FACTORALY

E129 MIRRORS

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:25:06 GMT

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E128 AEROPLANES

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:06:00 GMT

Aeroplanes are fascinating. Nowadays, they're part of our working, resting and playing lives. But where did they start? What drove their development, and why is airline food so ghastly? We'll answer all these questions in this week's episode. And because Aeroplanes are so visual, these show notes are more fascinating than ever! As always, go to factoraly.com to dive, dive, dive into many more facts...

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E127 HIPPOS

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:06:00 GMT

Hippos are huge. Actually, it's a bigger subject than you might think, too. This episode looks into these deadly - and fast - animals with their own built-in sunblock. As always, click on the pics to dive into the river of facts.

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E126 ERASERS

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:06:00 GMT

Erasers have been around for longer than you might think - actually, even before pencils. This week, we're going into erasers in depth. As always, click on the pics and links to ink in so facts on erasers.

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E125 SAUSAGES

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:06:00 GMT

Sausages are part of our lives. Whether the British banger, the Saucisson, or the Salami, they seem to be everywhere. This episode gets under the skin and examines what makes sausages so special. As always, click on the 'links' in the pics to find out more.

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E124 PIGEONS

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:06:00 GMT

Pigeons are often described as the rats of the skies, but they play their role in our ecosystem - and they've played their part in wars, too - and even received medals for it!

This episode is all about these misunderstood doves. As always, go to the blog at factoraly.com to learn more from the loft that is Factoraly.

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E123 TEA

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:06:00 GMT

Tea is part of the British way of life - but it started thousands of miles away. There is only one tea plant - a Camelia - but all the varieties come from it. In this episode, you'll find a variety of facts about tea and how it's changed the world. As always, go to the show notes on the blog at Factoraly.com to spill the tea on this great beverage.

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E122 SPICE

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:06:00 GMT

Today, we take spice for granted. There's a whole area of the supermarket dedicated to it. But it hasn't always been that way. Spice was almost priceless only a few hundred years ago and the search for it cost untold lives. This episode delves deep into the spice rack and comes out smelling wonderful! As always, go to the show notes on the blog at factoraly.com for lots more smelly facts.

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E121 NEW YEAR'S

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:06:00 GMT

Are you sad that you didn't have all these New Year's facts at your fingertips before New Year? Well, we imagine your friends are very grateful that we released this episode AFTER New Year's Eve! As always, click on the links for more annual facts.

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E120 JAM

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Jam is a great way to preserve fruit and all its goodness. And it's been the preferred method of keeping fruit for quite some time. This episode goes into all it's sweet gooiness and comes out with very sticky fingers. As always, click on the pics and links to discover some jarring facts.

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E119 MOTHS

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Moths are not what you think. They're helpful, beautiful things that are everywhere. Whilst butterflies get all the good songs, moths are the ones doing the heavy lifting. In this episode, we look into the wonderful world of the moth.Tto flutter through some brilliant moth information, go to the show notes here: https://www.factoraly.com/post/e119-moths

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E118 SYMMETRY

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Symmetry is balance, and nature adores balance. There is symmetry everywhere if you look for it. This slightly more aesoteric episode ponders the existence of balance all around us. As always, go to the shownotes blog at https://www.factoraly.com/post/e118-symmetry to see both sides.

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E117 MAIL

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:06:00 GMT

The mail has been around for ages, but until recently, only for heads of state, governments and the very wealthy. Nowadays, anyone can send a letter or a parcel anywhere in the world. But how did we get from there to here? In this week's episode, we put our hand in the post box and get stuck! As always, click on the link to go to the show notes: https://www.factoraly.com/post/e117-mail

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E116 SEEDS

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Seeds are quite literally the stuff of life. We're surrounded by them. The male populations of practically all species will carry them. Ubiquity doesn't come much fuller than seeds. But where do seeds come from? Why are they important? And what will happen to them in the future? This episode plants deeply and springs up with some shoots that will entrance you. As usual, click on the pics or the links to sprout knowledge.

