You're Dead To Me



We'll be back soon!

By BBC/Fri, 26 May 2023 09:30

We're off to the Hay Festival to record the final episode of this series which will be released on Friday 2 June.

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Agatha Christie

By BBC/Fri, 19 May 2023 06:00

Sue Perkins and Dr Lucy Worsley join Greg Jenner to discuss the life of world-famous novelist, Agatha Christie. Agatha Christie is arguably the greatest ever crime novelist but her work has also permeated film, theatre and television over the past c

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Leonardo da Vinci (Live)

By BBC/Fri, 12 May 2023 06:00

In this special, live episode of You’re Dead To Me, Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Catherine Fletcher and comedian Dara Ó Briain to learn about Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo lived from 1452 to 1519 during an era of plague and warfare across Western Eur

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Coming soon: Leonardo LIVE!

By BBC/Wed, 10 May 2023 11:36

Greg Jenner previews this week's special episode which was recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre.

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Victorian Bodybuilding

By BBC/Fri, 05 May 2023 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Vanessa Heggie and comedian Darren Harriot to learn about the bodybuilding boom of the 19th and 20th centuries. The latter part of the 19th century saw the beginning of a fitness craze where the seeds of the modern-day gy

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The Rise of the Tudors

By BBC/Fri, 28 Apr 2023 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Adam Chapman and comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean to learn about the rise of the Tudor dynasty. The Tudors are probably the most famous ruling dynasty in British and English history. But where and when did the Tudor family

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Cleopatra

By BBC/Fri, 21 Apr 2023 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Shushma Malik and comedian Thanyia Moore to learn about Cleopatra. Cleopatra – the seventh Ancient Egyptian Queen to bear that name – was born around 69 BCE and she’s seen by many historians as the final ruler of dynastic

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Al Andalus

By BBC/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Amira Bennison and comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri to learn about Al Andalus. From 711 to 1492, a significant amount of the Iberian peninsula – modern day Spain and Portugal – was ruled by a succession of Islamic rulers. Th

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The Jacobites

By BBC/Fri, 07 Apr 2023 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Jeremy Filet and comedian Eleanor Morton to learn about the Jacobites. During the 17th and 18th centuries, across Britain and Ireland, the Jacobite movement was at its height. The Jacobites were mainly, but not exclusivel

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Atlantis

By BBC/Fri, 31 Mar 2023 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Stephen Kershaw and comedian Sophie Duker to dive into the myth of Atlantis. The Atlantean story has its origins in the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. And literally nowhere else. Yet the enduring appeal o

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Sarah Bernhardt

By BBC/Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Sharon Marcus and comedian Isy Suttie to learn about the actor Sarah Bernhardt, a global icon in the 19th and 20th centuries who died a century ago. Bernhardt was one of the most famous people on the planet, coming from

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The Columbian Exchange

By BBC/Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Caroline Dodds Pennock and comedian Desiree Burch in the 15th century to learn all about the Columbian Exchange which is often described as the start of globalisation. We go beyond the expeditions of Christopher Columbus t

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Frederick Douglass

By BBC/Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:00

Greg Jenner is joined by guests Prof Emily Bernard and comedian Toussaint Douglass in 19th-century American to meet the remarkable Frederick Douglass. From heartbreaking beginnings, Frederick fought on to become a famed abolitionist, orator, writer a

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Vital Electricity

By BBC/Fri, 03 Mar 2023 07:00

Greg Jenner is joined by guests Prof Iwan Rhys Morus and comedian Olga Koch in the 17th century to learn all about "vital electricity". From elaborate party tricks to questionable medicinal claims, we’ll explore the downright bizarre ways that the fo

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The Indus Civilisation

By BBC/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 07:00

Greg Jenner is joined by guests Dr Danika Parikh and comedian Ahir Shah in the Bronze Age to explore the ancient Indus civilisation. They take a close look at the terracotta, toilets and even the unicorns of this vast civilisation which was in existe

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Early Medieval Papacy

By BBC/Fri, 17 Feb 2023 07:00

Greg Jenner is joined by guests Prof Brett Whalen and comedian Alison Spittle in 9th-century Rome to explore the early medieval papacy. As the political heart of the papacy is plunged into chaos, we step into a world consumed by debauchery and a thir

