Series 1

4. Why do we procrastinate?

Can we blame procrastination on our evolution?

• 14 mins

Series 1

5. Why do we shake hands?

Are we shaking hands to sniff each other?

• 14 mins

Series 1

6. Why can't we all be morning people?

Ella Al-Shamahi explores how our Neanderthal DNA may influence our sleeping habits.

• 14 mins

Series 1

7. Why do we sit down to poo?

Ella gets personal to explore which is best for our business - sitting down or squatting?

• 14 mins

Series 1

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?

• 14 mins

Series 1

9. Why doesn't everyone clear up?

That messy person, who doesn’t pull their weight around the house - why people, why?

• 14 mins

Series 1

10. Why do we doomscroll?

Endlessly scrolling negative news? Why are we drawn magnetically to the dark side?

• 14 mins

Series 2

Welcome to Why Do We Do That? Series 2

Ella Al-Shamahi investigates the origins of everyday human habits and behaviour.

• 2 mins

Series 2

1. Why do we gossip?

Join anthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi as she delves into the origins of gossip.

• 14 mins

Series 2

More... Gossip with Nicole Hagen Hess

Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries in More Gossip with Nicole Hagen Hess.

• 15 mins

Series 2

2. Why do I get so upset when my team loses?

Join anthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi to find out why we get so upset when our team loses.

• 15 mins

Series 2

More... Football fanatics with Martha Newson

Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries with Martha Newson.

• 13 mins

Series 2

3. Why do we have grandmas?

Join anthropologist Ella Al Shamahi to find out why grandmothers are so important.

• 15 mins

Series 2

More... Grandmothers with Emily Emmott

BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More... Grandmothers with Emily Emmott.

• 19 mins

Series 2

4. Why do we love dogs?

Ella Al-Shamahi asks why do we love dogs?

• 15 mins

Series 2

More... Dogs with Greger Larson

BONUS: Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries in More Dogs with Greger Larson.

• 19 mins

Series 2

5. Why do we laugh?

Ella Al-Shamahi investigates why we laugh?

• 15 mins

Series 2

More... Laughs with Sophie Scott

BONUS: Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries in More Laughs with Sophie Scott.

• 16 mins

Series 2

6. Why do we lie?

Ella Al-Shamahi asks why do we lie?

• 15 mins

Series 2

More... Lies with Roman Stengelin

BONUS: Ella Al-Shamahi explores evolutionary mysteries in More Lies with Roman Stengelin.

• 16 mins

Series 2

7. Why do we blush?

Join paleoanthropologist Ella Al Shamahi to find out why we blush.

• 15 mins

Series 2

More... Blushing with Laith Al-Shawaf

BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More Blushing with Laith Al-Shawaf.

• 18 mins

Series 2

8. Why does nature make me feel calmer?

Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi asks why being in nature makes us feel calmer?

• 15 mins

Series 2

More... Nature with Gregory Bratman

BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More Nature with Gregory Bratman.

• 15 mins

Series 2

9. Why do we go to the pub?

Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi asks why do we go to the pub?

• 15 mins

Series 2

More... Pubs with Robin Dunbar

BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More Pubs with Robin Dunbar.

• 14 mins

Series 2

10. Why do we dance?

Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi asks, why do we dance?

• 14 mins

Series 2

More... Dancing with Bronwyn Tarr

BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More Dancing with Bronwyn Tarr.

• 15 mins

Series 2

11. Why do we fall for the bad boy?

Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi asks why do we like bad boys?

• 14 mins

Series 2

More... Bad Boys with Julia Stern

BONUS: Ella explores evolutionary mysteries in More Bad Boys with Julia Stern.

• 16 mins