Best of the Spectator

<div>There’s nobody who writes true-life spy stories like Ben MacIntyre — and with his latest book <em>The Spy and the Traitor</em> out in paperback, Ben joins me to talk about the astonishing career of Oleg Gordievsky, a single spy who really did change the whole course of the Cold War. Ben tells Sam about Oleg's rise, his downfall, his daring escape from Moscow — and how he lives now and what he thinks of the situation between Russia and the West these days. Plus, the peculiar role in the whole tale of Dire Straits’s Brothers In Arms…<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. Hear past episodes of Spectator Books <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905582">here</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.<br><br>Presented by Cindy Yu.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily, click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Dan Hodges from the Mail on Sunday, and James Forsyth.<br><br>Presented by Katy Balls.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily, click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Tracey Crouch MP has earned a reputation for being independently minded. She has rebelled on issues from press regulation to fox hunting; and served as a sports minister until last year until she resigned over the government's stance on fixed odds betting terminals. In this episode, Tracey Crouch tells Katy about being the only student Tory in Hull, swearing at Philip Hammond, and why she's never told anyone what she voted in the Brexit referendum.<br><br>Women With Balls is a podcast series where Katy Balls speak to women at the top of their respective games. To hear past episodes, visit <a href="http://spectator.co.uk/balls">spectator.co.uk/balls</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With the British civil service the latest of Trump’s Twitter victims, we take a look at what a Boris Johnson premiership would mean for relations with America (00:25). Plus, we also ask – if we’re to pursue reparations for past injustices, should we also sue the Normans for 1066 (10:55)? And last, why are male Tory MPs so keen on jogging (20:30)?<br><br>With Freddy Gray, Prof. Anand Menon, Harry Mount, Iain Dale, Nadine Batchelor-Hunt and Sahil Mahtani. <br><br>Presented by Lara Prendergast. </div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Sam's guest on this week’s podcast is Caroline Crampton — whose fine and lyrical new book <em>The Way To The Sea</em> twines travelogue and memoir to pay tribute to the neglected mystery and beauty of the downriver portions of the Thames. Evoking Joseph Conrad and Dickens, ranging from prehistory to the sunken wrecks (and still live explosives!) of wartime ships that foundered on its shoals, from the 18th-century maritime madness to the modern day rejuvenation or social cleansing of the London docklands, Caroline tells a remarkable and fascinating story.<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. Hear past episodes of Spectator Books <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905582">here</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Jeremy King, one half of the restaurateurs Corbin & King, is behind some of the most iconic restaurants in London, including the Ivy, the Delauney, and Fischers. In this episode, he talks about why he left banking for hospitality, how he redecorates restaurants according to their architectural influences, and people watching in his establishments.<br><br>Table Talk is a series of podcasts where Lara Prendergast and Olivia Potts talk to celebrity guests about their life story, through the food and drink that has come to define it. Listen to past episodes <a href="https://audioboom.com/channels/4985181">here</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.<br><br>Presented by Isabel Hardman.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily, click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Henry Newman, Director of Open Europe, and Charles Grant, Director of the Centre for European Reform.<br><br>Presented by Katy Balls.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Sam speaks to the Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, architect of Bill Clinton’s “Third Way” and former chief economist at the World Bank. <br><br></div><div>His new book People, Power and Profits: Progressive Capitalism for an Age of Discontent argues Trump’s economic boom is a “sugar-high”, and that the US economy is in a far, far worse state than anybody thinks. As a result, he says, we need to reevaluate our whole faith in free markets. The reason the "invisible hand" is invisible, he says, is because it isn’t there. He talks about why thinks that, and what we need to do about it.<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. Hear past episodes of Spectator Books <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905582">here</a>.<br><br></div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>This week, Boris Johnson breaks cover and speaks to the Spectator about his plans for Brexit and beyond (00:47). The presidential election stateside is hotting up as Democratic candidates fight for the nomination (16:35). And last, we ask – why are people so obsessed with being in a relationship (25:50)?