BBC Radio 4 is launching a new podcast exploring the consequences of everyday essentials suddenly vanishing from the world.
Life Without is a new ten-part series presented by comedian and writer Alan Davies, examining how society might respond if something fundamental disappeared without warning.
Each episode focuses on a single concept, combining expert insight with discussion and humour to explore how fragile modern life can be.
Alan is joined by two guests drawn from disciplines including science, psychology, economics, sociology and journalism in each episode.
Together they examine the immediate and long-term consequences of losing something many people take for granted, and how quickly systems and behaviour could begin to change.
Topics range from the loss of large-scale forces such as the moon, to everyday elements including salt, sleep and sex, as well as less obvious subjects such as worms.
The discussions explore what might happen in the hours and days after the loss, how institutions and communities would respond, and whether society could adapt or begin to break down.
Alan Davies said the format appealed to him because it allowed for a balance between humour and serious discussion.
“Life Without is a perfect blend of humour and seriousness. There is a deeply worrying part and a light-hearted part, and it appealed to me for those reasons,” he said. “You get a bit of both worlds, some alarming science and some very good natured, funny, bright guests.”
He added that the shorter episode length had been a new experience, saying: “The episodes are also bite sized which has been quite an interesting exercise for me. I’ve enjoyed meeting all the scientists, journalists, academics, psychologists to better understand more about our world and I’ve had a laugh too.”
Produced by ITN Productions, the podcast launches on Friday 13 February, with episodes released weekly on BBC Sounds. The series will also air on BBC Radio 4 on Fridays at 2.45pm.
