06 Simon O'Hagan & You had me at “Chase spreadsheet”

Quiz isn’t just a mind sport, it’s a mind game – Lucy and Jenny discuss the psychology of quizzing. How do you prepare mentally and physically to succeed in your quizzing exploits? Can you drink and quiz? We chat to Jack Yeo, who has turned his obsession with TV quiz shows into a career behind the scenes in game show development – he tells us about that, and how his analysis of statistics means he knows the best tactics for contestants to take on The Chase. Our second guest is journalist Simon O’Hagan, who tells us about the challenges of setting the weekly quiz for the Independent magazine, the joy of finding great questions, and the art of writing an interesting and fun quiz. The Quiz Syllabus topics today are designed to really challenge each other on our weaker areas. Lucy poses some stumpers on Battles, while Jenny sets questions on Sporting Trophies. Get in touch: Facebook / Twitter @FingersBuzzers / fingersbuzzers@gmail.com Produced by: Amanda Redman Artwork by: Brendan Appleton Music by: Justin Edwards & Kevin MacLeod (Happy, Happy Game Show), Mad Moments Go (The Winner). Voice Over: Pete Donaldson  

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Om Podcasten

Fingers on Buzzers is brought to you by comedian and keen amateur quizzer Lucy Porter, alongside The Chase's very own Jenny Ryan. Whether you’re a Pointless armchair aficionado, nostalgic for the days of Going for Gold, or a bona fide Mastermind, this is the podcast for you.  Jenny and Lucy speak to a host of people who work behind the scenes of our favourite TV quiz shows, including James Harkin (QI), Roger Tilling (the ‘Voice’ of University Challenge) and Jenny Hawker (Only Connect); plus we hear from epic winners and losers of quiz shows past and present, from Bullseye and Blockbusters to Britain's Brightest Family and everything in between.  Lucy and Jenny will also discuss the BIG issues including the etiquette of pub quizzing, new quizzing technology and how questions have changed with the times. All the BIG questions will be asked (and answered.) What IS the difference between quiz shows and game shows? With the help of experts and enthusiasts alike, Jenny and Lucy get to the bottom of that and much, much more besides. There's also plenty of opportunities to play-along, as week-by-week Jenny coaches plucky layperson Lucy on the ‘quiz syllabus’, and in-turn Lucy tests the mettle of general knowledge guru Jenny with a weekly pop-quiz.  Whether you're an Only Connect know-it-all, still dine-out on your Fifteen To One appearance from 1993, or only indulge in Trivial Pursuits on December 25th, this podcast is for you.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.