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
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.
May 2, 2025 • 43min
16. Heaven is a Place on Rare Earths
The hosts tackle the intriguing rare earths deal between the US and Ukraine, exploring its geopolitical ramifications. A poignant discussion on the King's cancer care speech leads to reflections on public responses. Personal accounts of sexual harassment shed light on pervasive societal issues, along with the impact of toxic masculinity. The conversation meanders through literature, historical parallels in leadership, and healthcare inequalities, ultimately examining the complexities of modern political narratives and the future of monarchy.
Apr 29, 2025 • 54min
15. Carney Get You Out of My Head
Iain and Tessa return to your devices to delve into why Russia wants to keep expanding, what's up for grabs at the local elections, how electricity came to be such a large part of our lives and why Mark Carney won the election (and is he as ruthless as Keir Starmer?). 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.
Apr 25, 2025 • 50min
14. That's The Way (I Biscuit)
Iain and Tessa reconvene to discuss what Pope Francis symbolised as they preview his funeral. Plus, they talk about what it means to be English and whether St George should be replaced - and the cultural significance of digestives (and how WWII sugar rationing ties in!).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.
