Iain Dale All Talk

Iain Dale interviews journalist and broadcaster Paul Mason about his new book REDS: A GLOBAL HISTORY OF COMMUNISM.

Iain Dale interviews the director of the Civil Exchange think tank, and former civil servant, Caroline Slocock about her new book BAD GOVERNMENT (AND HOW TO MAKE IT BETTER). They speak about the relationship between civil servants and ministers, how civil servants are held to account, and what Caroline thinks is going wrong in Whitehall!

Iain Dale interviews Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her husband Richard Ratcliffe, live at the Edinburgh Fringe. They speak about her imprisonment in Iran and eventual release, the impact the ordeal had on both of them - and how they got through it.

Iain Dale interviews Zack Polanski, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk taxing the rich, how trans people are treated, THAT Instagram post featuring a guillotine, his path into politics and much more besides!

Iain Dale interviews Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch live at the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk about her kicking Robert Jenrick out of the Tory Party, whether Penny Mordaunt is being blocked from standing again as a Tory, whether she'll go soft on Andy Burnham, whether she feels sorry for Keir Starmer and more!

Iain Dale speaks with defence secretary Wes Streeting about deciding not to run against Andy Burnham and if he has any regrets about it, growing and learning in the job as defence secretary, the homophobia he's faced since his appointment and much more besides.

Iain Dale interviews lawyer and former SNP MP Joanna Cherry live at the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss the reason she became so disillusioned with the SNP, her friendship with Alex Salmond, her political heroes and more.

Iain Dale interviews former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss whether Nicola will visit her estranged husband Peter Murrell in prison, whether she'd make a return to politics, how John Swinney is getting on as first minister, a potential political thriller Nicola might be penning - and more!

In an interview from 2019, columnist Rod Liddle discusses his background, entry into journalism, time as a Labour speechwriter, and later work at the BBC. He addresses accusations of racism, describing himself as an “equal opportunities offender,” and distinguishes criticism of Islam as an ideology from prejudice against Muslims. He also explains his political positioning: economically left-leaning, supportive of some Corbyn/McDonnell-style economics, and a member of the SDP rather than the then-Brexit Party. We remember Rod Liddle, who died at the age of 66.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Emily Maitlis back in 2019 about her book AIRHEAD.

Emily Maitlis is now a co-host of the Global podcast The News Agents.

In an interview from 2018, Iain Dale interviews Kevin Keegan on his journey from non-league football to Liverpool, Hamburg, and international management, emphasizing the roles of luck, hard work, and influential mentors such as Bill Shankly. He also compares football past and present, discusses key moments in his career and personal life, and shares his enduring passion for Newcastle United alongside criticism of Mike Ashley's ownership. We remember Kevin Keegan, who died at the age of 75.

American entrepreneur and political commentator Daniel Forrester turns the 'All Talk' table to interview his best friend Iain. They discuss early life and family values, failures and triumphs in life, masculinity and sexuality - as well as some of the 300,000 interviews spanning Iain's career.

Iain's new memoir, 'Have I Said Too Much?' is available now as an audiobook and in print. You can request a personalised inscription from https://www.politicos.co.uk/ if you mention you heard this 'All Talk' interview.

If you are struggling with your mental health - and feel you need help, there are resources available to support you. Visit: Samaritans at https://www.samaritans.org/ - or call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day.

In this edition of All Talk, we look back to 2022 when Iain spoke with politician Ann Widdecombe. They discuss her life and political career, including her various forays into reality TV and pantomime, as well as her socially conservative views and why she left the Conservatives to stand for the Brexit Party. We remember Ann Widdecombe, who died today at the age of 78.

Iain Dale interviews LBC presenter and part-time DJ Ali Miraj about what it takes to connect with listeners, his brief foray into the world of politics - and the delights of house music!

Iain Dale interviews broadcast journalist and LBC News presenter Sandy Warr about her time reading the news across various radio stations, some of the personalities she's met across the years - and turning her hand to teaching the next generation of journalists.

Iain Dale interviews Tory peer and former chief executive of Vote Leave Lord Elliott. Ten years on from the Brexit vote, Lord Elliott has a book out - TEN YEARS ON: THE UNTOLD STORY OF BREXIT - REFLECTIONS ON A LIFE OF CAMPAIGNING.

