The Why Factor

Who are you loyal to? Your family, partner, employer? Why? Mike Williams talks to people whose loya

From the first photographic portraits captured in the 1830s to the “selfies” of today, we seem fasci

The moon has fascinated humans everywhere and for all time. Why? Mike Williams explores the moon in

People have fought for honour and died for it. People have murdered others because of it. Why is th

For centuries perfume has been used to show status and wealth, for medicinal and for religious reaso

Why do we share? What makes it different from giving? And what does it have to do with strategy and

We are all born naked, yet there is a taboo about displaying naked bodies in public. Societies aroun

Why do we cook, and not just eat raw food like all other animals? Jo Fidgen hears that our ancestors

The disappearing world of the handwritten letter – a letter of advice on love from a father to a son

Jo Fidgen asks why we read, or write poetry, as opposed to prose? What can poetry do that prose can’

How we remember the dead, and why does it matter? In this special edition of The Why Factor Mike Wil

How do we remember the dead and why does it matter? Mike Williams considers the promise of so many n

Why has the game endured over more than 1500 years and how has it mirrored politics and changes in s

A knot in the stomach, a blush to the face, a wish that the ground would swallow us up and end our m

Karma is a fundamental part of many eastern based religions including Hinduism and Buddhism. It is c

Walk down any street in any town or city anywhere in the world and you’ll be bombarded by brands scr

Why is it so hard to pin down what we mean by it? The Greeks called it a gift of grace, but it’s bee

History and mythology are filled with great rivalries, the foundation of Rome by the twins Romulus a

Why would someone risk their life for a stranger? Why would a 54-year-old Englishwoman leave her ho

There are many ways to get involved in politics, so what brings people out into the streets to take