Origin Story

The discussion delves into Russell Brand's dramatic transformation from leftist icon to conspiracy theorist. It explores the fallout of allegations against him and how paranoia reshaped his political views. The hosts reflect on the societal implications of his journey, examining fame, addiction, and the complexities of modern political discourse. They critique the merging of left and right conspiracy narratives during crises like COVID-19 and the Ukraine conflict, urging critical engagement with the stories we consume.

Dive into the tumultuous world of film censorship in the UK! Discover the clash between artistic freedom and moral standards, featuring notorious bans like 'Battleship Potemkin' and 'Nosferatu.' Hear about the BBFC's evolution from strict regulator to a more reflective body. Unpack the frenzy surrounding 'video nasties' in the 1980s and the absurdities of the courtroom battles that ensued. This captivating journey reveals how societal values shape cinema while highlighting the uplifting potential for change within institutions.

Emmanuel Macron, one of the most intriguing yet polarizing leaders of modern politics, reflects on his philosophical journey from academia to the presidency. He discusses the challenges and shortcomings of his centrist vision, particularly amid rising far-right sentiments. The conversation dives into his complex marriage, societal expectations, and the evolving landscape of French political ideologies. Macron also critiques EU migration policies, highlighting the harsh realities faced by migrants, illuminating the moral dilemmas surrounding modern governance.

Dorian Lynskey, a commentator on the cultural evolution of psychological terms, joins co-host Ian to dissect the phenomenon of gaslighting. They explore its historical roots, tracing it from a 1938 play to a buzzword in politics, particularly during Trump's campaign. The duo discusses the implications of misusing the term and the difference between gaslighting and lying. They also reflect on the psychological tactics behind gaslighting in both personal relationships and state-sponsored manipulation, encouraging clarity amidst the confusion.

The Battle of Cable Street on 4 October 1936 has been described as “the greatest anti-fascist victory on British soil”. It is certainly the most mythologised, most recently inspiring massive anti-fascist protests in British cities. But what actually happened that day? Who exactly was doing the battling? And did this display of working-class solidarity in London’s East End really stop Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists in its tracks? Dorian tells Ian the story of that landmark Sunday and its aftermath, from the points of view of protesters, police and politicians, and finds some surprising answers. Get exclusive extras like supporter-only Q&A editions (first one coming next week) when you back Origin Story on Patreon. Written and presented by Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey. Music by Jade Bailey. Art by Jim Parrett. Logo by Mischa Welsh. Audio production by Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The recent violent events in British cities spark a debate over terminology: protest, riot, or pogrom? Speakers discuss the moral complexities communities face in addressing far-right extremism and the ethical dilemmas of media portrayals. They highlight the normalization of far-right rhetoric and its impact on public perception of multiculturalism. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability in media reporting and the potential consequences of labeling political actions inaccurately, urging a nuanced understanding to combat fascism.

Reflecting on the post-election chaos, the hosts dissect political figures' performances, electoral reform, and far-right percentages. They explore apocalyptic conservatism, personality types, and a wild Tory conspiracy theory. Additionally, they analyze post-election policies, fascist ideologies, and contrasting approaches to populism by Biden and Starmer. The episode concludes with reflections on leadership, accountability on trans rights, and the evolution of political perspectives.

