You're Dead to Me
History
About
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 gre...
Episodes
- Renaissance Medicine (Radio Edit)
This episode of "You're Dead to Me" explores Renaissance Medicine in Tudor and Stuart England. It delves into the medical practices, professionals, and the evolving landscape of healthcare during the 16th and 17th centuries, including the…
- Emperor Nero (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, Professor Mary Beard, and Patton Oswalt discuss Emperor Nero. They examine his path to the throne, his relationships, and the plots that surrounded him, as well as his public appearances and the events during his reign, includ…
- The Terracotta Army (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, Professor Julia Lovell, and Phil Wang discuss the Terracotta Army, an archaeological site discovered by farmers in China in 1974. This episode is a radio edit of the original conversation about the mausoleum's history and ongo…
- Medieval Irish Folklore (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, Dr. Gillian Kenny, and Seán Burke discuss medieval Irish folklore and Gaelic culture in this live episode recorded at the 2023 Hay Festival. The discussion covers the amalgamation of pre-Christian legends with Christianity and…
- El Cid: the life and legend of a medieval Spanish warrior
Greg Jenner, historian Professor Nora Berend, and comedian Toussaint Douglass explore the life, career, and enduring legacy of the medieval Spanish warrior Rodrigo Díaz, commonly known as El Cid. The discussion covers his history as a merc…
- Empress Dowager Cixi: from concubine to ruler of China
Greg Jenner, historian Professor Yangwen Zheng, and comedian Sophie Duker explore the life of Empress Dowager Cixi. The episode covers her rise from concubine to de facto ruler of the Qing dynasty and her role during pivotal nineteenth-cen…
- History of the Telephone: 150th anniversary special
In this 150th episode of You're Dead to Me, Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Iwan Morus and comedian Catherine Bohart to explore the history of the telephone. The discussion covers the race to patent the invention, its early social impac…
- History of Spices: commerce, colonialism and culinary innovation
Greg Jenner, historian Dr David Veevers, and comedian Paul Sinha explore the global history of the spice trade. They discuss the origins of spices in Asia, their expansion through early empires into Europe, and their role in the colonial p…
- Epic of Gilgamesh: myths and heroes in ancient Mesopotamia
Greg Jenner, Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid, and Marjolein Robertson discuss the history, themes, and rediscovery of the ancient Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh. The episode explores the poem's composition, its narrative of the king of Uruk, and mode…
- Hypatia of Alexandria: mathematician, martyr and feminist icon
Greg Jenner, Professor Edith Hall, and comedian Olga Koch discuss the life and death of the fourth-century mathematician and philosopher, Hypatia of Alexandria. The episode examines her intellectual contributions, her role in the Roman Emp…
- Geoffrey Chaucer: the medieval father of English literature
Greg Jenner, Professor Marion Turner, and comedian Mike Wozniak discuss the life and legacy of Geoffrey Chaucer. They explore his career as a medieval civil servant, his literary contributions to Middle English, and the historical events t…
- Lena Horne: racism and resilience in the Golden Age of Hollywood
Greg Jenner, Dr. Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins, and comedian Desiree Burch discuss the life and career of singer and actress Lena Horne. The episode explores her rise in Hollywood, her experiences with segregation, and her involvement in the…
- Philippe, Duc d’Orléans: in the shadow of the Sun King
Greg Jenner, Dr. Jonathan Spangler, and Tom Allen explore the life of Philippe, Duc d’Orléans, the younger brother of Louis XIV. The discussion covers his military career, his unconventional personal life, and his experience living in the…
- Renaissance Medicine: healthcare and disease in early modern England
In this episode of You’re Dead to Me, Greg Jenner, Dr. Alanna Skuse, and comedian Ria Lina explore the history of medicine, healthcare, and disease in Tudor and Stuart England. The discussion covers the theory of the four humours, the emer…
- Emperor Nero: ancient Rome’s most infamous ruler
Greg Jenner, Professor Mary Beard, and Patton Oswalt explore the life and reputation of Emperor Nero. The episode examines his reign in ancient Rome, his complex relationships, and the historical myths surrounding his character.
