Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Why Are Some Songs Seemingly Impossible To Forget? | 20150827 | 20210809 (R4) | Why do some songs refuse to leave us after we have heard them? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Why do some songs refuse to leave us after we have heard them? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| Why Do So Many Men Wear A Tie? | 20150904 | 20210628 (R4) 20210327 (R4) | It's mundane. About 150 centimetres long, often made of satin or silk and worn by millions, mostly by men, every day. Mike Williams explores the enduring appeal of the tie. It's a paradoxical item of clothing: One the one hand, it expresses a desire to fit in and conform - to belong - yet it also says something about our need to demonstrate our individuality. Historically, wearing a tie has meant many different things: from being seen as being anti-Islamic in the wake of the Iranian Revolution in 1979, to representing subversion and being a symbol of sub-cultural cool. Producer: Jim Frank Why do men wear strips of silk around their necks? Mike Williams on the tie. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. It's mundane. About 150 centimetres long, often made of satin or silk and worn by millions, mostly by men, every day. Mike Williams explores the enduring appeal of the tie. It's a paradoxical item of clothing: One the one hand, it expresses a desire to fit in and conform - to belong - yet it also says something about our need to demonstrate our individuality. Historically, wearing a tie has meant many different things: from being seen as being anti-Islamic in the wake of the Iranian Revolution in 1979, to representing subversion and being a symbol of sub-cultural cool. Producer: Jim Frank Why do men wear strips of silk around their necks? Mike Williams on the tie. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. It's mundane. About 150 centimetres long, often made of satin or silk and worn by millions, mostly by men, every day. Mike Williams explores the enduring appeal of the tie. It's a paradoxical item of clothing: One the one hand, it expresses a desire to fit in and conform - to belong - yet it also says something about our need to demonstrate our individuality. Historically, wearing a tie has meant many different things: from being seen as being anti-Islamic in the wake of the Iranian Revolution in 1979, to representing subversion and being a symbol of sub-cultural cool. Producer: Jim Frank Why do men wear strips of silk around their necks? Mike Williams on the tie. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| Why Do So Many Societies Mark The End Of Childhood? | 20150902 | 20210614 (R4) | Why do societies around the world mark the point when a child should become an adult? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Why do societies around the world mark the point when a child should become an adult? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| Why Is Our Hair Such An Important Part Of Who We Are? | 20150903 | 20210621 (R4) | Why is hair such an important part of who we are? Each year we spend billions of dollars on cutting, shaping and colouring our hair. It's important for personal, cultural and symbolic reasons. But why? Find out, as Mike Williams hears the stories of people who have had their hair taken from them... Why is hair so integral to personal identity? People without hair tell us. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Why is hair such an important part of who we are? Each year we spend billions of dollars on cutting, shaping and colouring our hair. It's important for personal, cultural and symbolic reasons. But why? Find out, as Mike Williams hears the stories of people who have had their hair taken from them... Why is hair so integral to personal identity? People without hair tell us. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| Why Would Anyone Devote Their Life To Collecting Cuckoo Clocks? | 20150901 | 20210607 (R4) 20210403 (R4) | Stamps, coins, sea shells, wine - the list of things that humans collect is endless. But why do people do it? What does a collection of inanimate objects bring to our lives that other things do not? Are people attracted by the thrill of the chase, the pleasure of possession or the control in acting as the custodian of precious things? Mike Williams talks to an eclectic group of collectors in search of some answers. Roman and Maz Piekarski have spent the last 50 years building up a collection of some of the world's finest cuckoo clocks. When Lisa Courtney was bullied as a child she gained comfort in building her collection of Pokemon toys.Seventeen-year-old Tushar Lakhanpal started his pencil collection at the age of three and when David Fulton sold his business to Microsoft in the 90s his new found wealth allowed him to pursue and acquire one of the finest collections of rare instruments ever assembled. Why would anyone collect cuckoo clocks or violins? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Stamps, coins, sea shells, wine - the list of things that humans collect is endless. But why do people do it? What does a collection of inanimate objects bring to our lives that other things do not? Are people attracted by the thrill of the chase, the pleasure of possession or the control in acting as the custodian of precious things? Mike Williams talks to an eclectic group of collectors in search of some answers. Roman and Maz Piekarski have spent the last 50 years building up a collection of some of the world's finest cuckoo clocks. When Lisa Courtney was bullied as a child she gained comfort in building her collection of Pokemon toys.Seventeen-year-old Tushar Lakhanpal started his pencil collection at the age of three and when David Fulton sold his business to Microsoft in the 90s his new found wealth allowed him to pursue and acquire one of the finest collections of rare instruments ever assembled. Why would anyone collect cuckoo clocks or violins? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Stamps, coins, sea shells, wine - the list of things that humans collect is endless. But why do people do it? What does a collection of inanimate objects bring to our lives that other things do not? Are people attracted by the thrill of the chase, the pleasure of possession or the control in acting as the custodian of precious things? Mike Williams talks to an eclectic group of collectors in search of some answers. Roman and Maz Piekarski have spent the last 50 years building up a collection of some of the world's finest cuckoo clocks. When Lisa Courtney was bullied as a child she gained comfort in building her collection of Pokemon toys.Seventeen-year-old Tushar Lakhanpal started his pencil collection at the age of three and when David Fulton sold his business to Microsoft in the 90s his new found wealth allowed him to pursue and acquire one of the finest collections of rare instruments ever assembled. Why would anyone collect cuckoo clocks or violins? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| 01 | 01 | The Moon | 20150824 | Mike Williams explores why people are so fascinated by the moon. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 01 | 02 | The High Heel | 20150825 | Today's Why Factor investigates the biology of mating, the psychology of status and a lot of gender politics...all encapsulated in a common object worn by women around the world. Why do millions of people choose to walk on strange, stilt like shoes? Join Mike Williams as he practices his catwalk strut in The High Heel. Mike Williams asks why millions of people walk in high heels. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 01 | 03 | The Watch | 20150826 | Watches have been an indicator of status since their invention. Mike Williams asks why. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 01 | 05 | Pilgrimage | 20150828 | Tens of millions of Hindus, bathe in holy waters at the Kumbh Mela, Jews from around the world make their way to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Islam has the Hajj - a Pilgrimage to Mecca and Christians have walked the same paths for centuries. Many others are eschewing ideas of a "traditional" holiday or break and are seeking some sort of spiritual enlightenment instead. What do they get out of it? Mike Williams asks why the Pilgrimage is getting ever more popular. Producer: Jim Frank. Mike Williams explores why so many people take up a spiritual journey. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 01 | 06 | Nudity | 20150831 | Reflections on personal and political dimensions to nudity. Mike Williams presents. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 02 | Commuting | 20151106 | Millions of people across the world get in a car, board a bus or train with monotonous regularity each day. Why do they do it? Can they enjoy it? Can it be good for their health? And what's the connection between the commuter and the hunter-gatherer? Mike Williams aims to find out. Presenter:Mike Williams Producer:Sonia Rothwell Editor:Andrew Smith. Why do we travel long distances to work, and what harm does the journey do to us? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| 02 | Diaries | 20151110 | Mike Williams asks why so many people feel the need to record the story of their day. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| 02 | Dolls | 20151103 | 20210802 (R4) | Mike Williams ponders why dolls are so universally popular. He discovers that it's not only girls who like dolls, as is commonly assumed. He speaks to people whoi've studied why dolls are such common playthings and to people who collect them. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Hannah Moore Editor: Andrew Smith Why do so many children love to play with dolls? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Mike Williams ponders why dolls are so universally popular. He discovers that it's not only girls who like dolls, as is commonly assumed. He speaks to people whoi've studied why dolls are such common playthings and to people who collect them. