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
May 22, 2021 • 29min
Lord Byron (Radio Edit)
Who was Lord Byron and why did he drive the girls (and many boys) so wild? Find out about this scandalous early celebrity who was described as, "mad, bad and dangerous to know". Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Ed Gamble and historian Dr Corin Throsby. This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse.
May 15, 2021 • 29min
Boudica (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner and his guests discuss the important questions surrounding Queen Boudica including: Is she a feminist icon? How do you pronounce her name? And was she really ginger? Get ready to forget everything you thought you knew about Boudica and learn what it was really like when the Romans invaded. Featuring comedian, author and actress Sara Pascoe, known for QI, Have I Got News For You, and W1A among many other shows, and historian Dr Emma Southon, specialist in Roman history and co-host of the History is Sexy podcast.Script and Research: Greg Jenner
Producer: Dan MorelleA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Apr 23, 2021 • 52min
P.T. Barnum
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Professor Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in the 19th century to meet self proclaimed showman P T Barnum. A man famous for his museums and shows as well as ‘curiosities’ such as General Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies, and The Fiji Mermaid. But take a deeper dive beyond Barnum’s infamous spin and you’ll find that, contrary to his pop culture image, this showman was far from the greatest. Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Charlotte PotterThe Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
Apr 16, 2021 • 51min
Prohibition in the USA
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Sarah Churchwell and comedian Kemah Bob in 1920s USA to follow the implementation and after effects of Prohibition. From Bootleggers, Wet’s and Dry’s, Speakeasy’s and Rum Rows, take a look at the origins of the Prohibition Laws and how a movement designed to encourage temperance backfired on the nation entirely.Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Tim GalsworthyThe Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
Apr 9, 2021 • 50min
Sacagawea
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Katrina Phillips and comedian Alex Edelman in the 19th century to meet an icon of American history, Sacagawea. Hired to lead Jefferson’s Corps of Discovery through the newly acquired Louisiana territories at just 16 years old, Sacagawea was responsible for the lives of the corps and her "man-baby" husband as well as her actual baby who she gave birth to mid-expedition. Her heroics along the course of the journey are well documented but why is there no record of any first-hand account from the woman herself?Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Charlotte PotterA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
17 snips
Apr 2, 2021 • 51min
Becoming America
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Joanne Freeman and comedian Chris Addison in the 18th century to look at the birth of a nation as America takes its first steps after achieving independence from the British. Where did party politics come from? How were Vice Presidents originally selected? Why was Washington DC chosen as the capital? Did George Washington really have a special presidential suit? And just why did Jefferson keep a mammoth cheese in the lobby?Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Tim GalsworthyA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
11 snips
Mar 26, 2021 • 52min
The Harlem Renaissance
In the first of five special episodes on US history, Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Emily Bernard and Roy Wood Jr in 1920s New York as they take a look at the movers and shakers of the Harlem Renaissance. Walk through one of Harlem's infamous rent parties and meet the greatest icons and minds from music, politics and the literary world during a cultural revolution.Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Harry Prance, Jess White, Tim GalsworthyA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
Mar 19, 2021 • 52min
Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Olivette Otele and comedian Sophie Duker in 18th century France to meet the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Born the son of a slave and a white plantation owner, he lived a remarkable life in France, becoming a master fencer, violin virtuoso, composer, confident of Marie Antoinette and a revolutionary. He is regarded as one of the most significant composers of the 18th century and Mozart is widely regarded to have had major beef with him. So why is his story mostly unknown?Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Lloyd RobertsA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
7 snips
Mar 12, 2021 • 49min
Old Norse Literature
Join cultural historian Dr. Janina Ramirez and comedian Kae Kurd as they embark on a wild journey through Old Norse literature. They discuss legends filled with gods, trolls, and mistletoe, revealing how such outrageous tales shape our understanding of Viking culture. The duo dives into the antics of Loki, including his bizarre transformations and family ties, and explores the tragic story of Baldur. With humor and insight, they also explore the relevance of these ancient myths in today's world, including a playful quiz and engaging banter.
Mar 5, 2021 • 52min
The Tang Dynasty
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Tineke D’Haeseleer and comedian Evelyn Mok in medieval China to explore the Tang Dynasty. Known as the Golden Age of China, it was the time of China’s Emperor Wu, the only woman to hold power in her own right, and Emperor Xuanzong who became so bored with austerity he came up with a unique way to have fun.A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