- Marie Antoinette (Radio Edit)
Host Greg Jenner, historian Professor Katherine Astbury, and comedian Jen Brister explore the life of Marie Antoinette, the final queen of France before the French Revolution. The episode examines the origins of myths surrounding her reign…
- Hannibal of Carthage (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, professor Josephine Quinn, and comedian Darren Harriott discuss the life and military career of the Carthaginian general Hannibal. This episode covers his conflict with Rome, his journey across the Alps, and his time as a poli…
- Alexandria (Radio Edit)
Host Greg Jenner, historian Professor Islam Issa, and comedian Athena Kugblenu explore the history of Alexandria. This episode covers its founding, contributions to science and philosophy, the Great Library, and key historical events throu…
- The Brontës
Historian Greg Jenner explores the lives of literary sisters Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë. The episode examines their creative work, personal tragedies, and the experiences that inspired their classic 19th-century novels.
- Justinian and Theodora
Historian Greg Jenner explores the lives of Byzantine rulers Justinian and Theodora, covering their rise to power, legislative reforms, and survival through the Nika Riots. The episode uses sketches, comedy, and expert insight to detail th…
- Emma of Normandy
Greg Jenner explores the life of Emma of Normandy, twice Queen of England, in this episode of You're Dead to Me. Through sketches and historical commentary, the show covers her political marriages, experiences during Viking invasions, and…
- King John and the Magna Carta
Historian Greg Jenner explores the chaotic reign of King John, examining how his failures led to the creation of the Magna Carta and its lasting impact on democracy. The episode features historical context, humour, and details about the do…
- Witch Craze
Historian Greg Jenner explores the history of the European Witch Craze, discussing the causes of the persecutions, historical figures like Matthew Hopkins, and the tests used against the accused. The episode uses comedy and sketches to exp…
- Marie Curie
Historian Greg Jenner explores the life and scientific contributions of Marie Curie, including her Nobel Prize-winning work on radiation, her war efforts, and her struggles as a pioneering female scientist. This episode features sketches,…
- Kingdom of Benin
Historian Greg Jenner explores the history of the Kingdom of Benin, covering the rise of the Obas, the legacy of Queen Idia, the creation of Benin Bronzes, and the impact of British colonization. This episode features sketches and educatio…
- Owain Glyndŵr
Historian Greg Jenner and his team explore the life and rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr, the Welsh leader who fought against the English crown. The episode examines his transformation from a lawyer to a rebel, his political ambitions, and his e…
- Indus Civilization
Host Greg Jenner and guests explore the history of the Indus Civilisation, one of the world's earliest urban societies. The episode covers their advanced city planning, plumbing systems, and the mystery of their undeciphered script through…
- Zheng Yi Sao
Historian Greg Jenner explores the life of Zheng Yi Sao, from her humble beginnings to becoming a powerful pirate leader in the South China Sea. This episode examines her administrative tactics, rise to command a massive fleet, and eventua…
- Ramesses the Great
Historian Greg Jenner explores the life and legacy of the Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II. This episode covers his building projects, military campaigns, family life, and his reputation as a ruler in a family-friendly format.
- Josephine Baker
Historian Greg Jenner explores the life of entertainer and activist Josephine Baker, covering her rise to fame in Paris, her role as a spy for the French Resistance, and her civil rights advocacy. The episode includes a quiz, sound effects…
- Aztecs
Historian Greg Jenner explores the history, culture, and eventual fall of the Aztec Empire. This episode covers daily life in Tenochtitlan, Aztec religious beliefs and rituals, and the impact of the Spanish conquest.
- Hadrian's Wall
Greg Jenner and the Dead Funny History team explore the history of Hadrian’s Wall, from its construction under Emperor Hadrian to its legacy as a World Heritage Site. The episode features sketches and historical insights into Roman rule in…
- History of Football
Host Greg Jenner and the Dead Funny History team explore the origins and evolution of football, from medieval mob matches to the creation of the Football Association. The episode also highlights the history of female pioneers like Nettie H…
- Introducing... Dead Funny History
Greg Jenner introduces a new family-friendly comedy history show called Dead Funny History. The series covers a variety of historical topics in 14-minute episodes featuring sketches, jokes, and stories.
