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BBC Radio 4

The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. In each episode of You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner is joined by a comedian and an expert historian to learn and laugh about the past.

History isn’t just about dates and textbooks – it’s about extraordinary characters, amazing stories, and some very questionable fashion choices. How long did it take to build an Egyptian pyramid? What does the Bayeux Tapestry reveal about medieval life? Why did it take nearly half a millennium for Joan of Arc to become a saint? And was Catherine the Great really all that great? Whether you want to explore ancient landmarks like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu, dance through the history of Broadway and Bollywood, or find out how the Tudors rose to power, Greg and his guests promise to teach you something new that you won’t have heard in history lessons.

Previous episodes of You’re Dead To Me have covered everything from royals to revolutionaries, actors to activists and divas to dictators. Take a stroll through the history of high-heeled shoes or get the scoop on the history of ice cream. Maybe you’d like to paint like the cave artists of the Palaeolithic era, work out like a Victorian bodybuilder, or fight like a Spartan? We’ve even hosted a special, live episode with the BBC Concert Orchestra to explore the dramatic life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Whatever your historical interests, Greg and his guests make even the trickiest topics easy to follow. Join them for a history lesson that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening - with no homework required.

You're Dead to Me

Dead Funny History: Witch Craze. 

Join historian Greg Jenner for a fast-paced, funny and fascinating journey through the Witch Craze, a terrifying period in European history when thousands were accused of witchcraft, and many paid the ultimate price.

This episode of Dead Funny History is packed with jokes, sketches and sound effects that bring the past to life for families and Key Stage 2 learners. From the infamous Malleus Maleficarum to King James I’s witch-hunting book Daemonologie, Greg explores how fear, superstition and social upheaval led to over 45,000 executions across Europe.

Discover how people were accused of witchcraft for talking to animals, having freckles, or simply being old and female. Learn about bizarre “tests” like swimming with thumbs tied to toes, and how pets named Satan could land you in trouble. There’s even a spoof gameshow, a parody beauty vlog, and a goat who’s tired of being scapegoated.

The episode also highlights real historical figures like Agnes Waterhouse, England’s first woman executed for witchcraft, and Matthew Hopkins, the self-appointed Witchfinder General who tortured victims during the English Civil War. It’s a dark chapter of history, but told with humour, empathy and a clear message: justice should never be based on fear or prejudice.

Expect musical parodies, sketch comedy, and a quiz to test what you’ve learned. It’s history with heart, humour and high production value. Perfect for curious kids, families, and fans of You’re Dead To Me.

Written by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill
Script Consultant: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy 
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Witch Craze

Dead Funny History: Marie Curie. 

Join historian Greg Jenner for a fast-paced, funny and fascinating journey through the life of Marie Curie; scientific legend, double Nobel Prize winner, war hero, and all-round icon.

This episode of Dead Funny History is packed with jokes, sketches and sound effects that bring Marie’s story to life for families and Key Stage 2 learners. From her rebellious education at the Flying University to her groundbreaking discoveries in radiation, Marie’s life was anything but ordinary.

Learn how she defied the odds to study science in Paris, fell in love with fellow scientist Pierre Curie, and discovered two brand new elements: Polonium and Radium. 

Discover how she coined the term “radioactive,” worked in a leaky shed, and became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize… then won another one.

But it wasn’t all lab coats and accolades. Marie faced sexism, heartbreak, and serious health risks from her research. After Pierre’s tragic death, she carried on their work, founded the Radium Institute, and developed mobile X-ray units, Petite Curies, to help soldiers in World War One. Her legacy lives on in cancer treatment, scientific innovation, and the radioactive glow of her still-dangerous notebook.

Expect musical parodies, sketch comedy, and a quiz to test what you’ve learned. It’s history with heart, humour and high production value. Perfect for curious kids, families, and fans of You’re Dead To Me.

Written by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill
Script Consultant: Professor Iwan Morus
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy 
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Marie Curie

Dead Funny History: Kingdom of Benin. 

Join historian Greg Jenner for a fast-paced, funny and fact-packed journey through the history of the Kingdom of Benin full of powerful rulers, incredible art, and some very questionable British behaviour.

