Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

Jo Durrant celebrates and explores arts and science as part of our culture. Winner of the 2021 Sir Arthur Clarke Award: Space Achievement - Media, broadcast & written.

Ep 300: The Three Hundredth Edition 10/07/2026

Ep 300: The Three Hundredth Edition It's the three hundredth edition of the award-winning arts & science podcast and also the six year anniversary. In this feature length extended episode Jo welcomes back a host of guests and discusses a range of subjects including space, science fiction, theatre, history, illustration, plants, the weather, museums, sensory science and much more. Guests featured in order of appearance: Dallas Campbell, Isabel Thomas, Dr Jamie Gallagher, Stefan Gates, Briony Hudson, Prof Adam Hart, Dr Emma Yhnell, Dee Atkins-Greig, Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer, Dr Nicola Tallis, Gareth Russell, Annie Garthwaite, Prof Barry Smith, Faith Douglas, Corey Brotherson & Paul Scott and James Mayhew. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/43217888

Ep 299 Live at Gloucester History Festival with Prof Janina Ramirez & Andrew Armstrong 09/29/2026

Ep 299 Live at Gloucester History Festival with Prof Janina Ramirez & Andrew Armstrong Jo presents a special edition of the podcast, recorded for the first time on stage in front of a live audience - at the 2026 Gloucester History Festival. Her special guests are Professor Janina Ramirez, who is an author, broadcaster and academic, and is the Lifetime President of the Festival, along with Andrew Armstrong, who is the City Archaeologist for Gloucester. They share their passion for their subjects and do some myth busting along the way. Plus Jo learns a bit of the history of Blackfriars Priory, home to the festival; and shares some highlights of other historians who have previously been on the podcast. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/43063513

Ep 298 The End Of Oak Street Special 09/22/2026

Ep 298 The End Of Oak Street Special In episode 298 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction cinema. In this special edition they all go to the cinema together again, this time to watch 'The End Of Oak Street'. Hear their initial thoughts and what they make of it a few weeks on, including how this film compares to other dinosaur movies and just how much horror is in it! (There will minimal spoilers but you might want to watch the film before listening.) Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud, to find out about some objects from a new display telling stories of home and migration. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/43000018

Ep 297 Luke Sherlock 09/08/2026

Ep 297 Luke Sherlock Jo's special guest in episode 297 is Luke Sherlock, who is an author, pilgrim and owner of the independent book shop 'Sherlock & Pages' in Somerset. He talks about his love of visiting historic churches which led to his book 'Forgotten Churches', including some of his favourites and how they transport us back to the past. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy and curator at Dawyck Botanic Garden in Scotland. They've reached the letter W - which is for a very large, prehistoric tree. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42837505

Ep 296 Jo Ward 09/01/2026

Ep 296 Jo Ward In episode 296 Jo's special guest is Jo Ward, who is a crime scene co-ordinator with West Midlands Police. She talks about her career, including memorable cases, her book 'Every Contact Leaves A Trace' and being part of the TV series 'Forensics: The Real CSI'. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also has a highlight from the 2026 Cheltenham Science Festival, which is her chat with Ben Giles, who is a professional crime scene cleaner and has written the book 'The Specialist'. (Content warning: Episode includes discussions of death, violent crimes, suicide, PTSD and descriptions of crime scenes and decomposition) Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42666260

Ep 295 Jackie Kabler & 'Run For Your Life' 08/25/2026

Ep 295 Jackie Kabler & 'Run For Your Life' Jo welcomes back Jackie Kabler in episode 295. Jackie is a presenter and a best selling crime writer. She talks to Jo about her latest thriller 'Run For Your Life', which was inspired by her love of running. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a new item in the collection which relates to Stroud's railway history. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42554310

Ep 294 Science Fiction Film Remakes 08/18/2026

Ep 294 Science Fiction Film Remakes In episode 294 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction. This time they look at sci-fi film remakes and ask if a remake can be better than the original? Films discussed include The Day The Earth Stood Still, War of the Worlds and The Omega Man/I Am Legend. Plus listeners and guests share their thoughts. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42477450

