Ep 12. Procastination

In season 16 episode 12 of QI titled "Procrastination," host Sandi Toksvig is joined by regular panelists Alan Davies, Phill Jupitus, and Sara Pascoe, as well as guest panelist Loyiso Gola. This episode explores the topic of procrastination, a phenomenon that everyone experiences to some extent but that can be particularly debilitating for some.

The episode starts with a definition of procrastination, which is described as a voluntary delay of an intended action despite knowing that this delay will likely result in negative consequences. The panelists discuss why humans are prone to procrastination, with some suggesting that it is a result of evolution and others arguing that it is simply a matter of personality traits. They also explore the different ways that procrastination can manifest in people's lives, from putting off important work to avoiding difficult conversations to simply spending hours scrolling through social media instead of doing other tasks.

Throughout the episode, Toksvig and the panelists explore various historical and cultural examples of procrastination. For example, they discuss the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle's views on procrastination and how they compare to modern research on the topic. They also explore the concept of "precrastination," which is the tendency to complete tasks as quickly as possible even when it's not necessary.

As always, there are plenty of laughs to be had throughout the episode. The panelists share personal stories about their experiences with procrastination, including one tale about a comedian who put off writing a show until the night before the performance only to realize that the venue had accidentally double-booked the space. They also participate in a number of silly games and challenges related to the topic of procrastination, including trying to identify which famous figures in history were known for procrastinating and attempting to perform a difficult task while wearing goggles that simulate the experience of being inebriated.

Despite the humorous tone, the episode also delves into some serious issues related to procrastination. The panelists discuss the negative mental and physical health effects that can result from chronic procrastination, including increased stress levels and more time spent sitting in front of screens. They also explore the various strategies that people use to overcome procrastination, from utilizing technology tools to breaking tasks into smaller chunks to simply forcing themselves to get started.

Overall, "Procrastination" is a thought-provoking and entertaining episode of QI that offers insight into a common human experience. The panelists' witty banter and hilarious anecdotes keep things light, but the episode also contains valuable information and advice for anyone who struggles with putting things off until the last minute.