

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

Aug 21, 2025 • 35min
Will Trump fall for Putin's trap?
Owen Matthews, Associate Editor for The Spectator and author examining the Russia-Ukraine conflict, teams up with Sergey Radchenko, a Johns Hopkins professor specializing in international relations. They delve into Trump's recent engagements with Putin and Zelensky, questioning if these are genuine moves towards peace or cleverly laid traps. The duo highlights the complexities of U.S.-Russia negotiations and critiques the effectiveness of European sanctions, all while contemplating the future of Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Aug 16, 2025 • 19min
Did Putin get the upper hand in Alaska?
Owen Matthews, a Spectator associate editor and seasoned Russia correspondent, offers insights into the recent Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska. He discusses how the summit may have enhanced Putin's image despite no concrete progress on Ukraine. Matthews highlights the contrasting leadership styles—Putin’s strategic precision versus Trump's improvisation. The military symbolism discussed reveals deeper tensions in U.S.-Russia dynamics, making it clear that while talks were initiated, significant hurdles remain in their relationship.

Aug 15, 2025 • 22min
How dangerous is Washington, D.C.?
Join Matt McDonald, US managing editor and D.C. resident, alongside Isaac Schorr, a Mediaite staff writer and former D.C. local, as they delve into the crime landscape of Washington, D.C. They discuss the peculiar rise in violence post-pandemic, touching on personal experiences and urban unrest. The duo also critiques progressive crime policies versus residents' realities, illustrating the divide in public perception. A bizarre sandwich incident involving an arrest adds a humorous twist to serious discussions about authority and community frustrations.

Aug 12, 2025 • 22min
Why are Trump and Putin meeting in Alaska?
Owen Matthews, associate editor at The Spectator, dives into the high-stakes meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska. He highlights the historical ties of Alaska to Russia and the critical discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The conversation covers the nuclear arms control negotiations and the current economic struggles faced by Russia amid global sanctions. Matthews also explores the shifting dynamics of US-Russia relations, contrasting Trump's approach with European leaders' attitudes, and the complexities of securing peace in the region.

Aug 8, 2025 • 36min
What's the matter with Candace Owens?
Freddy Gray talks with Candace Owens, a podcast host and commentator known for her outspoken views and investigations. They dive into the controversial claims about Brigitte Macron's gender, sparking a discussion on media dynamics and public perception. Owens also addresses her firm stance on Gaza, along with her thoughts on Trump's presidency. The conversation critiques the intersection of politics and accountability, touching on serious issues like elite scandals in France, and the complexities surrounding truth and journalism in today's world.

Aug 5, 2025 • 25min
How deep does the Russia, Russia, Russia scandal go?
Freddy Gray sits down with Ben Domenech, US editor at large, to delve into the renewed intrigue surrounding Russiagate. They analyze fresh allegations and the significance of a new grand jury investigation. Domenech highlights the implications for Trump's legacy and the interconnected dynamics of lawfare and political accountability. The conversation also navigates the complexities of loyalty within the Trump administration and the influence of Hillary Clinton's email controversies on current political narratives.

8 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 31min
Why Trump wins and why Reform can win
Freddy Gray chats with Ann Coulter, a renowned conservative author and political commentator, known for her sharp insights on immigration. Coulter passionately discusses why she believes Reform UK is gaining traction and explains that immigration is the pivotal issue for voters in the upcoming election. She also outlines her reasons for supporting Trump in his second term, touching on the broader implications of immigration policy and the disconnect between political promises and public expectations.

Jul 31, 2025 • 18min
How progressivism killed American Protestantism
In this captivating discussion, Christopher Mondics, a legal affairs writer from Pennsylvania, delves into the profound impact of left-wing ideologies on American Protestantism. He examines the disconnect between church leaders and their congregations, critiquing how many prioritize superficial values over genuine faith. Mondics also addresses the decline in church attendance and highlights the ongoing relevance of Christianity in America today. With insights on the challenges of mainline denominations, this conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of spirituality.

Jul 29, 2025 • 24min
Trump, MAGA, and US foreign policy
Kate Andrews speaks to Damir Marusic, assignment editor at The Washington Post and co-founder of Wisdom of Crowds. They examine Donald Trump’s surprising foreign policy moves in his second term: his position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, why he's armed Ukraine despite MAGA frustration, and whether his instincts are reshaping Republican foreign policy for good.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 28, 2025 • 27min
What should we make of Trump's trip to the UK?
Tim Shipman, Political Editor at The Spectator, provides keen insights into British politics, while Kate Andrews, the Deputy US Editor, adds an American lens. They explore Trump’s unpredictable press conference in Scotland, highlighting the complexities of his relationship with Keir Starmer. The discussion dives into free speech debates, trade relations, and the evolving political loyalties among British citizens. They also touch on the implications of Trump’s visit and the potential royal encounters, making for a captivating analysis of international diplomacy.