<br><br>With Katy Balls, James Forsyth, Andrew Gimson, Brian Klaas, Kate Andrews, Elisa Segrave and Sophia Money-Coutts. <br><br>Presented by Lara Prendergast. <br><br>Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. </div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>This year the publishers Faber & Faber celebrate their 90th birthday, and to honour the occasion Sam is joined by Toby Faber, the founder’s grandson and the author of a new history of the company called <em>Faber & Faber: The Untold Story</em>. Most corporate histories are boring, but this one — told largely through the correspondence of that company’s astonishing cast of literary luminaries — is anything but. Toby talks about the company’s rackety start as a publisher of medical textbooks; about T.S. Eliot and the genesis of Cats; and Kazuo Ishiguro’s most mortifying moment.<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. Hear past episodes of Spectator Books <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905582">here</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Four years ago, the Assisted Dying Bill was overwhelmingly defeated in parliament. The euthanasia debate hasn’t disappeared, however, and will be brought back in parliament this Thursday. One recent poll showed that 90 per cent of the UK’s population now support assisted dying for the terminally ill. So is a relaxation of the law inevitable? Would it represent progress? Or is it very dangerous? Our literary editor Sam Leith joined our associate editor Douglas Murray to discuss. Tune in for a considered and civilised discussion between two people with very different views.<br><br>This discussion was first recorded for a magazine feature earlier this year. You can read that <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/2019/04/a-spectator-debate-should-euthanasia-be-legalised-douglas-murray-vs-sam-leith/">here</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.<br><br>Presented by Katy Balls.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily, click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Broadcaster and journalist Jo Coburn tells how German got her into journalism, what it's like to work with Andrew Neil, and what happened behind the scenes of that infamous Will Self-Mark Francois <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfFrW4yDubc">death stare</a>.<br><br>Women With Balls is a podcast series where Katy Balls speak to women at the top of their respective games. To hear past episodes, visit <a href="http://spectator.co.uk/balls">spectator.co.uk/balls</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>This week, as presidents Xi and Trump meet at the G20, is the world on the eve of a new Cold War (00:30)? Plus, Boris Johnson’s campaign has had a tough week – but is this anything more than a wobble (15:55)? And last – he’s had three wives, and his current partner is more than 20 years his junior – but why doesn’t anyone ever talk about Jeremy Corbyn’s love life (24:30)?<br><br>With Gerard Baker, Yu Jie, James Forsyth, Camilla Tominey, Melissa Kite, and Paul Staines.<br><br>Presented by Isabel Hardman.<br><br>Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thaganrajah.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>In this week’s Spectator Books podcast Sam's guest is Benjamin Dreyer — whose name is pronounced, as Sam discovers live on air, 'Dryer' rather than 'Drayer'. That seems an apt way to be introduced to a man who, as Random House US’s Copy Chief, makes his living correcting errors. His new book <em>Dreyer’s English</em> is a compendium of useful tricks of the trade, sharp opinions and authoritative rulings on everything to do with language and style. They talk transatlantic language differences, angry pedants, and punctuation nitty-gritty, with special reference to Steven Pinker, the <em>New Yorker</em> and Guns N’ Roses.<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. Hear past episodes of Spectator Books <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905582">here</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With John Hudson, National Security Reporter at the Washington Post.<br><br>Presented by Freddy Gray.<br><br>Americano is a series of in-depth discussions on American politics with the best pundits stateside. Presented by Freddy Gray, editor of Spectator USA. Click <a href="https://audioboom.com/channel/americano">here</a> to listen to previous episodes.<br><br></div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Michael Wolff, author of 'Fire and Fury'. He talks to Freddy Gray about the Mueller Report, the influence of Steve Bannon on Trump, and how Trump and Boris aren't the same political character.<br><br>Presented by Freddy Gray.<br><br>Americano is a series of in-depth discussions on American politics with the best pundits stateside. Presented by Freddy Gray, editor of Spectator USA. Click <a href="https://audioboom.com/channel/americano">here</a> to listen to previous episodes.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Lara and Livvy talks to food writer Tom Parker-Bowles about his mother's roast chicken, prep school gruel, and why, as a food critic, he still loves McDonald's.