The Prospect Podcast

From country walks to telephone box libraries, our Prospect Lives writers are enjoying the summer. Sex Worker Tilly Lawless reflects on the fragmentation of the sex industry in the age of OnlyFans, and Alice Goodman explores memory, homeland, and the meaning of Passover. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government is considering introducing digital ID cards as a way to curb illegal immigration and improve the administration of public services. But is it a good idea? In this week’s Prospect Podcast, former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett debates Rebecca Vincent, from the civil liberties group Big Brother Watch.  Blunkett oversaw the introduction of identity cards under New Labour—before they were scrapped by the Tory-Lib Dem coalition—and thinks they could have a place. Rebecca Vincent is concerned about the risks of intolerable state surveillance —particularly if the cards were mandatory. Listen in—and to let us know who you think is right, email webdesk@prospect-magazine.co.uk.  For this week’s “banger or dud”—the last before a short summer break—Ellen and Alona discuss the 99 Flake. To read an edited version of this conversation, visit Prospect’s website.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Privatisation was meant to revitalise a public good. Instead, it left us with leaky pipes, sewage spills and rivers not fit to swim in.Ellen and Alona are joined by journalist and writer Oliver Bullough, whose books include Moneyland: Why Thieves And Crooks Now Rule The World And How To Take It Back.He explains how water companies, sold off under Thatcher with promises of efficiency and investment, instead loaded themselves with debt, rewarded shareholders, and presided over a national sewage crisis.Oliver, who has investigated financial corruption and power, explains why he is also interested in covering English and Welsh rivers. Plus, as the government plans to abolish Ofwat, why did the water regulator fail? Will anything change for the better?And for this week’s “banger or dud”, Ellen and Alona discuss the Lionesses.To read Oliver’s piece ‘How our water went to shit’, head to prospectmagazine.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Stewart Home, a novelist, filmmaker, and art historian, dives into the unsettling connections between yoga and far-right ideologies, as outlined in his book 'Fascist Yoga'. He reveals how yoga’s history is intertwined with dubious figures and extremist beliefs, from its early 20th-century reinvention to its incorporation by Nazis and alt-right influencers today. Stewart highlights the rise of anti-science trends within wellness culture and explores how misinformation spreads through digital platforms, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in modern practices.

Laura Bates, a prominent writer and activist known for founding the Everyday Sexism project, dives deep into the disturbing intersection of artificial intelligence and misogyny. She discusses how technologies like deepfakes are being used against women and the alarming reality of gender biases in the digital world. Bates shares insights from her experiences in schools, advocating for stronger protections for children. She also critiques the gap between tech companies’ promises and their actions, urging for greater accountability and regulation to combat online sexism.

There’s been a buzz in Westminster about Blue Labour, the socially conservative group led by peer Maurice Glasman. But where did Blue Labour come from—and how much influence does it really have over government?This week on the Prospect Podcast, Ellen and Alona are joined by political theorist and director of the UCL policy lab Marc Stears, who was one of the founding members of Blue Labour 15 years ago but is now critical of its turn towards the populist right.Marc explains how and why he believes its ideology has shifted and discusses Glasman’s connections to Maga: after meeting JD Vance and appearing on Steve Bannon’s podcast, why does a Labour peer find common ground with Trumpist Americans? Could Reform ever be a partner for Labour?Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss meal deals: “banger” or “dud”?To read Marc’s essay, ‘What’s wrong with the new Blue Labour?’, head to prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/70309/whats-wrong-with-the-new-blue-labour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Faiz Siddiqui, a technology reporter at the Washington Post and author of Hubris Maximus, discusses Elon Musk’s remarkable ascent, his fall from grace, and his complex political evolution. They delve into Musk's shift from liberal tech visionary to right-wing figure, explore how his ventures have impacted society, and the question of whether he truly is a genius. Faiz also shares his courtroom encounter with Musk and debates the broader implications of billionaires on tourism, touching on the challenges faced by places like Venice.

Have you ever wondered where Andrew Tate came from?This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by journalist James Bloodworth to discuss his new book Lost Boys: A personal journey through the manosphere.From attending a pick-up artist bootcamp himself in 2006, to reporting on the rise of red pill and incel ideologies, James traces how online misogyny has evolved—and why so many young men are drawn into it. He explores the role of social media in fuelling radicalisation and answers: is this a crisis of masculinity, or something more complicated? And what would he say to his 23-year-old self now?Plus, after a listener’s suggestion, Ellen and Alona discuss splitting the bill: “banger” or “dud”?To send us your suggestions for “banger or dud”, email webdesk@prospect-magazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, actor and writer Sheila Hancock reflects on what she has gained since losing her hearing, while journalist and second life writer Vitali Vitaliev reminisces on the best and worst meals of his life. Sex worker and author Tilly Lawless describes her complicated feelings about orgasming on the job, while Mindful life writer Sarah Collins has a public cry in the Byzantium Christian museum of Athens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since 13th June, Israel has launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, assassinated scientists and commanders, and bombed infrastructure. Iran has responded with ballistic missiles and drones. The death toll is rising, and there’s no sign of a ceasefire.This week, Arash Azizi joins Alona to unpack the war now underway. Arash is the author of The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the U.S., and Iran's Global Ambitions (2020) and What Iranians Want (2024).Arash explains why Netanyahu might have chosen to attack now and how Iran is responding both militarily and politically. He and Alona discuss how the media is covering the war inside both countries—and how the world, from the US to China, has reacted.Plus: what does this mean for the Middle East? And is there any reason for hope? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.