David Mitchell's Soapbox

Is there perhaps a way of combating wastefulness and planned obsolescence. From tables to fuel, could a subscription fee perhaps be a viable solution?

David Mitchell provides answers for the Dell Quiz.

David talks about the country's problem with its drinking culture; but not in the way of 'Broken Britain's Wild Teens In Booze Binge Shame Shock', rather like having a nice glass of wine at a party, or a pint in the pub.

David has his say on the rationale of the gift-giving ritual, from ill-fitting jumpers to duplicate copies of the Bonesetter's daughter, the whole system is hideously inefficient. Aren't we better off putting anything we actually want on an accessible online list?

You know those credits which disrupt your television viewing pleasure at the end of every programme? Squashing the show you were watching into one half of the screen, whilst a voice speaks over the music, what on earth are they thinking?

David asks a series of questions that are not imminently googleable but to which there are definitively correct answers. The fabulous prize? A Dell XPS15z.

David discusses the trials and tribulations of keeping up with old friends from which there is no etiquette of release. Shouldn't there be a system for rotating them every ten years?

David picks up on British reservations about calling hotels 'cheap.' But cheap is good is it not, so why not say it?

David discusses the subtext of the sign 'If you are not satisfied with anything we serve, the chef will eat it himself.' Just how bad can the food be?

In this episode David gets agitated by broadcasters who plaster logos over logos over logos. Shouldn't there be a degree of mature cooperation where the highest bidder gets the slot?

David discusses the folly of giving your child a unique name. But as soon as you get used to a name do you stop noticing it's strangeness altogether? Just think of 'Peep Show'...

David rants about the totally invented tradition of the stag night.

In this episode David takes issue with ridiculously extravagant weddings. He questions whether they're really supposed to be special for you, or for everyone else?

David berates the modern button-loving gadget designers who are given free reign with their counterintuitive scratchable DVDs. Do you too lament the simple days of the VHS?

David tackles text speak and the charming little innovation LOL. But will he be for or against the modern habit of approving a joke with the abbreviation?

David picks up on the assumption that everything is quicker and easier to sort out by text. Is sending bite-sized messages really that effective? Or is it just a small pointless chore?

David Mitchell chews over the subject of communal eating a.k.a. public mastication.

David Mitchell complains about the overuse of 3D in today's media... in glorious 3D!!

David Mitchell discusses the weird subject of women getting their boobs signed.

David Mitchell follows on from his rant about trains onto the insufferable subject of unattended luggage.

David Mitchell rants about trains in Britain.

David Mitchell discusses the wonderful use of the innuendo.

David Mitchell expresses his ideas for a new queueing system in pubs.

David Mitchell talks about the hot and cold issue of climate change.

David Mitchell talks about the origin of the old word for "giraffe," which used to be called "Camelopard."

David Mitchell discusses the idea that politicians are lying liars

David Mitchell discusses the use of references around children.

David Mitchell talks about the authenticity of who you are.

David Mitchell discusses this issue of personal debts between friends.

David Mitchell talks about how difficult it is to get a good haircut.

David Mitchell addresses the American nation on the proper use of particular English words and phrases.

David Mitchell ponders the tales of mythical heroes.

For Episode 20 (yes - its been that many!), we have decided to lay on something a little bit special. Yes! A quiz to end all quizzes! With exclamation marks!

David Mitchell talks about the relative merits of the Gaelic language

David shares his views about hauliers.

In this week's episode, David Mitchell ponders the merits of necrophilia (otherwise known as thanatophilia and necrolagnia, apparently).

David Mitchell contemplates why men are so reticent to go to the doctor's surgery.

David Mitchell rants about the generalisations of man flu.

David Mitchell talks about the curious world of male grooming.

David Mitchell looks at the sticky issue of giving compliments.

David Mitchell speaks with passion...

David Mitchell talks about asking inappropriate questions.

David Mitchell looks at the phrase 'Rape and Pillage'.

David Mitchell talks about consensus and tedious social conveniences.

David Mitchell discusses the standards of spelling and the unnecessary use of elaborate words.

David Mitchell rants about TV rudeness.

David Mitchell discusses the phenomenon of unusually smart-looking men.

David Mitchell talks about beer advertising and preferences.

David Mitchell discusses our gradually declining respect for the elderly.

David Mitchell rants about his allegiance to the Welsh.

David Mitchell talks about the significance of giving flowers.

David Mitchell reveals he has an unwelcome - and furry - house guest.