Shift Run Stop » Podcast

Episode 61: Ed Jefferson

roo — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:29:40 +0000

After a bit of a break, Shift Run Stop is back in your ears – on an occasional basis, at least.

This month, we meet Ed Jefferson, aka Ben from @shippamspaste, Danny O'Brien (from episode 34) tells us about the life of an Englishman in New York and Lee Maguire is back with Snack Time. We also work through a backlog of snacks sent in by listeners when we were last regularly on air, in 2010. So sit back, pour yourself a large glass of Pepto-bismol, and join us on as we tackle extremely out-of-date food from all three corners of the world: Japan (thanks Karamoon), Nigeria (thanks Matt) and Syria (thanks Derek).

Episode 60: Christmas Special – Stefanie Posavec, Sound Diaries, Jon Ronson, Joel Ronson and Lee Maguire

leila — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:14:32 +0000

Yes, we are back! Well, for a one-off Christmas special at least.

As it's been so long, and you've been waiting so patiently, we've tried to make sure this episode is bursting at the seams. Put your feet up (yes, even if you're driving, it's Christmas!) and join us as we chat to journalist and psychopath-spotter Jon Ronson, his son comics expert Joel Ronson, the ingenious data artist Stefanie Posavec, the audio archivers of everyday life Felicity Ford and Paul Whitty of Sound Diaries and our snack hacker Lee Maguire.

In the in-between bits, Roo tests Leila on her Mastermind subject – Red Dwarf 1989-1995; Leila has a present for Roo, we get a Christmas card from a listener, and we speculate extensively about the logistics of a famous space weapon. No wonder it's almost two hours long.

Don't forget to subscribe on iTunes, so you don't miss any future ones we might make.

Coming up in episode 60: Christmas Special 2011

leila — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:20:14 +0000

Shift Run Stop episode 60: Christmas Special from shiftrunstop on Vimeo.

We're about to return from our long break for a one-off Christmas special, and what a mouthwatering festive spread we've prepared for you.

Inquisitive journalist Jon Ronson, upcoming talent Joel Ronson, ingenious data artist Stefanie Posavec, Felicity Ford and Paul Whitty of Sound Diaries and snacksmith Lee Maguire join us, Leila and Roo at Shift Run Stop Towers. It's like we were never away.

This is just a taster of course. Come back on Thursday 22nd of December for the full audio episode, or subscribe on iTunes.

Episode 59: Neil Forsyth and Rhodri Marsden

leila — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:13:45 +0000

It's the end-of-the-year show you've been waiting for. Spam-baiting humorist Neil Forsyth reveals how he winds up cyber crooks, and we track down the bootleg of our live spot on London's recent Radio Roundabout where, lest auld acquaintance Rhodri Marsden be forgot, we interview him. All that washed down with a cup of kindness from snacks expert Lee Maguire in this, the only way to see in 2011. Happy New Year!

Coming up in episode 59: Neil Forsyth and Rhodri Marsden

leila — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:20:25 +0000

Thursday's show includes a chat with writer and wind-up merchant Neil Forsyth, whose excellent latest book "Delete This At Your Peril" reproduces a series of genuine exchanges with email scammers. There's also some exclusive footage of internet legend and tech journo of The Independent, Rhodri Marsden, playing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas beautifully on the saw during our recording for Radio Roundabout.

Tune in on Thursday for the full festive feast, and a very Happy New Year from Shift Run Stop!

Episode 58: Jo Neary

roo — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 19:48:10 +0000

Happy Christmas or otherwise holidays! As you've been good this year, we've made you a very special extra-long holly-decked episode, featuring music, festive snacks and the glorious comedian Joanna Neary who tells us about everything from performing in Time Trumpet to her remarkable gloves. We're really pleased with this episode. Hope you like it too, and thanks for sticking with us through 2010. See you same time next week for the equally special New Year's show!

Coming up in episode 58: Jo Neary

leila — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:41:21 +0000

The totally brilliant comedian, actor and writer Jo Neary sings us a song about Britpop this week. Come back on Thursday for the full audio episode, and find out how she comes up with characters, what motivates her, and how to swim in the sea in Brighton.

Episode 57: John Graham-Cumming

leila — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:53:39 +0000

A modern nerd legend for you this week, as we chat to John Graham-Cumming about his new project, Plan 28, which aims to "finish Babbage's work" by raising the cash to build an Analytical Engine from original plans. John has previously successfully petitioned the Government to formally apologise for the treatment of Alan Turing, and is the author of the Geek Atlas. All that, plus potato printing with Kinect, space balloons, Star Wars and yet more Mexican snackfood in this unnecessarily spicy serving of your favourite podcast.

Coming up in episode 57: John Graham-Cumming

leila — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:47:50 +0000

We meet John Graham-Cumming and hear about his new project, Plan 28, which aims to build Babbage's Analytical Engine from the original plans.

John is also well known for successfully petitioning the Government to grant a formal apology for Alan Turing, and is the author of the Geek Atlas.

Come back on Thursday for the full audio episode.

Episode 56: Sarah Dobbs

leila — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:05:00 +0000

You know when you're on the train, and you think "Oh there's Jigsaw, just getting on at this stop. Hi Jigsaw!" You know. Usually happens the day after you watched all the Saw films in a row, like this week's guest Sarah Dobbs did recently. Luckily, she's a horror fan... she's also a journalist, and the editor of new feminist pop culture magazine re/action. Discover why The Happening is better than you think, what's the deal with all those apocalypse films and the format in which one distributes a film called Vampire Girl vs Frankenstein Girl, in this exclusive interview.

And the offensive generalisations about foreign snackfood continue as Dave helps us demolish a range of Mexican foodstuffs, generously supplied by listener Liz Henry.

Coming up in episode 56: Sarah Dobbs

leila — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:35:24 +0000

Magazine editor, sometime WIRED journalist, horror expert and general geek impresario Sarah Dobbs is this week's special guest. Check out the excellent new mag she's created, re/action, if you've ever thought there should be more pop culture stuff for and about interesting women.

Episode 55: Minkette

leila — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:16:25 +0000

We chat to a games-creator this week, the talented Minkette, and hear about some of her extraordinary projects - which range from mindbending ARGs to a radio-transmitted theatre production on the Tube.

All that plus Kinect hacking, real world point-and-clicks, and Rockband with Grannie in this foil-fresh square of your Shift Run Stop advent calendar. Now relax, settle back with a drink that tastes of Christmas, and pop open our window.

Links: Minkette (Twitter) | Investigate Dave in more detail | Join the non-stop break-neck fast-paced chat on our forum | Buy a tape of this episode and listen to it in the past.

Coming up in episode 55: Minkette

leila — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:08:08 +0000

Games designer Minkette performs 'in the style of Bjork' at our request. Tune in on Thursday to hear about the games and performances she has created.

Episode 54: Dominic Wilcox

leila — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 19:43:45 +0000

Artist, designer, writer, and man of extraordinary imagination Dominic Wilcox calls in for a chat about his latest creations which include bread lampshades and helium-powered crisp packets. We also find out what Leila would've tweeted had she still been on Twitter, and Roo starts feeling festive at the South Bank's Christmas fair. Oh, and you remember Alice Bartlett from episode 50? Of course you do. She pops up again this week, armed with snacks from Tobago. As ever, our snacking snack king Dave Green is holding the cutlery.

