The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. In each episode of You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner is joined by a comedian and an expert historian to learn and laugh about the past.
History isn’t just about dates and textbooks – it’s about extraordinary characters, amazing stories, and some very questionable fashion choices. How long did it take to build an Egyptian pyramid? What does the Bayeux Tapestry reveal about medieval life? Why did it take nearly half a millennium for Joan of Arc to become a saint? And was Catherine the Great really all that great? Whether you want to explore ancient landmarks like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu, dance through the history of Broadway and Bollywood, or find out how the Tudors rose to power, Greg and his guests promise to teach you something new that you won’t have heard in history lessons.
Previous episodes of You’re Dead To Me have covered everything from royals to revolutionaries, actors to activists and divas to dictators. Take a stroll through the history of high-heeled shoes or get the scoop on the history of ice cream. Maybe you’d like to paint like the cave artists of the Palaeolithic era, work out like a Victorian bodybuilder, or fight like a Spartan? We’ve even hosted a special, live episode with the BBC Concert Orchestra to explore the dramatic life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Whatever your historical interests, Greg and his guests make even the trickiest topics easy to follow. Join them for a history lesson that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening - with no homework required.
Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Lena Liapi and comedian Stu Goldsmith in 18th century London to examine the life of infamous criminal, Jack Sheppard. From his early years in the workhouses of Spitalfields, we follow Jack from carpentry apprentice to infamous escape artist and renowned criminal as he became one of the earliest examples of London celebrity.
Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Marlene Daut and comedian Athena Kugblenu to examine the events and aftermath of the 18th century revolution in Haiti, the first nation to abolish slavery. We look at the life of revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture, confront the atrocities committed against the people of Haiti and the literal price they were forced to pay for their freedom. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Host Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Corin Throsby and Comedian Ed Gamble to look at the role and development of vampire characters throughout 19th century Gothic literature and its continuing effect on pop culture today. Which vampire character is based on infamous bad boy Lord Byron? Who was the first vampire character to have fangs? And in case you ever need to know, just how many ways are there to kill a vampire?
Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Professor Michael Scott and comedian Shappi Khorsandi to head back to 480BCE for one of history’s most notorious naval battles - The Battle of Salamis. On a journey through the events leading up to the battle and beyond we will uncover one of the most unique methods ever used to cross a body of water, one of the most spectacular deaths ever recorded and why sometimes it pays to give water a jolly good telling off.
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Mehreen Chida-Razvi and comedian Sindhu Vee to explore The Mughal Empire and its legacy in art and architecture. We learn why an Emperor always needed to be wary of his siblings and how a zebra came to cause disbelief in court, and we hear the real story behind the wondrous Taj Mahal. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Gabby Storey and comedian Rachel Parris to take a look at the action-packed life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. She was the only woman ever to be queen of both England and France. She took to the seas on a crusade and packed her entire household with her. She bore ten children and defended a castle, yet most of her life was spent clearing up her offsprings' mess. So just why is this badass queen’s legacy eclipsed by that of her sons? A Muddy Knees Media production fo...
Greg Jenner is joined by chocolate historian Alex Hutchinson and British TV legend Richard Osman to explore the culinary and cultural history of chocolate - Britain's favourite confectionery. Just what did the Maya use to flavour their cacao? How did cacao become chocolate and find its way into our shops and hearts? And why did a family feud change the entire branding of a much loved chocolate bar? A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Greg Jenner is joined by historical expert Dr Michell Chresfield and comedian Desiree Burch to travel to 1920s Paris and meet the phenomenal Josephine Baker. Josephine Baker was a renowned performer and entertainer, a civil rights activist and even a spy during the German occupation of France. But just how did the daughter of a laundress in St Louis find herself at the centre of some of the most pivotal moments in history? A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Greg Jenner and his guests Professor Michael Scott and comedian Shaparak Khorsandi limber up for a trip to the ancient Olympics. Discover the drastic measures taken to prevent women watching the action. Hear how the gruelling challenges brought a whole new meaning to the term "leaving it all on the field" and how even death couldn’t stop you winning. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Misha Ewen and comedian Alex Edelman to take a trip back in time and across the Atlantic with the passengers of The Mayflower. They ask all the most pertinent questions. What would you pack for a journey to a new world? What’s a great name for a baby born at sea? And just why is a journey that was objectively a gigantic failure held in such high regard in American culture? A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Greg Jenner is joined by literary expert Dr Corin Throsby and comedian Lauren Pattison to explore the often turbulent life of literary icon Mary Shelley. Join us as we all question our life achievements while discussing the groundbreaking work Mary produced by the age of just 20, how far she was prepared to walk for love, and arguably the most gothic first date in history. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Greg Jenner is joined by the brilliant comedian Tim Minchin and Palaeolithic archaeologist Dr Becky Wragg Sykes as they take us way back in time to visit the mysterious world of Neanderthals. Just who were the Neanderthals? Were they the squat caveman archetypes we’ve come to know in pop culture? Did they really shout “Ug” at the moon? Or have we misunderstood them entirely? Join the team as we discover there is so much more to those handsome, hench beings that walked the Earth before us.
