You're Dead To Me

By BBC Radio 4

Comedy History

What's You're Dead To Me about?

The history podcast for people who don't like history... and those who do. Greg Jenner brings together the best names in comedy and history to learn and laugh about the past.

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Medieval Christmas

12.17.2021

Greg and his guests Miles Jupp and Dr Eleanor Janega go back to the medieval Christmas for this one-off festive special. We look at the history and traditions that have thankfully continued through the ages, like gift-giving and stuffed wild ...

You're Dead To Me episodes:

12.17.2021 Medieval Christmas Greg and his guests Miles Jupp and Dr Eleanor Janega go back to the medieval Christmas for this one-off festive special. We look at the history and traditions that have thankfully continued through the ages, like gift-giving and stuffed wild ...
11.26.2021 Zheng Yi Sao Greg Jenner and guests Ria Lina and Prof Ronald C. Po navigate the life of one of the most successful pirates to have ever lived, Zheng Yi Sao. During the 18th century Qing dynasty, she led a huge and feared ...
11.19.2021 Mary Wollstonecraft Greg Jenner and his guests Dr Corin Throsby and Cariad Lloyd discuss the life and legacy of Mary Wollstonecraft. Mary was a successful ghostwriter, an advocate of human rights and a witty book critic who navigated the tumultuous 'Reign of ...
11.12.2021 The History of Ice Cream Greg Jenner and his guests Dr Annie Gray and Richard Osman get the inside scoop on the history of our favourite frozen food while packing in as many of their 'flavourite' ice cream puns as possible (final count: 15!). They ...
11.05.2021 Mary Seacole Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Gretchen Gerzina and comedian Nathan Caton to delve into the extraordinary life and adventures of the 19th-century celebrity, Mary Seacole. Mary was born and raised in Jamaica and rose to fame as a businesswoman ...
10.29.2021 Disability in the Ancient World Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Rosie Jones and historian Dr Jane Draycott to discuss stories of disability from over a thousand years of history, including people with disabilities excelling on the battlefield and others with very well-dressed guide dogs. ...
10.22.2021 Owain Glyndŵr Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Elis James and historian Dr Kathryn Hurlock to explore the life and political career of medieval Welsh rebel Owain Glyndŵr, the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, who led an uprising against English rule. It’s ...
10.15.2021 Paul Robeson Greg Jenner, comedian Desiree Burch and Prof Shana L. Redmond from Columbia University discuss the astonishing life and legacy of Paul Robeson: the epitome of the American Renaissance man. Famous for his unparalleled bass-baritone voice and relentless struggle for civil ...
10.08.2021 Çatalhöyük and the Neolithic Revolution Greg Jenner and his guests explore the amazing prehistoric site of Çatalhöyük as we learn about the Neolithic Revolution of the Middle East. What is so special about Çatalhöyük and why did prehistoric hunter-gatherers decide to settle down with pottery, ...
10.01.2021 Sake Dean Mahomed Greg Jenner and his guests examine the life of Sake Dean Mahomed who introduced curry, shampooing and therapeutic massage to 19th-century England. He grew up under colonial rule, but Sake Dean Mahomed ended up living in Brighton until the age ...
09.24.2021 Medieval Science 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 ...
09.17.2021 The History of High Heels High heels have been around since as early as the 10th century. Today we see them as a cornerstone of footwear fashion, with models strutting their stuff on the catwalk in heels of varying colours and styles. But how has ...
09.10.2021 Nell Gwyn 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 ...
09.03.2021 Ramesses The Great Greg Jenner and his guests lift the lid on one of Ancient Egypt's greatest rulers, Ramesses the Great. How did Ramesses acquire the nickname 'The Great'? What were the reasons for the adulation he received from his subjects? How long ...
08.27.2021 Fairy Tales Greg Jenner and his guests uncover the gruesome truths behind some of our most-loved fairy tales that have kept children and adults enchanted for centuries. In comedy corner, we have the wickedly funny “evil queen of comedy” Sally Phillips, who ...
08.20.2021 Ivan The Terrible 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 ...
06.19.2021 Genghis Khan (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Peter Frankopan and comedian Phil Wang in the 12th century to meet one of the most feared conquerors in world history, Genghis Khan. We find out why silk shirts weren’t just a fashion choice ...
06.12.2021 The Egyptian Pyramids (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Sarah Parcak and comedian Maria Shehata to learn all about the magnificent Egyptian pyramids. We discover how and why pyramids were built, who constructed them, and how space archaeology can help us discover and ...
06.05.2021 Joan of Arc (Radio Edit) Delusion or divine intervention? Learn about Joan of Arc’s super sewing skills, her badass credentials and the story of why it took nearly half a century for her to become a saint. If you think it’s tough being a woman ...
05.29.2021 The Battle of Salamis (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Michael Scott and comedian Shappi Khorsandi in 480 BCE for one of history’s most notorious naval battles - The Battle of Salamis. On their journey through the events leading up to the battle ...
05.22.2021 Lord Byron (Radio Edit) Who was Lord Byron and why did he drive the girls (and many boys) so wild? Find out about this scandalous early celebrity who was described as, "mad, bad and dangerous to know". Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Ed ...
05.15.2021 Boudica (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner and his guests discuss the important questions surrounding Queen Boudica including: Is she a feminist icon? How do you pronounce her name? And was she really ginger? Get ready to forget everything you thought you knew about Boudica ...
