Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell in episode 188 to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a senior lecturer at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma talk about dementia, memory cafes, tips for revising for exams and if you can have a photographic memory. Jo is also joined by Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a s…

In episode 187 Jo's special guest is Steve Darlow, who is a writer of books & theatre, a publisher and documentary consultant. He talks about his interest in history, including the role his grandfather had in the Second World War and he tells Jo about his theatrical productions including 'The Valentine Letters'. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo a…

Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, in episode 186, to discuss science fiction cinema. They start a new series exploring the books of sci-fi novelists that have been turned into films, beginning with Philip K. Dick. Films discussed include Blade Runner, Total Recall and Minority Report. Plus science journalist and writ…

In episode 185 Jo's special guest is photographer Jack Boskett, from Tewkesbury. He talks about his career, including how his love of railways led to royal photography. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House in Cheltenham and finds out the story behind a painting of relatives of Gustav Holst. Presented, produced & …

Jo's special guest in episode 184 is Gloucestershire based playwright Lou Beckett. She discusses her latest play 'A Rose By Any Other Name' and how it was inspired by Shakespeare. Plus she talks about the charity she co-founded called Theatre Works. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a medieval tile featuri…

In episode 183 Jo's special guest is Joe Hackett, who is the MD of IKP, a Gloucestershire based theatre company. Joe talks about his passion for theatre, making is accessible to everyone and his latest production 'You're Bard' which presents Shakespeare in a unique way. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also chats to one of the team from Wakefield…

Jo's special guest in episode 182 is author Gareth E Rees, who talks about his love of storytelling and how he's combined science with folk tales in his latest book 'Sunken Lands', which explores issues like climate change. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Grant Museum in London, which is part of UCL, and has recently reopened aft…

In episode 181 Jo's special guest is Honor Harger who is Vice President of ArtScience Museum in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands. Honor talks about her passion for the intersection of arts & science, her decade at the museum where she is Artistic and Executive Lead and exhibitions including the recent 'Mars: The Red Mirror' and the permanent 'Future W…

Jo's special guest in a milestone episode 180 is filmmaker and visual effects designer Paul Franklin. Paul talks about his career including work in the feature film industry, and in particular his involvement in the films 'Inception' and 'Interstellar', which he won Academy Awards for. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Gravity Disco…

In episode 179 Jo welcomes back Dr Kathryn Harkup, who trained as a chemist and now writes about and communicates science stories. She talks to Jo about her recent book 'The Secret Lives of Molecules', including coffee, tea, naps and how to avoid zombies! Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science communicator, public engagement tra…

Jo's special guest in episode 178 is Dee Atkins-Greig who is a maths and meteorology tutor. Dee talks about her career as a weather forecaster, first in the Royal Navy and later on television. She talks about her passion for her subject, including why clouds have certain names, and she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Grant Museum in Lond…

In episode 177 Jo welcomes back Dr Helen Fry, who is a historian and the author of a number of books that focus on intelligence and espionage, in particular during the First and Second World Wars. Helen joins Jo during Women's History Month to talk about her latest book 'Women In Intelligence', in which she has uncovered some incredible stories and…

It's the start of Women's History Month and Jo's special guest in episode 176 is Dr Suzy Lishman CBE. Suzy is a consultant histopathologist and a medical examiner and talks to Jo about her passion for this area. She also discusses her public engagement work, including her 'Living Autopsy' demonstration. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visit…

In a special bonus mini edition of the podcast, Jo visits ArtScience Museum in Singapore to see the exhibition 'Mars: The Red Mirror'. She talks to Honor Harger who is Vice President and Artistic & Executive Lead for ArtScience Museum. She is also Vice President for Attractions at Marina Bay Sands, which is where the museum is based. The exhibition…

In episode 175 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. This time they shine the spotlight on prequels, including discussions on the prequels to Alien, Planet of the Apes, X-Men and Star Wars. Plus science journalist and writer Sue Nelson, and video game and graphic novel writer and editor…

Jo welcomes back philosopher and sensory scientist Professor Barry Smith in episode 174. He is from the Centre for the Study of the Senses at the University of London and talks about his latest research, how sound plays a part in our enjoyment of food and he has some tips for super tasters like Jo. Jo also chats to one of the team from Wakefield Mu…

In episode 173 Dr Emma Yhnell returns to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a senior lecturer at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma discuss how motion capture is being used in medicine, the impact of handwriting on the brain, and the subject of love, hormones and neurotransmitters. Jo also visits …

