Unexpected Elements
BBC World ServiceThe news you know, the science you don’t. Unexpected Elements looks beyond everyday narratives to discover a goldmine of scientific stories and connections from around the globe. From Afronauts, to why we argue, to a deep dive on animal lifespans: see the world in a new way.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 344 | Founded | 13 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Science | |||
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Latest Episodes
With the United Nations encouraging wider use of the Equal Earth map, a projection designed to better represent the true size of Earth's landmasses, the Unexpected Elements team have been thinking about distortion and the surprising new ways we can s... more
Roald Dahl Day is celebrated each year on 13 September. Dahl gave us much-loved children’s books like Matilda, The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which have captivated kids for generations.
Dahl is also a controversial figure, and made a... more
The 80th birthday celebrations of the late, great Queen frontman Freddie Mercury have us marvelling at mercury at an elemental level: as a killer, a cure and more.
First, we hear about how to make a telescope mirror out of a spinning bowl of liquid ... more
Vast swathes of Europe and Asia are experiencing drought conditions, thanks to relentless heatwaves and lack of rain.
This week, we find out why drought conditions could unexpectedly lead to an increase in water-borne disease.
Next up, we take a ... more
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Reviews
Love! Great tangents.
Podcast Addict57 months agobluestemowner- Pls do this
Can you pls do a K-pop demon hunters episode ty
Apple Podcasts5Hananatet 29
Australiaa year ago - Woman hour
This should be a good program but with.altered narrative, very female view. I think woman’s hour around science with hint of anti men.
Apple Podcasts2Tubbytum
United Kingdoma year ago - Perfect!!
Not to quick!!
Apple Podcasts4Tobr13
Italy2 years ago - Woman hour
This should be a good program but as expected with. Most BBC let’s alter narrative, very female view. I think woman’s hour around science with hint of anti men
Apple Podcasts2TubbytumUnited Kingdom2 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #140 |  United States/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #45 |  Canada/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #84 | United Kingdom/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #43 | Australia/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #162 | Italy/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #237 |  Germany/Science |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About Unexpected Elements
What is Unexpected Elements about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A fast-moving, globally scoped science talk show that blends news-led biology, ecology, and space stories with lively guest banter. Episodes frequently connect everyday phenomena to broader scientific themes, from animal behavior and biodiversity to climate science and technology-enabled research. A standout is the multidisciplinary mix of researchers, journalists, and regional correspondents who bring fresh perspectives from around the world, often tying local insights to universal scientific questions. Listeners can expect approachable explanations of cutting-edge topics, narrative threads that tie disparate fields together, and a playful yet rigorous tone that makes complex science accessible. The show's openness to crowd input and diver... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Unexpected Elements?
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How many listeners does Unexpected Elements get?
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What are the audience demographics for Unexpected Elements?
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How many subscribers and views does Unexpected Elements have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Unexpected Elements?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Unexpected Elements:
1. CrowdScience
2. BBC Inside Science
3. Discovery
4. The Naked Scientists Podcast
5. Science Weekly
How many episodes of Unexpected Elements are there?
Unexpected Elements launched 13 years ago and published 344 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Unexpected Elements?
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What guests have appeared on Unexpected Elements?
Recent guests on Unexpected Elements include:
1. James Smoliga
2. Adam Becker
3. Carolyn Freiwald
4. Phillys Mwatee
5. Dan Parsons
6. Hashem Uruzzi
7. Martin Woodward
8. Annaliese Hodge
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.