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Hannah Moore Editor: Andrew Smith Why do so many children love to play with dolls? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 02 | Gardens | 20151111 | 20210726 (R4) | Why are so many people drawn to gardening? Helena Merriman speaks to a neuroscientist who's discovered that soil has some surprising qualities and she hears the extraordinary story of a prisoner in Guantanamo Bay who created his own garden. Producer: Helena Merriman Presenter: Helena Merriman Editor: Andrew Smith Why do we garden? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Why are so many people drawn to gardening? Helena Merriman speaks to a neuroscientist who's discovered that soil has some surprising qualities and she hears the extraordinary story of a prisoner in Guantanamo Bay who created his own garden. Producer: Helena Merriman Presenter: Helena Merriman Editor: Andrew Smith Why do we garden? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 02 | Graffiti | 20151109 | 20210719 (R4) | In large parts of the world, at most times in history, walls in public spaces have been decorated by illicit art. When the public were allowed into the homes of wealthy Romans, graffiti soon began to appaer and it was regarded as a weakness to remove it. The modern day graffiti artist risks being arrested and even death, climbing into forbidden premises to spray private buildings or parked subway trains. Why do so many people like making graffiti art? Presemter:Mike Williams Producer:Rose de Larrabeiti Editor:Andrew Smith Why do so many people want to make their mark with graffiti? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. In large parts of the world, at most times in history, walls in public spaces have been decorated by illicit art. When the public were allowed into the homes of wealthy Romans, graffiti soon began to appaer and it was regarded as a weakness to remove it. The modern day graffiti artist risks being arrested and even death, climbing into forbidden premises to spray private buildings or parked subway trains. Why do so many people like making graffiti art? Presemter:Mike Williams Producer:Rose de Larrabeiti Editor:Andrew Smith Why do so many people want to make their mark with graffiti? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 02 | Long Distance Sports Fans | 20151113 | 20210705 (R4) | Every week, hundreds of millions of people around the world surrender their emotions; leave them for a while in the hands of strangers. They might face dejection or, with luck, jubilation. The US National Basketball Association says that less than one percent of fans globally will ever watch a game live. While the Premier League is played in England and Wales, almost half of the fans 470 million of them live in Asia and Oceania. Another 260 million follow the game from sub-Saharan Africa. Mike Williams asks why do sports fans do it? With Eric Simons, author of the Secret Life of Sports Fans, Xinjiu Wang, Chinese fan of Swansea City, Stanley Kwanke, BBC Africa, Emily Clarke, fan of the Denver Nuggets, David Goldblatt, Author of The Ball is Round. Presenter:Mike Williams Producer:Bob Howard Editor:Andrew Smith Mike Williams explores why some sports fans support teams based thousands of miles away Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Every week, hundreds of millions of people around the world surrender their emotions; leave them for a while in the hands of strangers. They might face dejection or, with luck, jubilation. The US National Basketball Association says that less than one percent of fans globally will ever watch a game live. While the Premier League is played in England and Wales, almost half of the fans 470 million of them live in Asia and Oceania. Another 260 million follow the game from sub-Saharan Africa. Mike Williams asks why do sports fans do it? With Eric Simons, author of the Secret Life of Sports Fans, Xinjiu Wang, Chinese fan of Swansea City, Stanley Kwanke, BBC Africa, Emily Clarke, fan of the Denver Nuggets, David Goldblatt, Author of The Ball is Round. Presenter:Mike Williams Producer:Bob Howard Editor:Andrew Smith Mike Williams explores why some sports fans support teams based thousands of miles away Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 02 | Nostalgia | 20151102 | What is the feeling of nostalgia that so many people experience? Where does it come from, what does it mean and why are we more nostalgic on cold days? Mike Williams speaks to people who know about it and people who've experienced nostalgia. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Ben Crighton Editor: Jeremy Skeet. Why do so many people yearn for the past? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| 02 | Sad Music | 20151104 | 20210712 (R4) | Helena Merriman asks why the sad music is often the most popular. She speaks to writers and musicians about a seemingly irresistible cultural phenomenon. Why do we love tales of heartbreak and melancholy set to slow, lilting melody? Presenter:Helena Merriman Producer:Helena Merriman Editor:Jeremy Skeet Why do we seem to enjoy sad music? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Helena Merriman asks why the sad music is often the most popular. She speaks to writers and musicians about a seemingly irresistible cultural phenomenon. Why do we love tales of heartbreak and melancholy set to slow, lilting melody? Presenter:Helena Merriman Producer:Helena Merriman Editor:Jeremy Skeet Why do we seem to enjoy sad music? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 02 | Trainers | 20151112 | Sneaker, trainer call them what you will. How did this product of the industrial revolution and a rising middle class become a global fashion item worth tens of billions of pounds a year? Especially when 85% of the purchases are never intended for the it's original purpose, health and fitness. Join Mike Williams for the Why Factor: Sneakers. Presenter:Mike Williams Producer:Julie Ball Editor:Andrew Smith. How did the sneaker become acceptable from the boardroom to the basketball court? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| 02 | T-shirts | 20151105 | T-shirts are everywhere, every day. Plain ones, coloured ones, funny ones. Often they're promotional, sometimes provocative. They're so common that they're very easy to ignore. From the catwalk to the building site and everywhere in between, these simple garments can be tools of the rebel, the protestor, the campaigner, the corporate marketeer. They are strangely powerful things but with humble origins. Mike Williams explores the T shirt. With Omar Mansoor, British Pakistani fashion designer, Tony Glenville, Creative Director, London College of Fashion, designer Milton Glaser, Beatrice Behlan, Museum of London, Steve Tropiano, author of Rebels and chicks - history of the Hollywood teen movie, Maureen Kabrik, campaigner for pressure group "Bring back our girls." Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Bob Howard Editor: Andrew Smith They can be promotional, sometimes provocative. Mike Williams explores the T-shirt. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| 03 | 01 | Groupthink | 20160711 | 20210111 (R4) 20201226 (R4) | The Why Factor investigates the concept of "Groupthink". How the perceived wisdom of our allies and colleagues can influence our choices and persuade us to make disastrous military decisions, join cults or simply deny the evidence before our very eyes. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Sandra Kanthal Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. What makes the will of the crowd more persuasive than the wisdom of one? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. The Why Factor investigates the concept of "Groupthink". How the perceived wisdom of our allies and colleagues can influence our choices and persuade us to make disastrous military decisions, join cults or simply deny the evidence before our very eyes. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Sandra Kanthal Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. What makes the will of the crowd more persuasive than the wisdom of one? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. The Why Factor investigates the concept of "Groupthink". How the perceived wisdom of our allies and colleagues can influence our choices and persuade us to make disastrous military decisions, join cults or simply deny the evidence before our very eyes. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Sandra Kanthal Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. What makes the will of the crowd more persuasive than the wisdom of one? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. |
| 03 | 02 | Age Of Consent | 20160712 | 20210118 (R4) 20210102 (R4) | Mike William investigates the age of consent. It used to be 12 in England, it's currently 14 in Italy - less for so-called "Romeo and Juliet" couples who have only three years' age difference. The Why Factor explores the real reasons we draw a line on sexual relationships. Presenter: Mike Williams Editor: Andrew Smith The Why Factor broadcasts weekly on the BBC World Service. Why does the age of consent vary across the world? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Mike William investigates the age of consent. It used to be 12 in England, it's currently 14 in Italy - less for so-called "Romeo and Juliet" couples who have only three years' age difference. The Why Factor explores the real reasons we draw a line on sexual relationships. Presenter: Mike Williams Editor: Andrew Smith The Why Factor broadcasts weekly on the BBC World Service. Why does the age of consent vary across the world? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Mike William investigates the age of consent. It used to be 12 in England, it's currently 14 in Italy - less for so-called "Romeo and Juliet" couples who have only three years' age difference. The Why Factor explores the real reasons we draw a line on sexual relationships. Presenter: Mike Williams Editor: Andrew Smith The Why Factor broadcasts weekly on the BBC World Service. Why does the age of consent vary across the world? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. |
