You're Dead To Me
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BBC Radio 4
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.
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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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 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 Price Script: Emma Nagouse, Kierri Price and Greg Jenner Project manager: Siefe Miyo Edit producer: Cornelius Mendez
22 Oct 2021
52 MINS
52:39
22 Oct 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 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 Project manager: Siefe Miyo Edit producer: Cornelius Mendez
15 Oct 2021
52 MINS
52:56
15 Oct 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, 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: Chris Wakefield Project manager : Siefe Miyo Edit producer : Cornelius Mendez
08 Oct 2021
53 MINS
53:36
08 Oct 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 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 Research: Chris Wakefield Project manager: Siefe Miyo Edit producer: Cornelius Mendez
01 Oct 2021
52 MINS
52:33
01 Oct 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 the internet? Greg is joined by Dr Seb Falk and comedian Josie Long to look at some of the weird and wonderful advancements of the period which we still use today. Research by Rosanna Evans Script by Emma Nagouse, Rosanna Evans and Greg Jenner Project manager: Siefe Miyo Edit producer: Cornelius Mendez
24 Sep 2021
54 MINS
54:20
24 Sep 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 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 photos of the shoes discussed: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09w4wgl/ Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Emma Nagouse, Harry Prance and Greg Jenner Research by Harry Prance
17 Sep 2021
52 MINS
52:18
17 Sep 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 eventful as her turns on the stage. Greg is joined by associate professor and writer, Diana Solomon and by comedian, actor and writer, Jess Knappett. Script by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Research by William Clayton Produced by Cornelius Mendez
10 Sep 2021
51 MINS
51:46
10 Sep 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 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 Emma Nagouse Research by Emma Nagouse and Rosanna Evans
03 Sep 2021
52 MINS
52:54
03 Sep 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 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.
27 Aug 2021
51 MINS
51:36
27 Aug 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 OK Computer, Human Error, Fight, QI and The Now Show.
20 Aug 2021
49 MINS
49:24
20 Aug 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 and how kittens were apparently used as weapons as Genghis Khan established the largest land empire in history.
19 Jun 2021
29 MINS
29:00
19 Jun 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 protect hundreds of pyramids and tombs that are yet to be found.
12 Jun 2021
29 MINS
29:02
12 Jun 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 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.
05 Jun 2021
29 MINS
29:10
05 Jun 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 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.
29 May 2021
28 MINS
28:22
29 May 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 Gamble and historian Dr Corin Throsby. This episode was produced by Dan Morelle and scripted and researched by Emma Nagouse.
22 May 2021
29 MINS
29:25
22 May 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 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. Script and Research: Greg Jenner Producer: Dan Morelle A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.
15 May 2021
28 MINS
28:57
15 May 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 Tom Thumb, Bearded Ladies and The Fiji Mermaid. But look 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 Nagouse Research by Charlotte Potter A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
23 Apr 2021
51 MINS
51:36
23 Apr 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 why a movement designed to encourage temperance backfired. Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Tim Galsworthy A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.
16 Apr 2021
51 MINS
51:13
16 Apr 2021