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 212 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Smell & Memories 11/20/2024

Ep 212 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Smell & Memories In episode 212 Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a Reader at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma talk about how AI could help people living with dementia, bear brain surgery and why smell and memories are so closely linked e.g. when it comes to pumpkin spice. Jo is also joined by Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science communicator and public engagement trainer from Glasgow. He returns with another story from the Periodic Table and this time it's all about atoms. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/34021587

Ep 211 Dr Darren Freebury-Jones 11/13/2024

Ep 211 Dr Darren Freebury-Jones Jo's special guest in episode 211 is Dr Darren Freebury-Jones, who is the author of a number of a books about Shakespeare and his contemporaries. He talks about his work, in particular his latest book 'Shakespeare's Borrowed Feathers', about the early modern playwrights who shaped the Bard. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the physic garden at Amersham Museum, to meet director and pharmacy historian Briony Hudson. Briony talks about a book called 'A Modern Herbal'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33906297

Ep 210 Science Fiction Books & Films: Stephen King 11/06/2024

Ep 210 Science Fiction Books & Films: Stephen King In episode 210 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast to talk about science fiction cinema. They continue their series looking at the work of authors turned into films and this time focus on Stephen King. Films discussed include 'The Running Man' and 'The Mist', as well as TV series like 'The Stand'. Listeners and guests share some of their favourite science fiction films inspired by the books of Stephen King, including Paul Scott. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33819610

Ep 209 Lynne Peeples 10/30/2024

Ep 209 Lynne Peeples Jo's special guest in episode 209 is Lynne Peeples, a science journalist based in Seattle. Lynne is the author of the book 'The Inner Clock' and talks to Jo about our circadian rhythms and the impact of food, sleep and light on them. Lynne talks about her research, including ten days in a bunker, and she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud, to learn the story behind a clock which tells us about Stroud Time and Railway Time. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33675882

Ep 208 Anna Mazzola 10/23/2024

Ep 208 Anna Mazzola In episode 208 Jo's special guest is writer Anna Mazzola, who talks about her career as a lawyer as well as her books, including her latest historical crime thriller 'The Book Of Secrets'. She also talks about her next project - a modern legal thriller - and she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the physic garden at Amersham Museum, to meet director and pharmacy historian Briony Hudson. Briony talks about a special box pharmacy students would have used to learn about certain plants in the past. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33585017

Ep 207 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Anthropomorphism 10/16/2024

Ep 207 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Anthropomorphism Jo's special guest in episode 207 is Prof Adam Hart, who is professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Adam is back to myth bust a topic and this time its anthropomorphising animals, which is when we imbue them with human qualities. He looks at why we favour some animals to others and the pros and cons of anthropomorphism. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to learn about otters and why they are good predators. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33487917

Ep 206 Dr Meganne Christian 10/09/2024

Ep 206 Dr Meganne Christian Episode 206 of the podcast is Jo's 4 year anniversary and it's also World Space Week. Jo's special guest is Dr Meganne Christian who is Commercial Exploration Lead at the UK Space Agency and a Reserve Astronaut for the European Space Agency. She talks about her life and career, including becoming part of the astronaut corps, her time in Antarctica and she answers the Quick Six. Jo also has a highlight from the 2024 Cheltenham Science Festival - talking to aerospace engineer and baker Andrew Smyth about baking, engineering and space. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33388487

Ep 205 Dr Penelope Campling 10/02/2024

Ep 205 Dr Penelope Campling Jo's special guest in episode 205 is Dr Penelope Campling, a consultant psychiatrist, who worked in the field for over 40 years. She talks about her career including what we can learn from therapeutic communities. She also discusses her book 'On The Brink: Stories of Harm & Healing from a Lifetime in Psychiatry', and she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits Gloucestershire Archives and learns about records relating to female patients who were at the Horton Road Asylum in the 19th century. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33287197

Ep 204 Science Fiction Books & Films: HG Wells 09/25/2024

Ep 204 Science Fiction Books & Films: HG Wells In episode 204 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast to talk about science fiction cinema. They continue their series looking at the work of authors turned into films and this time focus on HG Wells. Films discussed include 'War of the Worlds', 'The Invisible Man' and 'The Time Machine'. Listeners and guests share some of their favourite films inspired by the books of HG Wells, including John Putley. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33192182

Ep 203 Holst 150th Anniversary 09/18/2024

Ep 203 Holst 150th Anniversary Jo brings you a special edition in episode 203, on location at the Holst Victorian House in Cheltenham. She marks the 150th anniversary since the birth of composer Gustav Holst with curator Laura Kinnear. They talk about his life and work, including The Planets and learn about the Digital Kiosk in the museum. Plus Jo has a highlight from the Cheltenham Science Festival. She talks to professor of mathematics Prof Marcus Du Sautoy, astrophysicist Dr Hannah Wakeford and composer Robert Laidlow about their event combining maths, music and space. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33111152

