Best Struthers Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 248 Dr Rebecca Struthers & Alom Shaha with 'About Time' 1:21:21

Play Pause

14d ago1:21:21

1:21:21

In episode 248 Jo welcomes back science teacher and writer Alom Shaha. This time he is also joined by Dr Rebecca Struthers, a watchmaker and historian. They talk about their book 'About Time', discussing the history and science of time. Plus Rebecca answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind …

1
Ep 250 Dr Meganne Christian Astronaut Training 1:16:43

4h ago1:16:43

1:16:43

In a milestone episode 250 Jo welcomes back Dr Meganne Christian who a reserve astronaut with the European Space Agency and Senior Exploration Manager (Commercial) at the UK Space Agency. She talks about some recent space stories and shares with Jo her experiences of having the first phase of her astronaut training, including getting her flight sui…

1
Ep 249 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting the Brain & Hot Weather 1:01:23

7d ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell, who is a Reader in neuroscience at Cardiff University and a science communicator. She returns to myth bust biomedical and brain based science, including the effect of heat on the brain, benefits of gardening and how useful daily targets in things like exercise and water are. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Che…

1
How to Write a Retirement Letter to Your Spouse 18:36

11d ago18:36

18:36

We all know about retirement letters to employers, but what about the person who’s been by your side through every late night, career win, and missed vacation? What if retirement was marked not just with HR paperwork, but with a heartfelt letter to your spouse, the real partner who carried you across the finish line? In this episode, certified reti…

1
Ep 247 Howard Burton 1:04:08

21d ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Jo's special guest in episode 247 is film maker Howard Burton, from Ideas Roadshow. He talks about his background in physics and philosophy and why he now makes films about art and art history, including works by Botticelli and Raphael. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, curator at T…

1
Private Equity in 401(k)s: The Good, Bad, and Ugly 36:37

27d ago36:37

36:37

Private equity and private credit have long been the playground of institutional investors and the ultra-wealthy, but now they may be coming to your 401(k). Is this a golden opportunity or a risky gamble for your retirement savings? In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the good, the bad, and the downright ugly …

1
Ep 246 Underrated Science Fiction Films 1:35:14

28d ago1:35:14

1:35:14

In episode 246 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction cinema. They discuss their top ten underrated science fiction films, including 'The Omega Man', 'The Day The Earth Caught Fire' and 'The World's End'. Presented, produced & edited by Jo Durrant. Music licensed from Purple Planet.…

1
Ep 245 Christopher Edge & 'Escape Room: Game Zero' 1:14:37

1M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Jo welcomes back children's author Christopher Edge, who writes novels that have science themes and ideas running through them. He talks to Jo about his recent books including 'Black Hole Cinema Club' and his latest 'Escape Room: Game Zero' where the main character ends up in a video game for real. Jo also has a highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham S…

1
The Stress Paradox: Why Good Stress Is Essential for a Healthier Retirement 33:20

1M ago33:20

33:20

Is all stress bad? Not quite. We’ve been told for years that stress is the enemy, but what if some stress is exactly what your body and mind need—especially as you age? In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explores the surprising science behind The Stress Paradox by Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist. Listen in to hear why certai…

1
Ep 244 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Misleadingly Named Animals 58:27

1M ago58:27

58:27

In episode 244 Jo welcomes back Professor Adam Hart, who is professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Adam joins Jo regularly to myth bust lots of topics and this time they talk about animals with misleading common names like glow worms, bear cats and whale sharks. Jo also has another highlight from the 2025 Cheltenha…

1
Ep 243 Gareth Russell & 'Queen James' 1:28:46

2M ago1:28:46

1:28:46

Jo welcomes back Gareth Russell in episode 243. Gareth is a historian and the author of a number of books and he discusses his latest 'Queen James'. This tells the story of the life and loves of King James I of England and James VI of Scotland - Britain's first king. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind two o…

1
Why Beneficiary Designations Can Make or Break Your Estate Plan with Estate Planning Attorney Jennifer Spalding 31:47

2M ago31:47

31:47

Are your beneficiary designations putting your estate at risk without your knowledge? In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers sits down with estate planning attorney Jennifer Spalding to identify the hidden risks of beneficiary designations. Listen in to learn the difference between per stirpes and per capita, how probate wor…

1
Ep 242 Dev Joshi & Roland Ellis 1:02:25

2M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

In episode 242 Jo's special guests are Dev Joshi and Roland Ellis who have combined design with engineering in their studio Relative Distance. They talk about their careers and how this collaboration came out of a project to create a representation of the Moon. Plus they answer the Quick Six. Jo also has another highlight from the 2025 Cheltenham S…

