Jo Durrant
@joannadurrant.bsky.social
🎧🎙 Award-winning presenter: Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast (independent - arts/science) | Event host | Podcaster | Broadcaster | Love theatre, history, space
🌐 https://jodurrant.co.uk/
🌐 https://jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com/
🌐 https://jodurrant.co.uk/
🌐 https://jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com/
It’s been two years since I left my full time staff job at the BBC, after 20 years, to go freelance. It was a big leap of faith & it’s taken a lot of hard work, tenacity & determination to make a success of my new freelance career. I’m so proud of what I have achieved & glad that I did take a risk ❤️
November 9, 2025 at 12:06 PM
It’s been two years since I left my full time staff job at the BBC, after 20 years, to go freelance. It was a big leap of faith & it’s taken a lot of hard work, tenacity & determination to make a success of my new freelance career. I’m so proud of what I have achieved & glad that I did take a risk ❤️
A belated #FashionFriday wearing a red tea dress with white flowers, red cardigan & my favourite red shoes - on stage at @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social last night
November 8, 2025 at 10:04 AM
A belated #FashionFriday wearing a red tea dress with white flowers, red cardigan & my favourite red shoes - on stage at @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social last night
Remember remember the fifth of November 💥 Back in July I had the pleasure of chairing a panel exploding the myths of the Gunpowder Plot with @elegantfowl.bsky.social @misswalsingham.bsky.social Prof Stephen Alford and @enortonhistory.bsky.social at @harvingtonhall.bsky.social History Festival
November 5, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Remember remember the fifth of November 💥 Back in July I had the pleasure of chairing a panel exploding the myths of the Gunpowder Plot with @elegantfowl.bsky.social @misswalsingham.bsky.social Prof Stephen Alford and @enortonhistory.bsky.social at @harvingtonhall.bsky.social History Festival
Enjoyed a brilliant evening on Friday at @cirenhistoryfest.bsky.social on Halloween, in conversation with Charlie & Daisy May Cooper about their new series Nightwatch. It was such a fun evening and a sell out! Thanks for asking me!
Photos (1-3): @paulawhitcher.bsky.social & B&W photo: Olivia Dale
Photos (1-3): @paulawhitcher.bsky.social & B&W photo: Olivia Dale
November 2, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Enjoyed a brilliant evening on Friday at @cirenhistoryfest.bsky.social on Halloween, in conversation with Charlie & Daisy May Cooper about their new series Nightwatch. It was such a fun evening and a sell out! Thanks for asking me!
Photos (1-3): @paulawhitcher.bsky.social & B&W photo: Olivia Dale
Photos (1-3): @paulawhitcher.bsky.social & B&W photo: Olivia Dale
My November events:
🦆 Sat 1st: FW Harvey Panel inc @stewartcarswell.co.uk @jasonfod.bsky.social
🕵🏼♀️ Fri 7th: @mandy-mjrobotham.bsky.social & Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall at @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social
🍽️ Fri 14th: Rick Stein @rossiterbooks.bsky.social
🎤 Tues 25th: Talk at Ribston
jodurrant.co.uk
🦆 Sat 1st: FW Harvey Panel inc @stewartcarswell.co.uk @jasonfod.bsky.social
🕵🏼♀️ Fri 7th: @mandy-mjrobotham.bsky.social & Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall at @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social
🍽️ Fri 14th: Rick Stein @rossiterbooks.bsky.social
🎤 Tues 25th: Talk at Ribston
jodurrant.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 9:15 AM
My November events:
🦆 Sat 1st: FW Harvey Panel inc @stewartcarswell.co.uk @jasonfod.bsky.social
🕵🏼♀️ Fri 7th: @mandy-mjrobotham.bsky.social & Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall at @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social
🍽️ Fri 14th: Rick Stein @rossiterbooks.bsky.social
🎤 Tues 25th: Talk at Ribston
jodurrant.co.uk
🦆 Sat 1st: FW Harvey Panel inc @stewartcarswell.co.uk @jasonfod.bsky.social
🕵🏼♀️ Fri 7th: @mandy-mjrobotham.bsky.social & Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall at @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social
🍽️ Fri 14th: Rick Stein @rossiterbooks.bsky.social
🎤 Tues 25th: Talk at Ribston
jodurrant.co.uk
🎧 Ep 255 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out Weds:
🤩 @1642author.bsky.social talks about passion for 17th century history, Prince Rupert & Quick Six
🐾 Story of echidna at @uclgrantmuseum.bsky.social
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @1642author.bsky.social talks about passion for 17th century history, Prince Rupert & Quick Six
🐾 Story of echidna at @uclgrantmuseum.bsky.social
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:13 PM
🎧 Ep 255 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out Weds:
🤩 @1642author.bsky.social talks about passion for 17th century history, Prince Rupert & Quick Six
🐾 Story of echidna at @uclgrantmuseum.bsky.social
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @1642author.bsky.social talks about passion for 17th century history, Prince Rupert & Quick Six
🐾 Story of echidna at @uclgrantmuseum.bsky.social
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
I’m looking forward to recording the start of a brand new series for Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast with Jeff & Graham @attheflicks.bsky.social - our A-Z of science fiction cinema. What are your fav films, people, themes beginning with A?
