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
11 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 15min
Ramesses the Great
Join Ramesses the Great, performed in a humorous retelling by talented voice actors, as he walks us through the extravagant life of one of Ancient Egypt's most flamboyant pharaohs. Discover how he became king at just 24 and spun the narrative around the Battle of Kadesh to enhance his legendary status. From building a capital city complete with a zoo to racing in his Sed Festival at age 89, the episode is packed with quirky anecdotes, his many wives, and a hilariously sacred Apis Bull. Expect laughs and fun facts along the way!
8 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 14min
Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker transformed from a tough childhood in St. Louis to an iconic star in Paris, dazzling with her unique dance style. Known for her banana skirt, she boldly challenged racism through performance. But she wasn't just a performer; during World War II, she became a spy for the French Resistance, using her fame for a greater cause. After the war, she adopted twelve children from diverse backgrounds to promote unity. Baker's life was a blend of showbiz glitz, activism, and groundbreaking achievements, leaving a legacy celebrated to this day.
5 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 13min
Aztecs
Join a lively exploration of the Aztec Empire, where gods, chocolate, and human sacrifice intertwine. Discover Tenochtitlan, a grand city filled with bustling markets and pyramids, which was four times the size of Tudor London. Learn about the dramatic rituals that included offering hearts to the gods and the use of chocolate as currency. Dive into the amusing customs of Aztec weddings, complete with piggyback rides and cocoa toasts. The episode blends humor with fascinating insights into this extraordinary civilization.
16 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 13min
Hadrian's Wall
Discover the fascinating world of Hadrian's Wall, built by the ambitious Roman Emperor. Explore the struggles of Roman invasions in chilly Britain, including Julius Caesar's failed attempts. Unearth Hadrian's relationship with Antinous and how it influenced his reign. Journey through the wall's impressive design and its role as both a defense and tax point. Dive into life along the wall, complete with bustling forts and taverns. With humor and engaging storytelling, history comes alive in unexpected ways!
24 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 14min
History of Football
Explore the chaotic origins of football, from medieval town scrambles to royal bans. Discover the pioneering women like Nettie Honeyball and Lily Parr, who broke barriers long before the sport was widely accepted. Laugh along as tales of gruesome incidents and absurd tactics highlight the game's wild history. Learn how public school rules shaped modern football and hear about the significant impact of World Wars, all while enjoying humorous sketches and sound effects sprinkled throughout the journey.
Dec 13, 2025 • 1min
Introducing... Dead Funny History
Get ready for a hilarious dive into history! From the antics of Ramesses the Great to the quirky evolution of football, this show promises a wild ride through time. Expect a delightful mix of pirates, spies, and even bouncing cats, all packed into bite-sized segments. Humorous jabs at football rules add to the fun, ensuring that everyone, young and old, stays entertained. With sketches and absurd tales, history has never been this funny!
19 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 28min
Jane Austen (Radio Edit)
Dr. Lucy Worsley, a historian and expert on Jane Austen, teams up with comedian Sally Phillips to explore the life of this literary icon. They delve into Austen's family background, her juvenile writings, and the societal factors shaping her characters. The duo discusses the feminist undertones in her work, publishing struggles, and her relationships, including a brief engagement. They also examine how Austen’s novels critique social issues, ensuring her legacy endures in both literature and adaptations.
34 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 28min
India Between Empires (Radio Edit)
Jagjeet Lally, an Associate Professor at UCL specializing in early modern India, joins comedian Nish Kumar for a lively discussion about India's vibrant 18th century. They debunk the chaos narrative, showcasing the rise of powerful regional states like the Marathas and the Sikh Empire. They explore the intricacies of preexisting global trade, emphasizing India's deep connections with the world before European arrival. With some humor, Kumar adds comedic flair to Lally's insights on market growth, indigo trade, and the rich cultural transformations of the time.
30 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 28min
Renaissance Beauty (Radio Edit)
Join Professor Jill Burke, an expert in Renaissance visual culture, and Tati McLeod, a bilingual comedian, as they dive into the intriguing world of Renaissance beauty. They discuss how art shaped body ideals and the complex beauty routines of the time, including hazardous cosmetics and grooming techniques. Discover the paradox of beauty standards linked to social class and the surprising ways women's beauty practices offered them self-expression. The conversation highlights the relevance of beauty history today and challenges modern perceptions of makeup.
34 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 28min
Viking Women (Radio Edit)
Join historian Dr. Eleanor Barraclough, an expert on medieval northern cultures, and comedian Chloe Petts for a lively exploration of Viking women. Discover the vital roles of women during the Viking Age, from weavers and healers to the harsh realities of daily life. They delve into intriguing topics like high-status burials, the legend of Olga of Kiev, and the complexities of female warriors. With humor woven throughout, this conversation challenges the macho Viking stereotype and reveals the stories of ordinary women shaping their world.
