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
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 2min
51. Take It ECHR
Iain and Tessa discuss Yvette Cooper making it harder for refugees to bring their families to Britain, Starmer's mini-reshuffle, the history and future of the ECHR and Tessa being invited on Romanian Hell's Kitchen!
Aug 29, 2025 • 55min
50. Blairway to Heaven
In this episode of Where Politics Meets History, Tessa Dunlop and Iain Dale discuss fertility rates, Tony Blair and ex-Prime Ministers.
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 6min
49. You've Got A Friend In Iain
Iain and Tessa return for more - this time it's mainly questions! Questions on Iain being 'soft' on Sturgeon, dating people with different politics, whether Iain and Tessa are friends 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.
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 4min
48. Mounjaro Rhapsody
Iain and Tessa discuss Iain's Nicola Sturgeon interview preparation, the continued protests outside asylums in Epping, what happened with Brexit and Iain's experience with Mounjaro on the NHS.
Aug 19, 2025 • 57min
47. Dock Around The Clock
Iain is back and joins Tessa to talk Trump's meeting with European leaders in Washington - the historical parallels thereof - what the Green Party is up to and Nicola Sturgeon's book!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.
Aug 15, 2025 • 58min
46. Porn Free
Tessa is joined by the wonderful Albie Amankona for this one! They talk about upcoming Trump-Putin summit, the history of Alaska (which President Trump said is in Russia!), declining numbers on porn websites 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.
Aug 12, 2025 • 51min
45. Shut Up and Drive (after doing an eye test)
With Iain on holiday, Tessa is joined by the tremendous Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones (a.k.a. The Black Farmer) - they talk the upcoming Trump meeting with Putin and peace summits throughout history, Wilfred's interest in Reform UK, eye tests for older drivers and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Aug 8, 2025 • 42min
44. Ministers Under Pressure
Iain Dale and Tessa Dunlop catch up in two Scottish cities, Dunbar and Glasgow. They discuss their favourite interviews from the Edinburgh Fringe, Corey's engagement, the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb and answer some questions from listeners.
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.
