Iain Dale All Talk
Award-winning LBC radio presenter, writer and ‘For the Many’ podcast co-host, Iain Dale brings his acclaimed, incisive insight on current affairs as he speaks with high profile media and political figures.
Episodes
392. Sarah Vine and Andrew Pierce
Iain Dale interviews journalists Sarah Vine and Andrew Pierce about their books - Sarah's on being a political wife and Andrew's on finding his birth mother - live at the Edinburgh Fringe.
391. Baroness Gillian Shephard and Lord Robin Butler
Iain Dale interviews a couple of peers, one a former Cabinet minister and one a former senior civil servant - Baroness Gillian Shephard and Lord Robin Butler - live from the Edinburgh Fringe.
390. Ben Macintyre
Iain Dale interviews historian Ben Macintyre about his fascinating new book REDWOOD: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE COLD WAR'S MOST EXTRAORDINARY SPY.
389. Michael Crick, John Curtice and Brian Taylor
Iain Dale interviews a trio of political obsessives - broadcaster Michael Crick, political scientist John Curtice and journalist Brian Taylor - live at the Edinburgh Fringe. This episode was recorded before the Clacton by-election.
388. Simon Sebag Montefiore
Iain Dale interviews historian Simon Sebag Montefiore about his new book THE CAULDRON: THE MAKING OF THE MODERN MIDDLE EAST
387. Paul Mason
Iain Dale interviews journalist and broadcaster Paul Mason about his new book REDS: A GLOBAL HISTORY OF COMMUNISM.
386. Caroline Slocock
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!
385. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Richard Ratcliffe
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.
384. Zack Polanski
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!
383. Kemi Badenoch
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!
382. Wes Streeting
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.
381. Joanna Cherry
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.
380. Nicola Sturgeon
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!
379. Remembering Rod Liddle
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-leanin
378. From the archive: Emily Maitlis
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.
377. Remembering Kevin Keegan
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 alongs
376. Iain Dale - with Daniel Forrester
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
375. Remembering Ann Widdecombe
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.
374. Ali Miraj
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!
373. Sandy Warr
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.
372. Lord Matthew Elliott
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.
371. Catherine Mayer
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.
370. Francis Foster
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.
369. Dr Sian Williams
Iain Dale interviews broadcaster-turned-counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams - live from Fowey!
368. Lord Peter Ricketts
Iain Dale interviews former head of the Foreign Office and former national security adviser Lord Ricketts - live from Fowey.
367. Sarah Vine
Iain Dale interviews Mail columnist Sarah Vine, live in Fowey.
366. Sir Jeremy Hunt
Iain Dale interviews former Conservative foreign secretary and chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt, live in Fowey.
365. From the archive: Jonathan Powell
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.
364. Mary Beard
Iain Dale interviews the wonderful Mary Beard about her new book TALKING CLASSICS: THE SHOCK OF THE OLD.
363. James Macintyre
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.
362. Paul Bessell
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 t
361. Carl Cashman
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.
360. Naz Shah
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.
359. Sir Sajid Javid
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.
358. Alastair Bruce
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!
357. Clyde Best
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.
356. Steve Rosenberg
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.
355. Andrew Gold
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.
354. From the archive: David Starkey
In an interview from Iain's LBC show in 2010, David Starkey talks monarchy, the Milibands, being a contrarian and more.
353. From the archive: Gyles Brandreth
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!
352. Hashi Mohamed
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!
351. Henry Riley
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.
350. Daniel Barnett
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!
349. Natasha Clark
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!
348. The Best of 2025: Part 2
More best bits from Iain's All Talk interviews of 2025, featuring such names as Piers Morgan, Beth Rigby, Jeremy Hunt and Frank Gardner.
347. The Best of 2025: Part 1
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.
346. Matthew Syed
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.
345. Lord Charles Moore
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.
344. James Max
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.
343. Lord William Waldegrave
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.
342. Les Hinton
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.
341. Duncan Barkes
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!
340. Paul Holden
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...
339. Jason Cowley
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!
338. Piers Morgan
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.
337. Sophy Ridge
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!
336. Peggy Noonan
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!
335. From the archive: Lord Hennessy
Iain Dale spoke back in 2012 with crossbench peer and political historian Lord Hennessy.
334. From the archive: Mary Robinson
Iain Dale spoke back in 2012 to the hugely inspiring first female president of Ireland Mary Robinson.
333. Sir Jeremy Hunt
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!
332. Sir John Curtice, Brian Taylor and Michael Crick
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.
331. Jess Phillips
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.
330. Sir Chris Bryant
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.
329. Nicola Sturgeon
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.
328. Lord Kim Darroch
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!
327. Lord Michael Heseltine
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!
326. Rachel Reeves
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!
325. AP McCoy
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.
324. From the archive: Pam Ayres
Iain Dale spoke back in 2011 to the wonderful poet Pam Ayres - dive in for some warm fun!
323. Wendy Morton
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!
Remembering Norman Tebbit
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.
322. From the archive: Miranda Hart
Iain spoke back in 2012 to comedian Miranda Hart - here it is for your what I call listening pleasure!
321. Krishnan Guru-Murthy
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!
320. Sarah Vine
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.
319. Sir Jeremy Hunt
Iain Dale interviews former chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt on his LBC show about his time taking over after that mini-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.
318. Tim Bouverie
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.
317. Baroness Deborah Mattinson
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!
316. Simon Hart
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.
315. Ash Sarkar
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.
314. Baroness Beeban Kidron
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!
