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
82 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.
72 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.
90 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.
242 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 59min
151. Prime Minister of Norway: On Trump, Tech, and Brexit Lessons (Jonas Gahr Støre)
Jonas Gahr Støre, the Prime Minister of Norway and leader of the Labour Party, discusses Norway’s unique political landscape and its relationship with the EU. He reflects on the balance of happiness versus wealth in his country and shares insights on navigating international relations in light of the U.S. influence. Støre also explores Norway's roles in conflicts like Gaza, the impact of Brexit, and the importance of unity in Europe. A captivating dive into how politics and diplomacy shape the future!
138 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
150. Nicola Sturgeon: What Really Happened In The Scottish Referendum (Part 2)
Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland and leader of the SNP, discusses the highs and lows of the Scottish independence referendum. She shares insights on the media's influence and why she finds spin rooms pointless. The conversation addresses the growing concern of misogyny in politics, especially with the rise of social media. Sturgeon reflects on her interactions with various Prime Ministers, critiques political strategies post-referendum, and emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue about gender dynamics in the political arena.
125 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 47min
149. Nicola Sturgeon: On Margaret Thatcher, Alex Salmond, and the Push for Independence (Part 1)
Nicola Sturgeon, the longest-serving First Minister of Scotland and former leader of the Scottish National Party, shares her political journey. She discusses how her childhood and Scotland's socio-economic disparities shaped her political identity. Sturgeon reflects on the impact of Margaret Thatcher's policies on her and Scotland's path toward independence. Additionally, she reveals her evolution from socialism to advocating for independence, addressing the complexities of Scottish politics and the legacies of leadership.
110 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
148. The President of Guyana: The Fastest Growing Economy in the World (Irfaan Ali)
Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, dives into the exciting transformation of his nation into the fastest growing economy, thanks to oil discoveries. He discusses the critical balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Ali addresses the historical impacts of slavery and emphasizes the need for inclusivity in conversations around climate change. The podcast also touches on the challenges facing West Indies cricket and the importance of biodiversity, underlining cultural identity as a cornerstone for Guyana's future.
73 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 53min
147. I Thought It Was a Prank - Then I Was Chancellor: Jeremy Hunt (Part 2)
Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt shares his insights from navigating the fallout of the Liz Truss mini-budget collapse and the challenges of running for a Conservative party he knew would likely lose. He reflects on Thatcher's potential responses to Trump and explores the critical intersection of mental health and the benefits system, advocating for increased NHS funding. Hunt also discusses the balance of taxation, public service reform, and effective political messaging in a rapidly changing landscape, highlighting international models for better healthcare.
228 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 51min
146. The Rise and Fall of The Conservative Party: Jeremy Hunt (Part 1)
Jeremy Hunt, former Chancellor and Health Secretary, shares insights from his extensive political career and discusses his past leadership ambitions. He delves into the challenges facing the NHS, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and a more personalized approach to mental health care. The conversation touches on the tensions between funding public services and fostering economic growth, while also exploring the dynamics of political communication in today’s landscape. Tune in for Hunt’s candid views on leadership and the future of the Conservative Party.
