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/Â
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Ep 240 Dr Chris Laoutaris (Shakespeare's Women) & Tim Peake
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/Â
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Ep 239 Paul Anthony Jones & Summer Words
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/Â
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Ep 238 Science Fiction Books & Films: Ray Bradbury
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'. Â Â Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet. Â Jo's website:Â https://jodurrant.co.uk/Â
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Ep 237 Helen Jukes
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/Â
Jo Durrant celebrates and explores arts and science as part of our culture.
Winner of the 2021 Sir Arthur Clarke Award: Space Achievement - Media, broadcast & written.