@muttleybloke.bsky.social
@muttleybloke.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 8:28 AM
I’m looking forward to recording the start of a brand new series for Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast with Jeff & Graham @attheflicks.bsky.social - our A-Z of science fiction cinema. What are your fav films, people, themes beginning with A?
@muttleybloke.bsky.social
@muttleybloke.bsky.social
🎧 Ep 254 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out Weds:
🤩 @nikkiclark86.bsky.social on being a Tudor historian, her book The Waiting Game & Quick Six
🫘 Faith Douglas is back with A-Z of plants - the lentil
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @nikkiclark86.bsky.social on being a Tudor historian, her book The Waiting Game & Quick Six
🫘 Faith Douglas is back with A-Z of plants - the lentil
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
October 19, 2025 at 10:44 AM
🎧 Ep 254 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out Weds:
🤩 @nikkiclark86.bsky.social on being a Tudor historian, her book The Waiting Game & Quick Six
🫘 Faith Douglas is back with A-Z of plants - the lentil
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @nikkiclark86.bsky.social on being a Tudor historian, her book The Waiting Game & Quick Six
🫘 Faith Douglas is back with A-Z of plants - the lentil
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
Had a brilliant afternoon at Wells Festival of Literature in conversation with @ginarippon.bsky.social about her book ‘The Lost Girls of Autism’. Fantastic audience and a very welcoming festival. Thank you for asking me back!
October 18, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Had a brilliant afternoon at Wells Festival of Literature in conversation with @ginarippon.bsky.social about her book ‘The Lost Girls of Autism’. Fantastic audience and a very welcoming festival. Thank you for asking me back!
#FashionFriday was actually taken on my Birthday on Sunday! One of my autumn dresses, black lace and a leather jacket I’ve had since I was 17!
October 17, 2025 at 8:19 PM
#FashionFriday was actually taken on my Birthday on Sunday! One of my autumn dresses, black lace and a leather jacket I’ve had since I was 17!
It was lovely to have a chat with Dame Jacqueline Wilson at Cheltenham Literature Festival about her latest book and revisiting characters from her much loved children’s books. Hear with @jonysmith.bsky.social on his BBC Glos Breakfast Show 6-10am
@paddytracey.bsky.social
@paddytracey.bsky.social
October 14, 2025 at 6:06 PM
It was lovely to have a chat with Dame Jacqueline Wilson at Cheltenham Literature Festival about her latest book and revisiting characters from her much loved children’s books. Hear with @jonysmith.bsky.social on his BBC Glos Breakfast Show 6-10am
@paddytracey.bsky.social
@paddytracey.bsky.social
A belated #SaturdayStyle - wearing a new silver sparkly dress, shrug & shoes to celebrate my Birthday with friends 🩶🩷
October 13, 2025 at 8:37 AM
A belated #SaturdayStyle - wearing a new silver sparkly dress, shrug & shoes to celebrate my Birthday with friends 🩶🩷
A couple of weeks ago I had a lovely time at Chelsea History Festival doing 2 in conversation events: First with Dr Daniel Swift on his book The Dream Factory & then with @nicolatallis.bsky.social on her book Young Elizabeth.
October 11, 2025 at 9:42 AM
A couple of weeks ago I had a lovely time at Chelsea History Festival doing 2 in conversation events: First with Dr Daniel Swift on his book The Dream Factory & then with @nicolatallis.bsky.social on her book Young Elizabeth.
🎉 My 5 year anniversary of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast, ep 253 is out now!
