You're Dead to Me

Empress Dowager Cixi (Radio Edit)

Discover the ruthless rise and political survival of Empress Dowager Cixi, the formidable ruler of Qing-era China.

History of the Telephone (Radio Edit)

Trace the invention of the telephone, the cutthroat race to patent it, and the Victorian anxieties it sparked.

Announcing Series 12

Series 12 is back with a new look, a fresh theme tune, and an epic deep dive into the world of Ancient Greece.

Why do British people love tea? (from Here For The History)

From colonial smuggling and corporate espionage to fueling the Industrial Revolution, discover how tea became British.

History of Spices (Radio Edit)

Trace the long, violent history of the global spice trade, from ancient routes to the birth of modern corporations.

Epic of Gilgamesh (Radio Edit)

Discover the ancient journey of King Gilgamesh as he evolves from a tyrannical ruler into a seeker of wisdom.

Hypatia of Alexandria (Radio Edit)

Discover the brilliant life, tragic death, and enduring mathematical legacy of Alexandria’s iconic female philosopher.

Geoffrey Chaucer (Radio Edit)

Explore the life of Geoffrey Chaucer, the wine merchant's son who survived the Black Death to reshape English verse.

Lena Horne (Radio Edit)

Trace the life of Hollywood legend Lena Horne from her Cotton Club beginnings to her fight for civil rights.

History of the Telephone: 150th anniversary special

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the telephone, Greg Jenner welcomes historian Professor Iwan Morus and comedian Catherine Bohart for an insightful look at one of humanity's most transformative inventions. The episode chronicles the fierce patent race between Alexander Graham Bell, Elisha Gray, and Antonio Meucci, detailing how Bell ultimately secured his place in history. Listeners will explore the early days of telephone technology, from the practical challenges of eavesdropping to the rapid social shifts the device ignited. The panel examines how the invention created new employment opportunities for women and sparked public anxieties that mirror modern concerns about smartphones and social media. The conversation also highlights the peculiar etiquette of the Victorian era, including the debate over whether to answer with hello or ahoy-hoy. It is a witty, educational deep dive into the Victorian origins of our connected world.

History of Spices: commerce, colonialism and culinary innovation

In this episode of You’re Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner explores the fascinating and often volatile global history of spices. Joined by historian Dr. David Veevers and comedian Paul Sinha, the discussion examines how common kitchen staples like pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon transformed from rare, expensive luxuries into essential ingredients. The team traces the spice trade from its origins in Asia through the expansive empires of Rome and Alexander the Great, eventually reaching the colonial era where the Dutch and British East India Companies fought for monopoly. Listeners will uncover the surprising roles spices played throughout time, including their use in ancient Egyptian embalming and medieval medicinal remedies. Blending rigorous historical research with sharp wit, this episode offers a compelling look at the cultural exchange and geopolitical shifts sparked by the world’s hunger for flavor.

Epic of Gilgamesh: myths and heroes in ancient Mesopotamia

In this episode of You’re Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner travels back to ancient Mesopotamia alongside historian Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid and comedian Marjolein Robertson to explore the legendary Epic of Gilgamesh. The panel delves into the origins of one of humanity's oldest written stories, tracing its evolution from early Sumerian poems to the standard Babylonian version preserved on clay tablets in the Library of Ashurbanipal. Listeners will follow the transformative journey of King Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu as they battle divine wrath and seek immortality. Beyond the myth, the discussion examines the historical reality behind the king, the fascinating process of decoding cuneiform, and the enduring relevance of the epic’s themes, including friendship, community, and the human relationship with nature. It is an engaging deep dive into an ancient world of heroes, monsters, and profound existential questions.

Hypatia of Alexandria: mathematician, martyr and feminist icon

Host Greg Jenner travels to late antique Egypt alongside Professor Edith Hall and comedian Olga Koch to explore the remarkable life and legacy of Hypatia of Alexandria. As a brilliant mathematician and philosopher in a city fractured by religious and political instability, Hypatia shattered boundaries by taking over her father’s school and excelling in fields dominated by men. The episode examines her significant contributions to astronomy and mathematics, while also confronting the tragic circumstances of her death at the hands of fundamentalists during the twilight of the Roman Empire. Listeners can expect a deep dive into how Hypatia transformed from a classical scholar into an enduring martyr for intellectual freedom and a celebrated feminist icon. Balancing scholarly insight with sharp humor, the panel sheds light on this trailblazing thinker whose influence continues to resonate long after her passing.

Geoffrey Chaucer: the medieval father of English literature

In this episode, host Greg Jenner transports listeners back to fourteenth-century England to explore the life and legacy of Geoffrey Chaucer. Joined by Professor Marion Turner and comedian Mike Wozniak, Jenner examines why the man often called the father of English literature was so revolutionary for choosing to write in Middle English rather than Latin. The conversation delves into Chaucer’s fascinating personal biography, covering his upbringing as a merchant’s son, his dedicated career as a civil servant, and his experiences during turbulent historical events like the Black Death and the Peasants’ Revolt. Listeners will also gain insight into the literary influences that shaped his work and take a deep dive into the iconic Canterbury Tales. Combining rigorous historical research with lighthearted comedy, the episode provides an engaging look at a literary giant who paved the way for generations of writers to come.

