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

Empress Dowager Cixi (Radio Edit)

Jul 3, 202628 minSummary

In this episode of You’re Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner explores the life and complex legacy of Empress Dowager Cixi, one of the 19th century’s most formidable rulers. Joined by Professor Yang Wen and comedian Sophie Duker, the discussion traces Cixi’s journey from a mid-level Manchu official’s daughter to the de facto ruler of China for nearly five decades. The conversation highlights her rise through the rigid hierarchy of the imperial concubine system and her eventual consolidation of power following the deaths of the emperor and her co-regent. The guests delve into her controversial reputation, examining the strategic, often ruthless political maneuvering—including rumors of poisoning rivals and sidelining emperors—that she employed to maintain control during a period of intense domestic and foreign upheaval. Beyond the scandals, the panel evaluates Cixi as a pragmatist who navigated complex pressures from Western colonial powers and internal calls for reform. Ultimately, the episode provides a balanced perspective, questioning whether her authoritarian grip on the Qing Dynasty was a necessary bulwark against collapse or an obstacle to much-needed progress.

History of the Telephone (Radio Edit)

Jun 26, 202628 minSummary

In this special 150th episode of You're Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner explores the fascinating history of the telephone. Joined by historian Professor Ewan Morris and comedian Catherine Bohart, the episode traces the technological evolution of long-distance communication, moving from the limitations of the electric telegraph to the invention that transformed the world. The discussion highlights the complicated origins of the telephone, detailing the intense rivalry between Alexander Graham Bell, Elisha Gray, and Antonio Meucci, whose patent battles define a messy chapter of scientific history. The guests examine the social impact of this new technology, including the creation of the switchboard, the vital role of the Hello Girls who staffed them, and the Victorian-era anxieties regarding etiquette, gossip, and privacy. The episode also touches on the humor of early telephone greetings, noting that Bell famously preferred the nautical-inspired "ahoy-hoy" over Thomas Edison’s eventually popularized "hello." Through an engaging mix of comedy and rigorous historical inquiry, the team illustrates how the Victorians viewed the phone not just as a tool, but as a gateway to a futuristic, interconnected world.

Announcing Series 12

Jun 24, 20261 minSummary

Host Greg Jenner returns to kick off the twelfth series of the popular history-meets-comedy show, You’re Dead to Me. This season brings a significant transformation to the program, as the production team introduces a brand-new theme tune and, for the first time in the podcast’s history, offers full video episodes for viewers to enjoy. The upcoming season promises a characteristically diverse and educational journey through time. Jenner and his guests will delve into an epic exploration of Ancient Greece, specifically focusing on Homer’s the Iliad and the Odyssey. Other highlights include an examination of Francis Galton and the dark history of eugenics, as well as a humorous look at medieval saints and their peculiar bone boxes. With a revolving cast of experts and comedians, the show continues its mission to present historical facts with a lighthearted approach. Listeners can expect the usual blend of rigorous research and witty banter as the show maintains its commitment to taking history seriously, while ensuring the audience is thoroughly entertained throughout this latest installment of the series.

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

Jun 19, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Here for the History, hosts Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson explore the fascinating origin story of Britain’s deep-rooted obsession with tea. The conversation traces how a beverage once exotic to the British Isles became an essential component of national identity. The hosts begin by highlighting the influential role of Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese princess who married King Charles II in 1662. Her personal preference for tea helped popularize the drink among the aristocracy, marking its transition from a luxury import into high-society fashion. The discussion then moves through the 18th and 19th centuries, examining the economic implications of the tea trade, including the illicit world of smuggling to avoid high taxes and the darker history of the Opium Wars. A central insight of the episode is the role of the Industrial Revolution in cementing tea’s status. The hosts discuss how tea served as a crucial stimulant for factory workers, providing a necessary energy boost while serving as a safer, sober alternative to alcoholic beverages. By blending historical research with lighthearted cultural commentary, the episode provides a comprehensive look at how tea became the ultimate British comfort.

History of Spices (Radio Edit)

Jun 19, 202628 minSummary

In this episode of You’re Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner explores the fascinating, often dark, and global history of the spice trade. Joined by historian Dr. David Beevers and comedian Paul Sinha, the discussion traces how spices—defined as exotic plant parts like bark, seeds, and flowers—transformed from rare, expensive luxuries into common kitchen staples. The episode delves into the origins of the spice trade, beginning in the Bronze Age and expanding through the influence of empires like the Sassanids and the conquests of Alexander the Great. The guests examine how maritime innovation, including the astrolabe and the lateen sail, allowed trade routes to flourish across the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. Beyond the culinary uses, the discussion highlights the brutal reality of historical spice monopolies. From the violent Dutch colonization of the Spice Islands and the infamous Amboyna Massacre to the eventual global transplantation of crops, the episode emphasizes that the modern spice rack is built on a foundation of intense imperial rivalry and colonialism. The episode concludes with a reflection on how spices have served as vital connectors for culture, globalization, and human migration throughout history.

