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Artwork for Where Politics Meets History

Where Politics Meets History

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

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 weeklyEpisodes662Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryPoliticsNews

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Where Politics Meets History

Latest Episodes

Iain and Tessa discuss the millionaires wanting to pay more tax, ministers moving up north, reusing your shower water... and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale ... more

Iain and Tessa speak about Andy Burnham's rise to power, the history of Downing Street, Tessa's new words and more!

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale and @DrTessaDun... more

Iain and Tessa talk the Falklands, Keir Starmer's last week, Thomas Tuchel, a frisson between Tessa and Alastair Campbell and more.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow @IainDale... more

Iain and Tessa discuss the reaction to the murder investigation into former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe's death, friendship across political borders and more.

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

Key Facts

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

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Recent Guests

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
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

Hosts

Iain Dale
Host of the show; broadcaster with a long-running involvement in political commentary.
Tessa Dunlop
Co-host and historian; brings scholarly depth and narrative history to discussions.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 2.5k ratings
  • Too much Tessa

    Find Tessa’s ranting and talking over Ian too much. She always think she knows best! Spoils it.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    nm20@
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Unbearable

    I used to love this podcast (and it’s previous version), but lately it’s becoming unbearable.

    Tessa Dunlop complains that politics and society have lost the plot over the last ten years, yet one of the main causes is the lack of nuanced debate: everything is framed as right or wrong, and anyone who dares to disagree is shut down.

    Dunlop is a prime example of this. If Iain disagrees, his opinion is dismissed because he’s an older white man living in an echo chamber. She fails to see that this ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Arh Gee
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • 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 Kingdom3 months 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 Kingdom3 months 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 Kingdom4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Positive: audiences praise the chemistry and the blend of history with current events.
Positive/Engaging: listeners value the depth, humor, and insightful historical parallels.
Negative: some listeners dislike interruptions and perceived bias between hosts.
Mixed/Feedback: many want longer episodes and unedited discussions.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#43
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#94
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#181
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#74
Saudi Arabia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#98
Argentina/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#132
Ireland/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

139. Letter to America
Q: What parallels do you draw between Trump's Independence Day branding and Britain's constitutional monarchy in terms of national symbolism?
The hosts suggest that Trump's branding attempts reveal a tension between political power and symbolic state imagery, contrasting it with Britain's monarchy which functions as a largely apolitical symbol that can unite a nation without direct political controversy.
139. Letter to America
Q: How significant was the War of 1812 in shaping American national identity according to your discussion?
The War of 1812 is framed as a formative moment that reinforced American resilience and helped crystallize a national identity, especially after notable defeats and the enduring mythos around events like the defense of Fort McHenry and the crafting of the national anthem.
138. Ed over Heels
Q: Given Ed Miliband's background, do you think he could realistically be Chancellor under Burnham and how would that affect climate and fiscal policy?
The hosts weigh Miliband's Treasury experience against the need for pragmatic fiscal constraints, suggesting he could satisfy left-leaning factions while needing to show market credibility; the discussion frames this as a potential shift but acknowledges uncertainty and the political risk of appointing a green-focused Chancellor.
134. Ban and Deliver
Q: Liam from Jersey asks whether Keir Starmer thinks the MOD's video of Royal Marines boarding the Russian shadow fleet demonstrates Britain's strength, despite recent defense resignations.
The hosts suggest the video is a promotional-looking piece and debate whether such eye-catching material shifts public judgment more than substantive policy discussions about defense leadership.
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.

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 hosts fuse history with today's headlines, offering sharp political analysis through a historical lens. The dynamic pair mix rigorous context with lively banter, anecdotes, and occasional tensions, creating a conversational vibe that appeals to listeners who want current events grounded in longer patterns. Episodes skew toward UK politics, governance, and policy debates, but frequently reach broader historical parallels and cross-cutting themes, making it one of the more engaging options for audiences seeking thoughtful, debate-driven storytelling with personality. A standout aspect is the standout chemistry between hosts, which keeps complex topics approachable even when tensions rise, and the show's format often blends history, politi... 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. Political Currency
3. Electoral Dysfunction
4. Matt Forde's Political Party
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 662 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. Yasmin Alibi-Brown
2. Nina Mishkoff
3. Natasha Clark
4. Natasha Clarke
5. Duncan Dunlop
6. Perran Moon
7. Aggie Chambres
8. Clyde Best

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