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Valentine’s Special: Georgian Courtship

By BBC/Fri, 10 Feb 2023 07:00

Greg Jenner is joined by guests Prof Sally Holloway and comedian Caraid Lloyd in the long 18th century to explore Georgian love and courtship. Forget Bridgerton and allow us to guide you through a typical courtship in the Georgian era - a time when p

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Announcing Series 6

By BBC/Fri, 03 Feb 2023 09:00

We’re back! Greg Jenner previews some of the topics and guest coming up in the new series of You're Dead To Me which starts on Friday 10 February, 2023.

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Grainne O’Malley (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 21 Jan 2023 10:30

Greg 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

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Ancient Greek & Roman Medicine (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 14 Jan 2023 10:30

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 world where health was fleeting and water could be dangerous. The team will take you thr

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The Asante Empire (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 07 Jan 2023 10:30

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 - from storytelling, fabric, food, music and rhythm as communication, to how c

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Prohibition in the USA (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 31 Dec 2022 10:30

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Sarah Churchwell and comedian Kemah Bob in 1920s USA to follow the implementation and after effects of Prohibition. They take a look at the origins of the Prohibition laws and hear how a movement designed to en

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Medieval Christmas (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Fri, 09 Dec 2022 07:00

Greg Jenner and his guests Miles Jupp and Dr Eleanor Janega go back to the medieval Christmas for this one-off festive special. They look at the history and traditions that have thankfully continued through the ages, like gift-giving and stuffed wild

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Christmas with Charles Dickens

By BBC/Mon, 05 Dec 2022 07:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Emily Bell and Mike Wozniack to find out what Christmas was like with Charles Dickens. We take a walk through the many Christmases of the renowned Victorian author. From elephants walking on ice to the family Christmas p

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Greg Jenner talks to Lucy Worsley about Lady Killers

By BBC/Fri, 11 Nov 2022 07:00

Greg Jenner and fellow historian Lucy Worsley discuss Lucy’s Radio 4 podcast, Lady Killers, which is about Victorian murderesses. Lucy explains why she wanted to examine these historical cases and what these women's stories tell us about life and soc

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The Haitian Revolution (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 22 Oct 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Marlene Daut and comedian Athena Kugblenu to examine the events and aftermath of the 18th century revolution in Haiti, the first nation to abolish slavery. They look at the life of revolutionary leader Toussaint Louvertu

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Saladin (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 22 Oct 2022 05:50

You may 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

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Mary Shelley (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Fri, 14 Oct 2022 06:10

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 them as we all question our life achievements while discussing the groundbreaking work Mary

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The Ancient Olympics (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Fri, 14 Oct 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner and his guests Prof Michael Scott and comedian Shaparak 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 ne

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The Tang Dynasty (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Fri, 07 Oct 2022 06:10

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,

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Eleanor of Aquitaine (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Fri, 07 Oct 2022 06:00

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 pac

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The History of Fandom, 1700-1900 (Live)

By BBC/Fri, 16 Sep 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Corin Throsby and Stuart Goldsmith to look at early cultural fandom in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although many consider Beatlemania to be the start of what is now considered fan culture, Greg and his guests consider som

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Medieval Animals

By BBC/Sat, 10 Sep 2022 08:40

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Tim Wingard and Kiri Pritchard-McLean to look at what we know about animals in medieval Europe. From hunting and farming to companionship and entertainment, animals have long been a part of our culture but how did the beli

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Ibn Battuta

By BBC/Fri, 02 Sep 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Amira Bennison and Nabil Abdulrashid in medieval Morocco to meet the globetrotter Ibn Battuta. This 14th-century traveller covered a mind-boggling 73,000 miles and is the author of arguably one of the world’s most famous

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The History of Timekeeping

By BBC/Fri, 26 Aug 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr David Rooney and Desiree Burch at the literal beginning of time to explore the history of timekeeping. Covering everything from the origins of timekeeping to time in space, we even learn how you can smell the time! Above a

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Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba

By BBC/Fri, 19 Aug 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined in 17th-century West Africa by Dr Daniel F. Silva and Athena Kugblenu to meet the warrior queen, Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba. One of the most formidable queens in history, Njinga lived a tumultuous life and was able to defy Por

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The Terracotta Army

By BBC/Fri, 12 Aug 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined in Ancient China by Prof Julia Lovell and special guest Phil Wang as they take a close look at The Terracotta Army. In 1974, a family of farmers made arguably the greatest ever archaeological discovery when they unearthed arrowh

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Black Georgian England

By BBC/Fri, 05 Aug 2022 06:00

Host Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Gretchen Gerzina and special guest Kwame Asante in Georgian England as they meet some of the leading figures of Black History. With communities thriving in London and the port cities of England, we take a look at so

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Julius Caesar’s Rise To Power

By BBC/Fri, 29 Jul 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Shushma Malik and Ahir Shah as they travel back to Ancient Rome to meet one of history’s biggest names, Julius Caesar. With a name so good his family used it multiple times, for every relative, we follow the rise to power

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Julie d'Aubigny

By BBC/Fri, 22 Jul 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Sara Barker and returning special guest Catherine Bohart to travel back to 17th-century France and meet the notorious Julie d'Aubigny. Hers is an extraordinary story that includes duels, an elaborate escape plot and multip

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Istanbul in the Ottoman Golden Age

By BBC/Fri, 15 Jul 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Ebru Boyar and special guest Sue Perkins as they travel back 500 years to explore the Ottoman Empire. They take a look at the cultural richness and diversity of Istanbul through the ages, from law and order to what your

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Captain Cook's First Voyage

By BBC/Fri, 08 Jul 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined in the 18th century by historian Dr Katherine Parker and comedian James Nokise on a maiden voyage across the Pacific Ocean with Captain Cook. Join us as we discover why Tahititi is always a good idea, how many men you can fit on

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Ancient Athenian Democracy

By BBC/Fri, 01 Jul 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined in Ancient Greece by special guests Prof Michael Scott and comedian Alice Fraser as they examine the start of democracy with the Athenians. Aside from it obviously being a system that only benefitted men, they find out why you’d

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The Bayeux Tapestry

By BBC/Fri, 24 Jun 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by special guests Dr Janina Ramirez and Lou Sanders in 11th-century Europe to take a close look at the Bayeux Tapestry. They explore the history of this famous artefact which is in fact, not a tapestry at all! Who commissioned i

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Hatshepsut

By BBC/Fri, 17 Jun 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by special guests Kemah Bob and Dr Campbell Price as they head back to Ancient Egypt to meet the unique and powerful ruler, Hatshepsut. She reigned for over 20 years, built a temple which is still admired today, had a ‘special’

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Frederick the Great of Prussia

By BBC/Fri, 10 Jun 2022 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by special guests Stephen Fry and Dr Bodie Ashton as they travel back to 18th-century Prussia to meet Frederick the Great. Widely known for making Prussia a military power while modernising and liberalising culture, Frederick

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Announcing Series 5

By BBC/Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:31

We’re back! Greg Jenner previews some of the topics and guest coming up in the new series of You're Dead To Me which starts on Friday 10 June.

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Medieval Christmas

By BBC/Fri, 17 Dec 2021 07:00

Greg and his guests Miles Jupp and Dr Eleanor Janega go back to the medieval Christmas for this one-off festive special. We look at the history and traditions that have thankfully continued through the ages, like gift-giving and stuffed wild boars (a

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Zheng Yi Sao

By BBC/Fri, 26 Nov 2021 07:00

Greg Jenner and guests Ria Lina and Prof Ronald C. Po navigate the life of one of the most successful pirates to have ever lived, Zheng Yi Sao. During the 18th century Qing dynasty, she led a huge and feared army of pirates, all without a parrot on h

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Mary Wollstonecraft

By BBC/Fri, 19 Nov 2021 07:00

Greg Jenner and his guests Dr Corin Throsby and Cariad Lloyd discuss the life and legacy of Mary Wollstonecraft. Mary was a successful ghostwriter, an advocate of human rights and a witty book critic who navigated the tumultuous 'Reign of Terror' in

