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Origin Story

Podmasters
Socialism
Thatcherism
Donald Trump
Labour Party
Brexit
Margaret Thatcher
Soviet Union
New Left
Civil Rights Movement
Martin Luther King Jr.
Che Guevara
Daily Mail
Falklands War
Eugenics
Neoliberalism
Fascism
Genocide
BBC
Benjamin Netanyahu
Communism

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes140Founded4 years ago
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News CommentarySociety & CultureNews

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Latest Episodes

This week’s episode is an edited version of Origin Story Live at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre on Wednesday 15 April 2026. It was a thrill to take the stage in the former terrain of Origin Story regulars such as Jeremy Bentham and John Maynard Keynes. ... more

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Hello and welcome to another bonus episode. It’s the centenary of the General Strike of May 1926, the most important industrial dispute in British history, but what really happened and did it really change Britain?

One strange thing about the Genera... more

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The terms introvert and extrovert have never been more popular. People seem to increasingly latch onto them as a core element of their personality, clinging to the personal definition they offer with ever-greater enthusiasm. Humans love to categorise... more

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Welcome to a bonus episode of Origin Story. Sometimes we profile people who are psychologically complex, who have undertaken fascinating intellectual journeys, whose sins and achievements are intertwined in ways that defy simplistic judgements. Presi... more

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Recent Guests

Zohran Mamdani
Young democratic socialist politician, recently elected as New York's youngest mayor since 1892
New York State Assembly
Episode: Origin Story – Live at the Tabernacle, 13th Nov 2025
Zack Polanski
Chair of the Environment Committee at the London Assembly, prominent Green Party politician
London Assembly
Episode: Origin Story – Live at the Tabernacle, 13th Nov 2025

Hosts

Dorian Lynskey
Co-host and political commentator, known for insightful political analysis and cultural critique.
Ian Dunt
Co-host and author, engages audiences with an economic perspective and political commentary.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 2.4k ratings
  • Home Counties slop

    The flaccid liberalism of yesteryear

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Dale Copper
    United Kingdom15 days ago
  • Keep it up

    I do not know the word for “opposite of glib”, but OS is it. Fantastic work, keep it up! 👍

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OlivierMP
    United Kingdom17 days ago
  • Brilliantly funny and insightful

    These two manage to pull together historic events in a genuinely relatable way while keeping us amused and engaged. Love Ian Dunt's contributions to Late Night Live, and never tire of his passionate an often hilariously biting commentary.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tupppi
    Australia19 days ago
  • Brilliantly, entertainingly dispiriting

    Many of Ian’s and Dorian’s critics in these comments accuse them of ‘smug liberalism’ and/or too much swearing. Can’t help wondering why or how they were listening at all. I guess you either appreciate their perspectives, their humour and their irreverence, or it rubs you up the wrong way. It almost certainly depends on your political start point. But like the majority of people here, I absolutely love their schtick. Always informative and funny, yet often simultaneously dispiriting, given the s... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Vinc B
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Hilarious & Insightful

    The best podcast ! Ian and Dorian interpret big ideas and movements and deliver them as brilliant narratives at the perfect pace — not overly academic but not the dumbed down, slow, spoon-fed slop that others do. Nobody is safe (left or right) and they garnish it wonderfully with dry, British black humour. Great job at illustrating the (often bleak and embarrassing) people behind ideas that have shaped society. Thanks lads. (Ps. Love your books too, and always tune in for Ian’s great British roa... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    constantlydisappointed666
    Australiaa month ago

Listeners Say

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Negative comments focus on the hosts' style over substance, with some finding it overly self-indulgent.
Highly informative with deep research and a balanced perspective on complex subjects.
Listeners appreciate the in-depth exploration of historical contexts and their relevance today.
Hosts are entertaining, mixing humor with serious commentary, making difficult topics accessible.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Origin Story – Live at the Tabernacle, 13th Nov 2025
Q: Where do you think pride in being English becomes unhelpful?
Pride should reflect a plurality and inclusiveness encompassing the lives of all citizens, rather than a rigid, nationalistic view that marginalizes others.
US Post-Election Live Show – Part Two
Q: Do you think the army could resist any really extreme requests that Trump could make of them, and could that be his limiting factor?
There's often a strong resistance within the military to serve an autocrat, evidenced by past behaviors of generals like John Kelly.
US Post-Election Live Show – Part Two
Q: How could you describe the way in which he could physically somehow overthrow American democracy?
The system would be exactly as we saw last time, but in four years time. Everyone's fine with democracy when they're winning, but when you're losing, that's when the problems arise.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Origin Story

What is Origin Story about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on uncovering the hidden narratives behind misunderstood political concepts, this podcast features in-depth discussions that critically assess ideas prevalent in today's discourse. From the exploration of 'woke' culture to the examination of centrism and conspiracy theories, hosts Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey offer a thorough analysis of historical and contemporary political ideologies. Each episode provides rich context and insightful commentary, helping listeners to navigate complex concepts that often dominate media and political discussions. The engaging storytelling, combined with a mix of humor and critical analysis, sets this show apart, making it both educational and entertaining for those interested in politics, social movem... more

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What are the audience demographics for Origin Story?

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How many subscribers and views does Origin Story have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Origin Story?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Origin Story:

1. Oh God, What Now?
2. The Bunker – News without the nonsense
3. Quiet Riot
4. This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler
5. Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell

How many episodes of Origin Story are there?

Origin Story launched 4 years ago and published 140 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Origin Story?

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What guests have appeared on Origin Story?

Recent guests on Origin Story include:

1. Zohran Mamdani
2. Zack Polanski

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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