This 5-part series features conversations and activities recorded at Festival of Tomorrow 2025 venues across town, and exclusive debates and discussions with scientists and researchers.
The podcast is presented by Festival Director Dr Rod Hebden, in conversation with some of the leading scientists and artists from across the South West and beyond who help to make the Festival of Tomorrow such an inspiring event.
The Festival of Tomorrow Podcast is available here and via Spotify.
What does climate change mean for the UK, and how can we prepare?
Professor Elizabeth Kendon from Bristol University and the MET Office, and Professor Hannah Cloke from the University of Reading discuss the models and maps that are used to predict the future climate, where extreme flooding will happen, and how new technology in climate science can save lives.
In conversation with Rod Hebden, produced by Marie Lennon.
What does climate change mean for the UK, and how can we prepare?
Renowned British artist Luke Jerram discusses Gaia - the awe-inspiring art installation that depicts planet Earth.
In this conversation with Rod Hebden, Luke describes the inspiration behind this piece, the importance of failure in art and science, and the role of an artist in discussions about climate change.
William Shatner also crops up.
The musical soundtrack to Gaia was created by Dan Jones.
Presented by Rod Hebden, produced by Marie Lennon.
An audio love letter to woodlands.
What does time spent amongst trees do to us, and how can technology help us connect with them?
Featuring Dr Robin Hayward, Dr Debbie Maxwell, and an ancient woodland in suburban Swindon.
Presented by Rod Hebden, produced by Marie Lennon.
Are the arts and the sciences viewed as being incompatible? In society, and importantly, in education?
What can be done to bridge the divide?
Featuring Nema Hart from Arts Council England South West, Nyree Hale from Prime Theatre, and we drop into festival workshops by MoSAIC and NEON DANCE.
Presented by Rod Hebden, produced by Marie Lennon.
Recorded at The Festival of Tomorrow
Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser, CEO of UKRI and Ben McCarthy, Head of Nature Conservation & Restoration Ecology at National Trust join Rod Hebden to discuss building a green future.
What are UKRI and The National Trust's strategies for the future? What does nature restoration actually mean, and what is it for? And what can be done to connect people with the climate and nature crisis?
Presented by Rod Hebden and Marie Lennon. Produced by Marie Lennon.
‘It’s been incredible to see how many people are keen to get deeper into the challenging issues we cover during our year round events, as well as at the festival, so it made sense to reach out to people who can’t be here in person. Our hybrid events, and these podcasts, aim to do just that’
Festival Director Dr Rod Hebden
‘It’s a joy to be able to make a bespoke, fully Swindon based podcast for the festival, which can hopefully bring this unique event alive to even more people. Audio offers a great way to get lost in a conversation, understand different viewpoints, learn something new, or be transported to a different time and place. I’ll be popping up to record reactions and perspectives as events take place across the week, to find out how people in Swindon feel about this very special festival’
Podcast producer, and Swindon based radio producer, Marie Lennon