Ian Dunt

Ian Dunt, iNews columnist and Origin Story co-host, examines Britain’s shifting politics, Israel’s place in tribal identity, and the dangers of unchecked political money. Kim Sajet, Milwaukee Art Museum director and former Smithsonian leader, discusses Trump, portraiture, difficult histories, and threats to museum independence. Nikolaus Schobesberger, director of Vienna’s Globe Museum, explores globes, imagined lands, Australia’s mapping, and the politics of projection.

Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey discuss the political nature of zombies, exploring their symbolism in relation to war, terrorism, capitalism, and disease. They trace the origins of the zombie term to Voodoo and its connection to Caribbean and Southern US folklore. The podcast also explores the evolution of zombie movies, George Romero's influence, and the themes they portray. The hosts delve into the significance of zombies in popular culture, examining their metaphorical representation of societal fears and frustrations. They conclude by discussing the changing interpretations of zombies throughout history.

Political writer and commentator Ian Dunt discusses the broken UK political system, accountability for lies, wasteful spending, and confusing tax policies. The conversation explores flaws in governance, fiscal studies, investments, media coverage, Brexit fallout, inefficiencies in healthcare, and the impact of public trust on the economy.

“We surely live in the stupidest possible era of debate about free speech,” says Ian Dunt. When a key arbiter of free expression is the smirking tech bro who owns Twitter, he might be right. How did the right to express yourself freely get hijacked by reactionaries? Are progressives really a threat to freedom of speech?Dorian Lynskey and Ian delve back in time from the printing press and its early “paper bullets” via the surprisingly racy life of John Stuart Mill right up to the First Amendment of the US Constitution and our current panics over woke, hate speech and cancel culture. How did shouting “free speech” become an instant way to shut down debate?Support Origin Story to get extra episodes and more at https://www.patreon.com/originstorypod “If somebody tries to make their point about freedom of speech by using a cartoon on the internet, they’ve probably simplified it a bit.” – Dorian Lynskey “There is a choice not between order and liberty, it is between liberty with order and anarchy without either.” – Justice Robert H Jackson “The whole story of free speech is the story of doubt.” – Ian Dunt Reading ListFrom IanJacob Mchangama – Free Speech: A Global History From Socrates To Social MediaJohn Rees – The Leveller RevolutionJohn Stuart Milll – On LibertyThe Complete Works Of Harriet Taylor Mill – Editor Jo Ellen JacobsRichard Reeve – John Stuart Mill: Victorian FirebrandFrom DorianAnthony Lewis — Freedom for the Thought That We Hate: A Biography of the First AmendmentSuzanne Nossel — Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for AllNat Hentoff – Free Speech for Me But Not for Thee: How the American Left and Right Relentlessly Censor Each OtherStanley Fish — There’s No Such Thing as Free SpeechSamuel P Nelson — Beyond the First Amendment: The Politics of Free Speech and PluralismKarl Popper — The Open Society and Its EnemiesFlemming Rose — Tyranny of SilencePE Moskowitz — The Case Against Free SpeechRichard Delgado and Jean Stefancic — Must We Defend Nazis?: Why the First Amendment Should Not Protect Hate Speech and White SupremacyHenry Louis Gates Jr — Let Them TalkGeorge Orwell — Freedom of the ParkHerbert Marcuse — Repressive ToleranceWritten and presented by Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt. Audio production and music by Jade Bailey. Logo art by Mischa Welsh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Dunt, British political journalist and co-host of Origin Story, examines Ed Miliband’s sanctions on Israeli West Bank settlements and the political tensions surrounding them. He explores the populist right’s embrace of Israel, Islamophobia and antisemitism debates, and the limits of Britain’s policy. Plus, Nigel Farage’s record crypto donations, legal loopholes, and Donald Trump’s shaky grasp of Northern Ireland.

Ian Dunt, an iNews political journalist and constitutional affairs commentator, examines Kemi Badenoch’s rightward Conservative reshuffle and its identity-politics contradictions. He considers Andy Burnham’s return to Parliament amid a fiscal crisis, Britain’s pressure over Israeli settlements, and the climate tensions exposed by extreme heat.

Ian Dunt, iNews columnist and political commentator, offers sharp takes on UK political theatre. He unpacks Nigel Farage’s Clacton showing and what it reveals about his national standing. He contrasts media-driven stunts with Andy Burnham’s strategic outreach. He also reflects on the media fallout around the death of Cambridge scholar Jason Arday and its wider implications.

Ian Dunt, iNews columnist and co-host of Origin Story, unpicks UK politics with sharp analysis. He breaks down Count Binface’s surprising challenge to Nigel Farage and how it reshapes perceptions. He outlines Andy Burnham’s Number 10 shake-up and social care priorities. He also reflects on this summer’s heatwave and what it means for political responses to climate change.

Dennis Altman, writer and activist, warns about AI-driven literary impersonation and scams targeting authors. Professor David Lowe, historian of the Colombo Plan, traces its Cold War origins and legacy for international education. Ian Dunt, political commentator, analyses recent shifts in UK and international politics, including the downfall of populist inevitability and leadership failures on global threats.

Ian Dunt, a political journalist and author of "Centrism: The Story of an Idea," joins Labour MP Nadia Whittome, known for her advocacy on cost of living and social justice. They dissect the Conservative Party's internal chaos, casting a spotlight on Keir Starmer's leadership amid wobbly poll numbers. Dunt shares insights into the ideology of centrism and its impact on the Labour Party's future, while Whittome offers a hopeful outlook on new government initiatives. Expect a discussion on the blurring lines of political polarization and a shocking Tory candidate elimination!