Best of the Spectator

Alexandra Collier, Melbourne-based writer, discusses her experience with IVF, the theatricality of restaurants, and the importance of community in raising a child. They also touch on their earliest memories of food, their career in writing, and their favorite comfort foods.

The podcast discusses the controversy surrounding the Vatican's new blessings for gay couples and the disunity it has caused within the Catholic Church. It explores the provocative book on the theology of orgasms published by Cardinal Fernandez, which has distanced leading cardinals from Pope Francis. The episode also delves into the controversy surrounding Pope Francis and his handling of sex abuse allegations, as well as the shifting power dynamics within the Church.

Michael Conroy, Founder of Men At Work, talks about addressing 'macho culture' and preventing boys from becoming abusive towards women. Topics include tackling privilege and negative messaging, the journey to consciousness, men's involvement in the women's liberation movement, the impact of pervasive pornography, and reflecting on travel experiences and feminism.

This week on the podcast, Cindy Yu discusses the Taiwanese elections. Mary Wakefield talks about the US opioid crisis coming to the UK. Natasha Feroze explores the rise of relationship contracts.

In this podcast, they discuss Trump's 'second coming' and his almost certain Republican nomination. They also talk about Tory MPs taking up green consultancy positions after politics. Additionally, they explore the rise of self-publishing as a bypass to big publishing houses and the challenges it presents. This episode is hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.

Hadley Freeman, author of House of Glass, explores her family's hidden history from a Polish shtetl to post-war Paris. She reveals surprising family secrets, including a daring escape from a train during WWII. The podcast also touches on the brilliance of her father and a connection to Donald Trump's brother. Freeman reflects on the process of uncovering her family's story and the tragic fate of Jack during the Holocaust.

James Johnson, pollster and co-founder of JL Partners, joins Freddy Gray to discuss the upcoming Iowa caucuses, the New Hampshire primary, and whether Trump's rivals have a chance. They also talk about the impact of Trump's trials and the viral word cloud used by both Biden and Trump to their advantage.

Exploring the deep rivalry between China and India, the podcast discusses the failure of their relations, historical context, economic influence, and potential response to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Julie Bindel speaks to law academic, Michael Foran who campaigns against the Gender Recognition Act. They discuss conflicts in women's rights, the impact of gender ideology, women's choices regarding headscarves, lack of forgiveness in politics, changing perspectives on feminism and the role of anger.

Svitlana Morenets discusses the untrustworthiness of Putin's promises in Ukraine. James Heale reads his politics column on Rishi's January blues. Theo Hobson shares the joys of middle-aged football.