
Americano
The next chapter in American politics has begun, but is it going to be any less crazy? The Spectator's Americano podcast delivers in-depth discussions with the best American pundits to keep you in the loop. Presented by Freddy Gray.
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 26min
Is the trade deal a coup for Starmer?
Joining the discussion are Sarah Elliott, a trade expert at the Prosperity Institute, and Kate Andrews, Deputy US Editor of The Spectator. They dive into Trump’s newly announced UK-US trade deal, debating its significance and implications for transatlantic relations. The conversation navigates the complexities of tariffs, regulatory alignments, and the potential economic impact on UK workers. They also touch on the political dynamics within Labour regarding American influence and how these trade negotiations reflect broader geopolitical strategies.

17 snips
May 6, 2025 • 33min
How to revive the American mind
Ben Domenech, Editor-at-Large of Spectator World, dives deep with Christopher Rufo into the challenges plaguing American higher education. They discuss Rufo’s transformation from Democrat to conservative firebrand and his critiques of DEI policies. The duo highlights the impact of foreign donations on universities and the need for transparency. They also tackle free speech and anti-Semitism on campus, alongside the contentious nature of patriotism in education, revealing parallels between U.S. and British perspectives on national identity.

May 1, 2025 • 49min
Victor Davis Hanson on DEI, counter revolutions and why Trump is a 'tragic hero'
Victor Davis Hanson, a renowned classicist and scholar, delves into the sweeping changes of Trump's second presidency. He frames it as a counterrevolution against elite institutions and cultural drift. Hanson discusses the impact of Trump's policies on immigration and DEI initiatives, illustrating the growing divide between coastal elites and the working class. He critiques the hypocrisy of political discourse and underscores the need for educational reforms in response to shifting American sentiments, drawing intriguing parallels with the Roman Republic.

7 snips
May 1, 2025 • 56min
Professor Mearsheimer on Iran, Pete Hegseth & the foreign policy blob
In this engaging discussion, John Mearsheimer, a renowned foreign policy expert from the University of Chicago, teams up with Freddy Gray to dissect Donald Trump's foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran and the Middle East. They explore the impact of Trump's instincts versus execution and the internal divisions within his administration. Mearsheimer sheds light on Iran's military capabilities, critiques Israel's aggressive stance, and examines the complexities of U.S. engagement with global superpowers, including Russia and China.

4 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 22min
What's going on with Pete Hegseth?
Ben Domenech, the Spectator US Editor-at-Large, provides keen insights into the complexities of American politics with a focus on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's uncertain future. The discussion highlights Hegseth's unique position as an outsider in Washington and his challenges with contrasting factions. Tensions regarding U.S. foreign policy, especially concerning Iran and Israel, are explored, along with the implications of staff changes within the National Security Council. Domenech also touches on the political pressures shaping defense reforms under Trump's influence.

Apr 18, 2025 • 23min
Trump vs Harvard
Freddy Gray speaks to Peter Wood who is the President of the National Association of Scholars about Trump's decision to block Harvard funding after the university denied the President's DEI demands.

Apr 7, 2025 • 21min
Has Trump stopped the oligarchy?
Joe Weisenthal, co-host of Bloomberg’s Odd Lots podcast, brings his sharp economic insights to the table. He discusses the chaos sparked by President Trump's recent tariffs, leading to a temporary $4 trillion market surge fueled by misinterpretation. Weisenthal breaks down how media narratives shape financial markets and highlights the uncertainty surrounding trade policies. Additionally, he sheds light on the contradictions in Trump’s MAGA ideology and the challenges Democrats face in responding to a shifting economic landscape.

Apr 3, 2025 • 29min
Trump's tariffs: madman or mastermind?
In this conversation, William Clouston, the leader of the British Social Democratic Party, dives into the ramifications of Trump’s sweeping tariffs on the UK. He breaks down how a 10% duty on UK exports like automotive and Scotch whisky could reshape trade dynamics. Clouston examines the complexities of protectionism and its historical context, urging a robust industrial policy to bolster the British economy. The discussion touches on the balance needed between free markets and domestic protection, especially amid rising energy costs.

Apr 2, 2025 • 33min
Will Trump’s tariffs unravel the neoliberal global order?
James Fishback, CEO of Azoria, dives into the potential fallout of Trump’s tariffs on the global economic landscape. He debates whether these tariffs signal a true shift in neoliberal principles or if they’re just a bargaining tactic. The conversation unpacks the disconnect between soaring stock markets and the plight of American workers, critiques the USMCA trade agreement, and discusses how tariffs could reshape international relations, particularly with Mexico and Canada.

6 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 29min
Who can be trusted with genetic data?
David Holtzman and David Carvalho from Noiris Protocol discuss the implications of 23andMe's bankruptcy on genetic data security. They highlight the fears surrounding user DNA privacy and the potential misuse of genetic information. The conversation dives into the intense global competition for genetic data and the ethical dangers, including bioweapons. They stress the need for stronger protections and accountability laws in managing sensitive data, drawing attention to historical cases like Henrietta Lacks and the ongoing surveillance risks.
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