Epic of Gilgamesh (Radio Edit)

Jun 12, 202628 minSummary

In this episode of You're Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner and guests—historian Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid and comedian Marjolein Robertson—explore the ancient Mesopotamian narrative, the Epic of Gilgamesh. The discussion delves into the origins of this legendary tale, which was written in cuneiform on twelve tablets and centers on Gilgamesh, the tyrannical king of Uruk. The guests break down the story’s key arcs, from the creation of Gilgamesh’s wild companion, Enkidu, to their shared adventures, the defiance of the goddess Ishtar, and the king’s eventual, grief-stricken quest for immortality following Enkidu’s death. Beyond the myth itself, the panel discusses the fascinating history of the text’s rediscovery, including the story of George Smith, who famously translated the flood narrative in the 1870s. The episode highlights how the epic serves as wisdom literature, shifting from a tale of a self-absorbed ruler to a meditation on the importance of community, legacy, and the human condition. Dr. Al-Rashid offers a poignant reflection on how the story’s themes of stewardship and connection remain vital in the modern world, encouraging listeners to value their impact within their own communities.

Hypatia of Alexandria (Radio Edit)

Jun 5, 202628 minSummary

In this episode of You're Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner explores the life and legacy of Hypatia of Alexandria, the renowned fourth-century mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher. Joined by classicist Professor Edith Hall and comedian Olga Koch, the discussion delves into the intellectual climate of Alexandria, a vibrant, multicultural city that served as a hub for the ancient world's greatest scholars. The episode examines the historical reality of Hypatia’s life, moving beyond later myths and cinematic depictions. The guests highlight her role as an elite teacher of Neoplatonism and mathematics, noting that her influence was substantial enough to be recorded by contemporary figures. The conversation also addresses the challenging sociopolitical context of her time, characterized by rising sectarian tensions between pagan traditions and the newly established Christian state. Her tragic death is discussed as a result of being caught in a power struggle between local political and religious factions. Ultimately, the episode serves as a tribute to Hypatia’s status as a pioneer in STEM, celebrating her enduring influence and even touching upon the fascinating modern connection between her legacy and a unique, ancient extraterrestrial stone.

Geoffrey Chaucer (Radio Edit)

May 29, 202628 minSummary

In this episode of You’re Dead to Me, host Greg Jenner is joined by J.R.R. Tolkien Professor of English Literature, Marian Turner, and comedian Mike Wozniak to explore the life and legacy of the medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Far from being a quiet scholar, Chaucer emerges as a man who lived through the most turbulent events of the 14th century, including the Black Death, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Peasants' Revolt. The discussion highlights Chaucer’s impressive social mobility, tracing his journey from the son of a London vintner to an influential royal diplomat and courtier. Beyond his famous Canterbury Tales, the guests examine his career as a civil servant, customs controller, and even a reluctant soldier. Turner provides fascinating insights into how Chaucer transformed English literature, utilizing his exposure to Italian writers to introduce innovative poetic forms like the iambic pentameter. The episode also debunks modern myths surrounding Chaucer’s legal history and clarifies his contribution to the development of the English language. Through a mix of historical rigor and humor, the group paints a picture of a writer whose deep interest in human complexity and perspective remains remarkably relevant today.

Lena Horne (Radio Edit)

May 22, 202628 minSummary

This episode of You’re Dead to Me explores the complex and trailblazing life of legendary singer and actress Lena Horne. Host Greg Jenner is joined by associate professor Hannah Robbins and comedian Desiree Burch to trace Horne’s journey from her early days at the Cotton Club to becoming a major Hollywood icon. The discussion highlights Horne’s historic seven-year contract with MGM—the first of its kind for a Black actor—and the intense personal struggles she faced while navigating a segregated industry. The guests examine the systemic racism she encountered, including the bizarre and restrictive treatment she endured from film studios and unions. Beyond her glamour, the episode focuses on Horne’s political consciousness, her activism during the Civil Rights movement, and her professional resilience after being blacklisted during the McCarthy era. The episode also details her later career resurgence, including her acclaimed one-woman show, The Lady in Her Music. Ultimately, the hosts present Horne not just as a polished star, but as a deeply human figure who navigated isolation and identity to build a lasting legacy that paved the way for future generations of Black performers.

History of the Telephone: 150th anniversary special

Mar 27, 202655 minSummary

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.