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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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Something Understood

Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

BBC Radio 4 LW

Something Understood: Gossip and Whispers

Gossip and Whispers

07/12/2014

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Gossip and Whispers

Psst... listen... John McCarthy considers the pleasures and perils of loose-tongued talk.

Psst... listen... John McCarthy considers the pleasures and perils of loose-tongued talk - how sharing secrets can reinforce the intimate bonds of friendship, or break them.

Psssst ...listen ... John McCarthy considers the pleasures and perils of loose tongued talk.

Gossip is one of the ways we make connections within our social groups but it can be hurtful and isolating for those being gossiped about. The sharing of secrets can reinforce the intimate bonds of friendship - or break them. And rumours, as they fly from ear to mouth to ear, can shift shape to become monstrous or hilarious.

The programme includes readings from works by Ted Hughes, Jen Hadfield and Elias Canetti and music by Tracey Thorn and The Inkspots.

Readings by Peter Marinker, Stella Gonet, Ted Hughes and Jen Hadfield.


Produced by Natalie Steed

A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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