

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

Jun 30, 2023 • 1h 18min
395. Headlines Schmeadlines
Iain and Jacqui discuss Putin and Wagner, Hancock at the Covid Inquiry, the death of Margaret McDonagh, the Tory London mayoral race, Ben Bradshaw’s yoga advice, saving, flights to Rwanda, Thames Water, a possible Labour reshuffle, the Privileges Committee second report, Glastonbury and Iain’s first haircut in ten years. Smut quota: much lower than last week, thank God.

Jun 28, 2023 • 49min
394: THE WEDNESDAY EDITION: Manspreading & Mansplaining
Iain Dale answers listener questions and doles out some well meaning advice, including to someone who’s having a gay affair with a married man, someone who wants him to rank the Irish Taoisigh, another who wonders if it’s still possible the Red Wall will remain Conservative and another listener who worries about moving in with his girlfriend.

Jun 23, 2023 • 1h 37min
393. A Word from Woody and John
Iain and Jacqui discuss the Commons Privileges Committee vote, the Jingle and Mingle party, the Covid Inquiry, inflation and interest rates, Windrush, Ben Wallace, the refugee boat in the Med, the Titan submersible, four by-elections and much else besides. Smut quota: Far too high right from the beginning and right at the end.

Jun 21, 2023 • 44min
392. THE WEDNESDAY EDITION: Swingers, Obsessions and Meddling
Iain answers your questions on whether politicians get to see their family, how to keep a happy marriage, whether hardbacks are a rip-off and how to stop a dog being jealous.

Jun 16, 2023 • 1h 39min
391. 90 Days
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the Privileges Committee report into Boris Johnson, the tragic events in Nottingham, reforming the laws on abortion, mortgage costs, the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon and the deaths of Silvio Berlusconi and Glenda Jackson. Smut quota: Middling

Jun 14, 2023 • 59min
390. THE WEDNESDAY EDITION: Sex addiction, the Hamiltons & Naked Attraction
Iain Dale takes your questions on all sorts of issues ranging from relationship advice, politics, sex addiction and much more besides. Smut level High.

Jun 10, 2023 • 47min
389. Emergency Pod – A Quitter Not a Fighter
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith react to the news that Boris Johnson is to quit Parliament with immediate effect, following on from Nadine Dorries announcing the self same thing. They start the recording just as Tory MP Nigel Adams became the third Tory MP to cause a by-election. They also discuss Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list and the criminal indictment of Donald Trump.

Jun 9, 2023 • 1h 33min
388. Sing When You’re Winning
Iain and Jacqui discuss West Ham's victory, the nightmare of NHS admin, small boats, Caroline Lucas stepping down at the next election, Rishi in Washington, Harry in the High Court, Jamie Driscoll blocked and a new addition to the Dale family!

Jun 7, 2023 • 37min
387. THE WEDNESDAY EDITION: Does this work?
Iain answers your questions on whether the Conservatives can catch up, how to reduce inequality, how much class can impact a relationship, whether Labour are right to block left-wing Jamie Driscoll from running to be North East Mayor and what's happening to Washington D.C.

Jun 2, 2023 • 1h 41min
386. WhatsApp Mystery
Iain and Jacqui discuss the mystery behind the Government’s legal challenge about the release of WhatsApp messages to the Covid Inquiry, Iain announces the temporary return of the Wednesday bonus podcast (but sans Jacqui), they talk about Joe Biden’s latest fall (makes a change from Iain), the future of inheritance tax, spooky dreams, Phillip Schofield, EVs and Labour’s tax plans.