James O'Brien's Mystery Hour
Episodes
When did diamonds become popular?
10 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do clocks go clockwise?
03 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why can't we get a more accurate due date for babies?
20 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How does the The Royal Mint decide how much money to print?
13 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What crisp flavour is ?cool orginal??
06 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do politicians bob?
29 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Will tidal power effect the moon?
22 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What do they do with olive pits?
08 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Who invented calories?
01 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do chefs wear patterned trousers?
25 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Do emergency service vehicles have set speed limits?
18 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How tall does a building have to be considered a skyscraper?
11 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Chris Moyles pops in to ask a question
04 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why does sunlight fade things?
27 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How do scallops multiply?
13 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Can you take a fish to the vets?
06 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why isn't the Queen's portrait up to date on the latest notes?
30 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Where do flies go when it rains?
09 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How does a moth know what colour it is?
02 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why don't birds interbreed?
26 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What did they do before toothpaste?
19 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Where was world's first ever embassy?
12 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do people speak louder after drinking alcohol?
05 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why does mint toothpaste make you cold?
28 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
James O'Brien's Mystery Hour - 21st June
27 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Can bees get lost?
07 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What happens if you refuse to give your name when you're arrested?
24 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Do pigs get sunburn?
17 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why is tinfoil only shiny on one side?
10 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How do they make firework shapes?
03 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Where do gold nuggets come from?
26 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How did saloon doors keep Western saloons safe at night?
19 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What happens when left-hand roads meet right-hand roads?
12 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why don't flakes melt?
29 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do we have bobbles on bobble hats?
22 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do we always have salt and pepper on the table?
15 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why don't ducks get frostbite?
08 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do some people sink?
01 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why does life seem to go faster when you're older?
22 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do escalator hand rails move faster than the steps?
15 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What causes us to 'snearly'?
08 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do we call them 'Cabinet' ministers?
02 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Do we really eat spiders at night?
25 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Can worms climb trees, if so, how?
18 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Do fish get thirsty?
11 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why are insects so quick to get away?
04 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do some words become swear words?
21 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What causes the massive lumps on trees?
19 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How do pathologists manage to find dental records?
07 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What's the difference between toilet paper and tissue paper?
30 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why are corned beef tins designed the way they are?
23 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What makes you a morning person?
16 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How do I start up my own country?
09 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why can't you get blackcurrants in America?
03 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why don't squirrels eat conkers?
19 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What came first, the colour orange or the fruit orange?
13 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
James O'Brien's Mystery Hour - 28 Sep 17
28 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do they sell popcorn in the cinema?
21 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also weddings and asking just too much of your friends and family
James O'Brien's Mystery Hour - 14 Sep 17
14 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
James O'Brien's Mystery Hour - 7 Sep 17
07 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
James O'Brien - Mystery Hour
31 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to James O'Brien's phone-in show, which will make you think - and possibly change your outlook on the big stories.
Why X symbolises a kiss
10 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also, when a tunnel is being built how is the water kept back?
Why can we hold our pee until wee see the toilet?
04 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Who is Pete?
27 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also running Mice!
Custard slices - really?
20 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also why do bees love lavender?
James O'Brien's Mystery Hour - 14 Jul 17
14 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How do the Chinese run a library?
06 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why do people have surnames named after colours?
30 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Do babies get hayfever?
If you drink a hot drink in hot weather does it cool you down?
22 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What does the phrase 'get off your high horse' mean?
Why are some chocolates wrapped in foil?
08 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a relationship between spicy foods and late pregnancy?
When do you stop falling out of bed?!
01 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also why are cans a certain size?
Why is the bee a symbol of Manchester?
26 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
How thick does glass have to be before you can't see through it?
18 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Do ducks know how many ducklings they have?
11 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why throw salt over your shoulder?
04 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Like it or lump it - the origin of that!
27 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Why is compost in litre?
Why do we call cats 'pussy'?
20 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Watch modelling - why are the hands in the same place?
06 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also why do we have candles on cakes?
Gary is going to call back next week..
30 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also where does the phrase 'penny drop' come from?
Could the Queen just say no?
16 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also do a smoker's lungs ever return to a non-smoker's lung after they quit?
The first time a baby's heart beats
09 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also tides, banks and landing strips
Are bogeys nutritional?
02 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Coat and dog tails
23 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also prisons and walls...
I love cranes
20 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also, why do we have bacon for breakfast?
Why heart shapes don't really look like hearts
09 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also is chicken pox worse for adults?
Can kangaroos swim?
02 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Identical sisters, identical brothers... But identical children?
A dead squirrel landed on my head
26 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also what does SIC stand for?
Why don't I salivate when I see a cow, but do when I see a steak?
20 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
What's up with the washing machine?
12 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Also, why do ducks walk in a straight line?
What does the X mean in LAX?
05 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
If people can whistle in tune,why can't they sing in tune?
A Christmas themed Mystery Hour this week
22 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Wreaths, mistletoe and the colour of prawns
How do sat navs know where traffic is?
16 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
Why Roger?
08 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Also why do you only learn times tables up to 12?
Would stomach acid burn your skin?
01 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Also why do wheels look like they are going backwards?
James O'Brien - The Whole Show - 25 Nov 16
25 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to James O'Brien's phone-in show, which will make you think - and possibly change your outlook on the big stories.
Why are the keys on a piano black and white?
17 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Also - do you sweat in water?
Where was the first ever University?
10 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Also why does a BCG leave a mark and why does Pearl get goosebumps?
James O'Brien's Mystery Hour
03 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...
DNA is it exactly 50/50?
20 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Why do eyelids twitch?
Do animals learn to run faster?
13 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Also, hunkydory - what's the origin?