You're Dead to Me
188 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 6 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 2.4K ratingsThe comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Greg Jenner brings together the best names in comedy and history to learn and laugh about the past.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Owain Glyndŵr
October 22, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBGreg 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 an extraordinary tale of war, vengeance, poetry, annoying next-door neighbours, top-notch gardens and probably a lot of damp and drizzly battlefield action (and inaction). Plus Greg squeezes in an obligatory Tottenham Hotspur reference. Research: Kierri...
Paul Robeson
October 15, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MBGreg 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 rights, Robeson was an exceptional athlete, actor, singer, scholar and civil rights activist who the American government persecuted during the McCarthy era. Research: William Clayton Script: Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Proj...
Çatalhöyük and the Neolithic Revolution
October 08, 2021 06:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBGreg 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, pals and porridge? In archaeology corner this week is Dr Lindsay Der from the University of Victoria in Canada and in comedy corner is the fantastically funny Mike Wozniak. Script: Chris Wakefield, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Research: Chr...
Sake Dean Mahomed
October 01, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBGreg 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 of 92 and counted members of the Royal Family among his many clients. Greg's guests in this episode are Dr Arunima Datta from Idaho State University and the comedian and podcast host Eshaan Akbar. Script: Emma Nagouse, Chris Wakefield and Greg Jenner R...
Medieval Science
September 24, 2021 06:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBThere's a school of thought out there that, following the fall of the Roman Empire around Europe, there's a decline in knowledge, technologies, and economics. But is this true? Greg Jenner and his guests look at a range of discoveries spanning a thousand of years, widely known as the Medieval period. How was knowledge and scientific findings shared across a world with its countless languages and regions before the internet? Looking at essential scholars of the time like Ibn Al Hytham, the ...
The History of High Heels
September 17, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBHigh 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 this impractical, even masochistic piece of design become so gender-specific and has it always been this way? Greg Jenner discusses the history of high-heeled shoes with Dr Elizabeth Semmelhack from the Bata Shoe Museum and with returning comedian Lauren Pattison. See photo...
Nell Gwyn
September 10, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBOne of the original comedic rags to riches stories, Nell Gwyn. We're travelling back to 17th century England to delve into a celebrity of the Restoration era, one of the first actresses in comedy and a mistress to King Charles II all rolled into one! Nell Gwyn's life is as eventful and comedic as her turns on the stage, and Greg Jenner and his guests have a lot of fun unpicking this incredible life story where politics meets the stage, and there is only one (or maybe several?) winner/s Gr...
Ramesses the Great
September 03, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBGreg 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 did he rule and how many temples were built in his honour? Greg discusses these questions and many more with his guests, the comedian and writer Sophie Duker and the historical expert Dr Campbell Price. Produced by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Ramesses The Great
September 03, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBGreg 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 did he rule and how many temples were built in his honour? Greg discusses these questions and many more with his guests, the comedian and writer Sophie Duker and the historical expert Dr Campbell Price. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emm...
Fairy Tales
August 27, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBGreg 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 we all know as a comedian, sketch-writer and for her appearances in shows like Miranda, Green Wing, Veep and many more. In history corner is the world-renowned expert on children’s literature, folklore and German literature, Prof Maria Tatar.
Ivan The Terrible
August 20, 2021 06:00 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBGreg 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.
Ivan the Terrible
August 20, 2021 06:00 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBWas he really so terrible (hint: yes!), or is it all just a translation error (well, sort of)? Greg Jenner and his guests dive into the life, times, and crimes of Russia's first Tsar, the infamous Ivan the Terrible. From his bumpy youth, early successes, and multiple wives, to his oppressive policy of oprichnina and notorious reputation for cruelty, the panel discusses the good, the bad, and the very, very ugly when it comes to one of history's most feared rulers. Featuring Professor Pet...
Announcing Series 4
August 13, 2021 06:00 - 1 minute - 1.63 MBWe’re back! Greg Jenner previews some of the topics and guest coming up in a new series of You're Dead To Me.