Coming up in episode 54: Dominic Wilcox

leila — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:14:27 +0000

We're honoured to be joined by artist, designer, and general imaginer of wonderment, Dominic Wilcox this week. Read about him on his site, and be sure to come back here on Thursday for the full-length audio episode.

Episode 53: R3PLAY special

leila — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:31:25 +0000

Leila went to R3PLAY, the enormous retro-gaming event in Blackpool, and has returned armed with interviews with loads of people, including Sensible Soccer creator John Hare, Adam from the National Museum of Computing, and retro computing enthusiast off-the-telly Iain Lee.

Back at Shift Run Stop Towers, our snackfood correspondent Dave Green takes us on a gastronomical voyage to far-off lands, and Roo shares the coolest thing he's seen all week.

Links: R3PLAY | Video of SID80s playing at R3play | Snackspot | Join our forum | Buy a tape of this episode

Coming up in episode 53: R3PLAY special

leila — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:23:18 +0000

Leila went to the R3PLAY retrogaming expo in Blackpool last week, and has returned armed with interviews - including this one of retrogaming fan and star of telly and radio, Iain Lee. This, plus snacks, chat and all the usual shenanigans this Thursday on Shift Run Stop.

Episode 52: Andy Nyman

leila — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:43:29 +0000

We welcome another ridiculously talented guest this week, in the form of acclaimed screen actor Andy Nyman. The horror aficionado joined us on his only night off from the West End hit Ghost Stories, which he wrote and stars in - though you might also remember his turn as the deliciously aggressive Patrick in Charlie Brooker's zombie satire Dead Set. He's a magician too, and for the past decade has worked closely with Derren Brown.

Elsewhere, snack informant Dave shares some Swiss treats courtesy of listener Phil "Neorf" North, and Leila returns from R3PLAY in Blackpool with tales of a retrogamer paradise.

Coming up in episode 52: Andy Nyman

leila — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:08:24 +0000

Andy is a modern polymath. Award winning actor, star of stage (most recently, his very own West End hit Ghost Stories) and screen (Black Death, Death at a Funeral, Severance etc etc ). You probably saw him stealing scenes in Charlie Brooker's Dead Set... and he's Derren Brown's right-hand man.

See you back here on Thursday 11th November for the full interview, and remember to subscribe at itunes.com/podcast/shiftrunstop.

Episode 51: Helen Keen

leila — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:07:36 +0000

It's all bionic legs, bananas and biplanes this week, as we meet the exuberant comedian Helen Keen, creator of acclaimed stand-up show and soon-to-be Radio 4 series "It IS rocket science". There's big news from Roo, inane comments about time travel from Leila, and your hosts finally get some decent food in them, via some very tasty cheese supplied by listener Kev Frost. It's nice to know someone's looking out for our glycemic index, thanks Kev!

Helen Keen (homepage) | Helen Keen (Wikipedia) | Helen on Twitter | Wallace and Gromit Wensleydale | Can we interest you in a souvenir tape of this episode?

Coming up in episode 51: Helen Keen

leila — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:12:59 +0000

Comedian Helen Keen created the universally praised stage show "It IS rocket science" - currently being made into a Radio 4 series. Here she tells us about another big interest of hers - the golden age of aviation (and isn't she great?!)

This is just a taster of course, come back on Thursday for the full audio episode.

Episode 50: Alice Bartlett

leila — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:10:15 +0000

Yes, we've reached episode 50. When we started a year ago we didn't really know what the show would be like, or how sustainable it could be, so we're pleased to have made it this far. Thanks for sticking with it (would a hug be inappropriate?)

In this one-off, one-for-the-fans, where-are-they-now geekstravaganza, excellent early guest Alice Bartlett returns to tell us about programming for Android and her fascinating family, and we take the mic to the live episode 50 games night we hosted the other week (did you come?) and poke it at some other former guests.

It's that time of year again, and by the light of the full moon, Dave masterminds a Hallowe'en snack massacre (but fortunately he's alright now.)

Coming up in episode 50: Alice Bartlett

leila — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:57:02 +0000

We bring back an early guest (one of our faves) for our extra-special Episode 50 show. Alice Bartlett is a programmer currently working on Android apps, and we think she's ace. She tells us about Theme Hospital and more, in this short clip. Full audio episode will materialise here and on iTunes, on Thursday 28th!

Episode 49: Rhianna Pratchett

leila — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:24:02 +0000

Rhianna knows games. We meet the famous "narrative paramedic" behind Heavenly Sword, the Overlord series, Mirror's Edge and lots more - and discover it all began with Leisure Suit Larry.

But that's not all! Your hosts discuss the great "Inventing the 21st Century" exhibition at the British Library over a beer somewhere, while back at Shift Run Stop towers, Dave 'Snacktime' Green hypes everyone up with caffeine-packed drinks and some extreme sweets.

Coming up in episode 49: Rhianna Pratchett

roo — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:55:58 +0000

This week we chat to acclaimed games writer Rhianna Pratchett - she's written for loads of popular video games including Mirror's Edge and the Overlord series.

Episode 48: Robert Schifreen

leila — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:35:19 +0000

Robert Schifreen and Stephen Gold hacked into the Post Office/BT's Viewdata system 'Prestel' back in the 80s, gaining access to thousands of mailboxes (including Prince Philip's). It was the first high profile hacking case in the UK, and resulted in the passing of the Computer Misuse Act. We reminisce with Robert about the good old days of computer crime, take a stroll along the Thames, and find snacks hedgehog Dave Green under a bonfire of sweet wrappers.

Robert's company Security Savvy | Robert on Twitter | Robert's book Defeating the Hacker | Dave's site Snackspot | Buy this episode on tape, yes tape

++++Don't forget to come to our 50th episode party in London on Monday!

Coming up in episode 48: Robert Schifreen

leila — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:57:23 +0000

Robert's something of a Shift Run Stop hero - he's a key personality in the story of the Post Office/BT's Viewdata system 'Prestel', which regular listeners will know we're both far too interested in. Along with Stephen Gold, Robert famously hacked into Prestel in the 80s, gaining access to thousands of mailboxes (including Prince Philip's). The result was a massively expensive court case, and the passing of The Computer Misuse Act. See you back here on Thursday, when we'll have a meal prepared for your ears.

Episode 47: Margaret Robertson and Dominik Diamond

leila — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:06:06 +0000

Special episode this week - two guests, several locations and lots of meaty snacks. We went to the annual London games conference Playful and Skype-interviewed very funny former Games Master host-turned farmer Dominik Diamond on stage - hear the best bits in this episode. Games consultant and former editor of Edge magazine, Margaret Robertson was at Playful too, talking about Minecraft. But we'd already booked her to come on our show, because we already knew she was ace, because we're way ahead of you.

Coming up in episode 47: Playful Special!

leila — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:10:32 +0000

We went to the Playful conference recently and interviewed GamesMaster host Dominik Diamond over Skype on the stage. See the evidence on this video and listen to the episode on Thursday to hear just how funny he was.

Games consultant and expert (and former editor of Edge magazine) Margaret Robertson did a brilliant presentation about Minecraft from *inside the game* - we caught up with her afterwards to chat about that.

