Shows
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseJo Durrant's Beautiful Universe 100th Episode TrailerA preview of the 100th episode of the award-winning podcast that is the space for arts and science. Guests featured: Dr Emma Yhnell, Dr Daisy Dunn, Dr Helen Fry, Professor Adam Hart, Sue Nelson, Will Gater, Professor Barry Smith, Dr Jamie Gallagher, Professor Jo Verran, Findlay Napier, Megan Henwood, Jeff Downes, Graham O'Dwyer, Dr Jonny Brooks-Bartlett, FC, Dr Jessica Barker, Briony Hudson, Owen Gower and James Mayhew. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-09-0404 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 96 Raechel KellyJo's special guest in episode 96 is Raechel Kelly who is an independent sustainability consultant and also runs Planet Cheltenham. She talks about her passion for community based solutions to things like climate change. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story behind a ballot box at Pontefract Museum that was used in the first secret ballot in England 150 years ago - on 15 August 1872. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-08-101h 20
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 95 Paul RinconIn episode 95 Jo is joined by science journalist Paul Rincon from London, who talks about his career, including interviewing astronauts and going to rocket launches. Plus he shares his love of science fiction films and answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the home of Dr Edward Jenner in Berkeley to find out about a special society that was set up in his name. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-08-031h 17
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 94 Sophie PavelleJo's special guest in episode 94 is science communicator and writer Sophie Pavelle, from Devon. Sophie talks about her passion for nature and storytelling, and in particular her debut book 'Forget Me Not'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to learn about a plague doctor mask. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-07-271h 18
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 93 Melanie GoldingIn episode 93 Jo is joined by Stroud author Melanie Golding who talks about her novels 'Little Darlings' and 'The Replacement', and the way she combines crime thrillers with folklore. Melanie also answers Jo's Quick Six. Plus Jo visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind the cross cutter which it is thought inspired the invention of Budding's lawnmower. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-07-201h 10
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 92 Sci-Fi Films of 2010sJo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks in episode 92. We continue the series looking at science fiction films decade by decade, this time it's the 2010s. Films discussed include Arrival, Interstellar, Looper and Inception. Plus Sue Nelson, Paul Rincon, Professor Jo Verran and John Putley share their favourite science fiction films from this decade. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-07-131h 40
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 91 Professor Adam Hart Myth Busting Renewable EnergyJo is joined in episode 91 of the podcast by Professor Adam Hart from the University of Gloucestershire, who is doing more myth busting - on monkeypox, living with predators, and energy, including renewable sources. Plus pharmacy historian Briony Hudson shares the story of a fire helmet found at the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in London. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-07-0656 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 90 Dr Janina RamirezIt's a milestone edition of the award-winning podcast - episode 90. Jo's special guest is writer, broadcaster, Oxford Academic and President of the Gloucester History Festival, Dr Janina Ramirez. Janina talks about her career, latest book 'Femina', passion for art and history, plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits Gloucestershire Archives to find out the story behind a selection of records and pamphlets that show how people lived before the internet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-06-291h 26
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 89 Anna BaileyIn episode 89 Jo is joined by Anna Bailey, author of the novel 'Tall Bones', who talks about the inspiration behind it and the importance of representation in the characters. Anna also answers Jo's Quick Six. Plus science communicator & public engagement trainer Dr Jamie Gallagher is back with another story from the Periodic Table - the only element to have been discovered twice. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-06-221h 10
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 88 Rachel AdamsJo's special guest in episode 88 is theatre maker and producer Rachel Adams, who is based in the Forest of Dean. She talks about her work including a film on the Mushets, as well as 'Passing The Baton'. She also shares her love of yoga and answers the Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story of a watch found in Wakefield Museum in West Yorkshire, which was stopped at a specific time in World War I. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-06-151h 02
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 87 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Brain SizeIn episode 87 Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell, a neuroscientist and senior lecturer at Cardiff University. Emma is myth busting neuroscience and biomedical topics, and talks about exam stress, trusting experts and the size of our brains. Jo also learns about an item that's found in the collection of the Royal College of Physicians Museum in London, with a label that doesn't quite tell the whole story. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-06-0854 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 86 Dr Brenna HassettIn episode 86 Jo's special guest is Dr Brenna Hassett, an archaeologist, anthropologist and researcher at University College London. She's also an author and discusses her latest book 'Growing Up Human: The Evolution of Childhood.' Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits Gloucestershire Archives to trace the story of one woman through the census. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-06-011h 27
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 85 Sci-Fi Films of 2000sJo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks in episode 85. We continue the series looking at science fiction films decade by decade, this time it's the 2000s. Films discussed include Avatar, District 9, Donnie Darko and Minority Report. Plus Paul Rincon, Professor Jo Verran and Paul Scott share their favourite science fiction films from this decade. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-05-251h 32
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 84 Cheryl BurmanIn episode 84 Jo's special guest is writer Cheryl Burman, who is based in the Forest of Dean. She talks about her love of the area and how it's inspired her work, as well as her early life in Australia, and she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the home of Dr Edward Jenner in Berkeley, to find out the story behind a book that has a surprise at the end. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-05-181h 10
