

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 25, 2019 • 1h 27min
Come What May
Iain and Jacqui discuss the resignation of the Prime Minister, analyse the runners and riders in the Tory leadership contest and wonder how the European elections will turn out when the results are announced on Sunday evening. They answer a lot of your questions and, I’m afraid to say, sing rather a lot. They promise it won’t happen again.

May 19, 2019 • 1h 19min
Null Points to Change UK
On Eurovision weekend Jacqui and Iain reflect on the likelihood of Boris Johnson gaining ‘douze points’ in the Tory leadership race, they analyse why the cross party Brexit talks have broken down and Iain tries (and fails) to enthuse Jacqui about Eurovision. They even sing some Eurovision songs, but please don’t switch off. And they play snog, marry or avoid with Andrew Neil, Piers Morgan and James O’Brien. And Jacqui reveals the laziest ex Labour cabinet minister. Clue: It wasn’t her.

May 12, 2019 • 1h 16min
Sex Tape
Jacqui and Iain delve into the latest developments in the European Election campaign, analyse why Change UK seem to be getting it all wrong and talk about the difficulties broadcasters have in achieving balance in elections. They discuss whether the BBC was right to sack Danny Baker, Jacqui coos over the Royal Baby and Iain introduces Jacqui to the Channel 4 ‘Sex Tape’ programme. And they answer a shed load of your questions. Smut Quota: Medium to Low.

May 5, 2019 • 1h 14min
False Start
Iain and Jacqui delve into the local election results and ponder the sacking of Gavin Williamson. They discuss Jeremy Corbyn’s most recent brush with anti-semitism and Jacqui’s new job, chairing the Jo Cox Foundation. Iain reveals he likes vibrations up his back. Really. No smutvthis week. Well, very little.

Apr 28, 2019 • 1h 35min
Cut, or Uncut?
Iain and Jacqui turn their attention to events in Sri Lanka, Donald Trump’s state visit, Ann Widdecombe joining Nigel Farage’s new party, leaks from the National Security Council, developments in Northern Ireland, Great Thunberg and Joe Biden’s presidential candidacy. Iain reveals why he has been circumcised (no, really), Jacqui imagines being married to Nigel Farage and Iain reveals a secret admiration for someone he’s banned from his programme. And they reveal their political Spice Girls, but have trouble finding a political Ginger Spice. All in the name of topical, incisive political commentary of course. You have been warned. Smut quota: Very high, verging on outrageous. Especially towards the end.

Apr 21, 2019 • 1h 8min
David Starkey’s Potty Mouth
Iain and Jacqui kindly interrupt their Easter weekend to talk about terrorism in Sri Lanka, the Notre Dame fire, Nigel Farage’s poll ratings, the Edinburgh Fringe, Diane Abbott’s train tipple, the Mueller Report and David Starkey’s pottymouth. And all in just over an hour!

Apr 14, 2019 • 1h 1min
Squeezing Zits
Iain and Jacqui look at Theresa May’s week, look forward to the European elections, ask if Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party can succeed and both express their wish to see the back of Julian Assange. Iain teaches Jacqui about the Amritsar massacre and Jacqui offers to squeeze Iain’s zits… except he has perfect skin. Smut quota: Low to middling.

Apr 7, 2019 • 1h 1min
Live at PodcastLive
Iain and Jacqui do a special live podcast in front of an audience at PodcastLive at The Light, opposite Euston Station. Around 250 people listened to them discussing the latest Brexit development, the Sultan of Brunei as well as answering lots of questions. And the audience contained a special guest, whose presence ensured a limited smut quota. And, no it wasn’t HM The Queen.

Mar 31, 2019 • 1h 28min
Boulton’s ‘Bollocks’
It’s another Brexit-tastic edition of the podcast in which Jacqui and Iain look back at the week’s momentous events in which the PM announced she would quit and parliament remained gridlocked. They discuss the possible deselection of Dominic Grieve and Iain’s encounter with Adam Boulton’s ‘bollocks’ on Sky News, the coming Tory leadership contest, while Iain reveals he is tempted to return to the political fray. Jacqui, less so. And they have some brilliant questions from listeners to answer including: “If you ate yourself would you disappear or double in size?”. Smut quotient: Medium

Mar 23, 2019 • 1h 11min
Rocking the Caravan
Iain and Jacqui take you through the astonishing developments on Brexit this week, discuss Jacqui’s love for caravanning, and whether caravan sites are centres for debauchery and swinging. Iain reveals a secret love for the Dutch language and they debate whether Birmingham schools are right to ban teaching about gay relationships. Smut Quotient: Low to medium