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Where Politics Meets History

ByGlobal
542 episodes

Podcast Summary

Join broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop as they take a fresh look at the biggest news of the week - through the lens of history. Because nothing is ever truly new, and history has a habit of repeating itself. With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way. Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: [email protected]

#1

25. Maggie May (Have Been a Feminist)

Iain and Tessa digest the defence review, the Trumpite winning the Polish elections, Reform UK councillors pulling down pride flags, whether Margaret Thatcher was pro-woman - and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-06-03•56mins
#2

24. I Marijuana Be With You

Iain is in London and Tessa in Romania for this edition, in which they talk King Charles in Canada to show his support, Sadiq Khan's support for decriminalising cannabis possession, Trump vs the courts and Macron being pushed in the face.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-05-30•44mins
#3

23. Elgin in the Sky with Marbles

Iain and Tessa bring you this edition mainly focused on your questions - questions on Israel, speed limits and the Parthenon/Elgin marbles!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-05-26•43mins
#4

22. U-Turn Baby Turn

Iain and Tessa talk political U-turns as the PM changes his mind on winter fuel - they remember tuition fees, the poll tax, corn laws, the lot! Also, they check in on the Chagos Islands.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-05-23•59mins
#5

21. It's All About EU

Iain and Tessa talk the government's new deal with the EU - what will it mean for fish, young people and passport gates?! They also digest the new Romanian president and discuss Gary Lineker leaving the BBC.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-05-20•53mins
#6

20. Good Migrations

Our duo Iain and Tessa are back in the studio to talk Keir Starmer being compared to Enoch Powell (and who Powell really was), whether Tim Davie can save the BBC - and Tessa's trip to Kensington Palace!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-05-16•56mins
#7

19. Where Politics Meets History Live! from Fowey

Iain and Tessa host the podcast in front of a live audience for the first time at The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival! They talk about the PM's announcement on immigration, tensions between India and Pakistan, whether Trump really is a peacemaker and more.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-05-13•1hr 0mins
#8

18. VE Day Special: WWII veteran Colin Bell

In this episode, Iain and Tessa are joined by 104-year-old WWII veteran Colin Bell on Iain's LBC show. Colin answers questions about whether the younger generations care enough about remembrance, whether defence spending ought to go up... and the secrets to his longevity!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-05-09•48mins

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#9

17. VE Day Special: We'll Meet Again

Iain and Tessa convene for a special episode dedicated to Victory in Europe Day.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-05-06•52mins
#10

16. Heaven is a Place on Rare Earths

Iain and Tessa come together once again to talk about the rare earths deal between the US and Ukraine, the King speaking about his cancer care - and Tessa's experience of sexual harassment on a train.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-05-02•42mins
#11

15. Carney Get You Out of My Head

Iain and Tessa return to your devices to delve into why Russia wants to keep expanding, what's up for grabs at the local elections, how electricity came to be such a large part of our lives and why Mark Carney won the election (and is he as ruthless as Keir Starmer?). Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-04-29•54mins
#12

14. That's The Way (I Biscuit)

Iain and Tessa reconvene to discuss what Pope Francis symbolised as they preview his funeral. Plus, they talk about what it means to be English and whether St George should be replaced - and the cultural significance of digestives (and how WWII sugar rationing ties in!).Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-04-25•49mins
#13

13. Easter Special: The Crying Game

For Easter, Iain and Tessa come together once again and take your questions about energy prices, YouTube and much more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-04-21•45mins
#14

12. Man! I Feel Like A Woman!

Iain and Tessa come together once again, this time to talk about the UK Supreme Court ruling that defined a woman, the pension age and much more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-04-18•47mins
#15

11. China in You're Banned

Iain and Tessa come together once again, this time to talk about the fate of British Steel and its context in our industrial past, China preventing a Lib Dem MP from entering Hong Kong and much more, including a huge row about Brexit and a debate over the future of a doll's house!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-04-15•59mins
#16

