
Best of the Spectator
2,669 episodes — Page 49 of 54

LIVE: Jacob Rees-Mogg at the London Palladium
Fraser Nelson talks to Jacob Rees-Mogg about where the ERG went wrong, how to get away with never changing nappies how much religion impacts his politics - and much more. Recorded in front of a sell-out audience of 2,300 <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>

Coffee House Shots: have May and Corbyn thought through their Brexit gambles?
<p>With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.</p><p>Presented by Fraser Nelson.</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>

Spectator Books: how climate change will transform geopolitics
<p><strong>An earlier version of this podcast had an audio problem that meant listeners were unable to hear it. This has now been fixed. Apologies for any inconvenience</strong> </p><p>In this episode of Spectator Books, Sam talks to the American journalist David Wallace-Wells about his new book The Uninhabitable Earth: A Story of the Future. In it, he uses the best available scientific projections to underpin a picture of what the world would look like if it heats up by four degrees or more. Not pretty, is the conclusion he comes to. But what’s he trying to achieve with this book? Why, in his view, do we not take climate change seriously enough? And is this Project Fear — or Project Damn Well Pay Attention?</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>

Women With Balls: Andrea Leadsom
Katy Balls talks to Leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, about her childhood ambitions to prevent nuclear war, giving birth the night before a selection meeting, and going head to head with John Bercow in the Commons. <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>

The Spectator Podcast: does the new centrist group have much purpose?
<p>This week, a new centrist party has finally been formed. So what does this mean for British politics (00:30)? Plus, we talk about the merits of artificial intelligence and ask, is it something to fear (21:55)? And last, do hen parties have to be so crass (32:15)?</p><p>With Katy Balls, James Forsyth, Gavin Shuker MP, Joe Twyman, Chris Duffey, Jamie Bartlett, Sophia Money-Coutts and Dan Harley.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</p><p>Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thaganrajah.</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>

Americano: Bernie declares for 2020, but are Democrats out to get him?
Freddy Gray talks to John Rick MacArthur, President of Harpers Magazine, on Bernie's presidential bid and why the Democrats are out to get him. <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>

Coffee House Shots: who are the Tory defectors tempted by Labour splitters?
<p>With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</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>

Table Talk: with Iain Dale
<p>Lara and Livvy talk to broadcaster and writer Iain Dale about his life through food and drink. Or rather, the food and drink he doesn't like. It turns out that Iain is the fussiest eater to come on the podcast, but he tells us about the food and drinks that he does like (chicken fajitas, German schnitzels, and Lilt) as well as about what it was like to grow up on a farm, being food poisoned in Russia, and why he buys his crisps from eBay.</p><p>In our Table Talk series, Lara Prendergast and Olivia Potts talk to a celebrity guests about their life story, through the food and drink that has come to define it.</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>

Americano: is it time to stand up to America's tech giants?
Amazon cancelled plans to build a New York headquarters this week. Have tech giants like Amazon and Google been allowed to get away with too much, for too long? Freddy Gray talks to Barry Lynn, Director of the Open Markets Institute, who campaigns to limit their powers. <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>

The Spectator Podcast: is Corbyn cracking up?
<p>Despite the shambolic Tory government, Labour is still trailing in the polls. This week we ask: is Corbyn cracking up (00:30)? Plus, is wearing a hijab necessarily oppressive (17:15), and last, have younger members of the Royal family bought in to a narrative of victimhood (22:25)?</p><p>With Nick Cohen, Stephen Bush, Soutiam Goodarzi, Jan Moir, and Victoria Murphy.</p><p>Presented by Isabel Hardman.</p><p>Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah.</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>

Spectator Books: Deborah Lipstadt on anti-semitism and what you can and can't say about Israel
<p>In this week's Spectator Books, Sam is joined by Deborah Lipstadt -- the historian who herself made a piece of history when she defeated the Holocaust denier David Irving in court. In her new book Antisemitism Now, Professor Lipstadt returns to the fray to look at the worldwide uptick of antisemitism in our own day and age. Sam asks her why she felt the need to write this book and frame it in the way she did, how antisemitism differs from other forms of prejudice, and what you can and can't say about Israel. </p><p>Presented by Sam Leith.</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>

