You're Dead To M‪e‬ BBC

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 including storytelling, fabric, food, music and using rhythm as communication. And we hear how centuries of traditions across the empire came together to protect the most sacred symbol of power in the Asante Kingdom from the hands of the British during the War of the Golden Stool.

Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Lloyd Roberts

A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 how they may have inspired Mario Puzo, author of The Godfather. But how much of what we know of Italy’s original crime family is actually true?

Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Jessica White

A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 all the rage. The team will take you through a variety of common ailments from tight atoms to wandering wombs and provide startling cures in the form of electric eels and beavers' anuses. Welcome to the world of ancient medicine!

Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Hannah MacKenzie

A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 from incoming English administrators, we hear about the difficult decisions Grainne was forced to make to ensure her family's survival. From bold changes to her appearance as a teenager to ensure her place on her father's ship, to aggressive actions on a castle that refused to serve her food. Grainne O’Malley was not a woman to be messed with and this strength and defiance would lead to an unlikely understanding with Queen Elizabeth I.

Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Jessica White

A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 you. We reveal all sorts of fascinating facts that connect you to a people who existed 4000 years ago – from the way we communicate to a maths system which we still use to tell the time.

Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Amy Grant and Lloyd Roberts

A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.

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 has been written about this extraordinary woman is true? What does it really take to survive as a woman at the top of the Roman Empire?

Produced by Cornelius Mendez
Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse
Research by Harry Prance

A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.