The Why Factor

Illustrator Johanna Basford and inventor Cheong Choon Ng discuss the success of adult coloring books and Rainbow Loom. Psychologist Ben Michaelis explains why insecure people tend to engage in crazes. The podcast also delves into the resurgence of hula hooping and the history of childhood crazes like Transformers and Pokemon originating in Japan. The tragic consequences of playground crazes are also addressed.

Comics enthusiasts Jim Higgins and Nina Nazionale discuss the evolution of superheroes from ancient myths to modern blockbusters. Topics include the moral values and immigrant experience portrayed in superhero comics, the role of female artists, the evolution of villains, and the diversification of superheroes to cater to a global audience.

Neuro-biologist Professor Sophie Scott and linguists delve into why certain voices annoy us. They discuss accents, vocal fry, and gender biases in voice critiques. The podcast explores the online backlash against Laura Ashby's voice and the evolving nature of language, emphasizing the importance of respecting diverse speech patterns.

Discover the power and impact of voices on communication and perception. Learn about voice manipulation, accents, and the creation of personalized voices for those with speech impairments. Hear inspiring stories of individuals finding their unique voices and connecting with others through communication.

Introverts. People who are often labelled as shy, a term coined following the work on personality types by German psychologist, Carl Jung, in 1921. But introversion is much misunderstood. Introverts recharge their batteries by being alone whereas extroverts are the opposite and crave crowds. Emerging research on the biochemistry of the brain indicates that the neurotransmitter dopamine – the chemical released that provides motivation to seek rewards, is much more active for extroverts than for introverts. According to Phd and introvert researcher, Lisa Kaenzig, introverts are much less valued today than they used to be. In the past, some of the world’s most renowned thinkers, religious leaders, philosophers and writers were held in the highest esteem – many of them were working alone and were at their most creative in solitary study. However, she is part of a growing movement which is challenging a seeming bias in favour of the extrovert – for the person who talks first in meetings and makes off-the-cuff remarks and who may shout the loudest to get their ideas heard. The growth of the open plan office, group thinking and collaborative learning are all enemies to the introvert, but in recommendations by Dr Peter Aloka – a Kenyan psychologist who has been studying introvert teenage mothers in Bondo, the answers lie in teaming introverts up with extroverts and calling upon introverts to present group findings and allowing extra think time in response to questions. Where do you lie on the introvert/extrovert scale or are you in the middle – an ambivert? If you are an introvert, you’re in very good company; Barack Obama, Rosa Parks, JK Rowling and many more eminent and thoughtful people are introverts. Presented by Anu Anand Produced by Priscilla Ng’ethe and Nina Robinson (IMAGE: Words in white chalk describing personality types on a blackboard. Credit - marekuliasz, c/o Shutterstock)

The Why Factor is about our pets on the internet. Those viral videos of our cats stalking us or the dogs saying I love you. Why have cats become celebrities and why do we love to watch and follow them on social media? Mike Williams meets the cat at the top of the viral video tree; the one and only Grumpy Cat with twelve million followers, her owners and business managers are just trying to keep up with all her fans. Assistant Professor Jessica Gall Myrick from Indiana University, conducted an online survey of some 7000 cat video watchers and found that people felt happier watching them and were less likely to feel anxious or sad. With all that happiness around, the creator of NyanCat – an animated cat flying through space with a rainbow trail and catchy tune to match, has a mind-boggling 133 million views last time Chris Torres checked. He tells The Why Factor why he thinks it has been such a viral sensation. We also talk to Jason Eppink, curator of a recent exhibition at the Museum of Moving Image in New York on ‘How Cats Took Over The Internet’. Then there is a serious side to all this cat, dog, chicken and goat watching online. Anh Xiao Mina – a writer and researcher has been looking at the growth of ‘cute cat digital activism’ – the theory that pet viral videos are teaching us important lessons about what we can say and do online and could, in the future, be used to promote new social movements. Presented by Mike Williams Produced by Nina Robinson (IMAGE:Grumpy Cat at the BBC, Nina Robinson - BBC Copyright)

Dive into the irrational fear of animals, with a focus on spiders and unexpected phobias. Explore the evolutionary roots of our fear responses and how our brains react to perceived threats. Hear personal accounts of overcoming animal phobias and the surprising ways our perceptions are influenced

Exploring the prevalence of fear-driven beliefs over facts in a post-factual age. How fear distorts reality and influences decision-making. Challenges in debunking misinformation online and the influence of fear and identities on beliefs.

Psychologists, transport experts, and racing professionals explore the love for driving amidst the rise of autonomous vehicles. They discuss the joy of driving, psychological risks, transition to driverless cars, and ethical dilemmas faced by autonomous vehicles.

Former football hooligan Cass Pennant and others explore the roots of male violence, discussing topics like testosterone's role in aggression, the impact of violence in football culture, and societal beliefs about gender predispositions to violence.