- Jane Austen (Radio Edit)
Historian Dr. Lucy Worsley and actor Sally Phillips join host Greg Jenner to examine the life, literary works, and legacy of Jane Austen on the 250th anniversary of her birth. This radio edit explores Austen’s background, influences, and t…
- India Between Empires (Radio Edit)
Host Greg Jenner, historian Dr. Jagjeet Lally, and comedian Nish Kumar discuss the 18th century in India. They explore the dynamic transformations that occurred during this period and challenge common historical narratives regarding politi…
- Renaissance Beauty (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, historian Professor Jill Burke, and comedian Tatty Macleod explore Renaissance beauty standards and treatments in 16th-century Italy. This radio edit episode covers skincare, makeup, grooming, and the social contexts surroundi…
- Viking Women (Radio Edit)
In this episode of You're Dead to Me, Greg Jenner, historian Dr. Eleanor Barraclough, and comedian Chloe Petts examine the lives of women during the Viking Age. The discussion explores daily roles, societal status, and historical myths, in…
- Kellogg Brothers (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, historian Dr Vanessa Heggie, and comedian Ed Byrne explore the lives, business ventures, and personal rivalry of brothers John and Will Kellogg. The episode covers their invention of cornflakes, their health centre in Michigan…
- Alexandre Dumas (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, historian Professor Olivette Otele, and comedian Celya AB discuss the life and literary career of novelist Alexandre Dumas. This episode covers his upbringing, his success as a playwright and author, and his political and pers…
- Empress Matilda (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, Dr. Gabrielle Storey, and Cariad Lloyd discuss the life of Empress Matilda, including her role in the Anarchy civil war and the challenges she faced in 12th-century Europe. This episode is a radio edit of the original conversa…
- American War of Independence (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, Professor Frank Cogliano, and Patton Oswalt explore the American War of Independence. They discuss the causes of the conflict, key historical figures, the transition from British colony to independent nation, and whose freedom…
- Early Medieval Papacy (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, Professor Brett Whalen, and comedian Alison Spittle explore 9th-century Rome and the early medieval papacy. This episode examines the period's political instability and chaotic historical events, presented here as a radio edit.
- The Columbian Exchange (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, Dr. Caroline Dodds Pennock, and Desiree Burch discuss the Columbian Exchange, exploring its role as a milestone in globalization. This episode covers the movement of plants, animals, goods, and culture between continents.
- Jane Austen: the life of a Regency literary icon
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Lucy Worsley and Sally Phillips to discuss the life and literary works of Jane Austen. The episode examines how her personal experiences influenced her writing and explores her legacy as a 19th-century author.
- Marie Antoinette: last French queen before the Revolution
Greg Jenner, Professor Katherine Astbury, and comedian Jen Brister examine the life of Marie Antoinette. The episode explores her upbringing, marriage to Louis XVI, and the historical accuracy of the myths surrounding her reputation in pre…
- Hannibal of Carthage: fearsome enemy of ancient Rome
Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Josephine Quinn and comedian Darren Harriott to discuss the life and career of the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca. The episode covers his military campaigns against Rome, his crossing of the Alps, an…
- Alexandria: city of knowledge and culture
Greg Jenner, historian Professor Islam Issa, and comedian Athena Kugblenu explore the history of Alexandria. They discuss the city's role in science, philosophy, and religion, covering its founding, the famous library, and its long-term si…
- India between empires: the long 18th century
Greg Jenner, historian Dr Jagjeet Lally, and comedian Nish Kumar discuss the 18th century in India, challenging the traditional narrative of decline following the Mughal Empire. The episode examines political, economic, and social transfor…
- Renaissance Beauty: hair, makeup and skincare in the 16th century
Greg Jenner, Professor Jill Burke, and comedian Tatty Macleod explore 16th-century Renaissance beauty standards, including hairstyling, skincare, cosmetics, and body shaping. The episode examines how these routines influenced self-expressi…