Rambling Retro Nonsense
A weekly podcast where Tommy Boyd, Duncan Barkes and Hayley Hayes unpack (sometimes) hilarious, ridiculous, and surprising memories—one story at a time. Filled with laughs, nostalgia, and great conversation, Rambling Retro Rambles offers a light-hearted trip down memory lane - or cycle lane - for anyone who loves to revisit the past with humour and heart.
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Bending Spoons to Bananas
12/15/2025
Bending Spoons to Bananas
This week, Hayley, Duncan and Tommy take a wonderfully weird wander through the world of bending spoons, double glazing, draughty windows, and banana-related childhood trauma. From Uri Geller’s “psychic” tricks to 80s wallpaper paste ads and Christmas cigar jingles, the gang ramble their way through memories of adverts, awkward dances, dodgy dinners and the strange magic of growing up in Britain. In This Episode Uri Geller & the power of persuasion: Duncan has his suspicions, Tommy blames magnets, and Hayley diplomatically settles on “entertainer.” The lost household art of “draught finding” — licking your lips to find where the cold air came in before double glazing ruined the fun. 1980s adverts galore: from helicopter wallpaper paste men to Barrett Homes voiceovers by Patrick Allen. Funeral plan commercials — why is everyone so cheerful about cremation? Tommy’s impromptu performance of “Tom Thumb Cigars for Christmas” and other festive jingles that marked the real start of Christmas. Stories of Ian Botham and Viv Richards, with Tommy recalling a legendary night that went hilariously off-script. A nostalgic detour into Minder, with Tommy realising it was actually a comedy (and perfecting his Arthur Daley impression). Charlie Mullins chat — political flip-flopping and the perils of too much bleach. Hayley’s forgotten first slow dance leads to talk of teenage discos, dodgy fashion, and Duncan’s “octopus” moment. Vegan dating dilemmas — Linda McCartney sausages, meat-free rules, and the great “what counts as a sausage” debate. Tommy's’s reflections on post-war Britain: first bananas, boiled courgettes, and caterpillars in cabbage. Duncan’s banana phobia — thanks to a childhood in Curaçao involving ants in the fruit. Get in Touch Got a retro memory, advert, or strange childhood food story to share? We’d love to hear from you! WhatsApp: 07405 341 500 Email:
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Walkmans, Wires & School Disco Woes
12/08/2025
Walkmans, Wires & School Disco Woes
This week, Hayley, Duncan and Tommy tune into the sounds of the past — from Sony Walkmans and clunky cordless phones to school disco slow dances and tuck shop treats. What starts as a chat about forgotten gadgets soon unravels into stories of radio legends, first crushes, and those painfully awkward teenage moments that everyone remembers (but wishes they didn’t). Expect laughter, nostalgia, and a few “did that really happen?” tangents along the way. In This Episode: Memories of talk radio icon Mike Dickin — and the myth of the flying telephone. Retro gadgets: clunky cordless phones, beeping keyrings, floppy disks, and those iconic orange Walkman headphones. Hayley’s first TomTom sat nav — battery-hungry, slow, and full of attitude. The gang jokes about saucy sat nav voices and questionable road-trip chat. Tommy’s stories of giant house keys, lockboxes, and life before digital security. School discos: from Agadoo and Move Closer to China in Your Hand — complete with teenage nerves, dodgy dance moves, and clouds of Impulse body spray. Duncan’s proud slow-dance memory (and equally awkward aftermath). Hayley’s tuck shop favourites — cola cubes, flying saucers, and 10p mix-ups. Tommy’s DJ flashbacks — paid a fiver to play Feelings at the worst possible moment. Highlights: A nostalgic and hilarious trip through first loves, lost gadgets, and the sweet chaos of growing up in the 80s and 90s. Get in Touch: Got a memory, mishap or retro gadget story to share? We’d love to hear from you! WhatsApp: 07405 341 500 Email:
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Sideboards, School Days & Strange Soups
12/01/2025
Sideboards, School Days & Strange Soups
