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
Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 5min
61. Never Ending Tory
Iain and Tessa talk Tory conference, whether the Conservatives are copying Reform UK and memorable conference moments throughout history. They also talk about political chaos in France and the aftermath of the election in Czechia.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Oct 3, 2025 • 42min
60. Don't Look Back in Anger
Iain and Tessa reunite in the studio to speak about the terror attack in Manchester and how to prevent this happening again. They also discuss Pete Hegseth's remarks on women in the military - and Iain makes an apology!This was recorded on Thursday afternoon.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Sep 30, 2025 • 57min
59. Bridge Moldova Troubled Water
Iain Dale and Tessa Dunlop discuss memorable moments from Labour conferences past and how the subject of patriotism is being used by Labour to take on Reform UK. Will it work though? They also discuss the implications of the results of the Moldovan election and take some questions, before Iain's Wifi rudely cuts them off!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Sep 26, 2025 • 60min
58. Swaneater
Iain and Tessa joust and jostle over whether 'King of the North' Andy Burnham poses a threat to Keir Starmer, whether the world can trust the new Syrian leader, Nigel Farage's comments on LBC this week... and if Bristol used to have its own time zone!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 3min
57. Runway Like Hell
Iain and Tessa reconvene in the studio to talk Palestine recognition, Farage wanting to revoke indefinite leave to remain, UN history, Gatwick expansion and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Sep 19, 2025 • 57min
56. Our Doll's House
Iain and Tessa grace the studio with their presences to discuss Trump's second state visit to the UK, his press conference with Starmer and a very special doll's house.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Sep 16, 2025 • 60min
55. I Wanna Defect With Somebody
Iain and Tessa come together once again to talk the Tory MP Danny Kruger defecting to Reform UK, the march we saw over the weekend and what it means for Britain, whether the term 'far right' is overused or not used enough - and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Sep 12, 2025 • 55min
54. Mandy
Iain and Tessa get into the PM sacking Lord Mandelson, the killing of Charlie Kirk and whether politics is more febrile now than it was in history - and whether Brits work too hard.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Sep 9, 2025 • 49min
53. Copashabana
Iain and Tessa are back with analysis of the government reshuffle, the Reform UK conference, Prince Harry back in the UK, great French figures from history and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Sep 5, 2025 • 54min
52. Far Farage Away
Iain and Tessa are back in the studio to digest the week in politics through the lens of history. On the menu today: Nigel Farage in Washington, whether Angela Rayner is safe (and the history of stamp duty), the wonderful Melvyn Bragg and more!