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The History of Ice Cream

By BBC/Fri, 12 Nov 2021 07:00

Greg Jenner and his guests Dr Annie Gray and Richard Osman get the inside scoop on the history of our favourite frozen food while packing in as many of their 'flavourite' ice cream puns as possible (final count: 15!). They savour the dubiously 'legen

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Mary Seacole

By BBC/Fri, 05 Nov 2021 07:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Gretchen Gerzina and comedian Nathan Caton to delve into the extraordinary life and adventures of the 19th-century celebrity, Mary Seacole. Mary was born and raised in Jamaica and rose to fame as a businesswoman and a vo

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Disability in the Ancient World

By BBC/Fri, 29 Oct 2021 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Rosie Jones and historian Dr Jane Draycott to discuss stories of disability from over a thousand years of history, including people with disabilities excelling on the battlefield and others with very well-dressed gui

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Owain Glyndŵr

By BBC/Fri, 22 Oct 2021 06:00

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 extra

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Paul Robeson

By BBC/Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:00

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 relentles

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Çatalhöyük and the Neolithic Revolution

By BBC/Fri, 08 Oct 2021 06:00

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 potte

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Sake Dean Mahomed

By BBC/Fri, 01 Oct 2021 06:00

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 a

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Medieval Science

By BBC/Fri, 24 Sep 2021 06:00

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

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The History of High Heels

By BBC/Fri, 17 Sep 2021 06:00

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 masoch

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Nell Gwyn

By BBC/Fri, 10 Sep 2021 06:00

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

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Ramesses The Great

By BBC/Fri, 03 Sep 2021 06:00

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

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Fairy Tales

By BBC/Fri, 27 Aug 2021 06:00

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 al

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Ivan The Terrible

By BBC/Fri, 20 Aug 2021 06:00

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 inclu

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Genghis Khan (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 19 Jun 2021 09:30

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 apparent

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The Egyptian Pyramids (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 12 Jun 2021 09:30

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

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Joan of Arc (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 05 Jun 2021 09:30

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

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The Battle of Salamis (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 29 May 2021 09:30

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 he

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Lord Byron (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 22 May 2021 09:30

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 Thros

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Boudica (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 15 May 2021 09:30

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 le

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P.T. Barnum

By BBC/Fri, 23 Apr 2021 06:00

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 Thu

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Prohibition in the USA

By BBC/Fri, 16 Apr 2021 06:00

Greg 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 t

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Sacagawea

By BBC/Fri, 09 Apr 2021 06:00

Greg 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 ju

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Becoming America

By BBC/Fri, 02 Apr 2021 06:00

Greg 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?

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The Harlem Renaissance

By BBC/Fri, 26 Mar 2021 07:00

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 par

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Chevalier de Saint-Georges

By BBC/Fri, 19 Mar 2021 07:00

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 mas

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Old Norse Literature

By BBC/Fri, 12 Mar 2021 07:00

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

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The Tang Dynasty

By BBC/Fri, 05 Mar 2021 07:00

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

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King James VI of Scotland

By BBC/Fri, 26 Feb 2021 07:00

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 belie

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The Asante Empire

By BBC/Fri, 19 Feb 2021 07:00

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 - from storytelling, fabric, food, music and rhythm as communication, to how

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The Borgias

By BBC/Fri, 12 Feb 2021 07:00

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 ho

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Ancient Greek & Roman Medicine

By BBC/Fri, 05 Feb 2021 07:00

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 world where health was fleeting, water could be dangerous and communal bum sponges are

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Ancient Greek and Roman Medicine

By BBC/Fri, 05 Feb 2021 07:00

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 al

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Grainne O’Malley

By BBC/Fri, 29 Jan 2021 07:00

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

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The Ancient Babylonians

By BBC/Fri, 22 Jan 2021 07:00

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 y

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Agrippina the Younger

By BBC/Fri, 15 Jan 2021 09:00

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 h

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The Mughal Empire (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Wed, 06 Jan 2021 08:00

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 dis

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The History of Chocolate (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 26 Dec 2020 10:30

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 Me

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The Victorian Christmas (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Mon, 21 Dec 2020 07:00

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

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Josephine Baker (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Wed, 16 Dec 2020 08:00

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

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The Mayflower (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 12 Dec 2020 10:30

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.