In this delightfully nostalgic episode, Hayley, Duncan and Tommy rummage through the sideboards of the past — unearthing everything from dusty board games and awkward pamphlets to windfall apple soup and pheasants full of lead shot. Along the way, they revisit school assemblies, embarrassing sex education lessons, and the lost art of metalwork, all with the usual mix of warmth, wit and “did that really happen?” moments. In This Episode: The mystery of the week’s random objects — all leading back to the humble sideboard. 70s and 80s living rooms: whiskey bottles, best china, and that one forbidden drawer full of secrets. Hayley’s mum’s hilariously “educational” cartoon pamphlet. School assemblies featuring hymns, marrows, and confusion over whether Sloop John B was really a religious song. Tommy’s memory of a headmaster announcing Donald Campbell’s fatal speed record attempt — and the playground reaction. Craft class chaos: pottery gone wrong, bent spoons, and Duncan’s proud pineapple upside-down cake. Tommy’s posh dinner party gone wrong — including windfall apple soup and pheasant with extra crunch. Country tales: deer collisions, roadkill etiquette, and the grim legend of “badger ham.” Finishing with old-school fashion and accessories — from sock garters to smog masks. Get in Touch: Got a retro memory, weird dinner story, or an old-school school-day confession? We’d love to hear from you! WhatsApp: 07405 341 500 Email:
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Filofaxes, Spies & Accidental CIA Missions
11/24/2025
Filofaxes, Spies & Accidental CIA Missions
This 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 turn — from Cold War number stations and umbrella assassinations to Tommy’s astonishing true story of filming a children’s TV feature in Ethiopia… only to discover years later he’d been caught up in a CIA operation. Expect laughs, memories, and a few “did that really happen?” moments in this funny, fascinating chat about how the past still echoes today. Highlights: The Filofax: the ultimate 80s status symbol Retro rituals and the lost joy of handwriting Real-life spies, coded messages, and Cold War legends Tommy’s unbelievable CIA encounter Why privacy might just be making a comeback Get in touch: WhatsApp – 07405 341 500 Email –
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Planes, Parties & Peculiar Obsessions
11/17/2025
Planes, Parties & Peculiar Obsessions
Join 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 and sensational news stories from the past, including O.J. Simpson, Louise Woodward, and the Jeremy Thorpe scandal. Expect laughter, curiosity, and the kind of stories that make you wish you could travel back in time for a pint at Inverness Airport or a peek behind the scenes of iconic media moments. Get involved! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 (voice notes welcome!) Email:
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Answer Phones, Two Fat Ladies & Comfort Films
11/10/2025
Answer Phones, Two Fat Ladies & Comfort Films
In 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 answering machine? Hayley, Tommy, and Duncan reminisce about landlines, hallways, and how messaging has changed over time. Dial-a-Disc: A retro blast from the past—listening to pop songs via a telephone service from the ’60s to ’90s. Eccentric TV Personalities: Celebrating legendary presenters like Keith Floyd, David Bellamy, and the iconic Two Fat Ladies, Jennifer Patterson and Clarissa Dixon Wright. Bingo Memories: From Butlins to industrial bingo halls, the hosts share tales of bingo calling, dabbers, and rowdy crowds. Comfort Films & Rewatchables: The movies we return to for warmth and nostalgia, including Home Alone, The Blues Brothers, Withnail & I, The Italian Job, and Groundhog Day. Missed & Overrated Films: Hayley confesses she’s never seen blockbusters like Titanic or Jurassic Park, while Tommy and Duncan debate cinematic classics. Books We Love (or Hate): From Boris Johnson’s autobiography to Jeffrey Bernard’s Low Life, the hosts discuss the power of storytelling, self-deprecation, and occasionally frustrating reads. Get In Touch: WhatsApp: 07405 341 500 – leave a message or voice note, and it might feature on the show! Email:
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From Brick Phones to Scrunchies
11/03/2025
From Brick Phones to Scrunchies
In 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 only with a Renault 5 and a phone the size of a breeze block. Hayley talks about her accidental on-air debut during a sex and relationships show — and the awkwardness that followed. The team swap memories of sticker collections, playground trades, and even Pokémon cards flying around Waterloo Station. And finally, scrunchies make their comeback, both as hair accessories and (unexpectedly) in more unconventional ways. A funny, warm, and occasionally outrageous trip down memory lane — this episode is full of retro gems you won’t want to miss. Perfect for: Anyone who remembers the “got, got, need” playground chant, misses the word “yuppie,” or still has a scrunchie in their drawer. Join the conversation: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your own retro memories with us on social media. Tune in, laugh along, and keep the nonsense rambling! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email:
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Chlorine & Chip Shops
10/26/2025
Chlorine & Chip Shops
This 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 “thing” (and why it all tasted the same). From there, the chat drifts into: Childhood chip memories, from vending machine chips at Portsmouth Harbour to debates over crinkly vs. straight fries, and the merits of mayo, gravy, and curry sauce. Food oddities like deep-fried Mars Bars, half-and-half (chips and rice), and the magic of late-night chippies in Liverpool. School sports day classics – sack races, wheelbarrow races, egg-and-spoon chaos – and the grim reality of sitting on a coach in damp clothes with a soggy towel. Overzealous parents at kids’ sports days, and one very memorable PE teacher with a starting pistol. It’s equal parts funny, nostalgic, and a little bit surreal – from Lynx-scented changing rooms to naval survival training stories involving helicopters and sinking ship simulations. Highlights you’ll love: Verrucas, witch-doctor cures, and the horror of slippery pool floors. Why crinkle-cut chips are the ultimate mayo delivery system. The dark truth about school sports day “cheerleaders.” And… the only good use for a fallen shipmate. If you grew up with swimming lessons, sports days, or questionable vending machine snacks – this one will feel very familiar. Join the conversation: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your own retro memories with us on social media. Tune in, laugh along, and keep the nonsense rambling! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email:
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Coach Trips, Costumes and Childhood Papers
10/20/2025
Coach 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 TV nostalgia – The Avengers, The Saint, and why Emma Peel’s name really stuck The magic of newspapers – obituaries, local news gems, and the Sunday Times ritual Coach trips and turkey-and-tinsel holidays – still alive and well (and full of over-70s) Plus, Tommy shares a cheeky urban myth involving Little Red Riding Hood, a wolf costume, and a case of mistaken identity at a party. It’s an episode full of stories, nostalgia, and laughter, where the everyday details of the past suddenly feel extraordinary. Join the conversation: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your own retro memories with us on social media. Tune in, laugh along, and keep the nonsense rambling! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email: Twitter (X): Instagram: Facebook: Don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and leave a five-star review. It helps keep the retro nonsense rambling along.
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80s Bling Revival
10/13/2025
80s Bling Revival
In 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 her teenage jewellery stash — gold chains, giant hoops, and friendship bangles The influence of 80s icons: Madonna’s crucifixes and Princess Diana’s pearls Charm bracelets, signet rings, and Argos’ Elizabeth Duke collection Duncan’s Beastie Boys flashback and his surprising goth phase Tommy’s zero-jewellery philosophy — but plenty of stories about sunglasses and watches First piercings: Hayley’s 13th birthday ear piercing and (brief) Britney-inspired belly button ring Gerald Ratner’s “crap” comment and how it tanked his business QVC, Diamonique, and the lure of late-night shopping Stories of rings getting stuck, goth hangouts in Worthing, and unexpected medical drama Why jewellery can be a symbol, a statement, or sometimes just a painful memory Join the conversation: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your own retro memories with us on social media. Tune in, laugh along, and keep the nonsense rambling! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email: ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com Twitter (X): Instagram: Facebook: Don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and leave a five-star review. It helps keep the retro nonsense rambling along.
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Quantum Leaps and Laundry Dreams
10/04/2025
Quantum Leaps and Laundry Dreams
Hayley, 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 joys and oddities of life—office coffee etiquette, germs, the 10-second rule, and the pleasures of laundrettes and tumble dryers—reminding listeners of the small but memorable moments that shape our pasts. Listeners are invited to share their own laundrette stories via WhatsApp or email, keeping the conversation going beyond the episode. WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email: Don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and leave a five-star review. It helps keep the retro nonsense rambling along.