🤩 @barrycsmith.bsky.social on favourite smells of my Quick Six guests!
🧪 @jamiebgall.co.uk on Periodic Table in TV shows
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @barrycsmith.bsky.social on favourite smells of my Quick Six guests!
🧪 @jamiebgall.co.uk on Periodic Table in TV shows
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:32 AM
🎉 My 5 year anniversary of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast, ep 253 is out now!
🤩 @barrycsmith.bsky.social on favourite smells of my Quick Six guests!
🧪 @jamiebgall.co.uk on Periodic Table in TV shows
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @barrycsmith.bsky.social on favourite smells of my Quick Six guests!
🧪 @jamiebgall.co.uk on Periodic Table in TV shows
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
My 5 year anniversary, ep 253 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out Weds:
🤩 @barrycsmith.bsky.social on favourite smells of my Quick Six guests!
🧪 @jamiebgall.co.uk on about Periodic Table in TV shows
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @barrycsmith.bsky.social on favourite smells of my Quick Six guests!
🧪 @jamiebgall.co.uk on about Periodic Table in TV shows
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
October 6, 2025 at 3:51 PM
My 5 year anniversary, ep 253 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out Weds:
🤩 @barrycsmith.bsky.social on favourite smells of my Quick Six guests!
🧪 @jamiebgall.co.uk on about Periodic Table in TV shows
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @barrycsmith.bsky.social on favourite smells of my Quick Six guests!
🧪 @jamiebgall.co.uk on about Periodic Table in TV shows
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
#saturdaystyle wearing a blue lace dress with white butterflies on to host an event this afternoon
October 4, 2025 at 9:50 PM
#saturdaystyle wearing a blue lace dress with white butterflies on to host an event this afternoon
🎃 My October Events:
Today - hosting an event at Little Malvern Priory
Tomorrow 2 events at Cuckfield Book Festival
To come - Wells Festival of Literature, Dorchester Literary Festival & Cirencester History Festival
jodurrant.co.uk
Today - hosting an event at Little Malvern Priory
Tomorrow 2 events at Cuckfield Book Festival
To come - Wells Festival of Literature, Dorchester Literary Festival & Cirencester History Festival
jodurrant.co.uk
October 4, 2025 at 12:57 PM
🎃 My October Events:
Today - hosting an event at Little Malvern Priory
Tomorrow 2 events at Cuckfield Book Festival
To come - Wells Festival of Literature, Dorchester Literary Festival & Cirencester History Festival
jodurrant.co.uk
Today - hosting an event at Little Malvern Priory
Tomorrow 2 events at Cuckfield Book Festival
To come - Wells Festival of Literature, Dorchester Literary Festival & Cirencester History Festival
jodurrant.co.uk
EXCITING NEWS! This year I’ve had the pleasure of presenting & editing ‘The Life & Times of Catherine Drew’ podcast for @readingtheforest.bsky.social l- it was great to go on this journey with Roger Deeks and to speak to brilliant guests about the poet.
Out now! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Out now! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
September 28, 2025 at 8:08 PM
EXCITING NEWS! This year I’ve had the pleasure of presenting & editing ‘The Life & Times of Catherine Drew’ podcast for @readingtheforest.bsky.social l- it was great to go on this journey with Roger Deeks and to speak to brilliant guests about the poet.
Out now! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Out now! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
🎧 Ep 251 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out Weds:
🤩 Dr Mike Esbester @rwldproject.bsky.social discusses railway history & accidents, #Railway200 & Quick Six
🍁 Faith Douglas A-Z plants - the Katsura tree
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 Dr Mike Esbester @rwldproject.bsky.social discusses railway history & accidents, #Railway200 & Quick Six
🍁 Faith Douglas A-Z plants - the Katsura tree
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
September 23, 2025 at 7:39 AM
🎧 Ep 251 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out Weds:
🤩 Dr Mike Esbester @rwldproject.bsky.social discusses railway history & accidents, #Railway200 & Quick Six
🍁 Faith Douglas A-Z plants - the Katsura tree
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 Dr Mike Esbester @rwldproject.bsky.social discusses railway history & accidents, #Railway200 & Quick Six
🍁 Faith Douglas A-Z plants - the Katsura tree
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
Enjoyed a lovely few days at @budlitfest.bsky.social chairing for the first time - three varied events with @helenscales.bsky.social @annesebba.bsky.social & Sue Prideaux. Thank you for inviting me & to the team for making me so welcome. Lovely to see familiar faces too. Hope I’ll get to return 🙏🏻
September 19, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Enjoyed a lovely few days at @budlitfest.bsky.social chairing for the first time - three varied events with @helenscales.bsky.social @annesebba.bsky.social & Sue Prideaux. Thank you for inviting me & to the team for making me so welcome. Lovely to see familiar faces too. Hope I’ll get to return 🙏🏻
Looking forward to interviewing @helenscales.bsky.social at the @budlitfest.bsky.social tomorrow - talking about the ocean by the sea!