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E115 RADIO

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Radio waves exist naturally in the universe, but harnessing them has led you, well, here. Because without radio waves, there would be no internet. And no radio to speak of, as we do in this episode. As always, click on the link to explore the airwaves. https://www.factoraly.com/post/e115-radio

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E114 BOARD GAMES

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Board Games have been around since the Neanderthals, and one of the most modern board games is named after them (see below). Today, they are an excellent way for friends and family to get together and challenge each other. In this episode, we learn how to play various games, where they originated, and where they're headed. As always, click on the link to gamify your browser over at the show notes. https://www.factoraly.com/post/e114-boardgames

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E113 WATCHES

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Watches tell more than time. They tell a story. And this week's Factoraly is their story... Go to the blog post for more... https://www.factoraly.com/podcast/episode/663a87a6/e113-watches

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E112 BEER

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Beer is a water of life - sometimes literally. It's been drunk for thousands of years and is useful, especially when the water isn't particularly potable. This episode is ideal for people wearing beer goggles. If you'd like to look at what we're seeing, visit our show notes on the blog page at factoraly.com

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E111 SUPERHEROES

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:06:00 GMT

This time, we'll be discussing those extraordinary fictional characters whom young people love to read about. From their comic book origins to their universal appeal, we investigate just what makes a superhero.

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E110 PASTA

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Pasta is delicious — especially when it's served with a tasty sauce. But where does it come from? (Italy, obviously). And what types of pasta are there? (over 600). And what goes with which? This episode plunges into boiling water and comes up with some superb morcels.

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E109 LIONS

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Lions. The kings of the Jungle and the Savannah. Lions have been symbols of strength and power since time immemorial. This episode goes deep into the Lions' den and pulls out the thorns of truth and facts that will surprise and delight you.

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E108 CHAIRS

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:06:00 GMT

There are so many different sorts of chairs. We use them every day, but how much do we really know about them? In this episode, we explore chairs, ranging from the earliest to the most recent, from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

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E107 PUPPETS

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Simon's arm goes live. Bruce gets his wires crossed.

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E106 BATS

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Bats are really incredible. They're mammals that can fly, and they pollinate profusely. They make up around a quarter of all the mammals on Earth. In this episode, we wing our way into the wonderful world of the bat.

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E105 DINOSAURS

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Dinosaurs were around SO much longer than we have been. In this episode, we look into their timeline, their remains and their representation in popular fiction. Plus, we go into the Boner Wars. If you've not come across them, you'll be as fascinated as we were.

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E104 BRAINS

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Where would we be without our brains? The fact that we don't know the answer is because our brains find that question tricky. From regulating our breathing and heart rate, to propelling us from one place to another physically, literally, and virtually, our brains are fantastic.

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E103 BEAVERS

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Industrious little things, beavers. And great for the environment. In this episode, we look into beaver life.

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E102 SKATEBOARDS

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:28:53 GMT

Skateboards started out as something for skateboarders to do when the surf wasn't up. Today it's an Olympic sport! Follow the story of these noisy, clattery, dangerous bits of wood, fibreglass and silicone on wheels here.

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E101 LIBRARIES

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Libraries are good things. Not needed as much these days, what with the internet? Well, it depends on who you ask. There are still lots of libraries, and they still have their place, from the local lending library to the national institutions. Go and check out your local library. These days, there's more there than you might think. As always, click on the pics to be taken down library-sized rabbit holes.

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E100

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Welcome to our 100th episode! Here's a ton of ideas about 100 that won't cost you a cent.

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E99 THE BEST OF FACTORALY (SO FAR)

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:06:00 GMT

We're very nearly at our 100th episode, so we thought we'd go on holiday. Well, actually, we thought we'd do what other audio series do when they fancy a break and put together some of the best bits from the last 99 episodes.

So, this one includes snippets from Cucumbers; Typography; Vikings; Curry; Pipes; Bells; Shoes; Bottles; Jelly; Nuts; Spectacles; Camels; Cereal; and Chefs.