Coffee House Shots: Still partisan - what May's statement today tells us about Brexit cooperation
<p>With Isabel Hardman and James Forsyth.</p><p>Presented by Fraser Nelson.</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>

Coffee House Shots: is May about to cut a Brexit deal with Corbyn?
<p>With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</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>

Women with Balls: The Jess Phillips Edition
<div>Join Katy Balls as she talks to MP Jess Phillips about growing up in an activist home, her life path before becoming an MP and her newfound Twitter fame.<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>

Coffee House Shots: What can the UK gain from Brexit talks with Ireland?
<p>With Katy Balls and James Forsyth. </p><p>Hosted by Lara Prendergast.</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>

Americano: Are Democrats really that radical?
<p>With Thomas Frank, author of What's the Matter with Kansas, and Rendezvous with Oblivion. </p><p>Hosted by Freddy Gray.</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>

The Spectator Podcast: have apps ruined romance?
<p>This week, we talk to journalist Zoe Strimpel about whether apps have ruined dating (00:40). Plus, what does the case of disappeared horses and how the RSPCA is more powerful than you think (20:00).</p><p>Finally, the debate over neurodiversity and why it's dividing the autistic community (30:10).</p><p>With Zoe Strimpel, Dr. Cath Mercer, Laura James, Matt Tunstill, and Melissa Kite. </p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast. </p><p>Produced by Siva Thangarajah and Lara Prendergast.</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>

Coffee House Shots: what do Corbyn's demands mean for May's Brexit deal?
<p>With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. </p><p>Hosted by John Connolly.</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>

Spectator Books: Diana, Her True Story, by Andrew Morton
<p>In this week's books podcast I'm joined from Los Angeles by Andrew Morton -- the Royal writer who scooped the world with the inside story of Princess Diana's marriage. To coincide with the publication of a revised and expanded edition of Diana, Her True Story -- including new material recovered from the tapes they smuggled out of Kensington Palace -- he looks back on those days and that story, and discusses how Royal reportage has changed. Why didn't they call it "Diana: The True Story"? Does he worry that that sort of public exposure during a divorce battle was risking the happiness of the children caught up in it? And what was it like when -- before his source was known -- people were publicly calling for our man to be sent to the Tower of London? </p><p>Hosted by Sam Leith.</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>

Coffee House Shots: what is the fallout from Donald Tusk's Brexit comments?
<p>Hosted by Lara Prendergast.</p><p>With Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.</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>

Americano: what is the state of the Trump presidency?
With Freddy Gray and Jacob Heilbrunn. <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>

Coffee House Shots: could the courts strike down the backstop?
<p>With James Forsyth and special guest David Shiels, Policy Analyst at Open Europe.</p><p>Hosted by Katy Balls.</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>

How close are the Tories to a backstop breakthrough?
<p>With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. </p><p>Presented by Katy Balls.</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>

Americano: Why is measles spreading in America?
<p>With Barbara Boland. </p><p>Presented by Freddy Gray.</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>

Coffee House Shots: Is pork-barrelling the way to win Labour Brexit votes?
<p>With Katy Balls and James Forsyth. </p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</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>

Spectator Podcast: can May's Brexit mission succeed?
<p>This week, May prepares for her last shot with Brussels, but can she get what she wants (0:35)? We also talk to Stephen Gibbs, a journalist on the ground in Caracas, about the nightmare in Venezuela (14:30). And last, we take a look at another big issue of the day - are induction hobs simply reinventing the wheel (25:35)? </p><p>With James Forsyth, Peter Foster, Stephen Gibbs, Joanna Rossiter, Ysenda Maxtone Graham and James Ramsden. </p><p>Presented by Isabel Hardman. </p><p>Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah.</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>

Spectator Books: is it time to stop working?
<p>In this week's books podcast Sam is joined by Josh Cohen, author of the Not Working: Why We Have To Stop. Josh is a literary critic and a working psychoanalyst, and his book is a thoughtful and subtle discussion of the way in which work dominates not only our lives and identities but our leisure time too -- and a speculation about some of the ways we might set about changing that. His references range from Max Weber and Freud to Orson Welles, Andy Warhol, Emily Dickinson and David Foster Wallace. Is it all the fault of "late capitalism"? Has the digital age made quiet contemplation impossible? And why, Sam queried, does his eccentric list of great idlers include some of the most insanely productive people in history?</p><p>Presented by Sam Leith.</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>

