
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.
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Latest episodes

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 20min
497. Rude Health - with Lynne Featherstone
Iain is joined for this one by the Lib Dem peer Baroness Featherstone for this 'un. They talk about Labour's first hundred days in government, the death of Alex Salmond, Lynne's legacy on equal marriage, the future of the Lib Dems, international investment and more!

Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 22min
496. Fascinated by Gay Men - with Joanna Cherry
Iain is joined by lawyer and former SNP MP Joanna Cherry for this ep! They talk about the twists and turns of the Tory leadership contest, Joanna's departure from Parliament, Yvette Cooper and Taylor Swift, renters' rights, assisted dying and more.

Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 11min
495. On It - with Kirsty Wark
Kirsty Wark, renowned for her work on Newsnight, opens up about her transition after a long career in broadcasting. She reflects on the chaotic political landscape, touching on the challenges within the Labour Party and the Tory leadership race. The discussion deepens as they mark the sobering anniversary of the October 7th attacks, emphasizing humanitarian concerns. Additionally, Wark addresses the vital role of empathy in women's leadership and the need for candid discussions about menopause and assisted dying.

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.