Margaret, Dominik, snacks, fun, games and laughs on this Thursday's episode - shiftrunstop.co.uk

We went to the London games conference Playful a couple of weeks ago, and interviewed former Games Master host Dominik Diamond over Skype - he's swapped what must have been a turbulent life on the oil rig with Patrick Moore for a peaceful existence in rural Nova Scotia. See the evidence on this video and listen to the episode on Thursday to hear just how funny he was.

Games consultant and former editor of Edge magazine, Margaret Robertson, did a brilliant presentation about Minecraft from *inside the game* at the conference too - we caught up with her afterwards to chat about that.

Margaret, Dominik, snacks, fun, games and laughs on this Thursday's slightly-longer-than-usual episode. We are good to you.

Episode 46: Hayden Scott-Baron

leila — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:17:08 +0000

A return to video games chat this week, and who better to put our endless questions about narrative and puzzles to than friendly games maker Hayden Scott-Baron ("Docky"). Hayden is the man behind hit iPhone physics game Tumbledrop, and much of what you like about RollerCoaster Tycoon. He's a comic artist, too, so we exploited his talent to bring you some of our cutest tapes so far. Head over to our store now to grab one for yourself - it's a very limited edition run!

Also in this episode: your hosts discuss the text adventure documentary, Get Lamp and snackster Dave tracks down some "children's beer".

Coming up in episode 46: Hayden Scott-Baron

leila — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:35:27 +0000

This week's guest is games designer, artist and comics magnate Hayden Scott-Baron ("Docky"). Hayden created the popular iPhone game Tumbledrop, a sort of virtual Jenga set in a world populated by super-cute shapes and rainbows. We talk to him about that, and loads more.

Also in this clip: your hosts discuss Get Lamp. Come back on Thursday for the full audio episode.

Episode 45: Simon Hickson

leila — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:17:58 +0000

This week as we talk to Simon Hickson, or to give him his full name: SIMON OUT OF TREVOR AND SIMON. He has one of those voices, and he uses it great effect in this nostalgic episode, revealing which of their characters were banned from Going Live, the thing that links Trev to Mad Men, and what really happened when Five Star were on. To be honest, we can't get enough of it.

In a quieter moment your hosts tuck into some unusually good sweets from a listener in Australia, and tentatively launch the official Shift Run Stop forum where you can all go and talk to each other about whatever you like, until you eventually establish some kind of primitive civilisation and decide you don't need us anymore. We're fine about it, really.

Coming up in episode 45: Simon Hickson

leila — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 06:33:07 +0000

Just listen to us in the background and you can hear how excited we are about this one.

In this Thursday's show we chat to Simon Hickson of the comedy duo 'Trevor and Simon' about performing on kids' telly in the 90s, and much more. Come back on the 23rd September or check in at iTunes for the full audio show!

Episode 44: Kevin Cecil

leila — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:30:24 +0000

Kev Cecil, Kev Cecil. Rings a bell, doesn't it? You've definitely come across Kev's work, because he's written for everything. Black Books, Little Britain, Armstrong and Miller, Katy Brand, Harry & Paul, Armando Iannucci... wherever you go, there he is, often teaming up with writing partner Andy Riley. Most recently, the pair co-created the three-part hiking comedy The Great Outdoors, which was acclaimed for its funny jokes and brilliant cast including Mark Heap, Katherine Parkinson and Ruth Jones. He's a performer too, and has been in various things you like, including The IT Crowd and Spaced. This week we hear about all that, plus hiker geeks, Hyperdrive and Animal Crossing.

That rustling noise you hear? Why, it's our mercurial snacks expert Dave, returning with a cornucopia of weird trans-seasonal treats from the bargain bin of hell.

Coming up in episode 44: Kevin Cecil

leila — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 06:32:08 +0000

We chat to comedy writer, recent IT Crowd performer, gamer and geek Kevin Cecil. (Kev is also the writing partner of our episode 18 guest Andy Riley, whom he mentions in this video). Check back here on Thursday for the full audio episode, or subscribe on iTunes.

Episode 43: Kim Plowright

leila — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:26:53 +0000

Kim Plowright is an inspiration. She turns up in all the best projects like a digital Bill Murray, and instantly makes everything a million times better. This week we learn why Hypercard games were so weird, how to voice a Numbers Station, and what it was like sharing a school with our Dave, who returns this week armed with a few snacks that should never have been made.

Coming up in episode 43: Kim Plowright

leila — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:37:20 +0000

Self-confessed "Internet Zelig" Kim Plowright drops in for a chat this week. Check back here or go to iTunes on Thursday for the full episode.

Episode 42: Elizabeth Sparrow

leila — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:34:09 +0000

Elizabeth Sparrow is President of the Chartered Institute for I.T. In this week's fun-packed episode, we find out about being in charge of geeks, use the phrase 'digital native', and ask our guest whether kids should be forced to use Facebook. We also get the scoop on a film competition you can enter - with real prize money. And be warned, you might be going up against US. Yeah.

In other episode 42 news, Roo calls Leila's bluff with a surprisingly difficult quiz about Red Dwarf, and we welcome the return of snacks expert Dave, under whose expert supervision we sample a few crisps Francais - and some from nearer home where we just call them crisps.

Coming up in episode 42: Elizabeth Sparrow

leila — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:19:04 +0000

Elizabeth is the President of the BCS. Here she tells us about a new competition the organisation is launching for digital users like yourselves, and gives us a bit of background to her career in information technology. For the full audio episode (including snacks and a Red Dwarf quiz) check back here or iTunes on Thursday 2nd of September.

Episode 41: Alex Bellos

leila — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:46:33 +0000

We chat to Alex Bellos this week. You must have seen his popular maths book (illustrated by SRS guest Andy Riley); Alex's Adventures in Numberland is everywhere at the moment. But is maths really that interesting? How many loaves of bread does it take to change a bell curve? What's 'God's Number' and is it cheaper if you ring after 6pm? Alex computes the answers, while in an unexpectedly gothic twist, your hosts assemble an edible skeleton and pool their entire knowledge of Twilight.

We have three copies of Alex's book to give away. Email us your address to stand a chance of winning one!

Coming up in episode 41: Alex Bellos

leila — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:30:48 +0000

Alex Bellos's maths popularising book Alex's Adventures In Numberland has been setting the charts alight since it came out earlier this year. Here he explains the origins of the tome's excellent title and the problem of solving the Rubik's Cube.

The full audio episode goes up here and on iTunes on Thursday 26th, see you then!

Episode 40: Reiner Knizia

leila — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:03:31 +0000

This week's guest is a prolific game designer. So prolific, in fact, that if you like games you probably already have something he's created in your house. So it was an honour to talk to Reiner Knizia about German board games, the iPhone market, whether German telly really is rubbish, and lots more.

And your hosts play a game of their own this week, too. To celebrate the podcast's 40th birthday, Leila quizzes Roo on his knowledge of Shift Run Stop. But how well will you do? Pause the cassette, and try the quiz yourself. The game is afoot!

Links: Reiner Knizia (Wikipedia) | Reiner's company Knizia Games | Ingenious (Amazon) | Buy this episode on audio cassette and party like it's 1988 | ...or simply donate an organ.

