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
Aug 22, 2025 • 59min
Kellogg Brothers: a family feud and the creation of a cereal empire
Join historian Vanessa Heggie and comedian Ed Byrne as they unravel the fascinating saga of the Kellogg brothers, John and Will. From their challenging childhood to inventing cornflakes, their story is a mix of sibling rivalry and health fads. Discover the bizarre medical treatments at the sanatorium and how their Seventh-day Adventist beliefs influenced their dietary ideologies. Delve into their contrasting legacies—one focused on philanthropy and the other on eugenics—while enjoying a mix of humor and insightful anecdotes throughout their tumultuous journey in the cereal industry.
26 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 56min
Alexandre Dumas: author of The Three Musketeers
Join historian Olivette Otele, a distinguished expert on slavery and colonial history, alongside comedian Celya AB, known for her sharp wit. They dive into the captivating life of Alexandre Dumas, the mastermind behind 'The Three Musketeers.' Discover how his mixed heritage influenced his writing and shaped his identity in 19th-century France. From his romantic escapades and dramatic political entanglements to his prolific literary output and struggles with financial instability, Dumas's life is a blend of humor, adventure, and historical intrigue.
10 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 57min
Empress Matilda: civil war in medieval England
Join historian Dr. Gabrielle Storey, an expert in medieval monarchy and sexuality, and comedian Cariad Lloyd as they dive into the whirlwind life of Empress Matilda. They discuss Matilda's fierce struggle for the throne amidst a male-dominated society and the chaos of the civil war known as The Anarchy. Hear about her dynastic challenges, the humorous quirks of her early marriages, and the broader implications of her reign on English succession. Expect laughter as they intertwine history with wit, uncovering the drama of medieval royal politics!
24 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 28min
Marco Polo (Radio Edit)
Join Professor Sharon Kinoshita, a distinguished expert on intercultural relations, as she takes us on a journey through 13th-century Venice and the fascinating life of Marco Polo. Discover how a teenage Polo ventured to the court of the Mongol emperor Qubilai Khan and the extraordinary things he encountered, like the Mongol postal service and diamond-hunting eagles. The discussion hilariously intertwines Polo’s narratives with modern-day insights into cultural exchange, showcasing his lasting impact on travel and trade.
88 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 28min
History of Coffee (Radio Edit)
In this engaging discussion, historian Jonathan Morris shares insights on coffee's intriguing past. He explains its origins in medieval Ethiopia and its evolution through coffeehouses in Europe. The conversation delves into coffee's surprising roles in American culture, particularly during the Civil War. They also tackle popular myths, like whether the Pope labeled it 'the devil’s brew' and the story of the Ethiopian goatherd. Morris highlights coffee’s dual nature as a social drink and a medicinal item, weaving humor into its complex history.
89 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 58min
American War of Independence: Fourth of July Special
Join Professor Frank Cogliano, a leading scholar in American history, and comedian Patton Oswalt as they dive into the dramatic events of the American War of Independence. They humorously explore misconceptions about the colonists' journey toward freedom, from taxation battles to the Boston Tea Party. Discover the unifying force of the Continental Congress and the quirky side of George Washington, along with the harsh realities of whose freedoms were truly embraced. Expect laughter mixed with fascinating insights into a pivotal moment in history.
Jun 27, 2025 • 47sec
Announcing Series 10
Get ready for a thrilling historical journey! The host celebrates the return of the new series, diving into fascinating topics. Explore the complexities of the American War of Independence and discover Jane Austen’s enduring influence. Plus, uncover the intriguing story of Empress Matilda’s reign. It’s a perfect mix of entertainment and enlightenment!
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!
27 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 28min
Cuneiform (Radio Edit)
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid, an Assyriologist from Oxford, and comedian Phil Wang dive into the fascinating world of cuneiform, the oldest writing system. They explore how this ancient script reveals daily life in Mesopotamia, including everything from beer sales to marital disputes. Insights into the Epic of Gilgamesh and the deciphering journey of cuneiform are shared, along with humorous anecdotes about early written correspondence. The resilience of women like Laa Tubashini is highlighted, connecting past struggles to present-day issues.
12 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 29min
Hernán Cortés and Malintzin (Radio Edit)
Join historian Amy Fuller, a Senior Lecturer in the History of the Americas, as she delves into the dramatic lives of Hernán Cortés and his translator Malintzin. They discuss how Cortés’s ambition fueled the brutal conquest of the Aztec Empire and how Malintzin, a skilled linguist, played a pivotal role in his success. The conversation reveals her complexities and explores themes of colonialism and indigenous agency. Listeners discover the intertwined fates of these historical figures and the significant yet often overlooked narratives they represent.
