The Mighty Spud - Sandy Knapp, Glenn Bryan and Susan Calman
Robin Ince and Brian Cox boil down the truth about one of the most beloved foods - potatoes.
Robin Ince and Brian Cox get out the ketchup and peel back the layers of one of the most versatile and beloved foods - potatoes. From the science of starch to the surprising role potatoes have played in history, we’re digging deep to uncover the truth behind the mighty spud.
Chipping into the conversation are botanist Sandy Knapp, geneticist Glenn Bryan and potato passionate comedian Susan Calman.
Susan is astonished to learn that the potatoes lining our supermarket shelves all belong to a single species and once she discovered the rich diversity of wild potato species in South America, she’s already planning her next holiday to visit them! Plus we end the episode on a tuber-powered musical note as Helen Anahita-Wilson plays the monkey cage theme song on none other than a potato keyboard!
Producer: Melanie Brown
Assistant Producer: Olivia Jani
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Studios Audio Production
On radio
Broadcasts
- Thu 31 Jul 2025 11:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4
- Sat 2 Aug 2025 19:15ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4
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The Infinite Monkey Cage
Brian Cox and Robin Ince host an irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes.
