Origin Story
Podmasters
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
45 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 26min
Rivers of Blood – How Enoch Powell poisoned Britain
The podcast dives into Enoch Powell's infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech, revealing its shocking impact on British politics. It explores Powell's transformation from a brilliant scholar to a polarizing figure in race and immigration debates. Listeners learn how the speech sparked right-wing populism and continues to resonate today. The discussion dissects the strategic planning behind the rhetoric, the societal divisions it created, and its alarming relevance to modern political climates. It's a provocative examination of a moment that forever altered the discourse in Britain.
21 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 55min
Shostakovich and Stalin – The Composer and the Dictator
Dive into the tumultuous life of Dmitri Shostakovich, caught between his artistry and Stalin's iron grip. Discover how oppression shaped his music and examine the intense debates surrounding his political intentions. Explore the profound impact of the Leningrad Symphony and the chilling reality of censorship that loomed over Soviet composers. Uncover the controversy behind his memoir and the ongoing battles over his artistic legacy. This fascinating narrative reveals the delicate dance between creativity and survival in a dictatorship.
51 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 55min
ICE – How Trump built an American Gestapo
Dive into the controversial world of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Explore its origins post-9/11 and how it has evolved into a powerful entity resembling a militia. Discover alarming insights into the recruitment of its agents and the dire conditions in detention centers. The discussion draws unsettling parallels to authoritarian regimes, critiquing ICE's operations under various administrations. Engage with the implications of its actions on democracy and civil rights, while also delving into public perceptions and artistic critiques.
27 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 23min
Martin Luther King Jr. – Part Two – Owning the dream
The grand finale delves into Martin Luther King Jr.'s evolving legacy and the challenges he faced after the Selma to Montgomery march. The podcast explores his shift towards economic justice amid societal turmoil and the Vietnam War. Following his assassination, it examines public reactions and the chaotic aftermath, highlighting the struggle to establish Martin Luther King Day as a national holiday. Additionally, the discussion critiques the misinterpretation of his message, emphasizing the need for urgency in addressing ongoing societal injustices.
19 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 32min
Martin Luther King Jr. – Part One – Eyes on the Prize
Explore the remarkable journey of Martin Luther King Jr., from his beginnings in Atlanta to his leadership during pivotal civil rights events. The podcast uncovers the complexities of his legacy, discussing the burdens he carried and the strategies that fueled the movement's momentum. Delve into his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and examine the impact of visual representation in rallying support. Gain insights into key figures alongside King, and reflect on how his experiences shaped his influential role in society.
47 snips
May 28, 2025 • 1h 29min
Growth – GDP is the Magic Number
The podcast dives into the obsession with economic growth and its measurement through GDP, revealing its limitations. Historical context shows that true growth only emerged in the past couple of centuries. It critiques GDP's ethical implications, like including illegal activities, and questions its role in fostering democracy. Discussions around green growth and degrowth present alternatives for sustainable progress. Finally, it challenges conventional wisdom, advocating for metrics that encompass emotional and social well-being.
61 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 24min
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 25min
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 26min
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.
37 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 35min
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.
