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
Mar 7, 2025 • 58min
Legends of King Arthur: from medieval literature to modern myth
Join Dr. Mary Bateman, a lecturer and author specializing in Arthurian tradition, and comedian Mike Wozniak, known for his sharp wit on shows like Taskmaster. They dive into the origins of King Arthur, revealing early portrayals of him as a military leader devoid of familiar elements like Excalibur. The duo discusses the evolution of Arthurian legends across centuries, from medieval texts to Victorian influences, while sprinkling in humor and trivia. Discover how these stories shaped culture and debate the timeless question: Did King Arthur truly exist?
7 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 58min
Sojourner Truth: American abolitionist, suffragist, preacher
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.
15 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 58min
Catherine de’ Medici: the real Serpent Queen of France
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.
11 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 57min
The Arts and Crafts Movement: William Morris and his circle
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.
51 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 57min
Causes of the British Civil Wars: Royalists versus Parliamentarians
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.
110 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 56min
Aristotle: Ancient Greece’s greatest philosopher?
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.
Dec 23, 2024 • 4min
Happy Christmas from Greg and the team!
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.
13 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 28min
History of Broadway (Radio Edit)
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.
9 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 28min
Leif Erikson (Radio Edit)
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Eleanor Barraclough, a historian specializing in medieval Norse history, reveals the intriguing life of Leif Erikson, possibly the first European to reach America. The conversation dives into the legendary sagas that shape our understanding of Erikson's adventures. They explore Viking shipbuilding, the women warriors highlighted in Greenland sagas, and the complicated interactions between Norse explorers and indigenous peoples. Archaeological evidence also sheds light on Viking presence in North America, blending history with humor.
31 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 28min
Palaeolithic Cave Art (Radio Edit)
In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Isobel Wisher, a postdoctoral researcher specializing in early symbolic behavior and Upper Paleolithic cave art, joins comedian Seán Burke and host Greg Jenner. They delve into the fascinating world of cave art, revealing how our ancestors expressed creativity with vivid depictions like lions chasing bison. The conversation uncovers the techniques used, the significance of animal portrayals, and the potential social roles of these artworks in prehistoric communities. A journey into our artistic roots!