Coming up in episode 40: Reiner Knizia

leila — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:30:39 +0000

We are astonished to discover that we seem to be meeting Reiner Knizia in this week's episode. Probably the most prolific game designer in the world, he's the creator of the Lord of the Rings board game, the strategy game Ingenious, games for the iPad, iPhone and Nintendo DS, games with cards, dice, buttons and boards... just loads and loads of them.

Episode 39: Denise Wilton

roo — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:25:42 +0000

Denise Wilton, co-founder of B3ta and creative director at Moo, joins us this week to discuss creativity, community, Chris Morris, Commodore PETs, cross stitch, corpses, Community Chests and cheating.

Meanwhile, your hosts become angry and confused about popular culture and Leila badly wants to believe something Roo still can't bring himself to stomach.

Are you prepared to experience the most interesting thirty-six-and-a-bit minutes of your life so far? Go and get a cup of tea first. We'll wait.

Coming up in episode 39: Denise Wilton

roo — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:28:51 +0000

Denise is one of the co-founders of the "puerile digital arts community" you'll know and love as B3ta. She's also creative director at Moo and an all-round amazing creative internet person. As well as lifting the lid on Nathan Barley (well weapon) we really put her digital skills to the test by asking about her favourite Monopoly tactics.

Update: Want to hear the full half-hour audio episode, with Denise's interview? Here it is.

Episode 38: Ali Cook

leila — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:13:49 +0000

Magicians are massive geeks and we thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Ali Cook's lonely adolescence in this enchanting episode. Your hosts also find a moment on a park bench to discuss the toaster/Kryten overlap in Red Dwarf and share details of the idiotically simple video games they've been wasting their brains, time and 21st century computing power on this week.

Coming up in Episode 38: Ali Cook

leila — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:59:25 +0000

Magician Ali Cook wowed us with funny chat and magic this week. Magicians truly are the geekiest of all the variety acts. Check out Ali's website and, if you're going up, his Edinburgh show looks ace.

Episode 37: Ivo Gormley

leila — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:14:13 +0000

Film-maker Ivo Gormley drops in this week to tell us about his new projects, as well as the ones he's probably best known for - Us Now and the brilliant new documentary about live gaming, Playmakers. He's an inspirational and interesting chap - why not follow him on Twitter? We also enjoy some unusually tasty snacks with regular guest Dave and talk about Roo's favourite iPad games, supermarket fruit machines, and other stuff too...

Coming up in episode 37: Ivo Gormley

leila — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:30:40 +0000

Ivo is on the show this Thursday (July 29th). He's the film-maker behind the Think Public film project Us Now and the documentary about live gaming events, Playmakers. In this clip he explains why he thinks play is enjoying a revival - tune in on Thursday for the full audio episode.

Episode 36: Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock

leila — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:15:58 +0000

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock tells us how to make a telescope, where you can launch a satellite, and why people STILL haven't gone back to the moon, in this week's show. Maggie leads the optical instruments group at Astrium and communicates big ideas in an accessible way through her own company Science Innovation Ltd. She must be the most enthusiastic scientist in our neck of the galaxy and we really loved meeting her and her new daughter, Lauren.

Elsewhere this week, Roo and Leila discuss eyesight, All The Rage gets an almost embarrassingly comprehensive plug, Dave feeds us summer pies, whatever they are - and lots more.

Coming up in episode 36: Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock

roo — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:42:30 +0000

Maggie is a space scientist heading up the optical instruments group at Astrium, with a gift for communicating complex ideas in a clear and inspirational way. How could we not get her on? The video also stars Maggie's new baby daughter Lauren, our youngest guest so far. Kirsty Young missed that particular trick when Maggie appeared on Desert Island Discs recently didn't she?

Come back on Thursday for the full audio interview, plus all the regular Shift Run Stop delights you've come to know and expect.

Episode 35: Dr Sue Black

leila — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:29:54 +0000

Meet the esteemed computer scientist, academic and Bletchley Park campaigner Dr Sue Black, and find out how she fell in love with the birthplace of British computing, and why the 1980s classroom BBC Micro is more dangerous than you think. Elsewhere, your hosts discuss everything from the 'Hide and Seek' live gaming event that took place at London's National Theatre recently, to why boys aren't allowed to play with girls' toys, and The Great Twitter Portrait Project. Our Dave pours out more odd drinks, and are we having a stroke, or does everything taste of cinnamon?

When you've listened to that, check out Leila's anti-lifestyle magazine All The Rage, which returns this month after a year away, like Wispa. The summer special is themed on STYLE and is resplendent with former Shift Run Stop guests including Naomi Alderman, Adam Tandy, Peter Fletcher, Alex Preston and our very own Roo and Dave!

Coming up in episode 35: Dr Sue Black

leila — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:45:01 +0000

Dr Black is a high profile computer scientist famed for her tireless Bletchley Park campaigning. Here she talks to us about why there aren't more women working in the field. Check back on Thursday for the full audio episode.

Episode 34: Danny O’Brien

leila — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:50:57 +0000

It was only a matter of time before we had this Original Internet Celeb on the show. Danny O'Brien is of course Dave's former partner in crime from the world-famous geek newsletter NTK. He's been involved with the EFF, the ORG and loads of other stuff in recent years but has never forgotten his early internet roots. Now a long-term resident of California, we catch up with the digital Robin Hood on a brief visit to the UK.

Incidentally, when we emailed Danny to invite him on the show we told him we expect it to be like when Scotty showed up unexpectedly on Star Trek TNG. The experienced engineer has some ideas about how things should be run which caused a bit of friction down in Engineering, but Geordie eventually had to admit that the old man knew what he was doing and could even teach him a thing or two. Danny replied saying he thought it'd be more like when Jamie returned to Doctor Who wearing a kilt, and no one could remember who he was.

"They stole our revolution, now we're stealing it back." And now they're letting us rent it off them for 41 minutes. Vive la revolution!

Coming up in episode 34: Danny O’Brien

leila — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:49:04 +0000

These days, internet celebrity Danny is renowned for his civil liberties campaigning (and for being very funny), but many listeners will recall that he used to edit the excellent weekly geek newsletter NTK with Dave Green, who now does the snacks segment on our show!

In this episode, the old team reminisce about writing for geeks in the early days of the internet, and we find out what Danny's been up to since.

Episode 33: Thom and Myk from Thomyk Podcast

leila — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:20:40 +0000

Geeky fun beyond your, er, quite wild dreams this week as we chat with the utterly delightful Thom and Myk from the Thomyk podcast about comics, Lego, D&D, dice, and of course podcasting.

Snack seer Dave Green divines the most unexpected drinks of the summer, including at least one that's so unexpected, it's not even a drink.

Coming up in episode 33: Thom and Myk

leila — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:09:01 +0000

...from the extra-good Thomyk podcast of course.

Episode 32: Dan Hon and the Vintage Computer Festival at Bletchley

leila — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:24:58 +0000

If you like games you probably already know about games wizard Dan Hon, and even if you don't know him you're bound to have come across his work. Together with his brother Adrian, Dan co-founded Six to Start, the award-winning games company behind teen ARG Smokescreen and involved with loads of other fun stuff too, e.g Misfits, We Tell Stories and of course Wired (they're also in the mag's top 100). Roo gets the scoop on Dan's next move, and finds out what he really thinks about the term ARG in this geektastic chat.

