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
22 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.
67 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 11min
160. Michael Gove: Education, Brexit, and Trump (Part 2)
Michael Gove, a Senior Conservative politician and former cabinet minister, discusses his transformative vision for UK education and the complexities behind Brexit. He debates the 'messy' political future and considers Nigel Farage a potential savior over Labour. Gove reflects on his controversial decisions, including the impact of Dominic Cummings, while addressing the need for political judgment. He also shares insights on housing challenges and the dual nature of Trump's influence, emphasizing the role of trust and public perception in politics.
154 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 56min
159. Michael Gove: My Journey From Left to Right (Part 1)
Michael Gove, a former senior Conservative cabinet minister and current editor of The Spectator, discusses his journey from a Labour activist to a Conservative MP. He reflects on his early political activism and the role of social mobility in his life. Gove shares insights on Rupert Murdoch's influence on media and politics, and his staunch support for Israel, rooted in personal and moral beliefs. The conversation also touches on the complexities of British-Muslim relations and the future of the two-state solution in Israel.
49 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 1h 8min
158. Baroness Hale: The Supreme Court, Boris Johnson, and the ECHR
Baroness Hale, the first female President of the Supreme Court, discusses her landmark ruling against Boris Johnson's prorogation of Parliament. She highlights the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights, warning against the dangers of departing from it. Additionally, she addresses how recent U.S. actions threaten global legal norms. With insights on women's rights advancements and the role of judges in political discourse, Hale emphasizes the need for judicial independence and highlights ongoing challenges in feminism.
42 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 4min
157. Ukraine, Diplomacy, and the Future of Europe (Dmytro Kuleba)
Dmytro Kuleba, former Foreign Minister of Ukraine, shares insights on the ongoing war and the delicate art of diplomacy. He discusses the resilience of the Ukrainian people, shaped by historical traumas, and the surprising support from countries like the Netherlands and Denmark. Kuleba contrasts his experiences with leaders such as Trump and Biden, emphasizing the complexities of U.S. domestic politics affecting aid. He also reflects on the challenges of negotiating peace and the implications of modern drone warfare for Ukraine's future in Europe.
144 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 15min
156. Defence Secretary, John Healey: Is Britain Ready For War?
John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence and a long-serving Labour MP, shares insights from his political journey since 1997. He discusses the evolving mood of the public, contrasting today's impatience with the patience of 1997. Healey provides an analysis of the appeal of figures like Nigel Farage and reflects on the importance of societal resilience in defence strategies. From UK-US defense relations to lessons learned from Ukraine, he emphasizes the need for robust defence reform and effective communication of government achievements.
132 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 50min
155. Mike Pompeo On Russia, Trump, and China
In this engaging conversation, Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA Director, shares insights on international relations and U.S. foreign policy. He argues that the U.S. is too lenient with Russia and China, citing weakened presidential leadership as a catalyst for Putin's aggression. Pompeo discusses the importance of NATO deterrence during Trump's presidency and addresses the dire state of the two-state solution regarding Israel and Palestine. He warns that China poses the biggest long-term threat and emphasizes the need for strategic economic measures against it.
78 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
154. Maro Itoje: Inequality, Identity, and Hope
Maro Itoje, the captain of the England rugby team and a dedicated activist, dives into critical issues like global poverty and inequality. He shares insights on the role of education in creating lasting change and discusses his Nigerian heritage and cultural identity. Maro examines the impact of political governance on societal issues, including corruption and racism. He also reflects on the significance of sport as a catalyst for social change and explores his ambitions in politics, emphasizing hope and responsibility in tackling global challenges.
91 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 1h
153. The Man Who Invented The World Wide Web (Tim Berners-Lee)
Tim Berners-Lee, the British computer scientist who invented the World Wide Web, joins Rory and Alastair for a fascinating discussion. He explains why he chose to keep the web free and open, rather than profit-driven. The conversation dives into reclaiming the internet from tech giants, the evolution of the web from optimism to pessimism, and its impact on democracy. Berners-Lee reflects on personal data ownership, social media's role in polarization, and the philosophical challenges posed by AI, all while emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration.
44 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
152. "A War on Children": A Generation in Gaza at Risk (James Elder)
James Elder, a UNICEF spokesperson with two decades of experience in humanitarian crises, sheds light on the dire situation in Gaza. He details the unprecedented humanitarian challenges, particularly for children caught in conflict. The discussion emphasizes the resilience of the Palestinian community, addressing issues of medical shortages and the importance of education. Elder also highlights the role of storytelling in raising awareness, urging global compassion and advocacy for vulnerable populations amidst continuous suffering.