10. I Wanna Know What Gove Is

Iain and Tessa are back to talk China vs the US on trade, with Tessa bringing context from the Opium Wars. Also a peerage for Michael Gove, Charles and Camilla meet the Pope and why does nobody talk about the Welsh?Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-04-11•38mins
#17

9. Homeward Bound MPs

Iain and Tessa break down the ongoing fallout of President Trump's tariffs - also up for discussion are Labour MPs expelled from Israel, the King and Queen's anniversary, leaders changing their minds, Iain being a 'lightweight' and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-04-08•56mins
#18

8. Tariff Me Baby One More Time

Iain and Tessa digest Trump's tariffs, whether young boys have enough male role models, remembering the wonderful Betty Webb and dealing with death - and an awkward moment with gooseberry fool!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-04-04•50mins
#19

7. Marine Le Penitentiary Blues

Iain and Tessa meet again to joust over Trump's further threats to Greenland, Marine Le Pen convicted, Justin Welby's latest interview, MPs' expenses, changing the clocks and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-04-01•54mins
#20

6. Money For Nothing (and everything else is free)

Iain and Tessa are back! They're digging into Wednesday’s Spring Statement and Prince Harry’s charity work in Africa.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected] connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-03-28•56mins
#21

5. Should I Stay or Should Nato

Iain and Tessa return to discuss the upcoming spring statement, NATO expansion, crisis in Turkey, Scottish independence and Blue Peter - something for everyone!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected]. Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-03-25•59mins
#22

4. I Guess That's Why They Call It Blue Labour

Iain and Tessa connect from different countries to talk Israel, whether the Labour government is shifting to the right - and Tessa tells a story about a nun (no, really!).Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or [email protected]. Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-03-21•51mins
#23

3. I Know Him So Welfare

Iain and Tessa come out swinging in this third instalment! They joust over welfare cuts, they debate America's outlook on the world, they trade blows over Meghan's new Netflix series... and they make a pitch for the next Celebrity Gogglebox!Send your questions and voice notes to 07757 187929 or [email protected]. Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-03-18•48mins

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#24

2. Wake Me Up Before You Quango

Iain and Tessa are back for seconds. On the menu: NHS England being abolished, Putin's response to a ceasefire plan, Trump's long ties - and should you give a quote to an author if you haven't read their book?Send your questions and voice notes to 07757 187929 or [email protected]. Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-03-14•47mins
#25

1. It's Raining Strong Men

In the first episode of this brand new podcast, Iain and Tessa talk strong men: then and now. Stalin and Putin, Roosevelt, Churchill and Trump. Do strong men always win? And how will the incoming German and Canadian leaders Friedrich Merz and Mark Carney make their mark? And why was Iain sleeping in a castle at the weekend?Email your questions and voice notes to [email protected]. Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.

2025-03-11•1hr 0mins
#26

Introducing: Where Politics Meets History

If you enjoyed For The Many, you're going to love this new podcast: Where Politics Meets History.Join Iain Dale with his new podcast pal, historian Dr Tessa Dunlop, as they delve through the biggest news of the week, but setting it in its historical context. Nothing is ever new, the wheel keeps turning, and our pair will guide you through what's happening now, and when it happened before! Expect laughs, fascinating facts... and maybe the occasional row!Listen and subscribe on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.

2025-03-03•1mins
#27

500. The End

Iain and Jacqui are reunited for this, their final episode. There are tears. There is laughter. And the producer plays a few clips (badly - apologies). You really don't want to miss it.

2024-10-23•1hr 1mins
#28

499. Parasocial Relationship - with Tessa Dunlop

Iain is joined by the wonderful historian and commentator Tessa Dunlop for this one - they talk about Moldova, Wes Streeting's family tree, Tessa's dream about Iain, reparations, the Royal visit to New Zealand and much else too!