If you'd like to learn more about any of these subjects, please check out the show notes on our blog pages.

We look forward to bringing you the next 100 episodes!

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E98 KITES

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Kites have been around for a while. Mostly for pleasure, but also with many utilitarian purposes. In this episode, we launch into the uses and styles of kites, highlighting some of the people who used them to achieve fame.

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E97 WIND

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Wind is all around us and one of the most powerful forces on Earth. It has a massive effect on our lives and the lives of every living thing on the planet. Not to mention things that aren't alive at all.

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E96 WITCHES

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Witchcraft has nearly always been used to do good. In physical health and in wellbeing. But there was a time in the 14th and 15th centuries and onwards when it was very much frowned upon. Today, we delve into the world of witches and witchcraft, exploring the fascination with women who sought alternative ways of healing.

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E95 HOLIDAYS

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Holidays are fun - usually. In fact most of the fun of a holiday comes from its antici pation.

We didn't mention it in this episode, but here's a link to a study... https://www.nathab.com/blog/anticipation-is-the-happiest-part-of-a-travel-journey

They're good for your health, too, and to enhance one's perception of this wonderful ball we all live on.

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E94 SPOONS

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Spoons can be used for eating or drinking from or serving or even playing. This episode looks at all kinds of uses of the common or garden spoon.

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E93 SALT

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Salt is part of life. We wouldn't be anywhere without salt - literally, it's essential to human life. From the sea that we crawled out of, to the preservation of food, we need salt. This episode shakes the facts, and seasons your ears with salty goodness.

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E92 TENNIS

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Tennis is one of the most-watched sports in the world. And it's been around a long time. From early origins as a game played with the hand against a wall, to the high-tech judged matches we can watch on TV today. In this episode, we explore all that history, with some heavy slices of weird thrown into the net for luck.

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E91 GEESE

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Geese have been with us forever, domesticated for their meat and feathers, not to mention their guardianship properties. In this episode, we delve into geese in all their beauty and practicality.

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E90 HANDS

Thu, 29 May 2025 05:06:00 GMT

You need hands to hold someone you love. In fact you need hands for all sorts of things. This episode looks at lots of aspects of hands.

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E89 GRASS

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Grass is everywhere. You can wear it, you can eat it, you can drink it, you can play on it - you can even grow it underwater. Grass is vital to the health of the planet and everyone on it. In this episode, we run our fingers through this wonderful plant in all its iterations.

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E88 NOSES

Thu, 15 May 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Noses. They smell. That's what they're there for. To warn you of bad things, to alert you to good things. To be as plain as they are on your face. In this episode, we dig deep into noses. Not with our fingers, but with our minds! We stick our noses into a foundry of facts.

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E87 COFFEE

Thu, 08 May 2025 05:06:00 GMT

It sounds weird. You see a goat dancing having eaten something, and you decide to give it a try. Yet this is the apocryphal story of the origin of coffee. Today it's a massive industry and addicts are rarely seen without a cup - even when walking to work! Today is all about the bean. As always, click on the pics to take a sip of lots more about this brilliant beverage.

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E86 KANGAROOS

Thu, 01 May 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Kangaroos are weird. They move differently, give birth differently, and they even communicate differently. They're absolutely fascinating. And this episode is different, too. It's a three-hander where we're chatting with our friend on the spot, Gregory Dwyer, all about these extraordinary Australian animals.

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E85 CHEFS

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:06:00 GMT

There are cooks, and there are chefs. This one is about the latter. Those who train under greatness and go on to achieve greatness themselves - even if, at the end of the day, it's only a plate of food. From the first celebrity chef to the buttons on the overalls, this one is for the foodies.

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E84 BEDS

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Beds... We spend a third of our life in them, but where did they originate? And why do men generally sleep on the door side of the bed? Lots of answers in this week's episode.

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E83 TRAINS

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Do you like trains? We do. They are to travel what podcasts are to entertainment. You can do lots of other things whilst enjoying getting from A to B. Or in the case of this episode, from Stockton to Beijing.

