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Artwork for James O'Brien's Mystery Hour

James O'Brien's Mystery Hour

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If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the best hour of radio you could ever download!

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes597Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ComedySociety & Culture

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Artwork for James O'Brien's Mystery Hour

Latest Episodes

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour. To join the game, call 0345 60 60 973, Thursdays at 12pm.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour. To join the game, call 0345 60 60 973, Thursdays at 12pm.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour. To join the game, call 0345 60 60 973, Thursdays at 12pm.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour. To join the game, call 0345 60 60 973, Thursdays at 12pm.

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Host

James O'Brien
Host of Mystery Hour, prominent radio presenter on LBC.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • He built it, we came

    Truly excellent, supported by a cast of thousands

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bandapro
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • James Obrien mystery hour

    Very Interesting lots of great info ℹ️ and questions.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pfjhfhrhr
    Canada2 years ago
  • Very funny

    James is funny and sarcastic. He enforces the rules as they should. Best presenter on LBC. The show is light relief for annoying train commutes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HM_01
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Great show!

    Wonderfully entertaining, brilliant mate!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    wfhvjhdbkuf
    United States3 years ago
  • What could be better?

    This is a light relief. James is a champion for us and although the world is hard, having a sense of humour helps us get through. James’ mystery hour helps. I’m currently finishing off Queen Secret, A Kind Of Magic ebook as a publisher, so this is a good distraction while I am editing. Love listening to James.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gfgjuy
    United Kingdom3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some reviews call out the host's style as polarizing but engaging.
Critiques center on pacing and occasional overlong discussions.
Fans value the quick, interactive format and caller-driven questions.
Audiences enjoy learning new facts and hearing diverse topics, from science to culture.
Listeners appreciate the show's mix of educational content and humor.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#166
United Kingdom/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#63
Saudi Arabia/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#149
Russia/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#152
Ireland/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#192
Singapore/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#247
Poland/Comedy

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why don't I burn when I'm cycling?
Q: What speeds or conditions cause a glider or airplane to stall, and how does that relate to the general concept of stall speed?
Stall speed depends on wing size, weight, and aerodynamics; gliders stall at relatively lower speeds than large jets, and different aircraft require different airspeeds to maintain lift, with method of launch not affecting the basic stall principle.
Why don't I burn when I'm cycling?
Q: Why does Tom in Texas get sunburned when he stands outside for 10 minutes but not when he cycles for two hours?
The answer centers on moving sun exposure; during cycling, moving body parts and wind reduce the time any one patch of skin is exposed to direct sunlight, so the cumulative UV dose can be lower than a stationary 10-minute exposure, especially if sunscreen is used.
Easter eggs: what's all that about?
Q: Why does Easter date change each year?
The date is determined by the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, aligning with Passover timing and older spring festivals.
Why are there so many breads?
Q: Why are there so many words for a bread item in the UK, as in muffin, barm, cob, and bap?
A caller and the host elaborate that size, crust, ingredients, and regional tradition create distinct names (muffin, bap, cob, etc.), and that competition among regions and local manufacturing practices reinforce these differences over time.
Why are there so many breads?
Q: Why, when you're ostensibly in the Wirral, could you be referred to as on the Wirral?
The host and guests discuss linguistic usage, explaining that geographic terminology often hinges on how land is defined (on the land) rather than being inside a region (in the region), with emphasis on historical and administrative boundaries like the Wirral being a peninsula.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
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Frequently Asked Questions About James O'Brien's Mystery Hour

What is James O'Brien's Mystery Hour about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A lively hour of listener-driven questions that blends curiosity, humor, and trivia. Callers bring in a wide range of topics—from quirky science curiosities and everyday mysteries to cultural quirks and historical tidbits—with the host guiding discussions in a fast-paced, banter-filled format. The tone tends to be witty, accessible, and occasionally provocative, making complex ideas approachable and entertaining for a broad audience. A standout feature is the playful yet informative interaction between host and callers, often turning ordinary inquiries into surprising learning moments and memorable anecdotes.

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How many listeners does James O'Brien's Mystery Hour get?

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Which podcasts are similar to James O'Brien's Mystery Hour?

These podcasts share a similar audience with James O'Brien's Mystery Hour:

1. James O'Brien - The Whole Show
2. Full Disclosure with James O'Brien
3. James O'Brien Daily
4. The News Agents
5. The Trawl

How many episodes of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour are there?

James O'Brien's Mystery Hour launched 13 years ago and published 597 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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