Where do irrational obsessions come from?

This week we’re on a mission to understand phobias, manias and obsessions! We look at where our phobias come from, how people use obsessions as a coping mechanism and how you define a phobia. We also find out about a fascinating case of ‘dancing mania’, we consider the evolutionary purpose behind phobias and we look at how our fears have changed over time.Special thanks to today's expert, Kate Summerscale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

Welcome to Eureka!, the show that gets under the skin of science with questions that really matter! Join science enthusiast Rick Edwards and actual real-life scientist Dr Michael Brooks every week as they dissect some of the universe’s most puzzling questions with the help of the world’s leading experts. From alien invasions and AI robot takeovers, to face transplants and talking animals, Rick and Michael are getting to the bottom of it all! Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.