Best of the Spectator cover image

Best of the Spectator

Latest episodes

undefined
Feb 11, 2025 • 25min

Americano: could Trump target Britain with tariffs?

Angus Hanton, entrepreneur and author of "Vassal State: How America Runs Britain," joins the conversation to dissect the intricate economic ties between the UK and the US. He discusses the looming threat of tariffs under a potential Trump administration, questioning if Britain could be a prime target. The dialogue touches on the dominance of American tech firms in the UK, the impact of US payment systems on global transactions, and the post-Brexit dynamics that could reshape Britain's role on the world stage.
undefined
Feb 11, 2025 • 19min

Table Talk: Groove Armada's Andy Cato

Andy Cato, a renowned musician and co-founder of Wildfarmed, shares his dual passions for music and sustainable farming. He discusses nutrition on world tours and uncovering his favorite food spot at Glastonbury. Andy reflects on his transition from music rights sale to farming, motivated by environmental concerns. He dives into the significance of community support in achieving sustainability and shares heartwarming memories tied to food, emphasizing the connection between culinary and musical experiences.
undefined
Feb 10, 2025 • 57min

Chinese Whispers: Have America's chips controls backfired?

Ryan Fedasiuk, U.S. Director of The Future Society and expert in AI governance, joins Steve Hsu, Professor of Theoretical Physics and startup founder, for a riveting discussion on the U.S. strategy to limit China's access to semiconductors. They delve into whether America's export controls have backfired, propelling Chinese innovation instead of containment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing tech regulations and the geopolitical implications of these policies amid an intensifying AI arms race.
undefined
Feb 9, 2025 • 26min

Spectator Out Loud: Katy Balls, Alexander Raubo, Damian Thompson, Daisy Dunn and Mark Mason

Katy Balls, a political analyst, dives into the rising challenges the Conservative Party faces from the Reform Party, emphasizing strategies for the upcoming election. Alexander Raubo shares insights on the MAGA social scene, discussing the evolution of the Remilia art collective and its intriguing blend of politics and digital culture. Additional highlights include explorations of espionage in the Vatican and reviews of fascinating new podcasts, enriching the conversation around culture, history, and political dynamics.
undefined
Feb 8, 2025 • 23min

Coffee House Shots: The inside story of Labour under Starmer

Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund, co-authors of "Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer," dive into the tumultuous world of the Labour Party. They discuss the fallout from Keir Starmer’s controversial voice coach and a clandestine dinner involving Michael Gove. The duo unpacks the party's leadership transition after Corbyn and the strategic pitfalls faced by Starmer. They also explore the nuances of 'Starmerism' and the ethical dilemmas in pursuit of political success, revealing a candid look at ambition and loyalty in politics.
undefined
Feb 7, 2025 • 19min

Women With Balls: Kay Burley, from the archives

Kay Burley, a veteran British journalist known for her extensive work at Sky News, shares her insights on navigating a male-dominated industry. She reflects on the challenges of sexism and ageism in television, revealing how her accent shaped her career. Burley discusses her passion for storytelling and the importance of community in journalism. She also offers candid advice on negotiating pay and building resilience against online criticism, all while reminiscing about her unforgettable journey in broadcasting.
undefined
Feb 6, 2025 • 48min

The Edition: Labour's Irish insurgent, Germany's 'firewall' falls & finding joy in obituaries

Michael Gove, Editor of The Spectator, shares insights on the Labour Party's internal dynamics during Keir Starmer's tenure, focusing on Morgan McSweeney's efforts to shake off complacency. Tom Baldwin, Starmer's biographer, discusses challenges in navigating dissenting voices in the party. Meanwhile, Damian Arnold, a seasoned obituary writer, delves into the delicate art of crafting obituaries, sharing humorous anecdotes and the emotional nuances involved in commemorating lives. Together, they explore intricate political landscapes and the personal stories that define human legacy.
undefined
Feb 5, 2025 • 20min

Americano: Will Trump make Gaza great again?

Eylon Levy, a former spokesperson for the Israeli government, dives into Donald Trump's provocative proposals regarding Gaza. He discusses the implications of resettling Palestinians and the daunting challenges of reconstruction amidst ongoing conflict. Levy sheds light on shifting alliances between Netanyahu and Trump and how current geopolitical strategies are influencing regional stability. As tensions rise, he examines changing perspectives on the two-state solution, raising essential questions about the future of peace in the region.
undefined
Feb 5, 2025 • 34min

The Book Club: Under A Metal Sky

Explore the fascinating world of minerals and metals that shape our civilization. Delve into alchemy's rich history and its impact on modern science, uncovering the philosophical connections to nature. Discover ancient artifacts like the Nebra Skydisc that highlight cosmic unity. Unravel the allure of crystals and the dangers of radium, once thought to be health tonics. The discussion culminates in the beauty of nature's wonders and our innate connection to the cosmos, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the ground beneath our feet.
undefined
Feb 4, 2025 • 13min

Coffee House Shots: Reform in 'poll' position

Recent polling shows the Reform party taking a surprising lead over Labour, stirring debates about the future of UK politics. Analysts discuss whether this shift signifies a permanent change or just a temporary spike. The podcast examines the rising influence of insurgent politics and Labour's internal conflicts as they gear for the 2025 elections. Additionally, the complexities surrounding new legislation on Islamophobia are explored, highlighting the intricate relationship between political strategy and sensitive societal issues.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode