You're Dead to Me

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'.

Experts discuss the myth of Atlantis, its origins in Plato's writings, theories and appropriation including Nazi involvement and the Minoans, allure of lost cities, lessons of hubris in Plato's story, and the reflection on modern world's state.

Greg Jenner and his guests look at a range of scientific discoveries spanning 1000 years of history, widely known as the medieval period. How were knowledge and scientific findings shared across a world with its countless languages and regions before the internet?Greg is joined by Dr Seb Falk and comedian Josie Long to look at some of the weird and wonderful advancements of the period which we still use today.For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.Research by Rosanna Evans Script by Emma Nagouse, Rosanna Evans and Greg Jenner Project manager: Siefe Miyo Edit producer: Cornelius Mendez

Greg Jenner and his guests travel back to 17th-century England to meet a celebrity of the Restoration era. As was one of the first actresses in comedy and a mistress to King Charles II, Nell Gwyn's life was as eventful as her turns on the stage.Greg is joined by associate professor and writer, Diana Solomon and by comedian, actor and writer, Jess Knappett.For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.Script by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Research by William Clayton Produced by Cornelius Mendez