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
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
Sep 27, 2019 • 48min
Joan of Arc
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
Sep 23, 2019 • 46min
Young Napoleon
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
Sep 20, 2019 • 48min
Justinian and Theodora
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.
Sep 20, 2019 • 46min
Mansa Musa
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.
Sep 20, 2019 • 47min
LGBTQ History
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
Sep 13, 2019 • 45min
Blackbeard
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
9 snips
Sep 13, 2019 • 46min
The History of Football
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
