In this week's programme Mike Williams looks at why people start smoking. Read more
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Why do we smoke?
In this week's programme Mike Williams looks at why people start smoking.
The Bullet
The history and design of the bullet and why people use them
Why do we laugh?
What is it that actually triggers our laughter, do all of us find the same things funny?
The Shaved Head
Why do we care so much about the hair on our heads? Join Mike Williams to find out why.
The Handshake
Millions of us use this gesture but where does this everyday ritual come from?
Coming of Age
Why do different cultures mark the advent of adulthood at different ages?
Blue
The weird world of the colour blue.
The Tap
What changes when taps come to town? Mike Williams travels to Ghana.
Fear - Episode 1
What is fear? Are our fears universal and how do we go about facing our fears?
Fear - Episode 2
Why do some of us enjoy and endure fear, horror and suspense?
The Drum
Why do we find the beat of the drum so intoxicating?
The Sackman (and other stories)
The Sackman - a very different Father Christmas
Manners
The strange customs and conduct that make up ‘good manners’. Where do they come from?
Nitrogen: Forgetting Fritz
Why have we forgotten Fritz Haber?
The Heel
Where did the fascination with elevated footwear come from and what do they tell us?
The Boxers of Bukom
Why are the men of Bukom in Accra so good at boxing?
Mirrors
Mike Williams explores the myths and mysteries of the mirror
The Mob
Why do we behave differently when we are in a large crowd?
Black
Mike Williams peers into the world of black and asks why it has so many different meanings
Why are Open Plan Offices the Norm?
Why has the open plan office become the norm in many places, despite the distractions?
Cultural Memory
We all have memories but do we share some of those, socially or collectively? If so, why?
PTSD
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and why is it so controversial?
Silence
What role does silence play in our lives and why can it be so poignant or so awkward?
Sleep
The first of two programmes which looks at human behaviour and sleep.
Why do we get insomnia?
The second of two programmes about humans and sleep.
Retirement
Why do we retire?
Ageing
Why are attitudes towards older people often so negative?
The Kiss
Why do humans kiss?
Singing
Singing is a way of bringing people together, expressing joy or sadness. Why do we sing?
Gold
Why are we so fascinated by gold?
Pets
Why do we live with cats and dogs?