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Loo Roll, Roland Rat & Rock Candy
09/29/2025
Loo Roll, Roland Rat & Rock Candy
Tommy, 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 detour through Orwell’s 1984, the lost art of sending postcards, and the glory days of CB radio handles, and you’ve got an episode that’s as random as it is hilarious. Listen for: Tales of sneaking into cash & carry warehouses as “shopkeepers” Rats in pop culture—from Orwell to Michael Jackson to Roland Rat Seaside nostalgia: Blackpool rock, postcards, and Butlins legends The novelty hits and children’s TV icons that defined a generation CB radio culture: handles, “eyeballs,” and the loneliness of late-night chatter Join the conversation: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your own retro memories with us on social media. Tune in, laugh along, and keep the nonsense rambling! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email: Join us on our socials: , and
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Wigs, Weather, and Pop Culture
09/22/2025
Wigs, Weather, and Pop Culture
This 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 do music icons from A Tribe of Toffs to Hawkwind, Showaddywaddy, and The Beatles. The episode also explores the joy of misheard lyrics and old adverts, with Hayley recalling an unfortunate Fairy Liquid trauma. There are flashbacks to once-popular perfumes and aftershaves like Charlie, So…?, Old Spice, Brute, and High Karate, as well as nostalgic cookbooks and TV chefs from Mrs Beeton and Delia Smith to Lloyd Grossman. Tufty the squirrel makes an appearance as the unlikely road safety hero, and there are side tangents about squirrels being “rats with good PR,” Tommy’s memories of Through the Keyhole, and why fantasy football doesn’t quite work for everyone. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it really helps us out. We’d also love to hear from you! Get in touch with your thoughts, memories, or misheard lyrics - To get involved with the show, you can send in voice notes or messages via WhatsApp on 07405 341500, or email . Follow Rambling Retro Nonsense on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook to join in the conversation.
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Cobra Beer, Curry & Concrete Gnomes
09/15/2025
Cobra Beer, Curry & Concrete Gnomes
In 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 naan, and onion bhajis feature heavily, as do the quirks of curry houses that still offered prawn cocktail or omelette and chips alongside their menus. There’s talk of Vesta curry kits and the strange era of processed “exotic” meals, as well as a discussion about authenticity versus modern makeovers in Indian restaurants. After-dinner rituals like hot towels and After Eight mints make their appearance too. The conversation then drifts into the world of garden gnomes, eccentric neighbours, and even John Major’s dad, who once made concrete gnomes for a living. From there, the ramble continues into the quirks of house names versus house numbers, first radios and Walkmans, and the joys of tuning into the American Forces Network. The trio also revisit classic TV moments, from The Wide Awake Club to Noel Edmonds’ farm-based reality show. To get involved with the show, you can send in voice notes or messages via WhatsApp on 07405 341500, or email . Follow Rambling Retro Nonsense on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook to join in the conversation.
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Bond, Booze & Breakfast
09/08/2025
Bond, Booze & Breakfast
Tommy, 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 miss. With a mix of humour, insider stories, and plenty of Bond-style banter, this episode is a toast to one of cinema’s most enduring icons. Listen for: The hidden stories from Bond movie sets The drinks that made 007 legendary—and how to recreate them at home Trivia, laughter, and unexpected insights into Bond’s world Join the conversation: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite Bond moments with us on social media. Tune in and raise a glass to 007! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email: ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com
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Lost in the Department Store & Other Tasty Tangents
08/31/2025
Lost in the Department Store & Other Tasty Tangents
This 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: Cafés of the past – proper “cafs” with fried bread, mixed grills, and tea in polystyrene cups. The lost art of the perfect fry-up – timing, technique, and fierce regional rivalries (Ulster fry vs Welsh fry vs Scottish fry). Corned beef confessions – including a rather unexpected Fray Bentos revelation. Black pudding diplomacy – and why swapping it for a sausage caused outrage. Fry-up folklore – square sausages, dripping-fried bread, and why seaside breakfasts are sacred. It’s an episode full of warm memories, hearty food chat, and the kind of conversational detours that feel like you’ve been sitting in a café with old friends. Hosts: Tommy Boyd, Duncan Barkes, and Hayley Hayes Were you ever rescued over a tannoy? Do you have a strong opinion on fried bread or black pudding? Text us or send a voice note — we’ll play our favourites on the show! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too!
