Where Politics Meets History
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.
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Latest episodes
Jul 1, 2025 • 50min
33. We Built This Obe-sity
Iain and Tessa, together again! This time they talk about the controversy around Glastonbury and what questions the BBC should answer, Wes Streeting's plan to tackle obesity, whether Trump deserves a bit of praise and more!
Jun 27, 2025 • 49min
32. Labour Rebel Rebel
Tessa is joined in the studio by Tim Montgomerie while Iain's holiday continues. They lock horns over welfare, whether Trump should be allowed another state visit, Sunday trading laws and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @montie and @DrTessaDunlop.
Jun 24, 2025 • 47min
31. Queasy Street
Tessa is joined on the podcast today by a somewhat ill Tim Montgomerie, while Iain's holiday continues! They talk all things Iran: Trump's decision to bomb their nuclear sites, why now and what the context is. They also joust over Reform UK!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @montie and @DrTessaDunlop.
Jun 20, 2025 • 51min
30. You're in Love With a Psycho
Tessa is joined once again by Albie while Iain suns himself in Corfu. The pair discuss MPs voting to fully decriminalise abortion, what Trump might do next regarding Iran, how to measure psychopathy and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @AlbieAmankona and @DrTessaDunlop.
Jun 17, 2025 • 54min
29. My Old Man
Tessa is joined by the wonderful Albie Amankona this week. They talk about Baroness Casey's review into grooming gangs, the conflict between Israel and Iran, King Charles and Prince Harry reuniting and whether Father's Day is a commercialist cult!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @AlbieAmankona and @DrTessaDunlop.
Jun 13, 2025 • 48min
28. Gibraltar Dreamin'
Iain and Tessa are back to discuss Rachel Reeves's spending review, the violence in Ballymena, the Gibraltar border deal, Iain Dale's lineage (with a connection to Robert Burns!) and much much more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
Jun 10, 2025 • 53min
27. Wish You Were Zia
Iain and Tessa deliver their verdict on Zia Yusuf's antics quitting and rejoining Reform UK, the debate around banning the burka, Peterloo, Israel and Palestine and Dawn French being 'cancelled' - and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
Jun 6, 2025 • 53min
26. Maggie in the Sky with Diamonds
Iain and Tessa dive into the latest on the defence review, the impact of Trump-style politics on Poland’s elections, Meghan Markle’s latest media moment. Plus, they explore Margaret Thatcher’s legacy and her role in shaping women’s progress in politics. All this and more in today’s episode!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
Jun 3, 2025 • 57min
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 wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
May 30, 2025 • 45min
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 wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