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E82 BERRIES

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 05:06:00 GMT

Think you know what a berry is? Think again. So many things that we think of as berries aren't technically berries. Find out what is and isn't a berry in this berry episode.

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E81 SKIING

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:06:00 GMT

There's nothing quite like the exhilaration of downhill skiing. The cold, clear mountain air is invigorating, and although skiing has been around since the Stone Age, the downhill version has only been around for a century or so. Dive into the mogul hills of facts in this episode.

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E80 ROADS

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Getting from A to B requires a route, and if many people take the same route, that eventually becomes a road. Roads are integral to modern life, and this episode explains what they are and why they're brilliant - especially if, like Bruce, you enjoy driving

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E79 SOUP

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Soup is one of the easiest things to make from scratch; it's even easier in a can, or you can just add boiling water to a packet!

This episode looks at various varieties of soups, where they came from and how they got into space!

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E78 ELECTRICITY

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:06:00 GMT

These days, we can't imagine a world without electricity, but it hasn't been that long since we tamed this mighty beast. It's always been around in the form of lightning and static, but what are its origins, and where have we taken it? As always, click on the pics for extra amp-le facts (see what we did there?)

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E77 BEARDS

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Beards have been around forever. Protecting, attracting, warming, styling, everything you can do with a man's face is in the hair. This episode explains the quirks and foibles of beards and aims to demystify them for the 50% of listeners who can't grow one! As always, click on the pics to delve deeper.

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E76 HOLES

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Holes are a part of our lives. Our bodies are full of them, as is the universe around us. This episode explores some of the lesser-known aspects of holes. If you want to go down a hole of your own, click on the pics for a whole lot more hole fac

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E75 PRISONS

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:06:00 GMT

Prison isn't fun. but we thought it worthy of a Factoraly

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E74 BUSES

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 06:06:00 GMT

The bus was first invented as a service to transport a few people from Nantes to a Spa/Mill. Now 604 million people all over the world take the bus. What's the story behind this successful form of public transport?

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E73 HORNS

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:06:00 GMT

The horn is synonymous with celebration. Whether it's for sounding the appearance of brave Vikings or drinking a toast to their return, horns get everywhere. From Egyptian gods to Toad of Toad Hall, the horn is a symbol of knowledge and reckless speed! Dive into this horn of plenty - it gets pretty noisy, though.

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E72 TROUSERS

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 06:06:00 GMT

From ancient origins to modern styles, from practical purpose to cultural significance, trousers offer a fascinating lens through which to view history, social change, and even language itself.

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E71 - SPECTACLES

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 06:06:00 GMT

This episode explores the history of eyeglasses, from their 13th-century Italian origins to the modern-day dominance of Luxottica. We detail the evolution of lens technology, examining both the science behind vision correction and the social impact of increased screen usage. It also highlights the cultural significance of spectacles through iconic wearers and quirky innovations, while discussing the business side of the industry and its potential monopolies.

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E70 CARPET

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 06:06:07 GMT

Carpets and rugs have been around for some time. From floors covered with rushes to modern deep-pile luxury, we've always enjoyed walking on something soft and lush. As always, clic on the pics for more information and fun facts

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 12 - MUSIC

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 06:06:32 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 11 - FILMS

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 06:06:00 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 10 - DECORATIONS

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:06:00 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 9 - THE NATIVITY

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:06:00 GMT

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NEW YEAR'S

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:58 GMT

Are you sad that you didn't have all these New Year's facts at your fingertips before New Year? Well, we imagine your friends are very grateful that we released this episode AFTER New Year's Eve!

Next year...

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 8 - RADIO TIMES

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 06:06:00 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 7 - PRESENTS

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:06:41 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 6 - DINNER

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 06:06:01 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 5 - CRACKERS

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 06:06:00 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 4 - TREES

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 06:06:00 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 3 - CARDS

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 06:06:55 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 2 - SANTA

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 06:06:51 GMT

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CHRISTMAS: DAY 1 - REINDEER

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:06:19 GMT

!2 days of Christmas - 12 mini Factoralys. Today, Reindeer.

