Fraser Nelson, a prominent British political journalist and former editor of The Spectator, joins Yascha Mounk to delve into pressing issues facing the UK. They discuss the dwindling popularity of the Labour government and the cyclical nature of political disillusionment. Fraser critiques the welfare state, advocating for reforms to better address social dysfunction and economic challenges post-Brexit. They also touch on the impact of foreign ownership in British media, highlighting the importance of safeguarding press freedom.

Fraser Nelson and David Laws discuss the PM's plan to replace A-levels with a new qualification and address the challenges in the education system. They talk about the potential implementation issues and the importance of addressing disadvantage and teaching quality for improving educational outcomes. They express skepticism about the prioritization of education and emphasize the need to address problems in the school system.

Fraser Nelson, a political commentator, and Liam Halligan, an economist, delve into Labour's ambitious housing policy, proposing councils acquire green belt land to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. They debate the implications of this strategy amid rising housing crises affecting younger voters. The conversation also touches on Kemi Badenoch's emerging role in the Tory leadership race, analyzing her confrontational style and appeal to right-wing activists. Will Labour's reforms reshape planning policies, or will they face backlash from NIMBYs?

Cindy Yu, a Contributor to The Spectator, sheds light on the intense work ethic in China, discussing the personal sacrifices tied to corporate culture. Igor Toronyi-Lalic dives into Marguerite Duras' unique cinematic style, influenced by her struggles. Mary Wakefield explores the unsettling Giselle Pellico case, revealing uncomfortable truths about consent. Fraser Nelson reflects on his 15-year tenure as editor, while Michael Gove shares insights from his time at the editor's desk, marking a transition in leadership.

Fraser Nelson, former editor of The Spectator, reflects on 15 years of editorial challenges. Dominic Sandbrook and Mary Beard discuss the importance of engaging children with complex history books, advocating for narratives that respect their intelligence. Christoffer van Tulleken debates the health impacts of ultra-processed foods, stressing societal implications in dietary choices. Meanwhile, Mary Beard critiques the portrayal of women in ancient Rome, prompting a reevaluation of historical narratives. Mark Jenkins shares amusing insights on hotel breakfast buffet etiquette.

Fraser Nelson, a former editor known for his fierce debates, clashes with Kate Andrews, an economics editor famous for her strong opinions. They tackle whether we should be optimistic about the next ten years, with Fraser arguing that it's one of the best times in history despite civil liberties and economic challenges. They explore crucial topics, including rising natalism, the struggle of public services, and the complexities of global conflicts. Their contrasting views invite listeners to ponder progress, societal issues, and the future of the UK.

Kemi Badenoch, a leadership candidate in the Conservative Party, stirs up controversy with her remarks on maternity pay, sparking an engaging debate. Katy Balls, a political journalist, alongside economic expert Kate Andrews and commentator Fraser Nelson, dissect the backlash and its implications for businesses. They explore the current dynamics of the Tory leadership race, highlighting how rival candidates are responding to this heated issue. Tune in to uncover insights on leadership aspirations amid a shifting political landscape.

Michael Gove, the newly appointed editor of The Spectator and a prominent political figure, is joined by Fraser Nelson, the former editor. They delve into the significance of Gove's leadership role and reflect on the changing landscape of the publication. The discussions reveal an optimistic outlook for the UK's economy, as the OECD raises growth expectations from 0.4% to 1.1%. They also analyze the implications of the Labour Party's recent conference, particularly its narratives on economic growth and the challenges of balancing green jobs with traditional industries.

Fraser Nelson reflects on a historic week for The Spectator, highlighting its editorial independence amid ownership changes. David Whitehouse tackles the Riemann Hypothesis, a fascinating conundrum in mathematics. Imogen Yates discusses the booming health tech industry and its impact on family dynamics through innovations like personalized nutrition programs. Sean McGlynn reviews Dan Jones’s captivating book on Henry V, while Ruari Clark humorously shares his experiences and insights on the art of rolling cigarettes, blending personal stories with deeper philosophical musings.

Fraser Nelson, a sharp political journalist, and Katy Balls, a keen political editor, dive into the controversy of scrapping one-word Ofsted classifications by Keir Starmer. They discuss the implications for parents and teachers, weighing accountability against educational quality. The duo also analyzes the launch of Tory leadership campaigns, highlighting Kemi Badenoch's focus on conservative values versus James Cleverly's attention to policy issues. With contrasting images of candidates, they reveal how endorsements could shape the party's future.