Why do we celebrate Christmas with cards, crackers and a tree? Join us as we travel back and explore the weird and wonderful history of the Victorian Christmas. Just who the Dickens had the idea to bring trees indoors? Can a soft-drinks firm really take credit for Father Christmas’s red suit? And why did the Victorians send each other such bizarre Christmas cards? Greg Jenner is joined in the studio by historian Dr Fern Riddell and comedian Russell Kane. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Scripted and...
You’re Dead To Me returns for a special episode on The History of General Elections. Welcome to the world of “bludgeon men”, “potwallopers”, and electorates of sheep (!). Travel back to the 18th Century, when Number 10 was number 5 (yes, really) and discover not just how voter rights have changed, but where they originated. Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Hannah Nicholson and comedian Catherine Bohart.
You might have learned about Richard the Lionheart in school (or from Disney’s Robin Hood), but how much do you know about his opponent, the legendary Saladin? Why does Saladin have such an enduring reputation as a good guy? Host Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Maria Shehata and historian Professor Jonathan Phillips. It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Emily Greenwell. A Muddy Knees Media production for BB...
Discover the truth behind the European Witch Craze. Far from the world of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, discover how one book turned the world upside down as a disgruntled patriarchy murdered thousands of innocent women. Join Greg Jenner, comedian Cariad Lloyd and historian Prof Suzannah Lipscomb. It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle Script and research by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Eszter Szabo and Evie Randall A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4...
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.
Greg Jenner digs into the history and mystery surrounding Stonehenge. Is it really the symbol of fertility and scene of sacrifice it’s portrayed to be, and what part of Stonehenge is the henge exactly? Featuring podcasting legend Richard Herring alongside archaeologist Susan Greaney from English Heritage. It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle Script by Greg Jenner Research by Emma Nagouse A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Travel back to the land of the Aztecs to discover that they’re not that dissimilar to the Tudors, but with more human sacrifices. Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Joel Dommett and historian Dr Caroline Dodds Pennock to ask just how much food can be traced back to the Aztecs? Was cannibalism really a respectful process? And at what age were Aztec children expected to contribute to the family? It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle Script by Greg Jenner Research b...
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 historian Greg Jenner to learn about Joan are comedian Catherine Bohart of The Mash Report, and Dr Helen Castor, medieval historian and author of The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth. Script: Greg Jenner Research: Em...
Never mind the famous battles, who was the real Napoleon? Where did he come from? What events conspired to turn him from a young Corsican officer to one of history’s greatest figures? How intense was his relationship with his wife Josephine? What part of his body was recreated in plaster, and how much was somebody willing to pay for it? And just how did one man manufacture his own hype way before the days of social media? Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Dan Schreiber and historian Dr Laura O’B...
Forget Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Justinian and Theodora were the power couple of the Byzantine era. From withstanding riots to protecting women’s rights, how did a woman from such humble beginnings (and who did *that* with a swan…) fall in love with one of the most powerful men of the time and secure her place in the history books? Join public historian Greg Jenner, comedian Shappi Khorsandi and historian Prof Peter Frankopan.
Who was Mansa Musa and how did he become the world’s richest man… ever? What did he do with his wealth? And why did everyone around him keep dying? Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Athena Kugblenu and historian and director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Dr Augustus Caseley-Hayford OBE. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Josh Daniels.
From Molly Houses to secret diaries, discover the real-life stories that make up the history of the LGBT community. Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Suzie Ruffell and Dr Justin Bengry, historian and creator of the world’s first masters degree in Queer History. It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Timbers are shivering as Greg Jenner digs down on the legendary pirate, Blackbeard. Why did Blackbeard blockade a small town while scratching himself in frustration? How many wives is too many wives? And what exactly did he put in his beard? Greg’s joined by historian and piracy expert Dr Rebecca Simon and comedian Stu Goldsmith, host of the Comedian’s Comedian podcast. Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted by Greg Jenner Researched by Emma Nagouse A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4...
Where did football come from? Was it really invented in China or is the truth a little closer to home? Why was knife crime such a problem for football hundreds of years ago? And what’s the real truth behind the history of the women’s game? Public historian Greg Jenner joins comedian Tom Parry and historian Professor Jean Williams to teach you the true history of the beautiful game. It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted by Greg Jenner Researched by Emma ...
We are heading down to the Underground Railroad to discover the incredible life of American hero and abolitionist Harriet Tubman. From a torturous childhood to surgery without anaesthetic, get ready to understand true bravery as we uncover the events which made Harriet Tubman a phenomenal force for change. Greg Jenner is joined by comedian, actor and writer Desiree Burch and historian Dr Michell Chresfield from the University of Birmingham. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This ep...
Greg Jenner is joined by comedian and king of the I’m a Celebrity jungle, Joel Dommett, and Warwick University classics professor Michael Scott as the trio charge headlong into the legend of the Spartans. As they debunk the myths in the movie 300, find out why even burly Spartans wouldn’t fight in just a leather nappy. Why did Spartan women have it so much better than other women in Ancient Greece? And what colour cape would Joel demand to wear if sent into battle? Script and Research: Greg Jenn...
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 ...
Greg Jenner introduces his new history podcast for people who don’t like history or who forgot to learn any at school.
