Best of the Spectator

Actress Sophie Winkleman was born in London, educated at Cambridge, and has appeared in television and film roles across both sides of the Atlantic. Perhaps best known for her roles as Big Suze in Peep Show and Zoey in Two and a Half Men, she is now patron to several children's charities. On the episode, Katy Balls talks to Sophie about how she got into acting, whether she has ever dated a Jez or a Mark, and why she believes in the comfort of strangers. Sophie also talks about her campaign to reduce smart phone use and technology exposure for children, which you can read more about here. Produced by Patrick Gibbons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: the reckoning. Our cover piece brings together the political turmoil facing the West this week: Rishi Sunak, Emmanuel Macron, and Joe Biden all face tough tests with their voters. But what’s driving this instability? The Spectator’s economics editor Kate Andrews argues it is less to do with left and right, and more a problem of incumbency, but how did this situation arise? Kate joined the podcast to discuss her argument, alongside former Cambridge Professor, John Keiger, who writes in the magazine about the consequences that France’s election could have on geopolitics (2:32). Next: what role does faith play in politics? Senior editor at the religious journal First Things Dan Hitchens explores Keir Starmer’s atheism in the magazine this week, but to what extent does it matter? What impact could it have on his politics? As the UK has an established Church, what implications could there be for our constitution? Dan joined the podcast, along with Father Marcus Walker of Great St Bart’s, to discuss whether politicians can in fact ‘do god’ (17:45).And finally: how do we interpret sexuality within Shakespeare’s works? Author and professor of creative writing Philip Hensher reviews a new book by Will Tosh in the magazine this week, which examines same-sex attraction within his works. But what can they tell us about the environment at the time, and about the man himself? Philip joined us to discuss alongside Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Oxford (28:34).Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.Join The Spectator next week for a special live recording of Coffee House Shots  as Fraser Nelson, Katy Balls and Kate Andrews make sense of the UK’s election aftermath. Taking place on Thursday 11th July at 7pm in Westminster, tickets are £35, or £25 for subscribers. Book online at spectator.co.uk/shotslive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In her new book Cairn, the Scots poet Kathleen Jamie sets a capstone of sorts on her trilogy of short prose collections Findings, Surfacing and Sightlines. She joins Sam Leith on this week’s Book Club podcast to talk about why she hesitates to call herself a nature writer, how prose found her late in life, and why whale-watching isn’t what it used to be.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir David Hempleman-Adams, an English explorer, shares his experiences with expedition food, hydrogen ballooning, and his love for simple egg and chips. He discusses childhood food memories, high altitude dining, and upcoming ballooning challenges. The podcast also covers unique global cuisines, hosting formal dinner parties in hot air balloons, and the importance of comfort food after adventures.

Guest Mishka Rushdie Momen discusses her album 'Reformation' featuring secular keyboard music amidst the English Reformation. She explores the challenges faced by Catholic and Protestant composers, the cultural significance of Walsingham's destruction, and reflections on belief and societal pressures.

On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Katy Balls reflects on the UK general election campaign and wonders how bad things could get for the Tories (1:02); Gavin Mortimer argues that France’s own election is between the ‘somewheres’ and the ‘anywheres’ (7:00); Sean Thomas searches for authentic travel in Colombia (13:16); after reviewing the books Great Britain? by Torsten Bell and Left Behind by Paul Collier, Robert Colvile ponders whether Britain’s problems will ever get solved (20:43); and, Melissa Kite questions if America’s ye olde Ireland really exists (25:44).  Presented by Patrick Gibbons.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freddy Gray speaks to pollster Patrick Ruffini about the first 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Just how bad was it and can Biden survive his performance? They discuss the reaction to the debate, including a surprising theory going around Republican circles. Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fraser Nelson, editor of Spectator, analyzes how Nigel Farage's political moves have unexpectedly benefited left-leaning parties like Labour. Former UKIP MEP Patrick O’Flynn discusses the implications of tactical voting and the evolving landscape of British politics. Meanwhile, Svitlana Morenets shares poignant reports from Ukraine, highlighting daily life amidst conflict, resilience in Kyiv, and the contrasting realities faced by those in war-torn areas. The conversation also touches on the pressing issue of cancel culture through the lens of the new comedy series 'Douglas Is Cancelled.'

My guest for this week's Book Club is the journalist and author Åsne Seierstad. She tells me about her new book The Afghans: Three Lives Through War, Love and Revolt; how and why she constructed a novelistic narrative about real-life people and events, and what her encounters with human rights activist Jamila, Taliban commander Bashir and thwarted student Ariana can tell us about the past, present and future of that troubled country.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EU imposes tariffs on Chinese electric cars due to subsidies; Chinese retaliation feared. Chinese EV imports to EU surged, could make up 15% of market. Tensions rising with US also imposing tariffs. Discussion on ramifications and potential reversal of protectionism.