September 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Looking forward to interviewing @helenscales.bsky.social at the @budlitfest.bsky.social tomorrow - talking about the ocean by the sea!
Enjoyed a brilliant night last night in conversation with @kermodemovie.bsky.social & @nelsonjenny.bsky.social at @monmouthsavoy.bsky.social for @rossiterbooks.bsky.social - all about movie music!
September 12, 2025 at 6:15 AM
Enjoyed a brilliant night last night in conversation with @kermodemovie.bsky.social & @nelsonjenny.bsky.social at @monmouthsavoy.bsky.social for @rossiterbooks.bsky.social - all about movie music!
📆 It’s going to be a busy September!
@rossiterbooks.bsky.social - @kermodemovie.bsky.social & @nelsonjenny.bsky.social
Glos Hist Fest includes @helencarr.bsky.social @fawazgerges.bsky.social
Budleigh Salterton Lit Fest includes @helenscales.bsky.social
Chelsea Hist Fest - Dr Daniel Swift
@rossiterbooks.bsky.social - @kermodemovie.bsky.social & @nelsonjenny.bsky.social
Glos Hist Fest includes @helencarr.bsky.social @fawazgerges.bsky.social
Budleigh Salterton Lit Fest includes @helenscales.bsky.social
Chelsea Hist Fest - Dr Daniel Swift
September 11, 2025 at 9:52 AM
📆 It’s going to be a busy September!
@rossiterbooks.bsky.social - @kermodemovie.bsky.social & @nelsonjenny.bsky.social
Glos Hist Fest includes @helencarr.bsky.social @fawazgerges.bsky.social
Budleigh Salterton Lit Fest includes @helenscales.bsky.social
Chelsea Hist Fest - Dr Daniel Swift
@rossiterbooks.bsky.social - @kermodemovie.bsky.social & @nelsonjenny.bsky.social
Glos Hist Fest includes @helencarr.bsky.social @fawazgerges.bsky.social
Budleigh Salterton Lit Fest includes @helenscales.bsky.social
Chelsea Hist Fest - Dr Daniel Swift
🎉🎧 It’s Ep 250 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast on Weds!
🤩 @astromeganne.bsky.social returns & talks about astronaut training
🔭 @chrislintott.bsky.social talks past & future of astronomy at Chelt Sci Fest
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @astromeganne.bsky.social returns & talks about astronaut training
🔭 @chrislintott.bsky.social talks past & future of astronomy at Chelt Sci Fest
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
September 8, 2025 at 6:02 PM
🎉🎧 It’s Ep 250 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast on Weds!
🤩 @astromeganne.bsky.social returns & talks about astronaut training
🔭 @chrislintott.bsky.social talks past & future of astronomy at Chelt Sci Fest
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @astromeganne.bsky.social returns & talks about astronaut training
🔭 @chrislintott.bsky.social talks past & future of astronomy at Chelt Sci Fest
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🎧 Ep 249 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out now:
🤩 @emmayhnell.bsky.social myth busts effects of heat on the brain & benefits of gardening
🌊 @helenscales.bsky.social chats at Chelt Sci Fest about ocean
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @emmayhnell.bsky.social myth busts effects of heat on the brain & benefits of gardening
🌊 @helenscales.bsky.social chats at Chelt Sci Fest about ocean
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
September 4, 2025 at 7:18 AM
🎧 Ep 249 of Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe podcast is out now:
🤩 @emmayhnell.bsky.social myth busts effects of heat on the brain & benefits of gardening
🌊 @helenscales.bsky.social chats at Chelt Sci Fest about ocean
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com
🤩 @emmayhnell.bsky.social myth busts effects of heat on the brain & benefits of gardening
🌊 @helenscales.bsky.social chats at Chelt Sci Fest about ocean
📲 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/j...
💻 jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com