Why do humans kiss? Read more
now playing
The Kiss
Why do humans kiss?
Sticky Songs
What makes snippets of popular songs go round and round in our heads?
Symmetry
Why does symmetry exist and why do we see such beauty in it?
Competition
Why are we competitive? Is it a natural instinct?
Diplomacy
How to get ahead in diplomacy, from negotiations to polite language and secret code words
The Fool
Mike Williams asks why the fool or jester has been an important figure in many cultures
Why Eye Contact is Important
Why is making eye contact so important?
Accents
What do our accents say about us? Why do they matter?
World War One: Patriotism
The power of patriotism from WW1 to today and truths and myths of the modern nation state
World War One: National Pride
Why are we so drawn to symbols of statehood, and how can leaders use that loyalty?
Coincidence
What is coincidence and why do we attach meaning to it?
The Apology
Why do we say sorry 鈥� and what do we really mean by it?
The Moon
Why has the moon fascinated humans from every culture and for all time?
The Walk
Why do we go on long walks? Mike Williams finds out
The Pilgrimage
Why do we go on pilgrimages?
Chastity
Associated with morality, modesty, politics and religion why is chastity so complicated?
Ghosts
Why do so many people claim to see ghosts?
Gossip
Why do we like to gossip 鈥� and is it good for us?
Gardens
Why do people have gardens and do gardening?
The 100th Programme: The Life of Why
Celebrating the 100th edition of The Why Factor
Protest
What brings people out into the streets to take direct action against the powerful?
Risking Life For Strangers
Would you risk your life for a stranger?
The Rivals
History鈥檚 greatest rivals, and the creative and destructive sides of rivalry
What is Charisma?
Why is it so hard to pin down what we mean by charisma?
Brands
Why do we place so much trust in brands? And who benefits from them?
Karma
Is Karma fatalism or guidance on how to improve your life?
Embarrassment
What is embarrassment, why do we feel it and is it a good thing? Mike Williams finds out
Chess
How has the 1500-year-old game mirrored politics and changes in society?
Memorialisation
How do we remember the dead and why does it matter?
How we remember the dead, and why does it matter?
Poetry
Why do we read, or write poetry, as opposed to prose?
