133. Rory Days

133. Rory Days

Author: Global June 11, 2026 Duration: 59:42

Iain and Tessa are back for more. Tessa's been interviewing Rory Stewart, so she gives her review of that rival podcaster. There's also discussion about the unrest in Northern Ireland, what it means to be English, the future of the BBC and more.


Each week on Where Politics Meets History, broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop sit down to dissect current events with a much deeper perspective. They operate on a simple but powerful premise: to truly understand the news, you often have to look backwards. This podcast is built on the conversation between a seasoned political commentator and a dedicated historian, resulting in a dialogue that is both immediately relevant and richly contextual. You’ll hear them tackle the week’s biggest headlines, not in isolation, but by tracing their roots and finding those startling patterns where past and present collide. It’s this specific combination of skills that makes the analysis here so engaging; Iain brings the sharp political instinct while Tessa provides the archival depth, together unearthing stories and parallels that are frequently overlooked in the daily churn. Their chemistry is a key part of the appeal-discussions are insightful and witty, but they’re not afraid of a spirited, good-natured debate when their viewpoints diverge. Listening to this podcast feels like being a fly on the wall for a fascinating conversation between two experts who respect each other but are passionate about their fields. It moves beyond simple explanation to explore the rhythms and echoes of history within modern crises, scandals, and social shifts. For anyone tired of surface-level news takes, this show offers a substantive, long-view alternative that is as entertaining as it is informative, proving that contemporary politics and historical understanding are inseparable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Where Politics Meets History
Podcast Episodes
163. I'm All Piers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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162. Don't Lose Your Ed (Sheeran) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:46
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161. Let's Spence the night together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:53
It's Spencer vs Windsor in this week's episode of the pod! With the palace alleging Earl Spencer has been BLINDED by grief, Tess has a different assessment...Also on the menu: Could Canada join the EU? Is Ed Sheeran in a…
160. Gordon Brown, never a frown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:20
Tessa and Iain discuss Gordon Brown's ideas around civic duty, Reform UK's record-breaking £72 million donations - and whether childcare really should be funded by the state.And - Iain will discover what is really in Tes…
159. The Chatanooga Gee Pee Tee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:51
ChatGPT is coming for our jobs, Ed Milliband causes uproar in Israel and Iain has been in bed with Vanessa Feltz! See if you can count how many times Tessa threatens to replace Iain with AI...WARNING: Iain has also been…
158. Girls Just Wanna Have Party Funding [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:50
While Tessa was brushing up on David Lloyd George, Iain spent his weekend watching the Reform party conference livestream. I wonder if there was any drama? The incorrigible pair also chat all things AfD and Healey. “Stay…
157. Nothing Compares 2 Bayeux [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:54
Iain and Tessa discuss the Bayeux Tapestry, Zia Yusuf's controversial post, Harriet Harman calling Kemi Badenoch woke, Zack Polanski's chances in Holborn and St Pancras and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @Where…
156. Me and My Shadow Cabinet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:22
Iain and Tessa discuss Kemi Badenoch's reshuffle, whether James Cleverly has a chance at the London mayoralty, Germany’s AfD and why former East German states are fertile ground for populist/right-wing gains, Dolly Parto…
155. Farmer Chameleon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:34
While Iain's away, Tessa is joined by businessman and founder of The Black Farmer food company Wilfred Emmanuel Jones. They talk NEETs, salmonella, the Russian threat and more!
154. A Question of Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:11
In another Q&A special episode, Iain and Tessa get quizzed on defectors, U-turns, culture wars, grades and more!Stay connected with us on Instagram @WherePoliticsMeetsHistory and on X @WherePolitics. You can also follow…