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While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers.
In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist Sean Farrington examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did people back it? Why did they get burnt?
Some of the world’s most successful businesses have also brought us some of the world’s most remarkable failures. So, what led them to be toast? And what can we learn from their stories today?
Sean unpicks all the early optimism, hype and ambition. He learns about the tremendous success of a brand before hearing how it faltered, with help from expert commentators and people who were directly involved. How do they view things now and what, if anything, could have been done differently?
The self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White, is alongside him, analysing the missteps that changed a brand’s fortunes and reaching her own, often instructive, conclusions.
From big tech to high street retail and, of course, food, Toast tackles the business ideas that, one way or another, ended up cooked.
Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations on 3 July, 2025. In the new series, 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, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds. For this brand new series of Toast, episodes will be released weekly on Thursdays wherever you get your podcasts. But if you’re in the UK, you can listen to the latest episode on BBC Sounds first, a week earlier than anywhere else.
Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4.
While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers.
In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist Sean Farrington examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did people back it? Why did they get burnt?
Some of the world’s most successful businesses have also brought us some of the world’s most remarkable failures. So, what led them to be toast? And what can we learn from their stories today?
Sean unpicks all the early optimism, hype and ambition. He learns about the tremendous success of a brand before hearing how it faltered, with help from expert commentators and people who were directly involved. How do they view things now and what, if anything, could have been done differently?
The self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White, is alongside him, analysing the missteps that changed a brand’s fortunes and reaching her own, often instructive, conclusions.
From big tech to high street retail and, of course, food, Toast tackles the business ideas that, one way or another, ended up cooked.
Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations on 3 July, 2025. In the new series, 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, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds. For this brand new series of Toast, episodes will be released weekly on Thursdays wherever you get your podcasts. But if you’re in the UK, you can listen to the latest episode on BBC Sounds first, a week earlier than anywhere else.
Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4.
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Assistant Commissioner, BBC Radio 4 Digital & Podcasts
Digital lead at BBC Radio 4 responsible for managing and promoting programs including Sliced Bread. Works as an Assistant Commissioner at BBC Radio 4 with experience in digital and podcasts.
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Honorary research fellow at the University of Wolverhampton and president of the marketing history organisation, Charm, who has written about Woolworths' early days.
Honorary research fellow at the University of Wolverhampton and president of the marketing history organisation, Charm, who has written about Woolworths' early days.
Karin is a listener who has observed commercially available Vagus Nerve Stimulators that can be worn over the ear. She joins the episode to discuss her experiences and questions about their effectiveness in improving mental health.
Karin is a listener who has observed commercially available Vagus Nerve Stimulators that can be worn over the ear. She joins the episode to discuss her experiences and questions about their effectiveness in improving mental health.
Dr Emma Craythorne is a Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon with extensive experience in treating skin conditions. She specializes in dermatological health, focusing on issues related to skin care and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Craythorne is known for her expertise in the field and often provides insights on skin-related products and treatments.
Dr Emma Craythorne is a Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon with extensive experience in treating skin conditions. She specializes in dermatological health, focusing on issues related to skin care and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Craythorne is known for her expertise in the field and often provides insights on skin-related products and treatments.
Dr Teresa Borrello is a lecturer in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry at the University of Sunderland. She has a strong background in the chemistry of medicinal products, including lip care formulations. Dr. Borrello's research focuses on the ingredients used in cosmetic products and their effects on skin health.
Dr Teresa Borrello is a lecturer in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry at the University of Sunderland. She has a strong background in the chemistry of medicinal products, including lip care formulations. Dr. Borrello's research focuses on the ingredients used in cosmetic products and their effects on skin health.
Professor Trevor Cox is an acoustic expert known for his work in sound and acoustics. He has contributed to various research projects and publications in the field, focusing on how sound interacts with the environment and its effects on human perception. He is a professor at the University of Salford and has a keen interest in the application of acoustic principles in everyday life.
Professor Trevor Cox is an acoustic expert known for his work in sound and acoustics. He has contributed to various research projects and publications in the field, focusing on how sound interacts with the environment and its effects on human perception. He is a professor at the University of Salford and has a keen interest in the application of acoustic principles in everyday life.
Ullrich Bartsch is a lecturer at the Surrey Sleep Research Centre, where he specializes in sleep studies and the impact of various factors on sleep quality. His research often explores the relationship between technology, sound, and sleep, aiming to understand how different auditory stimuli can affect sleep patterns and overall health.
Ullrich Bartsch is a lecturer at the Surrey Sleep Research Centre, where he specializes in sleep studies and the impact of various factors on sleep quality. His research often explores the relationship between technology, sound, and sleep, aiming to understand how different auditory stimuli can affect sleep patterns and overall health.
Topics Discussed
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Hello! I’m a Science Presenter & Producer who has been writing and hosting science content for 20+ years on TV, Radio, YouTube, Podcast, & Stage.
I’ve made a range of programmes: from investigative documentaries on TV, Radio & Podcast; to ambitious interactive live shows for families on YouTube; to eye-catching experiments on live TV (I got to be the science guy on Blue Peter and Sunday Brunch for 5 years which was amazing!).
