Presidents, Prime Ministers, Monarchs & Dictators
Global
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 2, 2021 • 1h 10min
BONUS Sir Anthony Seldon & Mark Garnett
Iain Dale talks to Sir Anthony Seldon and Mark Garnett on the 300th anniversary of the office of Prime Minister. Sir Anthony’s new book is called THE IMPOSSIBLE OFFICE and Mark Garnett’s book is THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER IN AN AGE OF UPHEAVAL.
Mar 28, 2021 • 42min
George Grenville
Iain Dale talks to Stephen Conway, professor of history at UCL, about the life and career of George Grenville, who served as prime minister from 1763-1765.
Mar 22, 2021 • 31min
William Pitt the Elder, 1st Earl of Chatham
Iain Dale talks to Charles Pitt (no relation) about William Pitt the Elder, 1st Earl of Chatham, who served as Prime Minister from July 1766 to October 1768.
Mar 15, 2021 • 1h 4min
David Lloyd George
Iain Dale talks to historian and Conservative MP Damian Collins about the life of David Lloyd George who served as Prime Minister from 1916 to 1922.
Mar 8, 2021 • 1h 4min
Benjamin Disraeli
Iain Dale talks to Edward Young about Benjamin Disraeli who served as Prime Minister for nine months in 1868 and then from 1874 to 1880.
5 snips
Mar 1, 2021 • 55min
Gordon Brown
Stewart Wood, a Labour peer and former advisor to Gordon Brown, dives deep into the legacy of the ex-Prime Minister. He shares insights into Brown's leadership during the 2008 financial crisis and his pivotal choices on the Euro. Wood reflects on Brown's rise to power, influenced by his determined upbringing and complex ties with Tony Blair. They also explore Brown's foreign policy stance and how he navigated political dissent within his cabinet, offering a nuanced view of a leader's struggles and triumphs during turbulent times.
Feb 22, 2021 • 26min
The Earl of Bute
Iain Dale talks to historian David Torrance about John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute who served as Prime Minister from May 1762 to April 1763
Feb 15, 2021 • 47min
Spencer Perceval
Iain Dale talks to Lord Bellingham, Henry Bellingham, about the life and premiership of Spencer Perceval who served as Prime Minister from 1809 until his assassination by Henry Bellingham’s kinsman, John Bellingham, in 1812.
Feb 8, 2021 • 39min
Viscount Melbourne
Iain Dale talks to Secretary of State Robert Buckland about the life and times of Viscount Melbourne who served as Prime Minister in 1834 for a few months, and then from 1834-1841.
Feb 1, 2021 • 59min
Clement Attlee
Sir Anthony Seldon, a historian specializing in British political history and an expert on Clement Attlee, dissects the life of this pivotal Prime Minister. Attlee's transformative leadership style, marked by bold reforms like the NHS, contrasts sharply with steady governance approaches. Seldon shares insights into Attlee’s awkward yet memorable meeting with King George VI and discusses the impactful politics of the era, including Indian independence and NATO's formation. The podcast also touches on Attlee's reflections during his quieter retirement, emphasizing his lasting legacy.