While the boys hold their cleverness summit in Southampton, Leila attends the Vintage Computer Festival at the National Museum of Computing in Bletchley Park and returns armed with an interview, a heart that aches for Acorn, and at least 48K of evocative stings. Around the World in 80 Snacks continues with some mystifying US offerings courtesy of our jetsetting guest, and we cautiously unwrap - as ever - under the expert supervision of Dave.

Episode 31: Aeroplanes vs Predators

leila — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:34:10 +0000

Your hosts catch up after a couple of weeks away from SRS Towers, in this chat-packed reunion episode. Learn how Roo coped with a physical illness at the risk of inducing a mental one by binge-eating a sci-fi box-set with his eye-mouth. Meanwhile, Leila finds a way of combining her new walkie talkies with her fridge to continue our audio spin-off of Roo's In The Fridge project.

And is your Dad a massive nerd? Of course he is! Sporting one of the best accents we've had on the show so far, Wired.co.uk's Geek Dad contributor Chris Hinton shares some suggestions for Father's Day.

Plus Leila and Dave get wined, dined and strip-searched at Heathrow Terminal 5, and we all head to a park to sample snacks themed on the World Cup. Score!

Coming up in episode 31: Aliens, Predators, and Heathrow Terminal 5

leila — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:57:19 +0000

A series of unfortunate events have separated your hosts for a couple of weeks, but you can see us here, reunited for the first time in a while and catching up on what we've been doing since we last met (mainly watching back-to-back sci-fi films and finding secret customs rooms at Heathrow). Tune in on Thursday for the full, fun-stuffed episode, and in the meantime here's the main video of Dave & Leila's Heathrow tour.

Episode 30: MJ Hibbett

leila — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:00:07 +0000

A summery episode this week, as a guitar-wielding Mark "MJ" Hibbett swings by to serenade us in the sunshine, and we snack on Southwold's finest seaside fare.

Mark is responsible for the world's first internet hit, the gloriously nostalgic vintage computing paean Hey Hey 16K ("What does that get you today?") plus loads of other brilliant songs AND a new rock musical about dinosaurs and robots called Dinosaur Planet.

Everything about that paragraph was good.

Poor Roo has been ill (watching the entire Alien/Predator franchise - more of which in the next episode), but Dave and Leila have been to a radio rally in Luton, where some old computer books and a few Spectrum tapes were picked up with you in mind, gentle SRS listener. Just write in and let us know which one you want along with your address, perhaps in the form of a short Spectrum BASIC program.

Coming up in episode 30: MJ Hibbett

leila — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:36:12 +0000

"Hey Hey, 16K, What does that get you today?
You need more than that for a letter
Old Skool Ram Paks are much better."

A wise man, that Mark "MJ" Hibbett. He joins us on Thursday for an impromptu gig in the park, and he even wrote a fun blogpost about it. Incidentally, most of the old computer books and tapes in the video are up for grabs too. So like, give us a shout, yeah? Those were the days.

Next N.

Episode 29: Information Pioneers launch

leila — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:04:52 +0000

A rough and ready little episode this week, as our Roo - the edit smarts - has been off on a well-earned holiday (though Roofans relax: his past self does grace this episode - before he left we discussed Red Dead Redemption).

And while he was drinking in the Spanish sunshine, Leila and Dave were drinking in the complimentary wine at the premier of the BCS's Information Pioneers campaign, which aims to highlight the trailblazers of the information age through a series of films and a public appeal to vote for your favourite. The films are presented by some familiar faces (and an enjoyably hyperactive Twitter account) and you'll hear us hobnob with Ortis Deley from the Gadget Show, Kate Russell and LJ Rich from Click as well as the charming writer and producer team behind the short films (which are online here.)

(The pic at the top shows Dave and Leila talking to BCS Chief Ian Ryder, and comes from this gallery of photos from the event.)

Episode 28: Kathy Clugston

leila — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:17:39 +0000

Mellifluous-voiced Kathy reads the news on Radio 4, stars in Scott Mills' 'Posh Radio 4 Lady' segment, plays the 'uke', writes books, loves Twitter, and still finds time to tell you to turn around when possible on your Tom Tom. We had a great chat and she even played a few requests for us.

It was still hot outside when recorded this, so drink in the exotic holiday atmosphere, wintery futureboy, as we step outside to sample some sun-drenched refreshments with Dave Green from dormant cybervolcano NTK.

Links: Kathy (Wikipedia) | Kathy (Twitter) | Dave's Snackspot | Buy this podcast on cassette | Add us on Twitter and show you care.

Coming up in episode 28: Kathy Clugston

leila — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:37:53 +0000

Kathy is the soft Irish voice of Radio 4 news, but you might have her in your car if you have a Tom Tom, or know her as Posh Radio 4 Lady from the Scott Mills show, if you listen to Radio 1. She plays the ukelele. She's now writing a book based on a game she invented on Twitter. Trust us, she is brilliant.

Episode 27: Games Special

roo — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:38:05 +0000

Games games and more games. And breakfast cereal. In this week's episode we meet two heroes of British gaming at Game Camp, play some video game legends trump cards, eat a wide and frankly terrifying range of breakfast cereals and talk about iPhone games. Keep your datasette peeled for the secret 'datablast' at the end of the episode too.

Coming up in episode 27: Games Special

leila — Tue, 18 May 2010 08:50:46 +0000

This week Roo catches up with two very special guests - legends, no less, from the world of gaming at London's favourite 'unconference', Game Camp. Elsewhere, snacks man Dave introduces us to unexpected new breakfast options, Leila gets some sounds from under London, and we all play games (of course).

Episode 26: Professor Jon Butterworth

leila — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:34:37 +0000

Our guest this week has been keeping a watchful eye on the Large Hadron Collider since it booted up again in March, but luckily he's very well-qualified. In fact, Jon is a Professor of Physics at UCL and via the ATLAS experiment, pushes the boundaries of so-called science over at CERN on a regular basis. Well, we don't know much about science, but we know what we like, and it was a joy to learn about everything from the mystery of mass to the mystery of the LHC rap.

Over in parallel dimension, we review chocolates with unexpected mass and discuss the space-time implications of discussing the Time Traveler Convention on this podcast. And now we've just blogged about it, too. Oops.

Coming up in episode 26: Professor Jon Butterworth

leila — Tue, 11 May 2010 07:35:59 +0000

This was the week we finally understood some physics.

Jon is a Professor of Physics at University College London, and researcher in the High Energy Physics group on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

But what does the LHC actually do? How do you make a black hole? And what happens when it all goes wrong? Tune in on Thursday to find out!

Episode 25: James Wallis

leila — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:04:52 +0000

This week we catch up with games publisher James Wallis in the suitably recreational environs of a sunny London park. James is an ambassador for storytelling - his company Magnum Opus Press recently published The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Learn about that, the geography of World of Warcraft, and how to win a World Record for endurance D&D playing, in this geeky(-est? ever?) episode.

Back in the studio, our very own Sophie Dahl of snacks, Dave Green, has some refreshing drinks for summer (more of which on his site Snackspot) - and we offer James's books to give away! Buy a tape of this episode and win The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen; guess how many feet Roo is holding up to bag a copy of Magnum Opus's witty RPG manual Dragon Warriors. As ever, we can be emailed.

