
Vanessa Heggie
From Birmingham's Department of Applied Health Science. She is a science columnist in the Guardian newspaper and the author of Higher and Colder, on the history of extreme exploration.
Top 3 podcasts with Vanessa Heggie
Ranked by the Snipd community

16 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 29min
Arctic Exploration (Radio Edit)
Join Vanessa Heggie, a science columnist and author of 'Higher and Colder', alongside comedian Stu Goldsmith as they dive into the thrilling yet perilous history of Arctic exploration. They discuss the infamous search for the Northwest Passage, including the tragic Franklin expedition and its mysterious fate. Expect tales of explorers getting lost, the comical challenges of packing tinned food, and even the darker topics of survival and cannibalism. Their witty banter makes complex history relatable and engaging!

6 snips
May 5, 2023 • 55min
Victorian Bodybuilding
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Vanessa Heggie and comedian Darren Harriot to learn about the bodybuilding boom of the 19th and 20th centuries.The latter part of the 19th century saw the beginning of a fitness craze where the seeds of the modern-day gym and fitness culture were sown. But physical fitness also tapped into other parts of the psyche of British society at the time. From concerns over the fighting fitness of the British army to the racist pseudoscience of eugenics, this novel leisure activity tells us a surprising amount about the societal and intellectual currents that existed in this period.Research by Caitlín Rankin-McCabe
Written by Emma Nagouse, Caitlín Rankin-McCabe and Greg Jenner
Produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow
Project Management: Isla Matthews
Audio Producer: Steve HankeyYou’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

4 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 59min
Arctic Exploration: the fatal quest for the Northwest Passage
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.