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 83 Jules HowardJo's special guest in episode 83 is Jules Howard, a zoology correspondent and writer. He talks about his career highlights such as working on a frog helpline, discusses his latest book 'Wonderdog' and answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story of a stethoscope found in the collection of the Royal College of Physicians Museum in London. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-05-111h 17
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 82 Dr Jessica Barker and FC Myth Busting Deep FakesIn episode 82 Jo is joined by Dr Jessica Barker and FC who are cyber security experts. They're back to do some myth busting on topics like deep fakes and the dark web. Jo also chats to pharmacy historian Briony Hudson about a painting found in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society that tells a story of friendship. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-05-041h 03
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 81 Dr Kathryn HarkupJo's special guest in episode 81 is Dr Kathryn Harkup who is a former chemist and now a writer. She talks about her work in particular her book 'Death By Shakespeare', looking at the science behind the Bard's work, plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out the story behind an object used by midwives in Tudor times. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-04-271h 14
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 80 Megan Henwood & Findlay Napier aka The Story Song ScientistsIt's a milestone edition of the podcast - episode 80. Jo's special guests are singer-songwriters Megan Henwood & Findlay Napier, who are The Story Song Scientists. They talk about the science stories that have inspired their music, their live shows and they answer the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out of the story of a piano in the collection. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2022-04-201h 12
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 79 Professor Adam Hart Myth Busting TreesJo is joined in episode 79 of the podcast by Professor Adam Hart from the University of Gloucestershire, who is busting myths around trees, including their biology, diseases and carbon capture. Jo also visits the Forest of Dean with historian Dr Roger Deeks to find out the story of a distillation works that used the trees over a hundred years ago but has now been reclaimed by nature. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-04-131h 12
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 78 Dr Rachel SumnerIn episode 78 Jo's special guest is Dr Rachel Sumner from Cardiff Metropolitan University who talks about her work as a psychobiologist, including her research with the Covid-19 Heroes Project. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the home of Dr Jenner in Berkeley to learn about a recent acquisition - the 'I've had my Covid Vaccine' stickers. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2022-04-061h 25
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 77 Sci-Fi Films of 1990sJo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks in episode 77. We continue the series looking at science fiction films decade by decade, moving into 1990s. Films discussed include Armageddon, Contact & Jurassic Park, plus more from the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises. Sue Nelson, Dr Jamie Gallagher, Paul Rincon, Paul Scott and John Putley also share their favourite science fiction films from this decade. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2022-03-301h 40
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 76 Dr Jonny Brooks-Bartlett Myth Busting Ethical AIJo's special guest in episode 76 is data scientist & machine learning engineer Dr Jonny Brooks-Bartlett. He returns to do some myth busting on things like ethical artificial intelligence and the quantum apocalypse. Plus science communicator & public engagement trainer Dr Jamie Gallagher is back with another story from the Periodic Table - this time it's a rather beautiful element. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-03-231h 09
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 75 Ellen MaryIn episode 75 Jo's special guest is Ellen Mary, a gardener, horticultural broadcaster and author of 'The Joy of Gardening: The Everyday Zen of Mowing the Lawn'. She talks about her passion for her subject, the well-being benefits of gardening and she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind the most important invention in the town - the lawnmower. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2022-03-161h 13
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 74 Dr Simone CuffJo's special guest in episode 74 is Dr Simone Cuff who is a translational immunologist at Cardiff University. She talks about her passion for immunology, as we learn a lot about the immune system. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story of a set of anatomical tables found in the collection of the Royal College of Physicians Museum in London. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-03-091h 05
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 73 Owen Gower & Briony HudsonIn episode 73 Jo's special guests are pharmacy historian & freelance museum curator Briony Hudson and Owen Gower, the General Manager of the Jenner Trust which looks after Dr Jenner's House in Berkeley. They discuss their careers working in museums and with collections and also reveal their favourite objects. Plus they answer Jo's Quick Six. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2022-03-021h 18
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 72 Sci-Fi Films of 1980sJo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks in episode 72. We continue the series looking at science fiction films decade by decade, moving into 1980s. Films discussed include ET, The Terminator, Aliens & Blade Runner, plus big franchise film series like Star Wars and Star Trek. Dr Jamie Gallagher, Paul Rincon, Paul Scott and John Putley also share their favourite science fiction films from this decade. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2022-02-231h 29
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 71 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Women in STEMIn episode 71 Jo is joined by lecturer and science communicator Dr Emma Yhnell from Cardiff University, who is myth busting neuroscience and biomedical topics. She talks about the representation of scientists, women in STEM and she previews the 2022 Cardiff Science Festival. Jo also finds out the story of a diary that's found in the collection of the Royal College of Physicians Museum in London. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-02-1658 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 70 Dr Jess WadeIt's a milestone edition of the podcast - episode 70. Jo's special guest is Imperial College Research Fellow Dr Jess Wade, who talks about physics, material science and nano technology, as well as her passion for public engagement. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the stores of the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out of the story behind two oak paddles, from a mill dating back more than a thousand years. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2022-02-091h 17
