For years, Crocs were ridiculed as America’s ugliest shoes. The’ve been called “pock-faced,” “plastic hoofs,” and the “garden gnome of fashion.” But now, they're actual fashion, thanks to some help from top name designers and celebrities. Crocs are in. How did that happen? PLUS: Are Crocs edible?
The Boring Talks - #34 – Sounds of Grassroots Football
The squelch of the white line marking machine, the crack of the ball against the crossbar, the shrill cry of the full time whistle. Sound researcher Paul Whitty captures the sounds of grassroots football.
Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Paul Whitty Producer: Luke Doran
50 Things That Made the Modern Economy - Index Fund
Warren Buffett is the world’s most successful investor. In a letter he wrote to his wife, advising her how to invest after he dies, he offers some clear advice: put almost everything into “a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund”. Index funds passively track the market as a whole by buying a little of everything, rather than trying to beat the market with clever stock picks – the kind of clever stock picks that Warren Buffett himself has been making for more than half a century. Index funds now seem completely natural. But as recently as 1976 they didn’t exist. And, as Tim Harford explains, they have become very important indeed – and not only to Mrs Buffett.
Editors: Richard Knight and Richard Vadon
Producer: Ben Crighton
(Image: Market graphs, Credit: Shutterstock)
Brought to you by... - 20: Does Panera Care?
What happens when a restaurant chain tries a bold experiment that tests human nature? If you ask customers to pay what they want for a sandwich, will they help others in need? PLUS: Customer Service tackles "genericide.” It happened to the Elevator.
The Nod - Brittany’s Choice: Sister, Sister
Producer Simone Polanen thought she knew her little sister well, until she discovered a major part of her sister’s identity that she knew nothing about. When Simone confronts her sister, the conversation gets heated.
This month, we're sharing some of Brittany and Eric's most memorable episodes of The Nod so far. This week is Brittany's pick: "Sister, Sister".
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Boring Talks - #33 – Change
Are you sick of getting too many coins in your change at the supermarket? Can British coins be better? Fear not people, Adam Townsend has the fix.
Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Adam Townsend Producer: Luke Doran
The Nod - Eric’s Choice: On That Lo Life $hit
Eric's always had an affinity for Polo Ralph Lauren. But he discovers a group of boosters in Brooklyn that took their love for Polo to another level.
This month, we're sharing some of Brittany and Eric's most memorable episodes of The Nod so far. This week is Eric's pick: "On That Lo Life $hit".
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Boring Talks - #32 – Roads That Don’t Exist
A Brixton block of flats, an oddly-angled building in Piccadilly and a park that 'smells like bins'. Road enthusiast Chris Marshall explores how London has been quietly shaped by roads that don't actually exist.
Presenter: James Ward Contributor: Chris Marshall Producer: Clara Nissen
The Nod - 2019 Glow Up
Every New Year, Brittany makes a list of intentions for how to live her life in the coming year. Last year, Eric was skeptical of the process. This year, he is a willing participant. In this week's BONUS, Brittany and Eric discuss their intentions for 2019.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Boring Talks - #31 – Happy New Year
James Ward says 'Happy New Year', and that's about it really.