

Best of the Spectator
The Spectator
Home to the Spectator's best podcasts on everything from politics to religion, literature to food and drink, and more. A new podcast every day from writers worth listening to.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 10, 2024 • 33min
Americano: how bad is the border crisis?
Todd Bensman, fellow at the Centre for Immigration Studies and author of Overrun, discusses the severity of illegal crossings at the American border, the role of state governors in addressing mass migration, the diverse demographics of migrants, ongoing immigration bill negotiations, and the issue of incentives for mass migration.

Feb 10, 2024 • 26min
Spectator Out Loud: Svitlana Morenets, Paul Mason, Robbie Mallett and Lloyd Evans
In this episode, Svitlana Morenets discusses Ukraine's plan for mass conscription. Paul Mason argues in favor of Labour ditching its £28 billion green pledge. Robbie Mallett shares his experiences as a scientist working in Antarctica. Lloyd Evans reads his Life column.

Feb 9, 2024 • 30min
Action Men: the false ‘liberation’ of the sex trade
A campaigner discusses the issues with legalizing prostitution in Holland, including increased sex tourism and exploitation. They also explore the impact of a sexualized culture on women and the need for men to take a stand against violence. The podcast explores the future of the pro feminist men's movement.

Feb 8, 2024 • 42min
The Edition: inside the plot to take down Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak, who was targeted for takedown, discusses plots against him. Failed political plots against Corbyn and Johnson analyzed. Antarctic scientist displays beauty and isolation. Funny articles including women's love for flowers discussed. Breed-specific legislation and dog licensing explored. Speakers share gift-giving mistakes.

Feb 7, 2024 • 43min
The Book Club: Paula Byrne
Paula Byrne, author of 'Hardy Women: Mothers, Sisters, Wives, Muses', investigates the women in Thomas Hardy's life. They discuss his romantic life, the impact of domestic violence on his work, contradictions in his views on women, and the relationships portrayed in his novels.

Feb 6, 2024 • 31min
Americano: Is 2024 a ‘flip election’?
Pollster Patrick Ruffini joins Freddy Gray to discuss the 2024 US election. They delve into the disconnect between the strong economy and Biden's poll numbers, the potential for a 'flip election', the role of postal voting, and the similarities between the 2024 and 2020 elections.

Feb 5, 2024 • 47min
Chinese Whispers: why do people join the CCP?
This podcast explores the motivations behind joining the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its continued growth. The discussion covers historical reasons, modern motivations, and the appeal of Marxism in China. It also delves into the rise of CCP membership, changes in mentality among young people, and the future of the party and its leadership.

Feb 4, 2024 • 15min
Americano: can Trump ever get a fair trial?
Discussion on court order for Trump to pay $70m to writer accusing him of sexual assault. Analysis of whether Trump can get a fair trial due to his influence and celebrity status. Critique of the lack of evidence in Carroll's allegations. Exploring the impact of the adult survivors law on Trump's chances. Comparing potential outcomes of Biden vs Trump's four more years.

Feb 3, 2024 • 32min
Spectator Out Loud: Lionel Shriver, Angus Colwell and Toby Young
Lionel Shriver questions if Trump can get a fair trial in America. Angus Colwell interviews Gen-Zers who would fight for Britain. Toby Young shares his near-death experience on his gap year.

Feb 2, 2024 • 47min
Does the Biden administration know what it’s doing with Iran?
Mike Baker, former CIA officer, and CEO of a security firm talks about the Biden administration's approach to Iran, American bases in Jordan and their role in degrading ISIS, American policy in the Middle East, the reversible decline of a superpower, and dealing with China's rise and alliances with Russia and Iran.