Ep 202 Prof Nadine Akkerman & Dr Pete Langman 09/11/2024

Ep 202 Prof Nadine Akkerman & Dr Pete Langman Jo's special guests in episode 202 are Professor Nadine Akkerman & Dr Pete Langman. Nadine is professor of Early Modern Literature and Culture at Leiden University, The Netherlands and Pete is an editor, writer and independent scholar. They talk to Jo about their book 'Spycraft' which explores the history and science of espionage techniques from the time of Elizabeth I to the Restoration. Plus they both answer Jo's Quick Six. Jo also has another highlight from the 2024 Cheltenham Science Festival - her chat with chartered psychologist Kimberley Wilson about her book 'Unprocessed'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/33008892

Ep 201 Jackie Kabler & The Life Sentence 08/28/2024

Ep 201 Jackie Kabler & The Life Sentence In episode 201 Jo welcomes back crime writer and TV presenter Jackie Kabler. She talks about her latest book 'The Life Sentence' and the research that she did for it, including into technology and cyber crime. Jo also visits Gloucestershire Archives to find out the story behind some school records. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Jo's website: /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/32760997

Ep 200: The Two Hundredth Edition 08/21/2024

Ep 200: The Two Hundredth Edition It's the 200th episode of the award-winning podcast, that is the space for arts and science. In this special feature length extended episode Jo welcomes back a host of guests, and topics discussed include myth busting, meteorology, plants, sensory science, illustration, video games, theatre, history, neuroscience, microbiology, the Periodic Table, science fiction films and space. Guests featured: Dr Emma Yhnell, Professor Jo Verran, Briony Hudson, Melanie Backe-Hansen, Professor Adam Hart, James Mayhew, Faith Douglas, Dr Jamie Gallagher, Corey Brotherson, Paul Scott, Mark Thompson, Sue Nelson, Professor Barry Smith, Jeff Downes, Graham O'Dwyer and Dee Atkins-Greig. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/32665187

Ep 199 Tom Donald 08/14/2024

Ep 199 Tom Donald Jo's special guest in episode 199 is Tom Donald who is a pianist and composer. Tom talks about his career including film scores and his passion for music and the science behind it. He discusses a special collaboration that combines piano and Gregorian chant for the album 'Pax Aeterna'. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a piece of cloth that reveals a surprising aspect of the textile heritage of the town. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/32566232

Ep 198 Lev Parikian 08/07/2024

Ep 198 Lev Parikian In episode 198 Jo's special guest is writer and conductor Lev Parikian. He talks about his books and passion for birds, and discusses his latest book 'Taking Flight' about how animals learned to fly, including birds, bats and insects. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also chats to one of the team from Wakefield Museums and Castles, to find out the story of a poster and one man from the area who was passionate about the environment. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/32461837

Ep 197 Hayley Hoskins 07/31/2024

Ep 197 Hayley Hoskins Jo's special guest in episode 197 is Cheltenham writer Hayley Hoskins, who writes middle grade fiction. She talks about her journey as a writer and about her latest book 'The Whisperling Twins', which was inspired by the history of Gloucester. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind one of the largest items in the collection - a painting of a very interesting character. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/32366512

Ep 196 Dr Chris Laoutaris 07/24/2024

Ep 196 Dr Chris Laoutaris In episode 196 Jo's special guest is 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 discuss Shakespeare, in particular Chris's latest book about the people behind the First Folio - 'Shakespeare's Book'. Plus Chris answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits Amersham Museum to chat to director Briony Hudson, and they continue to explore the physic garden and learn about the Apothecary's Rose. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/32260127

Ep 195 Dee Atkins-Greig & The Jet Stream 07/17/2024

Ep 195 Dee Atkins-Greig & The Jet Stream Jo welcomes back Dee Atkins-Greig, who is a maths tutor and meteorologist. Dee and Jo discuss maths confidence, life coaching and the weather, including how the jet stream affects weather in the UK in particular and what happens when a heatwave is declared. Plus we learn more about clouds. Jo is also joined by Professor Jim Al-Khalili who is a theoretical physicist, author and broadcaster. Jo speaks to Jim at the Cheltenham Science Festival 2024 about the mysteries of time. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/32121417

Ep 194 Professor Adam Hart Myth Busting Dogs 07/10/2024

Ep 194 Professor Adam Hart Myth Busting Dogs In episode 194 Jo welcomes back Professor Adam Hart, who is professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Adam returns to myth bust another topic and this time looks at dogs, their history and relationship to humans. Jo also visits Amersham Museum to chat to director Briony Hudson, and they explore the physic garden and some of the plants that have medicinal properties. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/32068772

Ep 193 Science Fiction Books & Films: Michael Crichton 07/03/2024

Ep 193 Science Fiction Books & Films: Michael Crichton Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, in episode 193, to discuss science fiction cinema. They continue the series exploring the books of sci-fi novelists that have been turned into films, and this time look at the work of Michael Crichton. Films discussed include The Andromeda Strain, Westworld and Jurassic Park. Plus science journalist and writer Sue Nelson, and writer and narrative designer Corey Brotherson share their favourite films inspired by the work of Michael Crichton. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31986687

