Best of the Spectator

Philosopher Slavoj Zizek discusses Julian Assange's extradition case, comparing him to Navalny and debating if West acts like Soviet Union. Conversation explores WikiLeaks, Trump election, and potential CIA plan to assassinate Assange if extradited.

The podcast discusses the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi missing a match in Hong Kong and playing in Japan, leading to backlash from Chinese online nationalists. It examines the challenges of Chinese football and the inability to produce a competitive national team. Expert Cameron Wilson provides insight into the cultural influences and challenges facing Chinese football, shedding light on the misconceptions and obstacles in the sport.

Harry Mount shares a legendary face-off story, Lara Prendergast gives male beauty tips, Owen Matthews reports on Ukrainians' resilience, Catriona Olding writes on choosing final days, and Jeremy Hildreth reveals Napoleon's coffee notes.

Discussion on Lord Cameron's visit to DC and his persuasion of Republicans to support Ukraine. Exploring the impact of Cameron's views on appeasement and the MAGA right. Analysis of legal trials surrounding Trump and their potential political damage. Assessing the impact of the economy on Biden's campaign. Exploring the UK-US relationship under a Labour government and Trump administration.

Justine Greening, former Education Secretary for the UK Conservative Party, discusses her journey from a steel worker's daughter to a prominent political figure. She highlights the influence of union strikes on her political views and talks about her transition from finance to politics. The podcast also covers the impact of budget cuts, leveling up, Brexit, and her commitment to social mobility.

Max Jeffery, The Spectator’s assistant foreign editor, discusses Nato's readiness to defend against a possible Russian invasion. Lionel Shriver talks about the moral implications of a mother being convicted of manslaughter for her son's school shooting. Travel writer Sean Thomas shares his experiences staying in haunted hotels in Cambodia, joined by Judith Blincow, owner of a haunted hotel in Rye.

Joshua Green, author of The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics, discusses how these rebels influenced Joe Biden; the Democratic Party's shift away from finance-centered liberalism due to the 2008 financial crisis; the rise and impact of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; frustration among young Democrats with Biden's leadership; and the Democratic Party's fissure on foreign policy.

Explore the dynamics of swing states in the US elections such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Highlighted topics include Trump's growing support among African American and Hispanic voters, the impact of mail-in voting, the influence of unions and demographics on swing states, and Biden's chances in states like Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio. Discover the significance of swing states and their potential role in determining the election outcome.

Chris Bryant, author of James and John: A True Story of Prejudice and Murder, explores the lives and tragic fate of the last two men executed for homosexuality in Britain. The podcast delves into the moral panic and taboo surrounding homosexuality in early 19th century Britain, discusses the influence of legal reform and the intersection of class and homosexuality in the criminal justice system, and explores the ongoing relevance of historical persecution of homosexuals.

Professor Charles Spence, an experimental psychologist at the University of Oxford, talks about his food experiments, working with Heston Blumenthal, childhood experiences with food and their impact, low fruit and vegetable consumption in the UK, comfort foods like spicy pasta, and death row and desert island meals.