Greg and his guests Miles Jupp and Dr Eleanor Janega go back to the medieval Christmas for this one-off festive special. We look at the history and traditions that have thankfully continued through the ages, like gift-giving and stuffed wild boars (although numbers on stuffed wild boar we're told are down from previous years) and some that have mysteriously fallen off from the radar completely, like the masked carol singers and jellied eels. Research - Lloyd Roberts Script- Emma Nagouse and Greg...
Dec 17, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Greg Jenner, comedian Ria Lina and Prof Ronald C Po investigate one of the most successful pirates to have ever lived, Zheng Yi Sao. During the 18th century Qing dynasty, she led the most feared army of pirates the world had ever seen - all without a parrot on her shoulder. Research: Will Clayton Script: Emma Nagouse, Will Clayton and Greg Jenner Project Manager: Siefe Miyo Edit Producer: Cornelius Mendez A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
Nov 26, 2021•54 min
Greg Jenner and his guests Dr Corin Throsby and comic Cariad Lloyd discuss the life and legacy of Mary Wollstonecraft. As a successful ghostwriter, an advocate of human rights and witty book critic, we look into how Mary Wollstonecraft navigated a tumultuous 'Reign of Terror' in France, A treasure hunt, and multiple heartbreaks to be recognised as the 'Mother of Feminism' in part to her book 'The Vindication of the Rights of Woman'. Research: Chris Wakefield and Rosanna Evans Script: Emma Nagous...
Nov 19, 2021•54 min
Greg Jenner and his guests Dr Annie Gray and Richard Osman get the inside scoop on the history of this delicious dessert while packing in as many of their 'flavourite' ice cream puns as possible (final count: 15!). They savour the dubiously 'legendairy' origins of frozen cream dishes, explore some weird early flavours (whale vomit!), and discover how ice cream went from glamorous luxury to dangerous health risk. Plus Dr Annie teaches us how to make our own ice cream in the Nuance Window!" Resear...
Nov 12, 2021•52 min
Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Gretchen Gerzina and comedian Nathan Caton to delve into the extraordinary life and adventures of the 19th-century celebrity, Mary Seacole. Mary was born and raised in Jamaica and rose to fame as a businesswoman and a volunteer nurse during the Crimean War. The episode explores her childhood of practising healing techniques on her pets, the perils of Panama, her experience of cholera, how she dealt with racists, the risks of running a business in a warzone and why s...
Nov 05, 2021•53 min
Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Rosie Jones and historian Dr Jane Draycott to discuss stories of disability from over a thousand years of history, including people with disabilities excelling on the battlefield and others with very well-dressed guide dogs. Research: Kierri Price Script: Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Project manager: Siefe Miyo Edit producer: Cornelius Mendez
Oct 29, 2021•1 hr
Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Elis James and historian Dr Kathryn Hurlock to explore the life and political career of medieval Welsh rebel Owain Glyndŵr, the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, who led an uprising against English rule. It’s an extraordinary tale of war, vengeance, poetry, annoying next-door neighbours, top-notch gardens and probably a lot of damp and drizzly battlefield action (and inaction). Plus Greg squeezes in an obligatory Tottenham Hotspur reference. Research: Kierri Pric...
Oct 22, 2021•53 min
Greg Jenner, comedian Desiree Burch and Prof Shana L. Redmond from Columbia University discuss the astonishing life and legacy of Paul Robeson: the epitome of the American Renaissance man. Famous for his unparalleled bass-baritone voice and relentless struggle for civil rights, Robeson was an exceptional athlete, actor, singer, scholar and civil rights activist who the American government persecuted during the McCarthy era. Research: William Clayton Script: Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Project m...
Oct 15, 2021•53 min
Greg Jenner and his guests explore the amazing prehistoric site of Çatalhöyük as we learn about the Neolithic Revolution of the Middle East. What is so special about Çatalhöyük and why did prehistoric hunter-gatherers decide to settle down with pottery, pals and porridge? In archaeology corner this week is Dr Lindsay Der from the University of Victoria in Canada and in comedy corner is the fantastically funny Mike Wozniak. Script: Chris Wakefield, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Research: Chris Wak...
Oct 08, 2021•54 min
Greg Jenner and his guests examine the life of Sake Dean Mahomed who introduced curry, shampooing and therapeutic massage to 19th-century England. He grew up under colonial rule, but Sake Dean Mahomed ended up living in Brighton until the age of 92 and counted members of the Royal Family among his many clients. Greg's guests in this episode are Dr Arunima Datta from Idaho State University and the comedian and podcast host Eshaan Akbar. Script: Emma Nagouse, Chris Wakefield and Greg Jenner Resear...
Oct 01, 2021•53 min
There's a school of thought out there that, following the fall of the Roman Empire around Europe, there's a decline in knowledge, technologies, and economics. But is this true? Greg Jenner and his guests look at a range of discoveries spanning a thousand of years, widely known as the Medieval period. How was knowledge and scientific findings shared across a world with its countless languages and regions before the internet? Looking at essential scholars of the time like Ibn Al Hytham, the 'fathe...
Sep 24, 2021•54 min
High heels have been around since as early as the 10th century. Today we see them as a cornerstone of footwear fashion, with models strutting their stuff on the catwalk in heels of varying colours and styles. But how has this impractical, even masochistic piece of design become so gender-specific and has it always been this way? Greg Jenner discusses the history of high-heeled shoes with Dr Elizabeth Semmelhack from the Bata Shoe Museum and with returning comedian Lauren Pattison. See photos of ...
Sep 17, 2021•52 min
One of the original comedic rags to riches stories, Nell Gwyn. We're travelling back to 17th century England to delve into a celebrity of the Restoration era, one of the first actresses in comedy and a mistress to King Charles II all rolled into one! Nell Gwyn's life is as eventful and comedic as her turns on the stage, and Greg Jenner and his guests have a lot of fun unpicking this incredible life story where politics meets the stage, and there is only one (or maybe several?) winner/s Greg is j...
Sep 10, 2021•52 min
Greg Jenner and his guests lift the lid on one of Ancient Egypt's greatest rulers, Ramesses the Great. How did Ramesses acquire the nickname 'The Great'? What were the reasons for the adulation he received from his subjects? How long did he rule and how many temples were built in his honour? Greg discusses these questions and many more with his guests, the comedian and writer Sophie Duker and the historical expert Dr Campbell Price. Produced by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Sep 03, 2021•53 min
Greg Jenner and his guests uncover the gruesome truths behind some of our most-loved fairy tales that have kept children and adults enchanted for centuries. In comedy corner, we have the wickedly funny “evil queen of comedy” Sally Phillips, who we all know as a comedian, sketch-writer and for her appearances in shows like Miranda, Green Wing, Veep and many more. In history corner is the world-renowned expert on children’s literature, folklore and German literature, Prof Maria Tatar.
Aug 27, 2021•52 min
Was he really so terrible (hint: yes!), or is it all just a translation error (well, sort of)? Greg Jenner and his guests dive into the life, times, and crimes of Russia's first Tsar, the infamous Ivan the Terrible. From his bumpy youth, early successes, and multiple wives, to his oppressive policy of oprichnina and notorious reputation for cruelty, the panel discusses the good, the bad, and the very, very ugly when it comes to one of history's most feared rulers. Featuring Professor Peter Frank...
Aug 20, 2021•49 min
Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Peter Frankopan and comedian Phil Wang in the 12th century to meet one of the most feared conquerors in world history, Genghis Khan. We find out why silk shirts weren’t just a fashion choice and how kittens were apparently used as weapons as Genghis Khan established the largest land empire in history.
Jun 19, 2021•29 min
Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Sarah Parcak and comedian Maria Shehata to learn all about the magnificent Egyptian pyramids. We discover how and why pyramids were built, who constructed them, and how space archaeology can help us discover and protect hundreds of pyramids and tombs that are yet to be found.
Jun 12, 2021•29 min
Delusion or divine intervention? Learn about Joan of Arc’s super sewing skills, her badass credentials and the story of why it took nearly half a century for her to become a saint. If you think it’s tough being a woman now, find out what it was like in 1400s France. Joining Greg Jenner to learn about Joan are comedian Catherine Bohart and historian Dr Helen Castor Script: Greg Jenner Research: Emma Nagouse Producer: Dan Morelle A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4....