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 69 Professor Liz StokoeJo's special guest in episode 69 is Professor Liz Stokoe from Loughborough University who talks about her career and research into conversation analysis, and she busts some communication myths. Plus she takes on the Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story of a collection of photographs by Jack Hulme in Castleford Museum in West Yorkshire. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-01-261h 09
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 68 Dr Sarah BearchellIn episode 68 Jo's special guest is science presenter and children's science writer Dr Sarah Bearchell who talks about her passion for sharing science, making her workshops accessible and inclusive and she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also returns to the object based learning lab at University College London to learn about one of the earliest diagnostic X-Ray images to be taken. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-01-191h 13
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 67 Hana AyoobJo's special guest in episode 67 is illustrator and science communicator Hana Ayoob who talks about her career including programming science festivals and her passion for combining arts and science in her designs, workshops, comedy and events. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the science collection at University College London to learn about a bottle from the 19th century that tells us about the discovery of helium. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-01-121h 03
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 66 Laurie WinklessIn the first edition of 2022, episode 66, Jo's special guest is physicist and science journalist Laurie Winkless who is based in New Zealand. She talks about her passion for science and storytelling, including her time at NASA and her latest book 'Sticky: The Secret Science of Surfaces'. Plus she takes on the Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story of a diary from 1918 found in Wakefield Museum in West Yorkshire. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2022-01-051h 13
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 65 The New Year Special 2021It's the 2021 New Year special of the podcast and Jo has invited back six pairs of guests, to discuss New Year traditions, as well as their review of 2021 and hopes for 2022. The guests are (in order of appearance): Professor Barry Smith & James Mayhew; Briony Hudson & Owen Gower; Dr Emma Yhnell & Rebecca Ellis; Professor Jo Verran & Sarah Franklin; Dr Helen Fry & Mark Thompson; and Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-12-291h 57
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 64 The 2021 Christmas SpecialIt's the 2021 Christmas special of the podcast and Jo has invited back six pairs of guests, many appearing together for the first time. They discuss festive food, films, fun and much more. The guests are (in order of appearance): Professor Jo Verran & Sarah Franklin; Dr Emma Yhnell & Rebecca Ellis; Dr Helen Fry & Mark Thompson; Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer; Briony Hudson & Owen Gower; Professor Barry Smith & James Mayhew. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-12-221h 51
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 63 Dr Andrew SteeleJo's special guest in episode 63 is biologist and writer Dr Andrew Steele who talks about his book 'Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old', his passion for this subject and love of space too. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back pharmacy historian Briony Hudson, to talk about a blood mixture which is now in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-12-151h 27
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 62 Professor Adam Hart Myth Busting Climate ChangeJo is joined in episode 62 of the podcast by Professor Adam Hart from the University of Gloucestershire, who is myth busting climate change and looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Jo also visits Dr Jenner's House in Berkeley to tell the story of an item that reveals another of Edward Jenner's interests - poetry. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-12-0859 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 61 Lucy Jane SantosIn episode 61 Jo's special guest is historian and writer Lucy Jane Santos who specialises in leisure, health and beauty. She talks about her passion for combining history and science and discusses her book 'Half Lives: The Unlikely History of Radium' Plus she goes on a virtual journey in time and space in Jo's Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back science communicator Dr Jamie Gallagher with another story from the Periodic Table - this time it's aluminium. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-12-011h 09
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 60 Sci-Fi Films of 1970sIn her milestone 60th episode Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks. We continue the series looking at science fiction films decade by decade, moving into 1970s. Films discussed include Star Wars, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Superman, Alien and Rollerball. Plus Steve Knibbs, Paul Rincon and Paul Scott share their favourite science fiction films from this decade. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2021-11-241h 34
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 59 Dr Rebecca Wragg SykesJo's special guest in episode 59 is archaeologist and writer Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes, who talks about her career, passion for her subject especially Neanderthals, her book 'Kindred' and she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the geology stores of the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story of some of the dinosaur remains there. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2021-11-171h 07
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 58 Darren LewingtonIn episode 58 Jo's special guest is Darren Lewington from Gloucestershire who has a lifelong passion for aviation, and now turns parts of planes into works of art and pieces of furniture in Staverton. Plus he takes on the Quick Six questions. Jo also finds out the story behind a replica of a Hawker Hurricane which is found at the Jet Age Museum in Staverton, which Darren has also been involved with. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-11-101h 06
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 57 Stefan GatesJo's special guest in episode 57 is presenter, writer and gastronaut Stefan Gates, who shares his passion for food, especially the science behind it. He also talks about his career, books and he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the geology stores of the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a mummified cat. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2021-11-031h 11
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 56 The MushetsIn episode 56 Jo explores the lives and legacy of two pioneers of iron and steel production - father and son, David and Robert Mushet who did many of their experiments in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire in the 19th century. Historian Dr Roger Deeks is Jo's guide and explains why the Mushets were internationally important. Jo also finds out about some items relating to the Mushet family that are now in the collection at the Dean Heritage Centre in Lower Soudley. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from P...
