You're Dead to Me

Neanderthals (Radio Edit)

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.

29 min

The Aztecs (Radio Edit)

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 Radio edit by Cornelius MendezA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

29 min

Blackbeard (Radio Edit)

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 MendezA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

29 min

The Egyptian Pyramids

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 protect hundreds of pyramids and tombs that are yet to be found.

53 min

Genghis Khan

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 apparently used as weapons as Genghis Khan established the largest land empire in history.A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

28 min

Notting Hill Carnival

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.

47 min

Jack Sheppard

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 apprentice to infamous escape artist and renowned criminal as he became one of the earliest examples of London celebrity.

50 min

The Haitian Revolution

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 Louverture, confront the atrocities committed against the people of Haiti and the literal price they were forced to pay for their freedom.A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.

51 min

Vampires in Gothic Literature

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?

48 min

The Battle of Salamis

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 and beyond we will uncover one of the most unique methods ever used to cross a body of water, one of the most spectacular deaths ever recorded and why sometimes it pays to give water a jolly good telling off.

55 min

The Mughal Empire

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

54 min

Eleanor of Aquitaine

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?A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

50 min

The History of Chocolate

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 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?A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

50 min

Josephine Baker

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

50 min

The Ancient Olympics

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 whole new meaning to the term "leaving it all on the field" and how even death couldn’t stop you winning.A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

48 min

The Mayflower

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?A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

48 min

Mary Shelley

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.A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

48 min

Neanderthals

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.

47 min

The Victorian Christmas

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 JennerA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

48 min

The History of General Elections

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.

48 min

Episodes

Neanderthals (Radio Edit)

The Aztecs (Radio Edit)

Blackbeard (Radio Edit)

The Egyptian Pyramids

Genghis Khan

Notting Hill Carnival

Jack Sheppard

The Haitian Revolution

Vampires in Gothic Literature

The Battle of Salamis

The Mughal Empire

Eleanor of Aquitaine

The History of Chocolate

Josephine Baker

The Ancient Olympics

The Mayflower

Mary Shelley

Neanderthals

The Victorian Christmas

The History of General Elections

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Episodes

Neanderthals (Radio Edit)

The Aztecs (Radio Edit)

Blackbeard (Radio Edit)

The Egyptian Pyramids

Genghis Khan

Notting Hill Carnival

Jack Sheppard

The Haitian Revolution

Vampires in Gothic Literature

The Battle of Salamis

The Mughal Empire

Eleanor of Aquitaine

The History of Chocolate

Josephine Baker

The Ancient Olympics

The Mayflower

Mary Shelley

Neanderthals

The Victorian Christmas

The History of General Elections

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THIS IS HISTORY — A DYNASTY TO DIE FOR

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Dan Snow's History Hit

Short History Of...

The Rest Is History

Empire: World History

Te Pahi: The Rangatira, the King and the Survivors

The Ancients