What is Spontaneous human combustion "(SHC) is the concept of the combustion of a living (or recently deceased) human body without an apparent external source of ignition." on this edition we talk with one of the four most authorities on the subject. Dr. Brian Ford. About Dr. Ford: "Brian J Ford is a prolific research scientist who launched major science programms for the BBC. His books pioneer new approaches in bringing science to the public. Over 130 editions of his books have been published around the world, and he appears in TV programmes produced in studios ranging from Hollywood to Delhi.