Best of the Spectator

Alice Bunn is a scientist and international director at the UK Space Agency. She tells Katy about falling in love with the stars, finding the right career and the threat of space debris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First, France has been shaken by a series of gruesome terror attack – yet western leaders seem remarkably reluctant to support President Emannuel Macron. (01:04) Lara speaks to The Spectator's associate editor Douglas Murray and writer Ed Husain.Next, this year's US election was truly remarkable – but what was it like to report on it? Lara is joined by the editor of The Spectator's US edition Freddy Gray and Washington editor Amber Athey. (17:31)And finally, the British pub has historically been remarkably adept at circumventing restrictions on drinking – but how has it dealt with lockdown? Lara talks to journalist John Sturgis and Spectator writer Mark Mason. (27:21)Presented by Lara Prendergast.Produced by Gus Carter and Matthew Taylor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's books podcast, Sam Leith is joined by the sculptor Antony Gormley and the art critic Martin Gayford to talk about their new book Shaping The World: Sculpture from Prehistory to Now. They talk about the special place sculpture occupies in the arts, the lines of connection between its ancient origins and the avant-garde, and their views on the new fashion for tearing down statues. Plus, Antony talks about his own work from Field to the Angel of the North — and why he and Martin can't see eye-to-eye on the Baroque. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Keeling is a wine writer behind the magazine and restaurant Noble Rot. He tells Lara and Livvy about how he discovered his love of wine; working in the music industry; and how to start a restaurant with zero experience. Presented by Lara Prendergast and Olivia Potts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fallout from the election is ongoing, but Joe Biden has reached 270 electoral college votes, and he last night vowed to 'unify' the country. What kind of president will he be? Freddy Gray speaks to Tim Stanley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Sam Carlisle, a mother of a disabled child, says her family has been abandoned during the pandemic; Alberto Giubilini considers the ethics of lockdown; and Taki explains why New Yorkers are leaving the city in droves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the latest developments in the US presidential election?  (01:15) - Lara is joined by the Spectator's economics correspondent Kate Andrews and the Spectator US's editor Freddy Gray, who is currently in Pennsylvania.What is it like to care for a disabled child during a time of lockdown? (09:19) - The journalist Sam Carlisle discusses the lack of support for her daughter Elvi with the Education Select Committee Chairman Robert Halfon. And finally, should churches keep their doors open throughout the pandemic? (20:42) - Journalist Laura Freeman thinks so, and considers the issue with Reverend Steve Morris from St Cuthbert's Church in North Wembley.Presented by Lara Prendergast.Produced by Matthew Taylor.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam's guest in this week’s Book Club podcast is the publisher and historian Carmen Callil, whose new book Oh Happy Day: Those Times and These Times, tells the story of how her 18th-century ancestors were transported to Australia. She uses their story as a window into a densely imagined account of English and Aussie social history, and of the darker side of empire. She tells Sam why the Industrial Revolution wasn’t always a good thing, why it isn’t over the top to compare the British state apparatus to the Nazis - but also about her own childhood in Melbourne and why as a fervent anti-imperialist she accepted a Damehood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olia Hercules is a chef and food writer. On the podcast, she tells Lara and Olivia about growing up in Cyprus; being disappointed by British ingredients; and teaching her son to love Ukrainian cooking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Americans heading to vote, the final polls continue to give Joe Biden a clear lead. What do they say, and what are the early signs on the night that his support might not be as strong as expected? Freddy Gray speaks to YouGov's Marcus Roberts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.