logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
57m 49s

Sojourner Truth: American abolitionist, ...

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Greg Jenner is joined in 19th-Century America by Dr Michell Chresfield and comedian Desiree Burch to learn all about abolitionist and suffragist Sojourner Truth. Born into slavery in a Dutch-speaking area of New England, Sojourner Truth fought to free herself and then others, becoming one of the best-known abolitionist activists in America. She even succeeded in freeing her son, making her the first Black American woman to win a court case. A devoutly religious woman, Truth felt that God had called her to travel the country, preaching and advocating for the end of slavery, women’s rights and universal suffrage. Along the way, she rubbed shoulders with abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, and politicians including Abraham Lincoln himself. This episode tells the story of her incredible life, beliefs and fight for justice, and even examines the true story behind her famous “ain’t I a woman?” speech.

If you’re a fan of inspirational activists, courtroom drama and questionable cults, you’ll love our episode on Sojourner Truth.

If you want more from Desiree and Michell, check out our episodes on Harriet Tubman and Josephine Baker. And for more abolitionist history, listen to our episode on Frederick Douglass.

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: Madeleine Bracey Written by: Madeleine Bracey, Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: James Cook

Up next
Jul 4
History of Coffee (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined by Professor Jonathan Morris and comedian Sophie Duker to learn all about the bittersweet history of coffee.Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most popular drinks worldwide, and we consume an estimated 95 million cups of the stuff everyday in the UK alone. But ... Show More
28m 11s
Jul 4
American War of Independence: Fourth of July Special
Greg Jenner is joined in the eighteenth century by Professor Frank Cogliano and comedian and actor Patton Oswalt for a special Fourth of July episode all about the American War of Independence. Also known as the American Revolutionary War, 2025 marks 250 years since the start of ... Show More
57m 34s
Jun 27
Announcing Series 10
Greg Jenner previews some of the topics and guest coming up in the new series of You're Dead To Me which starts on Friday 4 July, 2025. 
47s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
Sojourner Truth Read By D'Atra "Dee Dee" Jackson
Once there was a girl whose powerful voice would inspire people to fight for equality. Her name was Isabella Baumfree, but we know her now as Sojourner Truth. She was a Black woman born into slavery in Dutch-speaking rural New York in 1797. She escaped to freedom after nearly 30 ... Show More
20m 16s
Jun 10
Theodora, the rags to riches Empress
Dr. Eleanor Janega and author Stella Duffy dive into the extraordinary life and legacy of Empress Theodora.A woman who rose from the lowest ranks of society as a prostitute at the Hippodrome to capture the heard of an emperor to become the most powerful woman in the Byzantine Emp ... Show More
46m 50s
Mar 2025
Aphra Behn: Revolutionary, Author, Spy
Aphra Behn was a true original. Not only was she the first woman to earn a living by writing, she was also a spy, a political propagandist and a revolutionary. Publicly she was all brash sexuality and outspoken politics, but what is known about the woman beneath? Professor Suzann ... Show More
40m 26s
Apr 2024
Women of Salem Invented Gay Pop
Carley leads Blair through a deeper-dive on some of the women convicted of witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials. And, JoJo Siwa. Also: voice notes, moving, the eclipse, Bridget Bishop, another lie we told, Sarah Bishop, Rebecca Nurse, The Giving Tree, door-knockers, Anne Putnam S ... Show More
1h 43m
Aug 2024
An audacious escape from slavery
On 20 December 1848, Ellen Craft placed a top hat on her head, slipped her arm into a sling, and perched dark green glasses on her nose. Once her disguise was complete, Ellen and her husband William embarked on almighty journey. The couple were enslaved, and had assumed fake iden ... Show More
42m 48s
Sep 2024
Harriet Tubman Escapes From Slavery
September 17, 1849. Harriet Tubman escapes slavery with her two brothers. She will go on to become a leader in the abolitionist and suffragist movements and is remembered as an American hero. Support the show! Join Into History for ad-free listening and more. History Daily is a c ... Show More
17m 3s
Dec 2023
Comediennes: Marietta Holley
Marietta Holley (1836-1926) was a popular American humorist. Over her 40-year literary career, she used comedic language to advocate  for feminist causes like suffrage and temperance.  For Further Reading: Marietta Holley: Life with “Josiah Allen’s Wife” Marietta Holley: The Humo ... Show More
5m 54s
Dec 2024
What Really Killed Emmett Till (1955) w/ Wright Thompson
**It's the Radiotopia fundraiser! We can only make this show with your support. Give now and help support This Day and all the independent shows at Radiotopia. Thank you! https://www.radiotopia.fm/donate**It's December 3rd. This day in 1955, the Civil Rights movement is gaining a ... Show More
28m 44s
Feb 2024
Encore: History fails when it ignores the BIPOC women who made it
In honor of Black History Month, Untextbooked is sharing a favorite episode from our archive. Women of color have been at the forefront of many movements, yet are often neglected, demonized, or ignored. Your history class probably didn’t teach you about Josephine Baker, who was n ... Show More
35m 9s
Feb 2024
Revolutionaries: Emma Mashinini
Emma Mashinini (1929-2017) risked her life and reputation to fight for Black worker’s rights under apartheid in South Africa. She spent months isolated in prison without chargers for her work as a trade unionist and activist for African and women’s rights.  For Further Reading: E ... Show More
7m 41s