Sliced Bread

Could ticketless travel and satellite connectivity be coming to our rail network?
Greg Foot examines the rise of future wonder products.
He's joined by experts, entrepreneurs and industry innovators to discuss the trends we're seeing today and where they may lead us tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be like within five, ten and fifty years.
In this episode Greg hears how renationalisation, digital signalling, satellite connections, ticketless technology and battery power might transform our trains in the future.
With him is the futurist Tom Cheesewright and guests including:
- Dickon Ross, Editor of Rail Magazine
- Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General at the Rail Freight Group
- Mike Butler, Director of Rail & Innovation at Clarus Networks
Produced by Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

What will mobile phones be like in future? Greg Foot investigates
Greg Foot, host of the BBC Radio 4 show 'Sliced Bread', brings you 'Dough'.
Each episode explores future wonder products that might rise to success and redefine our lives.
Experts and entrepreneurs discuss the trends shaping what today's everyday technology may look like tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be like within five, ten and fifty years.
This time we’re looking at the future of mobile phones - asking whether our handsets will shrink, stretch, roll, fold… or even disappear as new technology takes over? And will super-smart devices with AI assistants that second-guess our every move become the new normal?
Alongside Greg is the futurist, Tracey Follows, and expert guests: leading strategist in the tech industry, Chetan Sharma, innovator and creator from one of the world’s newest Mobile Phone manufacturers, “Nothing Mobile", their AI and design lead, Sélim Benayat and co-founder and CEO of Honest Mobile, Andy Aitken.
This episode was produced by Linda Walker
Dough is a BBC Audio North Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Sleep deprived parents everywhere are tempted to reach for anything that might help them get a little more sleep overnight – but can products promising to encourage babies to snooze for longer – really do that? And is there any science to back it up?
That is exactly what tired Dad-of-three Dave wanted to know – and whether there were any future implications from using these gadgets, docks, blinds and sleep bags?
New Dad Greg Foot speaks to Director of the Durham Infancy and Sleep Centre Professor Helen Ball, to find out.
You can also read the official Safer Sleep guidance, by copy and pasting the links below into your browser:
NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/baby-basics/newborn-and-baby-sleeping-advice-for-parents/safe-sleep-advice-for-babies/
Lullaby Trust - https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/baby-safety/safer-sleep-information/safer-sleep-overview/
RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM
PRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH & GREG FOOT

Which knife is best for the kitchen and how do you keep it sharp?
After buying various knives over the years that ended up blunt, listener Susan is looking for one that will last. She's seen an array of different types and materials: Damascus steel, Japanese Gyuto knives, as well as alloys and additions that promise a sharper edge. They vary hugely in price - anything from £50 to £1,000. And if you do invest, how do you keep a knife sharp?
To cut through the marketing BS, presenter Greg Foot is joined in the studio by Mark Miodownik, Professor of Materials & Society at University College London, and Rob Haslam aka Mr Knife Guy.
All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.
RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM
PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT

Do you really need a VPN?
Listener Andrew has seen and heard lots of adverts for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and wants to know if they'll beef up the security on his computer. Will they provide extra protection from malware or hackers?
To get the answers, presenter Greg Foot is joined in the studio by Professor Victoria Baines, fellow of the Chartered Institute for IT.
All our investigations start with YOUR suggestions. If you have seen a wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, please do email us at [email protected] or send a voicenote to our Whatsapp number - 07543 306807.
RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM
PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT