Pick of the Podcasts: Why Do We Do That?, Working Class To World Class, Witnessed: Mystic Mother

Many of our everyday human behaviours can be hard to fathom but, according to Ella Al-Shamahi, some things we regularly get up to, such as kissing, doom-scrolling, procrastinating and being reckless, are down to evolution.

In her new podcast, Why Do We Do That? the palaeoanthropologist explores the cultural, historical and evolutionary origins of different human behaviours.

Each episode invites a guest and scientific expert to weigh in on subjects like why we kiss, experience heartache, and procrastinate.

“Instead of blaming social media, pop culture or our parents, I’m asking, can we trace our everyday behaviours back to our cave-swelling ancestors?” she told PS.

For Al-Shamahi, making the podcast has been an eye-opening experience and she hopes it will bring listeners comfort, too.

“Learning about heartbreak was helpful because I had a breakup six months before and I felt genuine pain in my chest, to the point where one of my friends actually said I should see my GP,” she added.

“Scientists say this is actually physical pain, as your heart rate slows down. The theory is that the pain stops you being reckless and picking bad boys, or bad mates. Interestingly, they say paracetemol can help.”

She continued: “I get angry with myself for procrastinating. But the theory is that if you lived in the Palaeolithic period, being a procrastinator and focusing on the present was actually helpful, as you could literally die the next day.

“The fact that behaviour is down to my evolutionary biology has made me more forgiving of it.

“And that’s good as studies suggest if you are more forgiving of your own procrastination, you are less likely to do it!”

Witnessed: Mystic Mother

For years, the Phoenix Goddess Temple claimed to offer “seekers” healing through sensual touch. But when an outsider exposes what went on behind closed doors, the temple welcomes in a new kind of seeker – undercover detectives.

This fascinating podcast examines the case against founder Tracey Elise and her employees to ask was the temple a home of spiritual enlightenment… or a brothel.

Working Class To World Class

We all love an underdog story, a rags-to-riches tale. In this new podcast, Lynn Lester speaks to people who have overcome adversity and come from humble beginnings to achieve incredible success.

Her interviewees so far include Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr and top photographer, Rankin, who both talk about growing up in poverty in Glasgow.