Podcast Summary: "Introducing... Dead Funny History"

Podcast: You’re Dead to Me (BBC Radio 4)
Episode: Introducing... Dead Funny History
Date: December 13, 2025
Host: Greg Jenner

Overview

This special mini-episode serves as a playful teaser from Greg Jenner, host of “You’re Dead to Me,” introducing the brand-new, family-friendly spin-off series, Dead Funny History. Rather than the usual panel format with comedians and historians, this series features historical figures themselves coming “back to life” to clash, chat, and sometimes annoy Greg. The aim: to serve up notable characters, hilarious dialogue, and fascinating stories—perfect for all ages to enjoy history with laughs during the holiday season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Series Update and Holiday Message

• Greg Jenner opens with a friendly greeting and addresses listeners directly, referencing the recent season of "You’re Dead to Me."
  • “Hello, Greg here. Hope you’re doing okay and I hope you enjoyed our most recent series of You’re Dead to Me. I’ll be back in the new year with a brand new series...” (01:11)

2. Introducing Dead Funny History

• Greg shares the news of a new podcast project from the same team:
  • “But before then, I have some news of something else from the You’re Dead to Me team. This Christmas... we’ve got the best present of all. Dead people.” (01:18)
• He quickly doubles back on the zombie joke, setting a silly, light-hearted tone:
  • “Oh, that sounds like zombies. Sorry, it’s not zombies. Um, let me start again.” (01:23)

3. What's Special About Dead Funny History?

• Unique Family-Friendly Concept:
  • “In our new family friendly podcast series, Dead Funny History, historical figures come back to life for just long enough to argue with me, tell their life stories, and sometimes get on my nerves.” (01:27)
• Presence of comical interactions, interruptions, and jabs, mirroring the podcast’s lively, informal spirit:
  • [Interruption by a character] “Oh, it’s not my fault. Yes, it is.” (01:47)

4. Sneak Peek of Historical Guests and Topics

• Greg lists some of the figures and episodes listeners can expect under their “history tree”:
  • “There are 15 new episodes waiting under your tree. There’s Ramses the Great. There’s Josephine Baker. Even the History of Football.” (01:52)
  • Snippets hint at the show's humorous, slightly chaotic style:
    • “Can he hold the ball with his hands by his feet? Can he catch it, rush with it? Can other players tackle him? Hack his shins? Gouge out his eyes? Tickle him?” (02:01)

5. Call to Action and Sign-Off

• Greg warmly encourages listeners to check out the new content:
  • “So this Christmas, give your ears, and indeed your family’s ears, a treat with Dead Funny History. You can find it in the You’re Dead to Me feed on BBC Sounds. Thank you very much. Bye.” (02:09–02:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Zombie Joke & Correction:

  • “Dead people. Oh, that sounds like zombies. Sorry, it’s not zombies. Um, let me start again.” – Greg Jenner (01:18)

• Show Concept, In a Nutshell:

  • “Historical figures come back to life for just long enough to argue with me, tell their life stories, and sometimes get on my nerves.” – Greg Jenner (01:27)

• Comedic Example (Football Rules Debate):

  • “Can he hold the ball with his hands by his feet? Can he catch it, rush with it? Can other players tackle him? Hack his shins? Gouge out his eyes? Tickle him?” (02:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:11 | Greg’s greeting and update about "You’re Dead to Me" | | 01:18 | Teaser for "Dead Funny History" with humorous zombie joke | | 01:27 | Explanation of podcast’s format and family-friendly focus | | 01:52 | Sneak peek of historical guests and comedy snippets | | 02:09 | Call to action and festive sign-off |

Overall Tone and Takeaway

The episode reflects Greg Jenner’s signature blend of warmth, wit, and enthusiasm. In just over a minute, he manages to tease both the educational and the uproariously silly elements that fans of “You’re Dead to Me” have come to love—now with an extra family-friendly angle. “Dead Funny History” promises a playful entry point for younger listeners (and entire families) to dive into the past, laugh, and learn together, making it an ideal holiday treat.

For history buffs and newcomers alike, Greg’s invitation stands: go unwrap some history and enjoy the newly resurrected tales, debates, and jibes waiting in “Dead Funny History” on BBC Sounds.