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Short Cuts

Author: BBC Radio 4

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Short documentaries and adventures in sound presented by Josie Long.

249 Episodes
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In the first programme of this series of Short Cuts, Josie Long presents a selection of short documentaries which peel back the curtain, peer into the darkness and look out at those who are watching us.By turns delightful and unsettling, today's audio adventures include the secret games teachers play when they're invigilating exams, a photographer whose ambition is to capture 'still lives' of people unawares in their homes at night, and a glimpse of the devices you can buy to spy on those supposedly close to you.The items featured in the programme are:Someone to Watch Over Me Produced by Sara ParkerStand by Me Produced by Benjamin PartridgeI Was Bruce Lee Produced by Leo HornakCracking the Love Code Produced by Bob CarlsonAll Eyes on Us Produced by Steve UrquhartShe Sees Your Every Move Produced by Jonathan MitchellProduced by Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Taking Flight

Taking Flight

2025-08-2728:25

Josie Long presents a selection of short documentaries in which people hurl themselves into the air with the hope of taking flight.We glide through the air, fall into the sea and explore grand leaps of the imagination, which cross the border between dreaming and reality.From comedian Holly Walsh's tale of hurtling off the edge of a pier in a handmade helicopter, through to the story of a trapeze artist balancing on the edge of falling as he casts himself upwards.The items featured in the programme are:The Fall Featuring Charlie MorleySky Boy Produced by Hana Walker-BrownFalling for Rambo Featuring Holly Walsh Produced by Benjamin PartridgeThe Dreamers Featuring Charlie MorleyLooking Up Originally broadcast in 'Space' from Radiolab http://www.radiolab.orgProduced by Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Split

Split

2025-08-2727:55

Josie Long presents a series of delightful and adventurous short documentaries, brief encounters, true stories and found sound.We examine rips in the fabric of the universe as Josie Long delves into stories of splits, divisions and tears. From broken hearts to divided personalities.We hear from a woman who was so tired of being in two minds that she surrendered all of her decision making to a piece of string, a mimic who taught herself how to assume alternate personalities and we recover from heartbreak using the 'Automated Relationship Replacement Hotline'.The items featured in the programme are:Automated Relationship Replacement Hotline Originally broadcast in WireTap http://www.cbc.ca/wiretap/String Produced by Natalie Kestecher The full version of this story can be found here: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/360/string/4010328Split Voices Produced by Sarah CuddonOther Halves Produced by Dennis FunkProduced by Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Lines of Communication

Lines of Communication

2025-08-2728:02

Josie Long presents a selection of short documentaries about communication - messages that could break your heart, rescue you from a fight or save you from a long stay in jail.The writer Glenn Patterson explains why sometimes we should ignore the writing on the wall, and musician Tom Robinson describes the unlikely message he sent at a time when he was in a lot of trouble.Stories of last words, lost love and lights being knocked out.The items featured in the programme are:Guess Who Found sound from the collection of Mark Vernon http://www.meagreresource.com/L'Esprit De L'Escalier Produced by Hana Walker-BrownYanto Featuring Glenn Patterson Produced by Rachel HooperMessage from Above Featuring Tom Robinson Produced by Alan HallDear Sophie Produced by Sara ParkerConversations with Nic Featuring Esther BakerProduced by Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
Lost and Found

Lost and Found

2025-08-2728:20

Josie Long presents a selection of short documentaries with stories of loss and discovery.From being lost in the music to lost love - Josie delves into tales of forgotten cassette tapes, voices rediscovered and teenage rebellion.Hide and Seek Feat. Steve ColganLost in Music Produced by Steve UrquhartI am Luther Blissett Produced by Rosanna ArbonFluctuations Produced by Phil SmithLost Voices Feat. Jude RogersLooking for Layla Produced by Hana Walker-BrownProducer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4.
Escape

Escape

2025-08-2728:31

Josie Long presents a showcase for delightful and adventurous short documentaries and makes her escape as we hear stories of running away, flight and car chases.From breaking away to disappearing into escapism - we hear the tale of a narrow escape as three young Australian men desperately try to manoeuvre themselves out of trouble, alongside the story of a 93 year old wing walker getting lost in the clouds.The items featured in the programme are:Swimming in Snafu Produced by Meagan PerryRiver Guard Feat. Laura BartonDrive for Portugal Produced by Leo HornakHead in the Clouds Produced by Sara ParkerRoad Warriors Produced by Bob Carlson Originally featured in Unfictional http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/uf/uf111202the_road_warriorsSeries Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4RptProducer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4.
Midnight

Midnight

2025-01-0736:502

Josie Long presents short documentaries and audio adventures as the clock slips closer to midnight. In the last Short Cuts on BBC Radio 4, 13 years after the broadcast of our first ever episode 'Misadventures', we listen to radio waves after dark with the Shortwave Collective, tumble into a radio poem alongside a sleeping child, tune into a late night pirate radio station from the early 1960s, and raise a parting glass.At Least Featuring Xelis de Toro Produced by Phil SmithVoice of Nuclear Disarmament With thanks to the British Library Sound Archive, and the family of John Hasted Produced by Jonny MatfinPerhaps at Midnight, When All Boundaries Are Lost Produced by the Shortwave CollectiveGood Company Featuring Jesse Lawson, Izzy Yon and Femi Oriogun-Williams Produced by Jesse LawsonCurated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall Mix by Mike Woolley Executive Producer: Alan Hall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
Earth