<br><br>Table Talk is a series of podcasts where Lara Prendergast and Olivia Potts talk to celebrity guests about their life story, through the food and drink that has come to define it. Listen to past episodes <a href="https://audioboom.com/channels/4985181">here</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>This week - Boris Johnson is poised to take the Tory leadership, and the keys to number 10 - but who is he really, and how will he govern (1:02)? Also, what should happen to the ISIS Beatles (11:11)? And finally, does the Lord's Prayer really need a re-write (22:41)?<br><br>With Toby Young, Stephen Bush, Paul Wood, Tom Wilson, Melanie McDonagh and Marcus Walker.<br><br>Presented by Isabel Hardman<br><br>Produced by Gabriel Radonich</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>In this week’s books podcast Kit de Waal is here to talk about her new anthology of working-class memoir, <em>Common People</em>. First a guest on this podcast a couple of years ago talking about her Desmond-Elliott-shortlisted debut <em>My Name Is Leon</em>, Kit explains why she thought an anthology of working-class writing was necessary, about if and how the pendulum has swung since previous booms in working-class writing, what still needs to change in publishing, and how, as an editor, she avoided falling victim to Four Yorkshiremen Of The Apocalypse Syndrome.<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. </div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With James Forsyth and Katy Balls. <br><br>Presented by Fraser Nelson.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily (and now even on Saturdays), click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.<br><br><br></div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Daniel McCarthy, editor of Modern Age and Spectator USA contributor.<br><br>Presented by Freddy Gray.<br><br>Americano is a series of in-depth discussions on American politics with the best pundits stateside. Presented by Freddy Gray, editor of Spectator USA. Click <a href="https://audioboom.com/channel/americano">here</a> to listen to previous episodes.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political interviews. Today's podcast features Jeremy Hunt, Rory Stewart, Dominic Raab, Amber Rudd, Andy Burnham and Kim Leadbeater. Produced by Matthew Taylor. </div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Katy Balls, Conservative Home's Paul Goodman, and the Mail on Sunday's Dan Hodges.<br><br>Presented by Cindy Yu.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily (and now even on Saturdays), click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Layla Moran tells Katy Balls about her childhood as a diplomat's daughter, the social life of an MP, and getting arrested at Lib Dem conference.<br><br>Presented by Katy Balls.<br><br>Women With Balls is a podcast series where Katy Balls speak to women at the top of their respective games. To hear past episodes, visit <a href="http://spectator.co.uk/balls">spectator.co.uk/balls</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>This week, the government commits to a green target of net zero emissions by 2050 – but how costly will meeting it be (00:25)? And stateside, with the Mueller Report showing the extent of Trump’s meddling, should Democrats try to impeach him (11:30)? And last, are modern fathers taken for granted (22:25)?<br><br>With Lord Peter Lilley, Sam Richards, John Rick MacArthur, Karin Robinson, Cosmo Landesman, and Anna Machin.<br><br>Presented by Isabel Hardman.<br><br>Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. </div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>This week’s books podcast promises to be a trip. Sam is joined by Mike Jay to talk about the history of mescaline — a psychedelic drug whose influence goes from the earliest South American civilisations through the 19th-century Indian Wars up to W B Yeats, Aleister Crowley and (of course) Aldous Huxley and Hunter S Thompson. Does tripping balls tell us anything profound about human consciousness? How come Mexico got all the good drugs? And why did Aldous Huxley lie about his trousers?<br><br>Presented by Sam Leith.<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. Hear past episodes of Spectator Books <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905582">here</a>.<br><br></div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>The UK has committed to its biggest defence project in a generation: the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet. The government says the project, dubbed Team Tempest, will secure Britain’s status as a leading military power after Brexit. It also says the jet will make use of space-ace technologies - ­including x-ray vision for pilots - to provide one of the most powerful defence capabilities on earth. But with the Ministry of Defence already strapped for cash, is the project feasible? And what about the security landscape? Just who are these fighter jets intended to deter?