
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 | 140 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentarySociety & CultureNews | |||

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
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
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
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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The flaccid liberalism of yesteryear
I do not know the word for “opposite of glib”, but OS is it. Fantastic work, keep it up! 👍
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.
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
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
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Spotify | #42 | |
Apple Podcasts | #60 | |
Apple Podcasts | #101 | |
Apple Podcasts | #80 | |
Apple Podcasts | #159 | |
Apple Podcasts | #167 |
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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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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
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.
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Recent guests on Origin Story include:
1. Zohran Mamdani
2. Zack Polanski
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