James O'Brien's Mystery Hour James O'Brien's Mystery Hour

I've got to smell my dog's paws

Sep 10, 2026 · 49m

Summary

James O'Brien hosts a lively mystery hour where listeners submit quirky questions ranging from why dog paws smell like popcorn to the history of time measurement. The episode features expert answers on topics like strawberry seed proliferation, the science behind rehydrated mushroom flavors, and the contagious nature of arm crossing. A major segment investigates a widespread report of margarine becoming slippery, leading to a discussion on vegetable oil prices and melting points. The show also addresses historical questions about battlefield remains and the visibility of the moon during the…

Topics discussed

Intro: Ordering food and show format Mystery Hour rules and favorite contribution Why are we not overrun by strawberries? Shaving head with a razor blade and pain Why do dog paws smell like popcorn? Why rehydrated mushrooms smell stronger Umami discussion and dried porcini Why do we measure time in 12s? What happens to bodies after battles? Why is my margarine getting runnier? Answer: Dog paws smell due to sweat Margarine slipperiness confirmed by listeners Why travel mugs ruin tea but not coffee Why do we fold arms when thinking? Why can we see the moon when sun is behind it? Answer: Strawberry seed viability and cultivation Answer: Bodies at Waterloo and Culloden Answer: Margarine consistency and peanut butter Answer: Base 12 timekeeping and finger counting Answer: Moon visibility and eclipse mechanics Outro and upcoming shows
Listen ad-free on Castria