Why Do We Do That? 

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Documentaries

Podcasts

Factual

Factual: Science & Nature

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

An anthropologist's guide to the modern world. Ella Al-Shamahi investigates the origins of everyday human habits and behaviour.

Why Do We Do That? An anthropologist's guide to the modern world.

There are lots of everyday things which, when you think about them, are pretty weird. Like kissing, doomscrolling and sitting down to go to the loo. Social media may tell you to blame the latest influencer who went viral. Your therapist might tell you to blame your parents. But palaeoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi is here to tell you to blame your great, great, great, great, great, etc. grandparents. For some stuff at least. In this series, Ella is joined by some wonderful guests to dive into the cultural, historical and evolutionary story of everyday human habits and behaviour.

Photo: Sarah Cresswell / The Times / News Licensing

BBC Radio 4 LW

Why Do We Do That?: Why Do We Sit Down to Poo?

Why Do We Sit Down to Poo?

BBC Radio 4 - Why Do We Do That?, Why Do We Sit Down to Poo?

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

Westerners may have embraced the sit-down toilet, but billions around the globe use toilets specifically designed for squatting. Ella Al-Shamahi investigates which way is best.

You might think sitting is a recent technological advancement, but both squat and sit-down toilets have been around for millennia. Today Westerners have embraced the sit-down toilet, whereas billions in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and even parts of Europe use toilets that are designed specifically for squatting. But which is better for us - sitting or squatting? Ella Al-Shamahi speaks to gastroenterologist Dr Rohan Modi who has been investigating the best way to do your business, and gets personal with comedian Eshaan Akba.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Why Do We Do That?

Why Do We Sit Down to Poo?

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4