04.23.2021 P.T. Barnum Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in 19th-century America to meet the self-proclaimed showman, P.T. Barnum. He was a man famous for his museums and shows as well as "curiosities" such as General ...
04.16.2021 Prohibition in the USA Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Sarah Churchwell and comedian Kemah Bob in 1920s USA to hear about the implementation and after effects of Prohibition. From bootleggers to speakeasies, we learn the origins of the Prohibition Laws and discover ...
04.09.2021 Sacagawea Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Katrina Phillips and comedian Alex Edelman in the 19th century to meet an icon of American history, Sacagawea. Hired to lead Jefferson’s Corps of Discovery through the newly acquired Louisiana territories at just ...
04.02.2021 Becoming America Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Joanne Freeman and comedian Chris Addison in the 18th century to look at the birth of a nation as America takes its first steps after achieving independence from the British. Where did party ...
03.26.2021 The Harlem Renaissance In the first of five special episodes on US history, Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Emily Bernard and Roy Wood Jr in 1920s New York as they take a look at the movers and shakers of the Harlem Renaissance. ...
03.19.2021 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 ...
03.12.2021 Old Norse Literature Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Janina Ramirez and comedian Kae Kurd in medieval Iceland to delve into the world of old Norse literature. It's full of elves, giants, trolls, gods, deadly mistletoe and eight-legged horse babies. Anything goes ...
03.05.2021 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 ...
02.26.2021 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, ...
02.19.2021 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 including storytelling, fabric, food, music and using rhythm as communication. And we hear ...
02.12.2021 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 ...
02.05.2021 Ancient Greek and 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 time when health was fleeting, water could be dangerous and communal bum sponges ...
01.29.2021 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 the pirate queen, Grainne O’Malley. Against the backdrop of the changing legal landscape of Ireland as it ...
01.22.2021 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 ...
01.15.2021 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 ...
01.06.2021 The Mughal Empire (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Mehreen Chida-Razvi and comedian Sindhu Vee to explore the Mughal Empire and its legacy in art and architecture. We learn why an Emperor always needed to be wary of his siblings and how ...
12.26.2020 The History of Chocolate (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by chocolate historian Alex Hutchinson and British TV legend Richard Osman to explore the culinary and cultural history of chocolate. How did cacao become chocolate and find its way into our shops and hearts? A Muddy ...
12.21.2020 The Victorian Christmas (Radio Edit) Why do we celebrate Christmas with cards, crackers and a tree? Join us as we travel back and explore the weird and wonderful history of the Victorian Christmas. Just who the Dickens had the idea to bring trees indoors? Can ...
12.16.2020 Josephine Baker (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by historical expert Dr Michell Chresfield and comedian Desiree Burch to travel to 1920s Paris and meet the phenomenal Josephine Baker. Josephine Baker was a renowned performer and entertainer, a civil rights activist and even a ...
12.12.2020 The Mayflower (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Misha Ewen and comedian Alex Edelman to take a trip back in time and across the Atlantic with the passengers of The Mayflower. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
12.08.2020 The Witch Craze (Radio Edit) Revisit the dark days of the European Witch Craze when one book turned the world upside down and a disgruntled patriarchy murdered thousands of innocent women. Greg Jenner's guests are comedian Cariad Lloyd and historian Prof Suzannah Lipscomb. Produced by ...
12.05.2020 The History of Football (Radio Edit) Where did football come from? Was it really invented in China or is the truth a little closer to home? And what’s the truth behind the history of the women’s game? Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Tom Parry and ...
12.01.2020 Stonehenge (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner digs into the history and mystery of Stonehenge. Is it really the symbol of fertility and scene of sacrifice it’s portrayed to be, and what part of Stonehenge is the henge exactly? Featuring podcasting legend Richard Herring alongside ...
11.28.2020 Harriet Tubman (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Desiree Burch and historian Dr Michell Chresfield to explore the life of the American hero and abolitionist, Harriet Tubman. From a torturous childhood to surgery without anaesthetic, get ready to understand true bravery as ...
11.21.2020 Young Napoleon (Radio Edit) Never mind the famous battles, who was the real Napoleon and what events turned him from a young Corsican officer to one of history’s greatest figures? Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Dan Schreiber and historian Dr Laura O’Brien. Produced ...
11.21.2020 Neanderthals (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by the brilliant comedian Tim Minchin and Palaeolithic archaeologist Dr Becky Wragg Sykes as they take us way back in time to visit the Neanderthals. Just who were the Neanderthals? Were they the squat caveman we’ve ...
11.14.2020 The Aztecs (Radio Edit) Travel back to the land of the Aztecs for stories of sacrifice and fancy diets. Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Joel Dommett and historian Dr Caroline Dodds Pennock to ask just how much food can be traced back to ...
11.14.2020 Blackbeard (Radio Edit) Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Stu Goldsmith and historian Dr Rebecca Simon for a hilarious look at the life of the infamous pirate, Blackbeard. Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted by Greg Jenner Researched by Emma Nagouse Radio edit by ...

