Where Politics Meets History
Join broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop as they take a fresh look at the biggest news of the week - through the lens of history. Because nothing is ever truly new, and history has a habit of repeating itself. With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way. Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
Episodes
In this interesting limbo period between Christmas and the New Year, Iain and Tessa discuss their predictions for 2026, Trump's hopes for peace in Ukraine, Iain's views on newsreaders with regional accents and Tessa's Christmas reading (Central Europe: The Death of a Civilization and the Life of an Idea, by Luka Ivan Jukic).
In this special festive episode we recorded earlier, Iain and Tessa give out some fabulous festive awards! There's also discussion about the history of the humble Christmas cracker... and the A11 (stick with it)!
We're giving you a Christmas treat! If you love Where Politics Meets History, we think you'll love What's Your Problem with Nick Abbot and Carol McGiffin.
In this podcast, Nick and Carol try to solve your issues. If they fail, it's Nick and Carol's fault - it's probably down to the EU or something. (Happiness not guaranteed, terms and conditions apply, always read the label). In this episode, Nick and Carol help a listener called Ro...
Iain and Tessa are back together the day after Tessa's Christmas party at her (very tall) house! They discuss the big political and news events from history which have fallen around Christmas, comparisons between Trump and Nixon - and what happened to the bottle of champagne Iain bought Tessa for Christmas...
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Iain and Tessa chat about the new chief of MI6 Blaise Metreweli, whether Keir Starmer will face a leadership challenge in the new year, Bonnie Blue and more!
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Iain and Tessa discuss the antisemitic terror attack in Sydney and the heroism of fruit shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed, whether Keir Starmer should have given Reform UK at least one peer - and Tessa's school reunion.
Iain and Tessa chat about David Lammy's idea to wipe childhood criminal record, Trump's seizing and Venezuelan oil tanker and Mary Queen of Scots
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
In this special Q&A edition of the podcast, Iain and Tessa discuss who will be the PM in a year's time, whether there's public support for the Monarchy, stocking filler books from the worlds of politics and history - and more!
Iain and Tessa jostle and joust over political donations, the importance of state visits, why US peace envoy Steve Witkoff isn't winning Putin over - and dodgy pronunciations!
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Iain and Tessa chat about whether the government lied before the Budget, whether the BBC is censoring Rutger Bregman, what constitutes life's moral purpose... and Iain's trip to see Cliff Richard.
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Iain and Tessa talk the Budget (SPOILER: neither is impressed!), French military service, how our reading habits have changed and more!
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Iain and Tessa talk the upcoming Budget (and Budgets throughout history!), whether Trump's peace plan for Ukraine will be a success... and an odd gift Iain received in Frinton-on-Sea.
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
Iain and Tessa reconvene to talk about the UK's changing immigration policy (and Tessa's idea involving military service), potential challengers to Keir Starmer's leadership, how much of a threat we face from Russia - and the politics and history of chocolate!
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
Iain and Tessa talk Shabana Mahmood's asylum shakeup, Trump suing the BBC and a very ill-conceived moustache.
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
Iain and Tessa return as more revelations come out regarding the BBC and Trump. Meanwhile, further information is released about the US Presidents relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
Davie is gone and Trump is gunning for Auntie Beeb! Iain and Tessa discuss if the BBC can survive this latest controversy... or if it even should?
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
Iain and Tessa link up to talk COP30, mistaken prisoner releases, potential taxes on electric cars (which gets Iain's dander up immensely) - and poppy pressure.
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Iain and Tessa connect remotely to talk Farage's plans for the economy, Zohran Mamdani's success in New York, the Huntingdon stabbing and the heroism of the passengers and guard, and more.
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Iain and Tessa are back to discuss the relationship between China and the US after Trump meets Xi, whether Rachel Reeves is in serious trouble or not, what it means to receive the 'Freedom of the City of London'... and Rachel Johnson makes a surprise appearance!
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
Iain and Tessa lock horns on representation in media after Reform MP Sarah Pochin's comments on race, they discuss the new Japanese PM, the minimum wage, the use of exclamation marks and more!!!!
Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
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