Presidents, Prime Ministers, Monarchs & Dictators
Global
Season One of ‘The Presidents & Prime Ministers brought to life all 55 of Britain's Prime Ministers through interviews with the authors of all 55 essays in Iain Dale’s book The Prime Ministers: Three Hundred Years of History. From the obscure 18th-century figures like the Earl of Shelburne and Henry Pelham to 20th-century titans like Churchill and Thatcher, these podcasts provide a much-needed reminder about their motivations, failures and achievements. Season Two, gives the same treatment to the 45 US Presidents from George Washington through to Joe Biden, with each episode featuring an interview with the author of the essay about a President in Iain Dale’s book ‘The Presidents’. Season Three contained interviews about the various and varied Irish Taoisigh, whilst the new Season 4 takes you through England and the UK's many Kings and Queens, as featured in Iain's book Kings and Queens: 1200 Years of English and British Monarchs. Season 5 looks at the life of 64 Dictators. Buy signed copies of ‘The Prime Ministers’, ‘The Presidents’ and 'Kings and Queens' & 'Dictators' at http://www.politicos.co.uk.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 22, 2021 • 26min
The Earl of Bute
Iain Dale talks to historian David Torrance about John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute who served as Prime Minister from May 1762 to April 1763
Feb 15, 2021 • 47min
Spencer Perceval
Iain Dale talks to Lord Bellingham, Henry Bellingham, about the life and premiership of Spencer Perceval who served as Prime Minister from 1809 until his assassination by Henry Bellingham’s kinsman, John Bellingham, in 1812.
Feb 8, 2021 • 39min
Viscount Melbourne
Iain Dale talks to Secretary of State Robert Buckland about the life and times of Viscount Melbourne who served as Prime Minister in 1834 for a few months, and then from 1834-1841.
Feb 1, 2021 • 59min
Clement Attlee
Sir Anthony Seldon, a historian specializing in British political history and an expert on Clement Attlee, dissects the life of this pivotal Prime Minister. Attlee's transformative leadership style, marked by bold reforms like the NHS, contrasts sharply with steady governance approaches. Seldon shares insights into Attlee’s awkward yet memorable meeting with King George VI and discusses the impactful politics of the era, including Indian independence and NATO's formation. The podcast also touches on Attlee's reflections during his quieter retirement, emphasizing his lasting legacy.
Jan 25, 2021 • 55min
Neville Chamberlain
Iain Dale talks to Professor John Charmley about Neville Chamberlain, who served as Prime Minister from 1937-1940.
Jan 18, 2021 • 55min
William Pitt the Younger
Iain Dale talks to political academic Mark Garnett about the life and premiership(s) of William Pitt the Younger who became Prime Minister at the age of 24 in 1783. He resigned in 1801 and served briefly again as Prime Minister between 1804 and his death in late 1805.
Jan 11, 2021 • 34min
Andrew Bonar Law
Iain Dale talks to Theresa May’s former speechwriter Keelan Carr about the so-called “Unknown Prime Minister” Andrew Bonar Law, who served as Prime Minister for only seven months 1922-23.
Jan 4, 2021 • 40min
The Earl of Liverpool
Iain Dale talks to veteran political journalist Peter Riddell about the Tory Prime Minister Lord Liverpool from 1812-1827, and was the longest serving Prime Minister of the 19th century.
Dec 21, 2020 • 39min
Lord John Russell
Iain Dale talks to Liberal historian Duncan Brack about Whig/Liberal Prime Minister Lord John Russell, who serves as Prime Minister from 1846 to 1852 and 1865-66.
Dec 14, 2020 • 58min
Winston Churchill
Iain Dale talks to military historian Peter Caddick-Adams about the life and premiership of Winston Churchill, who served as Prime Minister from 1940-45 and 1951-55.