1
Top 10 Ways to Avoid IRMAA and Save on Medicare in Retirement 21:41

2M ago21:41

21:41

Are you paying too much for Medicare? You might be, especially if you’re overlooking the IRMAA surcharge. This little-known fee can quietly eat into your retirement savings if you're not careful. In this episode, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the top 10 strategies to help reduce or avoid this hidden tax on Medicare premi…

1
Ep 241 Rebecca Styles 1:13:11

2M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

Jo's special guest in episode 241 is Rebecca Styles, who is a contemporary landscape painter. She talks about how different places have inspired her work and her recent time as artist in residence at Thorp Perrow Arboretum in Yorkshire, which has led to a new exhibition. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Pla…

1
Run Your Retirement Like a Marathon: Lessons in Discipline and Strategy 17:31

2M ago17:31

17:31

Is retirement more like a sprint or a marathon? Turns out, it’s definitely a marathon, and the lessons from long-distance running might be exactly what your retirement plan needs. Certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers shares personal stories from his half-marathon in Duluth and relates them to practical retirement planning strategies. Liste…

1
Ep 240 Dr Chris Laoutaris (Shakespeare's Women) & Tim Peake 1:36:16

2M ago1:36:16

1:36:16

In a milestone episode 240 Jo welcomes back Dr Chris Laoutaris who is Associate Professor of Shakespeare & Early Modern Drama at the Shakespeare Institute (part of the University of Birmingham) in Stratford-upon-Avon. They look at the representation of women in four Shakespeare plays - As You Like It, Macbeth, and two plays that can be seen as prob…

1
Talking About Watches With MrWatchMaster Ft. Rebecca Struthers 23:37

2M ago23:37

23:37

In this episode I speak with Rebecca Struthers, an award-winning designer, watchmaker, and historian; Rebecca is half of the founding husband and wife team behind Struthers Watchmakers. Born and raised in Birmingham, Rebecca was just 17 when she set out on her path to becoming one of Britain’s leading watchmakers. Initially training as a jeweller a…

1
The 2+ Bucket Strategy Explained for Secure Retirement 29:16

3M ago29:16

29:16

Is the bucket strategy right for your retirement? The idea sounds simple: set aside a few “buckets” to manage your money in retirement. But is it really that easy or effective? Certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers takes a deep dive into the 2+ bucket strategy, a retirement income approach designed to balance predictability and growth. List…

1
Ep 239 Paul Anthony Jones & Summer Words 1:24:16

3M ago1:24:16

1:24:16

Jo welcomes back Paul Anthony Jones in episode 239. Paul is a linguist and author of a number of books including 'Why Is This A Question', which they delve into, discussing topics such as why do some of us talk with our hands? Paul also talks about summer words, such as the name for someone who loves the sun. Plus Jo continues her series on the A-Z…

1
Should You Put Crypto in Your Retirement Account? 19:48

3M ago19:48

19:48

Does cryptocurrency belong in your retirement account? Some say it’s the future of money. Others call it a digital tulip bubble. With all the hype, headlines, and heated opinions, it’s hard to know what’s signal and what’s noise. Certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the real risks and potential rewards of crypto in retirement. …

1
Sailing with Phoenix: Lessons on Non-Traditional Retirement Paths 21:35

3M ago21:35

21:35

What can a 29-year-old sailor with a cat teach us about retirement? More than you’d expect. When Instagram adventurer Oliver Widger, known as “Sailing with Phoenix,” quit his job, cashed out his 401(k), and set sail for Hawaii with nothing but grit and his cat, it raised eyebrows—but it also sparked some interesting ideas. Listen in as certified re…

1
The Diderot Effect and How Lifestyle Creep Begins in Retirement 22:06

3M ago22:06

22:06

What if one purchase was enough to throw off your entire retirement plan? It starts small: a new couch, a dream vacation, upgraded luggage… Before you know it, your spending snowballs, and your careful financial planning starts to unravel. It’s called the Diderot effect, and it can lead even the most disciplined retirees into retirement lifestyle c…

1
Are Barrier Notes Right for Your Retirement? 19:09

3M ago19:09

19:09

What are barrier notes? And should they have a place in your retirement portfolio? While barrier notes promise higher returns and some downside protection, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explains why these complex investments might be more trouble than they’re worth. Listen in as he breaks down how these products really work, what al…

