In this episode, Craig Chapman returns from a necessary three-week recalibration period to explore the structural majesty of the world’s most common brown rectangle.

After a brief, structurally sound apology for his absence and a moving observation of a bathtub-dwelling spider, Craig peels back the layers of the corrugated cardboard box.

We journey from the sweat-prone Victorian gentlemen who wore cardboard as hat liners in 1856 to Robert Gair’s fortuitous printing mistake in 1879 that gave us the flat-pack revolution.

​Highlights include:

• ​The Physics of the Flute: Why your toaster is supported by the same architectural principles as a Roman aqueduct.
• ​What Do I Have Here?: A deep dive into "Arthur," a 12-centimeter vulcanized rubber door wedge.
• ​The Lingerie Phase: When cardboard was just a "rhythmic scarf" for glass bottles.
• ​The Listeners Corner: Addressing invasive questions from Wales and impressive vanilla extract longevity in Seattle.

In this episode of Now That’s Not A Very Interesting Podcast, Craig Chapman turns his attention to the horticultural underbelly to investigate the acoustic habits of the common garden snail. Do they produce a miniature ruckus when they retreat into their calcium-carbonate shells, or is the garden truly as silent as it appears? Craig explores the mechanics of the pneumostome and the structural integrity of the "mucus door" known as the epiphragm.

In our "What Do I Have Here?" segment, we take a clinical turn as Craig examines a pair of medium-sized latex gloves. We discuss the 1889 origins of the surgical glove and why they are the preferred choice for anyone wishing to reorganise their collection of vintage envelopes.

In this episode, you will hear:

The technical difference between a snore and a "high-tenacity sigh" in gastropods.

Why a snail might choose to sleep for three consecutive years (the ultimate beige dream).

The history of William Stewart Halsted and the birth of the medical-grade secondary skin.

A very firm correction in The Listeners Corner for Kim from West Rainton, whose suggestions were deemed "too exciting" for broadcast.

In this installment of Now That’s Not A Very Interesting Podcast, Craig Chapman explores the acoustic purgatory known as "Please Hold" music. Have you ever wondered why a billionaire corporation forces you to listen to a flute solo recorded through a tin can? Craig breaks down the technical "Audio Mulch" created by frequency clipping and pays homage to the unsung heroes of MIDI synthesizers.

​We also dive back into the kitchen cupboard for a new "What Do I Have Here?", where we examine the humble T-shirt carrier bag. It’s a story of Swedish engineering, unintended environmental consequences, and the structural superiority of high-density polyethylene.

​In this episode, you will hear:

• ​An analysis of the three main genres of hold music, from "Corporate Zen" to the 1989 classic, Opus No. 1.
• ​The technical reason why Mozart sounds like a robot screaming when played over a telephone line.
• ​The history of Sten Gustaf Thulin’s 1965 patent and the birth of the "bag of bags."
• ​International correspondence from Gary in Nebraska, who has successfully used bivalve anatomy to avoid his neighbors.

​Digital Hub:

Our brand new, aesthetically neutral website is now live at www.nowthatsnotaveryinterestingpodcast.co.uk.

Stop by to browse our archive of dull topics, ask Craig a question about stationary, or submit yourself for a guest appearance (strict "No Excitement" policy applies).