Ep 293 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Ecotourism 08/12/2026

Ep 293 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Ecotourism Jo welcomes back Prof Adam Hart in episode 293. Adam is Professor of Conservation Ecology at the University of Gloucestershire and joins Jo to myth bust a variety of subjects. This time it's the topic of ecotourism - they discuss what it is, the challenges and issues, and also the potential benefits. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy. They've reached the letter V - which is for a fragrant smelling plant. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42414320

Ep 292 Lucy Jane Santos & 'Nobody's Perfect: The Making of Some Like It Hot' 08/05/2026

Ep 292 Lucy Jane Santos & 'Nobody's Perfect: The Making of Some Like It Hot' In episode 292 Jo welcomes back Lucy Jane Santos, who is a historian, presenter and consultant, researching the unexpected places where science, culture and consumerism meet. They discuss her new book 'Nobody's Perfect: The Making Of Some Like It Hot', including busting a few myths about some of the stories to come out of that film, especially those about Marilyn Monroe. (Content warning: Includes mention of baby loss) Jo also has a highlight from the 2026 Cheltenham Science Festival, which is her chat with Prof Amanda Daley, Professor of Behavioural Medicine at Loughborough University, about the science of a short walk. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42332380

Ep 291 Prof Eileen G'Sell & 'Lipstick' 07/29/2026

Ep 291 Prof Eileen G'Sell & 'Lipstick' Jo's special guest in episode 291 is Prof Eileen G'Sell, who is a poet, culture critic and professor at Washington University. She is also the author of the book 'Lipstick', so on National Lipstick Day they talk about the history and cultural evolution of lipstick. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind some samples of moss in the collection, which are incredibly rare. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42258525

Ep 290 Matt Lewis 07/21/2026

Ep 290 Matt Lewis In a milestone episode 290 Jo is joined by historian, author and podcaster working for History Hit, Matt Lewis. He talks about his passion for history, especially the Wars of the Roses and Richard III, the books he's written on these subjects, and the podcasts and documentaries he presents. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House in Cheltenham to learn about Ernest Cossart, who was the brother of Gustav Holst and was a famous Hollywood actor. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42175215

Ep 289 Jack Boskett Top Ten Theatre 07/14/2026

Ep 289 Jack Boskett Top Ten Theatre Jo welcomes back professional photographer Jack Boskett in episode 289. He takes part in Jo's series where a guest chooses their Top Ten Theatre shows. His choices include Wicked, Phantom of the Opera and The Last Laugh. Jo is also joined by Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy, as they continue their series on the A-Z of plants. For U Faith talks about a tree known better by another name. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42094940

Ep 288 Disclosure Day Special 07/07/2026

Ep 288 Disclosure Day Special In episode 288 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction. In this special edition they all go to the cinema together to watch the science fiction thriller 'Disclosure Day'. Hear their initial thoughts and what they make of it a few weeks on, including themes, effects and performances. (There will minimal spoilers but you might want to watch the film before listening.) Jo also has a highlight from the 2026 Cheltenham Science Festival, which is her chat with science communicator and rapper Jon Chase, on the science behind films like 'Jurassic Park' and 'Jurassic World'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/42000235

Ep 287 Jenny Wicks 06/30/2026

Ep 287 Jenny Wicks Jo's special guest in episode 287 is Jenny Wicks, the founder and director of Jenny Wren Productions and the Theatre Manager at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. She shares her theatre journey with Jo, including some the most memorable shows she's put on, and talks about the open air summer production for 2026. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also has a highlight from the 2026 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with science journalist and author Emma Young who was part of the schools programme, talking about sleep, volcanoes and blood. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/41913040

