
Origin Story
What are the real stories behind the most misunderstood and abused ideas in politics? From Conspiracy Theory to Woke to Centrism and beyond, Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey dig into the astonishing secret histories of concepts you thought you knew.Want to support us in making future seasons? There are now two ways you can help out:• Patreon – Get early episodes, live Zooms, merchandise and more from just £5 per month.• Apple Podcasts – Want everything in one place with one easy payment? Subscribe to our premium feed on Apple Podcasts for ad-free shows early and bonus editions too.From Podmasters, the makers of Oh God, What Now?, American Friction and The Bunker.
Latest episodes

20 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 28min
Mars – The Next Frontier?
Unravel the age-old allure of Mars as it transitions from ancient god to a modern obsession. Explore humanity’s dreams of colonization and the thin line between fact and fiction. Delve into historical perspectives and literary portrayals that reveal societal themes of imperialism. Discover the cultural implications of Mars as a symbol of masculinity and conflict. Question whether Elon Musk's aspirations are realistic or just ambitious fancy. Join in on the philosophical debates over space exploration that echo through time.

24 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 29min
Appeasement – Part Two – Betrayal
Dive into the moral complexities of appeasement during the late 1930s as Czechoslovakia faces German aggression. Discover Chamberlain's fateful Gambit and the public's mixed reactions to the Munich Agreement. Explore the internal struggles of British leadership and the rise of Churchill as tensions escalate towards war. The podcast also critiques the legacy of appeasement in contemporary politics, drawing uncomfortable parallels with today’s geopolitical challenges, including Putin’s actions in Ukraine.

15 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 30min
Appeasement – Part One – The Bitter Cup
Explore the intriguing saga of appeasement that shaped Europe’s fate in the 1930s. Discover how noble intentions of peace evolved into a disastrous foreign policy under leaders like Neville Chamberlain. Delve into critical misjudgments by world leaders, the complex motivations behind appeasement, and how it fueled Hitler’s ambitions. Learn about the shifting tides of public sentiment in Britain, the ill-fated alliances, and the profound lessons that resonate even today. This captivating discussion unpacks the delicate balance between hope and reality in diplomacy.

25 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 39min
Origin Story Live at 21 Soho – Grand Theft America
Dive into a captivating discussion on the parallels between historical political responses and today’s extremism, focusing on the normalization of shocking rhetoric. Discover the dangers of complicity among politicians and voters, with insights from a German town about groupthink. The speakers tackle audience questions about Elon Musk and the absurdities of dystopian fiction, hinting at the potential failures of Trumpism. With wit and sharp critique, they explore media portrayals, political hypocrisy, and the complexities of American ideologies.

29 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 20min
Partition – Part Two – Dividing Lines
The podcast dives into the chaotic landscape of India's partition, with Lord Mountbatten and his wife Edwina at the helm during this historic upheaval. Listeners explore the roles of key figures like Nehru, Jinnah, and Gandhi as they navigate immense tensions and negotiate a divided nation. The horrifying violence in Punjab reveals both terrifying atrocities and remarkable acts of courage. Reflecting on this legacy, the discussion also highlights the ongoing significance of identity politics and the complexities of unity amidst division.

32 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 20min
Partition – Part One – Before Midnight
Explore the tumultuous journey of India's partition in 1947, a moment of both liberation and loss for millions. Key figures like Gandhi, Nehru, and Jinnah emerge, each with their visions for independence. Discover the complexities of political rivalries and the impact of colonialism, as well as the violent chaos that marred the transition. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of World War II and examines the broader implications of identity and nationalism, all while posing the provocative question: Could the bloodshed have been avoided?

56 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 37min
Thatcherism – Part Two – Imperial phase
Margaret Thatcher's journey through her tumultuous second term reveals a leader shaped by both triumphs and failures. Exploring the harsh realities of her neoliberal policies, the podcast dives into rising homelessness and the miners' strike. It critiques her centralization of power and strained relations with Europe, culminating in her controversial resignation. The complexities of her legacy, marked by contradictions and increasing societal divisions, provoke critical questions about the lasting impact of her ideology on today's political landscape.

35 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 35min
Thatcherism – Part One – Birth of a Notion
Explore the fascinating rise of Margaret Thatcher from her childhood in Grantham to her controversial political career. Learn about her father's influence and the early days of her Tory involvement, highlighting her navigation through a male-dominated landscape. Discover the 'Milk Snatcher' controversy that shaped her public image and how the 1970s catalyzed her transformation into a formidable political figure. The discussion also touches on the fallout of her leadership style and the early ideological foundations of Thatcherism.

26 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 17min
Kemi Badenoch – Identity crisis
This discussion dives into Kemi Badenoch's intriguing political journey, from her complex upbringing in Nigeria to her rise in the Conservative Party. It explores the contradictions in her political stance, particularly regarding race and identity. The conversation highlights her challenges in navigating the expectations of party members and voters, as well as her controversial views during pivotal events like the Black Lives Matter movement. There's a critical look at the dynamics of modern conservatism and the future of leadership within the party.

34 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Myth of Cultural Marxism – Anatomy of a conspiracy theory
Dive into the fascinating world of the Cultural Marxism conspiracy theory. Explore how this concept emerged in response to social changes and political events, particularly the 2011 Norway attacks. Discover the connections between key historical figures like Francis Parker Yockey and the Frankfurt School. Unpack why this theory has gained traction among mainstream conservatives while critiquing its oversimplified views on complex social issues. The conversation is laced with humor, making the heavy themes both entertaining and enlightening.