You're Dead to Me

Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid, an expert in Mesopotamian history and cuneiform, joins comedian Phil Wang for a humorous and enlightening discussion about the world's oldest writing system. They dive into how cuneiform emerged around 3000 BCE, revealing daily life, epic tales like The Epic of Gilgamesh, and even ancient divination practices. The conversation spans the unique challenges of deciphering these clay tablets and highlights the remarkable evolution of communication, blending history with laughter throughout.

Dr. Amy Fuller, a specialist in early modern Spain and Mexico, joins comedian Jen Brister to explore the tumultuous relationship between conquistador Hernán Cortés and his translator, Malintzin. They dive into Cortés's audacious strategies, including burning ships to avoid retreat, and the complex dynamics of colonial power. Malintzin’s pivotal role as a linguist and advisor is unveiled, alongside her tumultuous legacy. The discussion also humorously critiques historical narratives and examines the harsh realities Indigeneity faced during conquest.

Greg Jenner is joined in medieval Europe by Dr Mary Bateman and comedian Mike Wozniak to learn all about the legends of King Arthur.Most of us have heard of Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. But where do these legends come from? Arthur first appears in the writings of a 9th-Century monk, but he’s not the king we know today: no Merlin or Lancelot, no Excalibur, and no Camelot. These elements were added later, as the legends were retold and rewritten across Europe.This episode traces the stories of Arthur and his knights from their early medieval origins, exploring the changes made as they were adapted over the centuries by everyone from French romance authors to Victorian poets, and taking in some famous medieval texts, including the Welsh Mabinogion and Malory’s Morte d’Arthur, as well as some lesser-known tales. Along the way, we also look at the places in modern Britain that still bear Arthurian names and the wacky artefacts that have been associated with the legendary king, and ask the crucial question: did King Arthur really exist? If you’re a fan of heroic quests, knights in shining armour and fantastical medieval stories, you’ll love our episode on the legends of King Arthur.If you want more from Mike Wozniak, check out our episode on Charles Dickens at Christmas. And for more lovely legends, listen to our episodes on Atlantis and Norse Literature.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: Hannah Cusworth and Jon Norman-Mason Written by: Jon Norman-Mason, 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

Dr. Michell Chresfield, an expert in African American history, joins comedian Desiree Burch to delve into the life of Sojourner Truth, a trailblazer in the abolitionist and women's rights movements. They discuss her courageous journey from slavery to freedom, highlighting her legal victory to save her son and her inspirational speeches, including the iconic 'Ain't I a Woman?' The duo also touches on Truth's interactions with other historical figures like Frederick Douglass and her legacy in contemporary activism, blending humor with powerful storytelling.

Join Dr. Estelle Paranque, an expert on 16th-century royal history, and comedian Shaparak Khorsandi as they unravel the life of Catherine de' Medici, the 'Serpent Queen' of France. They explore her dramatic rise from an orphaned child to a powerful queen mother amidst love affairs and religious turmoil. Discover her complex relationships, including her ties with Diane de Poitiers, and hear about her strategic political maneuvers during the French Wars of Religion. The episode balances insightful history with humor, revealing Catherine's misunderstood legacy.

Dr. Isabella Rosner, an art historian specializing in 17th-19th century material culture, joins comedian Cariad Lloyd for a lively discussion. They explore the Arts and Crafts Movement's origins as a response to industrialization, championed by William Morris and figures like Gertrude Jekyll. The conversation highlights the movement's ideals of accessible art and craftsmanship, its emphasis on social empowerment, and the romanticization of medieval artistry. They also discuss the ironic evolution of Morris's 'Strawberry Thief' design from art to mass-produced items.

Dr. Jonathan Healey, an Oxford-based social history expert, joins award-winning comedian Toussaint Douglass to delve into the tumultuous era of King Charles I and the British Civil Wars. They explore the explosive tensions between Royalists and Parliamentarians, highlighting disastrous wars and Charles's efforts to govern without Parliament. The discussion touches on contentious issues like taxation, religious conflicts, and popular uprisings, infused with light-hearted humor and fascinating insights into 17th-century politics and society.

Professor Edith Hall, a leading expert on ancient Greece, and comedian Dan Schreiber explore the fascinating life of Aristotle. They discuss his transformation from student to philosopher, his groundbreaking contributions to biology, and the complexities of his mentorship of Alexander the Great. Their conversation is sprinkled with humor as they dissect Aristotle's philosophical ideas on ethics and happiness, while also critiquing his views on women and societal roles. This lively dialogue reveals Aristotle's immense impact on Western thought and invites reflection on his controversial legacy.

Explore the dark side of wellness, revealing shocking stories from yoga retreats marred by exploitation. Delight in the rich history of Christmas and the Thames Frost Fair of 1814, capturing the joy of the season. Reflect on festive traditions and the bittersweet shift back to everyday life marked by the first bin collection. Dive into intriguing tales of Victorian customs and the history of chocolate, while looking ahead to exciting new discussions in the upcoming series.

Dr. Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins, an expert in musical theatre and race, joins comedian Desiree Burch to navigate the fascinating history of Broadway. They explore the origins of musical theatre and highlight its powerful storytelling. The discussion touches on racial dynamics, the evolution from early adaptations to the mega musical phenomenon, and the impact of African American artists in shaping this vibrant art form. With humor and insight, they reveal Broadway's intricate relationship with both creativity and commerce.