The Rest Is Politics: Leading
Goalhanger
The Rest Is Politics’ Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart interview politicians, leaders, intellectuals, and more. From inside and outside of politics, guests join Rory and Alastair to discuss life, leadership, and the philosophy that’s led them to success in their chosen field. Their conversations cover key political events, global affairs, and the big ideas shaping the world today, offering listeners in-depth perspectives from those at the heart of change.The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes to live show tickets, ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
32 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 9min
170. President of Moldova, Maia Sandu: Holding the Line Between Democracy and Putin
Maia Sandu, the pro-EU President of Moldova, shares her journey from civil servant to national leader, focused on anti-corruption and democratic reform. She discusses the challenge of countering Russian disinformation and the strategic importance of Moldova against a backdrop of regional conflict. Sandu highlights the impact of oligarchs on governance, the necessity of integrity in leadership, and explores Moldova's aspirations for EU membership despite frozen conflicts. With a call for resilience in politics, she beautifully pitches her country as a hidden gem for tourism.
90 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 13min
169. Jimmy Wales: Wikipedia vs. Musk, AI, and the Battle for Truth
In this engaging discussion, Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia, shares insights into the groundbreaking platform he created. He delves into Wikipedia's unique model of crowdsourcing and its impact on trust compared to social media. Wales explains how contentious entries, like those about Donald Trump, are managed through community debate. He also critiques the current state of AI, highlighting limitations in large language models. Additionally, he addresses the decline in public trust and the challenges faced by contemporary journalism.
29 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 60min
168. A Climate Special: Populism, Security, and Leadership
In a compelling climate special, Professor Dieter Helm offers a critical view on the UK's decarbonization efforts, urging a focus on consumption emissions and realistic energy policies. Ed Miliband passionately defends the political case for net zero, emphasizing its links to security and job creation. Emma Pinchbeck shares her insights on corporate decarbonization, parenting, and the importance of equitable international action. Together, they explore the complex challenges and opportunities in achieving a sustainable future.
78 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
167. Faith, Depression, and Finding Calm in the Chaos (Professor Mark Williams)
Mark Williams, a clinical psychologist and ordained Anglican minister, shares insights on navigating chaos and grief, especially during the festive season. He discusses the misconceptions around mindfulness and its benefits, revealing how practical techniques can combat depression and prevent relapse. Mark highlights his experiences introducing mindfulness to MPs, showcasing its positive impact on mental health in high-pressure environments. He reflects on faith, vulnerability, and compassion, emphasizing the importance of being present during challenging times.
79 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 15min
166. John Swinney: Identity, Independence, and The Future of Scotland
John Swinney, a seasoned Scottish politician and First Minister, shares insights on the future of the Scottish independence movement. He discusses the SNP's journey to rebuild trust after scandals, his upbringing in Edinburgh, and the evolution of the party under Alex Salmond's leadership. Swinney emphasizes the importance of delivering policies to address child poverty and inequalities. He critiques the current political climate and advocates for Scotland's EU membership, highlighting the SNP's civic nationalism and collaborative governance style.
57 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 14min
165. Anna Wintour: Culture, Influence, and the Power of Decisive Leadership
Anna Wintour, the influential editor-in-chief of American Vogue, shares her unique insights on leadership shaped by fast decision-making and resilience. She discusses how her upbringing in a media family influenced her career and the importance of mentorship in building strong teams. Wintour reflects on the cultural power of fashion, whether it's reviving cities through events like Vogue World or adapting the magazine's aesthetics. She also reveals the lessons learned from her career setbacks and why she prefers celebrating creativity over controversy.
100 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 20min
164. Zack Polanski: Do The Greens Have What It Takes?
Zack Polanski, the dynamic leader of the Green Party and a London Assembly member, discusses the remarkable surge in party membership since he took the helm. He dives into bold economic reforms and critiques corporate influence, proposing a wealth tax while championing equity and environmental accountability. Polanski reflects on his journeys through identity, bullying, and evolving views on Israel. He emphasizes the urgent need for green jobs and investment to tackle the climate crisis, while outlining ambitious electoral goals and the challenges posed by current political dynamics.
66 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 10min
163. Prison Reform, Masculinity, and Restorative Justice (James Graham and Jacob Dunne)
James Graham, an award-winning British playwright, teams up with Jacob Dunne, a campaigner and former offender advocating for restorative justice. They delve into Jacob's profound journey from a tragic incident that led to a death to seeking forgiveness from the victim's parents. The duo explores how drama can spark essential conversations about justice, forgiveness, and masculinity. They discuss the failures of the current criminal justice system and promote restorative justice as a compassionate alternative, aiming to align public opinion with effective reforms.
81 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
162. Gareth Southgate: Patriotism, Leadership, and How To Inspire Young Men
Gareth Southgate, former England national football team manager, shares insights from his career and personal growth. He discusses the valuable lessons learned from missing a penalty in Euro 96 and how that shaped his resilience. Southgate emphasizes the importance of leadership, authenticity, and mentoring young men. He explores the intersection of football and politics, reflecting on patriotism and national unity. Passionate about supporting players' transitions post-career, he also highlights the need for safe spaces for youth in today's society.
43 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 58min
161. Putin, Trump, and 500 Years of Resisting Russia (Radek Sikorski)
Radek Sikorski, a Polish politician and former foreign minister, shares his gripping journey from being a refugee in the UK to navigating European politics. He delves into the complexities of Russia's 500-year history with Poland and the impact of Putin's reign on foreign relations. Sikorski discusses the rise of populism in Europe, fueled by migration and cultural grievances, and the essential need to counter misinformation. He emphasizes strengthening EU defense capabilities and predicts Ukraine's hopeful path toward EU accession.