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The Witch Craze (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:30

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. Prod

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The History of Football (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 05 Dec 2020 10:30

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

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Stonehenge (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:30

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 arc

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Harriet Tubman (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 28 Nov 2020 10:30

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 bra

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Young Napoleon (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 21 Nov 2020 10:45

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 M

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Neanderthals (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 21 Nov 2020 10:30

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

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The Aztecs (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 14 Nov 2020 10:45

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

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Blackbeard (Radio Edit)

By BBC/Sat, 14 Nov 2020 10:30

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 Radio edit by Cornelius Me

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The Egyptian Pyramids

By BBC/Fri, 11 Sep 2020 06:00

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 archaeology can help us discover and pro

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Genghis Khan

By BBC/Fri, 04 Sep 2020 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Professor 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 a

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Notting Hill Carnival

By BBC/Fri, 28 Aug 2020 04:00

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 no

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Jack Sheppard

By BBC/Fri, 21 Aug 2020 04:00

Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Lena Liapi 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 app

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The Haitian Revolution

By BBC/Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:00

Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Marlene Daut and comedian Athena Kugblenu to examine the events and aftermath of the 18th century revolution in Haiti, the first nation to abolish slavery. We look at the life of revolutionary leader Toussaint Louve

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Vampires in Gothic Literature

By BBC/Fri, 07 Aug 2020 06:00

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

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The Battle of Salamis

By BBC/Fri, 31 Jul 2020 06:00

Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Professor 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 a

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The Mughal Empire

By BBC/Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:56

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 di

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Eleanor of Aquitaine

By BBC/Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:34

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 p

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The History of Chocolate

By BBC/Fri, 20 Mar 2020 13:48

Greg Jenner is joined by chocolate historian Alex Hutchinson and British TV legend Richard Osman to explore the culinary and cultural history of chocolate - Britain's favourite confectionery. Just what did the Maya use to flavour their cacao? How di

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Josephine Baker

By BBC/Fri, 13 Mar 2020 06:00

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

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The Ancient Olympics

By BBC/Fri, 06 Mar 2020 09:34

Greg Jenner and his guests Professor Michael Scott and comedian Shaparak 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 w

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The Mayflower

By BBC/Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:51

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 ne

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Mary Shelley

By BBC/Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:55

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

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Neanderthals

By BBC/Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:52

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 cavema

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You’re Dead To Me 2

By BBC/Tue, 25 Feb 2020 12:56

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

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The Victorian Christmas

By BBC/Fri, 13 Dec 2019 07:00

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

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The History of General Elections

By BBC/Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:01

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

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Saladin

By BBC/Fri, 25 Oct 2019 04:00

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 joi

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The Witch Craze

By BBC/Mon, 21 Oct 2019 09:34

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 Cari

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Lord Byron

By BBC/Fri, 18 Oct 2019 04:00

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 Thros

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Stonehenge

By BBC/Fri, 11 Oct 2019 07:42

Greg Jenner digs 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 al

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The Aztecs

By BBC/Fri, 04 Oct 2019 04:00

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

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Joan of Arc

By BBC/Fri, 27 Sep 2019 15:36

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

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Young Napoleon

By BBC/Mon, 23 Sep 2019 10:12

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 par

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Justinian and Theodora

By BBC/Fri, 20 Sep 2019 15:05

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

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Mansa Musa

By BBC/Fri, 20 Sep 2019 14:26

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 Nation

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LGBTQ History

By BBC/Fri, 20 Sep 2019 14:20

From Molly Houses to secret diaries, discover the real-life stories that make up the history of the LGBT community. Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Suzie Ruffell and Dr Justin Bengry, historian and creator of the world’s first masters degree in Q

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Blackbeard

By BBC/Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:49

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? Greg’s

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The History of Football

By BBC/Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:23

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

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Harriet Tubman

By BBC/Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:19

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

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The Spartans

By BBC/Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:14

Greg Jenner 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 in the movie 300,

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Boudica

By BBC/Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:10

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

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Welcome to You're Dead To Me

By BBC/Thu, 12 Sep 2019 16:41

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

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