
You're Dead to Me
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.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Mar 6, 2020 • 48min
The Mayflower
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.They ask all the most pertinent questions. What would you pack for a journey to a new world? What’s a great name for a baby born at sea? And just why is a journey that was objectively a gigantic failure held in such high regard in American culture?A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

Feb 28, 2020 • 48min
Mary Shelley
Greg Jenner is joined by literary expert Dr Corin Throsby and comedian Lauren Pattison to explore the often turbulent life of literary icon Mary Shelley. Join us as we all question our life achievements while discussing the groundbreaking work Mary produced by the age of just 20, how far she was prepared to walk for love, and arguably the most gothic first date in history.A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

Feb 28, 2020 • 47min
Neanderthals
Greg Jenner is joined by the brilliant comedian Tim Minchin and Palaeolithic archaeologist Dr Becky Wragg Sykes as they take us way back in time to visit the mysterious world of Neanderthals. Just who were the Neanderthals? Were they the squat caveman archetypes we’ve come to know in pop culture? Did they really shout “Ug” at the moon? Or have we misunderstood them entirely? Join the team as we discover there is so much more to those handsome, hench beings that walked the Earth before us.

5 snips
Dec 13, 2019 • 48min
The Victorian Christmas
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

Nov 22, 2019 • 48min
The History of General Elections
You’re Dead To Me returns for a special episode on The History of General Elections. Welcome to the world of “bludgeon men”, “potwallopers”, and electorates of sheep (!). Travel back to the 18th Century, when Number 10 was number 5 (yes, really) and discover not just how voter rights have changed, but where they originated. Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Hannah Nicholson and comedian Catherine Bohart.

4 snips
Oct 25, 2019 • 45min
Saladin
You might have learned about Richard the Lionheart in school (or from Disney’s Robin Hood), but how much do you know about his opponent, the legendary Saladin? Why does Saladin have such an enduring reputation as a good guy? Host Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Maria Shehata and historian Professor Jonathan Phillips. It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle
Scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Emily Greenwell.A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

5 snips
Oct 21, 2019 • 47min
The Witch Craze
Discover the truth behind the European Witch Craze. Far from the world of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, discover how one book turned the world upside down as a disgruntled patriarchy murdered thousands of innocent women. Join Greg Jenner, comedian Cariad Lloyd and historian Prof Suzannah Lipscomb. It’s history for people who don’t like history!Produced by Dan Morelle
Script and research by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Eszter Szabo and Evie RandallA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

12 snips
Oct 18, 2019 • 45min
Lord Byron
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.

Oct 11, 2019 • 47min
Stonehenge
Greg Jenner digs into the history and mystery surrounding Stonehenge. Is it really the symbol of fertility and scene of sacrifice it’s portrayed to be, and what part of Stonehenge is the henge exactly? Featuring podcasting legend Richard Herring alongside archaeologist Susan Greaney from English Heritage. It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle
Script by Greg Jenner
Research by Emma NagouseA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

Oct 4, 2019 • 45min
The Aztecs
Travel back to the land of the Aztecs to discover that they’re not that dissimilar to the Tudors, but with more human sacrifices.Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Joel Dommett and historian Dr Caroline Dodds Pennock to ask just how much food can be traced back to the Aztecs? Was cannibalism really a respectful process? And at what age were Aztec children expected to contribute to the family? It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle
Script by Greg Jenner
Research by Emma Nagouse assisted by Josh DanielsA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4