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Snips, Perms & Novelty Songs
08/25/2025
Snips, Perms & Novelty Songs
Tommy, 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 Gilbert O’Sullivan against Tommy’s “crummy” verdicts. They also tackle linguistic quirks, like the infamous rhyme-free word… orange. The conversation shifts to novelty songs – once chart-topping, now almost forgotten. From the Cheeky Girls to The Wurzels, from Max Bygraves mishaps to Tommy Cooper’s darkly funny numbers, the trio revels in the absurdity of musical history. Stories meander through wartime heroics, World War II pilot Douglas Bader, and Max Bygraves’ legendary encounters, before settling on reflections about the classic Bader film Reach for the Sky. Also covered: Childhood barbershops, smoky memories, and quirky haircut rituals Perms, pop encounters, and the 1980s hairdressing scene Defending Leo Sayer and Gilbert O’Sullivan as musical geniuses The rise and fall of novelty songs in the UK charts Douglas Bader anecdotes and Max Bygraves’ unforgettable stories Hosts: Tommy Boyd, Duncan Barkes, and Hayley Hayes WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email: ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com
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Going Up West, Steak Dinners & Microscopes
08/18/2025
Going Up West, Steak Dinners & Microscopes
Tommy, 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 shopfronts, and traffic-light trivia. Then things take a turn for the deeply personal as Tommy confesses to a teenage microscope experiment that nobody saw coming (and some of us won’t unhear anytime soon). Also covered: Pelican crossings, magnifying glasses, and suspicious YouTube algorithms Teenage explosions and the dangers of potassium Why fondue sets had nothing on the Exchange & Mart And Duncan's latest rant: “cheese on burgers is for children” Hosts: Tommy Boyd, Duncan Barkes, and Hayley Hayes Get in Touch with Us! Ever rented theatre binoculars? Used a microscope for... science? We want to hear from you! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email: Don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and leave a five-star review. It helps keep the retro nonsense rambling along.
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Spaghetti Out of a Tin and Whispering Alexas
08/11/2025
Spaghetti Out of a Tin and Whispering Alexas
Tommy, 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 it’s on to the tech trauma of VHS timers and SCART leads, with listener Kev sharing the horror of being the designated “recorder” during a family holiday. Duncan's opinions on electrical sockets and we discover the terrifying reason why you shouldn’t trust a whispering Alexa. Also covered: Spaghetti in a tin, school dinner pink sponge, and Arctic Roll etiquette Pizza: fancy cheese on toast or something more sacred? The bomb plot that involved a VHS recorder Top Cat vs. Boss Cat, and the mystery of Yogi Bear’s rebrand Favourite lightbulbs and the secret life of halogen fittings And fondue parties that feel oddly… sensual Hosts: Tommy Boyd, Duncan Barkes, and Hayley Hayes Get in Touch with Us! Still traumatised by a fondue fork injury? Ever programmed a VHS successfully? Can you still taste that tinned spaghetti? We want to hear from you! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note, go on you know you want too! Email: Don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and leave a five-star review. It helps keep the retro nonsense rambling along.
