An episode inspired by our listeners
Unexpected Elements
BBC
4.4 • 565 Ratings
🗓️ 2 January 2026
⏱️ 50 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
We revisit our listeners’ favourite topics and dig deeper in this special programme.
First, we hear from some of our insomniac listeners and explore how we fall asleep with neuroscientist Dr Ada Eban-Rothschild from the University of Michigan.
Next, we return to our favourite food facts with a small surprise for one of the presenters.
Then, we put our knowledge to the test with extra quizzes and examine the randomness of multiple-choice questions.
Finally, we’re joined by Dr Alyn Euritt to discuss the importance of connection, especially between Marnie, Caroline and all the loyal listeners of the show.
All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.
Presenters: Caroline Steel and Marnie Chesterton Producers: Imaan Moin, with Margaret Sessa-Hawkins and Lucy Davies
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | BBC Sounds, Music, Radio, Podcasts. |
| 0:07.0 | In 2019, we began investigating the disappearance of Dr. Ruzha Ignatva. |
| 0:14.0 | I believe we are a very special network. |
| 0:16.0 | A scammer who stole billions from investors around the world. |
| 0:21.4 | She's on the FBI's 10 most wanted list. |
| 0:24.5 | And now we have some unmissable updates. |
| 0:27.8 | She has money and when you have money, you have power. |
| 0:30.6 | Join me, Jamie Bartlett, as the hunt for the missing crypto queen continues. |
| 0:35.5 | Listen first on BBC Sounds. |
| 0:40.6 | So, Rhysm... InCrypto Queen continues. Listen first on BBC Sounds. So recently, while the streets of my home London are full to the brim with people, |
| 0:46.3 | I've been on a mission to find somewhere human free, a corner of the globe that we haven't changed |
| 0:51.9 | in any way. And it's turned out to be much harder than I |
| 0:55.6 | expected. We've warmed pretty much the entire surface of the planet. So that rules out the Earth's |
| 1:01.3 | surface. But what about caves? Some caves are completely cut off from the surface. There are |
| 1:07.9 | thousands of miles of pristine passageways hiding beneath our feet. |
| 1:12.4 | So, if you ever want to be somewhere truly free from people, you could always dig straight |
| 1:17.3 | down and hope you punch through into one of those untouched caverns. Although, maybe don't, |
| 1:22.6 | because the moment you arrive, you've ruined it. I'm Caroline Steele from the BBC World Service. This is |
| 1:28.7 | Unexpected Elements. So this week, we're doing things a bit differently. |
| 1:46.3 | I'm in the studio with legendary Unexpected Elements presenter, Marnie Chesterton. |
| 1:50.6 | Hello. |
| 1:51.5 | I'm a legend, am I? |
... |
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