BBC Radio 4 Extra

Shrinking Violets (Omnibus)

Shrinking Violets by Joe Moran (Omnibus)

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Shrinking Violets

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Shrinking Violets by Joe Moran (Omnibus)

Joe Moran explores the hidden world of reticence.

Joe Moran explores Shyness. Darwin called it an odd state of mind with no obvious benefit to our species. Read by Nigel Planer.

Joe Moran has spent his life trying to get to grips with his shyness and takes on the hidden world of reticence, navigating the myriad ways scientists and thinkers have tried to explain and cure shyness, and uncovering the fascinating stories of the men and women who were ‘of the violet persuasion’.

"It feels like coming late to a party when everyone else is about three beers in and entering that state that allows them to have fluent exchanges that settle on some pre-agreed theme as if by magic." 

Darwin referred to shyness as an "odd state of mind". It has no obvious benefit to our species, so why is it so pervasive, not only in humans but in other creatures – from the Virginia opossum to salamander larvae? 

Written by Joe Moran

Omnibus of five parts read by Nigel Planer

Abridged and produced by Hannah Marshall

A Loftus production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shrinking Violets by Joe Moran (Omnibus)

Genres

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra