

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

Feb 26, 2025 • 33min
Trump, the Rise of Europe’s Far Right and what now for NATO?
The conversation dives deep into the rise of far-right movements across Europe, exploring discontent with mainstream politics and how it reflects a broader shift in public sentiment. The hosts analyze the complexities of the Ukraine conflict, scrutinizing Zelensky's leadership and the evolving role of NATO. They also dissect the contrasting political dynamics of Trump and Macron, revealing the challenges of modern diplomacy. Along the way, they address the growing need for balanced representation of conservative viewpoints and the implications for the EU.

Feb 18, 2025 • 1min
Introducing... Alas Vine & Hitchens
Join a captivating duo as they delve into the absurdities of modern life and politics. They humorously debate the impact of antidepressants on societal malaise and the political landscape. Explore intricate questions about the nature of evil—does it really exist, or is it simply an action? Expect lively discussions filled with wit, insight, and personal anecdotes that shine a light on today’s pressing issues.