
Where Politics Meets History
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
Latest episodes

Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 7min
494. The Tale of Bobby J's Cap - with Penny Mordaunt
Penny Mordaunt, a former cabinet minister and Conservative leader contender, joins self-taught broadcaster David Reilly for a lively discussion. They tackle Robert Jenrick's SAS comments and delve into pressing global issues like the Israel-Lebanon conflict. Mordaunt reflects on leadership challenges at political conferences and the need for effective governance. Their banter also touches on the humor in politics and the importance of grassroots involvement, especially for women seeking to make a difference.

Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 15min
493. You're Crackers - with Gillian Keegan
Iain is joined by the fabulous former education secretary Gillian Keegan. They talk all things Tory conference, the leadership campaign, Liz Truss and such. But they also talk about Israel and Lebanon, Simon Case's resignation, dodgy curriculums, Gillian's off-mic moment, what comes after politics and much more besides!

Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 51min
492. Two Snorts - with Aggie Chambre
Iain is joined by fantastic LBC political correspondent Aggie Chambre to chat about conference season, whether the week's gone well for Labour, what to expect from the Tories next week, having opinions as a journalist, lobbying, Natalie Imbruglia and much more - do have a listen!

Sep 23, 2024 • 56min
491. Conservative Crush - with Baroness Margaret Hodge
Iain is joined by the wonderful Labour peer and former MP Margaret Hodge, at the Labour conference in Liverpool. They talk all things Labour - as well as all the other topics from the news. Many laughs, lots of fun and Margaret does not hold back!

Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 25min
490. Stiff as a Board - with Caroline Flint
Iain is joined again by the fabulous Caroline Flint - they discuss Sue Gray's pay affray, the pager attacks in Lebanon, interest rates, conference season, Sir Graham Brady's memoirs, Iain's recovery and plenty more besides that, I assure you.

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 12min
489. Untrue and Unfair - with Gina Miller
Iain is joined for this one by brilliant businesswoman and campaigner Gina Miller. They discuss the PM's wife getting clothes bought for her, Huw Edwards sentenced, what happened to Gina's True and Fair Party, the Lib Dem conference, Starmer mulling an Albania deal for channel migrants and much more too!

Sep 12, 2024 • 1h 39min
488. Five Guys - with Carol Vorderman
Carol Vorderman, a renowned television personality and author, joins for a lively discussion. She candidly addresses the state of the NHS and shares her thoughts on Keir Starmer's political journey. Carol critiques the Tory leadership candidates and examines controversial topics like the Trump/Harris debate. The conversation extends to the impact of Australia’s social media ban for youth and the recent winter fuel payment cut. With humor and insight, she also talks about her new book and the challenges of navigating today's political landscape.

Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 13min
487. Lithe as a Butcher's Dog - with Scarlett MccGwire
Iain is joined this time by political commentator Scarlett MccGwire. They discuss the row around cuts to the winter fuel allowance, media training politicians, the upcoming Harris vs Trump debate, counterfactuals and much more besides - plus of course an update on Iain's health!

Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 6min
486. Red Socks?! - with Emily Thornberry
Iain is joined this time by marvellous Labour MP Emily Thornberry. They discuss the Grenfell enquiry, the Tory leadership contest, Emily's bid to be chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Jeremy Corbyn, Iain's upcoming operation, the power of hope and much more besides.Due to a few technical issues, a portion of the discussion was lost.

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 22min
485. Mouldy Infestations - with Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Iain is joined by his ex-TV wife Yasmin Alibhai-Brown for some good fun. They discuss Tory candidates lost on the political moors, the winter fuel allowance, German elections, Jas Athwal, Nadine Dorries vs Angela Raver and much else besides!
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.