2021-10-2752 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 55 Dr Freya HarrisonJo's special guest in episode 55 is microbiologist Dr Freya Harrison, who is based at the University of Warwick. She talks about her career, including research into early medieval medicine that could have a real world application today. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back pharmacy historian Briony Hudson, to talk about mandrake, with images that are now part of the Wellcome Collection. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-10-201h 07
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 54 Alom ShahaIn episode 54 Jo's special guest is writer and teacher Alom Shaha, who talks about his career, passion for making science accessible to all and his books including 'Mr Shaha's Marvellous Machines'. Plus he takes on the Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story of a marble relating to a unique event, found at the Castleford Museum in West Yorkshire. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-10-131h 01
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 53 The One Year Anniversary SpecialIt's the one year anniversary special of the podcast and Jo has invited back a number of guests to her virtual birthday party. Each of them also chooses a virtual guest, living or not, as their plus one. The guests are (in order of appearance): Christopher Edge, Dr Emma Yhnell, Dr Daisy Dunn, Professor Jo Verran, Mark McCaughrean & Alexander Milas, Briony Hudson & Owen Gower, Dr Jonny Brooks-Bartlett, Professor Adam Hart, Dr Jackie Bell, James Mayhew, Isabel Thomas, Professor Barry Smith, Shar Daws, Dr Jamie Gallagher, Dr Helen Fry, Will Gater, Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer, Kerry Scorah & Richard...
2021-10-062h 35
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 52 Dr Natalie StarkeyIn episode 52 Jo's special guest is science communicator and writer Dr Natalie Starkey, who talks about her career, passion for volcanoes and space, including her latest book 'Fire and Ice', plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the archaeology stores of the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind some Roman tiles with imprints in. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2021-09-291h 15
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 51 Professor Adam Hart Myth Busting BiodiversityJo is joined in episode 51 of the podcast by Professor Adam Hart from the University of Gloucestershire, who is myth busting biodiversity and why it's so important. Jo also visits Dr Jenner's House in Berkeley to tell the story of a letter relating to the first person to receive a smallpox vaccine - James Phipps. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-09-221h 05
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 50 Sue NelsonIt's a milestone edition of the podcast - episode 50. Jo's special guest is science writer and broadcaster Sue Nelson, who is the author of 'Wally Funk's Race For Space'. She talks about her career, passion for space and friendship with Wally, plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also catches up with Dr Jackie Bell to hear how her astronaut training is going. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2021-09-151h 25
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 49 Sci-Fi Films of 1960sJo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast for episode 49. We continue the series looking at science fiction films decade by decade, moving into 1960s. Films discussed include 2001 A Space Odyssey, Planet of the Apes and The Time Machine. Plus James Mayhew, Sue Nelson, Paul Rincon and Paul Scott share their favourite science fiction films from this decade. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2021-09-081h 20
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 48 Annie HowittIn episode 48 of the podcast Jo's special guest is Annie Howitt, a PHD student at the University of Cambridge who discusses her research into cancer metabolism. Plus she talks about her passion for sharing science and answers the Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story of a book that belonged to Florence Nightingale, found at the Royal College of Nursing Library and Archive. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-09-011h 06
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 47 Dr Helen PilcherJo is joined in episode 47 of the podcast by science and comedy writer Dr Helen Pilcher, who talks about her work, in particular her recent book 'Life Changing'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits Dr Jenner's House in Berkeley to tell the story of a painting of some cows given to Edward Jenner by his mentor John Hunter. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-08-251h 18
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 46 Dr Emily Rees KörnerIn episode 46 Jo's special guest is Dr Emily Rees Körner from the University of Leeds, who talks about her research including into the history of women in engineering. Plus she takes on the Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story of an 18th century recipe book found at Pontefract Museum in West Yorkshire. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-08-181h 08
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 45 Mark ThompsonJo's special guest in episode 45 is astronomer, broadcaster and author Mark Thompson, who talks about his passion for stargazing, career highlights, his world record attempt and he answers Jo's Quick Six. Plus Jo visits the science collection at University College London to learn about the story behind a print from 1966 taken of the Earth and the Moon. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-08-111h 11
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 44 Professor Ben GarrodIn episode 44 Jo's special guest is Professor Ben Garrod who talks about his work as an evolutionary biologist, broadcaster and author, including making a TV programme with Sir David Attenborough. Plus he goes on a virtual journey in time and space in the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury and learns about an item in the natural history collection - a mole. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-08-041h 08
