You're Dead To Me

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. 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 production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 Roberts A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 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 Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Charlotte Potter & Hannah Mackenzie A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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.

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?

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 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 Roberts A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 White A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 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 Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Hannah MacKenzie A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 faced brutality from incoming English administrators, we hear about 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 father's ship, to aggressive actions on a castle that refused to serve her food. Grainne O’Malley was not a woman to be messed with and 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 White A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 Roberts A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 Prance A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 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.

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 Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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 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 Scripted and researched by Greg Jenner A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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 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.

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.

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 Dan Morelle and and Cornelius Mendez Script and research by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Eszter Szabo and Evie Randall A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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 historian Prof Jean Williams to learn the history of the beautiful game. Produced by Dan Morelle and Cornelius Mendez Scripted by Greg Jenner Researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Eszter Szabo and Evie Randall A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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 archaeologist Susan Greaney from English Heritage. Produced by Dan Morelle and Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner Research by Emma Nagouse A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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 we uncover the events which made Harriet Tubman a phenomenal force for change. Produced by Dan Morelle and Cornelius Mendez. Scripted by Greg Jenner and researched by Emma Nagouse.

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 by Dan Morelle Script and research by Emma Nagouse A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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 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.

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 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 A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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 A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Host 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 archeology can help us discover and protect hundreds of pyramids and tombs that are yet to be found.

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 and how kittens were apparently used as weapons as Genghis Khan established the largest land empire in history.

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Meleisa Ono-George and comedian Nathan Caton to learn all about the roots of Notting Hill Carnival, the largest street festival in Europe. We follow the history from 18th century Trinidad to 21st century London, looking not just at how carnival traditions have changed and developed into a world famous annual celebration but how they helped empower a generation to stand together against the racial injustice they faced in the UK.

Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Lena Lipiali and comedian Stu Goldsmith in 18th century London to examine the life of infamous criminal, Jack Sheppard. From his early years in the workhouses of Spitalfields, we follow Jack from carpentry apprentice to infamous escape artist and renowned criminal as he became one of the earliest examples of London celebrity.

Host Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Marlene Daut and comedian Athena Kugblenu to examine the events and aftermath of the Haitian revolution, the first nation to abolish slavery. We look at the life of revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture, confront the atrocities committed against the people of Haiti and the literal price they were forced to pay for their freedom.

Host Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Corin Throsby and Comedian Ed Gamble to look at the role and development of vampire characters throughout 19th century Gothic literature and its continuing effect on pop culture today. Which vampire character is based on infamous bad boy Lord Byron? Who was the first vampire character to have fangs? And in case you ever need to know, just how many ways are there to kill a vampire?

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Michael Scott and comedian Shappi Khorsandi to head back to 480BCE for one of history’s most notorious naval battles, The Battle of Salamis. On a journey through the events leading up to the battle and beyond we will hear about one of the most inventive methods ever used to cross a body of water, one of the most unusual deaths ever recorded and why sometimes it pays to give water a jolly good telling off.

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Mehreen Chida-Razvi and comedian Sindhu Vee to explore The Mughal Empire and it’s legacy in art and architecture. We learn why an Emperor always needed to be wary of his siblings, how a zebra came to cause disbelief in court, and we hear the real story behind the wondrous Taj Mahal.

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Gabby Storey and comedian Rachel Parris to take a look at the action-packed life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. She was the only woman ever to be queen of both England and France. She took to the seas on a crusade and packed her entire household with her. She bore ten children and defended a castle, yet most of her life was spent clearing up her offsprings' mess. So just why is this badass queen’s legacy eclipsed by that of her sons?

Greg Jenner is joined by chocolate historian Alex Hutchinson and British TV legend Richard Osman to explore the culinary and cultural history of Britain's favourite confectionery. Just what did the Maya use to flavour their cacao? How did cacao become chocolate and find its way into our shops and hearts? And why did a family feud change the entire branding of a much loved chocolate bar?

Greg Jenner is joined by historical expert Dr Michell Chresfield and comedian Desiree Burch to travel to 1920s Paris to meet the phenomenal Josephine Baker. Josephine Baker was a renowned performer and entertainer in Paris, 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?

Greg Jenner and his guests Prof Michael Scott and comedian Shappi Khorsandi limber up for a trip to The Ancient Olympics. Discover the drastic measures taken to prevent women watching the action. Hear how the gruelling challenges brought a whole new meaning to the term "leaving it all on the field" and how even death couldn’t stop you winning.

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. They ask all the most pertinent questions: What would you pack for a journey to a new world? What’s a great name for a baby born at sea? And just why is a journey that was objectively a gigantic failure held in such high regard in American culture?

Greg Jenner is joined by literary expert Dr Corin Throsby and comedian Lauren Pattison to explore the often turbulent life of literary icon Mary Shelley. Join us as we all question our life achievements while discussing the groundbreaking work Mary produced by the age of just 20, how far she was prepared to walk for love, and arguably the most gothic first date in history.

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 mysterious world of Neanderthals. Just who were the Neanderthals? Were they the squat caveman archetypes we’ve come to know in pop culture? Did they really shout “Ug” at the moon? Or have we misunderstood them entirely? Join the team as we discover there is so much more to those handsome, hench beings that walked the Earth before us.

