Shows
Rambling Retro NonsenseFilofaxes, Spies & Accidental CIA MissionsThis week, Hayley, Duncan and Tommy take a nostalgic wander from the world of 1980s Filofaxes to the shadowy realms of spies, secrets and accidental espionage. It all begins with Hayley reminiscing about the satisfying click of Filofax rings, the smell of leather, and the joy of neatly writing birthdays by hand. Soon, Duncan recalls his mum's yearly ritual of copying dates into a new paper calendar, and before long the trio are deep in conversation about privacy, the cloud, and whether we might one day go back to paper diaries. Then things take a...
2025-11-2427 min
Rambling Retro NonsensePlanes, Parties & Peculiar ObsessionsJoin Duncan, Hayley, and Tommy as they reminisce about the golden days of air travel, fan clubs, and unforgettable personal stories. From first flights on budget airlines and smoking at the back of planes, to airport adventures and quirky bedside table treasures, this episode is full of nostalgia and laughs. They also explore: Childhood dreams of being air stewardesses and the glamour of long-haul flights. Memorable encounters with airline staff and international adventures. Obsessions, fan clubs, and the sentimental treasures that shaped their youth. High-profile court cases...
2025-11-1729 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseAnswer Phones, Two Fat Ladies & Comfort FilmsIn this episode, the gang takes a nostalgic stroll down memory lane, exploring the quirks of old-school technology, eccentric TV personalities, and the comfort of familiar films. From blinking answer phones to telephone seats in hallways, and from the delights of "Two Fat Ladies" to classic feel-good movies, we cover it all. Plus, we dive into the peculiar joys of bingo, VHS discoveries, and the autobiographies (and biographies) that capture our imagination—or frustrate us. What We Talk About: Answer Phones & Telephone Seats: Remember the thrill of seeing a blinking light on your an...
2025-11-1032 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseFrom Brick Phones to ScrunchiesIn this episode, Hayley, Duncan, and Tommy take a nostalgic wander through the quirks and memories of decades past. Expect laughter, a few cringe moments, and plenty of "do you remember when…" Hayley recalls her dad proudly showing off his first ever "mobile phone" — a grey brick so heavy it needed its own suitcase, complete with nosy neighbours coming round to marvel at it. The gang dive into the era of yuppies — wine bars, striped suits, and even champagne used for unblocking toilets. Duncan shares the story of his first brush with broadcasting, armed...
2025-11-0330 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseChlorine & Chip ShopsThis week's episode takes a nostalgic (and slightly chaotic) dive into childhood memories of swimming pools, vending machines, and school sports days. Duncan kicks things off with vivid recollections of the Littlehampton Swimming Centre, sparking a conversation about: The unmistakable smell of chlorine, rubber swim caps, and verruca baths. The legendary "No heavy petting" and "No dive bombing" signs – and a spirited debate on what "light petting" might have been. Swimming tests that involved pyjamas, rubber bricks, and endless treading water. Why soup vending machines were apparently a post-swim "th...
2025-10-2633 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseCoach Trips, Costumes and Childhood Papers This week, Tommy, Hayley, and Duncan take a trip down memory lane – quite literally – as they share the journeys, feelings, and rituals that defined their school days. From lollipop ladies and dangerous subways, to loud singalongs on the 726 bus, each memory paints a vivid picture of growing up. The conversation wanders into: School journeys – walking routes, long bus rides, and the feelings of dread vs. freedom Last days of term – traditions, parties, and the joy of six weeks stretching ahead Fancy dress adventures – from penguin-like mermaids to toga parties gone wrong...
2025-10-2028 min
Rambling Retro Nonsense80s Bling RevivalIn this nostalgic episode, Hayley takes us back to the late 80s, rifling through old jewellery boxes and unearthing chunky gold chains, oversized hoops, and geometric bangles. What starts as a trip down memory lane turns into a lively conversation with Duncan and Tommy about jewellery trends, piercings, fashion statements, and even the curious codes hidden in what we wear. Expect laughs, a few shocks, and plenty of cultural throwbacks — from Beastie Boys and Madonna, to Ratner's infamous blunder, to clip-on earrings and QVC binges. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Hayley's rediscovery of...
2025-10-1330 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseQuantum Leaps and Laundry DreamsHayley, Duncan, and Tommy dive into a nostalgic journey through 70s and 80s television, childhood dreams, and quirky life stories. From time-travel shows like Quantum Leap and Time Tunnel to teen alien programs and Goodnight Sweetheart, they explore the magic of TV that captured imaginations. The conversation meanders through fan letters, including Hayley's childhood attempts to join the West End stage and Duncan's unusual job replying as Paddington Bear. Horoscopes, clairvoyants, and even Uri Geller's mysterious powers make an appearance, blending nostalgia with whimsical tales of belief and curiosity. They also touch on the everyday...
