Best of the Spectator

On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: James Heale interviews Woody Johnson, the former American Ambassador to the UK, about a possible second Trump term (1:19); Lara Prendergast reflects on the issue of smartphones for children and what lessons we could learn from Keir Starmer’s approach to privacy (6:35); reviewing Patrick Bishop’s book ‘Paris ’44: The Shame and the Glory’, Patrick Marnham argues the liberation of Paris was hard won (12:37); Laura Gascoigne examines Ukraine’s avant garde movement in light of the Russian invasion (20:34); and, Michael Simmons provides his notes on venn diagrams (28:33).   Presented by Patrick Gibbons.  

Women with Balls will be back in the Autumn with a new series. Until then, here's an episode from the archives, with the new Chancellor Rachel Reeves. On the podcast, she talks to Katy about being a teen chess champion, going to a school where her mum worked and what Labour needed to do to turn its losing streak.

This week: Keir Starmer’s plan to soften BrexitKaty Balls writes this week’s cover piece on Labour’s plans to establish close ties with the EU. Every member of Starmer’s cabinet voted Remain, and the government is trying to ‘reset EU relations through a charm offensive’. Brussels figures are hopeful: ‘There was no real goodwill for the Conservative government.’ There are tests coming: the first deal, Katy writes, could be harmonisation on veterinary standards. But will the UK have to abide by the European Court of Justice? Then there’s the issue of Chinese electric cars: will Starmer accept cheap imports, or follow the EU in raising tariffs on them? For now, EU officials see the new PM as ‘workman-like and not playing to the gallery’. How long will that last? Katy Balls is joined by Anand Menon, director of the think tank UK in a changing Europe. (02:03)Then: In The Spectator this week Jonathan Miller writes about his experiences at the Hampshire public school Bedales. The school’s alumni roster is impressive: royalty, celebrity, and several Spectator writers. But it has also courted controversy and criticism from some previous students. The novelist and writer Amanda Craig was one such former student, so highly critical of the school she authored a book ‘A Private Place’ detailing her experiences. Jonathan and Amanda join the podcast to discuss the cult of Bedales. (19:22) And finally: is there really reason to believe aliens exist? In the magazine this week, the astronomer and science writer Dr David Whitehouse says if aliens do exist, why can nobody find any proof of them. Despite the evidence, or lack thereof, why does the belief in aliens endure? And how much can we really read into the disclosures in the US about UAPs - Unidentified Aerial Platforms? David joins the podcast to discuss his article alongside space journalist Jonathan O’Callaghan. (31:24) Hosted by Gus Carter and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.

My guest on this week’s Book Club podcast is the writer and comedian David Baddiel, talking about his new book My Family: the Memoir. He talks about childhood trauma, what made him a comedian, and how describing in minute detail his mother’s decades long affair with a slightly crooked golfing memorabilia salesman is an act not of betrayal but of loving recuperation.

Fred Smith is Head of Beef at Flat Iron. Having trained at several of London's top restaurants, he later became Head of Food at Byron. He then joined the Flat Iron series of restaurants in 2017. On the podcast, he tells Lara and Liv about how his love of steak developed, how he got into cooking, and what his comfort food is. His passion for the world-famous Angus breed is evident, but why is British steak so good? Also, on the podcast Lara let's slip her son's first sentence - safe to say, it's food related... Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

Damian Thompson, a papal expert, dives into the intersection of art and Vatican politics, revealing the intrigue of succession. Paola Romero shares insights on Venezuelan politics, spotlighting Maria Corina Machado's fight against Nicolás Maduro. Stuart Jeffries reflects on the perpetual nature of war, while Ysenda Maxtone Graham humorously critiques the evolution of party bags. Nicholas Farrell explores the emotional chaos of football fandom in Italy, highlighting the cultural clashes within a family divided by team loyalties.

Political consultant Alex Castellanos discusses Kamala Harris' candidacy for President, highlighting the need for her to transition from 'not Trump' to a convincing candidate. The podcast explores Trump's hostility towards Harris and women voters, the impact of social media on political figures, and the challenges in choosing a vice president to shape Harris' campaign image.

Kate Andrews, economics editor at The Spectator, discusses the rise of Kamala Harris and her potential to defeat Trump. The podcast also covers the debut of the 'Enhanced Games', Arthur Conan Doyle's belief in fairies, and Vatican intrigues for papal succession.

Writer and film director Neil Jordan discusses his new book 'Amnesiac: A Memoir', sharing insights on writing for page and screen, myth in storytelling, encounters with ghosts, and experiences in the film industry including dealings with Harvey Weinstein. He also reveals failed attempts to persuade Marlon Brando to play King Lear.

The podcast delves into Taylor Swift's huge fanbase in China, with dedicated fans flying to Singapore to see her and breaking box office records. The discussion covers the popularity of Western music in China, challenges faced by Western artists, the influence of K-pop, and the obstacles Chinese artists face in going global. They also mention viral videos featuring Western pop music in China.