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Artwork for Origin Story

Origin Story

Podmasters
Eugenics
John Maynard Keynes
Nazism
Illuminati
French Revolution
Racism
Conspiracy Theories
George Orwell
Francis Galton
Politics
Charles Davenport
Science
Social Darwinism
George Bernard Shaw
H.G. Wells
Bavarian Illuminati
Baby Boomers
Freemasons
Generational Theory
Sterilization

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes137Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsSociety & CultureNews Commentary

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Artwork for Origin Story

Latest Episodes

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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Welcome to another between-season bonus episode of Origin Story. This week Ian tells the story of 15-minute cities: the notion that every urban resident should live a 15-minute walk or bike ride away from all essential amenities. How did such a sensi... more

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Origin Story is live at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London on Weds 15th April 2026 - tickets selling fast, get yours here

Welcome to a between-season bonus episode of Origin Story. We’ve missed you! This one emerged from our three-parter on the history ... more

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Welcome to the finale of Origin Story season eight: the story of socialism. Thanks to everybody who has followed our most ambitious season yet, especially those whose support has enabled us to make it.

We left the narrative in 1991, with the collaps... 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 2.3k ratings
  • Trying - in several meanings…

    The over opinionated, foul mouthed Dunt and intellectually smug Lynskey speak with an air of privilege and self aggrandisement. I’ve tried several time to listen but their comments and cackles are too galling to get past. Shame as the topics are interesting but the views are far, far from impartial, but hey that’s the problem with the siloed World of Podcasts!

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Ashgroover
    United Kingdom4 days ago
  • Back to its worst

    Presenters show their bias as they contemptuously deride personal transport as if all people should only ever need to conduct their lives within one tiny location or be forced to use public transport. Saying the word car as if saying the c word makes you sound infantile and petulant. You’d be saying the same about horse riding had you been born in 1620. Politics of envy will get you nowhere. Take your oppositions positions seriously or remain trivial jokers.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    ❤️Radio4Comedy
    Netherlands19 days ago
  • Awful research and disgusting

    “Che Guevara = bad cause he kill slave owners” self righteous white men living in the imperial core whose entire identity is “both sides are bad actually!” Awful, read books instead people. Purposely ignoring Cuba’s blockade and attempts to regurgitate propaganda of “wow fidel so bad”. Absolutely disgusting work. This is 2 liberals who want to pat each other on the back and go “see we’re the good ones”

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Addy32425
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Wonderful

    best UK political podcast, two of the best and funniest journalists, excellent.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stevibee
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Brilliant, brilliant show

    Origin Story is an absolute pleasure. Extraordinary intellect, energy and delight expressed by the hosts. Hugely well researched and explained with such enthusiasm. Plus, Ian’s laugh is marvellous. Joyful and infectious. Wonderful show

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    The Last Man in Europe
    United Kingdoma month ago

Listeners Say

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

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

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

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.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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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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Which podcasts are similar to Origin Story?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Origin Story:

1. Strong Message Here
2. Oh God, What Now?
3. Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast
4. The Rest Is Politics
5. The News Agents

How many episodes of Origin Story are there?

Origin Story launched 4 years ago and published 137 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 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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