
Presidents, Prime Ministers, Monarchs & Dictators
Season One of ‘The Presidents & Prime Ministers brought to life all 55 of Britain's Prime Ministers through interviews with the authors of all 55 essays in Iain Dale’s book The Prime Ministers: Three Hundred Years of History. From the obscure 18th-century figures like the Earl of Shelburne and Henry Pelham to 20th-century titans like Churchill and Thatcher, these podcasts provide a much-needed reminder about their motivations, failures and achievements. Season Two, gives the same treatment to the 45 US Presidents from George Washington through to Joe Biden, with each episode featuring an interview with the author of the essay about a President in Iain Dale’s book ‘The Presidents’. Season Three contained interviews about the various and varied Irish Taoisigh, whilst the new Season 4 takes you through England and the UK's many Kings and Queens, as featured in Iain's book Kings and Queens: 1200 Years of English and British Monarchs. Season 5 looks at the life of 64 Dictators. Buy signed copies of ‘The Prime Ministers’, ‘The Presidents’ and 'Kings and Queens' & 'Dictators' at http://www.politicos.co.uk.
Latest episodes

Mar 14, 2022 • 37min
Chester A. Arthur
Iain Dale interviews broadcaster and journalist Sue Cameron about the life and presidency of Chester A. Arthur who served as America’s 21st president from 1881-1885.

Mar 7, 2022 • 29min
Franklin Pierce
Iain Dale talks to former Obama strategist Karin Robinson about the life of Franklin Pierce, America’s fourteenth president, who served from 1853-1857

Feb 28, 2022 • 42min
James Monroe
Iain Dale talks to former Conservative MP Brooks Newmark about the life and presidency of James Monroe, who was America’s 5th president. He served for two terms from 1817-25.

Feb 21, 2022 • 41min
George W Bush
In this discussion, Sir Christopher Meyer, a former British Ambassador to Washington, shares insights on George W. Bush's presidency. He explores Bush's aristocratic roots and Texan persona, revealing how theatricality played a role in his leadership style. The conversation dives into Bush's cabinet dynamics, particularly his relationships with key figures like Cheney and Rumsfeld. They also address the profound effects of 9/11 on global unity and Bush's military decisions, including the controversial Iraq War, shedding light on his evolving legacy.

Feb 14, 2022 • 34min
Ulysses S. Grant
Iain Dale talks to playwright and author Bonnie Greer about the life of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S Grant (1869-1877)

Feb 7, 2022 • 1h 23min
Thomas Jefferson
Iain Dale talks to American political historian Alvin S. Felzenberg about the life and presidency of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson served from 1801-1809 as America’s third president.

Jan 31, 2022 • 32min
James K. Polk
Iain Dale talks to Professor Brian Klaas about the life and presidency of President James K. Polk, who served for one term from 1845-1849.

Jan 24, 2022 • 41min
Theodore Roosevelt
Iain Dale talks to Damian Collins MP about Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the USA who was in office from September 1901 through to March 1909.

Jan 17, 2022 • 40min
George H W Bush
Iain Dale talks to Colleen Graffy about the presidency of the 41st President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush, who was President from 1989-1993.

Jan 10, 2022 • 28min
William Howard Taft
Iain Dale talks the political historian Lord Philip Norton about the life of William Howard Taft, 27th President of the United States, 1909-1913.