All this, plus the origins of branching narratives, Florence Nightingale facts, ambient birdsong, and oh, you know, the usual squabbles. Are you sitting comfortably? Good! Then let's begin.

Coming up in episode 25: James Wallis

leila — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:18:30 +0000

James is big news on the UK games scene. He's a game designer and book publisher, one of the organisers of Game Camp (coming up this weekend), creator of the Baron Munchausen book and game, and reviver of the 80s classic Dragon Warriors - among many other things!

Full episode goes up on Thursday the 6th of May - in the meantime check out James's publishing company and games consultancy blog.

Episode 24: Isy Suttie

leila — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:19:15 +0000

Writer-performer Isy Suttie drops in this week. Isy is a hit with geeks everywhere thanks to her role as Peep Show's winsome I.T. worker 'Dobby', but her talents reach far and wide. We discuss her performing career and her personal passions, which include The Office and The Wicker Man - and she plays the piano for us. You don't get that on This American Life.

Elsewhere this week, Dave Green joins us for more al fresco international snackery, bringing his expertise to bear on some Californian chocolate supplied by generous US-based listener Leo Vegoda. (If you live 'abroad', why not send us some snacks to review?) We eat, we laugh, we all fight about Star Wars again. Oh and don't forget you can still buy tapes of these shows, or, if you already have enough rubbish in your house, just donate.

Remember Sarah "Spacedog" Angliss from way back in episode 9? The Brighton Festival is coming up in early May and you should check out her Uncanny Valley show on May 5th if you get the chance, it sounds ace:

"Spacedog are teaming up with Professor Elemental to bring you a delightfully unsettling evening, probing our very human fears of the almost human, from zombies to ventriloquists’ dummies. Accompanied by Sarah’s unusual musical robots, we’ll be singing songs of love, death and the uncanny as we explore the darkest reaches of your mind. With theremins, taxidermy and strange automata."

Coming up in episode 24: Isy Suttie

roo — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:20:11 +0000

Join us on Thursday as we get to know the lovely Isy Suttie who you might well already know, either as 'Dobby' in Peep Show or from her standup. We talked about everything from comedy (of course!) to self sufficiency (why not?) and more.

Episode 23: Catherine O’Flynn and Peter Fletcher

leila — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:58:14 +0000

Meet Catherine O'Flynn and Peter Fletcher. Cath's first novel, What Was Lost was set in a shopping centre much like the one where we did this interview. Husband Peter has been documenting his sneezes, and spills the beans (and elastic bands) on what it was like working as a postie.

What with magma dragons and volcano (shipping) forecasts, we've developed quite a thing for vulcanology lately, so imagine our excitement when Eyjafjallajoekull spewed forth this week. Is it safe to go outside? Will we ever eat bananas again? Did we ever eat them before? For an exclusive breakdown of the situation, we turn to volcano enthusiast and friend of the show, Dr Ralph Harrington.

Intrepid Dave Green reports from Dorkbot #68, before joining us at a swanky West London bar for some renegade snacking inbetween disapproving glances from the waiter. When the munching noises get a bit too much, similar information can be found on Dave's website. And remember, buying this podcast on tape is still possible, if not likely.

Coming up in episode 23: Catherine O’Flynn & Peter Fletcher

leila — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:14:28 +0000

Down-to-earth power couple Catherine O'Flynn and Peter Fletcher join us this Thursday. Cath enjoyed huge success with her first novel "What Was Lost" in 2007 (longlisted for the Man Booker and Orange prize, shortlisted for Guardian First Book award and winner of the Costa First Novel prize). She tells us about that, and her forthcoming novel "The News Where You Are" - out this July. Peter has been involved in a variety of exciting creative projects over the years, most recently documenting his sneezes in between caring for their ridiculously adorable baby daughter Edie.

Meet the family in episode 23, out on Thursday 22nd of April!

Episode 22: Naomi Alderman

leila — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:54:34 +0000

Author Naomi Alderman drops in this week. You might recognise her name from her award-winning work Disobedience and a new but already highly-acclaimed novel The Lessons, currently 'Book at Bedtime' on Radio 4.

But not just that! She's a gee-eek. She really is. She was the lead writer on Perplex City, she's a high-flying games journalist and, we learn - not entirely to our surprise - a Doctor Who fan. Mainly though, she's brilliant fun.

Dave's with us again, and we're back in China on our journey Around the World in 80 Snacks, where we polish off last week's savoury course with something sweet and surprising. This episode also reveals more of Roo and Leila's embarrassing obsessions, and even more embarrassing omissions from our geek culture databanks.

If you buy a hand-made tape of the podcast this week, you'll very likely get some free Perplex City cards with it! Oh and this is the last week you can get a free audiobook through our Audible sponsorship, so head over there now or miss out on great works of literature... forever.

Coming up in episode 22: Naomi Alderman

leila — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:10:04 +0000

We loved meeting award-winning author, games writer, columnist and unorthodox Jew Naomi Alderman this week. As you can imagine, we had loads to talk about. Here we discuss Roo's chickens, Naomi's recent appearance on Radio 4's Front Row, and Shift Run Stop's curious prevalence of Jewish guests...

Episode 21: Lewis Dartnell

leila — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:12:42 +0000

"I look for aliens" is how high-flying young astrobiologist Lewis Dartnell describes his work, and we hear the wheres and hows of that search in this week's episode. During the fascinating chat Lewis explains how aliens might resemble anything from bacteria to "sky whales", Roo has a question about methane, and Leila jumps at the chance to defend Spock.

Elsewhere this week, a generous listener supplies us with some very exotic snackfood from China, and Dave joins us to review it in possibly most gruesome installment of "Around the World in 80 snacks" so far. And don't forget that all episodes of the podcast are available on audio cassette, and our exclusive Audible offer still stands - so get your audio book here.

Coming up in episode 21: Lewis Dartnell

leila — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:36:01 +0000

Lewis Dartnell is an astrobiologist with an impressive track record in science and broadcasting. Lewis was a Fame Lab finalist last year and is now a regular at the Royal Institution. He's written for the latest issue of Focus magazine and his work's even turned up on Have I Got News For You! So he's everywhere, basically. Here Lewis tells us about his applied physics solution to the "gold dilemma" at the end of The Italian Job, and we brave some Chinese snacks courtesy of our jet-setting listener Liam.

Episode 20: Shazia Mirza

leila — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:26:11 +0000

Comedian and columnist Shazia Mirza drops in for a chat this week and we have a great time hearing about her former life as science teacher, her experience of playing the Edinburgh Festival, and what her parents think about what she does...

Dave's similarly-voiced brother Simon joins us too, fresh from the Games Developer's Conference in San Francisco and reviews 2012 from a fluid renderer's point of view, while Dave finds out what the Easter Bunny has... brought? Laid?

Don't miss what's arguably the highlight of this episode: your hosts' attempts to explain Star Wars and Star Trek to each other from fragments of pieced-together memories and folklore.

We're still the only podcast that you can buy on cassette, and we're now on the third week of our month-long Audible offer. Download yourself a free audio book by clicking here. You can even donate if you think we're worth it.