This episode of Dead Funny History is bursting with jokes, sketches and sound effects that bring the past to life for families and Key Stage 2 learners. Discover how the Ogisos, “rulers of the sky”, gave way to the Obas, god-like kings who rebuilt cities and led armies. Learn about Queen Idia, the original palace-owning mum, and the guilds of artists who created the famous Benin Bronzes, many of which were looted during British colonisation.

From Portuguese coconut diplomacy to British invasions to the trading of enslaved people and the destruction of Benin City in 1897.

Perfect for curious kids, families, and fans of You’re Dead To Me, this is history with humour, heart and high production value. Expect sketches, spoof news reports, and a quiz to test your memory. 

Written by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill
Script Consultant: Barnaby Phillips
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Kingdom of Benin

Dead Funny History: Owain Glyndŵr. 

Join historian Greg Jenner for a fast-paced, funny and family-friendly journey through the life of Owain Glyndŵr: Wales’ legendary rebel leader, lawman, hostage-taker and Merlin superfan. This episode of Dead Funny History is packed with sketch comedy making it perfect for Key Stage 2 learners and their grown-ups.

Owain Glyndŵr’s story is full of twists. Born into a posh Welsh family, he trained as a lawyer in London before returning home to live the good life. But after years of bad neighbour behaviour from Lord Grey de Ruthyn, and being ignored by King Henry IV, Owain snapped. He declared himself Prince of Wales and led a rebellion that shook the English crown.

Expect battles, betrayals and a surprising number of hostages. Owain captured his enemies, held them for ransom, and even turned one prisoner into a son-in-law. He built alliances with France, inspired Welsh students to ditch Oxford, and launched a bold new vision for Wales including its own parliament, universities and laws.

But Owain wasn’t just a warrior, he was a dreamer. Obsessed with Merlin and Welsh mythology, he became a symbol of national pride. Even after disappearing from history, his legend grew. Today, he’s remembered as a hero who fought for Welsh independence and inspired generations.

Written by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill
Script Consultant: Dr Kathryn Hurlock
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy 
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Owain Glyndŵr

Dead Funny History: Indus Civilization. 

Join historian Greg Jenner for a snappy, silly and seriously fascinating journey into the Indus Civilisation - one of the world’s earliest urban societies, and one that deserves way more hype. This episode of Dead Funny History is packed with jokes, facts and sound effects that bring ancient history to life for families and Key Stage 2 kids.

From Minecraft-worthy city planning and elephant-wide streets to private indoor toilets and artisan craft markets, the Indus people were ahead of their time. They built over 1,400 towns and cities across what is now Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, all connected by shared writing, pottery and beads. But despite leaving behind thousands of texts, we still can’t read their script.

Greg explores the mystery of their faceless society, the unicorn obsession, and their surprisingly bougie diet of beef, mango and turmeric. There’s also a deep dive into their plumbing prowess, some historians say their sanitation systems weren’t matched until Victorian Britain. 

Expect musical numbers, sketch comedy, and a quiz to test what you’ve learned. It’s history with heart, humour and high production value. Perfect for curious kids, families, and fans of You’re Dead To Me.

Written by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill
Script Consultant: Dr Danika Parikh
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy 
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Indus Civilization

Dead Funny History: Zheng Yi Sao.

She ruled the South China Sea, terrified navies, and ran her pirate empire with ruthless efficiency – meet Zheng Yi Sao, the Pirate Queen of Admin.

In this family friendly episode of Dead Funny History, historian Greg Jenner dives into the extraordinary life of Zheng Yi Sao, one of the most powerful pirates who ever lived. Born around 1775 in Guangdong, China, Shi Yang (as she was first known) rose from poverty to command a fleet of 70,000 pirates. Her journey began with a job on a boat where she sold secrets to powerful men, and took a dramatic turn when she married the notorious pirate Zheng Yi.

After her husband’s death in 1807 – either by cannon or storm – Zheng Yi Sao took command of the pirate confederation. She wasn’t just a fearsome fighter; she was a master of organisation. She split her fleet into colour-coded squadrons, enforced strict rules (including ear removal for slackers), and offered perks like pensions and healthcare. Her pirates even had a retirement home.

Greg reveals how Zheng Yi Sao’s empire grew through clever business tactics. She sold protection certificates to merchants, hijacked salt shipments, and outnumbered the Qing navy three to one. Her pirates wielded massive 8-foot guns called jingals and swam into battle with machete-tipped poles. At one point, the city of Canton panicked just from a polite warning of attack.