We’re back! Greg Jenner looks ahead to the new series and back at some highlights from series one.

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 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? Host Greg Jenner is joined in the studio by historian Dr Fern Riddell and comedian Russell Kane. This episode was produced by Cornelius Mendez and scripted and researched by Greg Jenner.

You’re Dead To Me returns for a special episode on The History of General Elections. Welcome to the world of “bludgeon men”, “potwallopers”, and electorates of sheep (!). Travel back to the 18th Century, when Number 10 was number 5 (yes, really) and discover not just how voter rights have changed, but where they originated. Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Hannah Nicholson and comedian Catherine Bohart.

You might have learned about Richard the Lionheart in school (or from Disney’s Robin Hood), but how much do you know about his opponent, the legendary Saladin? Why does Saladin have such an enduring reputation as a good guy? Host Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Maria Shehata and historian Prof Jonathan Phillips. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Emily Greenwell.

Discover the truth behind the European Witch Craze. Far from the world of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, discover how one book turned the world upside down as a disgruntled patriarchy murdered thousands of innocent women. Join Greg Jenner, comedian Cariad Lloyd and historian Prof Suzannah Lipscomb. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Eszter Szabo and Evie Randall.

Was Lord Byron the original celebrity? He might have been, you know. You should hear about the “things” that his fans sent him in the post! Find out the truth behind the first boy ever described as, "mad, bad and dangerous to know". Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Ed Gamble and historian Dr Corin Throsby. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse.

We are digging into the history and mystery surrounding 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. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle, scripted by Greg Jenner and researched by Emma Nagouse.

Travel back to the land of the Aztecs to discover that they’re not that dissimilar to the Tudors, but with more human sacrifices. 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? It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle, scripted by Greg Jenner and researched by Emma Nagouse assisted by Josh Daniels.

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 now, find out what it was like in 1400s France. Joining historian Greg Jenner to learn about Joan is comedian Catherine Bohart, of The Mash Report, and Dr Helen Castor, medieval historian and author of The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle, scripted by Greg Jenner and researched by Emma Nagouse.

Never mind the famous battles, who was the real Napoleon? Where did he come from? What events conspired to turn him from a young Corsican officer to one of history’s greatest figures? How intense was his relationship with his wife Josephine? What part of his body was recreated in plaster, and how much was somebody willing to pay for it? And just how did one man manufacture his own hype way before the days of social media? Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Dan Schreiber and historian Dr Laura O’Brien. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse.

Forget Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Justinian and Theodora were the power couple of the Byzantine era. From withstanding riots to protecting women’s rights, how did a woman from such humble beginnings (and who did *that* with a swan…) fall in love with one of the most powerful men of the time and secure her place in the history books? Join public historian Greg Jenner, comedian Shappi Khorsandi and historian Prof Peter Frankopan.

Who was Mansa Musa and how did he become the world’s richest man… ever? What did he do with his wealth? And why did everyone around him keep dying? Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Athena Kugblenu and historian and director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Dr Augustus Caseley-Hayford OBE. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse, assisted by Josh Daniels.

From Molly Houses to secret diaries, discover the real-life stories that make up the history of the LGBT community. Greg is joined by comedian Suzie Ruffell and Dr Justin Bengry, historian and creator of the world’s first masters degree in Queer History. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse.

Timbers are shivering as Greg Jenner digs down on the legendary pirate, Blackbeard. Why did Blackbeard blockade a small town while scratching himself in frustration? How many wives is too many wives? And what exactly did he put in his beard? He’s joined by historian and piracy expert Dr Rebecca Simon and comedian Stu Goldsmith, host of the fantastic Comedian’s Comedian podcast. This episode was produced by Dan Morelle, scripted by Greg Jenner and researched by Emma Nagouse.

Where did football come from? Was it really invented in China or is the truth a little closer to home? Why was knife crime such a problem for football hundreds of years ago? And what’s the real truth behind the history of the women’s game? Public historian Greg Jenner joins comedian Tom Parry and historian Prof Jean Williams to teach you the true history of the beautiful game. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle, scripted by Greg Jenner and researched by Emma Nagouse assisted by Eszter Szabo and Evie Randall.

We are heading down to the Underground Railroad to discover the incredible life of 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. Greg Jenner is joined by comedian, actor and writer Desiree Burch and historian Dr Michell Chresfield from the University of Birmingham. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle, scripted by Greg Jenner and researched by Emma Nagouse.

Greg is joined by comedian and king of the I’m a Celebrity jungle Joel Dommett and Warwick University classics professor Michael Scott as the trio charge headlong into the legend of the Spartans. As they debunk the myths within the movie, 300, find out why even burly Spartans wouldn’t fight in just a leather nappy. Why did Spartan women have it so much better than other women in Ancient Greece? And what colour cape would Joel demand to wear if sent into battle? It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Greg Jenner.

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 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 of the History is Sexy podcast. It’s history for people who don’t like history! This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Greg Jenner.

Greg Jenner introduces his new history podcast for people who don’t like history or who forgot to learn any at school.