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
Mar 19, 2021 • 52min
Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Olivette Otele and comedian Sophie Duker in 18th century France to meet the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Born the son of a slave and a white plantation owner, he lived a remarkable life in France, becoming a master fencer, violin virtuoso, composer, confident of Marie Antoinette and a revolutionary. He is regarded as one of the most significant composers of the 18th century and Mozart is widely regarded to have had major beef with him. So why is his story mostly unknown?Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Lloyd RobertsA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
7 snips
Mar 12, 2021 • 49min
Old Norse Literature
Join cultural historian Dr. Janina Ramirez and comedian Kae Kurd as they embark on a wild journey through Old Norse literature. They discuss legends filled with gods, trolls, and mistletoe, revealing how such outrageous tales shape our understanding of Viking culture. The duo dives into the antics of Loki, including his bizarre transformations and family ties, and explores the tragic story of Baldur. With humor and insight, they also explore the relevance of these ancient myths in today's world, including a playful quiz and engaging banter.
Mar 5, 2021 • 52min
The Tang Dynasty
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Tineke D’Haeseleer and comedian Evelyn Mok in medieval China to explore the Tang Dynasty. Known as the Golden Age of China, it was the time of China’s Emperor Wu, the only woman to hold power in her own right, and Emperor Xuanzong who became so bored with austerity he came up with a unique way to have fun.A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
Feb 26, 2021 • 50min
King James VI of Scotland
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Anna Whitelock and comedian Larry Dean in 16th-century Scotland to meet King James VI, the first Stuart king to rule Scotland and England simultaneously. He is renowned for his translation of The Bible, his belief in witches and for being the primary target of the Gunpowder Plot. But is that really how we should remember him?
Feb 19, 2021 • 54min
The Asante Empire
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Augustus Casely-Hayford OBE and comedian Sophie Duker to explore the incredible Asante Empire. We learn the roots of Ghanian heritage - from storytelling, fabric, food, music and rhythm as communication, to how centuries of traditions across the empire came together to protect the most sacred symbol of power in the Asante Kingdom from the hands of the British during the War of the Golden Stool. Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Lloyd RobertsThe Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
Feb 12, 2021 • 55min
The Borgias
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Catherine Fletcher and comedian Phil Wang in 15th-century Rome as they introduce us to the infamous Borgias family. With dynastic alliances, poisonous rings, murders and chestnut orgies, it’s not hard to see how they may have inspired Mario Puzo, author of The Godfather. But how much of what we know of Italy’s original crime family is actually true?Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Jessica WhiteA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
Feb 5, 2021 • 57min
Ancient Greek & Roman Medicine
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Kristi Upson-Saia and comedian Stu Goldsmith to explore the strange world of Ancient Greek and Roman medicine. Welcome to a world where health was fleeting, water could be dangerous and communal bum sponges are all the rage. The team will take you through a variety of common ailments from tight atoms to wandering wombs and provide startling cures in the form of electric eels and beaver anuses. Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Hannah MacKenzieThe Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
Jan 29, 2021 • 54min
Grainne O’Malley
Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Gillian Kenny and comedian Catherine Bohart in 16th century Ireland to look at the life of pirate queen Grainne O’Malley. Against the backdrop of the changing legal landscape of Ireland as it faced brutality from incoming English administrators, we look at the difficult decisions Grainne was forced to make to ensure her family's survival. From bold changes to her appearance as a teenager to ensure her place on her fathers ship, to aggressive actions on a castle that refused to serve her food. Grainne O’Malley was not a woman to be messed with. This strength and defiance would lead to an unlikely understanding with Queen Elizabeth I. Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Jessica WhiteThe Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
Jan 22, 2021 • 55min
The Ancient Babylonians
Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid and comedian Kae Kurd in Ancient Mesopotamia as they explore the Babylonian civiliisation. If your knowledge of Babylon doesn’t extend beyond the Boney M. song then this is the episode for you. We reveal all sorts of fascinating facts that connect you to a people who existed 4000 years ago – from the way we communicate to a maths system which we still use to tell the time.Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Amy Grant and Lloyd RobertsA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
Jan 15, 2021 • 55min
Agrippina the Younger
Greg Jenner is joined by returning guests, historian Dr Emma Southon and comedian Cariad Lloyd as they travel back to 1st-century Rome to meet Agrippina the Younger. Empress, overbearing mother of the Emperor Nero and murderer, but how much of what has been written about this extraordinary woman is true? What does it really take to survive as a woman at the top of the Roman Empire?Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Harry PranceA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