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 43 Ginny SmithJo's special guest in episode 43 is science writer and presenter Ginny Smith who specialises in psychology and neuroscience. She also talks about her book 'Overloaded' and answers Jo's Quick Six. Plus Jo visits the science collection at University College London to learn about some of the bones there. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-07-281h 15
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 42 Sci-Fi Films of 1950sIn episode 42 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast. We begin a new series looking at science fiction films decade by decade, beginning in the 1950s. Films discussed include Forbidden Planet, The Day The Earth Stood Still and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Plus science writer and broadcaster Sue Nelson shares her favourite science fiction films from this decade. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2021-07-211h 05
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 41 Dr Jessica Barker & FC Myth Busting RansomwareJo's special guests in episode 41 are Dr Jessica Barker and FC who are cyber security experts based in Gloucestershire. They join Jo to do some myth busting on topics like ransomware, hybrid working and discuss if your phone is really listening to you. Plus Jo visits the science collection at University College London to uncover the story of a mini computer from 1986. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-07-141h 06
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 40 Alexander Milas & Mark McCaughrean Space RocksIt's a milestone for the podcast as it's episode 40 and Jo has two special guests. She is joined by Alexander Milas and Mark McCaughrean who founded Space Rocks. They talk about their passion for celebrating arts, science, music, culture and space. Plus they answer the Quick Six. Jo also talks to actor Jason Isaacs backstage at the 2019 Space Rocks event in London. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-07-071h 18
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 39 Dr Karen AplinIn episode 39 Jo's special guest is Dr Karen Aplin, an associate professor at the University of Bristol. She talks to Jo about her research and interest in space and atmospheric science, in particular weather on other planets. Plus she talks about her love of music and answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits Dr Jenner's House in Berkeley to learn about a grape storage bottle and the story of the vines Edward Jenner grew. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-06-301h 09
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 38 Dr Helen FryJo's special guest in episode 38 is writer and historian Dr Helen Fry, who talks about her work including uncovering hidden histories of intelligence operations in World War II and books like 'The Walls Have Ears' and 'M19: Escape & Evasion'. Plus she goes on a virtual journey in time and space in the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out the story of a gavel that belonged to John Moore in the 1920s. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-06-2359 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 37 James Mayhew & Ian EagletonIn episode 37 Jo's special guests are illustrator and author James Mayhew & writer Ian Eagleton. They talk about collaborating on a picture book called 'Nen and the Lonely Fisherman'. Plus Ian goes on a virtual journey in time and space in Jo's Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back science communicator Dr Jamie Gallagher who has more stories from the Periodic Table and tells Jo about the special pin badges he's been making. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-06-161h 12
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 36 Professor Adam Hart Myth Busting InsectsJo is joined in episode 36 of the podcast by Professor Adam Hart from the University of Gloucestershire, who is myth busting scientific research, plus insects like bees and wasps. Jo also visits Dr Jenner's House in Berkeley to tell the story of a piece of research by Edward Jenner into cuckoos. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-06-091h 02
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 35 Dr Pragya AgarwalIn episode 35 Jo's special guest is behavioural and data scientist Dr Pragya Agarwal who talks about her career including her books 'Sway: Unravelling Unconscious Bias' and '(M)otherhood: On the choices of being a woman'. Plus she goes on a virtual journey in time and space in the Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back pharmacy historian Briony Hudson, to talk about a satirical cartoon depicting an apothecary shop around 1800, now part of the Wellcome Collection. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-06-021h 05
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 34 Simon WattJo's special guest in episode 34 is biologist and science presenter Simon Watt. He talks to Jo about his career including the Ugly Animal Preservation Society and his latest immersive theatre project The Mirror Trap. Plus he takes on the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum of Gloucester to find out the story of the Birdlip Mirror. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2021-05-2653 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 33 Scientists in Sci-Fi FilmsIn episode 33 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast to shine the spotlight on another theme in science fiction films. This time it's the representation of scientists in films including titles like Frankenstein and Blade Runner, as well as biopics such as Hidden Figures and Radioactive. Jo also chats to other guests on the podcast who give her their thoughts on some science fiction movies. Guests featured: Dallas Campbell, Jamie Gallagher, Alexander Milas and Mark McCaughrean. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edi...
