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
Oct 10, 2020 • 1h 25min
215. Diva!
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss new Covid new restrictions, Allegra Stratton’s appointment as the PM’s spokeswoman, Nicola Sturgeon’s political troubles, the latest developments in the US election, the government’s careers app, Darren Grimes and MPs’ pay. Smut quota: Middling
Oct 3, 2020 • 1h 29min
214. Spin Cycle Defcon 5
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Donald Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis, his debate with Joe Biden, the idiocy of people who break Coronavirus rules (yes you Jeremy Corbyn, Stanley Johnson and Margaret Ferrier!), the latest from Strictly, Jenny Murray’s last Woman’s Hour, Priti Patel’s latest brainwave and National Poetry Day. Smut Quota: High at the start, low elsewhere.
Sep 26, 2020 • 1h 37min
213. Frothy Coffee
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Rishi Sunak’s Winter Economic Plan, Student ‘incarceration’, office romances, Trump and the transferral of power, Ben Wallace’s comments on an ‘illegal war’, the disappearance of Priti Patel, Iain needing a passport to get into Kent, Harry & Meghan’s comments on the US election, Diane Abbott’s book and Jacqui gives us an update on her ‘Strictly’ activities. Smut Quota: Low. Ish.
Sep 23, 2020 • 38min
212. Emergency Smutcast
In this welcome return of the Wednesday podcast Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale turn their beady eye on Boris Johnson’s address to the nation and ask whether the measures taken to limit the spread of Coronavirus really go far enough. They also discuss Sir Keir Starmer’s virtual Labour party conference speech, and they lighten the mood at the end with a conversation about ‘bushiness’. Graham should stop listening at approx. 30 mins. Smut Quota: High at the end.
Sep 19, 2020 • 1h 11min
211. Second Spike
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the Internal Markets Bill, ask whether a second spike of coronavirus is about to happen, the death of Ruth Bader-Ginsburg, Jacqui’s wardrobe fitting for Strictly Come Dancing and much more besides. Smut Quota: Non existent. Graham will be pleased.
Sep 13, 2020 • 1h 48min
210. Better Late Than Never
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the latest round of Brexit shenanigans, the Rule of Six, UKIP’s new leader, Rugby, the Proms and the Japan trade deal. Smut Quota: Lowish
Sep 5, 2020 • 1h 45min
209. Strictly Not a ‘Strictly’ Podcast
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith start of this week’s podcast by discussing the news that Lady Smut will be contestant in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing show. So that’s the first twenty minutes done and dusted. They then move on to their normal fayre of political analysis, gossip and intrigue. This week they discuss Tony Abbott’s appointment as a UK trade adviser, Tim Davie’s first major speech as BBC DG, the XR protests, the rising number of coronavirus cases, and they preview the new James Bond film. Smut quota: Iain: Low, Jacqui: Can’t help herself.
Sep 2, 2020 • 1h 35min
208. Totes Emosh
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the week’s political news including possible tax rises, the new BBC Director General, developments in Belarus, the return of Parliament and the appointment of a new cabinet secretary. They also get a little emotional when answering a listener’s question. And they break some sad news… Smut Quota: Middling to high. Sorry Graham.
Aug 29, 2020 • 1h 28min
207. LibDem Advice Surgery
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith dole out some well meant advice to the new LibDem leader Sir Ed Davey, scratch their heads about Chris Grayling’s resignation, talk local government reorganisation (don’t worry, not for long) and Jacqui wonders how on earth Iain’s partner John has put up with him for 25 years. Smut quota: Low.
Aug 26, 2020 • 1h 46min
206. She’s Back!
Jacqui Smith returns from her holiday’s full of vim and vigour and tries desperately to convince Iain her services are worth retaining, following the popularity of her three stand-ins. They discuss Face masks, returning to school, Gavin Williamson’s continuing travails, Belarus, the BBC and the Proms and answer a lot of your questions. Smut Quota: Low to middling.
