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
28 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 29min
The Indus Civilisation (Radio Edit)
Danika Parikh is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cambridge, specializing in the archaeology of the ancient Indus civilization. Comedian Ahir Shah brings his unique humor to the discussion. They dive into the fascinating world of this Bronze Age society, exploring its intricate sanitation systems, mysterious architecture, and even the enigmatic unicorn artifacts. The conversation raises questions about its societal structure and uncovers theories behind its decline, all while challenging misconceptions shaped by colonial narratives.
30 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 29min
Georgian Courtship (Radio Edit)
Join Dr. Sally Holloway, a historian specializing in Georgian gender and emotions, and comedian Cariad Lloyd, known for her award-winning work on grief, as they explore the intricacies of love in Georgian England. Discover the art of courtship, from love letters that sealed the deal to the delicate dance of parental involvement. They tackle gift-giving as flirtation and society’s influence on romance, even weaving in humor about modern dating apps inspired by historical norms. It's a delightful journey through 18th-century romantic pursuits!
40 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 56min
Marco Polo: history’s most famous travel writer?
Join distinguished literature professor Sharon Kinoshita, a Marco Polo translator, and comedian Ria Lina as they explore the adventurous life of history's most famous traveler. They delve into Marco Polo's epic 24-year journey to China, the wonders of the Mongol empire, and his extraordinary encounters, including the fascinating postal service and diamond-hunting eagles. Amid laughs, they also discuss his legacy, cultural exchanges, and the peculiarities of his later life, revealing how his stories influenced future explorers like Columbus.
44 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 57min
History of Coffee: from devil’s brew to our favourite beverage
Jonathan Morris, a research professor in history specializing in coffee, teams up with comedian Sophie Duker to unravel the rich tapestry of coffee's past. They explore its intriguing origins in Ethiopia and Yemen, debunk myths like the Pope's label of 'devil’s brew', and highlight its rise in 17th-century Europe with coffee houses as hubs of intellectual exchange. Fun anecdotes reveal coffee's role in the American Civil War and its evolution into a cultural icon. Prepare for a lively discussion filled with history, humor, and caffeinated insights!
5 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 59min
Arctic Exploration: the fatal quest for the Northwest Passage
Join Dr. Vanessa Heggie, an expert in the history of science and author of 'Higher and Colder', and comedian Stu Goldsmith as they unravel the perilous past of Arctic exploration. Discover the harrowing tales of explorers, including the infamous Sir John Franklin, who vanished with his crew in search of the elusive Northwest Passage. Fascinating anecdotes blend with discussions of indigenous knowledge and the modern implications of climate change, all interspersed with Goldsmith's comedic insights, making for an engaging dive into a frosty history filled with intrigue and tragedy.
158 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 57min
Cuneiform: the world’s first writing system
Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid, an expert in Mesopotamian history and cuneiform, joins comedian Phil Wang for a humorous and enlightening discussion about the world's oldest writing system. They dive into how cuneiform emerged around 3000 BCE, revealing daily life, epic tales like The Epic of Gilgamesh, and even ancient divination practices. The conversation spans the unique challenges of deciphering these clay tablets and highlights the remarkable evolution of communication, blending history with laughter throughout.
35 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 58min
Hernán Cortés and Malintzin: the Spanish conquest of Mexico
Dr. Amy Fuller, a specialist in early modern Spain and Mexico, joins comedian Jen Brister to explore the tumultuous relationship between conquistador Hernán Cortés and his translator, Malintzin. They dive into Cortés's audacious strategies, including burning ships to avoid retreat, and the complex dynamics of colonial power. Malintzin’s pivotal role as a linguist and advisor is unveiled, alongside her tumultuous legacy. The discussion also humorously critiques historical narratives and examines the harsh realities Indigeneity faced during conquest.
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.