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E69 GUINEA PIGS

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:06:36 GMT

They're cute, fluffy, fun, and, in some parts of the world, delicious, too. This time, we're investigating Guinea Pigs. As always, click on the pictures to go down a Guinea Pig Warren.

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E68 JELLY

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:06:45 GMT

Jelly used to the the sole preserve of meats (well, along with salt, but that's another episode). Nowadays, apart from the occasional pate and pie, it's mostly used to make delicious trembley desserts. This episode goes deep into jelly and comes out a bit sticky

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E67 THEFT

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:06:27 GMT

Nicking things is bad, but we're discussing how things are stolen and what's stolen this week on Factoraly.

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E66 ELEPHANTS

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:06:58 GMT

Elephants are outstanding animals. Apart from their sheer size and weight, they make a massive impression on us whenever we see one. And they have proper skills, too.

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E65 CHEESE

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 06:06:01 GMT

Cheese is a staple in diets all over the world. But how did it start? What can you do with it (apart from eating it)? And what makes it so damned special? Factoraly answers some of these questions, and more can be found right here.

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E64 LAUGHTER

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 06:06:16 GMT

Laughter is something we do instinctively. One of the first noises that babies make is laughter. But why do we laugh? What is Laughter? And what makes us laugh? This episode covers some of that... and here you can find out more.

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E63 CHICKENS

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:29:23 GMT

Simon lays it on the line. Bruce pecks away at the facts

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E62 HALLOWEEN

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:06:59 GMT

Halloween is a holiday that kids love, but it used to be more of a grown-up holiday. Find out all about the spookiest festival in this episode.

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E61 FERRETS

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:06:08 GMT

These fascinating creatures have been keeping us company for quite some time - and since they don't eat grain, they've been keeping our stores rodent-free for thousands of years, too. Find out more here. And remember to click on the pics to go ferret-like down the rabbit holes.

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E60 ONIONS

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:06:32 GMT

Simon knows his. Bruce chops his.

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E59 DOLLS

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:06:58 GMT

Dolls are ubiquitous. Wherever there are children, you'll find dolls. They are playmates who never argue, friends who always agree with you, and companions you can take everywhere with you.

This week's episode is all about them.

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E58 BALLOONS

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:03:16 GMT

Everyone loves a balloon, right? Well, most people, anyway. This inflated story of the party favourite is floating about and popping with facts.

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E57 CAKE

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 08:41:03 GMT

Bruce has his. Simon eats his

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E56 WINDOWS

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 05:06:22 GMT

Where would we be without windows? We wouldn't know, because we wouldn't be able to see out and work out where we were! From humble beginnings as holes in the wall, windows have come a long way, with whole buildings now seemingly being made from one enormous window!

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E55 BELLS

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:42:09 GMT

Ding Dong - as Leslie Philips used to say. This one is all about the sonic metal .

Bells have been around for a while, and we hear them every day—on the bus, at home, in the street, walking into shops, at cash registers—bells are everywhere. In this one, we delve into the history of the bell and work out what makes them so special.

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E54 COLOURS

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 05:06:36 GMT

Nothing is more ubiquitous than colour. It's everywhere.

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E53 HAIRDRESSING

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 05:06:45 GMT

Hairdressing is an ancient art, but never has it been more popular as a profession. Barbers and hairdressers are popping up on an almost daily basis. What's their origin? And what makes us so loyal?

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E52 BIRTHDAYS

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 08:15:38 GMT

Everyone has a birthday. And almost everyone celebrates it. This is our 52nd week of Factoraly which means that we've been going for a year! So we're celebrating with this episode on birthdays.

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E51 PERFUME

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 05:06:29 GMT

Simon is on the scent of facts. Bruce is a bit whiffy.

