cleaners might be able to clean more than just the floors. Dough looks at where the smart money's going now and what that could mean for all of us in the years ahead.Produced by Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

What might our TV sets be like in the future?Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products and considers how they might evolve in the years to come. In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of television manufacturing, including Brian Palmer, who has seen many interesting and amusing changes during his long career in the industry. Brian is now the founder and chief executive officer of Cello Electronics (UK) Ltd which makes televisions at its factory in County Durham. He gives a candid account of some of the ups and downs he has faced, while explaining how his business has always managed to make a profit, despite competition from global rivals. Paul Gray is a Research Director for Consumer Electronics and Devices at the analysts, Omdia. With a background in TV manufacturing, he has considerable knowledge on how the business has changed.Brian and Paul offer their views on game-changing - and pointless - TV innovations before considering where companies are investing their money now. Tom Cheesewright, a technology expert and applied futurist, then offers his predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline. TVs have come a long way in a relatively short space of time and where they are going next might surprise you!Produced by Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when 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, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds

Listener Chris from Suffolk recently took a DNA ancestry test, and after getting some interesting results back, he wondered how accurate they really were?Greg Foot finds out by taking two tests himself – and has the results and his family tree revealed to him by DNA Genealogist from Finding Families, Louise Baldock.He also speaks to Professor of Genetics at Leicester University Mark Jobling to find out what these companies are looking for, what they can or can't determine from our DNA in terms of where we came from, and asks the question – is sharing our DNA with these companies safe?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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voice note on WhatsApp to 07543 306807.PRESENTER: Greg FootPRODUCER: Kate Holdsworth

Are the latest ear plugs better for gigs, focus and sleep?In this special edition of Sliced Bread, recorded at the Hay Festival in South Wales, Greg Foot investigates the newer style of ear plugs. He's joined by listener Marni who's seen adverts for brands like Loop, which promise to protect your hearing at higher volumes while still allowing you to enjoy music at gigs. Other models in their range claim to give you better focus, shutting out extraneous noise but still allowing you to hear conversation. Or, in the case of their 'Quiet' model, sleep better.As ever Greg's joined by two experts to deep-dive into the science and find out if the evidence backs up the marketing claims. And with the help of a special dummy head fitted with microphones, they carry out a series of tests to hear the difference between traditional foam ear plugs and the newer models. 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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCERS: Kate Holdsworth and Simon Hoban

Can fortified drinks and spreads really reduce cholesterol?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. 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?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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCER: Simon Hoban

What's the best - and most humane - way to get rid of pests?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?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).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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: SIMON HOBAN

Is it worth paying more for premium car tyres?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?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.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). 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 sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: SIMON HOBAN