The Wonderful Hour 23rd January 2026

Written by Jason Of Shrine

Category: The Wonderful Hour

Pen Pots, A Good Moan, and Ice Cold Beer: The Simple Joys of January

In this episode of The Wonderful Hour, Tommy Boyd explores the magic found in everyday objects and human interactions. From the tactile pleasure of a well stocked pen pot to the communal catharsis of a proper moan at a bus stop, Tommy reminds us that wonder is a choice we make by paying attention. Whether it is the ritual of preparing a freezing lager or the vicarious thrill of a sporting triumph, life is full of small miracles if you know where to look.

The Magic of the Pen Pot

Tommy finds himself mesmerised by the humble pen pot sitting in his studio. To him, a receptacle filled with writing implements is a vessel of pure potential. He describes the specific joy of hexagonal red and white striped pencils, sharp and ready, and the "scalloped collar" created by the sharpener. Even the pens he rarely uses, like the delicate fine liner or the temperamental fountain pen that requires a bit of a shake to get the ink flowing, have their place. For Tommy, worshipping at the shrine of your pen pot is a way to appreciate the tools of creativity.

The Art of Moaning

Standing at a city bus stop, Tommy observes the "embarrassed silence" of strangers until someone breaks the ice. What follows is often a "moan fest" that acts as a strange form of social glue. From slagging off politicians to grumbling about the state of modern television or the money in football, these shared complaints actually gladden the hearts of those involved. Tommy suggests that by spotting what is "terrible" in the world, people are actually polishing their own sense of goodness and finding a quirky kind of contentment in their collective wisdom.

The Quest for the Coldest Beer

For Tommy, a beer is not just a drink. It is a monarch of beverages that deserves a coronation. He shares his professional technique for achieving the perfect temperature: putting an Italian lager in the freezer for fifteen minutes alongside a gel-filled sleeve. The ritual of snapping off the crown cap and sliding on the frozen sleeve is a "carnal pleasure" that should be savoured. It is a moment to pause, look at the drink, and be truly thankful for the simple ability to enjoy a cold one at the end of a hard day.

Sporting Ecstasy

While most of us lead non-heroic lives, Tommy reflects on the "orgasmic ecstasy" experienced by sports stars. The sight of a footballer sliding on their knees after a goal or a cricketer skittling a wicket provides a vicarious thrill. We might not get a high five or a chest pump for finishing the supermarket shop, but we can still appreciate the sheer exhilaration of those who do. It is a reminder of the power of shared celebration and the beauty of a moment where everything in the universe feels right.

The Evolution of the Modern Car

Tommy takes a moment to pay homage to the modern motor car. Recalling the days of "rubbish" old cars that would break down on roundabouts or let the rain drip onto your trousers, he marvels at today's efficiency. From de-misters and quad sound systems to the ability to choose your own temperature while driving through a storm, the modern car is a miracle of engineering. He suggests we should all occasionally pat the bonnet and say "cheers mate" for the comfort and reliability they provide.

Memories of Southern Sound

A heartfelt email from listener Stuart Herron sparks a trip down memory lane. Stuart recalls bodging together a homemade antenna just to catch Tommy's shows on Southern Sound in the 80s. This leads Tommy to reflect on the "anarchic" and "surreal" nature of those Sunday night broadcasts, which served as a much needed bit of anarchy before the school week started. For Tommy, the fact that these "bonkers" moments still resonate decades later is a wonderful testament to the power of radio.

Retro Sweets

Listener Tamsin from Solihull brings a rush of nostalgia with her list of retro sweets. For Tommy,the mention of sherbet dib dabs, rhubarb and custards, and black jacks brings back memories of the legendary Woolworths pick and mix. He recalls the thrill of using the metal trowel to dig into piles of sweets and the "nirvana" of weighing your paper bag at the scales. It turns out many of these treats, like the beloved Refreshers, have found a second life online.

Why Listen to The Wonderful Hour?

This episode captures Tommy at his most reflective, jumping from the tactile details of a pencil to the grand emotions of a Ryder Cup victory. The Wonderful Hour is a sanctuary from the rush of life, encouraging us to find the "heaven on earth" in a pick and mix counter or the "wisdom" in a bus stop grumble. It is about being grateful for the world around us, one small wonder at a time.

How to Get Involved and Listen

Do you have a pen pot that speaks to you or a specific moaning ritual? Share your thoughts with Tommy at https://tommyboydshrine.co.uk/wonderful. You can hear the full episode on Libsyn, or find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the wonder with #WonderfulHour.

Conclusion

Whether it is the "scalloped collar" of a freshly sharpened pencil or the "hiss" of a cold tin, Tommy Boyd proves that life is richer when we stop to notice the details. From the bus stop to the freezer, wonder is everywhere — you just have to be willing to look for it.

Created on January 23, 2026