Best of the Spectator

Romy Gill, a celebrated British-Indian chef and food writer awarded an MBE for her contributions to hospitality, shares her culinary journey. She reminisces about the joy of long train journeys filled with family meals in India and reflects on traditional dishes. Romy discusses the evolution of Indian cuisine in the UK and emphasizes the magic of essential spices like cumin and turmeric in home cooking. She offers insights on cooking techniques and reveals her excitement for her upcoming cookbook, blending cultural heritage with modern flavors.

Gus Carter shares his on-the-ground insights from Rotherham, revealing community tensions surrounding immigration. Paul Wood delves into the fragile balance of power in the Middle East, analyzing the risks of escalating conflict. Jonathan Aitken discusses the gripping drama of Nixon's resignation and its echoes in today's political landscape. Laura Gascoigne reviews an art exhibition showcasing the East Anglian School's legacy, while Flora Watkins presents the debate over ragwort's ecological benefits versus its dangers to livestock.

Gus Carter, a reporter from Rotherham and Birmingham, shares firsthand accounts from locals about the recent riots, revealing deep community frustrations and varying perspectives on immigration and crime. Lara joins him to discuss favorite magazine pieces, including Flora Watkin's notes on ragwort. Edmund West shares his journey with autism and how technology aids daily life. The discussion also highlights concerns about declining children's reading habits and the lasting impact of beloved literary characters on personal development.

Nathan Thrall, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, shares gripping insights into the lives of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. He discusses the tragic story of Abed Salama, a father who lost his child in a bus crash, illustrating the daily struggles faced by his community. Thrall argues for labeling Israel as an 'apartheid state,' backed by human rights findings. He also highlights how complex bureaucratic systems shape identities and freedoms, and stresses the need for accountability to bring about meaningful change in the conflict.

Discover the alarming food safety issues plaguing China as cooking oil contamination scandals reveal a troubling history of negligence and corruption. From melamine-laced milk to fuel oil in cooking containers, the podcast sheds light on the deep public mistrust borne from these crises. Experts delve into governmental failures, the impact of consumer behavior amid rapid economic changes, and the privileged food supply catering to the elite. This engaging discussion also tackles the intricate ties between food safety, political credibility, and the realities of corruption in modern China.

In the short time since Joe Biden has stepped aside for Kamala Harris's candidacy, the Democratic party has totally switched on the gears for 'Kamalamania'. On this episode, Freddy Gray talks to Kate Andrews about the disingenuousness of the hype, how social media drives it (and in particular, TikTok), and whether the enthusiasm for Kamala really has or will cut through to voters.Produced by Natasha Feroze and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.