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 | 349 | Founded | 14 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Science | |||
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Latest Episodes
A new bridge has just been opened between China and North Korea after a 12-year delay. And that got the Unexpected Elements team thinking about some bridge-related science.
We start things off by finding out about the microscopic bridges connecting... more
After a Chinese fitness influencer was caught hitching a lift on a bicycle during the Berlin Marathon, the Unexpected Elements team find themselves contemplating a range of scientific shortcuts.
First up, we hear about how Earthlings may have been ... more
Estonian athlete Jaan Roose recently completed a jaw-dropping slackline display, performing daredevil tricks 120 metres above the streets of central Seoul, South Korea.
This exciting event by a world champion slackliner got the Unexpected Elements t... more
This week’s news of an AI agent managing to hack into an Australian government website has the Unexpected Elements team exploring the sneaky science of infiltration.
Marnie Chesterton is joined by science journalists Paul Adepoju and Andrada Fiscute... more
Key Facts
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Recent Guests
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Reviews
- In Marnie We Trust
Fun, informative, good pace, no unnecessary chatter. What more could you ask for!
Apple Podcasts5HerbertHoover420
United States3 months ago Love! Great tangents.
Podcast Addict59 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
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #148 | United States/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #61 | United Kingdom/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #110 |  Canada/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #53 | Italy/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #96 | Australia/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #31 |  New Zealand/Science |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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 Life Scientific
5. The Naked Scientists Podcast
How many episodes of Unexpected Elements are there?
Unexpected Elements launched 14 years ago and published 349 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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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Unexpected Elements?
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What guests have appeared on Unexpected Elements?
Recent guests on Unexpected Elements include:
1. Chad Orzel
2. Ola Mords
3. Lucia Jacobs
4. Tim Cockrell
5. Andrada Fiscutean
6. Michael Kaloki
7. Paul Adepoju
8. Alex Donovan
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.