The 'Perfect' Specimen

The Natural History Museum, London

Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious?

We're taking a look through 80 million specimens to find the 'perfect' examples for you. Join us each episode as Josh and Natalie try to surprise each other with their choices from the collections, their only prompt? A single word.

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30 episodes
Updated July 14

Episodes30

Newest first

July 14 · 30 min
What's been our favourite specimen?
A lost episode, a look back at 113 specimens, and more gold envelopes than ever before. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie are taking a look back at some of their favourite moments on the podcast, including our very own lost episode.Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word.#NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
June 30 · 39 min
Was Darwin perfect?
We discover how a downcast Charles Darwin discovered a chunky rat, there is also a problematic fossil jigsaw, and the dinosaur that became a bird. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie are joined by curator Emma Bernard with three specimens all relating to the word 'Awkward'. Emma also shares their 'perfect' specimen. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. You can book tickets to the Jurassic Oceans : Monsters of the Deep exhibition here 👉 https://qrco.de/bglhiU #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- Subscribe to our channel for the latest natural history content http://www.youtube.com/naturalhistorymuseum?sub_confirmation=1 The Natural History Museum in London is home to more than 80 million objects, including meteorites, dinosaur bones and a giant squid. Our channel brings the Museum to you, from what goes on behind the scenes to surprising science and stories from our scientists. Browse our shop: https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/ Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk Instagram: http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social X: https://x.com/nhm_london Facebook: http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum
June 16 · 37 min
Are homosexual black swans more successful at raising chicks?
Happy Pride Month from The 'Perfect' Specimen where we're celebrating all things queer in the collection. Get ready for swan throuples, a dual-sex grackle and poetry about trans pheasants. This week Josh and Natalie are joined by curator Dr. Alex Bond with three specimens all relating to the word 'proud'. Alex also shares their 'perfect' specimen. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/
June 9 · 47 min
The whale that inspired a BTS song
How did a whale inspire a BTS song, and why is it lonely? Is being an endling really the end? Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie are joined by curator Dr Marc Jones with three specimens all relating to the word 'Lonely'. Marc also shares their 'perfect' specimen. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious?Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
April 28 · 44 min
Finding this alive is like finding a plesiosaur in your bathtub
What is the real Megalodon, what have flies ever done for us and what can't help spreading diseases, aside from toddlers? Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie are joined by curator Dr Katie Collins with three specimens all relating to the word 'Misunderstood'. Katie also shares their 'perfect' specimen. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk Instagram: http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social X: https://x.com/nhm_london Facebook: http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum Browse our shop: https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/
April 14 · 42 min
Are unicorns real and can trees walk?
Unicorns, walking trees and a frog with a surprising link to Guinness beer!Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen. This week Josh and Natalie are joined by curator, Dr Jeff Streicher, with two specimens relating to the word 'Mythical'. Jeff also shares his 'perfect' specimen.Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
March 31 · 32 min
This beetle can survive being run over by a car!
Chainmail snails, uncrushable beetles and a secret space mission manned by moss piglets? Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie are joined by curatorial assistant, Talay Namintraporn, with three specimens all relating to the word 'tough'. Talay also shares their 'perfect' specimen. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
March 17 · 36 min
Natalie tells us why kangaroos are actually terrible mothers
Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week's word is 'friendly'. Josh and special guest, Dr Gavin Broad bring along their parasitic pals. Meanwhile Natalie reveals why Kangaroos and quokkas are not as cute and cuddly as they might seem!Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
March 3 · 40 min
Josh quizzes us on the colours of nature
Natalie finds a use for her collection of toy frogs and Josh very carefully takes a look inside a 200 year old book! Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie have brought four specimens all relating to the word 'colourful'. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
February 17 · 40 min
Did witches ride broomsticks? Our guest explains why we might think so
Why would an insect gather a lethal pesticide and an analysis of how flat a flatworm is, are just two of the topics from this weeks episode. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie are joined by curator Beulah Garner with three specimens relating to the word 'seductive'. Whilst Beulah also get's to talk about her 'perfect' specimen. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk Instagram: http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social X: https://x.com/nhm_london Facebook: http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum Browse our shop: https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/
February 3 · 46 min
Why can no-one remember the time they used fish as candles?
Is it fat catfish or fatcat fish? Josh and Natalie debate the important issues in this episode, and do not go down any rabbit holes... With two of the specimens, stories of nefarious ichthyology abound! Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie have brought four specimens all relating to the word 'elusive'. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
