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.

Rambling Retro Nonsense is a history podcast hosted by Boyd, Barkes & Hayes, with 60 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Boyd, Barkes & Hayes hosts Rambling Retro Nonsense, a history show with 60 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #60

  Vintage Kit & Fast Food Memories

  Aug 17, 202635 minS1

  This week on the show, the gang kicks things off with a simple question: what is the oldest bit of kit in your house? What follows is classic retro chaos: The 1947 Bush Radio: Why Duncan had to test his latest vintage acquisition in the back garden in case it exploded, and why it takes 45 seconds to warm up. Prawn Cocktail Nostalgia: Hayley's sacred Christmas-only glass bowls, non-kosher prawns, and the eternal mystery of why everyone has 50 spare Allen keys in their junk drawer. Tom's Deep Thoughts: Why your own body is the ultimate vintage instrument—and the terrifying tale of a pest-controlling metal detectorist who unearthed a 400-year-old knight's head. Fast Food Memories: First burgers, square Wendy's patties, drinking pickle juice to ward off muscle cramps, and a suspiciously specific murder story outside a hardware store. The Fine Art of Skiving: Pro call-center secrets, putting people on hold for "manager approval," and supermarket staff who will walk you across the store just to avoid real work. Drop your thoughts in the YouTube comments below, or drop us an email at ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com Don't forget to hit subscribe! You can also leave us a voice note on WhatsApp at 07405 341500—we'd love to hear your stories!

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  Episode #59

  Picky Bits & Pringle Missiles

  Aug 9, 202634 minS1

  Why carry a suitcase when you can drag a four-wheeled monstrosity directly into someone's ankles? This week on Rambling Retro Nonsense, Hayley, Duncan, and Tommy unpack the subtle art of travel habits, supermarket navigation, and the unspoken rules of snack consumption. From the evolution of non-wheeled luggage lugged by heavyweight dads to the high-stakes navigation of London Victoria, the trio examines how everyday routines reveal who we truly are. Along the way, Tommy shares a legendary family tale involving a café, a mother-in-law, and a contested KitKat, while Duncan reflects on the logistical nightmare of eating melty four-finger chocolates on public transit. Plus, the gang revisits the lost era of station newsagent shacks, train buffet cars, and the infamous moment a football fan decided a tube of Pringles made the ultimate projectile. In this episode, we chat about: The Evolution of Luggage: Lugging 20kg suitcases in the '80s vs. modern four-wheel gliders. Supermarket Psychology: "Salmon" shoppers, eye-level pricing tricks, and why alcohol moved to the back. Train Travel Routines: Station cinemas of the past, late-night first-edition newspapers, and onboard snack rituals. Chocolate & Snack Debates: KitKat eating techniques, Gordon Brown's tea preferences, and the weaponization of Pringles at football matches. Hotel Room Mishaps: Stolen biscuits, gutting hotel rooms, and accidental £200 minibar bills. Get in Touch: WhatsApp: 07405 341500 Email: ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com Don't forget to Subscribe on YouTube and leave your comments below!

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  Episode #58

  The 2 AM Algorithm

  Aug 3, 202633 minS1

  What happens when your YouTube algorithm decides to reveal who you really are at 2 AM? In this week's episode of Rambling Retro Nonsense, Hayley, Duncan, and Tom dive headfirst down a late-night internet rabbit hole. The gang explores the bizarre world of YouTube recommendation algorithms—from 1980s Scottish pop and Boney M. to David Tennant and American watch-along videos. Then, they take a trip down memory lane to discuss classic television, retro entertainment, and the lost art of home slideshows and Super 8 film. Plus, Tom pulls back the curtain on his time working in children's television to share a dark, unfiltered truth about Sooty, Basil Brush, and why puppet performers aren't always as cute as they seem. In this episode, we chat about: The YouTube Rabbit Hole: Alternative profiles, late-night searches, and why the algorithm knows your secrets. Retro Home Media: Cine film, 35mm carousels, and awkward family holiday slideshows. Puppet Nostalgia: Punch & Judy on the beach, Fireball XL5, The Muppets, and Tom's personal grudge against a childhood favorite. Life Hacks & Grudges: The art of taking a passport photo on a bed and why keeping a good grudge is essential. Get in Touch: WhatsApp: 07405 341500 Email: ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com Don't forget to Subscribe on YouTube and leave your comments below!

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  Episode #57

  Don't Believe Everything You Think

  Jul 27, 202625 minS1

  Conspiracy theories are back for Part Two… but somehow we end up talking about Elvis, time travel, UFOs, Christmas films, pub quizzes, and the most horrifying fact about chainsaws you'll ever hear. You're welcome. This week, Hayley, Duncan and Tommy ask the big questions: Is Elvis secretly living on a tropical island with Jimi Hendrix? Are UFOs actually tourists from the future? Did politicians wear pipes (and glasses) just to look clever? Is Die Hard really a Christmas film? And why should you never trust Tommy to write the questions for your local pub quiz? Expect bizarre historical facts, TV nostalgia, a surprisingly wholesome detour into Goodnight Sweetheart and Quantum Leap, a pub quiz that goes spectacularly off the rails, and one medical fact that will make everyone listening instinctively cross their legs. Tin foil hats are still optional. Therapy after the chainsaw discussion might not be. 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 even your own conspiracy - To get involved with the show, you can send in voice notes or messages via WhatsApp on 07405 341500, or email ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com Follow Rambling Retro Nonsense on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook to join in the conversation.

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  Episode #56

  Moon Landings, Beatles & Bonkers Beliefs

  Jul 20, 202629 minS1

  Was Paul McCartney really replaced by a lookalike? Did we actually land on the Moon? Why do conspiracy theories spread so easily—and why do we love them so much? This week, Hayley is joined by Duncan and Tommy for a laugh-filled dive into some of history's most famous conspiracy theories. From Beatles album covers and backwards messages to JFK, Princess Diana, Apollo 13 and even a completely made-up Star Trek theory, no rabbit hole is left unexplored. Along the way, the trio explores why we're so drawn to believing there's always a hidden truth—and whether conspiracy theories existed long before the internet and social media. Expect plenty of banter, surprising facts, questionable logic, and more than a few moments where you'll wonder how anyone ever believed this stuff in the first place. Tin foil hats are optional. Critical thinking is encouraged. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share, 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 even your own conspiracy - To get involved with the show, you can send in voice notes or messages via WhatsApp on 07405 341500, or email ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com . Follow Rambling Retro Nonsense on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook to join in the conversation.

  ListenShow Notes

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