You're Dead to Me

BBC Radio 4
undefined
10 snips
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app