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Ep 230 Anna Mazzola & 'Notes On A Drowning'

Release Date: 04/02/2025

Ep 238 Science Fiction Books & Films: Ray Bradbury

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

In episode 238 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction cinema. They've reached the end of their series looking at the work of authors turned into films and TV series and in the final part focus on Ray Bradbury. Films discussed include 'Fahrenheit 451', 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' and 'A Sound Of Thunder'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website:

Ep 237 Helen Jukes

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

Jo's special guest in episode 237 is Helen Jukes, who is an author and creative writing tutor. She talks about her books in particular her latest 'Mother Animal' which redefines motherhood through the lens of the natural world. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy. They learn about different kinds of garlic. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website:

Ep 236 Mark Thompson Space Business

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

In episode 236 Jo welcomes back Mark Thompson, who is an author, broadcaster and astronomer. They discuss recent space stories, including the astronauts who spent longer in space than expected, what we can enjoy seeing in the summer night sky and why Mark is interested in the cross section of space and business. Jo also has a highlight from the 2024 Cheltenham Science Festival - her chat with Prof AC Grayling, on the subject of who owns the Moon. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website:

Ep 235 Kate Werran

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

Jo's special guest in episode 235 is author Kate Werran, who talks about her passion for uncovering hidden histories, in particular her two books 'An American Uprising in Second World War England' and 'Black Yanks: Defending Leroy Henry in D-Day Britain'. She also answers Jo's Quick Six. Continuing on the theme of World War II and the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story of one young man from the area and a very poignant letter. (Extracts of the letter read by Filip Boś). Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant....

Ep 234 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Marine Life

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

In episode 234 Jo welcomes back Prof Adam Hart, who is professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Adam busts myths about marine life including bioluminescence, coral, seahorses, octopuses and dolphins. Jo also has a highlight from the 2024 Cheltenham Science Festival - her chat with Prof Mark Miodownik & Prof Andrea Sella, about gases, microplastics, heat pumps and sweets. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website:

Ep 233 Dr Darren Freebury-Jones Top Ten Theatre

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

Jo begins a new series where a special guest shares their Top Ten Theatre shows. To celebrate Shakespeare's birthday Jo welcomes back writer and lecturer Dr Darren Freebury-Jones, whose latest book is 'Shakespeare's Borrowed Feathers'. His top ten includes The Lion King, Hamlet and The Spanish Tragedy. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a selection of items that make up an exhibition in the community space. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website:

Ep 232 Annabel Streets

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

In episode 232 Jo's special guest is Annabel Streets (who also writes as Annabel Abbs), who is a writer, researcher and avid walker. She talks about her latest book 'The Walking Cure' and how different landscapes we walk in affect us. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy. They learn about the beech tree (Latin name Fagus Sylvatica) and Faith reveals why it is one of her favourite trees. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's...

Ep 231 Science Fiction Books & Films: Jules Verne

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast in episode 231, to talk about science fiction cinema. They continue their series looking at the work of authors turned into films and in the penultimate part focus on Jules Verne. Films discussed include '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea', 'Journey To The Centre Of The Earth' and 'In Search Of The Castaways'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website:

Ep 230 Anna Mazzola & 'Notes On A Drowning'

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

In episode 230 Jo welcomes back Anna Mazzola who writes historical crime fiction and modern legal thrillers. She discusses her latest book 'Notes On A Drowning' which she's written under the name Anna Sharpe, which is a legal and political page turner. Anna talks about her influences and her two female protagonists. Jo also visits the Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in London, to find out about the plant cinchona, and how it is used in medicine. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's...

Ep 229 Shalina Patel

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

Jo concludes her celebration of Women's History Month in episode 229. Her special guest is Shalina Patel, who is a history teacher and the author of the book 'The History Lessons'. She talks about her passion for her subject, including telling hidden histories. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury, to find out about Lucile Bell, who was married to John Moore, and without her the museum may not exist. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website:

More Episodes

Jo also visits the Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in London, to find out about the plant cinchona, and how it is used in medicine.

Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.

Music licensed from Purple Planet.

Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

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