
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

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.

Mar 27, 2025 • 27min
Douglas Murray on the JFK files, where Covid came from & conspiracy culture
Join Douglas Murray, a columnist for The Spectator and a sharp observer of politics and culture, as he dives into the captivating world of conspiracy theories. He discusses the enduring fascination with the JFK assassination and how the CIA's secrecy fuels public skepticism. The conversation shifts to the moon landing debates and the impact of the post-truth era on our beliefs. Murray also explores how media narratives influence societal self-hatred and what this reveals about American and British identity.

Mar 25, 2025 • 26min
What did we learn from the war chat leaks?
Ben Domenech, Editor at Large of Spectator World, dives into the bewildering communication mishaps of Trump’s National Security team. They discuss a shocking incident where a top journalist was accidentally included in classified discussions about military actions. The conversation explores the implications of childish emojis used in serious contexts and examines the risks of such communication blunders. Additionally, the duo addresses the shifting dynamics in U.S. foreign policy and the growing concerns among Republicans regarding alliances with Europe.

6 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 23min
Is Trump still winning?
Kate Andrews, U.S. Editor Deputy for The Spectator and resident expert on American politics, dives deep into the heart of the political landscape. She discusses Trump's economic strategies, spotlighting multi-billion dollar investments and their complex implications. The conversation shifts to the challenges facing the Democrats, including generational divides and calls for moderation. The vibrant MAGA sentiment in Washington contrasts sharply with broader national feelings, revealing the dynamic pulse of American politics.

Mar 19, 2025 • 24min
Has Putin played Trump?
Russia and Ukraine have launched air attacks on each other, hours after Vladimir Putin told Trump that Russia would stop targeting Ukrainian energy sites. Has Putin outplayed Trump? And will Trump regret bringing Europe's militaries back to life?Deputy and US editor Freddy Gray is joined by Americano regular and author Jacob Heilbrunn to discuss.

Mar 12, 2025 • 27min
Can Trump survive a recession?
Freddy Gray is joined by Fox News broadcaster Deroy Murdock to discuss Trump's America. They cover what could be the real reason behind Trump's tariffs, how concerned Americans should be about a recession, the Ukraine-Russia peace plan and what the Democrats can do to recover from the election defeat.

Mar 11, 2025 • 26min
‘Gentle parenting’ & why therapy might be harming children
In this engaging discussion, Abigail Shrier, a Wall Street Journal columnist and author of "Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up," explores the pitfalls of over-diagnosing mental health issues in children. She critiques modern parenting strategies, emphasizing the dangers of outsourcing emotional support to therapy and technology. Shrier argues that smartphone use exacerbates isolation, while therapeutic models may hinder resilience. Parents are encouraged to foster independence and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, challenging current approaches.

Mar 6, 2025 • 48min
Is China serious about 'war' with America?
Freddy Gray is joined with Michael Auslin who is an academic and historian at the Hoover Institute and author of the Substack 'THE PATOWMACK PACKET'. They discuss China's response to Trump's tariffs, whether China is serious about threats of war and how concerned Trump is about China's relationship with Russia.

Mar 4, 2025 • 31min
Does Zelensky have to go?
Donald Trump announced last night he is suspending military aid to Ukraine until Zelensky is ‘ready for peace’. Following this, the Vice President JD Vance sparked further international outrage in a Fox News interview referring to Britain as ‘some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years’. JD Vance has since come out saying that he was not referring to the UK or France in that interview - although critics can’t work out who else he could have been talking about. Freddy Gray is joined by The Spectator’s Russia correspondent Owen Matthews to discuss whether the only way for there to be peace in Ukraine is for Zelensky to go, how far China and Russia’s relations have prospered since the war, and whether Trump will win a Nobel Peace Prize.