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Where Politics Meets History

Global
Labour Party
Keir Starmer
Donald Trump
Conservative Party
Brexit
Ukraine
Politics
Israel
United Kingdom
NHS
Iran
Gaza
Trump
Rishi Sunak
Margaret Thatcher
Romania
United States
Local Elections
UK Politics
Scotland

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. E... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes644Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryPoliticsNews

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Artwork for Where Politics Meets History

Latest Episodes

Iain and Tessa discuss net migration (and the history of people arriving in, and leaving, the UK) - and more!

Iain and Tessa talk about Wes Streeting reviving the Brexit debate, whether Andy Burnham stands a chance, whether Keir Starmer shares anything with Ted Heath - and more!

Iain is joined by LBC political editor Natasha Clark for this one while Tessa is ill! They talk Streeting, Burnham, Starmer, Farage and more!

Iain and Tessa speak about Keir Starmer on the ropes, fallout from the local elections, a hundred years since the 1926 general strike - and Tessa's brother Duncan Dunlop speaks to our pair about his election win in Scotland.

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

Natasha Clark
LBC's political editor
LBC
Episode: 125. Burnham Baby Burnham
Duncan Dunlop
MSP, guest on the show
Scottish Parliament
Episode: 124. Hey Brother
Perran Moon
Labour MP from Cornwall
Labour Party
Episode: 118. Perran Moon River
Aggie Chambres
Cyprus correspondent, Deputy Tessa
Episode: 105. Love Me Donut
Clyde Best
Inspirational former West Ham footballer, featured in a later segment
West Ham United
Episode: 104. Puff the Magic HMS Dragon
Shabana Mahmood
The new Home Secretary discussing immigration policies
UK Government
Episode: 73. Denmark My Words
Miranda Malins
A historian of the English Civil Wars and Oliver Cromwell, author of historical novels
Episode: 42. Ring my Cromwell
Charlotte White
Historian of the 17th century, particularly Charles II, and a teacher of film studies and media studies.
BBC
Episode: 41. The Man Who Sold the Arts
Zia Yusuf
Political figure and former leader in Reform UK
Reform UK
Episode: 27. Wish You Were Zia

Hosts

Iain Dale
Host of the show, co-presenter; broadcaster with a focus on political analysis.
Dr. Tessa Dunlop
Historian and co-host; provides historical context to current affairs.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 2.5k ratings
  • Exhausting listening to Tessa

    I was looking forward to hearing the answer to who would you choose in a coalition government but oh no Tessa had to go off on a tangent about Christine Keeler. I am so fed up of her interruptions and loudness.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Radiono1fan
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Love the pod

    Excellent mix of historical topics and current political events. Would love to hear the unedited versions!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Macc knitter
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Disappointingly soured

    Sadly, Iain has become rather oppositional & patronisingly quashes too many of Tessa’s stances. Tessa feeds the unpleasant dynamic of the lesser seeking the approval of the superior. Despite both having perfectly valid viewpoints, Iain habitually interrupts & belittles Tessa’s thoughts. Tessa gives respect, but is reciprocated with very little. Iain increasingly insults those who disagree with him. Most disappointing given, not so long ago, he was the master of chairing respectful balanced debat... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Ovi Roy
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • The podcast I look forward to.

    Have listened since the start (along with FTM), and it keeps getting better. The dynamic between you both has certainly got better. Funny, informative and o other podcast compares. Look forward to any live shows where Corey can’t ’cut that bit out!’

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Welsh Nick (pro smut)
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Stop talking!

    It’s a good job I read Iain’s Sunday email about Lord Ashcroft’s party, as I gave up trying to listen to his account with the constant interruptions. Sorry stopped listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Radiono1fan
    United Kingdom2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful history-informed takes, though some listeners crave more space for alternative viewpoints.
Dynamic pair with engaging, frequently provocative dialogue that keeps topics fresh.
Balanced, insightful banter with strong chemistry between hosts.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#29
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#61
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#100
Hong Kong/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#115
Ireland/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#121
Singapore/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#139
New Zealand/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

114. No Orbán, No Cry
Q: Is the Ministry of Defence fit for purpose?
The hosts largely agree that the ministry is not fit for purpose and critique the governance and priorities, suggesting a need to rethink defense planning and investment.
111. Piano Manosphere
Q: How do people qualify for the description of political commentators on Cross Question, and does being heavily aligned with a party disqualify you from being impartial?
They discuss that political commentators should be dispassionate and not overtly partisan, noting that strong affiliation can undermine the legitimacy of the description, and giving examples of hosts or guests whose past roles blur those lines.
107. Automatic, Systematic, Problematic
Q: What do you think about Liz Truss inviting guests to her YouTube channel and the publicity angle for the podcast?
They see it as valuable publicity but acknowledge the risk of turning discussions into promotional content, preferring to keep political analysis distinct from marketing pitches.
97. Civil Sar-war
Q: What documentary did Tessa refer to about expansionist America?
The working title is 'This Land is Your Land' after the Woody Guthrie song, due out in late May.
96. Profumo I'm No Good
Q: Do you think the PLP would crown Wes or Angela Rayner as leader?
It may prove challenging for them to lead if facing inquiries or controversies.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Where Politics Meets History

What is Where Politics Meets History about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two sharp-witted hosts blend political analysis with historical context, exploring how today's headlines echo the past. Episodes balance policy discussion, media framing, and power dynamics with personal banter and storytelling, making complex issues more approachable. The format consistently centers on a rigorous, yet entertaining dialogue between a broadcaster and a historian, often weaving in audience questions and timely cultural observations. A standout trait is the seamless integration of history with contemporary politics, offering listeners a lens to assess current events through precedent and pattern.

Notable strengths include a brisk, transcript-like conversation pace, thoughtful historical parallels, and a dynamic, occasionally ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Where Politics Meets History?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Where Politics Meets History:

1. Iain Dale All Talk
2. Cross Question with Iain Dale
3. Political Currency
4. Matt Forde's Political Party
5. Electoral Dysfunction

How many episodes of Where Politics Meets History are there?

Where Politics Meets History launched 9 years ago and published 644 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Where Politics Meets History?

Recent guests on Where Politics Meets History include:

1. Natasha Clark
2. Duncan Dunlop
3. Perran Moon
4. Aggie Chambres
5. Clyde Best
6. Shabana Mahmood
7. Miranda Malins
8. Charlotte White

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.

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