

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

Feb 29, 2020 • 1h 27min
Blowing Horns
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith talk about the Labour leadership and Jacqui reveals who she will be voting for. Will she betray the sisterhood? Listen and find out. They discuss the developing Coronavirus situation, the report on paedophilia in Westminster, changes in university application procedures and the appeal court decision on Heathrow expansion. Plus they both reveal how much it would take for them to get their kit off on TV. Brace yourselves. Smut quota: A bit too high for comfort.

Feb 23, 2020 • 1h 24min
Mugged Off
Jacqui Smith returns to the podcast after her sojourn in India and reveals what going on a singles holiday is like. She and Iain then discuss the death of Caroline Flack, Priti Patel’s bumpy week, the government’s new points based immigration system, Michael Bloomberg’s terrible presidential debate performance, the dangers of hiring ‘weirdos’, #WheresBoris and they discuss the latest developments in the Labour leadership contest: Smut quota: Fair to middling

Feb 14, 2020 • 1h 18min
Classic Dom
Iain Dale and Ayesha Hazarika dissect the cabinet reshuffle and wonder if Dominic Cummings has completed his takeover of the political side of the government machine. Iain talks for the first time about his walkout from the Good Morning Britain studio and they discuss the latest developments in the Coronavirus crisis, the New Hampshire Primary and the deportation of foreign criminals. And Ayesha falls of her chair. Smut quota: Medium

Feb 8, 2020 • 1h 3min
Jazz Hands
Jacqui Smith is away! So Iain Dale & Ayesha Hazarika discuss the latest developments on Donald Trump’s impeachment and the US Presidential race. Ayesha declares her love for Nancy Pelosi and Iain rolls his eyes. They talk about the Labour leadership, the impending government reshuffle, Tracy Brabin’s bare, naked shoulder and Diane Abbot’s tweet on the Bercow bullying allegations. Smut quota: High. From the start.

Feb 2, 2020 • 1h 28min
Scented Candles
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith look back on Brexit Day and wonder what will be different. They analyse the cuts to BBC News, the seriousness of the Coronavirus, the coming cabinet reshuffle, the Iowa caucuses, Huwawei, HS2 and Iain wonders if Jacqui has ever ‘walked like an Egyptian’. And Jacqui looks forward to her holiday in India. Smut quota: unusually high. We’re sorry.

Jan 26, 2020 • 1h 44min
Snatching Victory
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the Coronavirus, the prospects of the four remaining Labour leadership candidates and how they will each mark our exit from the European Union on Friday. They look at the BBC after Tony Hall, why Victoria Derbyshire’s show has been axed and the future funding of the Corporation. They talk about HS2, Holocaust Memorial Day and the importance of maiden speeches. Smut from the very beginning!

Jan 19, 2020 • 1h 38min
Foot Long German Sausage
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith talk about royal developments (not because they want to), ask which of the candidates for the Labour leadership have had a good or a bad week and wonder why the LibDems won’t have a new leader until July. Jacqui takes on her critics over the Manchester grooming sex abuse scandal and they answer the question: to bong, or not to bong.

Jan 12, 2020 • 1h 9min
Whispering Barry Gardiner Memorial Edition
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith pour over the week’s news and debate the royal goings on, events in Iran and the Labour leadership contest. Jacqui reveals what she will do if a certain candidate wins and Iain gives Jess Phillips some well meant advice. They discuss the consequences of Samira Ahmed’s employment tribunal win for the BBC and look forward to their appearance on Pointless Celebrities this week.

Jan 4, 2020 • 1h 13min
Happy New Beaver
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith reveal how they spent Christmas and the New Year, discuss the growing crisis over the assassination of the Iranian military leader General Soleimani, and they spend the rest of the podcast answering a wealth of your questions on subjects like the Labour leadership, Dominic Cummings, football and which country they’d like to be British Ambassador in. Smut quota: Low

Dec 31, 2019 • 1h 14min
Review of 2019
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith look back at a year which saw a change of prime minister, a general election, protests in Britain, France and Hong Kong, Donald Trump impeached and a Brexit deal done and ready to put in the over. Sort of. So not much to talk about then… Smut quote: Low