Perfume has existed since the first chemists in Ancient Egypt. In this episode, we examine its constituents, uses, celebrity endorsements, and the reason why perfumes smell different on different people.

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E50 PIPES

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 05:06:15 GMT

Pipes are everywhere. You're probably never more than a few metres from one. In this episode, we explore the ins and outs of pipes of all kinds. From ones that make music, through ones that deliver substances and materials, to ones that make you cough. Pipes have been around for a very long time and continue to deliver.

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E49 WASPS

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 05:06:35 GMT

Not many people like wasps, and when you learn more about them, their reproduction can be a bit gross. But they're every bit as useful as bees. And there are ways to avoid being annoyed by them. Go to the blog to find out how. https://www.factoraly.com/blog

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E48 SMELLS

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:06:59 GMT

We take our sense of smell for granted until it's taken away from us by, oh, I don't know... a global pandemic? Smell is very important, not just for us but for every animal with an olfactory bowl. This episode goes into some detail on the weirder side of a sniff.

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E47 POLICE

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 05:06:48 GMT

Even if we never engage with the Police personally, we see their exploits and results in the news and all over TV in fiction. And we inevitably hear their sirens when going about our business. This episode is all about the boys and girls in blue (or black these days), their history and their time travelling boxes.

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E46 BATHTUBS

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:34:53 GMT

Bathtubs aren't something that most of us spend a lot of time thinking about. Unless you're remodelling a home, you probably don't even think about the noble bath. But it's hard to beat a tub as a place for winding down, cleaning up, and generally finding a sense of well-being. This time, we go into the history of the tub, its use over the ages, and why you would want to spend vast amounts of money on one. As always, click on the pics to go down inescapable plugholes.

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E45 CAMELS

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 05:06:30 GMT

Camels are the most amazing creatures. Designed for their habitat, they store water in their blood, fat in their hump (so they don't sweat much), and can carry large loads and run like the wind. This episode explores the beauty (literally in one case) of the design of the camel.

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E44 SECRETS

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:06:38 GMT

We almost made it to 30 minutes, but it's a fascinating subject and worth the extra six minutes!

Secrets have been around forever, and we barely scratch the surface in this episode.

However, as we scratch, we uncover a whole realm of subcutaneous facts that will surprise and delight you.

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E43 PIRATES

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:06:36 GMT

Being a pirate seems so romantic. Someone who refuses to follow the well-beaten shipping lanes and goes their own way. And that's kind of true. Except for the death and destruction... This episode looks at the body that clothes the Jolly Roger (see the episode on Flags) and what happens beyond the parrot and eyepatch. (Sounds like a pub!)

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E42 HATS

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:06:07 GMT

Hats have been around for a while. Egyptians and Romans wore them, and so do food delivery riders today. This one's all about this ubiquitous headgear.

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41 SHEEP

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:25:51 GMT

Sheep are part of our heritage. We have worn woollen clothing forever, we have walked on woollen carpets from Axminster. We have work sheepskin in fighter planes and in used car lots. There's more to sheep than black or white. Click on the pics, as always, for shaggy stories.

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E40 TELEGRAPH

Thu, 30 May 2024 05:06:33 GMT

The telegraph revolutionised communication for peace, war and finance, not to mention birthdays and weddings. Simon's feeling poorly this time, so our friend Greg Dwyer stands in for him and telegraphs an excellent performance (as usual).

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E39 FANS

Thu, 23 May 2024 05:06:23 GMT

Fans have been keeping us cool for centuries, from huge ones that cool a whole room to small ones that flutter and send messages. We hope this episode makes you one of our biggest fans. If only...

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E38 MISTAKES

Thu, 16 May 2024 05:06:53 GMT

We all make mistakes. Sometimes they make things better, sometimes, they make things worse, and sometimes they end up creating whole new industries and products!

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E37 LEGO

Thu, 09 May 2024 05:06:31 GMT

Lego is amazing stuff. You can build everything from a simple dwelling to Hogwarts with it. This episode looks at Lego from its British beginnings to its Danish interplanetary existence today (inasmuch as you can build a death star!)