2025-10-0431 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseLoo Roll, Roland Rat & Rock CandyTommy, Duncan & Hayley are back with another ramble through the past—this time dipping into the world of cash & carry warehouses, CB radios, novelty songs, and everything in between. From blagging their way into wholesale stores in the '80s to the golden age of bulk loo roll, the team take a nostalgic wander through everyday adventures that somehow feel epic. Along the way, they swap stories of wartime bunkers turned tourist attractions, the strange fame of Roland Rat, saucy seaside postcards, and why Captain Beaky will forever live rent-free in their heads. Add in a...
2025-09-2931 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseWigs, Weather, and Pop CultureThis week, Tommy, Hayley, and Duncan dive into a lively mix of memories, mishaps, and misheard lyrics. From nostalgic reflections on News at Ten to the quirks of old-school weathermen and the unexpected afterlives of 80s pop stars, the conversation takes plenty of funny turns. They reminisce about when the whole nation gathered for News at Ten, why it's no longer the same communal experience, and the charm of magnetic weather boards complete with falling letters and the legendary "F in Fog." Famous faces such as Reginald Bosanquet, Alastair Stewart, and Wincey Willis get a mention, as...
2025-09-2231 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseCobra Beer, Curry & Concrete GnomesIn this episode, Duncan, Hayley, and Tommy tuck into memories of their first ever curry house experiences, from Worthing and bright orange tikka masalas of family nights out. Along the way, they explore retro food, quirky restaurants, and some wonderfully nostalgic tangents — including the curious world of concrete garden gnomes. The conversation takes in Duncan's first Indian meal in the 80s, debates over whether Cobra beer or red wine really pairs best with curry, and Hayley's vivid memories of patterned carpets, sitar music, and neon-orange chicken tikka masala. Classic sides such as Bombay potatoes, garlic na...
2025-09-1528 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseBond, Booze & BreakfastTommy, Duncan & Hayley are back with another episode diving deep into the world of James Bond. This week, they explore everything from the iconic cocktails that have defined 007's suave image, to the behind-the-scenes stories that you won't find in the movies themselves. Hear about Sean Connery's surprising breakfast habits, the hilarious chaos on set during stunts, and the quirks of filming some of Bond's most legendary scenes. They also unpack the cultural impact of Bond, how the drinks became part of his persona, and share fun trivia that even die-hard fans might...
2025-09-0836 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseLost in the Department Store & Other Tasty TangentsThis week, Hayley takes us back to a childhood moment of being lost in a cavernous white department store — the kind with customer service desks, tannoy announcements, and lollipops for tearful kids. That memory sparks a trip down retail memory lane, from C&A and Tammy Girl to Dulces school shoes and labyrinthine Bentalls. But the nostalgia doesn't stop there — Duncan and Tommy pile in with their own department store tales, stockroom crushes, and the peculiar magic of escalators that force you through the perfume section. From there, the conversation takes the scenic route through:
2025-08-3131 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseSnips, Perms & Novelty SongsTommy, Duncan, and Hayley are back on another retro ramble – this time tackling haircuts, perms, and the eccentric world of novelty songs. Duncan opens with his modern £13.50 haircut ritual, contrasting the sleek modern barbershop with memories of smoky barbers in Worthing and the intimate oddities of 1970s British Rail haircuts. Tommy reminisces about old barber photos and Beatles-inspired hairstyles, while Hayley shares her 1980s perm adventures. Tommy admits he once had a perm too – and had a fateful encounter with pop star Leo Sayer on a bus. Music opinions fly fast, with Duncan defending Leo Sayer and Gilbe...
2025-08-2534 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseGoing Up West, Steak Dinners & MicroscopesTommy, Duncan, and Hayley are off on another delightfully rambling retro ride – this time heading "up West" for steak dinners, school trips, and questionable science experiments. Hayley reminisces about dressing up for West End theatre visits and explains the allure of those little binoculars you rented "in the gods." Duncan takes us back to his days as a 14-year-old watching Chess and treating himself to a Peach Melba, while Tommy reflects on the majesty of the Aberdeen Angus Steakhouse – and the indignity of salad bars. From there, it's a journey through lost London landmarks, vintage shop...