Jo's special guest in episode 172 is writer and photographer John Gilbey. He talks about his background in environmental research, writing for the Country Diary column in the Guardian newspaper and about his own book 'Country Diary Wales'. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out the story behind…

In episode 171 Jo is joined by Dhara Patel, Space Expert at the National Space Centre in Leicester. She talks about her career and passion for space, as well as the 20th anniversary of the Beagle 2 Mars Lander and why it's so significant for the UK. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Dhara also puts an item into Jo's virtual museum, which is a scale m…

Jo's special guest in a milestone episode 170 is Dr Tracy Borman, who is an author, historian and joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces. She talks to Jo about her career, passion for history and her books including 'Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out the…

In episode 169 Jo is joined by Emma Pears, who is an author, songwriter and entrepreneur, and has written the book 'What Does It Matter?'. Emma talks to Jo about her career and explains her philosophy of how we can all live with less stress and more joy. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science comm…

Jo welcomes back science writer Paul Rincon in episode 168. Paul is commissioning editor for science and technology at The Conversation, and returns to discuss space stories that have been in the news recently. Topics include the latest on the Osiris-Rex mission that returned from asteroid Bennu, Starship, sub-Neptunes and space debris. Jo also vis…

In the first episode of 2024 (167), Jo is joined once more by Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. In this edition they review sci-fi films and TV shows from 2023, including some prequels, sequels and movies that focus on artificial intelligence. They also look ahead to what we can enjoy in the next 12…

In episode 166 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. They focus on films that have the themes of alternate realities and parallel universes, including Back To The Future 1 & 2, Source Code, Groundhog Day, Sliding Doors and Everything Everywhere All At Once. Plus science journalist Paul …

For the Christmas Special 2023 Jo welcomes back Faith Douglas, who is the author of The Nature Remedy and the curator of Thorp Perrow Arboretum. They conclude their series celebrating each season, and focus on Winter. They talk about folklore associated with the Winter Solstice, what we can be doing in the garden, how to embrace this time of year, …

In episode 164 Dr Emma Yhnell returns to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a senior lecturer at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma discuss the possibility of the use of AI in brain surgery, whether you can rewire your brain and how to reduce stress at Christmas. Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gal…

Jo welcomes back Mark Thompson in episode 163. Mark is an astronomy, science & sleep broadcaster and author. He tells Jo how a challenge over two years ago has led to a passion for communicating why sleep is so important for our health. Mark also talks about his new podcast and theatre show, tells us what we can enjoy looking at in the night sky th…

In episode 162 Jo's special guest is Lyndsey Fineran, who is the Artistic Director of the Auckland Writers Festival | Waituhi O Tāmaki. She talks about her love of books and travel, the ten plus years she worked at Cheltenham Literature Festival and why she recently moved to New Zealand for her new role. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also fin…

Jo's special guest in episode 161 is Dr Katerina Kaouri, who is Associate Professor at the School of Mathematics at Cardiff University and also Director for Impact & Engagement at the department. She talks about mathematical modelling and how it can be applied to real life challenges, like sonic booms and biology. She also shares her passion for sc…

In a milestone episode 160, Jo's special guest is Gareth Russell, who is a historian, author and broadcaster. He talks about his passion for his subject and his books including 'The Palace' which tells the story of Hampton Court Palace. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out what items would h…

Jo's special guest in episode 159 is writer Rachel Marks from Stroud, who talks about her novels, including her latest book 'One December Day'. She also discusses her narrative style and inspiration behind her work. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud, where she finds out the story of part of a dinosaur, …

In episode 158 Jo welcomes back Dr Jonny Brooks-Bartlett, who is a senior machine learning engineer at Spotify, to do some more myth busting. He discusses topics relating to data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, including generative AI, applications of AI in human biology and the Digital Services Act. Jo also visits the museum…

Jo's special guest in episode 157 is Alom Shaha, who is a science teacher, dad and writer. He returns to the podcast to talk about his latest book 'Why Don't Things Fall Up', which answers science questions like why the sky is blue and if we really are all made of stars. Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science communicator, publi…

In episode 156 Jo's special guest is Dr Simon Fryer, who is a senior lecturer in sport and exercise physiology at the University of Gloucestershire. He talks about how a love of climbing led him into this career and discusses some of his research, especially into sedentary behaviour. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits Gloucestershire Ar…