Holy Smoke: my sister Carmel on her cancer and her faith
<p>This is a picture of my sister Carmel and I having tea a few days after our mother’s funeral. She looks cheerful, doesn’t she? That’s because she was: although we both missed our mother intensely, and always will, we had done most of our grieving before she died, as we watched her tortured by Parkinson’s disease and severe dementia.</p><p>Carmel looks well, too. And she thought she was. Ovarian cancer plays that trick on women. The first symptoms tend to be annoying rather than alarming. A few weeks after this photograph was taken, I was reassuring her that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common response to bereavement – which it is. But that’s not what was wrong with her. On November 1, I was sitting next to her in the consulting room at Guy’s Hospital when the specialist confirmed that she had advanced ovarian cancer.</p><p>Carmel is my guest on today’s Holy Smoke podcast. Please listen to it. I guarantee that you’ll be surprised by what she has to say. And you will understand why I’m so proud of my sister.</p><p>Presented by Damian Thompson.</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>

Americano: long-term Trump advisor arrested - is Mueller closing in?

Women With Balls: the Sarah Baxter Edition
<p>Sarah Baxter is Deputy Editor of the Sunday Times. Katy talks to Sarah about what it was like to be a woman in the lobby before 'Blair's Babes', the best way to tackle sexism (she says, ignore it and go 'full speed ahead'), and whether Jeremy Corbyn is quite the Labour leader she hopes for.</p><p>Presented by Katy Balls.</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>

The Spectator Podcast: are vegans winning the war on meat?
<p>Have vegans and vegetarians won the moral argument in the war on meat (1:00)? Plus, are Anglicans hoping to reconcile with Catholics (11:25)? And last, why is Michael Gove crusading against the wood-burning stove (25:40)?</p><p>With Jenny McCartney, Dominika Piasecka, Peter Hitchens, Damian Thompson, James Delingpole and Fraser Nelson.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</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>

Spectator Books: what the Bible gets wrong
In this week’s books podcast, Sam's guest is Robert Alter - who has just published the fruits of decades of labour in the form of his complete new translation of the Hebrew Bible into English. Acclaimed for his Bible translations by Seamus Heaney, John Updike and Peter Ackroyd, Prof Alter explains how Biblical Hebrew really works, what can and cannot be preserved in translation - and why, as he sees it, nearly every modern translation of the Bible gets it catastrophically wrong. <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>

Coffee House Shots: can MPs take no-deal off the table?
<p>With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.</p><p>Presented by Isabel Hardman.</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>

Americano: What do Americans think of Brexit?
<p>With Zack Christenson. </p><p>Presented by Freddy Gray.</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>

Coffee House Shots: are we heading for an early general election?
<p>With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.</p><p>Presented 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>

The Spectator Podcast: does parliament have a plan for Brexit?
<p>It’s another crazy week in Westminster, and the question on everyone’s minds – what happens next? We talk to Paul Mason, Henry Newman, and Katy Balls (00:50). Plus, should councils turf out the social housing tenants whose circumstances improve (23:45)?</p><p>With Paul Mason, Henry Newman, Katy Balls, Mark Piggott, and Luke Doonan.</p><p>Presented by Isabel Hardman.</p><p>Produced by Cindy Yu and Alastair Thomas.</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>

Spectator Books: why has Sweden covered up incidences of mass sexual assault?
<p>In this week's episode, Sam talks to investigative journalist Kajsa Norman about her book 'Sweden's Dark Soul'. In it, she turns her gaze on the oppressive forces at the heart of Sweden’s ‘model democracy’. The story begins with the cover-up of mass sexual assaults at a Stockholm music festival. The reason? The perpetrators were unaccompanied refugee minors.</p><p>Presented by Sam Leith.</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>

Coffee House Shots: can anything rescue May from a historic defeat?
<p>With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.</p><p>Presented 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>

Coffee House Shots: what happens when her deal fails?
<p>With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.</p><p>Presented by Isabel Hardman.</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>

Americano: Shutdown Day 22 - has Trump overplayed his hand?
<p>With Jacob Heilbrunn, editor of the National Interest.</p><p>Presented by Freddy Gray.</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>

Coffee House Shots: can Labour save May's Brexit deal?
<p>With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</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>

