Best of the Spectator

Robert Bryce, an energy expert and author of The Question of Power, discusses the state of global energy, electric vehicles, and government policies both in the UK and America. Freddy and Robert look at how government subsidies and mandates have driven automakers toward unprofitable EV production, what is energy humanism, and how foreign interference has shaped climate policies over the past decade.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Paul Wood shares a poignant letter from the Vatican. Matthew Parris warns Conservatives about aligning with potentially divisive issues, urging them to reconsider their strategies. Meanwhile, Ian Buruma critiques Richard Overy's work, arguing the atomic bombings were both immoral and ineffective. The conversations highlight looming dilemmas in politics and history, offering listeners rich insights into morality and strategy in the modern world.

Robert Jenrick, Shadow Justice Secretary, is known for his keen insights into political strategy, while Jonathan Ashworth, CEO of Labour Together, offers a fresh perspective on the Labour Party's stance. The discussion centers on Donald Trump’s impact on global politics and European defense. They tackle Labour's defense pledges and the Conservatives' challenges with Reform. The complexities around the Ukraine crisis, historical weaknesses in defense, and the implications of Brexit on national identity are also passionately debated.

Kate Andrews, Deputy US editor of The Spectator World, and Tim Stanley, a columnist at The Telegraph, explore the implications of Keir Starmer’s recent meeting with Donald Trump in Washington. They highlight its success in terms of positive discussions on Ukraine and US-UK tariffs, along with a potential upcoming state visit. The duo amusingly analyzes Trump’s compliments on Starmer's accent, shedding light on the cultural nuances of their diplomatic dance. They also touch on the historical context of UK-US relations and modern political complexities.

Alexandra Shulman, the former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, reflects on her transformative role in fashion journalism. She reminisces about the vibrant print journalism scene of the late '80s and '90s and debates the idea that print is dying. Alexandra shares memorable moments from her tenure, including an iconic Adele cover, while expressing concerns about the worsening beauty standards. She discusses her transition from a traditional role to a flexible, portfolio career, and highlights the evolving landscape of fashion media and the importance of authentic storytelling.

Katy Balls, a keen political journalist for The Spectator, and William Boyd, a celebrated author known for his Bond novel, delve into riveting topics. They unpack the rise of Reform under Nigel Farage, exposing the inner workings of his team. Katy reveals the surprising mix of figures within this political movement. The conversation shifts to the paradox of technology’s role in crises, sharing humorous and intense personal stories of being 'missing.' Finally, Boyd discusses the evolution of the James Bond franchise, exploring what makes 007 timeless yet relevant.

Selena Wisnom, an Assyriologist and author of "The Library of Ancient Wisdom: Mesopotamia and the Making of History," dives into the enigmatic cuneiform culture. She shares insights on Ashurbanipal, the scholar-king, and his extraordinary library. Wisnom reveals the striking interplay of divine messages and human actions in Assyrian society, along with the harsh realities of ancient warfare. She explains the significance of lamentation as a cultural practice and debunks myths about Sumerian demons while exploring the evolution of ancient divine worship.

Dr. Kurt Martens, a Professor of Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, dives deep into what truly unfolds when a pope dies. He discusses the intense dynamics of the papal conclave, revealing how cardinals informally negotiate and influence decisions. The conversation also highlights the ceremonial rituals surrounding a deceased pope and the voting procedures that can shape the future of the Church. Martens sheds light on the unique challenges cardinals face, including the reluctance of priests to ascend to bishopric roles amid changing ecclesiastical perceptions.

Emma Fox, CEO of Berry Bros & Rudd, shares her extensive retail expertise and fond childhood memories. She humorously recounts her unique 'sugar butties' diet and reflects on family dinners that sparked her culinary journey. The conversation highlights the rise of the English wine industry, emphasizing inclusivity in wine exploration. Emma also champions female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated sector, revealing how diverse teams enhance workplace culture while demystifying wine pairing for everyone.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Isabel Hilton, founder of Dialogue Earth, and Neeraj Singh Manhas, an expert on transboundary rivers, dissect the implications of China's massive new dam project in Tibet. They explain how the Yarlung Tsangpo river's management could fuel tensions between India, Bangladesh, and China. The hidden costs of such projects are explored, revealing concerns over ecological damage and human displacement. They also emphasize the urgent need for diplomatic frameworks to address these complex water politics.