The EI Podcast
Engelsberg IdeasThe EI Podcast brings you weekly conversations and audio essays from leading writers, thinkers and historians. Hosted by Alastair Benn and Paul Lay. Find the EI Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or search The EI Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 362 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | GovernmentHistory | |||
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Latest Episodes
What is driving Donald Trump’s increasingly volatile foreign policy? Brendan Simms examines the US President and his ideological roots with EI’s Jack Dickens.
Image: Donald Trump at the White House, July 2025. Credit: Alamy
In the early 1970s, the idea of a private life – that citizens ought to be left alone by the state – began to disappear. In this audio essay, Tiffany Jenkins argues that we should mourn its absence. Read by Leighton Pugh.
Image: 1930s poster for the... more
Shiraz Maher examines how the fallout from the US-Iran conflict is reshaping the Gulf States and the wider Middle East, with EI’s Jack Dickens.
Image: Close-up vintage map of the Middle East. Credit: Alamy
Mega-influencers shape the public imagination. Phillip Dolitsky and Luke Moon explore a world where narrative matters more than fact. Read by Leighton Pugh.
Image: Still from a film version of George Orwell's 1984. Credit: Allstar Picture Library Li... more
Key Facts
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Reviews
- Excellent podcast
This is a professional high-quality podcast. I have just listened to The Monroe Doctrine episode and found it very insightful hearing from Charlie Laderman. It was also excellently hosted by Jack Dickens. I’m looking forward to future episodes.
Apple Podcasts5Rubyviking
United Kingdom2 months ago - Thought provoking
Such a well done show. Thoughtful, interesting and informative.
Apple Podcasts5bradbel
United States6 months ago - The best podcast this side of the Potomac
A truly excellent podcast with knowledgeable hosts, fascinating guests and a delightfully eclectic mix of topics. Keep up the good work!
Apple Podcasts5An honourable manUnited Kingdom2 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #149 | United Kingdom/History |
Apple Podcasts | #123 |  Philippines/History |
Apple Podcasts | #136 |  Finland/History |
Apple Podcasts | #158 |  Poland/History |
Apple Podcasts | #171 |  India/History |
Apple Podcasts | #171 |  Sweden/History |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About The EI Podcast
What is The EI Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This weekly series pairs sharp historical analysis with thought-provoking essays from leading writers and historians. Across recent episodes, topics span the enduring influence of mega-influencers on public discourse, geopolitical power shifts in multipolar worlds, and deep dives into literature, philosophy, and science. The conversations often blend rigorous scholarship with accessible storytelling, offering historical context and contemporary implications for media literacy, policy, and culture. A notable strength is the range of guests—from historians and political economists to literary critics and neuroscientists—providing varied perspectives on power, truth, and society, often challenging prevailing narratives. The format's strength l... more
Where can I find podcast stats for The EI Podcast?
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How many listeners does The EI Podcast get?
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What are the audience demographics for The EI Podcast?
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How many subscribers and views does The EI Podcast have?
To see how many followers or subscribers The EI Podcast has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to The EI Podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The EI Podcast:
1. The Foreign Affairs Interview
2. Past Present Future
3. Intelligence Squared
4. Empire: World History
5. Ones and Tooze
How many episodes of The EI Podcast are there?
The EI Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 362 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The EI Podcast?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The EI Podcast?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for The EI Podcast?
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What guests have appeared on The EI Podcast?
Recent guests on The EI Podcast include:
1. Phillip Dolitsky
2. Luke Moon
3. Leo Damrosch
4. Helen Thompson
5. Dr. Nicholas Wright
6. Dan Wang
7. Stephen Kotkin
8. Jonathan Esty
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.