Ep 286 Dr Daniel Swift Top Ten Theatre 06/24/2026

Ep 286 Dr Daniel Swift Top Ten Theatre In episode 286 Jo welcomes back Dr Daniel Swift, Associate Professor at Northeastern University and author of the book 'The Dream Factory'. He takes part in Jo's series where a guest chooses their Top Ten Theatre shows. His choices include Les Miserables, The Woman In Black and a few Shakespeare plays including King Lear and Othello. Jo is also joined by Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy, as they continue their series on the A-Z of plants. T is for Turmeric. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/41798090

Ep 285 Cheltenham Science Festival 2026 06/16/2026

Ep 285 Cheltenham Science Festival 2026 Jo presents a special edition of the podcast in episode 285, recorded on location at the 2026 Cheltenham Science Festival. She talks to a variety of speakers on topics including the weather, zoology, cyber security, genetics and space. Guests featured: Jules Howard, Dr Sarah Bearchell, Prof Turi King, Dr Russell Arnott, Clare Nasir & Simon King, Prof Mark Miodownik & Prof Andrea Sella, Sophia McCall and Dame Dr Maggie Aderin. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/41668775

Ep 284 A-Z of Science Fiction Cinema: D 06/09/2026

Ep 284 A-Z of Science Fiction Cinema: D In episode 284 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction. They continue their series on the A-Z of science fiction cinema, with the letter D. Jeff suggests a number of contenders for the Hall of Fame and Jo and Graham must decide what's going to be entered, or relegated to Room 101! Themes discussed for D include dinosaurs and dystopia, plus films like Dune, Donnie Darko and The Day The Earth Stood Still. Plus John Putley shares some of his favourites for this letter. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/41590825

Ep 283 Dr Russell Arnott 05/26/2026

Ep 283 Dr Russell Arnott Jo's special guest in episode 283 is Dr Russell Arnott, an ocean science communicator and director of Incredible Oceans. He talks about his career, passion for his subject and what he'll be doing at the 2026 Cheltenham Science Festival. Plus we learn why we should all appreciate plankton and Russell answers the Quick Six. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with Professor Helen Czerski about oceans, climate change and new technology. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/41431990

Ep 282 Simon Mason 05/20/2026

Ep 282 Simon Mason In episode 282 Jo is joined by Simon Mason, author of a number of books - for children and young people, literary fiction and more recently crime fiction for adults. He talks about his books in particular the DI Wilkins novels and the Finder Mysteries. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits Gloucestershire Archives in Gloucester to find out about a little known story of a nursery in Cheltenham which grew orchids in the early 1900s that were sent to Japan. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/41368870

Ep 281 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Dreams, Dehydration & Dopamine 05/12/2026

Ep 281 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Dreams, Dehydration & Dopamine Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell in episode 281 to myth bust biomedical and brain based science. Emma is a reader in neuroscience at Cardiff University and talks to Jo about a range of topics including the neurotransmitter dopamine, sleep, dreams and dehydration. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with Raechel Kelly from the Planet Cheltenham project about how to future fit our homes. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/41269135

Ep 280 Dr Darren Freebury-Jones & Theatre History: Shakespeare 05/05/2026

Ep 280 Dr Darren Freebury-Jones & Theatre History: Shakespeare In a milestone episode 280 Jo welcomes Dr Darren Freebury-Jones, a Shakespeare scholar, public speaker and author of 'Shakespeare's Borrowed Feathers'. They begin a new series on the history of theatre, and start during the time of Shakespeare, looking at playhouses, costumes, audiences and plays. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, curator at Thorp Perrow Arboretum and author of The Nature Remedy. They've reached the letter S - which is for a herb. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/41170085

Ep 279 Essie Fox 04/28/2026

Ep 279 Essie Fox Jo's special guest in episode 279 is historical novelist Essie Fox. She talks about her career, passion for gothic literature and her recent books 'Dangerous', about Lord Byron and 'Catherine', which is a retelling of 'Wuthering Heights'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House in Cheltenham to find the story behind the range, which is in the kitchen. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/41054785