To celebrate the three year anniversary of the podcast, Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. In episode 155 another special guest shares their Top Ten science fiction films. The next person to do this is Corey Brotherson, a writer, editor and creative consultant who works across a vari…

In episode 154 Jo welcomes back Paul Rincon, who is science commissioning editor for The Conversation. Paul returns to discuss space stories that have been in the news recently. Topics include India's landing on the Moon, space tourism and the Osiris-Rex mission returning from asteroid Bennu. Jo also visits Gloucestershire Archives to uncover an av…

Jo welcomes back Faith Douglas who is the curator of Thorp Perrow Arboretum and the author of The Nature Remedy. They continue their series celebrating each season, and focus on Autumn. They talk about folklore associated with this time of year, what to harvest and plant, why leaves change colour and how to embrace change in our own lives. Plus Jo …

In episode 152 Jo's special guest is author Jane Bailey who returns to the podcast to talk about her latest novel 'Stay'. Jane reveals why she chose the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic lockdown as the backdrop to the thriller. In it a young woman accepts a lift from strangers and ends up at their Gloucestershire home, but will they let her leave? Plus Jane …

Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. Episode 151 sees the return of the occasional series where a special guest shares their Top Ten science fiction films. The next person to do this is Paul Scott, former manager of the Cheltenham Playhouse, and some of his favourites include a Star Wa…

Jo celebrates a milestone 150th episode of the podcast. Her special guest is imaging specialist Andy Saunders, author of 'Apollo Remastered'. He tells Jo about his passion for photography and space, and how he painstakingly digitally remastered thousands of images from scans of original NASA films from the Apollo era. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six…

In episode 149 Jo's special guest is freelance writer and editor Liz Bell, who is also the founder of the ZIG/ZAG Project. She talks about her background in science communication, wildlife TV production and love of insects, as well as her passion for poetry, moving to the Forest of Dean and how she's explored her own neurodivergence. Plus she answe…

Jo's special guest in episode 148 is author Lauren Beukes. She talks about her books including The Shining Girls, which is now a TV series, and the award-winning Zoo City. She also discusses her new book Bridge, which delves into multiverses. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science communicator, p…

Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell in episode 147, to do some more myth busting on neuroscience. Emma is a senior lecturer at Cardiff University and a science communicator. In this edition topics discussed include brain fog, naps and an Alzheimer's Disease drug trial. Jo also finds out the story behind a walking cane belonging to a physician from the …

Jo's special guest in episode 146 is Dr Shane Horgan, who is a criminology lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University & Programme Leader for the Policing & Criminology degree. He talks about his career and research into cyber security and more recently into hacking. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back pharmacy historian Briony Hudson…

In episode 145 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks. In a departure from science fiction cinema, they discuss two space documentary films. The first is 'Apollo 11' (2019), which uses archival footage of the first Moon landing in 1969. The second is 'The Farthest' (2017), which tells the story of the Voyager mission tha…

Jo's special guest in episode 144 is Rebecca Fogg, author of the book 'Beautiful Trauma: A Journey of Discovery in Science and Healing'. Rebecca shares with Jo the story of a serious hand injury that she sustained, and the science behind her recovery. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also finds out the story behind a pipe and inhaler at the Roya…

In episode 143 Jo welcomes back Professor Adam Hart, from the University of Gloucestershire, to do some myth busting. This time they are exploring the subject of predators, in particular those that view humans as prey. They talk about Adam's new book 'The Deadly Balance' and explore the issues and possible solutions for both humans and animals who …

In episode 142 Jo welcomes back crime writer and TV presenter Jackie Kabler. She talks about her latest book 'The Vanishing Of Class 3B', as well as how she plans her books and comes up with character names. There's also a mystery element to explore with science communicator and public engagement trainer Dr Jamie Gallagher. Presented, produced & ed…

Jo's special guest in episode 141 is Dr Stewart Carswell who is a poet with a PhD in physics. He talks about quantum computing, how the Forest of Dean has influenced his poetry, especially the collection 'Earthworks', and he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to learn about John Moore's love of woodlands and …

Jo marks the Summer Solstice with Faith Douglas who is the curator of Thorp Perrow Arboretum and the author of The Nature Remedy. They talk about the ways the event is celebrated, what plants we can grow in the garden at this time of year and how to make the most of the extra daylight. Plus Jo visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the…