Audio

I’m a very experienced interviewer and worked at the BBC as a presenter/producer/reporter for over 20 years before going freelance in November 2023.

For many years I was the Events Reporter for BBC Radio Gloucestershire, doing live radio car reports and was the on-site reporter at the Cheltenham Literature Festival (2012-2023) & the Cheltenham Science Festival (2015-2023).

There are many career highlights such as presenting and producing the series ‘Shakespeare On Tour’ in 2016 when I explored William Shakespeare’s links to Gloucestershire, such as at Berkeley Castle. I’ve made a number of high-quality documentaries including one celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing and another telling the story of the Winchcombe Meteorite.

I’ve interviewed hundreds of guests for the radio including Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Dr Jim Al Khalili, Pam Ayres, Alan Bennett, Sir Matthew Bourne, Melanie C, Brian Cox (the actor), Jon Culshaw, Richard Curtis, Gregory Doran, Christopher Ecclestone, Trevor Eve, Patrick Gale, Prof Dame Sarah Gilbert, Nikita Gill, Commander Chris Hadfield, Dame Shelia Hancock, Sir Lenny Henry, Anthony Horowitz, Ian McEwan, Stephen McGann, Brian May, Jojo Moyes, David Nicholls, Richard Osman, Major Tim Peake (in space!), Stephen Poliakoff, Craig Revel Horwood, Prof Alice Roberts, Dr Adam Rutherford, Helen Sharman and Prof Kate Williams .

I’ve made many special series, for example on the rich literary heritage of the Forest of Dean and most recently I originated a series exploring people’s favourite places in the county: My Place in Gloucestershire.

From 2022-2023 I produced and edited many episodes of the No Tackle podcast, the only women’s rugby podcast on the BBC.

Away from the BBC I make my own independent award-winning arts and science podcast Jo Durrant’s Beautiful Universe.

I have a great track record in producing high quality audio features and programmes and I’ve always had a good reputation for making anyone feel relaxed and comfortable during our conversation.

I’m available for presenting, voiceover work, audio book narration, podcast production/editing and documentary making.

Testimonials

Jane Bailey – Author of ‘Sorry Isn’t Good Enough’ and ‘Stay’

“Jo Durrant is a remarkable interviewer. Not only has she always done her research, but she combines real passion, curiosity and empathy in her questions, making you feel totally relaxed and heard.”

Rob Wilcock – from the Winchcombe Meteorite family

“In 2021 a rare meteorite landed on my drive in Winchcombe. This event quickly became world news. A few months later, Jo made an excellent radio documentary for BBC Radio Gloucestershire. She was the first journalist to produce a retrospective covering all of the aspects of the meteorite's arrival, from how the fireball was tracked on cameras, the reaction of local residents who found it, the work of the scientists, through to the meteorite's enormous value to scientific research. Her approach was logical and thorough and she produced an informative and entertaining hour-long programme which brought the whole story to life by skilfully showing how all the events fitted together. It was at all times a pleasure to work with her.”

Jackie Kabler – TV Presenter & Crime Writer

“Jo has interviewed me several times, both on BBC radio and on her brilliant podcast, and I think she’s a true professional. She asks incisive questions and has a real knack of getting you talking about things, but she’s also great fun so it’s always a pleasure! Highly recommended.”

James Mayhew – Author, Illustrator, Concert Presenter

“I love working with Jo. She is a consummate professional, always superbly prepared and thoroughly well researched. But more than that, she has such an uncanny ability to win trust and draw unique answers to her perceptive questions. Warm, approachable, funny; serious, focussed and meticulous. She’s the best in the business.”

Alom Shaha – Science Teacher & Author

“I’ve had the pleasure of being interviewed twice by Jo for her Beautiful Universe podcast and it’s been a tremendous pleasure both times. Jo is so thoughtful with her questions and it’s really clear she cares about the subjects she talks about and the interviewees she selects.”

Dr Roger Deeks – Historian & Researcher

“I have worked with Jo for eight years on broadcasts, interviews and events where Jo has chaired discussion panels. Jo has an amazing depth of experience and professionalism that she brings to her work and an ability to make everyone involved feel comfortable and confident. Whatever the subject she has an intuitive ability to work out what is important and the key questions that need exploring. Jo will be well prepared whatever the task and always delivers.”