1
Ep 238 Science Fiction Books & Films: Ray Bradbury 1:21:26

4M ago1:21:26

1:21:26

In episode 238 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast, to talk about science fiction cinema. They've reached the end of their series looking at the work of authors turned into films and TV series and in the final part focus on Ray Bradbury. Films discussed include 'Fahrenheit 451', 'Something Wicked This Way Come…

1
Are Target Date Funds Ruining Retirement? 25:18

4M ago25:18

25:18

Are TDFs (Target Date Funds) right for you? While they’re marketed as convenient, “set it and forget it” solutions, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explains why these popular investment tools may not work for everyone—especially retirees. Many retirees (notably baby boomers) equate the “target date” with a pension-like guarantee, only…

1
Ep 237 Helen Jukes 1:02:23

4M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Jo's special guest in episode 237 is Helen Jukes, who is an author and creative writing tutor. She talks about her books in particular her latest 'Mother Animal' which redefines motherhood through the lens of the natural world. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The Nature…

1
In Conversation with George Bamford founder of Bamford watch department and Marc Michel-Amadry, Managing director of Girard-Perragauxat the launch of the New Deep Diver 35:50

4M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode we are joined by George Bamford founder of Bamford watch department and Marc Michel-Amadry, Managing director of Girard-Perragaux. Sit down with us as we discover the New Deep Diver limited edition and learn about the inspiration behind the project, live from the launch event hosted by Watches of Switzerland Knightsbridge showroom.…

1
The Top 3 Social Security Mistakes Couples Must Avoid 14:32

4M ago14:32

14:32

Could a simple mistake cost you thousands in Social Security benefits? The short answer is yes. Claiming too early, misjudging work penalties, or overlooking survivorship benefits can take a serious toll on your retirement income. So how do you avoid this? Tune in as certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the top three Social Sec…

1
Ep 236 Mark Thompson Space Business 1:04:44

4M ago1:04:44

1:04:44

In episode 236 Jo welcomes back Mark Thompson, who is an author, broadcaster and astronomer. They discuss recent space stories, including the astronauts who spent longer in space than expected, what we can enjoy seeing in the summer night sky and why Mark is interested in the cross section of space and business. Jo also has a highlight from the 202…

1
The Roth IRA and SECURE Act: What Your Heirs Need to Know 20:05

4M ago20:05

20:05

Will your Roth IRA survive the SECURE Act? As the rules around wealth transfer keep shifting, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down what the SECURE Act means for your Roth IRA and, more importantly, for your heirs. Listen in as we explore why Roth IRAs are still a powerful tool, how new beneficiary rules could impact your estate…

1
Ep 235 Kate Werran 1:26:16

4M ago1:26:16

1:26:16

Jo's special guest in episode 235 is author Kate Werran, who talks about her passion for uncovering hidden histories, in particular her two books 'An American Uprising in Second World War England' and 'Black Yanks: Defending Leroy Henry in D-Day Britain'. She also answers Jo's Quick Six. Continuing on the theme of World War II and the 80th annivers…

1
Is Social Security Going Away? Planning for a Secure Retirement 32:47

4M ago32:47

32:47

Will Social Security still be around when you retire? As fears about its future continue to rise, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers cuts through the noise with a grounded, facts-first approach to solvency, accessibility, and the threat of termination. Listen in as we talk about why full termination is highly unlikely, how accessibility …

1
Ep 234 Prof Adam Hart Myth Busting Marine Life 1:11:59

4M ago1:11:59

1:11:59

In episode 234 Jo welcomes back Prof Adam Hart, who is professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Adam busts myths about marine life including bioluminescence, coral, seahorses, octopuses and dolphins. Jo also has a highlight from the 2024 Cheltenham Science Festival - her chat with Prof Mark Miodownik & Prof Andrea Se…

1
Strategy vs. Tactics: Should You Change Your Portfolio Before a Recession? 19:25

5M ago19:25

19:25

Should you be making changes to your portfolio with a recession looming? Market volatility brings a lot of anxiety, especially when retirement is just around the corner. But reacting out of fear can do more harm than good. Listen in as your certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the main difference between strategy and tactics, a…

1
Ep 233 Dr Darren Freebury-Jones Top Ten Theatre 1:31:51

5M ago1:31:51

1:31:51

Jo begins a new series where a special guest shares their Top Ten Theatre shows. To celebrate Shakespeare's birthday Jo welcomes back writer and lecturer Dr Darren Freebury-Jones, whose latest book is 'Shakespeare's Borrowed Feathers'. His top ten includes The Lion King, Hamlet and The Spanish Tragedy. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Strou…

