
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 | 135 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryNewsSociety & Culture | |||

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
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
Welcome to the penultimate episode of Origin story season eight: the story of socialism. We close the book on Soviet communism with the story of how it all came crashing down — what has been called the most unexpected event of the twentieth century. more
Welcome back to Origin Story season eight: The Story of Socialism. This time, we take a look at hands-down the sexiest revolutionary of socialist history: Che Guevara.
Born in Argentina to wealthy but unhappy parents, Ernesto Guevara travelled aroun... more
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I will say they are to compliment with things that left leaning individuals do & say, but they are kilometers better then the vast majority or that space. They have there the right to free speech & they have used exceedingly well. keep up your good work.
Smug and Smarmy are quite the double act.
If self-righteous, moral exhibitionism is your thing, you’ll love it!
The whole series is great, but Season 8, the history of socialism, is outstanding - deeply researched, rigorous & balanced perspective, superb threading together of complex stories and geographies, I’ve learned so much. Ian and Dorian are great company - deeply intelligent and gleefully sweary, carrying their committed scholarship lightly and always finding the laughs.
It took me a couple of episodes but I love both these humans, their crazy laughing and majestic swearing. Oh, and the faultless analysis of politics and history. Gives me hope and optimism, thanks guys!
Just incredibly good. They’re both really good scholars & their analysis & synthesis is really sharp & also, wondrously, reliable. They are just serious thinkers. I’ve just finished the series on the history of socialism & it is superb. Absolutely marvellous.
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Exploring the complex narratives surrounding politically charged ideas, this podcast dissects the origins and evolution of concepts that are often misunderstood or misrepresented in modern discourse. Topics include significant political ideologies like socialism, centrism, and populism, with a focus on historical contexts that shape these ideas today. The engaging hosts employ a mix of humor and rigorous research to provide insightful commentary on today's political climate, encouraging listeners to reconsider conventional perspectives on controversial topics.
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Origin Story launched 4 years ago and published 135 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:
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2. Zack Polanski
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