The Spectator Podcast: how scared should we be of a no deal Brexit?
<p>Lorries backing up in Kent, a Mars bar shortage, and no more Rome city breaks – these are just some of the things that we have been warned about when it comes to a no deal Brexit. But what will really happen (00:45)? Plus, is China a greater force to be reckoned with than Russia (22:35)? And last, what is it with Brits and obsessing over aristocratic sex scandals (33:15)?</p><p>With Lord Peter Lilley, Ian Dunt, Kerry Brown, Tom Tugendhat MP, Cosmo Landesman, and Sophia Money-Coutts.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</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>

Spectator Books: Jonathan Ames on writing memoirs to graphic novels
<p>In this week’s book’s podcast Sam's guest is Jonathan Ames, a writer who has produced everything from memoir (Adventures of a Mildly Perverted Young Writer) to TV writing (Bored To Death), graphic novels (The Alcoholic), pitch-black noir (You Were Never Really Here), Wodehouse homage (Wake Up, Sir!) and now, in The Extra Man, a comic novel riffing on Henry James. We talk about why he calls so many of his characters “Jonathan Ames”, how he goes about his work, and whether — as a man who has become synonymous with “overshare” — he can ever quite retreat into the background.</p><p>Presented by Sam Leith.</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>

Coffee House Shots: would Tory remainers bring down May's government?
<p>With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</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>

The Green Room: Anarchy and Empire with Robert Kaplan
In this fascinating podcast, Dominic Green talks to author and foreign policy analyst Robert Kaplan. They look back at ‘The Coming Anarchy’ after a quarter of a century, and trace the ambitions and disasters of the last three decades of American empire, from the early Nineties to the War on Terror and the retreat of the Obama and Trump years. If you listen carefully, you can hear the clink of coffee cups on saucer. If you listen even more carefully, you’ll hear a reminder of Kipling’s ‘Recessional’, with its warning that all empires must dissolve: ‘Lest we forget.’ Listen and learn. <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>

The Spectator Podcast: are Europe's populists one election away from reforming the EU?
<p>As we move into 2019, two big elections could shake up the rest of the year. In May, the European elections could see an unprecedented populist surge. What would that mean for the European Union (00:50)? And back home, a potential general election, and Corbyn’s chances at government have never looked better (11:15). We discuss both of these. And last, is it ever okay to call a woman ‘a girl’ (24:35)?</p><p>With Fredrik Erixon, Charles Grant, Katy Balls, Conor Pope, Mark Mason and Julie Bindel.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</p><p>Produced by Cindy Yu and Alastair Thomas.</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>

Coffee House Shots: Brexit after Christmas - has anything changed?
<p>With Henry Newman, Director of Open Europe, and Katy Balls.</p><p>Presented by Lara Prendergast.</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>

Spectator Books: Ed Vulliamy - how music helps me report from the front line
In this week’s books podcast we’re going to the wars. Sam's guest is Ed Vulliamy, the veteran war correspondent who has written a fascinating memoir called When Words Fail: A Life With Music, War and Peace. In it, Ed talks about how his lifelong love of music — he saw Hendrix at the Isle of Wight — has threaded through his terrifying adventures in conflict zones from Bosnia to Iraq to the Mexican/American border; and of how music really can salve the soul when everything else is broken. He describes his own terrifying experiences with PTSD, snagging the last interview with BB King, and how playing “Kashmir” over and over again while roaring unembedded around a battle-zone led him to a friendship with Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. <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>

Women with Balls: Dame Helena Morrissey
Join Katy Balls as she interviews Dame Helena Morrissey - a financier, a campaigner for more women in the boardrooms, and the mother to nine children. How does she balance kids and a career? Why does she think men and women are fundamentally different? And what is the most effective way to get a raise? <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>

Spectator Books: conversing with Chris Kraus, author of I Love Dick
<p>In this week’s books podcast Sam talks to Chris Kraus — author of the semi-autobiographical cult novel I Love Dick and the new essay collection Social Practices — about her strange and interesting life in the New York and LA art worlds, about taking Baudrillard to a “happening” in the desert, about ambition and fame, about how art and literature feed into one another — and about why we English should stop sneering at “theory” and learn to love its strangeness and beauty.</p><p>Presented by Sam Leith.</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>