Jo welcomes back Gareth Russell in episode 243. Gareth is a historian and the author of a number of books and he discusses his latest 'Queen James'. This tells the story of the life and loves of King James I of England and James VI of Scotland - Britain's first king.

Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind two objects in the collection which relate to the Second World War, including one connected to the Spitfire.

Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.

Music licensed from Purple Planet.

Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

In episode 242 Jo's special guests are Dev Joshi and Roland Ellis who have combined design with engineering in their studio Relative Distance. They talk about their careers and how this collaboration came out of a project to create a representation of the Moon. Plus they answer the Quick Six.

Jo also has another highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with Dr Sarah Bearchell about her science shows for children and families, including bubbles.

Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.

Music licensed from Purple Planet.

Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

Jo's special guest in episode 241 is Rebecca Styles, who is a contemporary landscape painter. She talks about how different places have inspired her work and her recent time as artist in residence at Thorp Perrow Arboretum in Yorkshire, which has led to a new exhibition. Plus she answers the Quick Six.

Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, curator at Thorp Perrow Arboretum and author of The Nature Remedy. They focus on a plant that Jo isn't a fan of - ivy.

Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.

Music licensed from Purple Planet.

Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

In a milestone episode 240 Jo welcomes back Dr Chris Laoutaris who is Associate Professor of Shakespeare & Early Modern Drama at the Shakespeare Institute (part of the University of Birmingham) in Stratford-upon-Avon. They look at the representation of women in four Shakespeare plays - As You Like It, Macbeth, and two plays that can be seen as problematic today - The Taming Of The Shrew & The Tempest.

Jo also has the first highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham Science Festival - a chat with astronaut Major Tim Peake, who talks about his time on board the International Space Station, curiosity, his upcoming tour and a possible return to space.

Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.

Music licensed from Purple Planet.

Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

Jo welcomes back Paul Anthony Jones in episode 239. Paul is a linguist and author of a number of books including 'Why Is This A Question', which they delve into, discussing topics such as why do some of us talk with our hands? Paul also talks about summer words, such as the name for someone who loves the sun.

Plus Jo continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy. They focus on hydrangea which has hundreds of varieties.

Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.

Music licensed from Purple Planet.

Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

In episode 238 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction cinema.

They've reached the end of their series looking at the work of authors turned into films and TV series and in the final part focus on Ray Bradbury. Films discussed include 'Fahrenheit 451', 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' and 'A Sound Of Thunder'.

Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.

Music licensed from Purple Planet.

Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

Jo's special guest in episode 237 is Helen Jukes, who is an author and creative writing tutor. She talks about her books in particular her latest 'Mother Animal' which redefines motherhood through the lens of the natural world. Plus she answers the Quick Six.

Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy. They learn about different kinds of garlic.

Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.

Music licensed from Purple Planet.

Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

In episode 236 Jo welcomes back Mark Thompson, who is an author, broadcaster and astronomer. They discuss recent space stories, including the astronauts who spent longer in space than expected, what we can enjoy seeing in the summer night sky and why Mark is interested in the cross section of space and business.

Jo also has a highlight from the 2024 Cheltenham Science Festival - her chat with Prof AC Grayling, on the subject of who owns the Moon.

Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.

Music licensed from Purple Planet.

Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/