2021-05-191h 14
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 32 Dr Daisy DunnIn episode 32 Jo is joined by writer and classicist Dr Daisy Dunn, who talks about her passion for ancient history and discusses her book 'In The Shadow of Vesuvius'. Plus she takes on the Quick Six. Jo also visits Gloucestershire Archives and learns the story behind a charter containing the seal of Elizabeth I. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2021-05-121h 13
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 31 Dr Jonny Brooks-BartlettThere's a mathematical theme in episode 31 as Jo's special guest is data scientist Jonny Brooks-Bartlett. He joins Jo to demystify algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning and much more. Plus he goes on a virtual journey in time and space in the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out the story behind a reckoning cloth that a Tudor merchant would have used for counting. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-05-051h 11
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 30 Dallas Campbell Animals in SpaceIt's episode 30 and in this milestone edition Jo's special guest is the person who was with her for episode 1 - TV presenter and writer Dallas Campbell, who talks to Jo about animals that have gone into space, including dogs, a cat and tortoises. Jo also learns about the incredible, microscopic tardigrades, with Professor Adam Hart, Dr Jamie Gallagher and Will Gater. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-04-281h 14
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 29 Dr Helen ScalesJo's special guest in episode 29 is marine biologist and writer Dr Helen Scales, who shares her passion for the deep and talks about her work including her latest book 'The Brilliant Abyss'. Plus she goes on a virtual journey in time and space in the Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back pharmacy historian Briony Hudson, to talk about another apothecary ointment jar, that's now in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-04-211h 08
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 28 Isabel ThomasIn episode 28 Jo's special guest is science writer and children's author Isabel Thomas, who has written over 180 books. She talks about her work including 'Moth: An Evolution Story' and her latest book 'Exploring the Elements'. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Glasgow based science communicator Dr Jamie Gallagher also returns with another story from the Periodic Table. This time it's strontium, which is named after a place in the UK. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-04-141h 06
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 27 Oliver SodenJo's special guest in episode 27 is writer Oliver Soden, who talks about his work, in particular his book about an 18th century cat called Jeoffry who was immortalised in a famous poem. Oliver also goes on a virtual journey in time and space in the Quick Six. Plus Jo talks to pharmacy historian Briony Hudson, about apothecary ointment jars, specifically one that's now in the Royal College of Physicians Museum. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-04-071h 05
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 26 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Clinical Trials & Rebecca Ellis Science PoemsIn episode 26 Jo is joined by Dr Emma Yhnell from Cardiff University, who is myth busting neuroscience and biomedical topics. This time it's clinical trials. Jo also talks to PHD student Rebecca Ellis, based in Swansea, who she shares another of her science poems - on autism's myths and misconceptions. Plus she talks about World Autism Awareness Week. And at the end of Women's History Month, Jo discovers the story of a suffragette thanks to her diaries found at Gloucestershire Archives. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed fr...
2021-03-311h 13
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 25 Will GaterJo's special guest in episode 25 is astronomer and science writer Will Gater, who talks about his career, passion for stargazing and the Winchcombe meteorite. He also takes Jo on a virtual tour of the Solar System and answers the Quick Six. Plus Glasgow based chemist and science communicator Dr Jamie Gallagher returns with some more stories from the Periodic Table, including mercury. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-03-241h 12
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 24 Iwan LewisJo shines the spotlight on theatre in episode 24 of the podcast. Her special guest is Iwan Lewis, the CEO & Artistic Director of the Barn Theatre in Cirencester. He talks about his career, passion for the Barn which is marking its third anniversary and explains how the team used innovative ways to connect with audiences in the last year. Plus he takes on the Quick Six. Jo also brings you some her guests from previous episodes, talking in the Quick Six about their favourite theatre shows. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. M...
2021-03-171h 15
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 23 Dr Kat ArneyEpisode 23 of the podcast marks International Women's Day and Women's History Month. Jo's special guest is science writer and broadcaster Dr Kat Arney, who talks about her career, science communication, latest book and she takes on the Quick Six. Plus Jo talks to pharmacy historian Briony Hudson, about medical pioneer and suffragette Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and shares the story of a letter she sent that's now in the Royal College of Physicians Museum. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-03-101h 06
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 22 Zeb SoanesJo's special guest in episode 22 is broadcaster and childen's author Zeb Soanes, who talks about his career highlights including the Gaspard The Fox books and the real life fox that inspired the stories. He also discusses the latest Gaspard adventure which is published on World Book Day. And he goes on a virtual journey in time and space in Jo's Quick Six. Plus at the start of Women's History Month Jo is joined by pharmacy historian Briony Hudson, who tells Jo the story behind a photograph from 1911, featuring women who were pharmacists and suffragettes.
2021-03-031h 08
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 21 Alien Contact FilmsIn episode 21 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast to shine the spotlight on another theme in science fiction films. This time it's alien contact including films like Independence Day, ET, Contact and Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. Jo also chats to some of the familiar voices and previous guests on the podcast who tell her what their favourite alien contact films are. Guests featured: Dallas Campbell, Professor Adam Hart, Dr Emma Yhnell, Dr Jamie Gallagher, Rebecca Ellis, James Mayhew and Christopher Edge. Music licensed fr...
2021-02-241h 20
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseHighlights 2: Space SpecialIn a bonus edition, hear some of the best bits from guests talking about space topics from the first 20 episodes of the podcast. Guests featured: TV presenter & writer Dallas Campbell, trainee astronaut Dr Jackie Bell, Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast, author Christopher Edge and Paul Millington from the National Space Centre. Plus some of Jo's previous guests reveal where they would like to travel to in the universe in the Quick Six feature, including Professor Adam Hart, Professor Barry Smith, Dr Emma Yhnell, Dr Jamie Gallagher, James Mayhew, Dr Jessica Barker...