Genghis Khan (Radio Edit)
June 19, 2021 09:30 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBGreg 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 and how kittens were apparently used as weapons as Genghis Khan established the largest land empire in history.
The Egyptian Pyramids (Radio Edit)
June 12, 2021 09:30 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBGreg 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 protect hundreds of pyramids and tombs that are yet to be found.
Joan of Arc (Radio Edit)
June 05, 2021 09:30 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBDelusion 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 now, find out what it was like in 1400s France. Joining Greg Jenner to learn about Joan are comedian Catherine Bohart and historian Dr Helen Castor Script: Greg Jenner Research: Emma Nagouse Producer: Dan Morelle A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
The Battle of Salamis (Radio Edit)
May 29, 2021 09:30 - 28 minutes - 26 MBGreg 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 and beyond, they hear about one of the most unusual methods used to cross a body of water and discover why sometimes it pays to give water a jolly good telling off.
Lord Byron (Radio Edit)
May 22, 2021 09:30 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBWho 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 Gamble and historian Dr Corin Throsby. This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse.
Boudica (Radio Edit)
May 15, 2021 09:30 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBGreg 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 and learn what it was really like when the Romans invaded. Featuring comedian, author and actress Sara Pascoe, known for QI, Have I Got News For You, and W1A among many other shows, and historian Dr Emma Southon, specialist in Roman history and co-host...
P.T. Barnum
April 23, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBGreg Jenner is joined by historian Professor Benjamin Reiss and comedian Desiree Burch in the 19th century to meet self proclaimed showman P T Barnum. A man famous for his museums and shows as well as ‘curiosities’ such as General Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies, and The Fiji Mermaid. But take a deeper dive beyond Barnum’s infamous spin and you’ll find that, contrary to his pop culture image, this showman was far from the greatest. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Na...
Prohibition in the USA
April 16, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBGreg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Sarah Churchwell and comedian Kemah Bob in 1920s USA to follow the implementation and after effects of Prohibition. From Bootleggers, Wet’s and Dry’s, Speakeasy’s and Rum Rows, take a look at the origins of the Prohibition Laws and how a movement designed to encourage temperance backfired on the nation entirely. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Tim Galsworthy The Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
Sacagawea
April 09, 2021 06:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBGreg 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 16 years old, Sacagawea was responsible for the lives of the corps and her "man-baby" husband as well as her actual baby who she gave birth to mid-expedition. Her heroics along the course of the journey are well documented but why is there no ...
Becoming America
April 02, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBGreg 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 politics come from? How were Vice Presidents originally selected? Why was Washington DC chosen as the capital? Did George Washington really have a special presidential suit? And just why did Jefferson keep a mammoth cheese in the lobby? Produced by Cornelius Mende...
The Harlem Renaissance
March 26, 2021 07:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBIn 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. Walk through one of Harlem's infamous rent parties and meet the greatest icons and minds from music, politics and the literary world during a cultural revolution. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Harry Prance, Jess White, Tim Galsworthy A prod...
Chevalier de Saint-Georges
March 19, 2021 07:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBGreg 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 sto...
Old Norse Literature
March 12, 2021 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MBGreg 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 in a world created from the decapitated body of a giant where a squirrel runs communications! But what was the ultimate purpose of these stories? Who wrote them? And what do they teach us about Viking culture? Produced by Greg Jenner and Emma Nago...
The Tang Dynasty
March 05, 2021 07:00 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBGreg 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
King James VI of Scotland
February 26, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBGreg 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?
The Asante Empire
February 19, 2021 07:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBGreg 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 E...
The Borgias
February 12, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBGreg 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 White A produc...
Ancient Greek and Roman Medicine
February 05, 2021 07:00 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBGreg 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 were 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 beavers' anuses. Welcome to the world of ancient medicine! Produced by Cornel...
