Why do we do the things we do? Mike Williams searches for the extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions to inform us about the way we live in the 21st Century. Broadcast and podcast every Friday.
Episodes available:
Indefinitely 
Fri, 17 May 13
Duration:
18 mins
We all do it… don’t we? If your answer is no perhaps you’re doing it right now. This week Mike Williams explores why we lie.
Fri, 10 May 13
Duration:
18 mins
Disgust is an emotion that we all experience, but what purpose does it serve? And what role does it play in our moral judgements?
Fri, 3 May 13
Duration:
18 mins
Mike Williams asks why do we live with cats and dogs and what does our choice of pet say about us?
Fri, 26 Apr 13
Duration:
18 mins
That gold is rare and valuable is of course well known but beyond that why are so many people around the world obsessed with it?
Fri, 19 Apr 13
Duration:
18 mins
It’s something that all individuals and societies have done for millions of years. But why do we sing?
Fri, 12 Apr 13
Duration:
18 mins
Why do humans kiss? Is it a universal trait? When European explorers travelled the world, they met tribes that didn’t kiss. So is it a learnt response after all?
Fri, 5 Apr 13
Duration:
18 mins
Why are attitudes towards older people often so negative? Mike Williams talks to older people, and the young, and asks how might we re-think this period of our lives.
Sat, 30 Mar 13
Duration:
18 mins
Why do we retire? Will retirement, as adopted over the past 50 years in the developed world, soon be a thing of the past?
Fri, 22 Mar 13
Duration:
18 mins
People have always had trouble sleeping but are some of us more susceptible to it than others? If so, why?
Fri, 15 Mar 13
Duration:
18 mins
We spend a third of our lives asleep, but sleep science hasn’t got much further than being sure that we sleep because, er, we get sleepy.
The BBC Podcasts are for your personal non-commercial use only.
All title, ownership rights and intellectual property rights in and to the BBC Podcasts shall remain the property of the BBC or third parties. You may not edit, alter, adapt or add to the BBC Podcast in any way. The BBC Podcasts are made available by the BBC on an "as is" and "as available" basis and the BBC gives no warranty of any kind in relation to the BBC Podcast. To the maximum extent permitted by law the BBC will not be liable for any loss or damage which you may suffer as a result of, or connected to, the download or use of the BBC Podcasts.
You need Javascript enabled and Flash version 10 installed to access this audio. Please view our BBC Webwise guide.
The world's greatest authors discuss their best known novel. This monthly programme, presented by Harriett Gilbert, includes questions by BBC World Service listeners.
Sat, 4 May 13
53 minutes
The stories behind pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.
Fri, 8 Mar 13
22 minutes
UK only
BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
