

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

Mar 17, 2019 • 1h 21min
Jacqui’s Runny Yolk
Iain and Jacqui discuss the terror attack in New Zealand and what we should learn from it in Britain. They look back on the last week of Brexit shenanigans and speculate what this week has in store, as well as predict who the next leader of the Liberal Democrats might be. Jacqui’s excited about her new car and tells a story from her time as Chief Whip when she told Diane Abbott to, well, go forth. Jacqui explains why she thinks Iain played a blinder on ‘Any Questions’. Iain is naturally too modest to comment. Not. And they reveal what they like to spread of their soldiers. Arf arf. Smut quotient: High to variable.

Mar 14, 2019 • 40min
Bonus: Jacqui’s Brexit Vibrations
Given that so much has happened this week on the Brexit front, Iain and Jacqui give you their view on where things might be heading, but as susual they stray off into the world of Bloody Sunday and the Inquiry into Historic Child Sexual Abuse. Normal service will be resumed on Sunday.

Mar 10, 2019 • 1h 26min
Blairites for Tom Watson!
Iain and Jacqui look into their crystal balls and try (and fail) to work out how Theresa May will get her Brexit deal through Parliament. They ponder on solutions to the knife crime epidemic and look at the continuing rows over antisemitism and Islamophobia in the two main political parties. They discuss the Michael Jackson documentary and whether Sajid Javid is any way to blame for the death of Shamima Begun’s baby. The Will Self/Mark Francis stare-out gets a mention and Iain puts Jacqui on the spot about her new job in political lobbying. Smut Quotient: It takes a while, but they get there in the end…

Mar 3, 2019 • 1h 21min
Come And Have A Go
In a packed new episode Jacqui and Iain look at all the latest Brexit controversies, a bad week for Donald Trump and Jeremy Corbyn. They mull over how Liam Fox’s department could spend £100k on a podcast and ask if MPs should be paid more than £79k. They answer lots of listener questions and you can have the benefit of finding what is their favourite cheese. Smut quotient: Low, apart from one appalling aberration from Jacqui.

Feb 24, 2019 • 1h 23min
The Caroline Flint Threesome
Jacqui and Iain are joind by Caroline’s ‘bessie’ mate Caroline Flint from Doncaster, where Jacqui is spending the weekend. They discuss this week’s defections and Jacqui reveals for the same time what would tip her over the edge. Caroline and Iain reminisce about their time together at university, but they also fit in the odd word about Brexit and Shamima Begum. Smut Quota: Medium to low.

Feb 17, 2019 • 1h 13min
Kleenex 4 Brexit?
Iain and Jacqui discuss whether Jihadi bride Shamima Begum should be readmitted to Britain, ask if Theresa May knows what her Brexit strategy is and question whether middle class kids should have taken the day off school to take part in climate change protests. They discuss the recent passing of Lady Falkender and whether Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was right to take China to task. They answer lots of questions including whether either of them have been offered a peerage, who could follow Andrew Neil and how they will be marking Brexit on 29 March. Oh, and Iain relates a disgusting take about an Australian… Smut Quota: High

Feb 10, 2019 • 1h 13min
Naked Interviews
Iain and Jacqui discuss the week’s Brexit developments and both come to the conclusion that a deal will eventually be cobbled together. They wonder whether Italy & France are about to go to war, discuss LBC’s latest audience figures, “Failing Grayling”, the parliamentary antics of Sir Christopher Chope and reveal whether they have ever been interviewed naked. Smut quota: Medium

Feb 3, 2019 • 1h 11min
Applying the Gel
Iain and Jacqui review a week in which fewer people appear to have committed news. They speculate on the chances of Theresa May persuading Brussels to reopen the Brexit deal, as well as review the situation in Venezuela. Iain expresses his bemusement at where men are expected to apply a new contraceptive gel, and they both reveal their ‘running through a wheatfield’ moments – one rather naughtier than the other. Smut quota: Off the scale.

Jan 27, 2019 • 1h 22min
Ladygarden Edition
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith try to work out just what the hell is going on in the world of Brexit and find more common ground than they expected. They discuss Iain’s media whorish tendencies and Jacqui explains the delights of Malvern and the importance of trimming her bush. They analyse the latest developments in Trumpland and wonder what the appeal of Davos is. They finish up by discussing Holocaust Memorial Day and answering zillions of your listener questions, which include one asking what they earn from the podcast and what they would eat as their last meal on death row. Smut Quota: Medium verging on high at times.

Jan 20, 2019 • 1h 11min
Nothing Has Changed
Iain and Jacqui review the week in Brexit (natch), discussing the Meaningful vote and the Vote of No Confidence ask as where does the country go from here? They assess Michael Gove’s leadership chances, whether Dominic Grieve is launching a constitutional coup and whether cross party talks can succeed. They talk about Iain’s appearance on this week’s ‘Fortunately’ podcast and Jacqui’s love of Wassailing. Whatever that is. Smut quota: High towards the end.