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E36 POISON

Thu, 02 May 2024 05:06:18 GMT

Poison is popular in crime fiction and around everywhere in, usually, in safe quantities, unless you live in Australia!

This time, we go deep into venom and poison and come out with a healthy respect for toxins - but not the sort you need to flush out after a bit of exercise!

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E35 RABBITS

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:06:37 GMT

Trivia is, by its nature, a rabbit hole. This time, we've decided to take a look at the animals that make the holes. Rabbits.

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E34 NASA

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:06:03 GMT

NASA is so well known that it's synonymous with space exploration. This time, the rabbit holes you'll enter by clicking the pics are more like wormholes!

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E33 CURRY

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:06:32 GMT

There's no such thing as a curry. Well, there is, but it's not called that. So when you go for a curry, there can't be any calories in it because it doesn't exist. And anyway, it's very good for your health. So, tuck into this lot below! And click the pics to find out more.

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E32 CIRCUS

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:06:42 GMT

This time, we're running away to join the circus. From the Circus Maximus to the painting of clown faces on eggshells, this episode contains all the fun of the circus.

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E31 DIETS

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:06:38 GMT

Eating. Everone does it, but not everyone - or everything - eats the same things. This episode tackles the specifics of what we beat and why we eat it. And why we don't.

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E30 FISHING

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:06:30 GMT

Fishing, or rather, angling, is still the UK's most popular pastime. We'll look at fishing techniques - including the weird world of Catfishing (no, not that catfishing) - and lures. from vast collections to the vastly expensive million dollar one.

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E29 DENTISTS

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:06:17 GMT

Dentistry. Science? Craft? Artform? Torture? Or all of these? In this episode, we look at the history of dentistry, what dentists have invented, and lots more shiny stuff.

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E28 NORFOLK

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:39:36 GMT

East Anglia is hard to get to from London, which is probably why it's been allowed to keep so much of its unique character! And Norfolk is even further away than Suffolk, so it's special in all kinds of ways. This episode looks at just some of the character and characters that make up this distinctive county.

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E27 NUTS

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:06:07 GMT

Nuts are some of the best and healthiest foods there are - even if they're not always technically nuts! This episode goes into the different types of foodstuff that we call nuts, and explains why some of them aren't nuts at all.

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E26 MONEY

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:06:18 GMT

It makes the world go around... but how much do you actually know about its history? In this episode, we go from bartering to Bitcoin and from cocoa beans to million-pound coins.

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E25 BREAKFAST

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:06:55 GMT

According to nutritionists, this time it's the most important meal of the day. There won't be much nutrition in sugary cereals, but you might feel better for a Bircher. Find out all about the breaking of the fast.

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E24 RUBBISH

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:32:05 GMT

Rubbish isn't always waste. Sometimes it can be really useful. Find out more in this rubbish episode.

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E23 VIKINGS

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:06:05 GMT

From days of the week to 'Things' in long houses, the Vikings wandered the world, and left their mark, their art and their language everywhere they went.

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E22 BICYCLES

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:06:11 GMT

This time it's life on two wheels as Simon and Bruce investigate the history and tragedy (sorry, MAMILs) and the general story of the bicycle. From its bone-shaking beginnings to the oddest tandem, you'll discover much more about the bike than you ever wanted to know!

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E21 GLUE

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:06:28 GMT

Glue has been used for so long for so much that it's become integral to our lives from top (hair products) to toe (shoe soles) and beyond.

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E20 PAPER ART

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:05:18 GMT

This time we discuss how pretty paper can be. Whether it's folded, cut, curled, or mashed, paper is immensely versatile. Come in and listen to a little 'Silhouetta' of two men!

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E18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:05:44 GMT

In this longer-than-usual episode, you'll learn how obsessed the world has become with taking images, where it all started, and how many pictures it takes to capture a nuclear explosion.

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E17 SHOES

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:06:25 GMT

This week, it's footwear. We find out how clogs messed up machinery and learn to tell our right foot from our left.

