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, produc...

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 garli...

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 Pro...

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 Pa...

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 s...

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 item...

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 (L...

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, pr...

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...

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...

Jo welcomes back Dee Atkins-Greig in episode 228. Dee is a maths & meteorology tutor and a certified coach. At the start of astronomical Spring, she talks to Jo about various weather topics, including snowflakes, clouds, and weather map symbols. Plus for Women's History Month Dee nominates one woman significant in meteorology.   Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas,...

In episode 227 Jo's special guest is Claire Carroll, a photographer who specialises in wildlife, children's portraits and ultra modern buildings. She talks about her passion for photography, including a recent exhibition and she answers the Quick Six.  Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House to find out the story behind a recent acquisition for the museum - a piano that dates to the time composer...

Jo begins a celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day in episode 226. Her special guest is Carol Ann Lloyd, a historian and author who is passionate about Shakespeare and the Tudors. She discusses her latest book 'Courting The Virgin Queen' about the suitors to Elizabeth I. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury, to learn about t...

In episode 225 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 a little blue dot, the 'lizard brain' and the impact exercise has on our brains.  Plus, Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy and curator at Thorp Perrow Arboretum returns to the podcast. Jo and Faith...

Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast in episode 224, to talk about science fiction cinema. They continue their series looking at the work of authors turned into films and this time focus on Edgar Rice Burroughs. Films discussed include 'The Land That Time Forgot', At The Earth's Core' and 'The People That Time Forgot'.      Presented, produced & edited by Jo D...

In episode 223 Jo welcomes back Stefan Gates, who is a gastronaut, writer, science communicator and presenter. He talks about his new book 'Loveology: The Explicit and Extraordinary Truth About Love, Sex & Relationships', although the conversation stays on the right side of decent! Topics discussed include the science behind flirting techniques, online dating profiles & why wearing red can make yo...

Jo's special guest in episode 222 is Dr Kathryn Harkup, who trained as a chemist and now writes about and communicates science stories. She talks to Jo about her book 'Superspy Science: Science, Death and Tech in the World of James Bond', which includes discussions on gold, diamonds, space and volcano lairs!  Jo also visits the Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in London, to find out why...

In episode 221 Jo's special guest is neurologist Prof Adam Zeman, who is an Honorary Professor of Neurology at the University of Exeter Medical School and Honorary Fellow at the University of Edinburgh. Adam talks about his latest book 'The Shape of Things Unseen: A New Science of Imagination', including why and how we dream and the parts of the brain involved in imagination. Plus he answers the Q...

Jo brings you a special edition in episode 220, on location in the Forest of Dean. She learns about the history of Whitecross Manor near Lydney, which has links to Sir Francis Drake and was destroyed in the English Civil War. Her guide is historian Dr Roger Deeks who tells her about the people and the place and why modern archaeologists are interested in it. Plus Jo meets a woman who has a sword i...

In episode 219 Jo's special guest is Dr Elaine Kasket, who is a counselling and cyber psychologist, as well as an author. Elaine talks about her work, including her latest book 'Reset: Rethinking Your Digital World for a Happier Life'. Topics discussed include privacy online, surveillance technology and the digital afterlife.  Plus, Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy and curator at Thorp P...

Jo's special guest in episode 218 is Prof Adam Hart, who is professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Adam returns to myth bust and this time its hibernation, looking at what animals do it, why and how they do it, different kinds of hibernation, and how things like climate change are affecting it. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to learn about the...

In the first episode of 2025 (ep 217), Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast. They reveal their top ten science fiction films from 2024 and guests and listeners share their favourites too.  Jeff and Graham also look ahead to what we can enjoy at the cinema when it comes to science fiction in 2025.       Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music lice...

It's the Christmas Special 2024, and in episode 216 Jo welcomes back Dr Tracy Borman OBE and Gareth Russell, who are both historians, authors and broadcasters. They reflect on 2024, look ahead to their new book releases in 2025, talk about Tudor Christmases and their own festive traditions.  Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy and curator at Thorp Perrow Arboretum also returns to the podcas...

Jo's special guest in episode 215 is Paul Anthony Jones, a linguist and author. He talks about his passion for obscure words, his books including his latest 'A Winter Dictionary' and he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to discuss two books by John Moore which reflect the winter season - 'Come Rain, Come Shine' and 'A Pocketful Of Acorns'.      Presented, pr...

In episode 214 of the podcast Jo welcomes back Dee Atkins-Greig, who is a maths & meteorology tutor. She talks to Jo about various weather topics, including frost, freezing fog and how storms get their names in the UK.  Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to discuss the book by John Moore 'Season Of The Year' and how the writer observed the weather.     Presented, produced & edited...