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 258 Charlie Creed 11/19/2025

Ep 258 Charlie Creed In episode 258 Jo's special guest is Charlie Creed, a writer from Bristol. He talks about his career and his latest book 'The Cat's Tales: Feline Fairy Tales and Folklore', including famous cats and magical cats. Plus he answers the Quick Six. 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 M and it's the oldest plant in the world - moss. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/39084925

Ep 257 A-Z of Science Fiction Cinema: A 11/12/2025

Ep 257 A-Z of Science Fiction Cinema: A Jo's special guests in episode 257 are Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, who return to talk about science fiction. They begin a new series on the A-Z of science fiction cinema, beginning with the letter A. Jeff suggests a number of contenders for the Hall of Fame and Jo and Graham must decide if it's going to be entered, or relegated to Room 101! Themes discussed for A include alternate realities, asteroids and aliens, plus films like Arrival, Armageddon and the Alien franchise. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/39001165

Ep 256 Dr Joanne Baker 11/05/2025

Ep 256 Dr Joanne Baker In episode 256 Jo is joined by Dr Joanne Baker, a former astrophysicist and now writer. She is also Chief Opinion Editor at Nature. She chats to Jo about her passion for space, the research she has done and her new book 'Starwatchers: A History of Discovery in the Night Sky'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with Dr Shelia Kanani MBE. Shelia is a planetary scientist, author and EDI specialist. She talks about her children's book 'Can You Get Music on the Moon?' Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/38912465

Ep 255 Mark Turnbull 10/29/2025

Ep 255 Mark Turnbull Jo's special guest in episode 255 is historian and author Mark Turnbull, who specialises in the 17th century. He talks about his passion for this period and his latest book 'Prince Rupert of the Rhine: King Charles I's Cavalier Commander'. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Grant Museum of Zoology at UCL to find out the story of the echidna and why the one in the collection isn't entirely accurate. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/38816440

Ep 254 Dr Nicola Clark 10/21/2025

Ep 254 Dr Nicola Clark In episode 254 Jo's special guest is Dr Nicola Clark, senior lecturer at Chichester University, Tudor historian and author. She talks about her passion for this period of history and in particular discusses her recent book 'The Waiting Game: The Untold Story of the Women Who Served the Tudor Queens'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. 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 L and it's the lentil plant which has many benefits. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/38734515

Ep 253 Five Year Anniversary: Prof Barry Smith & The Quick Six Smells 10/07/2025

Ep 253 Five Year Anniversary: Prof Barry Smith & The Quick Six Smells Jo celebrates the 5 year anniversary of the podcast in episode 253 and she welcomes back two familiar voices. Jo reflects back on five years of the Quick Six feature, by exploring the favourite smells guests have chosen. She does this with sensory scientist and philosopher Prof Barry Smith who is the Director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses at the University of London. Smells discussed include freshly cut grass, baked bread, coffee, the sea air, rose and petrichor. Jo is also joined by Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science communicator, public engagement trainer and chemist. In 'Periodically with Jamie' they explore stories from the Periodic Table, and this time look at TV shows that feature it on the walls such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Star Trek, but which get it right and which get it very wrong? Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/38503270

Ep 252 Lou Beckett Top Ten Theatre 09/30/2025

Ep 252 Lou Beckett Top Ten Theatre In episode 252 Jo welcomes back playwright Lou Beckett, who this time takes part in Jo's new series where a guest shares their Top Ten Theatre shows. Her choices include 'Hamilton', 'Death Of A Salesman' and a Shakespeare comedy. Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House in Cheltenham to find out why a piece of embroidery helps to tell the story of the Cheltenham Female Orphan Asylum, that was close to where the museum now stands. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/38414555

Ep 251 Dr Mike Esbester 09/23/2025

Ep 251 Dr Mike Esbester Jo's special guest in episode 251 is Dr Mike Esbester, senior lecturer in history at the University of Portsmouth. Mike talks about his passion for railway history and his research into railway accidents and how they tell a social history. They also talk about the Railway 200 anniversary and he answers the Quick Six. Plus Jo 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 K and it's the Katsura tree, which is famous for Autumn colour. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/38330820

Ep 250 Dr Meganne Christian Astronaut Training 09/10/2025

Ep 250 Dr Meganne Christian Astronaut Training In a milestone episode 250 Jo welcomes back Dr Meganne Christian who a reserve astronaut with the European Space Agency and Senior Exploration Manager (Commercial) at the UK Space Agency. She talks about some recent space stories and shares with Jo her experiences of having the first phase of her astronaut training, including getting her flight suit. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with astronomer Prof Chris Lintott, one of the presenters of 'The Sky At Night'. They discuss the past, present and future of astronomy, including an exciting new telescope. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/38150400

Ep 249 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting the Brain & Hot Weather 09/02/2025

Ep 249 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting the Brain & Hot Weather Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell, who is a Reader in neuroscience at Cardiff University and a science communicator. She returns to myth bust biomedical and brain based science, including the effect of heat on the brain, benefits of gardening and how useful daily targets in things like exercise and water are. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with marine biologist and writer Dr Helen Scales, who talks about her recent books including 'What The Wild Sea Can Be'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/38038305

Ep 248 Dr Rebecca Struthers & Alom Shaha with 'About Time' 08/26/2025

Ep 248 Dr Rebecca Struthers & Alom Shaha with 'About Time' In episode 248 Jo welcomes back science teacher and writer Alom Shaha. This time he is also joined by Dr Rebecca Struthers, a watchmaker and historian. They talk about their book 'About Time', discussing the history and science of time. Plus Rebecca answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a book relating to the town in the Second World War. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37972145