Ep 278 Prof Susan Amussen 04/21/2026

Ep 278 Prof Susan Amussen In episode 278 Jo is joined by Prof Susan Amussen, who is professor of history at the University of California Merced. They celebrate William Shakespeare's birthday by talking about Susan's book: 'What's In A Name: How Historians Know Shakespeare Was Shakespeare'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with Prof Mark Miodownik and Prof Andrea Sella about the science of coffee and the science of cocktails. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/40965550

Ep 277 A-Z of Science Fiction Cinema: C 04/14/2026

Ep 277 A-Z of Science Fiction Cinema: C Jo's special guests in episode 277 are Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, who return to talk about science fiction. They continue their series on the A-Z of science fiction cinema, with the letter C. Jeff suggests a number of contenders for the Hall of Fame and Jo and Graham must decide what's going to be entered, or relegated to Room 101! Themes discussed for C include clones and computers, plus films like Capricorn One, Contact, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Children of Men. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/40810550

Ep 276 Dr Sarah Bearchell & 'The Future of Agriculture' 04/07/2026

Ep 276 Dr Sarah Bearchell & 'The Future of Agriculture' In episode 276 Jo welcomes back Dr Sarah Bearchell, who presents science shows for children. This time she talks to Jo about her new book 'The Future of Agriculture', including how climate change and technology are affecting farming. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with Prof Kit Yates, who was speaking about maths and predictions. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/40766650

Ep 275 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Tortoises 03/31/2026

Ep 275 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Tortoises Jo welcomes back Prof Adam Hart in episode 275. Adam is Professor of Science Communication at the University of Gloucestershire and joins Jo to myth bust a variety of subjects. This time it's tortoises, turtles and terrapins, including how fast they move, how long they live for and why a pair of tortoises went to the Moon. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, curator at Thorp Perrow Arboretum and author of The Nature Remedy. They've reached the letter R - which is for a well known vegetable. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/40688340

Ep 274 Kerry Scorah Top Ten Theatre 03/25/2026

Ep 274 Kerry Scorah Top Ten Theatre In episode 274 Jo concludes her celebration of Women's History Month and welcomes back magician Kerry Scorah. She takes part in Jo's series where a guest chooses their Top Ten Theatre shows. Her choices include a number of musicals like Wicked, Starlight Express and Six. Jo also visits the museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and finds out why Rupert the Bear is in the collection. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/40624325

Ep 273 Rachael Rowe & 'The Science Lover's Guide To London' 03/18/2026

Ep 273 Rachael Rowe & 'The Science Lover's Guide To London' Jo continues her celebration of Women's History Month in episode 273 and is joined by Rachael Rowe. She is an author and journalist and talks about her book 'The Science Lover's Guide To London'. She also discusses organising the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival in Dorset and answers the Quick Six. Jo visits one of the museums featured in Rachel's book, the Grant Museum of Zoology at UCL, to find out the story behind a large butterfly in the collection. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/40517160

Ep 272 Dr Shelia Kanani MBE 03/11/2026

Ep 272 Dr Shelia Kanani MBE As Jo continues her celebration of Women's History Month, she is joined in episode 272 by Dr Shelia Kanani MBE. Shelia is a planetary scientist, space educator and author. She talks about her passion for space, studying Saturn and her recent book 'The Starspotter's Guide'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a small silver spoon and why it links Stroud to a town in the Netherlands in World War Two. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/40390740

Ep 271 Annie Garthwaite & 'The King's Mother' 03/04/2026

Ep 271 Annie Garthwaite & 'The King's Mother' Jo begins a new series celebrating Women's History Month, and in episode 271 welcomes back historical novelist Annie Garthwaite. They discuss the sequel to her debut book 'Cecily' - 'The King's Mother'. This centres on the later life of Cecily Neville, mother of Edward IV and Richard III, and we also learn about three other powerful women of the Wars of the Roses. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, curator at Thorp Perrow Arboretum and author of The Nature Remedy. They've reached the letter Q - which is for a famous English tree. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/40304020

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

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