Despite efforts by the Chinese government – and help from the Portuguese and British navies – Zheng Yi Sao remained undefeated. Eventually, she retired in luxury after being paid off by the empire. She may have run an illegal gambling house in her later years, but she died rich and respected in 1844.

With jokes, sound effects, and a quiz to test your memory, this episode is a swashbuckling, spreadsheet-wielding celebration of a pirate legend.

Writers: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and Richard David-Caine
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill
Script Consultant: Dr Ron Po
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy 
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Zheng Yi Sao

Dead Funny History: Ramesses the Great.

Join historian Greg Jenner for a fast-paced, funny and fascinating journey through the life of Ramesses II, aka Ramesses the Gr8, one of Ancient Egypt’s most famous Pharaohs, and possibly its biggest show-off.

This episode of Dead Funny History is packed with jokes, sketches and sound effects that bring the past to life for families and Key Stage 2 learners. From his epic PR campaigns and giant statues to his pet lion and peppercorn-packed mummy, Ramesses knew how to make history memorable.

Discover how he became king at just 24, caught pirates, lost the Battle of Kadesh (but told everyone he won), and built a glittering capital city called Pi-Ramesses, complete with temples, stables, and even a zoo. Learn about his Sed Festivals, where he raced to prove his fitness at age 89, and his obsession with building colossal statues of himself, some still standing today.

Meet his wives Nefertari and Iset-Nofret, his 100 children, and the sacred Apis Bull that answered questions by kicking buckets. There’s even a cow beauty pageant, a bake sale gag, and a goat who helps discover Ramesses’ tomb centuries later.

Expect parodies, sketch comedy, and a quiz to test what you’ve learned. It’s history with heart, humour and high production value. Perfect for curious kids, families, and fans of You’re Dead To Me.

Written by Jack Bernhardt, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and Richard David-Caine
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill
Script Consultant: Dr Campbell Price
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy 
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Studio Managers: Keith Graham and Andrew Garratt
Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Ramesses the Great

Dead Funny History: Josephine Baker.

Josephine Baker was a dazzling dancer, a fearless spy, and one of the world’s first Black superstars. In this episode of Dead Funny History, historian Greg Jenner tells her extraordinary story with wit, warmth and plenty of jazz hands.

Born in 1906 in St Louis, Missouri, Josephine’s early life was tough. She worked as a maid from the age of eight and fled racial violence with dreams of stardom. By 15, she’d already been married twice and was making waves on Broadway with her unique comic dance style. But it was in Paris where she truly became a sensation by combining tap, ballet, and even kangaroo-inspired moves into her cabaret performances.

Greg explores how Josephine used her fame to challenge racist stereotypes, famously performing in a skirt made of bananas to mock colonial attitudes. She became the highest-paid performer in Europe, starred in films, and even had her own line of dolls – all while living with a menagerie of exotic pets, including a cheetah named Chiquita.

But Josephine wasn’t just a showbiz icon. During World War Two, she became a spy for the French Resistance, smuggling secrets in sheet music and using invisible ink. After the war, she was decorated for bravery and continued to fight for civil rights, speaking at the 1963 March on Washington alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

Greg also reveals Josephine’s later life, including her adoption of twelve children from different backgrounds to promote unity, and her final triumphant performance before her death in 1975. With jokes, sound effects, and a quiz to test your memory, this episode is a joyful celebration of a truly remarkable woman.

Perfect for families and fans of You're Dead To Me, this snappy history lesson brings Josephine Baker’s legacy to life.

Writers: Jack Bernhardt, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill
Script Consultant: Dr Michell Chresfield
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy 
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Studio Managers: Keith Graham and Andrew Garratt
Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Josephine Baker

Dead Funny History: The Aztecs.

Join historian Greg Jenner for a funny and fascinating family adventure into the world of the Aztecs, an extraordinary civilisation of gods, gold, chocolate and… the odd human sacrifice.

The rise of an empire
The Aztec Empire thrived in Central Mexico between the 14th and 16th centuries. Greg takes families and children back to Tenochtitlan, the stunning island city that became the Aztec capital. Home to grand pyramids, bustling markets and thousands of temples, it was four times bigger than Tudor London!