Ep 247 Howard Burton 08/19/2025

Ep 247 Howard Burton Jo's special guest in episode 247 is film maker Howard Burton, from Ideas Roadshow. He talks about his background in physics and philosophy and why he now makes films about art and art history, including works by Botticelli and Raphael. Plus he answers the Quick Six. 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 J and that's something found in gin - juniper. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37883560

Ep 246 Underrated Science Fiction Films 08/13/2025

Ep 246 Underrated Science Fiction Films In episode 246 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction cinema. They discuss their top ten underrated science fiction films, including 'The Omega Man', 'The Day The Earth Caught Fire' and 'The World's End'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37801215

Ep 245 Christopher Edge & 'Escape Room: Game Zero' 08/05/2025

Ep 245 Christopher Edge & 'Escape Room: Game Zero' Jo welcomes back children's author Christopher Edge, who writes novels that have science themes and ideas running through them. He talks to Jo about his recent books including 'Black Hole Cinema Club' and his latest 'Escape Room: Game Zero' where the main character ends up in a video game for real. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with children's author and illustrator Kate Pankhurst, who talks about some inspiring women from history and her latest book 'We Are All Inventors'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37694415

Ep 244 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Misleadingly Named Animals 07/29/2025

Ep 244 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Misleadingly Named Animals In episode 244 Jo welcomes back Professor Adam Hart, who is professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Adam joins Jo regularly to myth bust lots of topics and this time they talk about animals with misleading common names like glow worms, bear cats and whale sharks. Jo also has another highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with science writer and children's author Isabel Thomas about her recent books 'Frog: A Story of Life on Earth' and 'The Bedtime Book of Even More Impossible Questions'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37578195

Ep 243 Gareth Russell & 'Queen James' 07/22/2025

Ep 243 Gareth Russell & 'Queen James' Jo welcomes back Gareth Russell in episode 243. Gareth is a historian and the author of a number of books and he discusses his latest 'Queen James'. This tells the story of the life and loves of King James I of England and James VI of Scotland - Britain's first king. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind two objects in the collection which relate to the Second World War, including one connected to the Spitfire. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37486795

Ep 242 Dev Joshi & Roland Ellis 07/15/2025

Ep 242 Dev Joshi & Roland Ellis In episode 242 Jo's special guests are Dev Joshi and Roland Ellis who have combined design with engineering in their studio Relative Distance. They talk about their careers and how this collaboration came out of a project to create a representation of the Moon. Plus they answer the Quick Six. Jo also has another highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with Dr Sarah Bearchell about her science shows for children and families, including bubbles. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37418555

Ep 241 Rebecca Styles 07/08/2025

Ep 241 Rebecca Styles Jo's special guest in episode 241 is Rebecca Styles, who is a contemporary landscape painter. She talks about how different places have inspired her work and her recent time as artist in residence at Thorp Perrow Arboretum in Yorkshire, which has led to a new exhibition. Plus she answers the Quick Six. 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 focus on a plant that Jo isn't a fan of - ivy. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37339420

Ep 240 Dr Chris Laoutaris (Shakespeare's Women) & Tim Peake 07/01/2025

Ep 240 Dr Chris Laoutaris (Shakespeare's Women) & Tim Peake In a milestone episode 240 Jo welcomes back Dr Chris Laoutaris who is Associate Professor of Shakespeare & Early Modern Drama at the Shakespeare Institute (part of the University of Birmingham) in Stratford-upon-Avon. They look at the representation of women in four Shakespeare plays - As You Like It, Macbeth, and two plays that can be seen as problematic today - The Taming Of The Shrew & The Tempest. Jo also has the first highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with astronaut Major Tim Peake, who talks about his time on board the International Space Station, curiosity, his upcoming tour and a possible return to space. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37211595

Ep 239 Paul Anthony Jones & Summer Words 06/24/2025

Ep 239 Paul Anthony Jones & Summer Words Jo welcomes back Paul Anthony Jones in episode 239. Paul is a linguist and author of a number of books including 'Why Is This A Question', which they delve into, discussing topics such as why do some of us talk with our hands? Paul also talks about summer words, such as the name for someone who loves the sun. Plus Jo continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy. They focus on hydrangea which has hundreds of varieties. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/37112135

Ep 238 Science Fiction Books & Films: Ray Bradbury 05/28/2025

Ep 238 Science Fiction Books & Films: Ray Bradbury 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: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/36713960

Ep 237 Helen Jukes 05/21/2025

Ep 237 Helen Jukes 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: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/36631970

Ep 236 Mark Thompson Space Business 05/14/2025

Ep 236 Mark Thompson Space Business 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: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/36552945

Ep 235 Kate Werran 05/07/2025

Ep 235 Kate Werran 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. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/36462015

Ep 234 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Marine Life 04/30/2025

Ep 234 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Marine Life 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: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/36364935

Ep 233 Dr Darren Freebury-Jones Top Ten Theatre 04/23/2025

Ep 233 Dr Darren Freebury-Jones Top Ten Theatre 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: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/36270130

Ep 232 Annabel Streets 04/16/2025

Ep 232 Annabel Streets 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 website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/36167810

Ep 231 Science Fiction Books & Films: Jules Verne 04/09/2025

Ep 231 Science Fiction Books & Films: Jules Verne 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: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/36058985

Ep 230 Anna Mazzola & 'Notes On A Drowning' 04/02/2025

Ep 230 Anna Mazzola & 'Notes On A Drowning' 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 website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/35973145

Ep 229 Shalina Patel 03/26/2025

Ep 229 Shalina Patel 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: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/35862830

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

TOPICS