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 11, 2018 • 47min
Trump & the Kim Jong Con Trick
Iain and Jacqui wonder whether the Trump/Kim Jong Un summit will ever happen and they discuss whether the propaganda channel Russia Today should be shut down in the UK given its disgraceful reporting of the Salisbury poisoning. Jacqui fulminates about London-centric Channel 4, while Iain makes clear he isn’t a fan of a particular regional accent. They also fall out over whether NHS workers should lose a day’s holiday entitlement.
Mar 4, 2018 • 54min
Brexit Unity, Council Corruption & the Monroe Doctrine
Iain & Jacqui dissect the week’s Brexit speeches, Jacqui defends “His Toniness” while Iain launches into an attack on corrupt councils and incompetent councillors. They question the appointment of Monroe Bergdorf as equalities adviser to Dawn Butler, while Iain explains how you can be both gay and Tory. Iain tells of the moment he was spooked by Peter Mandelson and reveals he’s joining a gym!
Feb 25, 2018 • 53min
Justin Trudeau, Emily Thornberry & Banning Male Circumcision
Iain and Jacqui talk about the latest on Brexit, Stephen Fry’s prostate cancer, organ donation, whether male circumcision and religious slaughterhouses should exist and Justin Trudeau’s trip to India. Somehow they manage to talk about Jacqui’s boobs and Iain’s nether regions, but don’t let that put you off downloading the podcast. Just don’t listen to it while having your tea…
Feb 18, 2018 • 46min
Banning Sex & Guns & Was Corbyn an Informer?
Iain & Jacqui trawl through the big political stories of the week. They have a right go at Oxfam Chief Executive Mark Goldring, take Donald Trump to task for his attitude to gun control and analyse Theresa May and Boris Johnson for their speeches on security and the opportunities after Brexit. Jacqui doesn’t think Jeremy Corbyn was a Communist spy … or does she? And they speculate about whether Theresa May might follow Australia’s lead and ban sex between ministers and their staff. Whatever next. And they debate the merits of Outlander…
Feb 11, 2018 • 41min
Barnier’s bullying, Snow in Seoul & Becoming Adam Rickitt
Jacqui and Iain cast their eyes over the Brexit news of the week and wonder whether politics is casting a shadow over the Winter Olympics. Jacqui tells how she survived her 10km charity run, while Iain imagines being reincarnated in Adam Rickitt’s body. Really. They discuss Trinity Mirror’s takeover of the Daily Express and Jacqui talks of her years playing Kelly Garrett in Charlie’s Angels. Sort of. They discuss the Oxfam scandal and end on an unfortunate note while discussing Pancake Day … and tossing.
Feb 4, 2018 • 43min
The ‘Mancock’ App, May in China & Leaving Parliament
Iain and Jacqui chew over the big news stories of the week including a highly intellectual analysis of Ann Widdecombe coming second on Big Brother. They look at the new Mat Hancock App, speculate on where Parliament should move to and whether Jacqui would ever leave the Labour Party. Spoiler: She won’t. They answer the question of how they would spend a £50 million lottery win and Jacqui fails lamentably in Name That Tune.
Jan 28, 2018 • 44min
Davos, May’s Muddles & Pervy Charity Dinners
Iain and Jacqui tootle through the big events of the week including the fallout from the Presidents’ dinner, Trump’s triumph in Davos and Iain explains why he got a bit emosh on the radio about Tessa Jowell. They assess Theresa May’s prospects of survival and Iain tips Michael Gove as a possibility to replace her. They answer your questions from Facebook and Twitter, including Jacqui being asked if she’s had a facelift. (Spoiler alert: She hasn’t). They also play Name That Theme Tune and play Truth or Dare. They also discuss their funeral arrangements. A nice, cheerful podcast this week!
Jan 21, 2018 • 48min
Soapy Themes Edition
Iain & Jacqui disagree on President Macron and Boris’s bridge but are united on Donald Trump’s first year in office. They take Justice Secretary David Gauke to task over the failure to seek a judicial review over the release of John Worboys and slam the directors of Carillion. They reveal their favourite soaps, to musical accompaniment, and analyse Ann Widdecombe’s latest antics in #cbb.
Jan 14, 2018 • 43min
Jacqui Goes a Wassailing
Iain & Jacqui discuss ‘s***hole’ countries and Trump cancelling his London visit, Iain explains why he blindfolds himself on cross channel ferries, Jacqui explains her love of wassailing and they wonder what lay behind Nigel Farage’s rather surprising call for a second EU referendum. And Iain reveals the date of his own death. Really.
Jan 7, 2018 • 48min
Stable & Genius Edition
In their first podcast of 2018 Iain & Jacqui discuss the NHS crisis, the release of serial sex offender John Worboys, how Iain became a victim of moped crime this week and ask if Toby Young is fit for purpose. And right at the end Iain asks if we have reached ‘peak’ Jacqui Smith. As if.
