Best of the Spectator

Victor Davis Hanson, a classicist and social commentator, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's second term, framing it as a counter-revolution against decades of cultural drift. He discusses Trump's bold agenda, from immigration reforms to challenging DEI initiatives, portraying it as a response to elite institutions. Hanson highlights the widening gap between coastal elites and the working class, critiques the coarseness of political discourse, and draws parallels between contemporary America and ancient Rome's societal divides.

Michael Gove, The Spectator's editor and former Justice Secretary, dives into the radical influence of Garden Court Chambers on British law. Writer Louise Perry discusses the allure of Dubai for British youth, touching on its cultural export that may shift London's character. Royal commentator Angela Levin and writer Philip Hensher explore society's lasting obsession with Princess Diana, reflecting on her impact and legacy nearly three decades on, raising questions about public mourning and the monarchy's evolving relationship with its people.

My guest on this week’s podcast is the historian Anne Sebba. In her new book The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz: A Story of Survival, Anne tells the story of how a ragtag group of women musicians formed in the shadow of Auschwitz’s crematoria. She tells me about the moral trade-offs, the friendships and enmities that formed, and what it meant to try to create music in a situation of unrelenting horror. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Heale, Deputy Political Editor at The Spectator, discusses Mark Carney's remarkable victory in the Canadian elections. He highlights how Carney turned a struggling Liberal Party around in just six weeks, leveraging Trump's contentious rhetoric to strengthen Canadian pride. The conversation critiques Pierre Poilievre's political missteps and examines the branding dynamics in Canadian politics. Heale also explores what UK political parties can learn from Canada's shifting landscape, particularly regarding youth voter engagement and strategy.

In this engaging conversation, Kirsty Wark, a renowned Scottish journalist and former BBC Newsnight presenter, shares her journey through nearly five decades in broadcasting. She reflects on her father's D-Day experiences and the challenges women faced in the media during the 70s. Wark discusses BBC impartiality, her memorable interviews—including Margaret Thatcher’s—and the evolving perceptions of British and Scottish identities. She also shares insights on her personal writing journey, touching on themes of matriarchy and secrecy in her historical novel.

Earlier this year Dr Kurt Martens, Professor of Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, joined Damian Thompson on Holy Smoke to unpack what happens during a papal conclave. There was heightened interest in the process due to the film Conclave, which swept the awards season, but also because Pope Francis was hospitalised at the time. Despite showing some signs of recovery – including being able to meet world leaders such as King Charles III and J.D. Vance – Pope Francis died on Easter Monday.Here we reissue the episode with Dr Martens, looking at what happens when a pope dies, with a new introduction from Damian. Writing the cover article for the Spectator this week, Damian writes: ‘the next Vicar of Christ will face challenges that dwarf those that confronted any incoming pope in living memory. The Church is mired in doctrinal confusion; its structures of government are fragmented; sexual scandals have been hushed up at the highest level; and it is staring into a financial abyss’. What can we expect from the upcoming conclave? Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Curtice, a legendary pollster and professor, joins political editor James Heale to discuss the upcoming local elections in the UK. They explore the potential for a multi-party system, where parties like Reform UK and the Greens are gaining traction. Curtice highlights that even a small number of seats carries significant political weight. He suggests that we might witness the rise of new political dynamics, as successful contests by Reform could signal a shift away from the traditional two-party landscape.

On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Owen Matthews reads his letter from Rome (1:21); Matthew Parris travels the Channel Islands (7:53); Reviewing Minoo Dinshaw, Marcus Nevitt looks at Bulstrode Whitelocke and Edward Hyde, once close colleagues who fell out during the English civil war (15:19); Angus Colwell discusses his Marco Pierre White obsession, aided by the chef himself (21:26); and, Sean Thomas provides his notes on boredom (26:28). Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Damian Thompson, associate editor at The Spectator and host of the Holy Smoke podcast, shares insights on the impending challenges facing the next Pope, highlighting doctrinal debates and financial woes. Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith, a Catholic theologian, joins to discuss the political intrigue of the upcoming papal conclave and the complex legacy of Pope Francis. They also tackle the ethical questions around AI recreating historical figures, like the resurrected footballer Lily Parr, and ponder the future of meaningful connections amidst rising technology.

Join Lamorna Ash, author of 'Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever,' as she investigates why Generation Z is turning back to Christianity amidst a supposed secular shift. She shares her own journey sparked by friends' dramatic conversions and the challenges of understanding faith in contemporary contexts. The conversation delves into personal crises that shape spiritual narratives, the search for community within faith, and how biblical texts are reinterpreted by younger generations embracing authenticity in their beliefs.