Greg Jenner and his guests Miles Jupp and Dr Eleanor Janega go back to the medieval Christmas for this one-off festive special. They 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 the radar completely, like masked carol singers and jellied eels. For the full-length version of this episode, please lo...
Dec 09, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Emily Bell and Mike Wozniak to find out what Christmas was like with Charles Dickens. We take a walk through the many Christmases of the renowned Victorian author. From elephants walking on ice to the family Christmas punch recipe, we take a closer look at the factors that may have influenced some of his most famous works and unpick what the phrase Dickensian has come to mean over the years. Written by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jen...
Dec 05, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner and fellow historian Lucy Worsley discuss Lucy’s Radio 4 podcast, Lady Killers, which is about Victorian murderesses. Lucy explains why she wanted to examine these historical cases and what these women's stories tell us about life and society in 19th-century Britain. The pair also discuss some of the fascinating and extraordinary murder cases which are investigated in the podcast. You can listen to Lady Killers on BBC Sounds.
Nov 11, 2022•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by Prof 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. They 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.
Oct 22, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast You may 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 Prof Jonathan Phillips. Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Emily Greenwell.
Oct 22, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 them 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. For the full-length verion of this episode, please look further back in the feed.
Oct 14, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner and his guests Prof 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. For the full-length verion of this episode, please look further back in the feed.
Oct 14, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. For the full-length verion of this episode, please look further back in the feed.
Oct 07, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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? For the full-length verion of thi...
Oct 07, 2022•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Corin Throsby and Stuart Goldsmith to look at early cultural fandom in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although many consider Beatlemania to be the start of what is now considered fan culture, Greg and his guests consider some much earlier and often hilarious examples of the birth of fandom. This episode was recorded live at the 2022 Hay Festival. You’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4. Research by Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow Written by Emma Na...
Sep 16, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Tim Wingard and Kiri Pritchard-McLean to look at what we know about animals in medieval Europe. From hunting and farming to companionship and entertainment, animals have long been a part of our culture but how did the beliefs and treatment of animals by our medieval ancestors inform our societal values today? And just how do you lick a bear into shape?! You’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4. Research by Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow Written b...
Sep 10, 2022•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Amira Bennison and Nabil Abdulrashid in medieval Morocco to meet the globetrotter Ibn Battuta. This 14th-century traveller covered a mind-boggling 73,000 miles and is the author of arguably one of the world’s most famous travel logs. You’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4. Research by Jon Mason Written by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner with Jon Mason Produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow Pro...
Sep 02, 2022•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by Dr David Rooney and Desiree Burch at the literal beginning of time to explore the history of timekeeping. Covering everything from the origins of timekeeping to time in space, we even learn how you can smell the time! Above all, we finally find out who you can blame for daylight savings and the real reason it was invented. You’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4. Research by Rosie Rich Written by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Produced by Emma Nag...
Aug 26, 2022•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined in 17th-century West Africa by Dr Daniel F. Silva and Athena Kugblenu to meet the warrior queen, Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba. One of the most formidable queens in history, Njinga lived a tumultuous life and was able to defy Portuguese colonial rule for decades. For such a successful ruler, not much is known about her. Much of what is said about her in European and Western stories paints a picture of a cold-hearted, bloodthirsty warlord. But how much of that is true? You’re...
Aug 19, 2022•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined in Ancient China by Professor Julia Lovell and special guest Phil Wang as they take a closer look at The Terracotta Army. In 1974 a family of farmers made arguably the greatest archaeological discovery of all time when they uncovered arrowheads and fragments of terracotta whilst digging a well. Join us as we examine one of the most astounding mausoleum sites in the world - one so large that much of it still remains to be explored. Research by Jon Mason Written by Emma Nagou...
Aug 12, 2022•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Host Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Gretchen Gerzina and special guest Kwame Asante in Georgian England as they meet some of the leading figures of Black History. With communities thriving in London and the port cities of England, we take a look at some of the amazing life stories of the time. From writers, musicians, sailors, heirs and heiresses, we examine how vital their work was in preserving the lived experience of Black people in Georgian England. You’re Dead To Me is a production by The At...
Aug 05, 2022•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Shushma Malik and Ahir Shah as they travel back to Ancient Rome to meet one of history’s biggest names, Julius Caesar. With a name so good his family used it multiple times, for every relative, we follow the rise to power of the man who would one day become Dictator of Rome. You’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4. Research by Bethan Davies Written and produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow Pr...
Jul 29, 2022•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Sara Barker and returning special guest Catherine Bohart to travel back to 17th-century France and meet the notorious Julie d'Aubigny. Hers is an extraordinary story that includes duels, an elaborate escape plot and multiple affairs. But with a distinct lack of reliable sources for evidence, can Greg and his guests sort fact from fiction and piece together the details of this legendary life? You’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4. Research b...
Jul 22, 2022•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Ebru Boyar and special guest Sue Perkins as they travel back 500 years to explore the Ottoman Empire. They take a look at the cultural richness and diversity of Istanbul through the ages, from law and order to what your sartorial choices said about you. Why was physical proximity to the throne vital for a son of a sultan and what surprising activity used to be enjoyed by the fearsome Ottoman Soldiers? They’ll even take you to a Grand Circumcision Festival! You’re De...
Jul 15, 2022•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined in the 18th century by historian Dr Katherine Parker and comedian James Nokise on the maiden voyage across the Pacific ocean with Captain Cook. He discovers why Tahititi is always a good idea, just how many men you can fit on a ship built for only fifteen and how the exceptional art of Polynesian navigation techniques led to the creation of the first maps of the area. Research by Claudia Treacher and Rosanna Evans Written and produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Assista...
Jul 08, 2022•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined in Ancient Greece by special guests Professor Michael Scott and comedian Alice Fraser as they examine the start of democracy with the Athenians. Aside from it obviously being a system that only benefited men, we will take a closer look at the fundamental issues that still apply today, why you’d want to avoid red ropes and broken pots, and just why the Romans disliked the very idea of it. Research by Rosie Rich Written and produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Assistant P...
Jul 01, 2022•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by special guests Dr Janina Ramirez and Lou Sanders in 11th-century Europe to take a close look at the Bayeux Tapestry. They explore the history of this famous artefact which is in fact, not a tapestry at all! Who commissioned it, and more importantly who made it and where? Is the famous image of the death of Harold II accurate or have we been missing another part of the picture? What are the often overlooked margins of the Bayeux Tapestry trying to tell us and above all, h...
Jun 24, 2022•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by special guests Kemah Bob and Dr Campbell Price as they head back to Ancient Egypt to meet the unique and powerful ruler, Hatshepsut. She reigned for over 20 years, built a temple which is still admired today, had a ‘special’ relationship with statues and was one of the first rulers to focus on divinity rather than gender norms. So why did history try to erase her? The Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
Jun 17, 2022•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greg Jenner is joined by special guests Stephen Fry and Dr Bodie Ashton as they travel back to 18th-century Prussia to meet Frederick the Great. Widely known for making Prussia a military power while modernising and liberalising culture, Frederick was a complicated character, shaped by a tragic childhood ruled by his cruel father. We uncover why he wasn’t the greatest ally to neighbouring countries, and why forks enraged his father - and answer the crucial question of whether it's King of Prussi...
Jun 10, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 