2024-10-21•1hr 38mins
#29

498. Funky House - with Rosena Allin-Khan

Iain is joined by the tremendous Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan for this ep! They discuss ozempic and the NHS, Christopher Chope's remarks about Kemi Badenoch being a mother, England getting a German manager and lots more besides.

2024-10-17•1hr 31mins
#30

497. Rude Health - with Lynne Featherstone

Iain is joined for this one by the Lib Dem peer Baroness Featherstone for this 'un. They talk about Labour's first hundred days in government, the death of Alex Salmond, Lynne's legacy on equal marriage, the future of the Lib Dems, international investment and more!

2024-10-14•1hr 20mins
#31

496. Fascinated by Gay Men - with Joanna Cherry

Iain is joined by lawyer and former SNP MP Joanna Cherry for this ep! They talk about the twists and turns of the Tory leadership contest, Joanna's departure from Parliament, Yvette Cooper and Taylor Swift, renters' rights, assisted dying and more.

2024-10-10•1hr 21mins
#32

495. On It - with Kirsty Wark

Iain is joined by the outstanding broadcaster Kirsty Wark for this one. They talk about the ongoing war in the Middle East, one year on from the October 7th attacks. They discuss the Tory leadership, assisted dying, Sue Gray stepping down as the PM's chief of staff and much more besides that!

2024-10-08•1hr 10mins
#33

494. The Tale of Bobby J's Cap - with Penny Mordaunt

Iain is joined by the tremendous former cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt for this one, from the Conservative Party conference. She introduces us to her friend and podcaster David Reilly, before Iain and Penny discuss Robert Jenrick's controversial statements about the SAS, further developments in Israel and Lebanon, Liz Truss, Penny's future and more!

2024-10-01•1hr 7mins
#34

493. You're Crackers - with Gillian Keegan

Iain is joined by the fabulous former education secretary Gillian Keegan. They talk all things Tory conference, the leadership campaign, Liz Truss and such. But they also talk about Israel and Lebanon, Simon Case's resignation, dodgy curriculums, Gillian's off-mic moment, what comes after politics and much more besides!

2024-09-30•1hr 14mins
#35

492. Two Snorts - with Aggie Chambre

Iain is joined by fantastic LBC political correspondent Aggie Chambre to chat about conference season, whether the week's gone well for Labour, what to expect from the Tories next week, having opinions as a journalist, lobbying, Natalie Imbruglia and much more - do have a listen!

2024-09-27•1hr 50mins
#36

491. Conservative Crush - with Baroness Margaret Hodge

Iain is joined by the wonderful Labour peer and former MP Margaret Hodge, at the Labour conference in Liverpool. They talk all things Labour - as well as all the other topics from the news. Many laughs, lots of fun and Margaret does not hold back!

2024-09-23•56mins
#37

490. Stiff as a Board - with Caroline Flint

Iain is joined again by the fabulous Caroline Flint - they discuss Sue Gray's pay affray, the pager attacks in Lebanon, interest rates, conference season, Sir Graham Brady's memoirs, Iain's recovery and plenty more besides that, I assure you.

2024-09-19•1hr 24mins
#38

489. Untrue and Unfair - with Gina Miller

Iain is joined for this one by brilliant businesswoman and campaigner Gina Miller. They discuss the PM's wife getting clothes bought for her, Huw Edwards sentenced, what happened to Gina's True and Fair Party, the Lib Dem conference, Starmer mulling an Albania deal for channel migrants and much more too!

2024-09-16•1hr 11mins
#39

488. Five Guys - with Carol Vorderman

Iain is joined by the one and only Carol Vorderman for some real For The Many fun. They discuss the state of the NHS, how Keir Starmer's getting on, Carol's views on the Tory leadership candidates, the Trump/Harris debate, the winter fuel payment cut, the Australian social media ban for young people and so very much more, including Carol's new book!