Coming up in episode 20: Shazia Mirza

leila — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:15:05 +0000

We're honoured to be joined by the acclaimed comedian and columnist Shazia this week, who tells us about getting into comedy while working as a science teacher, the perils of writing about her parents and being recognised... not always as yourself.

This episode will go live on iTunes (and on this blog) on Thursday April 1st. See you then!

Episode 19: Paul Kerensa

leila — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:17:41 +0000

It's 25 years of Back to the Future! To celebrate, we're joined by the geeky and innovative stand-up comic, Paul Kerensa, whose 2005 Edinburgh show "Back to the Futon" involved a real-life DeLorean and a Gray's Sports Almanacful of in-jokes. Since then Paul's been focused on collecting and comparing every moment in time from every film ever between gigging, script-writing, podcasting, and working on a new, free, Edinburgh show for 2010. He even brings some BTTF props in to show us. Great Scott!

Elsewhere in good ole' 1955, we find Dave in Lou's Cafe or somewhere with 1.21 gigawatts of sugary drinks; your hosts continue to flog this podcast on cassette, and we enter week two of our month-long Audible offer. Download yourself a free audio book by clicking here and help us to save the clock tower.

Coming up in Episode 19: Paul Kerensa

leila — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:46:02 +0000

Paul Kerensa is a geeky stand-up comedian. He wowed Edinburgh a few years ago with his Back to the Future-themed show "Back to the Futon", one of the most fun things ever accomplished. But he's been entertaining the online world for years with his various obsessions, which range from collecting and comparing every moment in time from every film ever to building a comedy Tube map.

Paul shares his love of films and details of his brand new Edinburgh show, and we all revel in the undisputed greatness of Back to the Future.

This episode will be coming to an mp3 player near you on Thursday the 25th of March.

Episode 18: Andy Riley

leila — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:41:20 +0000

Our guest this week is comedy writer and cartoonist Andy Riley, the twisted mind behind the Bunny Suicides books and the Observer's comic strip Roasted, as well as loads of great TV and radio comedy.

While we were chatting, Andy drew some amazing cassette cards for us (watch a video of him drawing them and a photo of the inlay cards he drew and signed), and you can order one of his sick-brained designs over on our tapes buying page now. Be quick - they're bound to go really fast. And remember, to win one of Andy's books (Selfish Pigs, DIY Dentistry, or The Bumper Book of Bunny Suicides) email us with your guess for how many fingers you think he's holding up.

Also in this episode, SRS's snacks-loving pal Dave brings a range of mainly-acceptable biscuits for sampling, Leila goes to an exhibition involving live birds at London's Barbican and Roo tries to hold it together to do the links while out of his tree on beer and codeine.

If you want to take advantage of the Audible offer we mention in this episode and download yourself a free audio book, you can do so by clicking here.

Coming up in episode 18: Andy Riley

leila — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:50:41 +0000

Andy Riley is a comedy writer and comic artist, creator of the legendary Bunny Suicides series of books and Roasted, the geeky coffee shop comic that appeared in the Observer magazine until very recently. Often working with writing partner Kevin Cecil, Andy has written for numerous highly-acclaimed comedy shows and performers, including Armando Iannucci and Miranda Hart.

He busily drew up some cassette inlay cards for us, too (seen in this video) so get in quick with a tape order if you'd like a piece of one-off art.

The interview will go up in full on Thursday the 18th of March, plus the usual snacks and excursions!

Episode 17: Sydney Padua

leila — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:41:16 +0000

We chatted with artist Sydney Padua this week. Sydney's animated creations appear in loads of blockbuster movies, but she's a star of the small screen too - you might have seen her extremely funny web comic Babbage and Lovelace doing the rounds lately. With Ada Lovelace Day coming up very soon, Sydney tells us about the great lady herself, her struggles and achievements, and her unique relationship with Difference Engine-inventing eccentric Charles Babbage.

Sydney even drew some stunning designs on inlay cards for our tape sale, and we're offering those at a slight premium over on the tapes page. You'd better get in fast though, she only did a handful!

Meanwhile Dave brings us treats we can eat from India, and treats we can play from 1995, and there are exclusive sounds from inside your hosts' fridges.

Ada Lovelace Day is the 24th of March; support the cause by writing a blog post about a woman who has inspired your interest in science or tech. Let's all write about Sydney and freak her out.

Coming up in episode 17: Sydney Padua

roo — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:09:29 +0000

We meet animator Sydney Padua this week. If you don't know her, you probably know her art; she's worked on loads of high profile films, including The Golden Compass and the new Clash of the Titans. And now she's an internet celebrity, thanks to her very funny and smart internet comic about Babbage and Lovelace... in Sydney's version they're a crime-fighting duo, but you might be surprised how much of the story is based on truth! This trailer clip also contains shots of some of the inlay cards she kindly drew for our cassette sale.

Update: episode 17 is here.

Episode 16: Zeb Soanes

leila — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:00:13 +0000

You might recognise Zeb's voice from Radio 4 news, continuity announcements and the iconic Shipping Forecast. He's also very funny and, unexpectedly, looks like he should be in a boyband. We also hear about Roo's hobbity holiday in the New Forest and Leila's trip to Decode Lab at the V&A.

Dave comes back from India loaded up with imported Turkish snacks, Roo invents a system for randomly allocating seats at any future Shift Run Stop party, and an address in an old comic leads Leila to the doorstep of the former Dennis the Menace fanclub.

Meanwhile, we're pretty sure we remain the only podcast available on audio cassette. Shout out to Rev Dan Catt who is not only buying every episode on tape, but has also bought a tape player especially, and is taking it on the train, like it's a bloody Walkman.

Do keep sending in recordings of the inside of your fridge and if you're going abroad, or already abroad, we'd love to get your snacks for our new Around the World in 80 Snacks project.

Coming up in episode 16: Zeb Soanes

leila — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:33:25 +0000

Does Zeb Soanes' voice sound familiar? He reads the legendary Shipping Forecast regularly on Radio 4, as well as the news bulletins. This clip also features Roo Reynolds, Leila Johnston and Dave Green and the full episode will go out on iTunes (and Shiftrunstop.co.uk) on March 4th.

Check out Zeb's website and keep up with us on Twitter, too: @shiftrunstop

Episode 15: Phil Gyford

roo — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:00:59 +0000

Pepys blogger, Pretend Office worker and former Aardman animator Phil Gyford was kind enough to not only bring himself to Shift Run Stop towers, but also his Mega Drive.

We natter with the Internet's Dave Green about the BAFTA Film Awards (which Roo also went to) and dorkbotlondon (which Leila also went to). Leila meets a previous SRS guest at The Story and Dave nearly answers a listener's question about biscuits. We try out some exciting recent Cadbury launches with varying success and, as ever, you can put your own snack question to Dave via email or using #askdavegreen on Twitter.

We're really excited about being both video podcast of the week in Time Out - surely the ultimate achievement of any audio podcast - and podcast of the week in the Scottish Daily Record. Gosh. Milky Bars are on us. Thanks for all your support.

Links:

Phil Gyford
pepysdiary.com, samuelpepys, pretendoffice.co.uk
The Story
dorkbotlondon
Aardman
Virtua Racing
cassette tape sale continues

And of course, if you want to win the vintage Lara Croft beer bottle Phil gave us, send us an email and tell us what on earth's wrong with you.

