Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe

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/

Jo's special guest in episode 291 is Prof Eileen G'Sell, who is a poet, culture critic and professor at Washington University. She is also the author of the book 'Lipstick', so on National Lipstick Day they talk about the history and cultural evolution of lipstick. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. 
Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind some samples of moss in the collection, which are incredibly rare. 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.
 
Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

In a milestone episode 290 Jo is joined by historian, author and podcaster working for History Hit, Matt Lewis. He talks about his passion for history, especially the Wars of the Roses and Richard III, the books he's written on these subjects, and the podcasts and documentaries he presents. Plus he answers the Quick Six.
Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House in Cheltenham to learn about Ernest Cossart, who was the brother of Gustav Holst and was a famous Hollywood actor. 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.
 
Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

Jo welcomes back professional photographer Jack Boskett in episode 289. He takes part in Jo's series where a guest chooses their Top Ten Theatre shows. His choices include Wicked, Phantom of the Opera and The Last Laugh.
Jo is also joined by Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy, as they continue their series on the A-Z of plants. For U Faith talks about a tree known better by another name. 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.
 
Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/

In episode 288 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction. In this special edition they all go to the cinema together to watch the science fiction thriller 'Disclosure Day'. Hear their initial thoughts and what they make of it a few weeks on, including themes, effects and performances.
(There will minimal spoilers but you might want to watch the film before listening.)
Jo also has a highlight from the 2026 Cheltenham Science Festival, which is her chat with science communicator and rapper Jon Chase, on the science behind films like 'Jurassic Park' and 'Jurassic World'. 
 
 
 
Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant.
Music licensed from Purple Planet.
 
Jo's website: https://jodurrant.co.uk/