Earth

2024-12-2930:21

A friendship forged working the land, memories of volcanic eruptions from 800,000 years ago frozen in Antarctica’s ice cores, and the importance of wild, patient gardens. Short documentaries presented by Josie Long that rise up from the earth.Wintering Music by Jules Bradley Produced by Jules BradleyMelt Tones Featuring Dr Dieter Tetzner Produced by Anton SpiceSue’s Garden Featuring Sue Trolle Music by Sóley Produced by Rikke HoudProduced by Andrea Rangecroft Curated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

2024-12-2433:381

A criminal defence lawyer finds a surprising new job foisted upon him and a son attempts to recover his joyfulness on a family holiday. Josie Long presents short festive documentaries and merry sonic adventures.Family Yoga Produced by Kit CallinA Conversation with my Mum at Christmas Featuring Rhik Samadder A version of this story first appeared in Rhik Samadder's memoir, I Never Said I Loved You Music by The Enchanted Cinema Produced by Sarah CuddonMiracle on the George Washington Bridge Produced by Luke GreenSanta Calls Featuring Matt Storrs Produced by Talia AugustidisCurated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
Feast

Feast

2024-12-1731:19

Feeding the birds, sharing meals and chaotic menus - Josie Long presents short documentaries and audio adventures about eating together.Bird Feeder Produced by Stella SimsAnd to Start... Produced by Mae-Li EvansFoodhall Produced by Nadia MehdiCurated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
Lost Futures

Lost Futures

2024-12-1030:391

Time capsules and yesterday's dreams of tomorrow, Josie Long presents short documentaries and audio adventures exploring lost futures.That’s Merely an Adjective Produced by Zara KarschayTime Play by Chelsea Kigano, Lily Sloane, Lilia Vega, and Emily Shaw Originally made as part of The 24-Hour Radio Race from KCRW's Independent Producer Project Music and sound design by Lily Sloane, with Time Ain't Gonna Make Me Stay by Ed Andrews Special thanks to David LeeLetters Produced by Mika Golubovsky and Sasha Borzenko Featuring Zehnya Feldman and Natasha ZotovaHigher Ground Produced by Leila Goldstein Featuring Winda Safitri, Yoppi and Naya Hidayatul AlialnaCurated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Produced by Axel Kacoutié A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
Into the Night

Into the Night

2024-12-0330:44

Siren song, lunar eavesdroppers and the gathering dark - Josie Long presents short documentaries about venturing into the night.Siren Song Featuring melancholydi Produced by Kalli AndersonLunar Eavesdroppers An extract from Space Ham, first broadcast in BBC Radio 3's Between the Ears Produced by Rose de Larrabeiti and Caroline Devine A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 3Beneath Produced by Sami El-EnanyBrücke Featuring Stephen Jenkinson Produced by Phil SmithCurated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
The Forest

The Forest

2024-09-2430:49

Josie Long presents short documentaries and audio adventures that venture into the forest.Searching for Eden Written, performed and composed by Nyokabi Kariũki Drums - Chris O'Leary Field Recordings taken in Mũrang'a, KenyaThe Final Breath Featuring Robin Elms Produced by Kendra Hanna and Max JungreisEl Manglar Featuring Paolo Realpe, founder of Muisne Desde Adentro Special thanks to Dr. Pilar Egüez Guevara, co-founder and director of Comidas que Curan (Foods that Heal) Produced by Mickal AranhaCurated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
A Word

A Word

2024-09-1729:281

Wishes, wonders, and wisdom. Josie Long presents short documentaries and audio adventures uncovering the power of words.mother-house by produced by Catherine Boulle. Inspired by the guided visualisations accompanying the book 'Motherhood: Is it for me?' by Denise L. Carlini & Ann Davidman.Weird World Whimsy produced and composed by Suzie McCarthy. Featuring actor, teacher and director, Mary Lou Rosato. Interview recording by audio producer Donelle Wederburn in New York City. The piece featured a canoe trip on the Tapiskwan Sipi, which runs through Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok territory in the unceded province of Quebec. Special thanks to Nina Garthwaite, Tom Todoroff, Emily Moulton, Katherina Lindekens and Emma Lehman from Noise Club.Buranbur: a comfort in words by audio maker and producer Suhaar Ali. Featuring the first Somali woman elected to the cabinet, Fadumo Aalin, who talks about her mother and poet Hawo Jibril.Curated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Produced by Axel Kacoutié A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
Sound Waves

Sound Waves

2024-09-1030:08

Trying to capture a lost homeland on tape, reclaiming urban landscapes through the sound of skateboarding, and the noise that is one of the great equalisers of the world. Short documentaries that ripple through space - presented by Josie Long.Sonic Skateboarding Produced by Alice Boyd and Tom Critchley Featuring Ben Dixon, Tom Critchley, Hannah, Zip and Bleu Music composed by Ben DixonNat’s Apartment Written and produced by Emma-Lee Moss Music by Emma-Lee Moss and Nata Lee HahnLove in the Time of Flatulence Featuring Alison Downham Moore, Noam Osband, Zebulon Osband and Dahlia Osband Written and produced by Noam OsbandProduced by Andrea Rangecroft Curated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
In Time

