The ‘Perfect’ Specimen: Natural History Museum’s New Podcast Explores Nature’s Quirks

The Natural History Museum in London has unveiled its latest venture into the digital realm with the launch of a new podcast series titled The ‘Perfect’ Specimen. This innovative series offers listeners an engaging and humorous exploration of the natural world, drawing from the museum’s extensive collection of 80 million specimens.

Cover image of The Perfect Specimen podcast

Table of Contents

🎙️ Introducing The ‘Perfect’ Specimen: A Fresh Take on Natural History

Hosted by Dr. Natalie Cooper, a zoologist at the Natural History Museum, and science writer Josh Davis, The ‘Perfect’ Specimen is a 30-minute podcast that delves into the peculiarities of nature. Each episode begins with a randomly selected adjective—such as “squishy,” “tacky,” or “exuberant”—which serves as a prompt for the hosts to present two specimens that embody the chosen descriptor. These specimens range from actual museum artifacts to images, models, or even plush toys.

The format encourages a playful exchange between the hosts, as they attempt to guess each other’s chosen items, leading to discussions filled with scientific facts, trivia, and lesser-known stories from the natural world. Dr. Cooper expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “This podcast is a really exciting opportunity for us to share more of our collections and science, and to have some fun while doing it!”

🧠 Behind the Mic: Meet the Hosts

Dr. Natalie Cooper

Dr. Cooper is a Senior Researcher in the Life Sciences department at the Natural History Museum. Her research focuses on macroecology and macroevolution, aiming to understand broad-scale patterns of biodiversity. She utilizes a combination of morphological data, phylogenies, ecological data, and fossils to investigate various evolutionary questions.

Josh Davis

Josh Davis is a science writer and editor at the Natural History Museum. His work spans a wide range of topics, from the origin of the solar system to the discovery of new species. Davis brings a wealth of experience in communicating complex scientific ideas to the public in an accessible and engaging manner.

🧪 Episode Highlights: Exploring the Quirky Side of Nature

In the inaugural episode, the hosts tackle the adjective “perfect,” leading to discussions about specimens like the “gummy squirrel sea cucumber” and the “penis head fish.” These conversations not only entertain but also provide insights into the fascinating adaptations and behaviors found in the natural world.

The podcast aims to shed light on the museum’s lesser-known specimens, offering listeners a glimpse into the vast and diverse collection that often remains behind the scenes. By focusing on unexpected scientific connections and stories, The ‘Perfect’ Specimen brings the wonders of nature to a broader audience.

📣 Audience Engagement: Join the Conversation

The ‘Perfect’ Specimen encourages listener participation by inviting the audience to suggest adjectives, submit their own specimen ideas, or pose questions for future Q&A episodes. This interactive approach fosters a sense of community and allows listeners to contribute to the exploration of the natural world.

🎧 Where to Listen

The podcast is available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Natural History Museum’s YouTube channel. Designed to be both audio and video-friendly, the series ensures an engaging experience whether you’re watching or listening on the go