

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

Jan 26, 2024 • 58min
Pythagoras
Professor Edith Hall and comedian Desiree Burch join Greg Jenner to explore the life and myths surrounding ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. They discuss his eccentricities, travels, philosophical beliefs, and controversial teachings. The episode also delves into Pythagoras' contributions to music theory and his impact on cultural consciousness. Controversies surrounding him as a cult leader are also explored. Plus, a quick-fire quiz to test your knowledge!

15 snips
Jan 19, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Bloomsbury Group
Dr Jane Goldman and comedian Suzi Ruffell join Greg Jenner to delve into the eccentric lives and cultural impact of the Bloomsbury Group in 1920s London. They discuss the avant-garde lifestyles, unconventional relationships, and artistic output of intellectuals like Virginia Woolf and E. M. Forster. The episode explores the group's infamous love triangles, their support for various movements, and their boundary-pushing artistic endeavors. With humor and unique perspectives, the discussion takes us on a journey through the bohemian world of the Bloomsbury Group.

5 snips
Jan 12, 2024 • 56min
The History of Kung Fu
Dr. Leon Rocha and comedian Phil Wang join the host to explore the surprising history of kung fu, from ancient Chinese exercises to global popularity. They discuss the origins of kung fu as self-defense and its association with Taoist meditation. The podcast also delves into the concept of Chi, the history of the Shaolin monastery, the characteristics of Wing Chun, and the effects of the cultural revolution on martial arts in China. Plus, Phil Wang proves his knowledge in a martial arts quiz.

Jan 5, 2024 • 58min
Catherine the Great
Dr Julia Leikin and comedian David Mitchell join Greg Jenner to discuss the life of Catherine II of Russia, exploring her contradictions as a German princess who became empress of Russia, her belief in Enlightenment philosophy despite imperial expansion, and her sexual openness in the patriarchal eighteenth century. They delve into her rise to power, her reign and legacy, and the controversies surrounding her policies in Ukraine.

Dec 15, 2023 • 29min
Christmas with Charles Dickens (Radio Edit)
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.

15 snips
Nov 10, 2023 • 28min
Shakespeare (Radio Edit)
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.

Nov 3, 2023 • 1h 9min
Shakespeare
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.

6 snips
Oct 27, 2023 • 58min
Medieval Ghost Stories
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

Sep 30, 2023 • 29min
Victorian Bodybuilding (Radio Edit)
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.

Sep 23, 2023 • 28min
Ivan The Terrible (Radio Edit)
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.