| 03 | 03 | Fear Of Robots | 20160713 | 20210109 (R4) 20210125 (R4) | Robots are in our homes, our factories, on battlefields and in hospitals. Some are smarter than us, some are faster. Some are here to help us, others not. Science fiction is filled with malign machines that rise against humanity. Mike Williams asks if we have reason to fear the machines we are creating. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Sandra Kanthal Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. Mike Williams asks if we have reason to fear the rise of the robots. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. |
| 03 | 04 | Drawing | 20160714 | 20210329 (R4) 20210116 (R4) | Lucy Ash asks why we draw. Are some people simply more visual than others? And what do we reveal through our drawings? Drawing is something we all do unselfconsciously as children before we learn to write. It is a form of expression that goes back 40,000 years and began on the walls of caves. But why do we draw? Is it to make our mark on the world, to decorate our surroundings, or is it a way of communicating with others when words fail us? Lucy Ash talks to Stephen Wiltshire, world famous for his incredibly detailed pen and ink cityscapes; to David Hockney renowned for both his traditional draughtsmanship and his enthusiasm for new technology, and to Lizzie Ellis, who comes from a remote community in central Australia and draws with a stick, telling stories through her traditional form of Aboriginal women's art. Presenter: Lucy Ash Producer: Arlene Gregorius Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. Why do so many people love drawing? And what do those drawings reveal? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Lucy Ash asks why we draw. Are some people simply more visual than others? And what do we reveal through our drawings? Drawing is something we all do unselfconsciously as children before we learn to write. It is a form of expression that goes back 40,000 years and began on the walls of caves. But why do we draw? Is it to make our mark on the world, to decorate our surroundings, or is it a way of communicating with others when words fail us? Lucy Ash talks to Stephen Wiltshire, world famous for his incredibly detailed pen and ink cityscapes; to David Hockney renowned for both his traditional draughtsmanship and his enthusiasm for new technology, and to Lizzie Ellis, who comes from a remote community in central Australia and draws with a stick, telling stories through her traditional form of Aboriginal women's art. Presenter: Lucy Ash Producer: Arlene Gregorius Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. Why do so many people love drawing? And what do those drawings reveal? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Lucy Ash asks why we draw. Are some people simply more visual than others? And what do we reveal through our drawings? Drawing is something we all do unselfconsciously as children before we learn to write. It is a form of expression that goes back 40,000 years and began on the walls of caves. But why do we draw? Is it to make our mark on the world, to decorate our surroundings, or is it a way of communicating with others when words fail us? Lucy Ash talks to Stephen Wiltshire, world famous for his incredibly detailed pen and ink cityscapes; to David Hockney renowned for both his traditional draughtsmanship and his enthusiasm for new technology, and to Lizzie Ellis, who comes from a remote community in central Australia and draws with a stick, telling stories through her traditional form of Aboriginal women's art. Presenter: Lucy Ash Producer: Arlene Gregorius Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. Why do so many people love drawing? And what do those drawings reveal? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. |
| 03 | 05 | Cycling | 20160715 | The bicycle - and cycling - started out as somewhat of a faddish leisure pursuit, largely the preserve of middle-aged and wealthy men. Yet it quickly became the world's most popular means of transport and remains so to this day. So what lies behind its mass appeal? Author and life-long cyclist Rob Penn, helps us chart the cultural and social impact of the bicycle. From helping to widen the human gene pool to blazing a trail for the women's movement. Presenter:Mike Williams Producer:Rose de Larrabeiti Editor:Andrew Smith The Why Factor is broadcast weekly on the BBC World Service. Mike Williams asks why so many people have become obsessed with two-wheel travel. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 03 | 06 | Time Perception | 20160718 | 20210412 (R4) 20210130 (R4) | Mike Williams asks why some weeks just fly by but sometimes minutes can seem like hours? Why do we perceive time differently in different circumstances? Mike talks to Pakistani writer and broadcaster Raza Rumi, Claudia Hammond, author of "Time Warped" and John McCarthy, a British journalist taken hostage in Lebanon in 1986. Presenter:Mike Williams Producer:Bob Howard Editor; Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service Why do some weeks just fly by but sometimes minutes can seem like hours? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Mike Williams asks why some weeks just fly by but sometimes minutes can seem like hours? Why do we perceive time differently in different circumstances? Mike talks to Pakistani writer and broadcaster Raza Rumi, Claudia Hammond, author of "Time Warped" and John McCarthy, a British journalist taken hostage in Lebanon in 1986. Presenter:Mike Williams Producer:Bob Howard Editor; Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service Why do some weeks just fly by but sometimes minutes can seem like hours? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Mike Williams asks why some weeks just fly by but sometimes minutes can seem like hours? Why do we perceive time differently in different circumstances? Mike talks to Pakistani writer and broadcaster Raza Rumi, Claudia Hammond, author of "Time Warped" and John McCarthy, a British journalist taken hostage in Lebanon in 1986. Presenter:Mike Williams Producer:Bob Howard Editor; Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service Why do some weeks just fly by but sometimes minutes can seem like hours? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. |
| 03 | 07 | Conspiracy Theories | 20160719 | Throughout history people have held conspiracy theories which cast doubt on the official narratives of some very serious events - from the Holocaust to 9/11, Diana to JFK, Lockerbie to Sandy Hook. What prompts people to think in this way? How should Governments react to the people who doubt them? Or are they in fact critical in our attempts to hold Governments to account? Mike Williams talks to a psychologist, a Professor of Political Science and a conspiracy theorist as he attempts to separate fact from fiction. Presenter:Mike Williams Editor:Andrew Smith (Photo: Conspiracy word cloud concept, with abstract background. Credit to Shutterstock). Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? Mike Williams investigates. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 03 | 08 | Magicians | 20160720 | 20210419 (R4) 20210206 (R4) | Tricksters, conjurers, the world of magicians. Who are they and why do they do what they do? We began by asking ourselves why we enjoy magic shows and why we allow them to deceive us. But the psychology of the magicians themselves is as interesting as the psychology of the audience. So what is in the mind of a magician? Presenter:Mike Williams Editor:Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service Why do some people become magicians? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Tricksters, conjurers, the world of magicians. Who are they and why do they do what they do? We began by asking ourselves why we enjoy magic shows and why we allow them to deceive us. But the psychology of the magicians themselves is as interesting as the psychology of the audience. So what is in the mind of a magician? Presenter:Mike Williams Editor:Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service Why do some people become magicians? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Tricksters, conjurers, the world of magicians. Who are they and why do they do what they do? We began by asking ourselves why we enjoy magic shows and why we allow them to deceive us. But the psychology of the magicians themselves is as interesting as the psychology of the audience. So what is in the mind of a magician? Presenter:Mike Williams Editor:Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service Why do some people become magicians? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. |
| 03 | 09 | Addiction | 20160721 | 20210426 (R4) 20210213 (R4) | Mike Williams investigates the biochemistry of the brain's reward system in an effort to detect the cause of addiction. How can things which initially bring such pleasure become such a destructive force? Mike talks to scientists and former addicts who speak frankly as he searches for some answers. Presenter: Mike Williams Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. Why do some people suffer addiction? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Mike Williams investigates the biochemistry of the brain's reward system in an effort to detect the cause of addiction. How can things which initially bring such pleasure become such a destructive force? Mike talks to scientists and former addicts who speak frankly as he searches for some answers. Presenter: Mike Williams Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. Why do some people suffer addiction? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Mike Williams investigates the biochemistry of the brain's reward system in an effort to detect the cause of addiction. How can things which initially bring such pleasure become such a destructive force? Mike talks to scientists and former addicts who speak frankly as he searches for some answers. Presenter: Mike Williams Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service. Why do some people suffer addiction? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. |