Iain Dale interviews author and activist Catherine Mayer about founding the Women's Equality Party, losing her husband suddenly and how she's dealing with the grief, and her new book DIVIDE AND RULE: ROYAL WOMEN AND THEIR BATTLES.

Iain Dale interviews comedian and podcaster (and former teacher) Francis Foster about his new book (UN)EDUCATED: MY LIFE AS A TEACHER, AND WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER BECOME ONE.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster-turned-counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams - live from Fowey!

Iain Dale interviews former head of the Foreign Office and former national security adviser Lord Ricketts - live from Fowey.

Iain Dale interviews Mail columnist Sarah Vine, live in Fowey.

Iain Dale interviews former Conservative foreign secretary and chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt, live in Fowey.

Iain Dale interviews former Blair chief of staff Jonathan Powell back in 2011 about his book THE NEW MACHIAVELLI: HOW TO WIELD POWER IN THE MODERN WORLD.

Jonathan Powell is now the PM's national security adviser.

Iain Dale interviews the wonderful Mary Beard about her new book TALKING CLASSICS: THE SHOCK OF THE OLD.

Iain Dale interviews the author James Macintyre about his new book GORDON BROWN: POWER WITH PURPOSE - going through Brown's political awakening, the battle for the Labour leadership, and then the huge challenges he faced in office.

Iain Dale interviews author Paul Bessel about his new book FINDING DAD, a memoir-investigation into the life of Paul’s father, Peter Bessel: a Liberal MP (1964-1970), close friend of Jeremy Thorpe, later a key prosecution witness in the 1979 Thorpe conspiracy-to-murder trial. Bessel explains why he delayed writing for decades, what triggered the book, and how fearful he was of uncovering painful truths in his parents’ archives. The conversation traces Peter Bessel’s rise as a respected Cornish MP, his later financial collapse, a dramatic disappearance in 1974 that left his family suddenly impoverished, and the complicated, sometimes clandestine life he led (including secret “work” Bessel suspects may have involved US national security).

Ian Dale interviews Carl Cashman, Lib Dem leader on Liverpool City Council, about his reputation as the 'UK's hottest politician', his upbringing in Prescot, being raised largely by his grandparents, later meeting his biological father at 22, and how class, accent, and confidence shaped him.

Iain Dale interviews Labour MP Naz Shah about being arrested with her mother for murder, how her background informs her work as an MP, what her faith means to her and more. Naz's new book is HONOURED: SURVIVAL, STRENGTH AND MY PATH TO POLITICS.

Iain Dale interviews former Conservative chancellor Sir Sajid Javid about his upbringing, his parents' arrival in the UK, his father's work on the buses, forgiving him later in life for hitting Sajid as a child, Sajid's relationship with his brother and heroic mother and more. Sir Sajid's new book is THE COLOUR OF HOME.

Iain Dale interviews Major-General Alastair Bruce about what makes a good Royal correspondent, his time in the military - and being the governor of Edinburgh Castle!

Iain Dale interviews West Ham legend Clyde Best about his upbringing and how he found a love for football, the racism he faced over his years in the sport, the influence he's had on the beautiful game - and the new documentary THE CLYDE BEST STORY.

Iain Dale interviews the BBC's Russia editor Steve Rosenberg about going from starting out in journalism to being face to face with Vladimir Putin, about Steve's love not only for the BBC... but for the Eurovision Song Contest - and lots more.

Iain Dale interviews host of the Heretics podcast Andrew Gold about the shifting sands on both the left and the right, times guests have had a go at him, his experiences with Tommy Robinson and more.

In an interview from Iain's LBC show in 2010, David Starkey talks monarchy, the Milibands, being a contrarian and more.

In an interview from Iain's LBC show in 2010, Gyles Brandreth talks his own time at LBC, moving from politics to entertainment, what he thinks of diarist Samuel Pepys, old teddy bears, Oscar Wilde - and David Davis being rebellious!

Iain Dale interviews barrister and broadcaster Hashi Mohamed about his childhood being brought to the UK as a refugee after his father's death in Kenya, making it as a lawyer, trying to make a difference... and what happens if his interns are late!

Iain Dale interviews LBC presenter Henry Riley about his climb from assistant producer to presenter at the station, what Nick Ferrari had him doing as a reporter, his time before LBC, losing weight - and more.