Right now I write & host a weekly BBC Radio 4 show & podcast called "Sliced Bread” where I investigate the bold claims made by promising sounding 'wonder products', give keynotes on my science adventures (I just returned from a trip to the Amazon Rainforest!), and I get to host some really fun events and awards.
I’m a scientist by training (I graduated with a first in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University) and also run a digital-first production studio sciencemedia.studio that helps brands, research groups & charities tell their science stories!
Richard HawkinsClare BaileyClaire RobertsonTony Page
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
Woolworthsretail failurebusiness collapsemarket competitionretail history
Woolworths was once a family favourite with well over 1,000 UK stores selling everything from kitchenware to pick and mix. So, why did the business collapse when other general retailers were on the rise?
The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, charts the company's highs and lows before asking 'what went wrong at Woolies?'.
Alongside him is the entrepreneur, Sam White, who at the end of the show has to reach her own conclusions, based only on what she has heard and her own business acumen.
Sean and Sam hear from expert guests including:
- Richard Hawkins - an honorary research fellow at the University of Wolverhampton and president of the marketing history organisation, Charm, who has written about the company?s early days
- Clare Bailey - a retail consultant who was employed by Woolworths
- Claire Robertson - whose retail career began with a Saturday job at her local Woolies and led to her running a spin-off business (called 'Wellworths') after the original failed.
- Tony Page - Commercial and Marketing Director at Woolworths from 2006 who tried to save the business after it went into administration
Produced by Jon Douglas, Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.
Woolworths was once a family favourite with well over 1,000 UK stores selling everything from kitchenware to pick and mix. So, why did the business collapse when other general retailers were on the rise?
The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, charts the company's highs and lows before asking 'what went wrong at Woolies?'.
Alongside him is the entrepreneur, Sam White, who at the end of the show has to reach her own conclusions, based only on what she has heard and her own business acumen.
Sean and Sam hear from expert guests including:
- Richard Hawkins - an honorary research fellow at the University of Wolverhampton and president of the marketing history organisation, Charm, who has written about the company?s early days
- Clare Bailey - a retail consultant who was employed by Woolworths
- Claire Robertson - whose retail career began with a Saturday job at her local Woolies and led to her running a spin-off business (called 'Wellworths') after the original failed.
- Tony Page - Commercial and Marketing Director at Woolworths from 2006 who tried to save the business after it went into administration
Produced by Jon Douglas, Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
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
Do Vagus Nerve Stimulators help your mental health?
The vagus nerve could be one of the most important body parts you might never have heard of. It's a large nerve that connects major organs like the heart and lungs to the brain and studies have found that stimulating it with electrical pulses can lead to dramatic improvements in some people with depression and other mental health conditions. Those trials were for medical devices implanted into the chest, but listener Karin has seen commercially available versions that you wear over your ear.
But do they work? Karin joins Greg in the studio along with leading experts in the field to do a deep-dive into the studies and separate out the science fact from the marketing fiction.
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 Vagus Nerve Stimulators help your mental health?
The vagus nerve could be one of the most important body parts you might never have heard of. It's a large nerve that connects major organs like the heart and lungs to the brain and studies have found that stimulating it with electrical pulses can lead to dramatic improvements in some people with depression and other mental health conditions. Those trials were for medical devices implanted into the chest, but listener Karin has seen commercially available versions that you wear over your ear.
But do they work? Karin joins Greg in the studio along with leading experts in the field to do a deep-dive into the studies and separate out the science fact from the marketing fiction.
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
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.
According to a YouGov poll nearly half of us listen to music or podcasts to help us get to sleep and there are a range of products designed to do just that.
Listener Nick has seen wearable sleep headbands with speakers woven in to the fabric which he hopes will stop him waking up in the middle of the night with headphones or earbuds digging into his ears.
And listener David says his social media is promoting sleep bars that go under the pillow and claim to transmit sound via bone conduction.
To find out more, Greg is joined by acoustic expert Professor Trevor Cox and Lecturer at the Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Ullrich Bartsch. They discuss the sound quality of these devices and whether it's a good idea to listen to music or podcasts at bedtime at all. Is there any evidence that it results in a good night's sleep?
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 [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807
PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM
Which products are best for bedtime listening?
According to a YouGov poll nearly half of us listen to music or podcasts to help us get to sleep and there are a range of products designed to do just that.
Listener Nick has seen wearable sleep headbands with speakers woven in to the fabric which he hopes will stop him waking up in the middle of the night with headphones or earbuds digging into his ears.
And listener David says his social media is promoting sleep bars that go under the pillow and claim to transmit sound via bone conduction.
To find out more, Greg is joined by acoustic expert Professor Trevor Cox and Lecturer at the Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Ullrich Bartsch. They discuss the sound quality of these devices and whether it's a good idea to listen to music or podcasts at bedtime at all. Is there any evidence that it results in a good night's sleep?
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 [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807
PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT
RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM
Ratings
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Global ratings are aggregates of the individual countries
