You're Dead to Me

Delusion or divine intervention? Learn about Joan of Arc’s super sewing skills, her badass credentials, and the story of why it took nearly half a century for her to become a saint. If you think it’s tough being a woman now, find out what it was like in 1400s France. Joining historian Greg Jenner to learn about Joan are comedian Catherine Bohart of The Mash Report, and Dr Helen Castor, medieval historian and author of The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth. Script: Greg Jenner Research: Emma Nagouse Producer: Dan MorelleA Muddy Knees production for BBC Radio 4

Never mind the famous battles, who was the real Napoleon? Where did he come from? What events conspired to turn him from a young Corsican officer to one of history’s greatest figures? How intense was his relationship with his wife Josephine? What part of his body was recreated in plaster, and how much was somebody willing to pay for it? And just how did one man manufacture his own hype way before the days of social media? Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Dan Schreiber and historian Dr Laura O’Brien. It’s history for people who don’t like history! Produced by Dan Morelle Script and research by Emma NagouseA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

Forget Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Justinian and Theodora were the power couple of the Byzantine era. From withstanding riots to protecting women’s rights, how did a woman from such humble beginnings (and who did *that* with a swan…) fall in love with one of the most powerful men of the time and secure her place in the history books? Join public historian Greg Jenner, comedian Shappi Khorsandi and historian Prof Peter Frankopan.

Who was Mansa Musa and how did he become the world’s richest man… ever? What did he do with his wealth? And why did everyone around him keep dying? Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Athena Kugblenu and historian and director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Dr Augustus Caseley-Hayford OBE. It’s history for people who don’t like history!This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Josh Daniels.

From Molly Houses to secret diaries, discover the real-life stories that make up the history of the LGBT community. Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Suzie Ruffell and Dr Justin Bengry, historian and creator of the world’s first masters degree in Queer History. It’s history for people who don’t like history!Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted and researched by Emma NagouseA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

Timbers are shivering as Greg Jenner digs down on the legendary pirate, Blackbeard. Why did Blackbeard blockade a small town while scratching himself in frustration? How many wives is too many wives? And what exactly did he put in his beard? Greg’s joined by historian and piracy expert Dr Rebecca Simon and comedian Stu Goldsmith, host of the Comedian’s Comedian podcast. Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted by Greg Jenner Researched by Emma NagouseA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

Where did football come from? Was it really invented in China or is the truth a little closer to home? Why was knife crime such a problem for football hundreds of years ago? And what’s the real truth behind the history of the women’s game? Public historian Greg Jenner joins comedian Tom Parry and historian Professor Jean Williams to teach you the true history of the beautiful game. It’s history for people who don’t like history!Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted by Greg Jenner Researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Eszter Szabo and Evie RandallA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

We are heading down to the Underground Railroad to discover the incredible life of American hero and abolitionist Harriet Tubman. From a torturous childhood to surgery without anaesthetic, get ready to understand true bravery as we uncover the events which made Harriet Tubman a phenomenal force for change. Greg Jenner is joined by comedian, actor and writer Desiree Burch and historian Dr Michell Chresfield from the University of Birmingham. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle, scripted by Greg Jenner and researched by Emma Nagouse.

Greg Jenner is joined by comedian and king of the I’m a Celebrity jungle, Joel Dommett, and Warwick University classics professor Michael Scott as the trio charge headlong into the legend of the Spartans. As they debunk the myths in the movie 300, find out why even burly Spartans wouldn’t fight in just a leather nappy. Why did Spartan women have it so much better than other women in Ancient Greece? And what colour cape would Joel demand to wear if sent into battle?Script and Research: Greg Jenner Producer: Dan MorelleA Muddy Knees production for BBC Radio 4

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