In Time

2024-09-0329:48

Josie Long presents short documentaries against the clock in an episode around time and timing.Dad's Secret Life of Matchmaking Produced by Josephine Anderson Additional sound recording by Christopher AndersonLoose Ends Produced by Jon TjhiaThere's Always a Next Time Produced by Steve UrquhartCurated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
Constellation

Constellation

2024-08-2728:51

Star maps, messages from Earth to the moon and reaching out across distance as Josie Long presents short documentaries about constellations.Star Map Featuring Ferdinand Hauge Leth Music by Kirstine Lindemann Captured by Trawl Hz Produced by Nanna Hauge KristensenNews to the Moon and Back Recordings courtesy of the NASA archive Produced by Mika GolubovskyThe Complaints Department Featuring Evan Gregg and letters from www.dearmisterward.com Produced by Inge Oosterhoff Curated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
In Colour

In Colour

2024-08-2029:161

A black and white film transformed, searching the sunset for the green flash and a reimagining of red. Josie Long presents a kaleidoscopic collection of short documentaries.Autism Plays Itself Adapted for radio by Jodie Taylor and Janet Harbord Based on the short film directed by Janet Harbord, produced by Whalebone Films and sound designed by Action PyramidGreen Flash Written by Joe DunthorneRed of Visibility Produced by Phoebe McIndoe With thanks to THE ECCO founded by Jasmin Bauomy, where a version of this documentary was first createdCurated by Axel Kacoutié, Eleanor McDowall and Andrea Rangecroft Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
The Invisible

The Invisible

2024-06-0428:051

Josie Long presents short documentaries and audio adventures which emerge from dreams, hidden places and the afterlife.The Dreams (Extract) From Inventions for Radio by Barry Bermange and Delia Derbyshire Originally broadcast on the BBC in 1964Zero Fixation Points Produced by Nada Smiljanic Location production by Avi Varma Archive courtesy of Rowan Farrell Featuring Professor Bridget Anderson and Dr Travis Van Isacker from the University of BristolThe Quiet Violence of Dreams Produced by Kagiso MnisiFragments Produced by Eleanor McDowallCurated by Axel Kacoutié and Eleanor McDowall Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
Lost

Lost

2024-05-2829:04

Evaporating answers, mysterious music and disappearing dialects - Josie Long presents short documentaries about things in danger of becoming lost.Pot-8-Toes Featuring Billy Butler and Wally Scott Originally broadcast in Hold Your Plums on Radio MerseysideA Corner Seat in a Smoker, Facing the Engine Produced by Robin the FogEchoes of Cockney Produced by James TricePanchiko Produced by Tom WhalleyCurated by Axel Kacoutié and Eleanor McDowall Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
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Comments (22)

Orlando Lewis

I love this podcast thank you for your hardwork

Dec 28th
Reply

Guntars Kauls

Emocionāli

Mar 20th
Reply

Guntars Kauls

Par piedzimšanu

Mar 20th
Reply

Guntars Kauls

Ziemassvētku epizode

Jan 31st
Reply

Guntars Kauls

Pēdējais segments

Nov 9th
Reply

Stephanie Goward

I love podcasts and this is my favourite one. So relaxing I actually chose to listen to it while I was having a tooth removed as it puts me into a state of pure serenity. Thanks Josie, keep doing what you're doing!

Oct 16th
Reply

Guntars Kauls

Par saikni ar dabu

Sep 29th
Reply

Guntars Kauls

Par saikni ar dabu

Sep 29th
Reply

Guntars Kauls

Par saikni ar dabu

Sep 29th
Reply

Guntars Kauls

par irānas kosmonauti

Aug 5th
Reply

Mahtab Sepehr

Dear Joise, you inspire so much. At begging steps of podcatimg (where I am) you are the best one;)

Jul 9th
Reply

CobaltAbsol

I sometimes think incredulous thoughts to those who release works from their family, thinking the worst.. that they are just making money off them. But if I remembered that sometimes they send off a book like this one, for love, that I might do the same.

Jul 8th
Reply

CobaltAbsol

Thank you for this episode.

Jun 8th
Reply

CobaltAbsol

I absolutely absolutely! love these stories♡

May 25th
Reply

Steve Harrison

too quirky.

Oct 15th
Reply

Richard de Goede

I kuuut v to tdq lrl Jr's UT gtg TGV est dmjj, uiyu

Jun 11th
Reply

Sham Bob

I love Natalie's accent. Could listen to her say 'underpants' all day.

Mar 31st
Reply

Maeve Healy

I love everything about Short Cuts. Thank you!

Jan 9th
Reply

Emma Baillie

that story from Mark Thomas was beautiful.

Nov 9th
Reply

Lady Woo

The thing I love is how no two people on earth have the same life story. This is such a wonderful podcast.

Jun 20th
Reply