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
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.
47 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.
26 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 28min
Kellogg Brothers (Radio Edit)
Join historian Vanessa Heggie, an associate professor specializing in the history of science and medicine, and comedian Ed Byrne for a humorous dive into the rivalry of the Kellogg brothers. They discuss John Kellogg's bizarre health practices, from enemas to vegetarian diets, and his influence from Seventh-day Adventism. Vanessa reveals the contrasting origin stories of cornflakes and Will's journey to start his own cereal company, while Ed keeps the banter lively. The feud has never been tastier!
21 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 28min
Alexandre Dumas (Radio Edit)
Join historian Olivette Otele, a specialist in the legacies of slavery, and comedian Celya AB, as they delve into the captivating life of Alexandre Dumas. Explore Dumas's rise from poverty to literary fame, his romance-laden life, and his political entanglements in post-Napoleonic France. Otele sheds light on his prolific writing of classics like The Three Musketeers, while Celya adds a humorous twist to his tumultuous journey, including his financial ups and downs and the racial challenges he faced as a celebrated author.
39 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 28min
Empress Matilda (Radio Edit)
Join historian Dr. Gabrielle Storey and comedian Cariad Lloyd as they delve into the life of Empress Matilda, the granddaughter of William the Conqueror. They explore Matilda's rise from a pawn in royal politics to her fierce battle for the English throne during the chaotic Anarchy. Discover her strategic marriages, the challenges she faced as a female ruler, and the political intrigues that shaped her legacy. With Cariad's comedic insights, the discussion highlights both the serious and humorous aspects of medieval queenship.
70 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 28min
American War of Independence (Radio Edit)
Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at the University of Edinburgh, joins Emmy-winning comedian Patton Oswalt to explore the American War of Independence. They dive into the deep rifts that led colonists to rebel against British rule, touching on iconic events like the Boston Massacre and the Declaration of Independence. Cogliano highlights how the revolution's promises largely excluded Indigenous peoples and enslaved Black Americans. Oswalt adds a comedic twist, making history not just informative, but also entertaining.
34 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 28min
Early Medieval Papacy (Radio Edit)
Join medieval historian Brett Whalen, an expert on the papacy, and comedian Alison Spittle for a dive into the chaotic world of the early medieval papacy. They explore the absurdities of 9th-century Rome, including the outrageous Cadaver Synod—where a dead pope was put on trial! Brett reveals the tumultuous turnover of popes and the power struggles that reshaped the Church. Alison spices it up with her comedic insights. Together, they unravel the drama and debauchery of a pivotal time in papal history.
33 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 28min
The Columbian Exchange (Radio Edit)
Dr. Caroline Dodds-Pennock, a leading historian of the Aztecs, joins comedian Desiree Burch to dive into the intriguing world of the Columbian Exchange. They explore how 1492 marked the beginning of globalisation, shifting diets with the introduction of diverse plants and animals. Caroline shares fascinating insights about the impact of cochineal dye and the status of pineapples in Europe. Desiree adds her comedic twist, ensuring laughter while unpacking the vital yet complex exchanges across continents.
