It's So Loud In Here!

Latest episode

10 Feb 2026 · 20 min

5. Hobbies: Comfort in Overwhelm

Why hitting people with a foam stickis the only thing that’s not overwhelming! How can running through a city, headphones off and hearing everything be so liberating? Experience the fun of hobbies, where even the loudest environments can be comforting instead of overwhelming. Neurodiversity expert Dr Tom Nicholson explains why sound can be easier to cope with in these different environments and why neurodivergent people are often found live-action roleplaying and at tabletop spaces. We follow Tom Gilding as he runs throughout London, even braving taking his headphones off as he weaves…

Play episodeWhatsApp (opens WhatsApp)Download

Earlier episodes 5 most recent

1. 

   10 Feb 2026 · 18 min

   4. Relationships: Forgotten Conversations

   How can you hold a conversation when you feel drowned by so much other noise, and then be expected to remember what was said - all while hiding the discomfort of so much going on in your head? Neurodiversity expert Dr Tom Nicholson explains how hard it can be to spend time with friends when everyone has different sensory needs. That’s before you add in the meet up is in the pub. Heidi Mavir shares the difficulties of balancing the volume at home and Alex Richardson takes us to the football, where he has to arrive early. It’s So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds…

2. 

   10 Feb 2026 · 17 min

   3. Work: Curse of the Aircon

   Why do our workplaces impact everyone so differently? When a packed, noisy beer garden in the summer can be more manageable than the hum of the office air conditioning. Dr Tom Nicholson explains why the tip-tap of the keyboard or the ping of the lift doors can get too much. We meet Kay Wilson who explains how she feels when working in an unpredictable art studio; Kieren Hawken who struggles so much in an office that he permanently works from home and Alex Richardson who works with loud machinery in parks. It’s So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.…

3. 

   10 Feb 2026 · 18 min

   2. Public Transport: Headphones On

   Why does a bus ride sound like heavy metal at full volume? Where headphones are a must to even try tackling the journey, and driving a car can feel like a saviour. Experience what it feels like to travel when neurodivergent, as expert Dr Tom Nicholson takes you through all the trials neurodivergent people face when travelling. We hear from Tyla Grant on how overwhelming the underground can be, as well as Lara Sullivan who explains why she has avoided public transport since she was able to drive. It’s So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab. Producer and…

4. 

   10 Feb 2026 · 23 min

   1. Sleep: The Negative Spiral

   How do you sleep when your mind won't shut up? When it anguishes on past experiences and sews stress in the silence of the night. Experience the reality of the un-silent night as neurodiversity expert Dr Tom Nicholson explains why racing thoughts and the tiniest buzz can become overwhelming for neurodivergent people. We follow Kim To as she grapples with the quiet of her house and the unyielding negative thoughts that spin in her mind, as well as Tom Gilding whose extra sensitive hearing makes tuning out when drifting off a massive struggle. It’s So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North…

5. 

   9 Feb 2026 · 2 min

   Trailer

   Journey into the neurodivergent mind and discover the impact of noise in everyday life. From taking the bus into work to going to sleep at night, every sound has an invisible cost. Hear how overwhelming a quiet office can be, how stressful it is to be out of control or how having fun can increase noise tolerance. Every neurodivergent experience is different and the impact might not be noticeable, but it's there. It's So Loud In Here! was a BBC Audio North Production with BBC Sounds Audio Lab. Producer and Presenter - Keira Edwards Senior Producers - Richard McIlroy and Tom Moseley Editor -…

More from BBC Sounds

• Bitesize Parenting Teens BBC Sounds
• Complex with Kimberley Wilson BBC Sounds
• Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial BBC Sounds
• Here for the History BBC Sounds
• James Acaster's Perfect Sounds BBC Sounds
• MF DOOM: Long Island to Leeds BBC Sounds

More English health

• 10% Happier with Dan Harris 10% Happier
• 108 Talks by Ajahn Sumedho Amaravati Buddhist Monastery
• 10:10 Be Well Sally Bowrey & Sarah Di Lorenzo
• 12 Minute Meditation Mindful.org
• 2 Sober Girls Podcast Erinn + Michaela
• 321 GO! Carissa Galloway and John Pelkey, Bleav