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Where Politics Meets History

Global
Brexit
Donald Trump
Labour Party
Keir Starmer
Israel
Ukraine
Politics
United Kingdom
Iran
Trump
Conservative Party
Romania
Margaret Thatcher
United States
Andy Burnham
Climate Change
Scotland
UK Politics
China
Immigration

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 weeklyEpisodes693Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsHistoryNews

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Artwork for Where Politics Meets History

Latest Episodes

Iain and Tessa speak about the sentencing of Russell Brand, the number of UK prime ministers lined up at the Cenotaph on Sunday, Irish reunification and Iain's car accident!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @Wh... more

Iain and Tessa discuss Russell Brand being found guilty of rape and sexual assault, the results of the midterms and what the Democrats might do next, the history of bonfire night and more.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHisto... more

Iain and Tessa discuss what might happen in this week's midterm elections in the United States, constitutional tensions in Poland and the implications for Ukraine, generational inequalities, male editors and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram... more

Iain and Tessa talk John Healey's first Budget, the King's visit to Guyana and calls for a Royal apology for slavery, whether landlords are under too much strain and more!

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Kemi Badenot
Journalist who appeared in-studio
News UK
Episode: 163. I'm All Piers
Wilfred Emmanuel Jones
Entrepreneur, founder of The Black Farmer brand
The Black Farmer
Episode: 155. Farmer Chameleon
Nazanin Zagari-Ratcliffe
Nazanin Zagari-Ratcliffe, central figure in the Nazanin case, discussed as a guest in the Edinburgh context
Nazanin Zagari-Ratcliffe Foundation / Former detainee in Iran
Episode: 150. Early Release Me
Joshua Bonehill-Payne
Former neo-Nazi who pivoted towards politics and stood as a Tory candidate in Somerset
Conservative Party (at time of discussion)
Episode: 149. Arday in the Life
Yasmin Alibi-Brown
Broadcasting figure, guest at Iain's book launch
Media / Broadcasting
Episode: 143. Tuchel Little, Tuchel Late
Nina Mishkoff
Guest at Iain's book launch
Episode: 143. Tuchel Little, Tuchel Late
Natasha Clark
LBC's political editor
LBC
Episode: 140. Making Gifts for Nigel
Natasha Clarke
Journalist invited as a guest for future hot seat
Episode: 139. Letter to America
Duncan Dunlop
MSP, guest on the show
Scottish Parliament
Episode: 124. Hey Brother

Hosts

Iain Dale
Host of the show, broadcaster; guides discussion with a focus on current events through a historical lens
Dr. Tessa Dunlop
Co-host, historian providing analysis and historical context to contemporary topics

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 2.5k ratings
  • Indulgent

    If you want to hear two people self-servingly bragging about their media lives and the products or events they are promoting for their own ends, or bickering pointlessly about politics, knock yourself out. It started well, but it’s got very boring, with the irritable and self satisfied Iain ever more unyielding in his views: Kemi is great, Farage a ‘friend’, Israel is the victim, etc etc. And as for the cringeworthy and nonsensical puns as episode titles… please!! There are better ways of spendi... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Clemcott
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Always argumentative, the erudite Dr Dunlop and the occasionally overconfident Iain Dale run through the issues of the day.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Nurc
    a month ago
  • Oh Iain

    Iain, losing the plot. Again. I lain shuts Tessa down with that’s ‘whatabouttery’ then spend his life arguing the same way. Starts arguments and then bullies Tessa into stopping as he is losing the plot. Poor, pathetic, what is the point? Not for purpose. Lack of nuance, lack of ability to hear an opposing view. Arrogant and incompetent.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Drinkcfexxx
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • More Iain

    Dear Lord Tessa draw breath and let the man speak. Way over the line of balance.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Roke57
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Far better then the original format

    Ian has always been the GOAT. Tessa is far far better than Jacqui and far more interesting individual. Also as a great grandson of a “factor” not Ian’s southern english farmer I will forever have a soft spot for Tessa & even her yellow belly brother

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RAMD2026
    United Kingdom2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

The dynamic between hosts is a draw, but chemistry can polarize opinions depending on the topic.
Some episodes spark lively, balanced debate though interruptions can be polarizing for some.
Listeners appreciate the strong historical framing that adds depth to current events.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#22
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#51
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#124
France/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#127
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#211
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#31
Hong Kong/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

173. Do you Healey Want to Hurt Me?
Q: How much do you think we can read into the parallels between then and now?
Iain says politics and economics are cyclical and sees strong parallels with the 1970s. Tessa argues that current conditions are worse because climate change adds to resource pressures and may undermine living standards.
173. Do you Healey Want to Hurt Me?
Q: Where are you on the King saying he's sorry about the slave trade?
Iain argues that people today should not be held morally responsible for past actions and would rather direct money toward combating modern slavery. Tessa emphasizes the monarchy's institutional involvement and argues for confronting that history through education and public interpretation.
174. Midterm Train to Georgia
Q: Can Iain explain the logic behind his suggestion that Andy Burnham might call an early election?
Iain Dale says his argument was that an election could be strategically attractive while the Conservatives remained weak, without claiming that Burnham would definitely call one. He adds that Reform's support had fallen and disputes the suggestion that he predicted Conservative seat losses.
174. Midterm Train to Georgia
Q: What incentives are there for recent graduates to vote Labour when the party has not addressed the student loan system and policies seem not to benefit their generation?
Iain Dale says the graduate employment market and student loan interest deserve attention, but argues that younger generations also have opportunities his generation did not. Tessa Dunlop emphasizes graduates' difficult job prospects and substantial debt.
171. Shake Witkoff
Q: Is it time that after rightly approving Jackdaw, Labour suspends this ridiculous ban on new gas and oil production while the global situation is so unstable?
Dale supports the Jackdaw decision but expects the Rosebank decision to be politically contentious and says it will probably not be approved. Dunlop notes that estimates of available gas are speculative.

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 seasoned hosts explore today's headlines through a historical lens, pairing sharp political analysis with archival context and personal banter. Episodes commonly thread current events—political conferences, policy debates, and international flashpoints—through long-running historical narratives, yielding parallels, contrasts, and fresh perspectives. The dynamic is a mix of rigorous discussion and lighter, story-driven moments, making the show approachable for listeners who want both context and debate. A notable strength is how history is used to illuminate present-day decisions and narratives, while guestless formats and a brisk, chair-side banter style keep conversations lively and accessible. This approach likely appeals to listeners... 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. Matt Forde's Political Party
3. Political Currency
4. Electoral Dysfunction
5. How To Win An Election

How many episodes of Where Politics Meets History are there?

Where Politics Meets History launched 9 years ago and published 693 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. Kemi Badenot
2. Wilfred Emmanuel Jones
3. Nazanin Zagari-Ratcliffe
4. Joshua Bonehill-Payne
5. Yasmin Alibi-Brown
6. Nina Mishkoff
7. Natasha Clark
8. Natasha Clarke

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