| 03 | 10 | The Circus | 20160722 | 20210510 (R4) 20210220 (R4) | From clowns to tight-rope walkers, fire-eaters to elephant trainers, the modern circus has been around for centuries. But why does it still appeal in the modern age? Mike Williams explores the origins of the circus and asks why, in a world of screens, video streaming and TV-on-demand, the circus continues to delight adults and children around the globe. Mike visits the Moscow State Circus, hears from a clown with Cirque Du Soleil and talks to a lion trainer with the biggest animal act in the world. There's thrills, spills, fun and fear. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service Why does the circus endure? Mike Williams explores its lasting appeal. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. From clowns to tight-rope walkers, fire-eaters to elephant trainers, the modern circus has been around for centuries. But why does it still appeal in the modern age? Mike Williams explores the origins of the circus and asks why, in a world of screens, video streaming and TV-on-demand, the circus continues to delight adults and children around the globe. Mike visits the Moscow State Circus, hears from a clown with Cirque Du Soleil and talks to a lion trainer with the biggest animal act in the world. There's thrills, spills, fun and fear. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service Why does the circus endure? Mike Williams explores its lasting appeal. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. From clowns to tight-rope walkers, fire-eaters to elephant trainers, the modern circus has been around for centuries. But why does it still appeal in the modern age? Mike Williams explores the origins of the circus and asks why, in a world of screens, video streaming and TV-on-demand, the circus continues to delight adults and children around the globe. Mike visits the Moscow State Circus, hears from a clown with Cirque Du Soleil and talks to a lion trainer with the biggest animal act in the world. There's thrills, spills, fun and fear. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Andrew Smith First broadcast on the BBC World Service Why does the circus endure? Mike Williams explores its lasting appeal. Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. |
| 04 | Childlessness | 20130406 | 20210517 (R4) 20210227 (R4) 20170718 (R4) | Smaller families are a growing feature on the West - and many women are now choosing not to have children. Mary-Ann Ochota considers why this change is happening - even though there is often great social pressure to procreate. Presenter:Mary-Ann Ochota Producer:Rose de Larrabeiti Editor:Andrew Smith. Why do some people choose childlessness? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Smaller families are a growing feature on the West - and many women are now choosing not to have children. Mary-Ann Ochota considers why this change is happening - even though there is often great social pressure to procreate. Presenter:Mary-Ann Ochota Producer:Rose de Larrabeiti Editor:Andrew Smith. Why do some people choose childlessness? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Smaller families are a growing feature on the West - and many women are now choosing not to have children. Mary-Ann Ochota considers why this change is happening - even though there is often great social pressure to procreate. Presenter:Mary-Ann Ochota Producer:Rose de Larrabeiti Editor:Andrew Smith. Why do some people choose childlessness? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 04 | Goths | 20170508 | 20170721 (R4) 20210320 (R4) 20210531 (R4) | Why would anyone be a goth? What is the appeal of this dark and spooky subculture that embraces death, pain and sadness? Goths have been attacked, abused and are often misunderstood, but still choose to stand out - dramatically - from the crowd. Catherine Carr talks to goths about their music, their dress and their love of the darker side of life. Why has this scene that began in the UK in the late 1970s and has spread worldwide, adapted and endured? She hears from gothic vlogger, Black Friday, about how others react to her striking style and that of her goth husband, Matthius; she learns from Dr Catherine Spooner of Lancaster University about the role and influence of gothic literature in the goth scene and finds out from Professor Isabella Van Elferen of Kingston University, London about the transcendental power of goth music. Dr Paul Hodkinson of Surrey University explains the enduring appeal of the subculture and why once a goth, you're always a goth. And she meets Sylvia Lancaster, whose daughter Sophie, a goth, was murdered because of the way she looked. Presenter: Catherine Carr Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Andrew Smith. Why would anyone be a goth? What is the appeal of this dark and spooky subculture? