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Where Politics Meets History

Global
Labour Party
Keir Starmer
Donald Trump
Brexit
Israel
Conservative Party
Ukraine
Politics
United Kingdom
Iran
Trump
Margaret Thatcher
Romania
United States
Climate Change
Scotland
UK Politics
Andy Burnham
China
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 weeklyEpisodes686Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsHistoryNews

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Artwork for Where Politics Meets History

Latest Episodes

Iain and Tessa speak about Sally Rooney's books being withdrawn from the UK over her Palestine Action support, whether the SNP will be able to secure a second independence referendum, President Trump's online posting and more!

Stay connected with us... more

Iain and Tessa talk Andy Burnham rethinking our relationship with the EU, what President Trump is up to with Russian diesel, Russian interference in our politics and more!

Iain and Tessa talk Kemi Badenoch's speech, Iain's experiences in Birmingham, protests in France and more!

Iain and Tessa talk Tory conference and Kemi's 'right way', the Greens voting that Zionism is racism, French protests and more.

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

Key Facts

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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 Clarke
Journalist invited as a guest for future hot seat
Episode: 139. Letter to America
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

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
  • 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
  • Underwhelming

    If you’re interested in Tessa finding any opportunity to mention the Romanian GCSE in every episode and aren’t irritated at the way she pronounces iss-siues combined with Iain’s pro Farage/anti-Zack rhetoric then this js one for you! It’s a frustrating podcast as Iain doesn’t take well to constructive criticism or a difference of opinion while Tessa tries to bring a different often opposing perspective to the conversation. Maybe both need to listen more to each other rather than be so defensive ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Southlondoner
    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RAMD2026
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • 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 Kingdom4 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 Kingdom5 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
#36
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#80
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#228
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#67
Saudi Arabia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#94
Hong Kong/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#102
Denmark/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

152. Don't Ask Me No Questions
Q: Does Zelensky still retain your confidence as the best war leader of modern times, given the year of cabinet changes and defense leadership reshuffles?
They express continued confidence in Zelensky, citing Ukrainians' continued resistance and Russia's limited gains, while acknowledging the political and military challenges Ukraine faces and praising Zelensky's communication skills and strategic leadership.
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.

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. The News Agents

How many episodes of Where Politics Meets History are there?

Where Politics Meets History launched 9 years ago and published 686 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 Clarke
8. Natasha Clark

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