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
62 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 51min
173. The man Putin can’t silence: Bill Browder and sanctioning Russia
Bill Browder, financier turned campaigner who founded Hermitage Capital and led the global Magnitsky sanctions drive. He recounts how confronting Russian corruption led to deportation, the theft of his firms and the death of his lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. He discusses building international sanctions, dodging Russian legal attacks, and how stolen Russian wealth reshaped geopolitics.
7 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 4min
172. Neil Kinnock: Trump, Thatcher, and Why Labour Lost In 1992 (Part 2)
Neil Kinnock, former Labour leader and long-serving MP, reflects on Thatcherism, media power and why Labour lost in 1992. He discusses Thatcher’s revolutionary impact, Murdoch’s influence, campaign strategy missteps and the rise of John Major. He also considers how Labour can rebuild trust and handle populist disruptions like Trump.
34 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 12min
171. Neil Kinnock: A Labour Rebel’s Path To Power (Part 1)
Neil Kinnock, the former leader of the UK Labour Party, reflects on his journey from a rebellious MP to a party leader facing internal challenges. He discusses his consistent defiance against the party establishment and the ultra-left factions during his tenure. Kinnock shares his regrets regarding the miners' strike, emphasizing the need for a legitimate ballot. He also highlights his efforts to realign Labour's policies for greater electability and details his famous Bournemouth speech denouncing extremism within the party.
66 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.
101 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.
39 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.
108 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.
