
What are the real stories behind the most misunderstood and abused ideas in politics? From Conspiracy Theory to Woke to Centrism and beyond, Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey dig into the astonishing secret histories of concepts you thought you knew. Want to support us in making future seasons? There are now two ways you can help out: • Patreon – Get early episodes, live Zooms, merchandise and more from... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 151 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryNewsSociety & Culture | |||

Welcome to Origin Story and part two of the story of think tanks. Last time we traced the history of two very different varieties: the non-partisan centre for research and policy development and the handsomely-funded vehicle for a political ideology.... more
Welcome to Origin Story. This week we explore the world of think tanks, a term that has developed two very different meanings. To many people, it suggests deceptively named and opaquely funded vehicles for the political agendas of right-wing billiona... more
Ever since the birth of evangelical Christianity in the 1730s, believers have disagreed over whether to dedicate themselves to changing society as well as converting individuals. For most of that time, the most activist American Protestants were poli... more
Welcome to Origin Story, the show about why we are where we are. This week we begin the story of evangelical Christianity and its influence on politics.
Starting in the 1730s, Protestants in colonial America replaced the dour strictures of the Purit... more
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One of the most ‘tistic podcasts available.
Great podcast - such a non-surprise to see the anti-trans lot come out like this.
Two blokes who confidently pretend to know the mind of the “majority of lesbians”, these two are full of opinions but don’t bother with any actual journalism. In the Rowling episode they talk at length about trans issues but don’t actually talk to those they discuss. I’m sure Helen Joyce would have talked to them. They could have found lots of detransitioners with one call to Genspect, but alas no. They’re too lazy to enquire beyond the supposed very low rate of detransition or desistance. They ... more
Some of these reviews are pretty funny, but as someone who really enjoys listening to Ian laugh, their easy to digest telling of events and of course the posh boy sanctimony that others find so offensive, I think this is a great pod for people who like history in a conversational form. I’ve listened to all the episodes, some more than once, and they always make me laugh out loud which makes the info memorable.
A not posh but extremely sanctimonious fan 💅
I’d enjoyed the first 15 or so episodes that I’d listened to, and had recommended the show to friends. However, I then listened to the double episode on JK Rowling and was surprised at the inaccuracies, omissions and lack of any kind of balanced view (and I’m a left wing, liberal!). Unfortunately I now question the quality and impartiality of the previous episodes, so will likely unfollow and find an alternative podcast.
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Spotify | #43 | |
Apple Podcasts | #42 | |
Apple Podcasts | #81 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #103 | |
Apple Podcasts | #143 |
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Two hosts unpack the hidden histories behind popular political ideas, weaving rigorous history with sharp analysis and a healthy dose of humor. Episodes frequently explore how concepts like socialism, liberalism, nationalism, or urban design originated, evolved, and are deployed in present debates, often highlighting the people, institutions, and incentives that shaped them. The show stands out for its wide-ranging research, balanced skepticism, and engaging storytelling that makes complex ideas accessible without sacrificing depth. Listeners likely value well-sourced context, critical thinking, and lively conversation that can be humorous even when dissecting serious topics.
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1. Oh God, What Now?
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3. Quiet Riot
4. Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell
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Origin Story launched 4 years ago and published 151 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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Recent guests on Origin Story include:
1. Mujtaba Rahman
2. Zohran Mamdani
3. Zack Polanski
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