Iain Dale interviews lawyer and LBC presenter Daniel Barnett about his strict on-air style, his experience representing 'Britain's fattest man', cross-examining Wolf from Gladiators and his skills in wine tasting!

Iain Dale interviews LBC's political editor Natasha Clark about her start as a journalist, moving from print to broadcast, asking President Trump a question and more!

More best bits from Iain's All Talk interviews of 2025, featuring such names as Piers Morgan, Beth Rigby, Jeremy Hunt and Frank Gardner.

Some of the best bits from Iain's All Talk interviews of 2025, featuring some fascinating people from broadcasting, politics and the media, as well as some of Iain's friends. It's all here - just sit back and enjoy.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to author and columnist Matthew Syed about the art of failing well, the state of the world, what the Tories should be doing better, what's going on with President Trump - and Matthew's book BLACK BOX THINKING: GROWTH MINDSET AND THE SECRETS OF HIGH PERFORMANCE. Matthew also speaks to a few LBC callers.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to Lord Moore about the myths surrounding Margaret Thatcher, what she was really like, the consequences of the miners' strike - and Charles's new book combining his biographies of her. Charles takes LBC listeners' questions too.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster James Max about getting into radio, his time on The Apprentice, the magic of LBC - and his work as president of the Royal Albert Hall.

Iain Dale interviews Conservative peer Lord William Waldegrave about his 'very posh' upbringing, getting into politics and then working for Ted Heath, then with Margaret Thatcher and John Major! Full of wonderful anecdotes from his many years in Westminster - do enjoy.

Iain Dale interviews journalist and former media executive about the highs and lows of tabloid journalism, working with Rupert Murdoch - and his new political novel DYING DAYS.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Duncan Barkes about his time at LBC but also local radio - the benefits and challenges of various timeslots... and the question of seagulls vs pigeons!

Iain Dale interviews campaigner and author Paul Holden about his new book The Fraud which lays bare the intrigues, stratagems, and deceits that helped deliver Sir Keir Starmer to Downing Street at the behest of a man most people couldn't pick out of a crowd...

Iain Dale interviews ex-editor of the New Statesman Jason Cowley about the key to being a good editor, the highs and lows, and what he makes of the current political landscape!

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Piers Morgan about his new book WOKE IS DEAD which argues that offence is going out of fashion - but they also speak about Piers's close relationship with President Trump and his move from traditional telly to YouTube.

Iain Dale interviews journalist and Sky News broadcaster Sophy Ridge. They speak about her upcoming move to a breakfast slot and what that will mean for her life, her best and worst interview moments, what it takes to break into the industry and more!

Iain Dale interviews US political commentator former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan about the art of speechwriting, the process of crafting and redrafting them, and her most memorable works - but also what it was like working in the White House with a man like President Reagan. A truly fascinating conversation!

Iain Dale spoke back in 2012 with crossbench peer and political historian Lord Hennessy.

Iain Dale spoke back in 2012 to the hugely inspiring first female president of Ireland Mary Robinson.

Iain Dale interviews former chancellor, foreign secretary and health secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt live at the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk about the differing challenges of the various jobs, what it's like living in Number 11 Downing Street, meeting Henry Kissinger and more!

Iain Dale catches up with three top analysts, pollster Sir John Curtice, Scottish political journalist Brian Taylor and seasoned Westminster-watcher Michael Crick - they read the current political runes and judge who's up and who's down.

Iain Dale interviews safeguarding minister Jess Phillips live at the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk about Jess's life as a minister, being under attack from Elon Musk, being heckled at her election count and who's her favourite Tory.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to culture minister Sir Chris Bryant about his new book A LIFE AND A HALF: THE UNEXPECTED MAKING OF A POLITICIAN.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show with former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon about her divorce, her friendship with Alex Salmond, what she thinks about JK Rowling and more.

Iain is joined by former national security adviser and UK ambassador to the US Lord Darroch live from the Edinburgh Fringe festival. They speak about whether a peace deal in Ukraine is likely, what could happen next in Gaza, how well Keir Starmer is handling foreign policy and more!

Iain is joined by Lord Heseltine live from the Edinburgh Fringe festival. It's a truly special conversation about his long time in Westminster, working with Margaret Thatcher, his anti-Brexit campaigning and more - take a listen!

