Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

In episode 296 Jo's special guest is Jo Ward, who is a crime scene co-ordinator with West Midlands Police. She talks about her career, including memorable cases, her book 'Every Contact Leaves A Trace' and being part of the TV series 'Forensics: The Real CSI'. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. 
Jo also has a highlight from the 2026 Cheltenham Science Festival, which is her chat with Ben Giles, who is a professional crime scene cleaner and has written the book 'The Specialist'.
(Content warning: Episode includes discussions of death, violent crimes, suicide, PTSD and descriptions of crime scenes and decomposition) 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.
 
Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

Jo welcomes back Jackie Kabler in episode 295. Jackie is a presenter and a best selling crime writer. She talks to Jo about her latest thriller 'Run For Your Life', which was inspired by her love of running. 
Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a new item in the collection which relates to Stroud's railway history.
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.
 
Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

In episode 294 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction. This time they look at sci-fi film remakes and ask if a remake can be better than the original? 
Films discussed include The Day The Earth Stood Still, War of the Worlds and The Omega Man/I Am Legend. Plus listeners and guests share their thoughts. 
 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.
 
Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

Jo welcomes back Prof Adam Hart in episode 293. Adam is Professor of Conservation Ecology at the University of Gloucestershire and joins Jo to myth bust a variety of subjects. This time it's the topic of ecotourism - they discuss what it is, the challenges and issues, and also the potential benefits. 
Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy. They've reached the letter V - which is for a fragrant smelling plant. 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.
 
Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

In episode 292 Jo welcomes back Lucy Jane Santos, who is a historian, presenter and consultant, researching the unexpected places where science, culture and consumerism meet. They discuss her new book 'Nobody's Perfect: The Making Of Some Like It Hot', including busting a few myths about some of the stories to come out of that film, especially those about Marilyn Monroe.
(Content warning: Includes mention of baby loss)
Jo also has a highlight from the 2026 Cheltenham Science Festival, which is her chat with Prof Amanda Daley, Professor of Behavioural Medicine at Loughborough University, about the science of a short walk.
 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.
 
Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/