Alas Vine & Hitchens
Daily Mail
What's the Big Idea?Finally, Sarah Vine (once memorably described as being ‘like and loathed in equal measure, divisive, but never indecisive’) and Peter Hitchens (a man whose writing a critic was called to compare to a Guardsman’s boot: ‘as highly polished and potentially lethal’) meet once a week to look at the world and mutter, alas… Acclaimed columnist and journalist Sarah Vine and best-selling author and broadcaster Peter Hitchens discuss and dissect social, economic, and pop cultural flotsam and jetsam that have risen out of the dark waters of that week’s news. Taking one big idea each episode and pulling it apart with élan, imagine Vine and Hitchens respective columns brought to life and then skewered, scoffed at, debated, and given the full weight of Vine and Hitchens impenetrable gaze. Though an accord might not always be reached, it’s the journey that matters. Whether it’s the tech bros gone rogue – Meta tearing up its own rule book on fact checking, Musk attempting to influence governmental policy, or the knotty subject on society’s ever-increasing reliance on anti-depressants to treat what might just be the modern malaise and not depression at all. Or, evil, nature or nurture? Does evil actually exist or is it an idea that hangs over us, or do we just sometime embody it and the actions themselves are evil, not the individual? All this and more are to be pored over, one towering topic each week discussed with humour, insight, and real understanding.Take part in our listener survey here:https://ex-plorsurvey.com/survey/selfserve/550/g517/250305?list=9#?To get in touch email alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on WhatsApp - on 07796 657512 start your message with the word 'alas'Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Phillip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2025 • 39min
Singing Bob Dylan on a Steep Hill and Health & Safety Gone Mad
On this week’s episode, Peter and Sarah ask why parks shit down at the first sign of inclement weather? Why do under twenty-five-year-olds feel the need to rail against something, but not bother to read up on it first (we’ve all been there)? Elsewhere, Peter recalls chasing a bicycle thief while hitting him about the head with a bag of dirty laundry. Not to be outdone, Sarah admits to punching her brother in the face with her car keys, which should teach them both something about bringing up politics at a restaurant table. On our reading and watch list this week: · Anshel Pfeffer - Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu· E.H. Gombrich - A Little History of the World· Roy Strong – The Story Of Britain· Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall - Our Island Story: A History of Britain for Boys and Girls from the Romans to Queen VictoriaPlease do get in touch, email: alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas’.Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 44min
Digital IDs, Dinosaurs and Class A Drugs
Digital ID cards spark a heated debate on privacy and potential government control. Peter and Sarah dive into the absurdities of national obsessions, from tea rituals to infrastructure quirks. Michael Gove's drug confessions raise questions about accountability and sincerity. The duo also explores time travel fantasies, with destinations ranging from historical events to the age of dinosaurs, paired with dream artifacts to bring back. Nostalgia for train journeys and reflections on collective cultural fixations round out their engaging discussion.
30 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 36min
The Cost of Health Tourism and Why Do We Kill?
Delve into the intriguing world of medical tourism as the hosts uncover the hefty £252m the NHS is owed. They challenge the reluctance to charge foreign patients and explore the balance between public and private healthcare. The conversation turns dark when they analyze the psychological factors behind assassinations, discussing motives like fanaticism and the quest for notoriety. They also touch on the impact of the internet and drugs on violent behavior. Finally, a listener's question sparks a debate on the Union Jack versus the Union Flag.
22 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 39min
Our Submarine Fleet is Sunk and what to call Camilla
Peter and Sarah dive into the complexities of calling Camilla 'the Queen', blending personal anecdotes with public sentiment. They lament the struggles of Britain's submarine fleet, exploring the heavy costs and controversial US missile leases. Listener dreams take a humorous turn as Peter reveals his car, while they tackle broader topics including traffic light frustrations and a critique of psychiatric practices. Their insightful discussions touch on current affairs, thrumming with wit and engaging commentary.
