Alas Vine & Hitchens

This week, the hosts tackle the contentious topic of cousin marriage and the political hesitation surrounding its condemnation. They pivot to the Iranian uprising, discussing the risks of foreign intervention and historical Western miscalculations. Economic turmoil and youth dissatisfaction fuel protests in Iran. The conversation shifts to the impact of American English on linguistics, with debates over grammar and usage. Finally, humor shines through as they share personal food aversions, rounding out a lively discussion.

The discussion kicks off with concerns about the UK's military posture and the dangers of romanticizing war. Peter critiques the totalitarian undertones in labeling dissent as unpatriotic, while delving into the motives behind military funding and media hype. The conversation navigates through the implications of seizing Russian assets and Germany's evolving role within the EU. They also explore the intersection of conservatism and cultural values, connecting beloved characters like Winnie-the-Pooh to broader political themes.

On this week’s episode, Peter is poring over the latest US national security strategy and being rather surprised by what he finds there. While Sarah is looking at why some people are calling for a resumption of the cancelled Lord Leveson Inquiry and therefore suggesting we blinker the free press.  Plus, our duo on the Arkansas Razorbacks (again), the legacy of Roy Jenkins, what happened to independent newspapers in Kazakhstan and what it feels like to move your family across the Atlantic Ocean.On our reading and watch list this week: ·      Dangerous estate: The anatomy of newspapers – Francis Williams·      Roy Jenkins: A Well-Rounded Life - John Campbell·      The Godfather-in-law: the Real Documentation – Rakhat Aliyev  Please do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.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 East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular 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.

On this week’s episode, Peter wonders if it ever matters that Kier Starmer and Tony Blair were once Trotskyists? As well as addressing some recent, stinging criticism from a fellow Mail columnist… And Sarah ruminates on the Australian government’s ban on social media for children, and asks is it enough, or should we just wrestle the smartphones from their hands completely? Plus, our duo on the best custard creams money can buy, where they’d settle if they were still young and free and what exactly is left of the BBC’s monopoly. On our reading and watch list this week:  ·      French Connection II – Dir: John Frankenheimer·      The Well-Dressed Revolutionary: The Odyssey of Michel Pablo – Hall Greenland·      The Cameron Delusion – Peter Hitchens  Please do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.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 East A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular 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.

Sarah Vine opens up about her lifelong struggle with hair loss, revealing her decision to ditch the wig and embrace her true self. Peter Hitchens delves into the gripping story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a dual national caught in a web of international politics. The duo tackles identity politics and its impact on the working class, while sharing humorous takes on their Spotify Wrapped results. Listeners also weigh in, likening Peter to a maverick from Top Gun, adding a playful twist to serious discussions.

At St. Peter's College, Peter Hitchens explores the complex political landscape of Ukraine, debunking myths about Russia's motives and questioning the viability of peace. Sarah Vine humorously laments the increasing commercialization of Christmas while sharing personal tales of holiday mishaps. The duo engages in a spirited debate on the evolution of women’s roles at work, touching on feminism's impacts and economic pressures. They also reflect on the implications of universal suffrage and offer candid insights on Donald Trump and Britain's military credibility.

A new trial for puberty blockers in children raises eyebrows, especially with concerns over long-term effects and the influence of medical ideology. David Lammy's proposal to remove juries from certain trials sparks debate about the value of jury systems, with hosts questioning the implications for justice. They also discuss the varying success of countries in handling COVID and reflect on the BBC's cultural impact and bias. Finally, a humorous take on vegetarianism and factory farming adds a lighter note to the conversation.

Delve into the riveting legacy of Leon Trotsky and the chilling story of his assassination by Ramón Mercader. The hosts debate the appropriateness of using the term 'piggy' in political discourse, particularly reflecting on Trump's controversial comments. Explore how insults in modern politics contribute to tribalism and division, while examining the cultural impact of misogyny. The discussion extends to literature, featuring Welsh authors and insights on Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Discover favorite fictional characters and recommended reading that enrich this engaging conversation.

This discussion dives into the fallout from Kate Clanchy’s cancellation, spotlighting the increasingly vocal outrage on social media and its impact on authors. The hosts analyze controversies at the BBC, including edits of Trump’s speeches and the debate over institutional bias. They ponder the role of publishers and the cowardice in the face of online pressure, while also debating the balance between free speech and online regulation. Plus, amusing anecdotes about travel mishaps and a love for vivid food descriptions in literature add a lighthearted touch.

The hosts dive into the controversy surrounding Prince Andrew's Falklands medals and debate the fairness of his title removal. They question the effectiveness of airport-style security in train stations and discuss the ridiculousness of underwire bras at screenings. Frustrations about parking permit portals highlight the problems of automated systems. A listener's letter sparks a lively critique of modern architecture and public taste. They also recommend engaging history books to rekindle a love for the past.