Arctic Exploration: the fatal quest for the Northwest Passage

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Mar 28, 2025

Join Dr. Vanessa Heggie, an expert in the history of science and author of 'Higher and Colder', and comedian Stu Goldsmith as they unravel the perilous past of Arctic exploration. Discover the harrowing tales of explorers, including the infamous Sir John Franklin, who vanished with his crew in search of the elusive Northwest Passage. Fascinating anecdotes blend with discussions of indigenous knowledge and the modern implications of climate change, all interspersed with Goldsmith's comedic insights, making for an engaging dive into a frosty history filled with intrigue and tragedy.

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ANECDOTE

Cabot's 'China'

John Cabot, also known as Zuan or Giovanni, claimed to have found China in 1497.
He was actually exploring the Canadian coast, highlighting early explorers' geographical confusion.

ANECDOTE

Verrazzano's Miscalculation

In 1523, Giovanni da Verrazzano mistakenly believed he found the Northwest Passage.
He was actually in North Carolina, thousands of kilometers off course, illustrating navigational challenges.

ANECDOTE

Frobisher's Abductions

Martin Frobisher, sponsored by the Muscovy Company, made three expeditions in the 1570s.
He kidnapped indigenous people, brought them to England where they tragically died, highlighting the expeditions' dark side.

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Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Vanessa Heggie and comedian Stu Goldsmith to learn all about the perilous history of Arctic exploration.

From the 15th to 20th Centuries, Europeans searched for the Northwest Passage, a supposed seaway between the Atlantic and Pacific through the Arctic Ocean. Indigenous groups had been traversing the passage for centuries, using small skin boats and dog sleds, but from 1497, European expeditions were launched to find and claim it. Most of these ended in failure, with explorers either returning home empty-handed or not returning at all. Some even got completely lost, arriving in Hawaii or North Carolina rather than Canada!

In 1845, the most famous Arctic expedition, led by Sir John Franklin, was launched. Within a few months, his two ships, the Erebus and the Terror, with their crew of 129 souls, had vanished. It was not until 1906 that a Norwegian team, led by Roald Amundsen, finally navigated the passage. This episode explores the often fatal quest for the Northwest Passage, charting the various expeditions that tried and failed to find and traverse it, uncovering the men who lost their lives looking for it, and asking why Europeans were so keen to explore such a hostile region of the world. And we unravel the mystery of just what happened to John Franklin and his men out there on the ice.

If you’re a fan of intrepid explorers, mysterious historical disappearances and the history of scientific advancement, you’ll love our episode on Arctic Exploration.

If you want more from Dr Vanessa Heggie, check out our episode on Victorian Bodybuilding. And for more Stu Goldsmith, listen to our episodes on the History of Fandom and Ancient Medicine.

You’re Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past.

Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Matt Ryan Written by: Matt Ryan, Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: James Cook