Ancient Greek & Roman Medicine
February 05, 2021 07:00 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBGreg 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 Em...
Grainne O’Malley
January 29, 2021 07:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBGreg 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...
The Ancient Babylonians
January 22, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBHost 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...
Agrippina the Younger
January 15, 2021 09:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MBGreg 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 Prance A production by ...
The Mughal Empire (Radio Edit)
January 06, 2021 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBGreg 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 a zebra came to cause disbelief in court, and we hear the real story behind the wondrous Taj Mahal. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
The History of Chocolate (Radio Edit)
December 26, 2020 10:30 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBGreg 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 Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
The Victorian Christmas (Radio Edit)
December 21, 2020 07:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBWhy 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 a soft-drinks firm really take credit for Father Christmas’s red suit? And why did the Victorians send each other such bizarre Christmas cards? Greg Jenner is joined in the studio by historian Dr Fern Riddell and comedian Russell Kane. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Scrip...
Josephine Baker (Radio Edit)
December 16, 2020 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBGreg 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 spy during the German occupation of France. But just how did the daughter of a laundress in St Louis find herself at the centre of some of the most pivotal moments in history? A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
The Mayflower (Radio Edit)
December 12, 2020 10:30 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBGreg 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.
The Witch Craze (Radio Edit)
December 08, 2020 08:30 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBRevisit 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 Dan Morelle Script and research by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Eszter Szabo and Evie Randall Radio edit by Cornelius Mendez A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
The History of Football (Radio Edit)
December 05, 2020 10:30 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBWhere 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 historian Prof Jean Williams to learn the history of the beautiful game. Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted by Greg Jenner Researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Eszter Szabo and Evie Randall Radio edit by Cornelius Mendez A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Stonehenge (Radio Edit)
December 01, 2020 10:30 - 29 minutes - 27 MBGreg 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 archaeologist Susan Greaney from English Heritage. Produced by Dan Morelle Script by Greg Jenner Research by Emma Nagouse Radio edit by Cornelius Mendez A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Harriet Tubman (Radio Edit)
November 28, 2020 10:30 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBGreg 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 we uncover the events which made Harriet Tubman a phenomenal force for change. Produced by Dan Morelle Scripted by Greg Jenner Researched by Emma Nagouse Radio edit by Cornelius Mendez A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Young Napoleon (Radio Edit)
November 21, 2020 10:45 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBNever 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 by Dan Morelle Script and research by Emma Nagouse Radio edit by Cornelius Mendez A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Neanderthals (Radio Edit)
November 21, 2020 10:30 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBGreg 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 come to know in pop culture or have we misunderstood them entirely? Join the team as we discover there is so much more to those handsome, hench beings who walked the Earth before us.
The Aztecs (Radio Edit)
November 14, 2020 10:45 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBTravel 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 the Aztecs? Was cannibalism really a respectful process? And at what age were Aztec children expected to contribute to the family? Produced by Dan Morelle Script by Greg Jenner Research by Emma Nagouse assisted by Josh Daniels Radio edit by Cornelius Mendez A Muddy Knees Media p...
Blackbeard (Radio Edit)
November 14, 2020 10:30 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBGreg 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 Cornelius Mendez A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
A message from Greg
October 09, 2020 15:23 - 4 minutes - 4.2 MBGreg Jenner has news of Series 3 and shares some other listening recommendations.
The Joe Wicks Podcast: Teaser Episode
September 28, 2020 04:00 - 10 minutes - 9.98 MBJoe Wicks wants to know: What’s the one thing that makes life better? Joe loves finding ways to boost his mental and physical health, so he’s asking some of his inspiring mates about their secret to physical and mental happiness. Whether it’s a high-intensity cycle, a freezing cold shower or a cheeky power nap, every guest will share the one thing that works for them. This is sunshine in a podcast. Joe Wicks is here for you, and he won’t stop until you’re fit and happy. Subscribe to The Joe W...