2021-02-221h 03
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 20 Christopher EdgeThere's a space themed milestone episode 20 of the podcast. Jo's special guest is Gloucestershire author Christopher Edge who writes stories inspired by science and space for children. He talks about his latest book 'Space Oddity' and takes on the Quick Six. Plus Jo chats to Paul Millington from the National Space Centre in Leicester, which is marking its 20th anniversary in 2021. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-02-171h 01
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 19 Professor Adam Hart Myth Busting BatsJo is joined in episode 19 of the podcast by Professor Adam Hart from the University of Gloucestershire, who is myth busting a group of mammals often misunderstood, especially in the last year - bats. Jo also finds out the story behind a piece of furniture at Dr Jenner's House in Berkeley which helps to tell a tale of love. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-02-1047 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 18 Dr Jamie Gallagher Periodic Table & Marie CurieIn episode 18 Jo's special guest is science communicator, public engagement trainer and chemist Dr Jamie Gallagher from Glasgow. Jamie shares more stories from the Periodic Table, with a focus on the work of Marie Curie, and he takes on the Quick Six. Jo also chats to lecturer and science communicator Dr Emma Yhnell from Cardiff University, about the Cardiff Science Festival which is taking place online in February 2021. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-02-0359 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 17 Rebecca EllisJo's special guest in episode 17 is a familiar voice on the podcast - Swansea based PHD student Rebecca Ellis. She shares another science poem, explains more about her research into care pathways for autistic children in Wales, and also takes on Jo's Quick Six. Plus Jo talks to pharmacy historian Briony Hudson about an ancient remedy that was known as medicinal treacle. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-01-271h 03
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 16 Sarah FranklinIn episode 16 Jo is joined by writer Sarah Franklin, author of 'Shelter' and 'How To Belong'. Sarah talks about her childhood in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire and how the area has provided great inspiration for her work. Plus she answers the Quick Six questions as Jo takes her on a virtual journey. Jo also discusses the rich literary heritage of the Forest of Dean with Roger Deeks, co-director of the Reading The Forest project. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-01-201h 05
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 15 James MayhewJo's special guest in episode 15 is illustrator and author James Mayhew, who talks about what inspires his work, his career highlights including the Gaspard The Fox books and why he loves collaborating with orchestras. And he goes on a virtual journey in time and space in Jo's Quick Six. Plus Glasgow based chemist and science communicator Dr Jamie Gallagher returns with some more stories from the Periodic Table. This time we hear about some of the oldest and newest elements. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-01-1359 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 14 Professor Barry SmithIn the first episode of 2021 Jo is joined by Professor Barry Smith, a philosopher and sensory scientist based at the University of London. He explains how our enjoyment of food is a multi sensory experience and why Jo is a 'super taster'. Plus he takes on the Quick Six. Jo also brings you the best of her guests from the first 12 episodes, talking in the Quick Six about their favourite smells. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2021-01-061h 06
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 13 Time Travel FilmsJo's special guests in episode 13 are Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. In this edition they are shining the spotlight on science fiction films that deal with time travel. Plus Jo brings you the best of her guests from the first 12 episodes, talking in the Quick Six about what period of time they'd travel to and who they would meet there. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2020-12-301h 01
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 12 The 2020 Christmas SpecialIt's the 2020 Christmas Special of the podcast and Jo's joined by four previous guests - TV presenter & writer Dallas Campbell, cyber security expert Dr Jessica Barker, science communicator Dr Jamie Gallagher and Emeritus Professor of Microbiology Jo Verran. They discuss the science of Christmas, when decorations should go up, gifts they wished they'd received and there's a festive version of the Quick Six. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2020-12-231h 01
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 11 Shar DawsIn episode 11 Jo is joined by Shar Daws, author of the book 'Bombshells: Five Women Who Set the Fifties on Fire'. They discuss the lives and legacies of Jean Harlow, Ruth Ellis, Marilyn Monroe, Diana Dors and Jayne Mansfield. Plus Shar takes on the Quick Six. Jo also explores life in Tudor England as she learns the story behind a charter at Gloucestershire Archives containing the seal of Henry VIII. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2020-12-1659 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 10 Richard Parsons & Kerry ScorahJo finds out how art and science combine when it comes to magic in episode 10. Her special guests are Richard Parsons and Kerry Scorah, professional magicians based in Gloucestershire. They talk about their love of magic, becoming members of The Magic Circle and how they've adapted their work for the virtual world in 2020. Plus they perform some tricks and take on the Quick Six. Jo also finds out why some objects don't have specific stories at the Museum in the Park in Stroud. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and e...
2020-12-0954 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 9 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Brain ChemistryIn episode 9 Jo is joined by Dr Emma Yhnell from Cardiff University, who is myth busting neuroscience and biomedical topics. This time it's brain chemistry. Plus she answers the Quick Six questions as Jo takes her on a virtual journey. Jo also catches up with PHD student Rebecca Ellis, based in Swansea, to find out how she got on in an international science communication competition. And she shares another of her science poems - this time on the history of autism. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Pl...