The Aztecs built their empire through skill, trade and an unshakeable belief in their gods. They worshipped deities of war, water, joy, dreams and even mischief; with a few dramatic rituals to keep them happy.

Sacrifice, skulls and sunshine
In this laugh-out-loud lesson, Greg explains why the Aztecs offered human hearts to the gods to keep the sun shining, and how their earth goddess, Tlaltecuhtli, demanded regular blood donations. From “flower wars” to giant skull racks, Aztec religion could be extreme, but it was also deeply symbolic and full of meaning.

Not all the stories are scary, though. Between the jokes and sound effects, Greg reveals a lively culture where chocolate was money, gold was “sun poop”, and weddings were celebrated with piggybacks and cocoa toasts!

Life in Tenochtitlan
Greg and the Dead Funny History cast bring the city to life with humour and heart - from the markets full of maize, avocados and chillies, to the matchmakers who literally “tied the knot.” There’s even a cameo from the world’s first emojis - Aztec picture writing!

It’s history told with big laughs, smart facts and plenty of family fun, as Greg balances gory moments with the joyful, inventive side of Aztec life.

The fall of the Aztecs
Of course, not every empire ends happily. Greg tells how Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortés arrived in 1519, bringing war, betrayal and devastating diseases that wiped out much of the Aztec world. It’s a sobering but powerful story about bravery, belief and survival.

Funny, factual and unforgettable
With jokes, sketches and sound design that make history come alive, Dead Funny History – The Aztecs is perfect for curious kids, families and fans of Greg Jenner’s clever storytelling. Discover how one of the world’s greatest civilisations shaped modern Mexico, and how chocolate really did change the world!

Writers: Jack Bernhardt, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Audio producer: Emma Weatherill
Script consultant: Professor Caroline Dodds Pennock
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy 
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Studio Managers: Keith Graham and Andrew Garratt
Sound designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Aztecs

Dead Funny History: Hadrian's Wall.

Join historian Greg Jenner for a hilarious and fascinating family adventure through ancient Britain, exploring the History of Hadrian’s Wall, one of the most iconic landmarks of the Roman Empire.

Rome meets Britain
When the Romans first invaded Britain, they weren’t prepared for the chilly weather, the fierce tribes or how long it would take to build their empire. From Julius Caesar’s half-hearted invasions to Emperor Claudius’s chilly conquest, Greg Jenner whizzes through the centuries of Roman rule with his trademark wit and sketches.

Enter Emperor Hadrian!
Then along comes the main man himself: Hadrian. The bearded emperor with a love of architecture, art, and… his boyfriend Antinous. With comedy flair, Greg tells how Hadrian rose to power, toured the empire, and decided to solve his northern problem by building a giant wall across Britain.

Hadrian’s Wall stretched 80 Roman miles, from coast to coast. A monumental feat of engineering that marked the edge of the empire. But was it an impenetrable defence, or just an ancient form of border control (with a bit of extra tax collection on the side)?

Behind the wall
Greg and the Dead Funny History cast bring the world of Roman soldiers to life, complete with bustling forts, bakeries, temples, hospitals and toga shops! There’s even a few unfortunate emperors who discovered that visiting York didn’t always end well…

With jokes, sketches and sharp historical insight, this episode turns stone and history into laughter and learning for children, families and anyone curious about ancient Britain.

The afterlife of a wall
From the Romans’ chilly retreat to the medieval locals who recycled Hadrian’s Wall into castles, churches and pigsties, Greg reveals how this monumental structure survived and how it later became a treasured World Heritage Site.

History has never been this funny
Packed with facts, puns and fast-paced fun, Dead Funny History – Hadrian’s Wall makes the Roman past lively and unforgettable. Perfect for curious kids, history-loving families, and fans of Greg Jenner’s clever storytelling.

Writers: Jack Bernhardt, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, and Dr Emma Nagouse
Host: Greg Jenner
Performers: Mali Ann Rees and Richard David-Caine
Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse
Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
Researcher: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow
Audio producer: Emma Weatherill
Script consultant: Dr Andrew Birley
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy 
Jo Kyle: Production Manager
Studio Managers: Keith Graham and Andrew Garratt
Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

Witch Craze

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