Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

In a milestone episode 270 Jo welcomes back Paul Scott, who has worked in theatres and arts centres for many years. He takes part in Jo's series where a guest chooses their Top Ten Theatre shows. His choices include some Shakespeare, Alan Bennett and Gilbert & Sullivan. Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House in Cheltenham to find out about a harp that helps to tell a story about Gustav Holst's grandfather.      Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

Jo's special guests in episode 269 are Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, who return to talk about science fiction. This time they pause their A-Z of sci-fi films, to shine the spotlight on B Movies.  Films discussed include Starcrash, The Blob, Mad Max and Santa Claus Conquers The Martians. Plus Paul Scott shares some of his favourite science fiction B Movies.        Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

In episode 268 Jo's special guest is Dr Daniel Swift, Associate Professor in English at Northeastern University and the author of the book 'The Dream Factory: London's First Playhouse and the Making of William Shakespeare'. He talks about his passion for his subject, the role The Theatre had in shaping Shakespeare and 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 P - the primrose.     Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

Jo's special guest in episode 267 is Dr Elizbeth Norton, who is a historian specialising in queenship. She shares her passion for her subject and discusses her recent book 'Women Who Ruled The World: 5000 Years of Female Monarchy'. Queens they discuss include Matilda of England, Merneith of Egypt and Wu Zetian of China, as well as Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Plus Elizabeth answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind 10,000 year old, rare elk bones.   Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

In episode 266 Jo is joined by Phil Downing who is the manager of Harvington Hall - a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor in Worcestershire. They talk about his passion for history, why Harvington is known as 'The House of Secrets', has more surviving priest hides than any other house in the country and why Phil has spent a considerable amount of time in some of them.  Phil also tells Jo about a special wall painting project and they look ahead to the Harvington History Festival in July 2026. Plus he answers the Quick Six.     Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

Jo's special guest in episode 265 is Amelia Thomas, who is an author, journalist and naturalist. She talks about her career and why she spent a year learning to listen to animals, for her book 'What Sheep Think About The Weather'. Plus she answers the Quick Six.  Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with Dr Russell Arnott, Director of Incredible Oceans CIC, about oceans and marine life.      Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

In episode 264 Jo is joined by Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, who return to talk about science fiction. They continue their new series on the A-Z of science fiction cinema, with the letter B.  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 B include black holes and B Movies, plus films like Back To The Future and Blade Runner and the TV show Babylon Five.       Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

Jo's special guest in her first edition of 2026, episode 263, is Dr Camilla Stokholm. Camilla is a lifestyle medicine doctor and the author of 'What Your Doctor Eats'. She talks about the importance of our microbiome, why eating 30 different plant foods a week is good for it, her own health journey and 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 O - a plant with lots of health benefits - the olive tree.      Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

In episode 262 Jo welcomes back James Mayhew who is a children's author and illustrator. He takes part in Jo's new series where a guest chooses their Top Ten Theatre shows. His choices include some opera, ballet and musicals like Chicago.  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 N and it's something with a festive connection - the Nandina domestica.      Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

Jo's special guest in episode 261 is Annie Garthwaite, who is a historical novelist. They talk about her passion for history, in particular writing about the women of the Wars of the Roses. They delve into her debut novel 'Cecily' about Cecily Neville - the matriarch of the House of York. Plus Annie answers the Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science communicator, public engagement trainer and chemist. He shares another story from the Periodic Table - this time how elements are named and why in the mid 1990s a number of elements were discovered but there was disagreement over what they would be named.   Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

In episode 260 Jo is joined by Dr Nicola Tallis who is an author and historian of the Tudor period. She talks about her passion for history, some of the women she has written about and her latest book 'Young Elizabeth', which is about the dramatic early life of Queen Elizabeth I. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House in Cheltenham to find out the story of a gramophone that belonged to the Holst family, which plays one of The Planets.    Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

Jo's special guest in episode 259 is Professor Adam Hart, who is professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Adam returns to do a new edition of myth busting, and he and Jo tackle the topic of extinction, as well as the issues around the idea of de-extinction.  Jo also visits the Grant Museum of Zoology at UCL to learn more about one extinct species - the dodo.   Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.   Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/ 

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: https://jodurrant.co.uk/