You're Dead to Me

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Catherine Fletcher and comedian Phil Wang in 15th-century Rome as they introduce us to the infamous Borgias family. With dynastic alliances, poisonous rings, murders and chestnut orgies, it’s not hard to see how they may have inspired Mario Puzo, author of The Godfather. But how much of what we know of Italy’s original crime family is actually true?Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Jessica WhiteA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Kristi Upson-Saia and comedian Stu Goldsmith to explore the strange world of Ancient Greek and Roman medicine. Welcome to a world where health was fleeting, water could be dangerous and communal bum sponges are all the rage. The team will take you through a variety of common ailments from tight atoms to wandering wombs and provide startling cures in the form of electric eels and beaver anuses. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Hannah MacKenzieThe Athletic production for BBC Radio 4

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Gillian Kenny and comedian Catherine Bohart in 16th century Ireland to look at the life of pirate queen Grainne O’Malley. Against the backdrop of the changing legal landscape of Ireland as it faced brutality from incoming English administrators, we look at the difficult decisions Grainne was forced to make to ensure her family's survival. From bold changes to her appearance as a teenager to ensure her place on her fathers ship, to aggressive actions on a castle that refused to serve her food. Grainne O’Malley was not a woman to be messed with. This strength and defiance would lead to an unlikely understanding with Queen Elizabeth I. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Jessica WhiteThe Athletic production for BBC Radio 4

Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid and comedian Kae Kurd in Ancient Mesopotamia as they explore the Babylonian civiliisation. If your knowledge of Babylon doesn’t extend beyond the Boney M. song then this is the episode for you. We reveal all sorts of fascinating facts that connect you to a people who existed 4000 years ago – from the way we communicate to a maths system which we still use to tell the time.Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Amy Grant and Lloyd RobertsA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

Greg Jenner is joined by returning guests, historian Dr Emma Southon and comedian Cariad Lloyd as they travel back to 1st-century Rome to meet Agrippina the Younger. Empress, overbearing mother of the Emperor Nero and murderer, but how much of what has been written about this extraordinary woman is true? What does it really take to survive as a woman at the top of the Roman Empire?Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Harry PranceA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Mehreen Chida-Razvi and comedian Sindhu Vee to explore the Mughal Empire and its legacy in art and architecture.We learn why an Emperor always needed to be wary of his siblings and how a zebra came to cause disbelief in court, and we hear the real story behind the wondrous Taj Mahal.A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Greg Jenner is joined by chocolate historian Alex Hutchinson and British TV legend Richard Osman to explore the culinary and cultural history of chocolate.How did cacao become chocolate and find its way into our shops and hearts? A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Why do we celebrate Christmas with cards, crackers and a tree? Join us as we travel back and explore the weird and wonderful history of the Victorian Christmas.Just who the Dickens had the idea to bring trees indoors? Can a soft-drinks firm really take credit for Father Christmas’s red suit? And why did the Victorians send each other such bizarre Christmas cards?Greg Jenner is joined in the studio by historian Dr Fern Riddell and comedian Russell Kane.Produced by Cornelius Mendez Scripted and researched by Greg JennerA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Greg Jenner is joined by historical expert Dr Michell Chresfield and comedian Desiree Burch to travel to 1920s Paris and meet the phenomenal Josephine Baker. Josephine Baker was a renowned performer and entertainer, a civil rights activist and even a spy during the German occupation of France. But just how did the daughter of a laundress in St Louis find herself at the centre of some of the most pivotal moments in history?A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Misha Ewen and comedian Alex Edelman to take a trip back in time and across the Atlantic with the passengers of The Mayflower. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.