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 04 | Hypochondria | 20170210 | 20210524 (R4) 20210306 (R4) 20170719 (R4) | Why do people suffer from hypochondria, the fear of having a serious, undiagnosed illness? It can be an intensely distressing and disabling condition, with some sufferers even ending up in wheelchairs. So why do hypochondriacs attract so little sympathy? Presenter: Becky Milligan Producer: Ben Crighton. Why do people suffer from hypochondria, and why do they attract so little sympathy? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Why do people suffer from hypochondria, the fear of having a serious, undiagnosed illness? It can be an intensely distressing and disabling condition, with some sufferers even ending up in wheelchairs. So why do hypochondriacs attract so little sympathy? Presenter: Becky Milligan Producer: Ben Crighton. Why do people suffer from hypochondria, and why do they attract so little sympathy? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. Why do people suffer from hypochondria, the fear of having a serious, undiagnosed illness? It can be an intensely distressing and disabling condition, with some sufferers even ending up in wheelchairs. So why do hypochondriacs attract so little sympathy? Presenter: Becky Milligan Producer: Ben Crighton. Why do people suffer from hypochondria, and why do they attract so little sympathy? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | |
| 04 | Polygamy | 20170720 | When many people struggle to maintain one relationship, why do some people enter into multiple simultaneous marriages? Lucy Ash hears why polygamists are drawn to these complex arrangements and how they manage them. She discusses rotas, hierarchies and curfews with a South African businessman and his four wives who star in a popular reality TV show. A former Mormon polygamist from the American state of Utah tells how having to share her husband with a sister wife had a devastating impact on her mental health. Anthropologist Katie Starkweather explains why some societies have favoured polyandry, the practice of one woman marrying multiple men. Presenter:Lucy Ash Producers: Viv Jones, Lizzy McNeill Editor:Andrew Smith. Why do some people practice polygamy? Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. | ||
| 04 | The Kiss | 20130412 | 20210405 (R4) 20210123 (R4) 20170717 (R4) | You might think it is a universal trait, something that we all do. But when European explorers travelled the world, they met tribes that didn't kiss. So is it a learnt response after all? It can be as a greeting, or a sign of reverence or supplication- but we will be talking about the romantic kiss- face to face, lips to lips. We examine the biochemistry, psychology, anthropology and history of kissing. Where does it come from? Presented by Charlotte McDonald Produced by Lizzy McNeill More editions of The Why Factor are available on the BBC World Service website. Charlotte McDonald explores if kissing is the universal trait that people believe it to be Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. You might think it is a universal trait, something that we all do. But when European explorers travelled the world, they met tribes that didn't kiss. So is it a learnt response after all? It can be as a greeting, or a sign of reverence or supplication- but we will be talking about the romantic kiss- face to face, lips to lips. We examine the biochemistry, psychology, anthropology and history of kissing. Where does it come from? Presented by Charlotte McDonald Produced by Lizzy McNeill More editions of The Why Factor are available on the BBC World Service website. Charlotte McDonald explores if kissing is the universal trait that people believe it to be Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. You might think it is a universal trait, something that we all do. But when European explorers travelled the world, they met tribes that didn't kiss. So is it a learnt response after all? It can be as a greeting, or a sign of reverence or supplication- but we will be talking about the romantic kiss- face to face, lips to lips. We examine the biochemistry, psychology, anthropology and history of kissing. Where does it come from? Presented by Charlotte McDonald Produced by Lizzy McNeill More editions of The Why Factor are available on the BBC World Service website. Charlotte McDonald explores if kissing is the universal trait that people believe it to be Series that explores the hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. |