2020-12-0256 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 8 Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer Sci-Fi FilmsJo's special guests in episode 8 are Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. They discuss science fiction films and TV series, reviewing some recent releases and also shining the spotlight on some classics. And they go on a virtual journey in time and space in Jo's Quick Six. Plus Glasgow based chemist and science communicator Dr Jamie Gallagher returns with some more stories from the Periodic Table. This time we hear about some metals including what connects gold to dragons. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant....
2020-11-2551 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 7 Professor Jo VerranIn episode 7 Jo's special guest is Jo Verran, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at Manchester Metropolitan University. Among the topics they discuss are viruses, bacteria and antibiotics, as well as how arts and science have combined for Jo. Plus they go on a virtual journey in the Quick Six. Jo also learns about an object at the home of Dr Edward Jenner in Berkeley, Gloucestershire which helps tell the story of the eradication of smallpox. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2020-11-1851 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 6 Dr Jessica Barker & FC Myth Busting PasswordsJo's special guests in episode 6 are Dr Jessica Barker and FC who are cyber security experts based in Gloucester. They join Jo to do some myth busting on topics like passwords, QR codes and cookies. They also take us on a virtual journey as they answer the Quick Six. Plus Jo visits Gloucestershire Archives to find out the story behind an object she wasn't allowed to see. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2020-11-1154 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseJo Durrant's Beautiful Universe Highlights 1Hear some of the best bits from the first five episodes of the podcast. Guests featured: Dallas Campbell, Dr Jackie Bell, Professor Adam Hart, Rebecca Ellis, Dr Jamie Gallagher & Faith Douglas. Plus the stories behind objects at Dr Jenner's House in Berkeley, the Jet Age Museum in Staverton, the Museum in the Park in Stroud and outside the Dean Heritage Centre in the Forest of Dean. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
2020-11-0826 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 5 Faith DouglasJo is joined in episode 5 of the podcast by Faith Douglas, author of 'The Nature Remedy' and curator of an arboretum in North Yorkshire. She talks about our relationship with nature, the changing seasons and explains what forest bathing is. And Faith answers the Quick Six questions as Jo takes her on a virtual journey. Plus Jo finds out the story behind a historic item with a scientific connection in the heart of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, with historian Roger Deeks. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed fr...
2020-11-0451 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 4 Rebecca Ellis & Dr Jamie GallagherThere are two special guests joining Jo for episode 4 of the podcast. Swansea based PHD student Rebecca Ellis shares and explains some of her science poetry, which helped her to win the UK final of FameLab. Science communicator and chemist Dr Jamie Gallagher from Glasgow tells some element tales from the Periodic Table. And Jo discovers the story behind some unusual items at the Museum in the Park in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2020-10-2845 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 3 Professor Adam Hart Myth Busting VaccinesJo is joined in episode 3 of the podcast by Professor Adam Hart from the University of Gloucestershire, who is myth busting science communication and vaccinations. Plus he answers the Quick Six questions as Jo takes him on a virtual journey. Jo also visits Dr Jenner's House in Berkeley to find out the story of an object that marks 40 years since smallpox was declared eradicated. And there's a preview of episode 4 as Jo chats to PHD student Rebecca Ellis about the science poetry that won her a science communication competition. Presented, produced & ed...
2020-10-2153 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 2 Dr Jackie BellIn episode 2 of the podcast Jo's special guest is mathematician and physicist Dr Jackie Bell, who talks about her passion for science and her hopes of becoming an astronaut. Plus she takes on the Quick Six questions as Jo takes her on a virtual journey. Jo also finds out the story behind the Gloster Meteor F.8 which is found at the Jet Age Museum in Staverton, which is next to Gloucestershire Airport where Dr Jackie Bell is learning to fly helicopters. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Pl...
2020-10-1445 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseEp 1 Dallas CampbellIn episode 1 of the podcast Jo's special guest is TV presenter and writer Dallas Campbell, who Jo talks to about arts & science, space, conspiracy theories and he answers her Quick Six questions as she takes him on a virtual journey. Jo also visits the home of Dr Edward Jenner in Berkeley, Gloucestershire to learn about the Physic Garden there. And she previews some of the guests appearing in future episodes- Dr Jackie Bell, Prof Adam Hart, Rebecca Ellis, Graham O'Dwyer & Jeff Downes, Dr Jamie Gallagher, Dr Emma Yhnell and Dr Jessica Barker & FC.
2020-10-0757 min
Jo Durrant's Beautiful UniverseJo Durrant's Beautiful Universe TrailerHear some of the guests Jo will be talking to as she explores and celebrates arts and science. Guests featured in the trailer: Professor Adam Hart, Rebecca Ellis, Graham O'Dwyer & Jeff Downes, Dr Jamie Gallagher, Dr Emma Yhnell, Owen Gower, Dr Jackie Bell & Dallas Campbell. Music licensed from Purple Planet.
2020-09-2903 min