Iain Dale is joined by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, live from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - they discuss women in politics, the challenges of being a Chancellor, and bad hair days!

Iain Dale dips into the LBC archives, where he speaks with champion jockey, AP McCoy - they discuss how to get past setbacks and the debate on horse whipping in the sport.

Iain Dale spoke back in 2011 to the wonderful poet Pam Ayres - dive in for some warm fun!

Iain Dale interviews Conservative MP Wendy Morton about growing up in a farming family and getting into politics, as well as her time as chief whip when Liz Truss was PM - and all the chaos that came with that role!

In this edition of All Talk, we look back to 2014 when former cabinet minister Norman Tebbit joined Iain for a recording. They discuss Norman's experience surviving the Brighton bombing in 1984, his views on the potential for an EU referendum and how he compares modern politics to his era, as well as his children's novel. We remember Lord Tebbit, who died this week at the age of 94.

Iain spoke back in 2012 to comedian Miranda Hart - here it is for your what I call listening pleasure!

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy about his wonderful career and the state of the media. They discuss what it takes to carry out a good interview, Krishnan's love of foreign reporting, his most memorable moments in front of the camera and the future of the 'legacy media' - and more!

Iain Dale interviews author and commentator Sarah Vine about being a political wife (formerly to Michael Gove), how to split up well, how her friendship with the Camerons ended, dealing with criticism and loads more - much of which is included in Sarah's new book HOW NOT TO BE A POLITICAL WIFE.

Iain Dale interviews former chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt on his LBC show about his time taking over after thatmini-budget, whether Keir Starmer is getting it right with Donald Trump, what might happen next in Gaza - as well as his new book CAN WE BE GREAT AGAIN?. Sir Jeremy speaks to callers too.

Iain speaks on his LBC show to the historian and former political journalist Tim Bouverie about his new book ALLIES AT WAR: THE POLITICS OF DEFEATING HITLER, and what today's politicians could learn from history. Tim also takes listener calls.

Iain Dale interviews Labour peer and political consultant Deborah Mattinson. They discuss the challenge of telling party leaders bad news, her work advising Keir Starmer as leader of the opposition and the drama around Gordon Brown not calling an election - and much more!

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to former chief whip Simon Hart about his book UNGOVERNABLE which lifts the lid on the sordid underbelly of Westminster. Simon also takes listener calls.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to the journalist and activist Ash Sarkar. They discuss how her political viewpoint has changed over the years, what social media is doing to our political discourse and how the Labour Party's doing - as well as Ash's new book MINORITY RULE: ADVENTURES IN THE CULTURE WAR. Ash also takes calls from LBC listeners.

Iain Dale interviews campaigner and crossbench peer Baroness Kidron about her work on keeping children safe online, her time as a filmmaker and Hollywood director... and the biggest diva she's ever worked with!

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster and radio guru Richard Park about his fascinating career. They discuss how he started out in pirate radio, his time as boss of Capital Radio and being one of the first TV judges on Fame Academy - and much more.

Iain Dale interviews BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner about his new thriller INVASION about potential war between China and Taiwan - they also discuss Frank's pluckiness as a self-starter when he set out in the media - and his frustrating experiences travelling by plane with a wheelchair.

Iain Dale interviews shadow leader of the House of Commons Jesse Norman. They compare Jesse's various previous ministerial positions, which ones were fun and which ones were less so, they discuss what it's like being interviewed by Andrew Neil, they chat about Jesse's experience working on the COVID furlough scheme - and lots more besides. And they remember Jesse's father, who died the day before the interview.

Iain Dale interviews former Tory MP and minister Mark Field about his new book THE END OF AN ERA: THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE TORY PARTY. They speak about why rifts have appeared among Conservatives, how much of a role chance has to play in doing well in politics, Mark's beef with Rory Stewart and affair with Liz Truss!

Iain Dale interviews chief executive of Arts Council England Darren Henley - they talk about his time running Classic FM, his reviews for the government on culture and music education, and what the Arts Council is for - and lots more, including the book he's edited titled THE ARTS DIVIDEND.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Matt Frei - an the anecdotes are next-level! Matt talks about growing up in Germany, his run-in with Donald Trump, having a gun held to his head... and so much more. Don't miss this one!

Iain Dale interviews Conservative peer and former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine about his remarkable and long career, his memories and regrets from his years in government, working with Margaret Thatcher, how the current government is getting on and much more. The second volume of Lord Heseltine's memoirs FROM ACORNS TO OAKS: AN URGENT AGENDA TO REBUILD BRITAIN is out now.

Iain Dale interviews historian and broadcaster Dr Tessa Dunlop. They've just launched a new podcast Where Politics Meets History - they talk about that of course, plus Tessa's Scottish roots, her love for Romania, and never getting attached to money!

Iain Dale interviews journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund about their great new book Get In - they talk about Keir Starmer's rise to power, the man behind much of his success Morgan McSweeney and how well the PM gets on with the deputy PM Angela Rayner - and much more!

Iain interviews former deputy prime minister Baroness Thérèse Coffey about her many roles in government and which were her favourite (and least favourite!), as well as what she wants to do next in life as she's joined the Lords and her relationship with former prime minister Liz Truss... and much more!

Iain Dale interviews Lib Dem MP and former cabinet minister Alistair Carmichael. They discuss the much larger number of Lib Dem MPs after the last election, how Alistair got into politics and what he learned from former careers - plus, the anniversary of his party's former leader Jo Grimond first being elected to Parliament.

Iain Dale interviews journalist and editor of The Oldie magazine Harry Mount about the art of writing a good column, the pressures of being an editor, having a famous father and what kind of impact that had on his childhood - and more!

Iain interviews journalist and broadcaster Beth Rigby about the highlights and challenges of being Sky's political editor, how to get the most out of a political interview, the fun of podcasting over broadcasting and loads more.

Iain Dale interviews journalist and broadcaster Nicholas Watt about how he got started in journalism, his time working in Northern Ireland and Brussels, and the changes at Newsnight - plus much more!

On Holocaust Memorial Day, and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Iain Dale interviews Holocaust survivor Hannah Lewis, who was forcibly marched to a labour camp in a village called Adampol as a child, where she witnessed her mother being shot dead by Nazi a death squad. Of her extended family, only Hannah and her father would survive the war. They speak about Hannah's experiences, and the importance of remembering the Holocaust all these years on.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Jo Coburn about the challenges of chairing a debate programme, how much production goes into her interviews - and the differences between being a correspondent and being a presenter.

Iain Dale interviews Times columnist and Conservative peer Lord Finkelstein. They discuss the life of an opinion writer - what works and what doesn't, the extraordinary story of his parents living through the Holocaust - and his work in politics including prepping John Major for PMQs!

NOTE: This is a re-upload to fix a technical issue for some listeners!

Iain Dale interviews communications expert and Number 10 adviser Katie Perrior. Katie tells some fantastic stories about the various politicians she's worked with, explains how crucial comms is in politics - and the importance of having great colleagues!

Iain Dale interviews blogger and journalist Paul Staines, who until recently ran the Guido Fawkes website. Never one to dodge a controversial story, Paul is a fascinating character. They talk all things politics, gossip and journalism!

Some of the best bits from Iain's All Talk interviews of 2024- featuring some of the finest broadcasters, politicians and journalists, as well as some of Iain's friends. It's all here - just sit back and enjoy.

Iain Dale interviews political journalist Glen Oglaza about his career in TV covering Hillsborough, Dunblane and the fall of the Berlin Wall among much else - it's all contained in his memoirs WHEN I STORIES and MORE WHEN I STORIES.

Iain Dale interviews former Labour MP and shadow cabinet figure Jonathan Ashworth, who's now the boss of the influential Labour Together think tank. They talk about life after losing an election, how the government is getting on, whether he'd like to return to the political front line and more!

Iain Dale interviews former culture secretary Nadine Dorries about her latest book DOWNFALL: THE SELF-DESTRUCTION OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY. They discuss what's going wrong for the Tories - and the toxic culture Nadine thinks is rife in Westminster.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to historian and author Sir Richard Evans - who used to teach Iain at uni! They discuss his book HITLER'S PEOPLE, all about those men and women who created and served the Third Reich - and why so many Germans took part in the crimes of Nazi Germany. Sir Richard also takes calls from LBC listeners.