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Welcome to Why Do We Do That?
Introducing Why Do We Do That? An anthropologist's guide to the modern world. Read more
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Series 1
Introducing Why Do We Do That? An anthropologist's guide to the modern world.
1. Why Is Heartbreak So Painful?
Is the pain of a broken heart much more than a romantic trope?
2. Why do we do things that are bad for Us?
Ella investigates a possible reason behind the common drive to put our lives at risk.
3. Why do we kiss?
The kiss - an exchange of 18 million bacteria or a romantic evolutionary hand-me-down?
4. Why do we procrastinate?
Can we blame procrastination on our evolution?
5. Why do we shake hands?
Are we shaking hands to sniff each other?
6. Why can't we all be morning people?
Ella Al-Shamahi explores how our Neanderthal DNA may influence our sleeping habits.
7. Why do we sit down to poo?
Ella gets personal to explore which is best for our business - sitting down or squatting?
8. Why do we wear make-up?
Are make-up trends purely a fad, or is there some deeper purpose to our love of lipstick?
9. Why doesn't everyone clear up?
That messy person, who doesn’t pull their weight around the house - why people, why?
10. Why do we doomscroll?
Endlessly scrolling negative news? Why are we drawn magnetically to the dark side?
Series 2
Welcome to Why Do We Do That? Series 2
Ella Al-Shamahi investigates the origins of everyday human habits and behaviour.
1. Why do we gossip?
anthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi as she delves into the origins of gossip.
More... Gossip with Nicole Hagen Hess
Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries in More Gossip with Nicole Hagen Hess.
2. Why do I get so upset when my team loses?
anthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi to find out why we get so upset when our team loses.
More... Football fanatics with Martha Newson
Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries with Martha Newson.
3. Why do we have grandmas?
anthropologist Ella Al Shamahi to find out why grandmothers are so important.
More... Grandmothers with Emily Emmott
BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More... Grandmothers with Emily Emmott.
4. Why do we love dogs?
Ella Al-Shamahi asks why do we love dogs?
More... Dogs with Greger Larson
BONUS: Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries in More Dogs with Greger Larson.
5. Why do we laugh?
Ella Al-Shamahi investigates why we laugh?
More... Laughs with Sophie Scott
BONUS: Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries in More Laughs with Sophie Scott.
6. Why do we lie?
Ella Al-Shamahi asks why do we lie?
More... Lies with Roman Stengelin
BONUS: Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries in More Lies with Roman Stengelin.
7. Why do we blush?
paleoanthropologist Ella Al Shamahi to find out why we blush.
More... Blushing with Laith Al-Shawaf
BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More Blushing with Laith Al-Shawaf.
More... Nature with Gregory Bratman
BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More Nature with Gregory Bratman.
9. Why do we go to the pub?
Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi asks why do we go to the pub?
More... Pubs with Robin Dunbar
BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More Pubs with Robin Dunbar.
10. Why do we dance?
Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi asks, why do we dance?
More... Dancing with Bronwyn Tarr
BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More Dancing with Bronwyn Tarr.
