Greg Jenner

And today, it is our 150th episode, and so we are picking up the receiver and dialing back exactly 150 years.

to learn all about the invention of the telephone, and to help us with this special anniversary episode, we have two very special callers on the line.

In History Corner, he's Professor of History at the University of Aberystwyth, and he's an expert on the history and culture of Victorian science.

You may have read one of his wonderful books, including How the Victorians Took Us to the Moon, and you'll remember him from our episode on vital electricity.

It's Professor Ewan Morris.

Welcome back, Ewan.

It's a pleasure to be here again, Greg.

Delighted to have you back.

And in Comedy Corner, she's an award-winning comedian, writer, actor and podcaster.

You may have seen her hilarious stand-up shows or on the TV, on Last One Laughing Ireland, QI, The Mash Report, Live at the Apollo.

Maybe you've heard her Radio 4 show, Too Long, Didn't Read.

But you'll certainly remember her from one of our many past episodes, including The History of General Elections.

And Julie Daubigny, who is it?

Of course it is, the wonderful Catherine Bohart.

I was going to ask, it's been a little while since we've had you on because you've been so busy touring the world and being glamorous.

That's nice.

So I was going to ask, have you sort of maintained your history nerd energy?

I'm guessing you own a telephone, Catherine.

I mean, you know, we all have to, right, in the modern world.

Do you know anything about its invention, its early history, first 25 years or so?