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 g…

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 an…

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 Mu…

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 dir…

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 anthropomorph…

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 …

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 a…

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 sha…

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 Chelte…

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 th…

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 …

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, …

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 th…

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 th…

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 beh…

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 answ…

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 theo…

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 s…

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 sc…

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 Directo…

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 foo…

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 S…

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, …

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 s…

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 a…

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 writ…

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 & …

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 featuri…

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…

Jo's special guest in episode 182 is author Gareth E Rees, who talks about his love of storytelling and how he's combined science with folk tales in his latest book 'Sunken Lands', which explores issues like climate change. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Grant Museum in London, which is part of UCL, and has recently reopened aft…

In episode 181 Jo's special guest is Honor Harger who is Vice President of ArtScience Museum in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands. Honor talks about her passion for the intersection of arts & science, her decade at the museum where she is Artistic and Executive Lead and exhibitions including the recent 'Mars: The Red Mirror' and the permanent 'Future W…

Jo's special guest in a milestone episode 180 is filmmaker and visual effects designer Paul Franklin. Paul talks about his career including work in the feature film industry, and in particular his involvement in the films 'Inception' and 'Interstellar', which he won Academy Awards for. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Gravity Disco…

In episode 179 Jo welcomes back Dr Kathryn Harkup, who trained as a chemist and now writes about and communicates science stories. She talks to Jo about her recent book 'The Secret Lives of Molecules', including coffee, tea, naps and how to avoid zombies! Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science communicator, public engagement tra…

Jo's special guest in episode 178 is Dee Atkins-Greig who is a maths and meteorology tutor. Dee talks about her career as a weather forecaster, first in the Royal Navy and later on television. She talks about her passion for her subject, including why clouds have certain names, and she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Grant Museum in Lond…

In episode 177 Jo welcomes back Dr Helen Fry, who is a historian and the author of a number of books that focus on intelligence and espionage, in particular during the First and Second World Wars. Helen joins Jo during Women's History Month to talk about her latest book 'Women In Intelligence', in which she has uncovered some incredible stories and…

It's the start of Women's History Month and Jo's special guest in episode 176 is Dr Suzy Lishman CBE. Suzy is a consultant histopathologist and a medical examiner and talks to Jo about her passion for this area. She also discusses her public engagement work, including her 'Living Autopsy' demonstration. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visit…

In a special bonus mini edition of the podcast, Jo visits ArtScience Museum in Singapore to see the exhibition 'Mars: The Red Mirror'. She talks to Honor Harger who is Vice President and Artistic & Executive Lead for ArtScience Museum. She is also Vice President for Attractions at Marina Bay Sands, which is where the museum is based. The exhibition…

In episode 175 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. This time they shine the spotlight on prequels, including discussions on the prequels to Alien, Planet of the Apes, X-Men and Star Wars. Plus science journalist and writer Sue Nelson, and video game and graphic novel writer and editor…

Jo welcomes back philosopher and sensory scientist Professor Barry Smith in episode 174. He is from the Centre for the Study of the Senses at the University of London and talks about his latest research, how sound plays a part in our enjoyment of food and he has some tips for super tasters like Jo. Jo also chats to one of the team from Wakefield Mu…

In episode 173 Dr Emma Yhnell returns to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a senior lecturer at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma discuss how motion capture is being used in medicine, the impact of handwriting on the brain, and the subject of love, hormones and neurotransmitters. Jo also visits …

Jo's special guest in episode 172 is writer and photographer John Gilbey. He talks about his background in environmental research, writing for the Country Diary column in the Guardian newspaper and about his own book 'Country Diary Wales'. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out the story behind…

In episode 171 Jo is joined by Dhara Patel, Space Expert at the National Space Centre in Leicester. She talks about her career and passion for space, as well as the 20th anniversary of the Beagle 2 Mars Lander and why it's so significant for the UK. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Dhara also puts an item into Jo's virtual museum, which is a scale m…

Jo's special guest in a milestone episode 170 is Dr Tracy Borman, who is an author, historian and joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces. She talks to Jo about her career, passion for history and her books including 'Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out the…

In episode 169 Jo is joined by Emma Pears, who is an author, songwriter and entrepreneur, and has written the book 'What Does It Matter?'. Emma talks to Jo about her career and explains her philosophy of how we can all live with less stress and more joy. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science comm…

Jo welcomes back science writer Paul Rincon in episode 168. Paul is commissioning editor for science and technology at The Conversation, and returns to discuss space stories that have been in the news recently. Topics include the latest on the Osiris-Rex mission that returned from asteroid Bennu, Starship, sub-Neptunes and space debris. Jo also vis…

In the first episode of 2024 (167), Jo is joined once more by Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. In this edition they review sci-fi films and TV shows from 2023, including some prequels, sequels and movies that focus on artificial intelligence. They also look ahead to what we can enjoy in the next 12…

In episode 166 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. They focus on films that have the themes of alternate realities and parallel universes, including Back To The Future 1 & 2, Source Code, Groundhog Day, Sliding Doors and Everything Everywhere All At Once. Plus science journalist Paul …

For the Christmas Special 2023 Jo welcomes back Faith Douglas, who is the author of The Nature Remedy and the curator of Thorp Perrow Arboretum. They conclude their series celebrating each season, and focus on Winter. They talk about folklore associated with the Winter Solstice, what we can be doing in the garden, how to embrace this time of year, …

In episode 164 Dr Emma Yhnell returns to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a senior lecturer at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma discuss the possibility of the use of AI in brain surgery, whether you can rewire your brain and how to reduce stress at Christmas. Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gal…

Jo welcomes back Mark Thompson in episode 163. Mark is an astronomy, science & sleep broadcaster and author. He tells Jo how a challenge over two years ago has led to a passion for communicating why sleep is so important for our health. Mark also talks about his new podcast and theatre show, tells us what we can enjoy looking at in the night sky th…