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Spitting Footballers, Plasticine Psychos & the Wimpy
08/03/2025
Spitting 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, Action Men with missing limbs, and the slightly disturbing things Tommy used to do with Plasticine. There’s also some strong debate over Barbie vs. Cindy, a surprise train ride with Bananarama, and the slightly depressing truth about magnetic beard kits. Also covered: disco balls, yo-yos, revising next to a cactus, and the art of spitting like a footballer (badly). Get in touch with us! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 - leave us a voice note! Email: Follow us on the socials and say hi: X: Insta: Facebook:
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Lucozade, Leaf Blowers & The Lost Art of Boredom
07/27/2025
Lucozade, Leaf Blowers & The Lost Art of Boredom
With 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 night variety shows (when telly was still a family event), the old magic of Top of the Pops, and the slow death of silly fun on TV. Elsewhere, the conversation veers off into Blue Peter badge bragging, school excuses, and Hayley’s accidental foray into soft porn literature… for GCSE English. Yes, really. We touch on retro snacks, chip shop nostalgia (what even is rock salmon?), and the odd competitiveness of trainspotting – complete with tartan flasks and disapproving glances. Tommy has a vendetta against Christopher Biggins’ drive-by insult, and we get deep into the vinegar wars: Sarson’s vs. the mysterious sweet chip shop blend (spoiler: Hayley has a life hack). Also featuring: leaf blowers, jet washers, air fryer evangelism, department store despair, and the kind of daytime telly comfort that only Four in a Bed can bring. Get in Touch with Us! WhatsApp for messages or voice notes: 07405 341500 Email:
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Pedantry, Black Bag Shops & A Northern Buffet
07/20/2025
Pedantry, Black Bag Shops & A Northern Buffet
Tommy, 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 in the UK and the more theatrical, call-screened approach of 1990s America. There’s a side-trip to Oxford Street’s mysterious black bag auction shops (spoiler: scams), before things take a turn toward Brighton – including tales of the Evening Star pub, a blind pianist named Albert, and the kind of rugby songs that should probably stay in the past. We get philosophical about pubs that made us feel like we belonged, the rise and fall of private shops, and the magic of a shared packet of scampi fries. Also: Tommy’s trauma over a beige tank top. Get in Touch with Us! Did you buy a black bag of mystery from a shop that disappeared the next day? Do you still know the words to “Ilkley Moor Baht ‘At”? Or maybe your first item of clothing was just as traumatising as Tommy’s tank top? We want to hear your stories. WhatsApp for messages or voice notes: 07405 341500 Email:
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Petrol, Pirate Radio & The Great Green Stamp Heist
07/14/2025
Petrol, Pirate Radio & The Great Green Stamp Heist
Tommy, 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 Tandy, and reminisce about the thrill of being saluted by an AA man in white gloves. There’s also a healthy dose of 1980s furniture woes (MFI anyone?), a smattering of Happy Days trivia, and a cracking tale involving a Mini and an explosive petrol spill. Listeners Jeanette and Dave pop up too — with memories of donkey rides in Weymouth and a surprisingly heartfelt defence of Eldorado. Get in Touch with Us! Do you remember collecting petrol station Smurfs? Ever get your turkey through a butcher's Christmas club? Or maybe you’ve still got a Wolfman Jack cassette buried in a drawer somewhere? Whatever your retro nonsense, we want to hear it. WhatsApp for messages or voice notes: 07405 341500 Email:
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Crackerjack, Cremola & Kitchen Confessions
07/07/2025
Crackerjack, Cremola & Kitchen Confessions
Tommy, 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. Hosts: Tommy Boyd, Duncan Barkes, and Hayley Hayes Get in Touch with Us! What are your memories of Crackerjack, old money, or classic kitchen gadgets? Do you have a strong opinion on air-fried baked potatoes? We'd love to hear from you! WhatsApp: 07405 341500 Email: Join us on our socials - just search for Rambling Retro Nonsense on X, Facebook and Instsagram and follow/like us! Don't forget to like, follow, subscribe, and leave us a five-star review wherever you listen to your podcasts!
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Simple Pleasures & Banned Childhood Toys
06/29/2025
Simple Pleasures & Banned Childhood Toys
Join 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 learning to cycle and swim, and a memorable story of a very thirsty family in an underground car park! What are your fondest childhood seaside memories? Did you have any of the "banned" toys mentioned in this episode? Or perhaps you have a hilarious story about learning to cycle or swim? We'd love to hear from you! Email: Send us a voice note via WhatsApp: 07405 341500 to appear on the pod. Don't forget to like, follow, subscribe, and leave us a five-star review wherever you listen to your podcasts!
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A Taste of Things To Come..
06/22/2025
A 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 with a look at future nostalgia and an appreciation for a truly versatile entertainer. Get ready for a dose of shared nostalgia and a few laughs! Say hello: Send us a voice note via WhatsApp: 07405 341500 to appear on the pod.
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