May 12, 2026
Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell in episode 281 to myth bust biomedical and brain based science. Emma is a reader in neuroscience at Cardiff University and talks to Jo about a range of topics including the neurotransmitter dopamine, sleep, dreams and dehydration.
Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham...
May 5, 2026
In a milestone episode 280 Jo welcomes Dr Darren Freebury-Jones, a Shakespeare scholar, public speaker and author of 'Shakespeare's Borrowed Feathers'. They begin a new series on the history of theatre, and start during the time of Shakespeare, looking at playhouses, costumes, audiences and plays.
Jo also continues her...
Apr 28, 2026
Jo's special guest in episode 279 is historical novelist Essie Fox. She talks about her career, passion for gothic literature and her recent books 'Dangerous', about Lord Byron and 'Catherine', which is a retelling of 'Wuthering Heights'. Plus she answers the Quick Six.
Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House in...
Apr 21, 2026
In episode 278 Jo is joined by Prof Susan Amussen, who is professor of history at the University of California Merced. They celebrate William Shakespeare's birthday by talking about Susan's book: 'What's In A Name: How Historians Know Shakespeare Was Shakespeare'. Plus she answers the Quick Six.
Jo also has a highlight...
Apr 14, 2026
Jo's special guests in episode 277 are Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from the At The Flicks podcast, who return to talk about science fiction. They continue their series on the A-Z of science fiction cinema, with the letter C.
Jeff suggests a number of contenders for the Hall of Fame and Jo and Graham must decide...