Lena Horne: racism and resilience in the Golden Age of Hollywood

Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr. Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins and comedian Desiree Burch to explore the remarkable life of Hollywood icon Lena Horne. This episode charts Horne’s journey from her early days at the legendary Cotton Club to her rise as an MGM star in classic films like Stormy Weather. The discussion examines how Horne navigated the systemic racism of segregation-era America while cementing her status as a legendary vocalist and the first Black pin-up girl. Listeners will gain insight into her personal and professional evolution, including her high-profile marriage and her eventual transition into a passionate voice for the civil rights movement. By reflecting on her relationships with figures like Billie Holiday and Martin Luther King Jr., the panel highlights Horne’s enduring legacy of resilience, artistry, and political activism in twentieth-century America.

Philippe, Duc d’Orléans: in the shadow of the Sun King

In this episode of You’re Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner travels to the opulent world of 17th-century France to uncover the life of Philippe, Duc d’Orléans. Joined by historian Dr. Jonathan Spangler and comedian Tom Allen, the discussion explores what it meant to be the younger brother of the legendary Sun King, Louis XIV. Philippe lived in his brother’s shadow, navigating the suffocating expectations of the French court while cultivating a reputation for scandal and flair. From his military ambitions and complex personal life—including his marriage to Liselotte and his prominent same-sex relationships—to his secret talent for savvy financial management, listeners discover a man of fascinating contradictions. This engaging episode delves into the pressures placed on royal siblings and offers a vibrant look at the glamour, gossip, and queer history hidden within the halls of Versailles.

Renaissance Medicine: healthcare and disease in early modern England

In this episode of You're Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner travels back to Tudor and Stuart England to explore the fascinating and often bizarre world of Renaissance medicine. Joined by historian Dr. Alanna Skuse and comedian Ria Lina, the discussion unpacks how medical practice shifted from ancient humoral theory to the burgeoning scientific landscape of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Listeners will learn about the professionalization of healthcare, from the establishment of the College of Physicians to the rise of specialized surgeons and apothecaries. The episode also highlights the era’s unique challenges, including the impact of the Great Plague, the influence of the printing press on medical knowledge, and the dangerous experiments that paved the way for modern physiology. Packed with stories of quacks, cutting-edge researchers, and everyday health struggles, this episode offers a witty and informative look at early modern survival.

Emperor Nero: ancient Rome’s most infamous ruler

In this episode of You're Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner travels back to ancient Rome alongside historian Professor Mary Beard and comedian Patton Oswalt to examine the life of Emperor Nero. Often remembered as a villain who fiddled while Rome burned, Nero remains one of history’s most polarizing figures. The discussion peels back layers of myth to reveal the complicated reality behind his imperial rule, including his intense relationship with the philosopher Seneca and his violent conduct toward his family. Listeners will explore the political volatility of the era, the revolt of Boudica, and Nero’s bizarre personal passions, such as his obsession with the theater and self-centered festivals. This blend of expert historical analysis and sharp comedy offers a fascinating look at whether the infamous emperor truly deserves his dark reputation or if he has been misunderstood by history.

Marie Antoinette (Radio Edit)

Greg Jenner welcomes historian Professor Katherine Astbury and comedian Jen Brister to examine the life and legacy of Marie Antoinette. Often remembered as a frivolous queen obsessed with fashion and associated with the infamous phrase let them eat cake, she remains one of history’s most misunderstood figures. The panel separates fact from myth, exploring her origins as an Austrian princess, her complex marriage to Louis XVI, and the intense scrutiny she faced as the last queen of France before the Revolution. Throughout the episode, the guests discuss her political influence, her deep passion for the theatre, and the persistent rumors surrounding her personal life. By investigating the propaganda and public hatred directed at her during a time of national hunger, this discussion provides a balanced look at a woman unfairly defined by the revolutionary narrative.

Hannibal of Carthage (Radio Edit)

Host Greg Jenner transports listeners to ancient North Africa to explore the legendary life of Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general who became Rome’s greatest adversary. Joined by classicist Professor Josephine Quinn and comedian Darren Harriott, the discussion covers the origins of the Second Punic War and the geopolitical rivalry between Carthage and Rome. The episode details Hannibal’s tactical genius, including his iconic and perilous trek across the Alps accompanied by war elephants. Beyond his military exploits, the panel delves into his upbringing in Spain and his later life as a reformist politician after his eventual defeat. Listeners can expect a blend of expert historical insight and lighthearted commentary that captures the gravity and drama of this ancient superpower conflict. This episode offers a comprehensive look at one of history’s most daring military figures and the lasting impact of the Punic Wars.