Where Politics Meets History
Global
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: dax@global.com
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: dax@global.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 5, 2025 • 58min
43. Starmer Chameleon (Live from Edinburgh Fringe)
Iain is reunited with Jacqui Smith, and Tessa is back from sunny Spain, for a special episode of Where Politics Meets History live from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! They talk about Japanese toilets, Bonnie Blue, and who is the better Prime Minister - Starmer or Blair?
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 3min
42. Ring my Cromwell
Iain is joined by historian Miranda Malins - they discuss who could be the Cromwell out of our contemporary politicians, reform of the Lords and the UK gets its first female Astronomer Royal in 350 years.
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
41. The Man Who Sold the Arts
Iain is joined by historian Charlotte White, while Tessa is away sunning herself - they talk all things online safety as Iain discovers porn sites failing to verify age, Charles II and the history of the state education system.
Jul 25, 2025 • 60min
40. One Nation Tory Army
Iain and Tessa talk Trump and the Epstein files (after reports Trump was told he was named in them), Modi's visit to the UK, where moderate Tories should go, the history of Chequers 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.
Jul 22, 2025 • 48min
39. Bridge Over Polluted Water
Iain and Tessa go hell for leather on the state of our water industry, the pension age, Betty Boothroyd and whether people talk about WW2 too much.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.
Jul 18, 2025 • 59min
38. Swearing Again
Iain and Tessa spar over the Labour Party kicking out some left wing MPs, votes at 16 and the history of swearing - and Iain receives a special invitation!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.
Jul 15, 2025 • 60min
37. Sorry Seems to BBC The Hardest Word
Iain and Tessa discuss the BBC admitting mistakes over the Gaza documentary, what's wrong with Live Aid (40 years on), what you didn't know about Ethiopia and a potential Royal reconciliation - plus they read out texts slagging each other off!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.
Jul 11, 2025 • 46min
36. Resident Doctor! Doctor!
Iain and Tessa reunite to talk resident doctor strikes, Starmer and Macron's migration deal, the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum (and what should happen to those Elgin Marbles!).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.
Jul 8, 2025 • 58min
35. Return of the Macron
Iain and Tessa reconvene to talk Macron's state visit (and historical relations between Britain and France), the anniversary of the 7/7 bombings, why Kaliningrad exists as an enclave and age gaps in relationships.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.
Jul 4, 2025 • 51min
34. Tracks of the Chancellor's Tears
Iain and Tessa talk about leaders crying throughout history after Rachel Reeves broke down in the Commons. They also discuss the Royal train being well and truly cancelled, whether we're acting fast enough on climate change and Michael Gove's facial hair.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.