Older episodes

You're Dead To Me

What's You're Dead To Me about?

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You're Dead To Me episodes:

Medieval Christmas

Zheng Yi Sao

Mary Wollstonecraft

The History of Ice Cream

Mary Seacole

Disability in the Ancient World

Owain Glyndŵr

Paul Robeson

Çatalhöyük and the Neolithic Revolution

Sake Dean Mahomed

Medieval Science

The History of High Heels

Nell Gwyn

Ramesses The Great

Fairy Tales

Ivan The Terrible

Genghis Khan (Radio Edit)

The Egyptian Pyramids (Radio Edit)

Joan of Arc (Radio Edit)

The Battle of Salamis (Radio Edit)

Lord Byron (Radio Edit)

Boudica (Radio Edit)

P.T. Barnum

Prohibition in the USA

Sacagawea

Becoming America

The Harlem Renaissance

Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Old Norse Literature

The Tang Dynasty

King James VI of Scotland

The Asante Empire

The Borgias

Ancient Greek and Roman Medicine

Grainne O’Malley

The Ancient Babylonians

Agrippina the Younger

The Mughal Empire (Radio Edit)

The History of Chocolate (Radio Edit)

The Victorian Christmas (Radio Edit)

Josephine Baker (Radio Edit)

The Mayflower (Radio Edit)

The Witch Craze (Radio Edit)

The History of Football (Radio Edit)

Stonehenge (Radio Edit)

Harriet Tubman (Radio Edit)

Young Napoleon (Radio Edit)

Neanderthals (Radio Edit)

The Aztecs (Radio Edit)

Blackbeard (Radio Edit)

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