

Leo Varadkar
Former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland and leader of Fine Gael, known for being Ireland's youngest and first openly gay head of government; guest on the episode to discuss his memoir Speaking My Mind and contemporary politics.
Top 5 podcasts with Leo Varadkar
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183 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 51min
Leo Varadkar on Trump, Starmer and the death of liberalism
Leo Varadkar, Ireland's youngest and first openly gay Taoiseach, discusses his memoir and the evolving political landscape. He compares the challenges of dealing with Trump and Johnson, revealing insights about their leadership styles. Varadkar critiques the current state of liberalism, citing a loss of fun and the rise of cancel culture. He emphasizes the need for centrist politicians to adopt relatable communication and expresses concerns over the influence of billionaires in media. His reflections on the potential for a united Ireland and changes in British politics offer a thought-provoking perspective.

22 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 44min
Leo Varadkar on Brexit, Boris Johnson & Coming Out
Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach of Ireland and author of "Speaking My Mind," shares his journey to leadership and discusses Brexit's impact on Ireland. He delves into his experiences with Boris Johnson during key negotiations and reflects on how coming out influenced his views on social issues. Varadkar addresses Ireland's housing crisis and the need for updated international refugee policies. He also shares light-hearted concert memories, revealing a love for pop music that adds a personal touch to his political narrative.

13 snips
May 23, 2025 • 39min
Leo Varadkar on Donald Trump, and the EU’s Israel dilemma
Rym Momtaz, a European and Middle Eastern politics expert, discusses the EU's evolving stance on its trade agreement with Israel amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Leo Varadkar, former Irish Taoiseach, shares insights on navigating the complexities of identity politics and the EU-U.K. relationship post-Brexit. They explore the implications of U.S. and German military aid suspensions and the pressing need for the EU to take a unified approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting Ireland's unique position in this geopolitical landscape.

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 5min
Leo Varadkar: Former Prime Minister of Ireland on Power and Letting Go
Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach of Ireland and trained GP, shares his remarkable journey from a mixed-heritage childhood to leading his country through significant challenges like Brexit and historic referendums. He discusses the emotional toll of leadership, the importance of identity, and the rapid social changes in Ireland. Varadkar reflects on his decision to step away from politics at just 45, emphasizing a desire for balance in life. This candid conversation unveils insights about resilience, ambition, and the dynamics of power in a transforming Ireland.

Sep 15, 2025 • 23min
Leo Varadkar on his book 'Speaking My Mind'
Leo Varadkar, the former Taoiseach of Ireland and writer of the memoir 'Speaking My Mind', shares his fascinating journey from teenage ambition to political leadership. He discusses his early struggles and the mentorship that shaped him. Varadkar also dives into the challenges he faced during his tenure, including Brexit negotiations and social crises, revealing the personal and political controversies that marked his path. His candid reflections provide an enlightening glimpse into the life of a prominent political figure.