The Boring Talks - #41 – Pencils

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

Brian Mackenwells is passionate about pencils. In this Boring Talk he shares his passion for good pencils. He talks us through their history, and explains why having a good pencil gives you a pleasurable 'small pivot point that can change your whole mind set'. He also talks us through his favourite pencils, and shares the very personal reason that he can't part with one particular pencil in his collection.

Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Brian Mackenwells Producer: Luke Doran

The Nod - See You Soon!

On this final episode of The Nod podcast, Brittany and Eric take some AMA questions from listeners and each other. As they prepare to embark on their newest journey (a daily video show on Quibi), the friends reflect on what it has been like to work together over the last few years, and make some recommendations for podcasts to listen to once you've exhausted the entire archive of The Nod.

And this isn't goodbye! Sign up for updates on the new daily Quibi show The Nod with Brittany & Eric at thenod.show

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

50 Things That Made the Modern Economy - Tulips

In the 1630s, the Netherlands experienced 'tulip mania' - a surge in demand for tulips from wealthy buyers, with some individual bulbs costing twenty times more than a carpenter's annual salary. Then, in February 1637, the price suddenly crashed. It's often cited as the first great financial bubble, but is that really the case? Tim Harford tries to sort fact from fiction.

Byzantium And The Crusades - Introduction: Byzantium And The Crusades Episode 3

The consequences of the First Crusade for both Byzantium and the wider Medieval world are discussed, including the sacking of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade in 1204.

Please take a look at my website nickholmesauthor.com where you can download a free copy of The Byzantine World War, my book that describes the origins of the First Crusade.