Episodes
-
Ep 302 Will Lawton
Jo's special guest in episode 302 is Will Lawton, who is a musician, singer-songwriter and a music therapist. He talks to Jo about his career, how he moved into music therapy and his collaborations with other musicians, including how Lawton & Mack came about. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo…
more -
Ep 301 Dr Meganne Christian Astronaut Training 2
In episode 301 Jo welcomes back Dr Meganne Christian, who is an ESA Reserve Astronaut, and also Mission Manager for in Space Manufacturing at Satellite Applications Catapult. She talks about this new role and her recent astronaut training, including space law and another parabolic flight. Jo also...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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.…
more -
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
Ep 270 Paul Scott Top Ten Theatre
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...
-
Ep 269 Science Fiction B Movies
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...
-
Ep 268 Dr Daniel Swift
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...
-
Ep 267 Dr Elizbeth Norton
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...
-
Ep 266 Phil Downing - Harvington Hall
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...
-
Ep 265 Amelia Thomas
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...
-
Ep 264 A-Z of Science Fiction Cinema: B
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…
more -
Ep 263 Dr Camilla Stokholm
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…
more -
Ep 262 James Mayhew Top Ten Theatre
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…
more -
Ep 261 Annie Garthwaite
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...
-
Ep 260 Dr Nicola Tallis
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...
-
Ep 259 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Extinction & De-extinction
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...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...