Steve Backshall to Launch Wildlife Podcast at Cheltenham Science Festival
Renowned explorer and broadcaster Steve Backshall is set to launch his brand-new podcast, That’s Just Wild, exclusively at the Cheltenham Science Festival on Tuesday, June 3. The podcast, co-hosted by wildlife biologist Lizzie Daly and eco-journalist Sarah Roberts, promises to take listeners on an adventurous journey into the untamed and unpredictable world of nature.
According to Punchline Gloucester, the podcast debut will take place live in the Festival’s Helix venue, located in the heart of the Festival Village in Imperial Gardens. The live recording of the first episode will feature audience members, bringing the thrill of the natural world to audiences aged 12+.
A New Podcast Venture
That’s Just Wild is an adventurous new podcast that dives into the untamed and unpredictable world of nature. With behind-the-scenes stories from their wildest expeditions spanning everything from Arctic extremes and jungle treks to shark encounters, the podcast promises gripping tales, fascinating facts and superlative storytelling. As quoted in Punchline Gloucester, Steve Backshall said: "I’m thrilled to be launching our brand-new podcast at Cheltenham Science Festival – it’s the podcast I’ve always wanted to make – wild stories from the front lines of nature, told with honesty, humour and the occasional scar."
A Perfect Fit for Cheltenham Science Festival
Cheltenham Science Festival is proud to be the platform for this exclusive launch, reinforcing its commitment to making science, nature and storytelling more accessible, fun and unforgettable for audiences in Cheltenham and beyond. Marieke Navin, head of programming at Cheltenham Science Festival, was quoted in Punchline Gloucester as saying: "We’re absolutely delighted to be hosting the launch of That’s Just Wild here at the Festival. Steve Backshall, Lizzie Daly, and Sarah Roberts bring an infectious sense of adventure and storytelling that fits perfectly with our mission to spark curiosity in our audiences."
A Week of Science and Adventure
The exclusive reveal comes just one week before Cheltenham Science Festival begins, with 2025 marking a special anniversary year for its Be the Change theme and the celebration of 20 years of FameLab – the world’s longest-running science competition. Throughout the week, Festival-goers can explore everything from the natural world to the science of cheeserolling and why people undergo extreme sports to interactive adventures into the workings of everyday machines.
Other Highlights of the Festival
Steve Backshall isn’t the only one bringing the natural world to life at Cheltenham Science Festival: in How the Natural World Saved My Life, renowned wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan shares powerful stories from three decades behind the lens, capturing everything from snow wolves to polar bears in some of the planet’s most remote and challenging environments. Zoologist Jack Ashby explores how natural history museums can help us understand and protect our world in Nature’s Memory, while a series of Art in Nature events offer creative, accessible ways for audiences to engage with the environment through a different lens.
Get Your Tickets Now
Tickets for the That’s So Wild event and the rest of the programme, from June 3 to 8, are available to buy now at cheltenhamfestivals.org/science. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the thrill of the natural world with Steve Backshall and his co-hosts, and explore the many other exciting events and activities on offer at Cheltenham Science Festival.
