Best of the Spectator

Ben Myers, author of Jesus Christ Kinski, dives into the mind of the controversial actor Klaus Kinski. He explores Kinski's failed one-man show on Jesus and how public perception shaped the performance. The discussion delves into the intertwining of genius and toxicity, and how humor can defang unlikable characters. Myers reflects on creative choices, the impact of cancel culture on artists, and the blurred lines between fact and fiction in storytelling. His obsession with Kinski reveals the dark allure of flawed figures in art.

The podcast discusses Labour's new asylum proposals and the potential rise of Shabana Mahmood within the party. It debates whether her Denmark-inspired model can succeed or if it risks backlash from the Labour left. The hosts then tackle the complexities of climate policy as COP30 struggles to gain traction, questioning if the UK is hampering itself economically. Lastly, they explore Channel 4's claim about Hitler's genetics, pondering the impact of reducing historical figures to their biology.

Rory Sutherland, a renowned advertising executive and Spectator columnist, dives deep into Britain's economic woes. He argues that the real issue isn't income or taxes, but the obsession with property and rent extraction. Rory advocates for a land value tax, suggesting it could rebalance the economy. He links unaffordable housing to diminished ambition and discusses the distortions created by landlords in politics. Sutherland challenges the notion that housing is a safe investment, pushing for a shift in consumption towards goods and services instead.

Could Britain see a snap election before 2029? Discover why it's unlikely, despite the chaos. Tensions within Labour are rising, especially around Keir Starmer's leadership and Angela Rayner's potential as a successor. The hosts debate the impracticality of abolishing the Scottish Parliament and explore the challenges of devolution. For a fun twist, they discuss which Labour MP would make the best travel buddy. Get ready for an insightful mix of politics and light-hearted banter!

Alan Dershowitz, Professor Emeritus at Harvard Law School and a celebrated defense attorney, discusses the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files. He critiques the credibility of newly released emails and addresses inconsistencies in Virginia Giuffre's testimony. Dershowitz sheds light on the FBI's misunderstood ‘client list’ and the reasons behind the sealing of crucial depositions. He also explores media narratives surrounding Trump and shares insights on accusations against Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew, hinting at potential pardons.

Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, shares his insights on the staggering 91 accidental early releases within just six months. He attributes these blunders to policy churn, inexperienced staff, and a convoluted sentencing regime. Taylor highlights the success of HMP Oakwood, which excels due to innovation and clear standards. He also discusses challenges with drone-delivered contraband and the manual nature of processing releases. Lastly, he examines the impact of outdated prison infrastructure and shifting demographics on the criminal justice landscape.

Join Lara Brown, Commissioning Editor at The Spectator, who delves into the BBC's culture of denial regarding bias. Arts Editor Igor Toronyi-Lalic critiques the corporation's arts coverage, while journalist Melanie McDonagh offers insights on the historical allure of Catholicism to unlikely converts. The trio also discusses the surprising Westminster coup plot and the modern phenomenon of social 'flakes'—those who back out of plans at the last minute. A blend of media analysis, cultural critique, and etiquette reflects the spirit of today.

This week, Sam Leith chats with Jimmy Wales, the visionary founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust. They dive into the critical role of trust in public discourse and explore how it can help combat societal polarization. Jimmy tackles the backlash from Elon Musk labeling Wikipedia as 'woke' and shares insights on the internet's descent into toxicity. He also highlights the importance of community moderation in maintaining Wikipedia's integrity, while addressing challenges like misinformation and the future of online trust.

This week tackles the crisis at the BBC following high-profile resignations, raising questions about bias and journalistic standards. The conversation shifts to Labour's controversial education reforms, examining concerns that new grading systems might dilute academic rigor. Plus, actress Sydney Sweeney’s unapologetic stance makes waves, sparking debates about whether we're past peak woke culture. Dive into the clash between tradition and modernity in both media and education!

Britain is grappling with a crisis of unreliable data, causing serious implications for government policy. The recent correction from the Office for National Statistics reveals deeper issues in public finance accuracy. Discussions highlight the troubling inconsistencies in the Labour Force Survey since COVID and errors in the 2021 census. With a rise in publications losing official status, the credibility of statistics is under threat, impacting critical decisions such as interest rates set by the Bank of England. What does this mean for the future?