Unexpected Elements

Marnie Chesterton

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Booking Overview

Unexpected Elements turns science into a headline-worthy mix of surprising research and real-world connections. It’s a strong booking platform for researchers who can explain complex science in accessible, story-driven ways.

Metrics

Episodes: 333

Frequency: Weekly

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Estimated listeners: 10k-100k

Gender skew: Neutral

Location: USA

Contact Information

podcast.support@bbc.co.uk

For verified host and producer emails, sign up to view.

Host

Marnie Chesterton - Presenter of Unexpected Elements. In recent episodes, she introduces scientific topics and guides conversations with subject-matter experts.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

medium
Typical Credentials:  
Academics (university faculty/researchers) and credentialed experts who can translate specialized science into clear, engaging narratives; occasionally authors/public thinkers tied to the theme.
Required Achievements:  
University affiliation/title (e.g., professor), Published or recognized expertise in a scientific field, Ability to connect research to everyday phenomena

Recent Guest Discussions

Dr Ian McFadden - Wallace Line Ecological Border; Scientific Borders And Boundaries In Indonesia

Professor Paul Graham - Food-related Science Around Chips (acrylamides) And How To Defend Dinner; Gull Behavior

Author Rowan Hooper - Football Strategy And Cooperation Vs Survival Of The Fittest

Prof John Rogers - Sweat As An Underappreciated Biomarker Of Health

Recent Topics

Science, Ecology, Medicine, Biomarkers, Nanotechnology

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
Unexpected Elements
:

Stuck in a cycle

July 03, 2026

Pakistan has recently announced that they plan to abolish the 18% sales tax on menstrual products like pads or tampons. UN Women has welcomed the decision, saying that when these products become more affordable it means more girls and women stay in school and the workforce. For the Unexpected Elements team, the news has led us towards scientific stories of menstruation and different kinds of cycles. First up, a look at how the menstrual cycle affects drugs reaching the brain and an exploratio...

Dividing lines

June 26, 2026

This week South Korea announced they will be adjusting the Civilian Controlled Zone that borders the demilitarised area between North and South Korea. The reshuffle will allow thousands of civilians to be able to move with more freedoms, but for the Unexpected Elements team, it’s sparked a conversation about scientific borders, boundaries, lines and barriers. First up, a look at the Wallace Line, an obscure ecological border in Indonesia that marks the boundary between Asian tigers and Austra...

Anyone for chips?

June 19, 2026

The spiralling cost and short supply of microchips – something the tech journalists have dubbed ‘RAMageddon’ – has the Unexpected Elements team investigating all things chip-related. We start things off by finding out about a mini cervix-on-a-chip and how this could help us better understand premature birth. We then feel a little salty when we discover that chips (also known as fries) may create cancer-causing acrylamides when cooked. Should we be worried?Next up, Professor Paul Graham from t...

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