January 20 · 41 min
Natalie finds herself doing an impression of a pufferfish
Josh brings the podcast's first mineral specimen and our second guest shares a look at some very special books. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie have brought four specimens all relating to the word 'artistic'. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
January 13 · 42 min
Josh debunks the myth of ancient cyclopses
Josh weighs up the benefits of giant swans and miniature elephants, whilst Natalie is salivating over one plant that produces many vegetables. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie have brought four specimens all relating to the word 'wild'. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most reliable? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect --------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
Dec 23, 2025 · 46 min
Natalie is not allowed to pick up our most delicate specimen yet
Josh and Natalie have gifts for each other and we learn how competitive carving radishes can be. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie have brought four specimens all relating to the word 'festive'. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
Dec 9, 2025 · 47 min
Josh would rather have a cough than a salamander smoothie
Josh brings a specimen that started life in a car park, and Natalie isn't being rude when she talks about big noses. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie have brought four specimens all relating to the word 'young'. Keep an eye out, there may even be some bonus specimens too. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most reliable? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk Instagram: http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social X: https://x.com/nhm_london Facebook: http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum Browse our shop: https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/
Nov 25, 2025 · 39 min
Our first guest brings a powderpuff with wings
We welcome our first guest to discuss their perfect specimen, Josh brings a very unique fossil and we take a look at some fascinating flies. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie are joined by Dr Erica McAlister to discuss a new proposal for the 'perfect' specimen, as well as some other specimens all relating to the word 'spiky'. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? or even the most reliable? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk Instagram: http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social X: https://x.com/nhm_london Facebook: http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum Browse our shop: https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/
Nov 11, 2025 · 43 min
What's beautiful and smells like vomit?
This is our thirteenth episode. Are we lucky, or unlucky to have got this far? Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie have brought four specimens all relating to the word 'unlucky'. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most reliable? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- The Natural History Museum in London is home to more than 80 million objects, including meteorites, dinosaur bones and a giant squid. Our channel brings the Museum to you, from what goes on behind the scenes to surprising science and stories from our scientists. Browse our shop: https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/ Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk Instagram: http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social X: https://x.com/nhm_london Facebook: http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum
Oct 28, 2025 · 40 min
Josh says don't research ostrich penises
For our Halloween special, Natalie possibly has the wrong crab and Josh has brought our oldest specimen (if you don't count fossils) - but they have both dressed for the occasion. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie have brought four specimens all relating to the word 'spooky'. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most reliable? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- Subscribe to our channel for the latest natural history content http://www.youtube.com/naturalhistorymuseum?sub_confirmation=1 The Natural History Museum in London is home to more than 80 million objects, including meteorites, dinosaur bones and a giant squid. Our channel brings the Museum to you, from what goes on behind the scenes to surprising science and stories from our scientists. Browse our shop: https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/ Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk Instagram: http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social X: https://x.com/nhm_london Facebook: http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum
Oct 14, 2025 · 39 min
How loud is that penis?
Natalie shares an unusual world record, and Josh tries to get his head around shrimp claw physics. Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie have brought four specimens, and maybe even a bonus specimen, all relating to the word 'loud'. Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most reliable? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠
Sep 30, 2025 · 36 min
Natalie gets schooled on tentacles
What's been the best specimen so far? How do Josh and Natalie choose their specimens? And are we being biased towards mammals? Join us for another episode of The 'Perfect' Specimen, this week Josh and Natalie are answering your questions.Does the perfect museum specimen exist? What's the squishiest? The most exuberant? Or even the most noxious? Each episode, our hosts take their pick from 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum to find the 'perfect' specimen. Their only prompt? A single word. #NaturalHistoryMuseum #Podcast #Perfect ---------------- YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon⁠ Website: ⁠http://www.nhm.ac.uk⁠ Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/natural_history_museum⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@its_nhm⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/nhm-london.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nhm_london⁠ Facebook: ⁠http://fb.com/naturalhistorymuseum⁠ Browse our shop: ⁠https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/⁠