Ep 192 Jules Howard & 'Infinite Life' 06/26/2024

Ep 192 Jules Howard & 'Infinite Life' In episode 192 Jo's special guest is Jules Howard, who is a zoology correspondent and author. He talks about his latest book 'Infinite Life' which is about eggs, evolution and life on Earth, including birds, fish and dinosaurs. Jo also talks to Prof Niamh Nic Daéid, who is Professor of Forensic Science at the University of Dundee and is the Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science. They discuss the future of forensics at the Cheltenham Science Festival. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31888427

Ep 191 Faith Douglas Forest Bathing & Grounding 06/19/2024

Ep 191 Faith Douglas Forest Bathing & Grounding Jo welcomes back Faith Douglas in episode 191, to mark the Summer Solstice. Faith is the curator of Thorp Perrow Arboretum in North Yorkshire and she is also the author of 'The Nature Remedy'. Jo and Faith talk about the plants we can enjoy and use at this time of year and how to have a closer relationship with the natural world, including bare foot walking, grounding and forest bathing. Jo also visits Gloucestershire Archives, to find out about the new Green Pledge Project and learns the story behind a scrap book of wildflowers. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31780927

Ep 190 Cheltenham Science Festival 2024 06/12/2024

Ep 190 Cheltenham Science Festival 2024 In a milestone episode 190, Jo presents a special edition of the podcast, on location at the 2024 Cheltenham Science Festival. She talks to a range of the speakers about subjects including space, genetics, maths, neuroscience, zoology and bubbles. Guests featured: Prof Turi King, Prof Marcus du Sautoy, Dallas Campbell, Dr Meganne Christian, Ginny Smith, Jules Howard, Stefan Gates and Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31704532

Ep 189 Rick Tonello 06/05/2024

Ep 189 Rick Tonello In episode 189 Jo's special guest is Rick Tonello, the Chief Astronomer at the Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory in Western Australia. He talks about his passion for space, dark skies, witnessing a total solar eclipse and the recent aurora activity. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Grant Museum in London, which is part of UCL, and has recently reopened after a refurbishment. She finds out the story of a 3D printed model of a tardigrade - a microscopic creature that can survive in space. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31613532

Ep 188 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Memory 05/29/2024

Ep 188 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Memory Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell in episode 188 to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a senior lecturer at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma talk about dementia, memory cafes, tips for revising for exams and if you can have a photographic memory. Jo is also joined by Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science communicator and public engagement trainer from Glasgow. He returns with another story from the Periodic Table and this time it centres on a place in Sweden. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31501407

Ep 187 Steve Darlow 05/22/2024

Ep 187 Steve Darlow In episode 187 Jo's special guest is Steve Darlow, who is a writer of books & theatre, a publisher and documentary consultant. He talks about his interest in history, including the role his grandfather had in the Second World War and he tells Jo about his theatrical productions including 'The Valentine Letters'. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also chats to one of the team from Wakefield Museums and Castles, to find out the story of a 1930s fire engine that has been part of the collection for over 50 years but has never been on display. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31409842

Ep 186 Science Fiction Books & Films: Philip K. Dick 05/15/2024

Ep 186 Science Fiction Books & Films: Philip K. Dick Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, in episode 186, to discuss science fiction cinema. They start a new series exploring the books of sci-fi novelists that have been turned into films, beginning with Philip K. Dick. Films discussed include Blade Runner, Total Recall and Minority Report. Plus science journalist and writer Sue Nelson, and writer and narrative designer Corey Brotherson share their favourite films inspired by the work of PKD. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31294547

Ep 185 Jack Boskett 05/08/2024

Ep 185 Jack Boskett In episode 185 Jo's special guest is photographer Jack Boskett, from Tewkesbury. He talks about his career, including how his love of railways led to royal photography. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House in Cheltenham and finds out the story behind a painting of relatives of Gustav Holst. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31196317

Ep 184 Lou Beckett & 'A Rose By Any Other Name' 05/01/2024

Ep 184 Lou Beckett & 'A Rose By Any Other Name' Jo's special guest in episode 184 is Gloucestershire based playwright Lou Beckett. She discusses her latest play 'A Rose By Any Other Name' and how it was inspired by Shakespeare. Plus she talks about the charity she co-founded called Theatre Works. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a medieval tile featuring the game Nine Men's Morris. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/31056898

Ep 183 Joe Hackett 04/24/2024

Ep 183 Joe Hackett In episode 183 Jo's special guest is Joe Hackett, who is the MD of IKP, a Gloucestershire based theatre company. Joe talks about his passion for theatre, making is accessible to everyone and his latest production 'You're Bard' which presents Shakespeare in a unique way. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also chats to one of the team from Wakefield Museums and Castles, to find out the story of an Elizabethan style dress that was worn for a pageant in the 1930s. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. /episode/index/show/jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse/id/30941558

Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

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