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 through the crowds, as well as Elly Wigmore who finds chaotic live-action role-play combat involving as many as 800 people her place of calm.

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 - Pete Wilson

Sound Design and mix - Tony Churnside

Production Coordinator - Mica Nepomuceno

Artwork - Ellie Walmsley

Assistant Commissioner - Prabhjit Bains

Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer