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
Jan 23, 2026 • 58min
92. Gone With The Wind Turbine
Iain and Tessa talk Trump's U-turn on Greenland, his mistakes about Chinese wind, whether Brooklyn Beckham did the right thing, whether Tessa is too mean to Iain - and more!
Jan 20, 2026 • 60min
91. Tariff You Leave Me Now
With Iain in London and Tessa in Madeira, our pair talk Trump vs Europe, Jenrick vs Badenoch and Harry vs the Mail, among other things!
Jan 15, 2026 • 50min
90. Regime Changes
Iain and Tessa debate whether the Iranian regime will fall, and what involvement Trump could have in that - as well as a bit of Iranian history to put it all in context! They also discuss the proposed new Chinese embassy in London, whether Labour MPs should stop worrying about their leader... and one of Iain's exes!
Jan 13, 2026 • 49min
89. Zahawi Ready?
Tessa has the lurgy so Iain is joined by Aggie for this one! They discuss whether the West will get involved in Iran, ex Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defecting to Reform UK, whether we should listen to Peter Mandelson... and a mistake involving ABBA Voyage!
Jan 9, 2026 • 47min
88. Seize the Tanker
Iain and Tessa are back to talk Trump's further threats to take Greenland (and the history behind it!), ICE shooting a woman in Minneapolis, Moldova's Maia Sandu and whether Labour is losing the young...
Jan 6, 2026 • 59min
87. It's Not Easy Being Greenland
Iain and Tessa discuss President Trump capturing Venezuela's Maduro, whether he might invade Greenland, Brigitte Macron winning a cyberbullying case and which former newsreader's boots Tessa is wearing.
Jan 2, 2026 • 50min
86. Firework (and the EU flag)
Iain and Tessa review the party leaders' new year messages, the government vs the ECHR on Shamima Begum, the fireworks and more!
Dec 30, 2025 • 46min
85. All I Want for Twixtmas Is You
In this interesting limbo period between Christmas and the New Year, Iain and Tessa discuss their predictions for 2026, Trump's hopes for peace in Ukraine, Iain's views on newsreaders with regional accents and Tessa's Christmas reading (Central Europe: The Death of a Civilization and the Life of an Idea, by Luka Ivan Jukic).
Dec 26, 2025 • 59min
84. Crackin' Around the Christmas Tree
In this special festive episode we recorded earlier, Iain and Tessa give out some fabulous festive awards! There's also discussion about the history of the humble Christmas cracker... and the A11 (stick with it)!
Dec 23, 2025 • 58min
83. Never Ending Storeys
Iain and Tessa are back together the day after Tessa's Christmas party at her (very tall) house! They discuss the big political and news events from history which have fallen around Christmas, comparisons between Trump and Nixon - and what happened to the bottle of champagne Iain bought Tessa for Christmas...Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.
