You're Dead to Me
BBC Radio 4
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 30, 2026 • 58min
Emperor Nero: ancient Rome’s most infamous ruler
Mary Beard, celebrated classicist and author, and Patton Oswalt, Emmy- and Grammy-winning comedian, dive into Emperor Nero’s life. They probe his rise to power, theatrical obsessions, familial murders and scandals. The conversation also covers the Great Fire, plots against him, Boudica’s revolt, and the theatrical spectacle of his rule — with sharp humour throughout.
24 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 28min
Marie Antoinette (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined in the 18th century by historian Professor Katherine Astbury and comedian Jen Brister to learn about French queen Marie Antoinette.Born an Austrian princess, Marie Antoinette went on to be the last queen of France before the Revolution and the abolition of the monarchy. She is famous now for saying "let them eat cake", for her love of fashion, and her supposedly extravagant spending at a time when ordinary people in France were going hungry. But how true are any of these stories, and where did these myths about her originate?In this episode, we look at Marie Antoinette’s Austrian childhood and overbearing mother, her marriage to Louis XVI and time as queen of France, and the hatred directed at her by the revolutionaries. Along the way we take in her involvement in politics, her love of the theatre, and her possible Swedish sweetheart.This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.Hosted by: Greg Jenner
Research by: Charlotte Emily Edgeshaw
Written by: Charlotte Emily Edgeshaw, Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner
Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett
Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse
Executive Editor: Philip Sellars
20 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 28min
Hannibal of Carthage (Radio Edit)
Join Professor Josephine Quinn, a renowned expert in ancient history, and comedian Darren Harriott as they delve into the epic saga of Hannibal of Carthage. They explore Hannibal's daring overland invasion of Italy, complete with war elephants, and his genius at the Battle of Cannae that nearly toppled Rome. Quinn shares insights on Hannibal's post-war political career and exile, while Harriott adds a humorous twist to this fierce historical rivalry. It's a rich blend of history and comedy that brings ancient drama to life!
36 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 28min
Alexandria (Radio Edit)
Join Professor Islam Issa, a leading historian on Middle Eastern culture, and comedian Athena Kugblenu as they explore the fascinating history of Alexandria. They discuss how Alexander the Great founded this multicultural hub of science and philosophy, home to the monumental library and renowned scholars like Euclid. The conversation dives into its rise and fall, from Ptolemy's ambitious plans and the impact of Christianity to its eventual decline and role in Arab nationalism, all spiced with Athena's comedic insights.
18 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 14min
The Brontës
Explore the captivating lives of the Brontë sisters as they navigate tragedy and creativity. Discover their journey from a Yorkshire parsonage to literary fame, crafting novels like *Jane Eyre* and *Wuthering Heights* using gender-neutral pen names. Delve into their challenging experiences as governesses and the heartbreak of family loss. With humor and sketches, the podcast brings their remarkable story to vivid life, highlighting their enduring legacy and the impact on literature.
14 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 14min
Justinian and Theodora
Discover the incredible love story of Justinian and Theodora, the power couple of the Byzantine Empire. From their humble origins to co-rulers, their marriage defied norms and sparked major legal reforms, especially for women's rights. Laugh along with tales of their dramatic lives, including the wild Nika Riots where Theodora's powerful speech cemented their legacy. Enjoy wild sketches, a Thrash Metal battle, and how they built the stunning Hagia Sophia, all served with humor to bring the past vividly alive!
21 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 14min
Emma of Normandy
Explore the dramatic life of Emma of Normandy, who lived through Viking invasions and royal intrigue. Hear about her strategic marriages to kings Aethelred and Cnut, amid betrayals and political plots. Discover the tensions between her children and their claims to the throne, including the scandalous rumors she spread about her rivals. This journey blends humor, sketches, and fascinating stories, making history entertaining and accessible for listeners of all ages.
30 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 14min
King John and the Magna Carta
Discover the chaotic reign of King John, the monarch who was anything but beloved. Delve into his mischievous plots while his brother Richard was away on a crusade. Follow the fascinating tale of how a rebellion led by disgruntled barons resulted in the creation of Magna Carta, limiting royal power with surprising clauses about fish and widows. Learn about John's failed attempts to reject this transformative document and the legacy it left behind, all wrapped up in humor and insightful commentary.
9 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 14min
Witch Craze
Dive into the bizarre Witch Craze, where fear and superstition led to the execution of thousands in Europe! Learn about infamous texts like the Malleus Maleficarum and King James's demonology. Discover the absurdity of accusations against witches for talking to animals or simply being elderly. Meet historical figures like Agnes Waterhouse, England’s first witch execution, and Matthew Hopkins, the notorious Witchfinder General. Enjoy hilarious sketches, a parody gameshow, and a quiz to test your newfound knowledge about this dark yet comical chapter in history!
11 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 15min
Marie Curie
Explore the extraordinary life of Marie Curie, a trailblazing scientist who shattered conventions. From her secret education in Poland to her groundbreaking discoveries of radium and polonium, her journey is filled with romance and resilience. After losing her husband, she persevered, founding the Radium Institute and developing mobile X-ray units for World War One. Curie's legacy, marked by two Nobel Prizes and the term 'radioactive,' continues to impact cancer treatment today. This engaging tribute blends humor, history, and heart.