<br><br>In this Podcast Special, Fraser Nelson spoke to Sir Roger Carr, chairman of BAE Systems, the company which intends to develop the jet and who are sponsoring the podcast; Vice-Marshal Simon Rochelle, the chief of staff capability for the Royal Air Force; and Douglas Barrie, an independent analyst with the defence think tank IISS.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Isabel Hardman and Katy Balls.<br><br>Presented by Fraser Nelson.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily (and now even on Saturdays), click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Robert Jenrick, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, and Fraser Nelson.<br><br>Presented by Katy Balls.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>It’s obvious that we need to take action to slow down climate change, but given such a daunting task – it’s only saving the entire world... – where does one even start?</div><div> </div><div>The Climate Change Committee might have some of the answers. It reckons Britain can get to net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. So what needs to be done?</div><div> </div><div>In the Spectator’s latest policy podcast, Fraser Nelson gets to the bottom of these questions with Chris Stark, chief exec at the CCC, Laura Sandys, former Tory MP and Co-chair of the IPPR Environment and Justice Commission, and Jo Coleman, Energy Transitions Manager at Shell.<br><br>Sponsored by Shell.<br><br></div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>What is the unfinished business that Theresa May leaves for the next prime minister (00:30)? Plus, why everyone is fascist or Nazi these days (10:55)? And last, who was Alma Mahler, the woman who entranced some of the most creative men in 20th century Europe (23:45)?<br><br>With Alex Morton, Hugh Pym, Julia Hartley-Brewer, Jonathan Lis, and Cate Haste.<br><br>Presented by Isabel Hardman.<br><br>Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>The starting gun has been fired on the Tory leadership contest. With a live audience in London, Fraser Nelson interviews one of the frontrunners: Michael Gove.<br><br></div><div>What is his plan to deliver Brexit? Can he defeat Jeremy Corbyn – and Nigel Farage? And will he bring the party behind him?</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>In this week’s books podcast we're talking about why the Father of English Poetry, Geoffrey Chaucer, at least half belongs in a French, Latin and Italian tradition. Marion Turner’s magnificently scholarly <em>Chaucer: A European Life </em>sets the great writer in his own times — one of a hinge between feudal and early modern ideas about selfhood, authorship and originality; and one in which our man travelled widely and with profit across the Europe of his day, learning from poets from France and Hainaut, from Dante and Boccaccio, and even possibly from the painter Giotto. Plus, she tells how the man we often think of as a merry, roly-poly little character on the road to Canterbury first enters the record as an adolescent fashion-plate in something that looked suspiciously like a miniskirt…<br><br>Presented by Sam Leith.<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. Hear past episodes of Spectator Books <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905582">here</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Sarah Elliott, the Chair of Republicans Overseas.<br><br>Presented by Freddy Gray.<br><br>Americano is a series of in-depth discussions on American politics with the best pundits stateside. Presented by Freddy Gray, editor of Spectator USA. Click <a href="https://audioboom.com/channel/americano">here</a> to listen to previous episodes.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Jo Thompson is a prize-winning garden designer, whose upcoming book 'Rhubarb Rhubarb' is a correspondence between a hopeless gardener and a hopeful cook, taking a look at both gardening and cooking. Jo tells Livvy about the fresh buffalo mozzarella in her family home in Italy, her father's Italian restaurant, and the one dish she can make with her eyes closed.<br><br>Presented by Olivia Potts.<br><br>Table Talk is a series of podcasts where Lara Prendergast and Olivia Potts talk to celebrity guests about their life story, through the food and drink that has come to define it. Listen to past episodes <a href="https://audioboom.com/channels/4985181">here</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Rory Stewart speaks to James Kirkup, Spectator contributor and Director of the Social Market Foundation, about why he's a conservative, the way to solve Brexit, and his greatest political hero, Native American chief Plenty Coups.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily (and now even on Saturdays), click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>Claire Fox, left libertarian thinker, director and founder of the Academy of Ideas, and panellist on the Moral Maze, was this week elected as an MEP for the Brexit Party. In this episode of Women With Balls, she talks to Katy Balls about her disagreements with Nigel Farage, the prejudice she has received in green rooms, on the streets, and on social media, and the decadent perks of her new job.<br><br>Presented by Katy Balls.<br><br>Women With Balls is a podcast series where Katy Balls speak to women at the top of their respective games. To hear past episodes, visit <a href="http://spectator.co.uk/balls">spectator.co.uk/balls</a>.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>This week, as the Tory leadership contest kicks off, who has the best shot at getting to the final two (00:40)? And with Carrie Symonds, Boris’s new partner, neatening him up, we also ask - what is the role of the politician’s wife (16:45)? And last, cats. Are they ruthless killers posing an existential threat to wild birds (25:25)?<br><br>With James Forsyth, Rob Wilson, Nevena Bridgen, Paula Milne, Mary Wakefield, and James Ball.<br><br>Presented by Isabel Hardman.<br><br>Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>In this week’s books podcast Sam is joined by the physicist Jim Al-Khalili (host of Radio Four’s <em>The Life Scientific</em>) to talk about his first novel, a science-fiction thriller called <em>Sunfall.</em> In it, Jim uses real science to conjure up a plausible but fantastical near-future crisis in which the earth’s magnetic field falters and dies. What would that mean? (Nothing good, is the answer.) He helps us sort our neutralinos from our neutrinos, tells us about the real existential threats we face, and explains why he’s drawn to so-called “hard sf”.<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. Hear past episodes of Spectator Books <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905582">here</a>.<br><br></div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson.<br><br>Presented by Cindy Yu.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily, click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.<br><br>Presented by Fraser Nelson.<br><br>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily, click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>This week, as the country goes to the polls for European elections, we ask: has Brexit devoured the far left (00:40)? We also speak to an unlikely Boris supporter – Matthew Parris – on the merits of a Boris leadership for Remainers (14:15). And last, do you own books to read, or to show off (28:55)?</div><div><br></div><div>With Nick Cohen, Sienna Rodgers, Matthew Parris, James Forsyth, Virginia Blackburn and Stig Abell.<br><br>Presented by Katy Balls.<br><br>Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. <br><br></div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<div>In this week’s Spectator Books, Sam's guest is Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Hertford College, Oxford, who’s talking about her new book <em>This Is Shakespeare</em>. What is it that makes Shakespeare special — and is it defensible that, as even in university curricula, we talk about Shakespeare apart from and above the whole of the rest of literature? How did he think about genre? Why is Act Four always a bit boring? Is the Tempest an autumnal masterpiece or the thin work of a writer of dwindling powers? And how filthy is A Midsummer Night’s Dream?<br><br>Presented by Sam Leith.<br><br>Spectator Books is a series of literary interviews and discussions on the latest releases in the world of publishing, from poetry through to physics. Presented by Sam Leith, The Spectator's Literary Editor. Hear past episodes of Spectator Books <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905582">here</a>.<br><br></div> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Actress Cressida Bonas talks to Lara and Livvy about growing up on shepherd's pie and pop-tarts, her trypophobia, and the best curry she's ever had.</p><p>Table Talk is a series of podcasts where Lara Prendergast and Olivia Potts talk to celebrity guests about their life story, through the food and drink that has come to define it. Listen to past episodes <a href="https://audioboom.com/channels/4985181">here</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.</p><p>Presented by Katy Balls.</p><p>Coffee House Shots is a series of podcasts on British politics from the Spectator's political team and special guests. Brought to you daily, click <a href="https://audioboom.com/dashboard/4905581">here</a> to find more episodes that are not released on Spectator Radio.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Iona Craig is an award-winning war correspondent who has been reporting from Yemen since 2010. On the podcast, Iona tells Katy about her near-death experiences, dealing with survivor's guilt, and why being a woman makes her job possible.</p><p>Women With Balls is a podcast series where Katy Balls speak to women at the top of their respective games. To hear past episodes, visit <a href="http://spectator.co.uk/balls">spectator.co.uk/balls</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Cometh the hour, cometh the man? Is Boris the man to save the Tories from Nigel Farage? We talk to his former right hand man about his chances (00:45). We also discuss the latest frontier of political correctness – can fantasy fiction be racist (14:15)? And last, why are people today so squeamish about meat (28:05)?</p><p>With Katy Balls, James Forsyth, Will Walden, Karen Yossman, Sam Leith, James Whetlor, and Olivia Potts.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</p><p>Produced by Cindy Yu.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>