Coming up in episode 15: Phil Gyford

roo — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:24:51 +0000

Phil Gyford is the brains behind numerous fun things you've probably come across on the internet, including pepysdiary.com, the @samuelpepys Twitter feed and the brilliant pretendoffice.co.uk. We also like him because, as you'll see, he let us play on his Mega Drive.

This episode will be available to download on the 25th of February! Be there and be square!

Episode 14: Duncan Gough

leila — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:00:01 +0000

What if you could play a game of Friends? Or The Wire? What would that be like? We saw Duncan at Playful 09 and were instantly hooked by his idea that dramatic storytelling and video games could merge in a new interactive concept called "Fictive Worlds". Duncan also shares his experience of developing the first PMOG (Passively Multiplayer Online Game), The Nethernet, and learning to program in COBOL (without a computer!) You should most certainly add him on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Leila reports from Grid ref TQ2191, an overgrown section of motorway near the end of the M1; Dave mops up some unlikely Valentine's Day bargains (and answers a listener's question - send them in via #askdavegreen on Twitter); we update you on our fridge sounds appeal (the audio equivalent of Roo's Flickr group) - and lots more.

Oh! And you can now donate to us by Paypal, and we've even done an FAQ page. I know! Mental.

We loved putting this episode together, and think it sounds pretty sweet. For a lot of it you can hardly even tell we're drunk.

Coming up in episode 14: Duncan Gough

leila — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:37:45 +0000

Duncan was the architect of the first "Passively Multiplayer Online Game" - later called The Nethernet, and is now developing an intriguing idea for blending educational stories with gameplay, that he has dubbed "Fictive Worlds". This, plus an abandoned motorway sliproad, after-Valentine's bargains, internal fridge noises, news on that cassettes idea, and loads more in the full-length episode coming up on Thursday the 18th!

Episode 13: James Larsson

leila — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:31:11 +0000

We love a bit of tech abuse on this podcast, so it's a real pleasure to bring you James Larsson, mad scientist extraordinaire. James hit the headlines on the BBC news site with his most recent project, Boot Fetish Pong, but old-skool listeners might remember seeing his prawn sandwich BBC micro clock back when Dave and Danny were still a couple, at Notcon 04.

We also read out some of your letters, greet our new listeners, road test Britain's spiciest crisps, and come up with an infallible new business model for the podcast. Roo has a go on a vintage adding machine and, to celebrate the week in which the podcast went nuclear, Leila visits the steamy reactor towers of scenic Dungeness. Just look at the links below. Phew! What a line-up.

More links: James Larsson's website | The Facit C1-13 Pinwheel Calculator | Dorkbot (London) | Leila in the new issue of Wired | Dungeness Nuclear Power Station | Leila's video from just outside Dungeness A [plus James Bridle, matchbox-loving friend of the SRS, has a lovely writeup and photo set of Dungeness too] | Snackspot | Travel Without The Tardis [buy].

Oh, and we were serious about putting limited edition hand made Shift Run Stop episodes on cassette tapes. Buy one now, quick, before you change your mind.

Coming up in episode 13: James Larsson

roo — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:59:13 +0000

James Larsson is an inventor. He's a regular at geeky meet-up Dorkbot (London), and was a star turn at Notcon 04, where Leila saw him use a BBC Micro and a voltmeter to turn a decomposing prawn sandwich into a sort of weird, brilliant, clock.

James hit the BBC News front page with his most recent project, Boot Fetish Pong, last summer. He's now working on a follow-up.

This video also features footage of Dungeness Nuclear Power Station, which Leila visited this week, and the sounds of which will feature on a forthcoming episode.

Episode 12: Dr Aleks Krotoski

leila — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:26 +0000

This week we are lucky enough to be joined by technology broadcaster Aleks Krotoski, known for her work at the Guardian (particularly the Tech Weekly podcast) and most recently for her new four-part prime time BBC Two series, Virtual Revolution. Aleks tells us about some of the leading lights she spoke to on this innovative show and explains why she believes we live in such exciting times. Still, we can't resist reminding her of some of her more dedicated followers.

Virtual Revolution is on Saturdays, 8:15, BBC 2, and you can watch the latest episode on iPlayer. Needless to say, she can be found on Twitter.

We also accost Mark, one of the dashing chaps who stands on a box outside Hamleys in a top hat. He tells us about the origins of the biggest toyshop in the known universe, and why his daughter hates Toy Story.

Meanwhile, Dave Green continues to eat rubbish so you don't have to, as we look back on the second half of the decade in snacks.

Unfinished Swan

Coming up in episode 12: Dr Aleks Krotoski

roo — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:00:03 +0000

Journalist and academic Aleks Krotoski tells us about her new four-part prime time BBC Two series, Virtual Revolution.

Aleks also heads up the Guardian's Tech Weekly podcast. She shot to geek megastardom in the late 90s, hosting TV shows like Bits and Thumb Bandits, and she maintains a loyal follower base from those days.

Update: episode 12 is out now

Episode 11: Chris Cleave

roo — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:57:48 +0000

In this week's fun-packed edition of Shift Run Stop we hear the sounds of ponies, meet real life author, Guardian columnist and dad Chris Cleave, learn about the San Francisco weather system from our foreign correspondent Anna Pickard, get a topical confectionery newsflash from our snacks expert Dave Green and more besides! Something for everyone, surely?

Links:

Chris Cleave: blog, twitter
Chris's books: Incendiary, The Other Hand (aka Little Bee)
Anna Pickard's blog plus her new tellywonk site)
Dave Green's snackspot
New Forest ponies (Wikipedia)
Rubbish A.I movie (IMDB)

Coming up in episode 11: Chris Cleave

roo — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 09:00:44 +0000

Chris is an author and journalist. He writes a column for the Guardian Family section every week and both of his novels have been adapted for feature films. The first, 'Incendiary', starred Ewan McGregor, and the second 'The Other Hand' (published as 'Little Bee' in the US) will feature Nicole Kidman.

He joins us in episode 11 of Shift Run Stop, arriving in your ear holes on Thursday 28th January.

Episode 10: Nick Pope “The Real Fox Mulder”

leila — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:28:21 +0000

This week we chat to Nick Pope, the former head of the MOD's UFO project (recently released into the public domain). Nick is a well-respected broadcaster who speaks on all aspects of the unexplained, so it was very nice of him to put up with our incessant questions about the Government's contingency plans for alien invasion (hey, it's good to check). It was great fun of course, and we really enjoyed meeting him. You can find Nick's website here.

Dave Green looks back on significant snack events from the last decade, while movie buff Paul Kerensa tells us what to expect from the next one, according to his excellent website, The Movie Timeline.

Meanwhile, your hosts Roo and Leila chat about a games-related book launch that Leila and Dave attended last week, Roo's facial recognition issues... and lots more! This episode features sounds from Space Intruder.

Those numbers again:

Nick Pope's homepage

UFO files on the National Archives

The Drake Equation

The SETI Institute

The Square Kilometre Array

Paul Kerensa's website

Paul's Twitter

Paul's podcast 'Movie Banter'

The Movie Timeline

Tom Chatfield's book Fun Inc on Amazon.

Dave's website Snackspot