

Americano
The Spectator
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 5, 2025 • 30min
Will anyone miss the Boomers?
Christopher Caldwell, a sharp journalist and author known for dissecting American politics, dives into the legacy of the Boomer generation. He argues that Boomers enjoyed unique privileges, leveraging both progressive policies and market freedoms, leaving younger generations with significant debt. Caldwell discusses the generational rivalry, examining Millennials' disdain for Boomers and predicts digital natives as the next cultural leaders. He also explores themes of housing inequality, immigration policies, and the curious gerontocracy at play in today’s politics.

Dec 1, 2025 • 46min
Why did Jeffrey Epstein hate me?
Join John Mearsheimer, a renowned political scientist from the University of Chicago, as he shares insights on geopolitical tensions and international relations. He discusses the smear campaign by Jeffrey Epstein and Alan Dershowitz concerning his essay on the Israel lobby. Mearsheimer dives into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict, explaining why Trump’s peace plan is unworkable and how the war favors Russia. He also addresses rising antisemitism and the impact of lobbying on university discourse, painting a vivid picture of today's political landscape.

14 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 30min
Why is the US obsessed with Britain's decline?
Tim Stanley, a British historian and columnist, and Ed West, a journalist focusing on culture and free speech, dive into America's fascination with the decline of Britain. They explore how historical narratives, like Trumpism and Brexit, shape perceptions of the UK. The duo critiques the notion that Britain is 'ground zero' for Western decline while discussing the impacts of immigration and London's transformation. They also emphasize the importance of social democracy over capitalism, questioning contemporary concerns about British civility and norms.

Nov 25, 2025 • 26min
What's going on with Marjorie Taylor Greene?
Aidan McLaughlin, a political journalist and Washington correspondent for Vanity Fair, dives into his intriguing interview with Marjorie Taylor Greene. They discuss her surprising resignation and fallout with Trump. Aidan clarifies Greene’s controversial past and her shifting perspectives on foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Gaza. Their conversation touches on the media's fascination with political converts and speculates on Greene’s potential future in politics. Will she lay low or aim for a comeback? Tune in for an insightful analysis!

Nov 21, 2025 • 18min
What's Trump really doing in Venezuela?
Freddy Gray is joined by Daniel McCarthy, Spectator columnist and editor of Modern Age, to discuss the U.S. covert operations in Venezuela endorsed by Trump. They explore the motivations behind Trump's regime change efforts, from oil interests to neoconservative influence. The conversation delves into the potential chaos of intervention, drawing parallels with past U.S. actions in Panama and Libya. Finally, they ponder if Trump's foreign policy maneuvers are strategies to distract from his domestic challenges and how figures like Marco Rubio shape these decisions.

Nov 19, 2025 • 23min
Why is the American right arguing about property tax?
Blake Neff, a conservative commentator and former contributor for The Spectator, joins the discussion on the divisive topic of property tax within the American right. He argues against abolishing property tax, citing its benefits over income taxes for funding public services. Explore how generational dynamics play a role, as eliminating property taxes favors older citizens but can burden younger generations. Delve into real-world examples from Florida, California, and Texas, highlighting the intricate balance between tax incentives and housing affordability.

9 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 17min
Are we in an age of necromancy?
Katherine Dee, a technology correspondent for The Spectator World and Substack writer, joins to delve into AI-driven 'necromancy.' She discusses Two Way Eye, an app that projects deceased loved ones and raises ethical concerns about AI recreations. The conversation contrasts traditional memory-keeping with AI avatars, questioning authenticity. They explore how digital habits shape thought, the rise of digital orality, and the transformation of online fame. Plus, Katherine highlights how reliance on technology impacts skills and fuels nostalgia.

6 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 19min
‘I know names are being withheld!’ – Alan Dershowitz on Epstein & the client list
Alan Dershowitz, Professor Emeritus at Harvard Law School and seasoned criminal-defense lawyer, shares insights on the newly released Epstein emails. He challenges the narrative surrounding Trump's involvement and discusses discrepancies in accusations, particularly from Virginia Giuffre. Dershowitz argues for transparency regarding withheld names to ensure credibility in the legal discourse. He highlights ongoing concerns about sealed depositions and speculates on more revelations that could emerge, underscoring the importance of balancing victims' privacy with public interest.

6 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 28min
Has Trump Made America Great Again? Ann Coulter vs Peter Hitchens
In this engaging debate, Ann Coulter, an American conservative commentator known for her provocative views on immigration, goes head-to-head with British writer Peter Hitchens, who critiques Trump-era politics. They discuss whether Trump truly made America great again, touching on immigration control, national identity, and the implications of executive power. Hitchens warns that Trumpism undermines the rule of law while Coulter argues for its positive impact on American leadership globally. Their clash highlights the broader cultural and political tensions between the U.S. and Britain.

10 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 34min
Is New York finished?
Heather Mac Donald, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and expert on urban policy, dives into the implications of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's agenda for New York. She argues his inexperience and leftist ideologies threaten the city’s progress on crime, housing, and education. Heather critiques overregulation as a cause of high housing costs and warns against weak enforcement of laws under Mamdani. She expresses concern over the disconnect between privileged young voters and working-class realities, raising questions about public safety and governance.


