You're Dead to Me

Renowned Victorian author Charles Dickens discusses his Christmases, including his childhood, Christmas stories, and personal experiences. The podcast also explores Dickens' departure from supernatural elements in 'The Battle of Life' and the influence of his emotions on his writing. The episode features an introduction to Dr. Michael Mosley's Cold Therapy podcast and includes ad/sponsor segments.

Professor Farah Karim-Cooper and comedian Richard Herring join the host to discuss the life and legacy of William Shakespeare. Topics include Shakespeare's upbringing and education, his patronage and renown, the significance of the first folio in preserving his works, and the paradox of his universal appeal and inaccessibility.

Professor Farah Karim-Cooper and comedian Richard Herring join Greg Jenner to discuss the life, legend, and legacy of William Shakespeare. They explore his upbringing, education, and early life as an actor, speculate on potential sequels and alternative titles for his plays, and discuss his sources of inspiration and collaborations. The speakers also delve into Shakespeare's writing during the Bubonic Plague and the significance of his first folio in preserving his artistic legacy.

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Michael Carter and actor Mathew Baynton to learn all about ghost stories in the European Middle Ages. From the twelfth century onwards, medieval Europe produced a huge number of ghost stories, often written in monasteries. But why were monks so interested in ghosts? How were ghost stories related to wider Christian beliefs about death and the afterlife? And what happened to these beliefs with the arrival of the Protestant Reformation? From creepy child ghosts to friendly apparitions via the fires of purgatory, this is a glimpse into the strange, spooky and sometimes sinister side of medieval beliefs.Research by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Jon Mason Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Caitlin Hobbs Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Chris Ledgard

Dr Vanessa Heggie and comedian Darren Harriot join Greg Jenner to explore the fascinating history of bodybuilding in the 19th and 20th centuries. They discuss the rise of fitness culture during the Industrial Revolution, anxieties about health and physique, the pseudoscience of eugenics, and societal expectations. An intriguing dive into the surprising societal and intellectual currents of the time.

Greg Jenner and his guests discuss the life, times and crimes of Russia's first tsar, the infamous Ivan the Terrible.Joining Greg are Prof Peter Frankopan from the University of Oxford and Russian-born comedian Olga Koch, whose BBC appearances include OK Computer, Human Error, Fight, QI and The Now Show.For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

Historian Dr Emma Southon and comedian Cariad Lloyd join Greg Jenner to discuss the life of Agrippina the Younger, the overbearing mother of Emperor Nero in first-century Rome. They explore Agrippina's survival as a woman in the Roman Empire, her terrifying boat incident, and how she tried to control her legacy despite misogynistic accounts.

Historian Prof Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch join host Greg Jenner to explore the life and controversial career of showman P.T. Barnum. Unraveling his illusions and exploitative exhibitions, they discuss his hoaxes, acquisition of Scudder's American Museum, hiring of General Tom Thumb, failed bid for Shakespeare's house, investment in building his mansion, and recruitment of opera singer Jenny Lind.

Join comedian Kemah Bob and Egyptologist Dr Campbell Price as they discuss the unique and powerful ruler Hatshepsut, her reign as Pharaoh, her famous trade expedition to Punt, her claim to divine birth, and the attempts to erase her from history. Discover the intriguing legacy of this ambitious queen and theories surrounding her succession. Plus, find out why Tina Turner thinks she is the reincarnation of Hatshepsut.

In this live episode, Prof Catherine Fletcher and comedian Dara Ó Briain join to discuss Leonardo da Vinci and his life during the Italian Renaissance. They debate whether da Vinci was a genius or an "ideas man" who couldn't finish what he started. Topics include da Vinci's artistic skills, inventions, his fascination with anatomy, and his cautious approach to the church. The episode also includes trivia games and light-hearted banter. The hosts express gratitude and introduce a new podcast series called 'Witch with me'.