

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 28, 2018 • 44min
Davos, May’s Muddles & Pervy Charity Dinners
Iain and Jacqui tootle through the big events of the week including the fallout from the Presidents’ dinner, Trump’s triumph in Davos and Iain explains why he got a bit emosh on the radio about Tessa Jowell. They assess Theresa May’s prospects of survival and Iain tips Michael Gove as a possibility to replace her. They answer your questions from Facebook and Twitter, including Jacqui being asked if she’s had a facelift. (Spoiler alert: She hasn’t). They also play Name That Theme Tune and play Truth or Dare. They also discuss their funeral arrangements. A nice, cheerful podcast this week!

Jan 21, 2018 • 48min
Soapy Themes Edition
Iain & Jacqui disagree on President Macron and Boris’s bridge but are united on Donald Trump’s first year in office. They take Justice Secretary David Gauke to task over the failure to seek a judicial review over the release of John Worboys and slam the directors of Carillion. They reveal their favourite soaps, to musical accompaniment, and analyse Ann Widdecombe’s latest antics in #cbb.

Jan 14, 2018 • 43min
Jacqui Goes a Wassailing
Iain & Jacqui discuss ‘s***hole’ countries and Trump cancelling his London visit, Iain explains why he blindfolds himself on cross channel ferries, Jacqui explains her love of wassailing and they wonder what lay behind Nigel Farage’s rather surprising call for a second EU referendum. And Iain reveals the date of his own death. Really.

Jan 7, 2018 • 48min
Stable & Genius Edition
In their first podcast of 2018 Iain & Jacqui discuss the NHS crisis, the release of serial sex offender John Worboys, how Iain became a victim of moped crime this week and ask if Toby Young is fit for purpose. And right at the end Iain asks if we have reached ‘peak’ Jacqui Smith. As if.

Dec 30, 2017 • 45min
Iain & Jacqui’s End of Year Awards
Politician of the year, sexiest male and female politicians of the year, political journalist of the year - they’re all here, as Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale bring their unique brand of insight and humour to the best and the worst of 2017.

Dec 24, 2017 • 48min
Jacqui & Iain’s Review Of 2017
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith look back on some of the events that shaped our world in 2017. Trump’s year, Kim Jong Un’s threats, Grenfell, the general election, terror attacks, the defeat of ISIS, Brexit, the fall of Mugabe and the Harvey Weinstein scandal. They give their own personal and professional highlights and end up paying tribute to some famous people who we lost this year.

Dec 16, 2017 • 39min
Lonely Theresa, Ghastly Brussels & Iain Kisses A *******
Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith review three of the big stories of the week and have some fun along the way. They explain they’re not great fans of the city of Brussels, how Donald Trump will live to rue Alabama and reveal the times in their lives when they have experienced loneliness. Find out if Iain would like to run for mayor of London and why he once kissed a tractor.

Dec 10, 2017 • 49min
Trump, Brexit & Michael Gove’s Beaver
Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith meander through the week’s political and media headlines, dishing it out to all and sundry and having quite a few laughs along the way. They discuss Trump & Jerusalem, which Jacqui can see from her hotel room in Jordan, as well as cast their beady eyes over Theresa May’s Brexit deal. Iain reveals who his top lunch companion is while Jacqui can’t quite get used to the thought of sharing a bed with Nigel Farage on a desert island. They play their weekly game of ‘Truth or Dare’ and Iain explains why Michael Gove would be proud of his sister’s beaver. Sort of. Guess you had to be there.

Dec 3, 2017 • 45min
Jacqui & Damian Green: The Truth
Iain & Jacqui discuss the impact of Alan Milburn’s resignation as Social Mobility Tsar, and Jacqui reveals the truth about her role in the Damian Green arrest in 2008. Iain bemoans the media coverage of the engagement of Harry and Meghan. They ask if GQ were unfair on Jeremy Corbyn and Iain reveals his own fashion shoot problems. Jacqui and Iain play Truth or Dare, and reveal which politicians they take a fancy to. Sickbags may be passed at this point. And they end with a bit of footie banter.

Nov 26, 2017 • 47min
Egypt, Being English & Jacqui’s yoga
Iain & Jacqui fall out of Fiscal Phil’s health spending, contemplate a Brexit stalemate and try to identify what it means to be English, with little success. They also identify the Person(s) of the Year and talk about their favourite foreign correspondents. Jacqui reveals her yoga habits and Iain bemoans his lack of exercise. And find out what Jacqui bought on Black Friday…


