meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Short Cuts

The Blue of Distance

Short Cuts

BBC

Documentary, Society & Culture

4.8788 Ratings

🗓️ 23 March 2021

⏱️ 29 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Short documentaries and adventures in sound about the colour blue, presented by Josie Long. From a view of the earth from space to an affinity with the ocean.

A Blue Gem Below Featuring Jessica Meir Produced by Lauren Armstrong Carter

The Blue of Dover Featuring Naji Ali Produced by Hunter Charlton and Ben Tulloh A version of this story first appeared on the SwimOut podcast

Almost Blue Featuring Laura Barton

Curatorial team: Andrea Rangecroft Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

BBC Sounds, Music, Radio, Podcasts.

0:05.2

Hello, welcome to the podcast of Shortcuts. I hope you're really well. I'm recording this on a

0:10.9

beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, clear, sunny day. It's the first time in months that I've felt

0:15.3

beleaguered to be trapped inside, although what I would love is to go to the beach. Today's episode is going to take you to so many interesting places, all from the comfort

0:25.5

of wherever you're listening. You'll be floating in space, floating in water, and then

0:30.3

marinating in deep emotions.

0:36.7

This is Shortcuts.

0:40.1

Brief encounters, true stories, radio adventures and found sound.

0:48.8

Today, the blue of distance.

1:00.5

Oh. The blue of distance. You're looking down and you see nothing but blue.

1:05.5

Talk about that day when you first stepped in that one.

1:08.0

Oh man.

1:09.0

What a day that was, brother.

1:11.7

All the things that we miss, when the passion ebbs from kissing, when the light fades on a relationship.

1:27.4

Today's program is inspired by a quote from the writer Rebecca Solnit, who is one of my

1:33.0

favourite writers and somebody I always find myself seeking out in times of crisis, and sometimes

1:39.8

just when I want to read something good.

1:42.3

It's from her book, A Field Guide to Getting Lost.

1:47.4

The world is blue at its edges

1:49.6

and in its depths.

1:52.8

This blue is the light that got lost.

1:56.4

Light at the blue end of the spectrum

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from BBC, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of BBC and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.