

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

9 snips
Sep 16, 2023 • 28min
Agrippina the Younger (Radio Edit)
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.

10 snips
Sep 9, 2023 • 28min
P.T. Barnum (Radio Edit)
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.

10 snips
Sep 2, 2023 • 29min
Hatshepsut (Radio Edit)
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.

Aug 26, 2023 • 57min
Leonardo da Vinci - Live (Radio Edit)
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'.

8 snips
Aug 19, 2023 • 29min
Atlantis (Radio Edit)
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.

Aug 12, 2023 • 28min
Medieval Science (Radio Edit)
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

Aug 5, 2023 • 28min
Nell Gwyn (Radio Edit)
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

15 snips
Jul 29, 2023 • 29min
Ancient Athenian Democracy (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined in Ancient Greece by special guests Prof Michael Scott and comedian Alice Fraser as they examine the start of democracy with the Athenians. Aside from it obviously being a system that only benefited men, we will take a closer look at the fundamental issues that still apply today, why you’d want to avoid red ropes and broken pots, and just why the Romans disliked the very idea of it.For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.Research by Rosie Rich
Written and produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow
Project Management: Siefe Miyo and Isla Matthews
Audio Producer: Abi PatersonA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

Jul 22, 2023 • 28min
Zheng Yi Sao (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner, comedian Ria Lina and Prof Ronald C Po investigate one of the most successful pirates to have ever lived, Zheng Yi Sao. During the 18th century Qing dynasty, she led the most feared army of pirates the world had ever seen - all without a parrot on her shoulder.For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.Research: Will Clayton
Script: Emma Nagouse, Will Clayton and Greg Jenner
Project Manager: Siefe Miyo
Edit Producer: Cornelius MendezA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

86 snips
Jul 15, 2023 • 28min
The History of Timekeeping (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr David Rooney and Desiree Burch at the literal beginning of time to explore the history of timekeeping. Covering everything from the origins of timekeeping to time in space, we even learn how you can smell the time! Above all, we finally find out who you can blame for daylight savings and the real reason it was invented.For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.Research by Rosie Rich
Written by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow
Project Management: Isla Matthews
Audio Producer: Steve HankeyYou’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.