Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe Joanna Durrant

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 answers the Quick Six.
Jo also visits Amersham Museum to chat to director Briony Hudson, and they continue to explore the physic garden and learn about the Apothecary's Rose.
 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.

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 theoretical physicist, author and broadcaster. Jo speaks to Jim at the Cheltenham Science Festival 2024 about the mysteries of time.
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.

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 some of the plants that have medicinal properties. 
 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.

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 science journalist and writer Sue Nelson, and writer and narrative designer Corey Brotherson share their favourite films inspired by the work of Michael Crichton.
 
 
Presented, produced and edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet. 

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 Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science. They discuss the future of forensics at the Cheltenham Science Festival.
 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.

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 foot walking, grounding and forest bathing. 
Jo also visits Gloucestershire Archives, to find out about the new Green Pledge Project and learns the story behind a scrap book of wildflowers. 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.