Jun 05, 2021•29 min
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Michael Scott and comedian Shappi Khorsandi in 480 BCE for one of history’s most notorious naval battles - The Battle of Salamis. On their journey through the events leading up to the battle and beyond, they hear about one of the most unusual methods used to cross a body of water and discover why sometimes it pays to give water a jolly good telling off.
May 29, 2021•28 min
Who was Lord Byron and why did he drive the girls (and many boys) so wild? Find out about this scandalous early celebrity who was described as, "mad, bad and dangerous to know". Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Ed Gamble and historian Dr Corin Throsby. This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse.
May 22, 2021•29 min
Greg Jenner and his guests discuss the important questions surrounding Queen Boudica including: Is she a feminist icon? How do you pronounce her name? And was she really ginger? Get ready to forget everything you thought you knew about Boudica and learn what it was really like when the Romans invaded. Featuring comedian, author and actress Sara Pascoe, known for QI, Have I Got News For You, and W1A among many other shows, and historian Dr Emma Southon, specialist in Roman history and co-host of ...
May 15, 2021•29 min
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Professor Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in the 19th century to meet self proclaimed showman P T Barnum. A man famous for his museums and shows as well as ‘curiosities’ such as General Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies, and The Fiji Mermaid. But take a deeper dive beyond Barnum’s infamous spin and you’ll find that, contrary to his pop culture image, this showman was far from the greatest. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Re...
Apr 23, 2021•52 min
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Sarah Churchwell and comedian Kemah Bob in 1920s USA to follow the implementation and after effects of Prohibition. From Bootleggers, Wet’s and Dry’s, Speakeasy’s and Rum Rows, take a look at the origins of the Prohibition Laws and how a movement designed to encourage temperance backfired on the nation entirely. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Tim Galsworthy The Athletic production for BBC Radio 4...
Apr 16, 2021•51 min
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Katrina Phillips and comedian Alex Edelman in the 19th century to meet an icon of American history, Sacagawea. Hired to lead Jefferson’s Corps of Discovery through the newly acquired Louisiana territories at just 16 years old, Sacagawea was responsible for the lives of the corps and her "man-baby" husband as well as her actual baby who she gave birth to mid-expedition. Her heroics along the course of the journey are well documented but why is there no reco...
Apr 09, 2021•50 min
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Joanne Freeman and comedian Chris Addison in the 18th century to look at the birth of a nation as America takes its first steps after achieving independence from the British. Where did party politics come from? How were Vice Presidents originally selected? Why was Washington DC chosen as the capital? Did George Washington really have a special presidential suit? And just why did Jefferson keep a mammoth cheese in the lobby? Produced by Cornelius Mendez Scr...
Apr 02, 2021•51 min
In the first of five special episodes on US history, Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Emily Bernard and Roy Wood Jr in 1920s New York as they take a look at the movers and shakers of the Harlem Renaissance. Walk through one of Harlem's infamous rent parties and meet the greatest icons and minds from music, politics and the literary world during a cultural revolution. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Harry Prance, Jess White, Tim Galsworthy A production...
Mar 26, 2021•52 min
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Olivette Otele and comedian Sophie Duker in 18th century France to meet the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Born the son of a slave and a white plantation owner, he lived a remarkable life in France, becoming a master fencer, violin virtuoso, composer, confident of Marie Antoinette and a revolutionary. He is regarded as one of the most significant composers of the 18th century and Mozart is widely regarded to have had major beef with him. So why is his story m...
Mar 19, 2021•52 min
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Janina Ramirez and comedian Kae Kurd in medieval Iceland to delve into the world of old Norse literature. It's full of elves, giants, trolls, gods, deadly mistletoe and eight-legged horse babies. Anything goes in a world created from the decapitated body of a giant where a squirrel runs communications! But what was the ultimate purpose of these stories? Who wrote them? And what do they teach us about Viking culture? Produced by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse...
Mar 12, 2021•49 min
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Tineke D’Haeseleer and comedian Evelyn Mok in medieval China to explore the Tang Dynasty. Known as the Golden Age of China, it was the time of China’s Emperor Wu, the only woman to hold power in her own right, and Emperor Xuanzong who became so bored with austerity he came up with a unique way to have fun. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Mar 05, 2021•52 min
