

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 15, 2021 • 1h 41min
270. Poots Alors!
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the fallout for Keir Starmer from last week’s elections, they fall out over Voter ID, discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza and what the election of Edwin Poots as DUP leader might mean. Iain reveals his Love DC text and they discuss whether David Cameron can recover his reputation. And on behalf of all For the Many listeners they send their love and support to Wes Streeting, occasional host of the podcast, who has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. Iain reveals his latest Spotify playlist and Jacqui laments the demise of Debenhams. Smut quota: A smattering.

May 10, 2021 • 1h 6min
269. Steer Karmer
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith examine the political situation following last Thursday’s elections. And believe it or not they don’t have a cross word.

May 8, 2021 • 2h 38min
268. For the Many Live 2: Long Corbyn
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith hosted their second For the Many Live event and it’s their longest podcast ever. They discuss the first batch of results from Thursday’s elections and the Battle of Jersey and answer a lot of questions from listeners. Smut quota: Middling to low. You can also watch this episode on Iain Dale’s Youtube Channel.

May 1, 2021 • 2h 19min
267. Tinted Eyebrows
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith record their longest ever podcast to compensate their dear listeners for the loss of the Wednesday podcast! This week they cover the latest developments in the decoration of Boris Johnson’s Downing Street flat, the resignation of Arlene Foster, the anniversary of Tony Blair’s election victory in 1997, next Friday’s live podcast, Tony Blair’s hair, next week’s local elections, the opportunities for micro local businesses post Covid, Noel Clarke, John Snow leaving Channel 4 News and Iain’s latest travails on the A11. Smut quota: Low. Graham will be pleased.

Apr 24, 2021 • 2h 7min
266. Vacuum of Integrity
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith have a lot to discuss after Jacqui’s caravan break last week. They get straight into the latest political developments on Greensill and James Dyson’s lobbying of the government. What’s Dominic Cummings up to? They discuss Covid in India, the end of the Number Ten Briefing Room, the Derek Chauvin verdict, the Post Office fraud scandal, the collapse of the European Super League, Johnny Mercer leaving the government, St George’s Day, will Jacqui apply to be the new HS2, Iran chairing the UN Committee on Women, who is mostly likely to be the Mayor of the West Midlands, Jeremy Corbyn’s appearance on LBC, Line of Duty, Tom Swarbrick’s golf swing, Southwark LibDems and having a baby at 73. And a very happy birthday to Aaron Barrie. Smut Quota: Middling

Apr 17, 2021 • 1h 58min
265. Return of the Flint
With Jacqui Smith away, Iain Dale and Caroline Flint discuss the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, the Greensill scandal, Ukraine, Shirley Williams, Astra Zeneca, Caroline’s work as a vaccine volunteer, local elections and Labour’s poll ratings, the joys or otherwise of photoshoots, and Iain describes the trauma he experienced when his Jack Russell went missing. Smut quota: Very low.

Apr 10, 2021 • 2h 16min
264. Required Decorum
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh and the deaths of three politicians, but don’t worry, it gets a bit more cheerful after that. They also talk about the riots in Northern Ireland, the worrying border conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Alan Duncan’s diaries, the Astra Zeneca decision, Ursula Von der Leyen’s seating issues, David Cameron and Rishi Sunak and Iain’s new obsession with Spotify. And who should replace Jacqui when she’s at her caravan next weekend. Smut quota: Appropriately low. But not quite non existent. They tried their best…

Apr 7, 2021 • 20min
263. BONUS: Drag Names Compilation 1
BONUS EPISODE: A compilation of drag names by listener Oliver Turner | Prime Ministers, The Cabinet, The Shadow Cabinet, Lib Dems & World Leaders

Apr 3, 2021 • 1h 42min
262. Do you believe?
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss religion and Easter (what could possibly go wrong?), whether they’ve won Euromillions (they haven’t), 300 years of Prime Ministers (Jacqui’s lack of knowledge is shocking), Keir Starmer’s first year (6 out of 10, says Iain) and the best Drag Queen corpsing session yet (thanks Oliver Turner!). Smut quota: Very low.

Mar 31, 2021 • 1h 9min
261. Au Revoir to the Wednesday Podcast
In the last Wednesday podcast for the time being (Saturdays continue as normal!) Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale discuss the lifting of lockdown, the Commission on race, why vaccine take up among some ethnic minorities is so low, David Cameron’s lobbying activities and Joe Biden’s dog. Smut quota: Disappointing middling for the final Wednesday podcast. We’ve let ourselves down, the podcast down, but thank you for all you do.