58. Swaneater

58. Swaneater

Author: Global September 26, 2025 Duration: 59:38

Iain and Tessa joust and jostle over whether 'King of the North' Andy Burnham poses a threat to Keir Starmer, whether the world can trust the new Syrian leader, Nigel Farage's comments on LBC this week... and if Bristol used to have its own time zone!

Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com.


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: 100

Where Politics Meets History
Podcast Episodes
76. If Books Could Kill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:54
Iain and Tessa talk the Budget (SPOILER: neither is impressed!), French military service, how our reading habits have changed and more!Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@glob…
75. Let's Get Fiscal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:48
Iain and Tessa talk the upcoming Budget (and Budgets throughout history!), whether Trump's peace plan for Ukraine will be a success... and an odd gift Iain received in Frinton-on-Sea.Send your questions and voice notes t…
74. One Way Streeting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:06
Iain and Tessa reconvene to talk about the UK's changing immigration policy (and Tessa's idea involving military service), potential challengers to Keir Starmer's leadership, how much of a threat we face from Russia - an…
73. Denmark My Words [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:19
Iain and Tessa talk Shabana Mahmood's asylum shakeup, Trump suing the BBC and a very ill-conceived moustache.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeetshistory@global.com
72. It's Too Late To Apologise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:50
Iain and Tessa return as more revelations come out regarding the BBC and Trump. Meanwhile, further information is released about the US Presidents relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.Send your questions and voice notes to…
71. BBC You Later Alligator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:13
Davie is gone and Trump is gunning for Auntie Beeb! Iain and Tessa discuss if the BBC can survive this latest controversy... or if it even should? Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or wherepoliticsmeets…
70. COPs and Robbers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:56
Iain and Tessa link up to talk COP30, mistaken prisoner releases, potential taxes on electric cars (which gets Iain's dander up immensely) - and poppy pressure.Send your questions and voice notes to 07557 187929 or where…
69. New York, New York Votes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:09
Iain and Tessa connect remotely to talk Farage's plans for the economy, Zohran Mamdani's success in New York, the Huntingdon stabbing and the heroism of the passengers and guard, and more.Send your questions and voice no…
68. Xi's the One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:42
Iain and Tessa are back to discuss the relationship between China and the US after Trump meets Xi, whether Rachel Reeves is in serious trouble or not, what it means to receive the 'Freedom of the City of London'... and R…
67. My Wage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:28
Iain and Tessa lock horns on representation in media after Reform MP Sarah Pochin's comments on race, they discuss the new Japanese PM, the minimum wage, the use of exclamation marks and more!!!!Send your questions and v…