You're Dead to Me

Greg Jenner is joined in the 16th century by Dr Alanna Skuse and comedian Ria Lina to learn all about medicine and medical professionals in Tudor and Stuart England.In Renaissance-era England, medicine was still based on the theory of the four humours, passed down from ancient Greek and Roman physicians like Hippocrates and Galen. But from the reign of Henry VIII, there were signs of change. The invention of the printing press led to an explosion in medical and anatomical books, and the circulation of ideas from across Europe. The College of Physicians was founded in 1518, and the Company of Barber-Surgeons in 1543. Medicine became a real business, with a range of specialists, professional bodies overseeing different kinds of healthcare, and an explosion of medical providers advertising their services to the general public.This episode explores the landscape of healthcare in 16th- and 17th-century England, looking at everyone from physicians, surgeons and apothecaries to domestic healers and midwives, and even taking in quacks and frauds. Along the way, it examines the sensible social distancing measures taken during the Great Plague, the cures both sensible and dangerous offered for all kinds of diseases, and the cutting-edge experiments men like William Harvey and Christopher Wren were carrying out on the circulation of the blood. If you’re a fan of the history of everyday life in Tudor England, petty professional rivalries, and the whacky wellness trends of the past, you’ll love our episode on medicine in Renaissance England. If you want more from Ria Lina, listen to our episodes on pirate queen Zheng Yi Sao and medieval traveller Marco Polo. And for more on the history of health and wellness, check out our episodes on Ancient Medicine, Renaissance Beauty and the Kellogg Brothers. You’re Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past. Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Katharine Russell Written by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Dr Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett Senior Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars

Greg Jenner is joined in the 18th century by historian Professor Katherine Astbury and comedian Jen Brister to learn about French queen Marie Antoinette.Born an Austrian princess, Marie Antoinette went on to be the last queen of France before the Revolution and the abolition of the monarchy. She is famous now for saying "let them eat cake", for her love of fashion, and her supposedly extravagant spending at a time when ordinary people in France were going hungry. But how true are any of these stories, and where did these myths about her originate?In this episode, we look at Marie Antoinette’s Austrian childhood and overbearing mother, her marriage to Louis XVI and time as queen of France, and the hatred directed at her by the revolutionaries. Along the way we take in her involvement in politics, her love of the theatre, and her possible Swedish sweetheart.This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Charlotte Emily Edgeshaw Written by: Charlotte Emily Edgeshaw, Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars

Greg Jenner is joined in Egypt by historian Professor Islam Issa and comedian Athena Kugblenu to learn all about the history of science and philosophy in the city of Alexandria.Founded by ancient conqueror Alexander the Great, Alexandria from its earliest days was a city at the forefront of scientific discoveries, philosophical enquiry and religious debate. At its height, the city’s famous library housed nearly one million texts, and attracted thinkers like Hypatia of Alexandria, Euclid and Heron (who invented the steam engine). This episode tells the story of this incredible site of knowledge and culture, taking in its epic founding, the rise of Christianity and its impact on the city, its fate during the Crusades, the coming of Napoleon, and its role in the rise of the Arab nationalism movement.This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Emma Bentley Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars

Dead Funny History: Justinian and Theodora. Join historian Greg Jenner for a fast-paced, funny and fascinating journey through the lives of Justinian and Theodora; the ultimate Byzantine power couple who ruled an empire, survived riots, and reformed the law.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 humble beginnings, he was the nephew of a pig farmer, she may have been the daughter of a bear trainer, Justinian and Theodora rose to become co-rulers of the Byzantine Empire, based in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).Their love story began at the chariot races and led to a marriage that defied the law, until Justinian got it changed. Together, they faced the terrifying Nika Riots, when rival teams joined forces to burn the city. Justinian wanted to flee, but Theodora’s legendary speech convinced him to stay and rebuild.Expect parodies, sketch comedy, and a quiz to test what you’ve learned. Discover how they reformed Byzantine law, improved rights for women, and built the stunning Hagia Sophia. There’s also a Thrash Metal battle with the Vandals and Ostrogoths, a ghostly uncle, and a goose-honking nod to Theodora’s early career.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: Professor Peter Frankopan Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Production Manager: Jo Kyle Studio Managers: Keith Graham and Andrew Garratt Sound Designer: Peregrine AndrewsA BBC Studios Production

Dead Funny History: King John and the Magna Carta. King John was one of England’s least popular monarchs. In this episode of Dead Funny History, historian Greg Jenner explores how his chaotic reign led to one of the most important legal documents in history: Magna Carta.John wasn’t supposed to be king. As the youngest of eight children, he was nicknamed “John Lackland” and spent much of his early life overshadowed by his older brother, Richard the Lionheart. When Richard left for the Crusades, John couldn’t resist meddling – plotting to take the throne, stealing royal treasures, and even teaming up with the King of France.Greg takes us through John’s many missteps: losing French territories, getting excommunicated by the Pope, and sparking a rebellion led not by peasants, but by angry barons. These posh rebels didn’t storm castles – they wrote a list. That list became Magna Carta, a charter that limited royal power and laid the foundations for modern democracy.With jokes, sound effects, and a quiz to test your memory, this episode brings medieval history to life for families and fans of You're Dead To Me. You’ll learn why John’s crown jewels ended up at the bottom of The Wash, how Magna Carta gave rights to widows and fish, and why even the Pope got involved in the drama.Greg also explains how Magna Carta’s legacy lives on, despite John’s attempts to cancel it just weeks after signing. It’s a story of tantrums, treaties, and timeless principles, all told with humour and heart.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 Researcher & Script Consultant: Dr Emmie Rose Price Goodfellow Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Production Manager: Jo Kyle Sound Designer: Peregrine AndrewsA BBC Studios Production

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 AndrewsA BBC Studios Production

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 AndrewsA BBC Studios Production