2025-08-1831 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseSpaghetti Out of a Tin and Whispering AlexasTommy, Duncan, and Hayley are back with another generous helping of retro rambling – this time dishing up memories of tin-can cuisine, 80s dinner party disasters, and the perilous art of recording the telly without missing Bullseye. Hayley kicks things off with a creamy confession (spoiler: it involves cheese on toast and squirty cream), while Tommy fondly recalls being ID'd for a Black Forest gateau in Waitrose. From there, it's a trip through the golden age of vol-au-vents, fondue forks, and why British pizza in the 80s didn't come with dip – unless you were in Croydon. Then...
2025-08-1134 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseSpitting Footballers, Plasticine Psychos & the Wimpy Tommy, Duncan, and Hayley are back for another nostalgic ramble, this time tackling the big topics: childhood toys, 80s fast food, and bedroom walls plastered with boybands and glow-in-the-dark stars. Duncan kicks things off with his first-ever McDonald's (Western Road, Brighton – Big Mac, no cheese), before the gang reminisce about the golden era of Wimpy, the mystery of Casey Jones, and the dream of hosting a birthday party in a red plastic booth. From there, it's a headlong dive into retro board games and toys. Snakes & Ladders philosophy, Guess Who? aggression, the Operation buzzer, Ac...
2025-08-0332 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseLucozade, Leaf Blowers & The Lost Art of BoredomWith Duncan out of action (laid up with a sore throat and, according to Tommy, possibly communicating in Morse code), Hayley and Tommy take the reins for a warm, witty wander through retro memories – and things we've perhaps lost along the way. This episode is packed with chatter about the forgotten joy of being bored on a Sunday, why David Nixon was the real magic man before Paul Daniels came along, and how sick days meant two things: daytime telly and a bottle of Lucozade on the bedside table. There's a heartfelt dive into Saturday ni...
2025-07-2750 min
Rambling Retro NonsensePedantry, Black Bag Shops & A Northern BuffetTommy, Duncan, and Hayley are back with another nostalgic meander, and this week it's full of misremembered timelines, shady shopping scams, and a fair amount of dodgy song lyrics. The trio dive headfirst into the peculiar joys of pedantry – from people who write in about incorrect Heartbeat era soundtracks to the viewer who spotted a wrongly turned stopcock in the Have I Got News For You opening credits. Yes, really. Tommy recounts the fine art of generating "self-righteous indignation" during his Fleet Street days, and the team wander into the wild world of talk radio – both...
2025-07-2029 min
Rambling Retro NonsensePetrol, Pirate Radio & The Great Green Stamp HeistTommy, Duncan, and Hayley return with another wonderfully rambling wander through the past, this time lighting up memories of cigarette brands, full-service petrol stations, and the days when you could collect green stamps to trade in for table lamps. The trio chat about tobacco sponsorship in sport (yes, including those black-and-gold JPS cars), the curious economics of butchers' Christmas clubs, and a time when coat hangers could fix anything from your car door to your carburettor. Things get lively as they discuss pirate radio legends like Laser 558 and Wolfman Jack, revisit DIY radio kits from...
2025-07-1435 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseCrackerjack, Cremola & Kitchen ConfessionsTommy, Duncan, and Hayley take another delightful trip down memory lane, starting with the iconic children's TV show "Crackerjack!" They share behind-the-scenes stories, hilarious details about the "Double or Drop" game, and the legendary Crackerjack pencil. The conversation then meanders through childhood experiences with old money, special puddings like Angel Delight and Viennetta, and the evolution of snacking. They also reminisce about classic kitchen gadgets like the hostess trolley and delve into a heated debate about modern appliances, specifically the controversial air fryer and its ability (or inability!) to truly "bake" a potato.
2025-07-0732 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseSimple Pleasures & Banned Childhood ToysJoin Tommy, Duncan, and Hayley as they dive deep into the simple, often unglamorous, pleasures of British seaside holidays from their childhoods. From nostalgic trips to Happy Eaters and Little Chef, to amusement park adventures and the peculiar charms of "What the Butler Saw" machines, they reminisce about days spent without elaborate plans. The conversation then takes a surprising turn as they recall a host of now-banned or frowned-upon childhood toys, including Seki-guns, cap guns, and even homemade crossbows, sparking a humorous debate on how times have changed. Plus, hear their tales of...
2025-06-2928 min
Rambling Retro NonsenseA Taste of Things To Come..Join Tommy, Duncan, and Hayley in "Things that make you feel warm inside" as they ponder a perplexing modern mystery: where have all the car stickers gone? From "My other car is a Porsche" to football club affiliations, the hosts share their theories on this fading trend. The conversation then swerves into hilarious and relatable recollections of their very first "proper" jobs, complete with demanding bosses, mind-numbing tasks, and the odd ingenious escape plan. The trio also delves into the evocative power of classic TV theme tunes and the changing landscape of home entertainment, finishing...
2025-06-2250 min