Where Politics Meets History
Global
Join broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop as they take a fresh look at the biggest news of the week - through the lens of history. Because nothing is ever truly new, and history has a habit of repeating itself.
With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 27, 2026 • 1h 4min
110. Hello, This Is Pope Joannie
Iain and Tessa unpack Dame Sarah Mullally’s historic enthronement after 1,400 years of male predecessors, explore the legend of Pope Joan, examine the impact of the Iranian war on Asia, and answer your questions.
Mar 24, 2026 • 58min
109. If You’re Lookin’ for a Way Out
Iain and Tessa explore whether the world may be edging towards WW3, examine the shocking antisemitic attack in London involving Jewish ambulances set on fire, and give their take on the debut of SNL UK, plus plenty more insights and unexpected turns along the way.
Mar 20, 2026 • 1h 3min
108. Strait from the Heart
Iain and Tessa speak about what the West should do about the Strait of Hormuz, why Trump official Joe Kent resigned, whether Brexit should be reversed, Tessa appearing on Romanian Hell's Kitchen and more!
Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 4min
107. Automatic, Systematic, Problematic
Iain and Tessa talk the Strait of Hormuz and whether the UK Navy should get involved, whether Tom Bower is right or wrong about Harry and Meghan - they have a row about Lord Ashcroft and Iain name-drops like never before!
Mar 13, 2026 • 55min
106. Every Hegseth You Take
Iain and Tessa talk strong men, the Mandelson files, whether Iain is right on Iran, Pete Hegseth and more!
Mar 10, 2026 • 58min
105. Love Me Donut
Iain and Tessa talk about the UK's naval forces and whether they're good enough, Cyprus and the UK's history with it (and Aggie reports after her recent visit!) - they also talk public distrust in politicians, donuts and more!
Mar 6, 2026 • 57min
104. Puff the Magic HMS Dragon
Iain and Tessa joust over the UK's position on what's happening in Iran and historical parallels, failed asylum seekers being offered thousands to leave, where to cut spending and more!
Mar 3, 2026 • 57min
103. I Fought the International Law
Iain and Tessa digest the events of the last few days -whether Starmer should have supported Trump's actions in Iran from the start, what could happen next and what we can learn from history!
Feb 26, 2026 • 57min
102. In the Blair Tonight
Iain and Tessa talk about the shifts in the political system demonstrated in the run-up to the Gorton and Denton by-election, the latest Tony Blair documentary, the history of youths being out of work and more!
Feb 24, 2026 • 58min
101. You SEND Me
Iain and Tessa talk Boris Johnson's comments on sending troops to Ukraine, the arrest of Peter Mandelson, how to fix the student loan system and what should be done about special educational needs provision!