2024-09-12•1hr 38mins
#40

487. Lithe as a Butcher's Dog - with Scarlett MccGwire

Iain is joined this time by political commentator Scarlett MccGwire. They discuss the row around cuts to the winter fuel allowance, media training politicians, the upcoming Harris vs Trump debate, counterfactuals and much more besides - plus of course an update on Iain's health!

2024-09-09•1hr 12mins
#41

486. Red Socks?! - with Emily Thornberry

Iain is joined this time by marvellous Labour MP Emily Thornberry. They discuss the Grenfell enquiry, the Tory leadership contest, Emily's bid to be chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Jeremy Corbyn, Iain's upcoming operation, the power of hope and much more besides.Due to a few technical issues, a portion of the discussion was lost.

2024-09-05•1hr 5mins
#42

485. Mouldy Infestations - with Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

Iain is joined by his ex-TV wife Yasmin Alibhai-Brown for some good fun. They discuss Tory candidates lost on the political moors, the winter fuel allowance, German elections, Jas Athwal, Nadine Dorries vs Angela Raver and much else besides!

2024-09-03•1hr 22mins
#43

484. Mummy's Back! - with Caroline Flint

Iain is joined by former Labour MP Caroline Flint for this one. They discuss whether the PM is Mr Gloomster, banning smoking outdoors, the Tory leadership contest, fuel poverty, Iain's Thatcher biography, carbonara sauce in a can - and we get a special appearance from Her Ladyship!

2024-08-29•1hr 27mins
#44

483. Daddy's Back!

Iain returns to the podcast and co-hosts with LBC's political editor Natasha Clark. They discuss how Jacqui's getting on in her new job, Natasha's favourite LBC presenters, who's doing well in the Tory leadership contest, conspiracy theories and Mike Lynch, Gen Z lingo and loads more.

2024-08-22•1hr 10mins
#45

482. Rawdogging

Grant Tucker and Amy Hart present this week with Iain still away (but returning next time!) Our duo discuss A-Level results, the Tory leadership race, Liz Truss getting pranked, fantasy holiday guests and the modern phenomenon of 'rawdogging' - and much more!

2024-08-15•1hr 2mins
#46

481. Put It In The Camel

The podcast continues with Iain still away - this time hosted by Grant Tucker and LBC's own Aggie Chambre! They discuss the riots of the last week, politicians on holiday, Kamala Harris's running mate, how much sleep is the right amount of sleep and loads more besides... and we get a rip-roaring nun joke!

2024-08-08•59mins
#47

480. A Whole New Cast!

With Iain in hospital, For The Many continues with Grant Tucker and Carolyn Quinn! They talk about the unrest in Southport, Huw Edwards pleading guilty, Kamala vs Trump, Toby jugs, GPs taking industrial action, the Olympics and loads more.

2024-08-01•1hr 17mins
#48

479. Vote, What Vote?!?! - with Dawn Butler

Iain co-hosts this episode with fabulous Labour MP Dawn Butler. They talk GB Energy, Labour MPs getting suspended, Dawn's rap video, the Tory leadership race, men on planes and loads more besides!

2024-07-25•1hr 40mins
#49

478. The Handy Bookshelf - with Jo Phillips

Iain's co-host this time is political commentator Jo Phillips, who first got Iain into radio. As well as discussing their friendship and how they met, they tackle the enormous news of Biden dropping out and whether Kamala Harris could win in November. Also, the Leeds riot, whether the government will spend big on public sector pay, universities pleading poverty, anti-tourist protests in Europe, what next for the Conservatives and loads more too!

2024-07-22•1hr 10mins
#50

477. For the Many Live! in Broadstairs - with Gyles Brandreth

Iain is reunited with Jacqui Smith for For the Many Live! from the Kent coastal town of Broadstairs, and joined by the one and only Gyles Brandreth.Get your tickets for future For the Many Live shows at this autumn's party conferences in Brighton, Liverpool and Birmingham at www.forthemany.live

2024-07-20•1hr 52mins

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