1
Ep 232 Annabel Streets 1:25:16

5M ago1:25:16

1:25:16

In episode 232 Jo's special guest is Annabel Streets (who also writes as Annabel Abbs), who is a writer, researcher and avid walker. She talks about her latest book 'The Walking Cure' and how different landscapes we walk in affect us. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also continues her series on the A-Z of Plants with Faith Douglas, author of The…

1
The Roth 5-Year Rule Explained 27:16

5M ago27:16

27:16

Confused by the Roth 5-year rule? If so, you’re not alone. The Roth IRA can feel like a financial enigma, and the 5-year rule is often misunderstood, leading to hesitation and missed opportunities. But today, we’re breaking down the mystery. Listen in as your certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explains the different variations of the 5-y…

1
Ep 231 Science Fiction Books & Films: Jules Verne 1:22:19

5M ago1:22:19

1:22:19

Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast in episode 231, to talk about science fiction cinema. They continue their series looking at the work of authors turned into films and in the penultimate part focus on Jules Verne. Films discussed include '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea', 'Journey To The Centre Of The Earth' an…

1
Ep 230 Anna Mazzola & 'Notes On A Drowning' 1:21:42

5M ago1:21:42

1:21:42

In episode 230 Jo welcomes back Anna Mazzola who writes historical crime fiction and modern legal thrillers. She discusses her latest book 'Notes On A Drowning' which she's written under the name Anna Sharpe, which is a legal and political page turner. Anna talks about her influences and her two female protagonists. Jo also visits the Museum of the…

1
Ep 229 Shalina Patel 1:27:50

6M ago1:27:50

1:27:50

Jo concludes her celebration of Women's History Month in episode 229. Her special guest is Shalina Patel, who is a history teacher and the author of the book 'The History Lessons'. She talks about her passion for her subject, including telling hidden histories. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury, to f…

1
Ep 228 Celebrating Spring with Dee Atkins-Greig & Faith Douglas 1:15:17

6M ago1:15:17

1:15:17

Jo welcomes back Dee Atkins-Greig in episode 228. Dee is a maths & meteorology tutor and a certified coach. At the start of astronomical Spring, she talks to Jo about various weather topics, including snowflakes, clouds, and weather map symbols. Plus for Women's History Month Dee nominates one woman significant in meteorology. Jo also continues her…

1
Ep 227 Claire Carroll 58:56

6M ago58:56

58:56

In episode 227 Jo's special guest is Claire Carroll, a photographer who specialises in wildlife, children's portraits and ultra modern buildings. She talks about her passion for photography, including a recent exhibition and she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Holst Victorian House to find out the story behind a recent acquisition for the…

1
Change a Girl's Life 44:17

6M ago44:17

44:17

In this special episode we are joined by a panel of inspirational women, in support of The King’s Trust’s Change a Girl’s Life Campaign, live from our Goldsmiths Trafford centre showroom. This episode is hosted by Daniel Andrews, founder of Creating Effective Generations. Daniel is joined by, Kiki McDonough, Vicky Brys and Young Ambassador Sionibha…

1
Ep 226 Carol Ann Lloyd 1:20:41

6M ago1:20:41

1:20:41

Jo begins a celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day in episode 226. Her special guest is Carol Ann Lloyd, a historian and author who is passionate about Shakespeare and the Tudors. She discusses her latest book 'Courting The Virgin Queen' about the suitors to Elizabeth I. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the…

1
Ep 225 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Exercise 1:07:20

7M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

In episode 225 Jo welcomes back Dr Emma Yhnell to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a Reader at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma talk about a little blue dot, the 'lizard brain' and the impact exercise has on our brains. Plus, Faith Douglas, author of The Nature Remedy and curator at Thorp Perr…

1
Ep 224 Science Fiction Books & Films: Edgar Rice Burroughs 1:06:25

7M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes and Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks podcast in episode 224, to talk about science fiction cinema. They continue their series looking at the work of authors turned into films and this time focus on Edgar Rice Burroughs. Films discussed include 'The Land That Time Forgot', At The Earth's Core' and 'The People That Time …

1
Ep 223 Stefan Gates & 'Loveology' 1:07:59

7M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

In episode 223 Jo welcomes back Stefan Gates, who is a gastronaut, writer, science communicator and presenter. He talks about his new book 'Loveology: The Explicit and Extraordinary Truth About Love, Sex & Relationships', although the conversation stays on the right side of decent! Topics discussed include the science behind flirting techniques, on…