

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

Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 60min
437. Blowing Bubbles
Iain and Jacqui discuss the racism row around Tory donor Frank Hester, redefining extremism, MPs getting a pay rise, the Princess of Wales's photoshopping, Theresa May stepping away, the Red Lion reopening and loads more besides. Smut quota: Wild in parts.

Mar 8, 2024 • 1h 37min
436. Fiscal Drag Queen
Iain and Jacqui discuss when the next election will be (could it be May?!), the Budget, Jacqui's travels, Carolyn and Caroline, Super Tuesday, Michelle Donelan's libel case, Mandelson fat-shaming Starmer, Celebrity Big Brother, the end of TalkTV and Sunak reorganising the dishwasher. Smut quota: Middling.

Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 37min
435. Peggy Lee
Caroline Flint sits in whilst Jacqui continues her sojourn. Iain and Caroline discuss Islamophobia in the Conservative Party, whether Speaker Hoyle is in trouble, the Rochdale by-election, Angela Rayner's housing, Bruce Springsteen, Lee Anderson, prisons, election presenters and much more besides. Smut quota: Outrageous from the start. Those of a sensitive disposition should skip to 9 minutes in.

Feb 23, 2024 • 2h 15min
434. I Want Something Bigger
Carolyn Quinn sits in whilst Jacqui wanders around India. Iain and Carolyn discuss the bedeviled Mr Speaker, Prince William speaking out on Gaza, the formidable Yulia Navalnaya, photo shoots, Cuba, Tom Baldwin's book on Starmer and loads else. Smut quota: Mucha diversión.

Feb 16, 2024 • 1h 49min
433. Behind The Sausage Curtain
Iain and Jacqui discuss Labour's tricky week, the recession, Trump sounding off about NATO, Piers Morgan moving to YouTube, the sad death of Steve Wright, Republicans vs Lord Cameron, protests outside MPs' homes, Valentine's Day and chocolate appendages. And our pair get interviewed by Radio Ulster live on the podcast! Smut quota: Ample.

Feb 9, 2024 • 1h 56min
432. Down The Plug Hole
Iain and Jacqui discuss Labour's u-turn on green investment, Sunak getting into hot water at PMQs, Liz Truss and the PopCons, the dental crisis, Jacqui's row with a broadcaster, another political podcast on the scene, Biden's gaffes and loads more besides. Smut quota: Off the scale!SPOILER WARNING: The movie Saltburn is discussed in graphic detail.

Feb 2, 2024 • 2h 6min
431. Political 'Movements'
Iain and Jacqui discuss Labour's position on banker bonuses, Iceland's Richard Walker abandoning the Tories, the Northern Ireland deal, Biden's foreign policy, safety of MPs after Mike Freer steps back, Paul Waugh, the UNRWA and sweary politicians. Smut quota: F****** s**********.

Jan 26, 2024 • 1h 33min
430. The Problem With Cloven Hooves
Iain and Jacqui discuss Sir Simon Clarke sniping at the PM, what happens in Westminster if Trump returns, Jacqui's spat with Carol Vorderman, measles on the rise, conscription and Sarah Champion's campaign to free the lemurs. Smut quota: Like a sunny afternoon at Chester Zoo.

Jan 19, 2024 • 1h 17min
429. Man with a Plan
Iain and Jacqui discuss Rishi Sunak's victory over Rwanda (but will it be short-lived?), the resignation of 30p Lee, Trump winning in Iowa, Iain's eyes, Davos, taxes vs borrowing, Rishi Sunak's style, banning Hizb ut-Tahrir and lots more. Smut quota: California Dreamin'.

Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 54min
428. Justice Prevails
Iain and Jacqui discuss the Post Office scandal and the exoneration of the victims, Jacqui's glucose levels, upcoming elections, dog whistle politics, the very young French PM, Joey Barton's comments online, Iain getting certain signals on a train and loads more. Smut quota: Middling.