Desperate and Appauling

Nov 11 2024 24 ep. 19 mins 3
Desperate and Appauling Podcast artwork

Conversations between Des MacHale and Paul Sloane who have co-authored a number of books including Remarkable Lateral Thinking Puzzles, Mathematical Lateral Thinking Puzzles, World's Best Word Puzzles and 1234 Wacky, Witty and Wonderful Words. They chat about words, thinking, puzzles, creativity andother topics which catch their gaze.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  Education  Comedy
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Mathematical Lateral Thinking Puzzles

Nov 11 2024 19 mins  
One of our most popular books is Mathematical Lateral thinking Puzzles. Here we review some of our favourite puzzles from the book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Favourite Quotes

Aug 23 2024 20 mins  
We share our selections of favourite quotes from Mark Twain, William Shakepeare, Woody Allen, Oscar Wilde, Yogi Berra and many more. Prepare for some laughs and insights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fiendish Facts and Querolous Questions

Jun 04 2024 22 mins  
Which country has the most pyramids? What is a mountweazel? How can you always have a beautiful girl on your arm? Some of the crazy questions that Paul and Des pose in this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Sloane Interview on BBC Radio London 23 April 2024

Apr 26 2024 12 mins  
Shay Grewal on BBC Radio London chats to Paul Sloane about 1001 Pieces of Absolutely Useless Advice (co-authored with Des MacHale) and lateral thinking topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1001 Pieces of Absolutely Useless Advice

Apr 12 2024 11 mins  
We talk about our new book, 1001 Pieces of Absolutely Useless Advice. It is packed with atrocious advice, juvenile jokes and terrible tips. Listen to this short podcast to hear many, many examples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things that annoy us

Jan 23 2024 17 mins  
We chat about things that annoy us from tattoos to cancel culture, onions to ballet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What word has 6 letters but if you take away 1 you are left with 12?

Dec 19 2023 21 mins  
Paul is in Cork in Ireland visiting Des and they chat about words and language. There are some puzzles from their book, World's Best Word Puzzles.What word has a triple letter with no hyphens? What word has three double letters in a row? Answers in the episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do People Love Puzzles but Hate Mathematics?

Oct 17 2023 21 mins  
Paul and Des meet in Cork and chat about why puzzles are so popular yet mathematics is not. They also cover; What games promote thinking? Questions of morality and ethics, Lateral thinking puzzles, Assumptions, Questions and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wonderful Words and Notable Numbers

Jun 14 2023 23 mins  
Des and Paul chew over some favourite words from their book, 1234 Wacky Witty and Wonderful Words. They discuss some remarkable numbers and go on a lateral wander around some fascinating trivia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lateral Thinking for Every Day

Mar 16 2023 13 mins  
We discuss everyday examples of lateral thinking, set a lateral thinking puzzle, describe a clever idea to deter speeding in Estonia and review a proposal to increase fitness and generate electricity. Plus comments on Paul's new book, Lateral Thinking for Every Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.