The final episode of season five covers the Rushdie Affair. On 14 February 1989, the Ayatollah Khomeini’s fatwa against Salman Rushdie made The Satanic Verses the most famous novel in the world — for all the wrong reasons. The controversy had far-reaching implications for free speech, international relations and the political identity of British Muslims. Although the issue seemed to have been resolved in 1998, the attempted murder of Rushdie in 2022 showed that it was far from over.Dorian and Ian tell the whole story from all angles: Rushdie’s decade in hiding, Iran’s rivalry with Saudi Arabia, community relations in Britain, divisions in the literary scene, and the conflicted responses of politicians around the world.What exactly did The Satanic Verses say that made people so angry? Which public figures were on Rushdie’s side and which ones thought he had it coming? How did Rushdie get his life back, only to almost lose it decades later? And what is the cultural and political legacy of the affair today? It is a tale of artistic freedom colliding with religious dogma and political calculations to turn a work of fiction into an international incident for the first time.Reading listAbdulrazak Gurnah, ed. – The Cambridge Companion to Salman Rushdie (2007)Christopher Hitchens – Hitch-22: A Memoir (2010)Daniel Pipes – The Rushdie Affair: The Novel, the Ayatollah, and the West (1990)Salman Rushdie – The Satanic Verses (1988)Salman Rushdie – Imaginary Homelands: Essays and Criticism 1981-1991 (1991)Salman Rushdie – Joseph Anton (2012) Salman Rushdie – Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder (2024)ArticlesJohn Cunningham – ‘Sentenced to the prison of the word’, The Guardian (1990)Will Lloyd – How We Gave Up on Salman Rushdie, UnHerd (2022)Dorian Lynskey – Salman Rushdie on Quichotte: “The world as I knew it seems to be coming to an end” the i (2019)Sean O’Grady – The Satanic Verses 30 Years On review, The Independent (2019)David Remnick – The Defiance of Salman Rushdie, New Yorker (2023)Salman Rushdie – The Disappeared, New Yorker (2012)Words for Salman Rushdie – New York Times (1989)Written and presented by Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey. Music by Jade Bailey. Art by Jim Parrett. Logo by Mischa Welsh. Audio production by Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The season five finale coincides with the general election, so we’ve decided to get very topical indeed with the story of Labour leader and likely prime minister Keir Starmer. To his admirers, he’s the master strategist who took Labour from doom to Downing Street in a single term. To his foes, he’s a ruthless liar who will stop at nothing to crush the left. To the average voter, he remains a bit of a blank slate. What kind of prime minister will he be?Ian and Dorian trace Starmer’s youthful journey from working-class Surrey socialist to indie-loving, centrist-bashing law student, explaining the legacy of a difficult childhood. He was the star human rights lawyer, at the heart of 1990s controversies from the McLibel case to policing in Northern Ireland, who became the country’s top prosecutor and then a knight of the realm. At the age of 52, he entered politics and soon found himself on the frontline of the Brexit wars, butting heads with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. We end with his leadership of the party and the price of victory.Why is Starmer such a closed book in public? How did he go from radical socialist to centrist dad? What went down between him and Corbyn? Was he really an arch-remainer? When did he almost throw in the towel? And what are the core values that might define his premiership? Discover all this and more in the story of our next prime minister.• Pre-order the forthcoming Origin Stories books on Centrism, Fascism and Conspiracy Theory and get 20% off using the special discount code revealed in the podcast. • Support Origin Story on PatreonReading listTom Baldwin - Keir Starmer: The Biography (2024)Oliver Eagleton – The Starmer Project: A Journey to the Right (2022)Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire – Left Out: The Inside Story of Labour Under Corbyn (2020)Tim Shipman – Fall Out: A Year of Political Mayhem (2017)Articles and podcastsEmily Ashton, ‘Keir Starmer Is Not Who You Think He Is’, Buzzfeed (2020)Elliott Chappell, ‘Interview with Keir Starmer’, Labour List (2020)Desert Island Discs: Sir Keir Starmer (2020)George Eaton, ‘What Is Starmerism?’, The New Statesman (2024)Charlotte Edwardes, ‘“You asked me questions I’ve never asked myself”: Keir Starmer’s most personal interview yet’The Guardian, ‘In Praise of… Keir Starmer’, The Guardian (2009)Billy Kenber, ‘Keir Starmer: Radical who attacked Kinnock in Marxist journal’, The Times (2020)Keir Starmer, ‘Sorry, Mr Blair, but 1441 does not authorise force’, The Guardian (2003)Written and presented by Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey. Producer: Simon Williams. Music by Jade Bailey. Art by Jim Parrett. Logo by Mischa Welsh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast delves into the history of vaccines and anti-vaxx movements, highlighting key events from the fight against smallpox to the MMR panic. It explores the influence of Dr. Andrew Wakefield, the spread of misinformation, and the impact on public health. The hosts discuss the weaponization of doubt in science, contrasting narratives in journalism, and the dangerous consequences of anti-vaccine beliefs.