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E16 PREDICTIONS

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:06:23 GMT

This week, Simon and Bruce check out the future - or at least the various ways of predicting it. From the Soothsayers to the Simpsons, there are so many ways of knowing what's to come. Think of a number between 1 and 10. And, the number you thought of was... 7. Spooky.

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E15 FLAGS

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 06:06:40 GMT

Flags. You probably see at least one every day. But where do they come from? What do they mean? And why do flagpoles sometimes wear cravats? All this and more this week on Factoraly. Check out the show notes on the blog at Factoraly.com, comment on Facebook, or better yet, give this episode and all of Factoraly a five-star review in your podcast player!

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E14 TREES

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 06:06:14 GMT

Another subject that just gets bigger and bigger - a bit like a tree, really. Trees have always been, and continue to be, one of the most important organisms in the life of humans. And yet, we take them for granted most of the time. This episode highlights just how vital (literally) trees are to us.

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E13 BOTTLES

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:51:04 GMT

In this episode, you'll discover how long glass bottles have been around (longer than you may think), and how to open a bottle of Champagne with a sabre.

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E12 TOILETS

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:06:30 GMT

It's a fact of life. When you've got to go, you've got to go, and the best place to go is always to the Factoraly podcast! This one is full of toilet humour. And Toilet facts. More than you ever wanted to know about, as Kermode and Mayo call it, 'Trying hard'. We're looking to get to number 1, but we'd be happy with number 2 in the charts.

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E11 TYPE AND PRINTING

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 12:54:03 GMT

Bruce's background in Art and Advertising means he's a proper type nerd. Simon sits back and takes it all in.

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E10 PLUGS

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 06:06:39 GMT

This show looks at plugs of all sorts. From bath plugs to electrical plugs... and beyond. If you can guess what sort of alternative plugs might be mentioned, then you might be in tune with Bruce...

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E9 POTATOES

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 05:06:00 GMT

Spuds. Dull or what? Well, or what, actually. It turns out there's a lot more to the humble potato than you'd expect. The duo totter towards a tater with a lot of tittle-tattle surrounding the Central American tuber.

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E8 CLEANING

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:06:38 GMT

No soft soaping on this one... Everything you never needed to know about getting rid of dirt, all in one half an hour of good clean fun.

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E7 CARS

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 05:06:10 GMT

This week's subject isn't as boring as normal - especially in Bruce's eyes. A committed petrolhead, Bruce mashes the throttle to the floor whilst Simon cruises the mean city streets.

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E6 DOGS

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:06:51 GMT

As an ex-postman, Simon has had bad experiences with dogs. Bruce having had them all his life, feels quite differently. If your best friend is hairy, you're in for a wufferly time and you'll be sure to... SQUIRRELS!

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E5 CONFECTION

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:06:02 GMT

Caution. This episode is full of sugar. Those with Type 2 may wish to listen in short bursts. Simon gets his rock off and Bruce luxuriates in chocolates. If you've ever had even the faintest of sweet tooths, you're going to enjoy this episode

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E4 FISH

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 05:06:47 GMT

One of our favourite fellow podcasts is not about fish, even though it's named after them. This differs in one particular aspect in that it's all about fish.

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E1 CUCUMBERS

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:06:55 GMT

Who would have thought so much could be said about something as simple as a cucumber? This week, Simon and Bruce get under the skin of this underrated vegetable and discover it's more versatile than you would ever have thought possible.

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E3 CODES

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:06:45 GMT

Do you know any Morse code (apart from if you need help at sea)? Actually, you do - you just don't know that you do. And there are loads of other codes, too. Once again, Bruce and Simon take the mundane and make a mountain out of it.

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E2 TOOLS

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:06:18 GMT

Another week. Another dull subject - that turns out to be anything but. Hitting the nail on the head this time when it comes to tools. From prehistoric stones to modern tech, man's use of tools is what inspired a man in a gorilla suit to throw a space station into the air in an iconic 1968 film.

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