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Origin Story

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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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes151Founded4 years ago
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News CommentaryNewsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Origin Story

Latest Episodes

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

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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

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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

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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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Recent Guests

Mujtaba Rahman
Managing Director, Europe, Eurasia Group; Senior Research Fellow at LSE European Institute
Eurasia Group / LSE European Institute
Episode: European Union – Part Three – The Expanse
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 of Origin Story; frequent explainer of political ideas and their histories
Ian Dunt
Co-host; journalist, political commentator, and author

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 2.5k ratings
  • Walking, talking think tankies

    One of the most ‘tistic podcasts available.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    ❤️Radio4Comedy
    Netherlands12 days ago
  • Oh my god the JK Rowling fanatics

    Great podcast - such a non-surprise to see the anti-trans lot come out like this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hebp242
    United Kingdom13 days ago
  • Profoundly ignorant duo

    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

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Quitio William
    United Kingdom19 days ago
  • You have to laugh

    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 💅

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Justafan89
    United Kingdom25 days ago
  • Enjoyed the series, up until the biased JK Rowling episodes

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    PenriJ
    United Kingdoma month ago

Listeners Say

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

Loved the balance of history and critique, even when controversial.
Some listeners note strong vocal style but praise the insights.
Engaging deep-dives with sharp humor; consistently informative.
High-quality research; entertaining and thought-provoking.
A few criticize perceived bias but many praise the depth and wit.

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.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Origin Story

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

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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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. Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell
5. This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler

How many episodes of Origin Story are there?

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.

How do I contact Origin Story?

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What guests have appeared on Origin Story?

Recent guests on Origin Story include:

1. Mujtaba Rahman
2. Zohran Mamdani
3. 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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