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.
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.
Nov 22, 2019•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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...
Oct 25, 2019•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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...
Oct 21, 2019•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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.
Oct 18, 2019•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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
Oct 11, 2019•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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...
Oct 04, 2019•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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...
Sep 27, 2019•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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...
Sep 23, 2019•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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.
Sep 20, 2019•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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.
Sep 20, 2019•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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
Sep 20, 2019•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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...
Sep 13, 2019•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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 ...
Sep 13, 2019•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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...
Sep 13, 2019•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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...
Sep 13, 2019•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast
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 ...
Sep 13, 2019•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast