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
Jun 6, 2025 • 53min
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.
May 26, 2025 • 44min
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 wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
May 23, 2025 • 59min
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 wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
May 20, 2025 • 53min
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 wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
May 16, 2025 • 56min
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 wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
May 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
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 wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
May 9, 2025 • 48min
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 wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
May 6, 2025 • 52min
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 wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDunlop.