26 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 44min
Fly the Flag, Sea Fences, and I Dream of Peter
Peter and Sarah dive into the fascinating world of vexillology, sharing personal anecdotes about flags and their significance. They humorously discuss a listener's controversial idea of integrating migrants into the military. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they consider the challenges of illegal migration and propose unconventional solutions like sea fences. Educational issues come to light, shedding light on the failings of the UK's system, while whimsical dreams and poetry add a lighthearted touch to the discussion.
Sep 6, 2025 • 49min
Nadine Dorries says Boris and Nigel should work together, if their egos allow
In this exclusive episode, Sarah Vine & Peter Hitchens managed to grab lady of the moment Nadine Dorries, fresh from her unveiling at Reform’s conference.They tackle the state of the right, where it all went wrong for the Conservatives, whether the union to end all unions if one the cards, and yes… whether singing on stage is an acceptable face of a serious party.It’s a hum-dinger - you won’t want to miss it.Please do get in touch, email: alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas’.Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensGuest: Nadine DorriesProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 3, 2025 • 53min
Digital IDs, Daddy Issues and Dude, What’s My Car?
On this week’s episode, should we be worried about Keir Starmer’s digital IDs when, according to Sarah, we’re a slave to the digital idiom as it is. Not that Peter quite sees it like that. Nor do the pair see eye to eye on the raising of children and what staying at home means for the parents or baby. Voices were raised, thoughts were shared, it would be untrue to say compromises were met.Elsewhere, Peter doesn’t know what car he drives, its size he’s fairly sure of and that it can get him to the occasional funerals of his friends. Sarah told him to check the badge on the bonnet, which went well.On our reading, watch and listening list this week: · Boomers: The Men and Women Who Promised Freedom and Delivered Disaster – Helen Andrews· The Invisible Rainbow: A History of Electricity and Life – Arthur Firstenberg· Girl, 20 – Kingsley Amis· Flashman at the Charge - George MacDonald Fraser· Night Watch: A Discworld Novel – Terry Pratchett · Down with Skool! A Guide to School Life for Tiny Pupils and their Parents – Geoffrey WillansPlease do get in touch, email: alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas’.Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 27, 2025 • 40min
Headscarves, Hijabs and Underperforming Politicians
On this week’s episode, Sarah wonders if Kier Starmer’s perceived weakness in leadership might have kicked open the door for Nigel Farage to come through? And Peter would like to ask; the hijab, a sign of oppression, or something that as a society should make us think more?Elsewhere, did any government in living memory impress Peter? Don’t count on it. Why did Christopher Hitchens once storm out of The Great Lives recording studio and who did our hosts choose to revere when it came to their turn in The Great Lives chair? Plus, is there really a better biscuit then the classic Custard Cream? On our reading, watch and listening list this week: · The Roads To Freedom - Dir: James Cellan Jones· Crooked Cross – Sally Carson· Tales Of The City – Armistead Maupin (Radio 4)· The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy – Douglas Adams (Radio 4)Please do get in touch, email: alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas’.Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 20, 2025 • 41min
Porous Pension Pots and Please Appease Me
On this week’s episode, Sarah wonders if it’s worth putting into your pension pot anymore as new government policies promise to make your golden years anything but. While Peter would like to ask why does nobody likes appeasement until it suits them? Not that Sarah can help with that, she’s one of life’s great appeasers. Elsewhere, all things considered, Peter would rather be a rich Edwardian, Sarah misses Swansea and one of our presenters gives a spirited rendition of the rallying cry of fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks. It’s quite something.On our reading and watch list this week: · A Pocket Full Of Rye - Agatha Christie· The Lie - Agatha Christie (Drama on 4)· The Nine Tailors – Dorothy L Sayers· The Sign Of The Four – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle· Tales Of The Unexpected - Now TVPlease do get in touch, email: alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas’.Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h
The Not So Great War and Does Counselling Really Work?
Explore the intriguing question of why Britain entered the First World War and the profound changes it brought. Delve into the benefits of counselling as Sarah advocates for its importance while Peter remains skeptical. Peter shares amusing insights about his past, including his near-miss with a motorcycle gang. The hosts also discuss the impact of cultural shifts in 1968 and the enduring power of classic films, particularly Billy Wilder's The Apartment. Join the conversation as they navigate history, therapy, and creativity!
