The Edition

<div>In this week’s episode:</div><div>Why is there a lack of faith in western leaders? <em>Spectator</em> deputy editor Freddy Gray, Callum Williams from the <em>Economist</em> & Harvard professor Barbara Kellerman discuss why the world feel so leaderless. (00:44)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week:</div><div>How do you escape the church of scientology? <em>Spectator </em>Columnist Mary Wakefield talks with former scientologist Claire Headley about her life inside the organisation and how hard it was to leave. (15:07)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally:<br>Should we all give boxing a go?<br>Anil Bhoyrul & James Amos organiser of Boodles Boxing Ball on the strange world of White Collar Boxing. (27:40)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast & William Moore</div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher: <a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode:</div><div>Is the Prime Minister a dead man walking? <em>Spectator</em> Political Editor James Forsyth and MP Jesse Norman who expressed no confidence in Monday's vote discuss the future of Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party. (00:45)</div><br><div>Also this week:</div><div>Why is there so much virtue signalling in modern advertising? <em>Spectator</em> Columnist Lionel Shriver and veteran copywriter Paul Burke discuss its origins, its prevalence, and its effectiveness. (20:20)</div><br><div>And finally:</div><div>Is the dinner party dead? Gus Carter writes in <em>The Spectator</em> this week about how he is never invited to any. He’s joined by Mary Killen to give him some tips on planning a sophisticated bash on a budget. (34:45)</div><br><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast & William Moore</div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><br><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher: <a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode:</div><div>Robert Hardman & Angela Levin, two of the UK’s royal specialists, explore the character of the Queen and the impact she has had on the institution of the monarchy. (00:36)</div><br><br><div>Also this week:</div><div>For now, it seems that Boris Johnson is hanging on after the publishing of the Sue Gray report, but how stable is his position? Could a vote of no confidence be closer than anyone expects? <em>The Spectator</em>’s political editor James Forsyth joins the podcast to discuss. (13:47)</div><br><br><div>And finally:</div><div>Is Chinese cinema in decline? Cindy Yu writes on this in this week’s <em>Spectator</em>, and she joins the podcast along with Andrew Heskins, the founder of <em><a href="http://easternkicks.com">easternkicks.com</a></em>, a review website specialising in Asian film, and co-founder of the film festival, <em>Focus Hong Kong</em>.</div><div>(23:33)</div><br><br><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><br><br><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher: <a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode:<br>Ian Williams, author of <em>The Fire of the Dragon: China’s New Cold war</em>, and Alessio Patalano, Professor of War and Strategy in East Asia at King’s College London, talk about how the war in Ukraine has changed the thinking in Taiwan. (00:37)<br><br></div><div>Also this week:<br>Was Sue Gray’s report on Downing Street parties a game-changer or a damp squib? <em>The Spectator</em>’s editor, Fraser Nelson, and our political editor, James Forsyth, join the podcast to discuss the fallout from partygate. (15:39)<br><br></div><div>And finally:<br>If rising restaurant prices are causing you grief, you're not alone. Writer Yesenda Maxtone Graham and <em>The Spectator</em>’s Wikiman columnist, Rory Sutherland, join the podcast. (27:55)<br><br></div><div>Hosted by William Moore<br>Produced by Sam Holmes<br><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher: <a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>This week Lara Prendergast and William Moore talk to James Forsyth and the academic, Dr Alexander Clarkson about Zelensky's possible path to peace (00:42). Followed by Owen Matthews, <em>The Spectator's </em>Russia correspondent on Turkey's power over Nato expansion (13:28). Finally, a chat between two bowls fanatics, Michael Simmons, <em>The Spectator's</em> data journalist and Andrew Gibson from the bowls green in Streatham (22:00).</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast & William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher: <a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>This week Lara Prendergast and William Moore talk to Katy Balls and the journalist Paul Mason about the future of Labour (00:40). Followed by historian David Abulafia and the <em>Sunday Times</em> education editor Sian Griffiths on the announcement of Cambridge University's plans to limit the number of their private school students (15:20). Finally, a debate between author Michele Kirsch and Laura Biggs from the Menopause Mandate on the question 'Are we talking about menopause too much?' (31:50).</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast & William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is Boris Johnson planning to tear up Britain’s deal with the EU?</div><br><div>James Forsyth says in his <em>Spectator</em> cover story this week that Boris Johnson plans to reignite the Brexit voter base by taking on the EU again over Northern Ireland. He joins the podcast along with Denis Staunton, the London editor of <em>the Irish Times</em>, who writes in this week’s magazine about how Sein Finn has benefited from the DUP’s collapsing support. (00:50)</div><br><div>Also this week: Does overturning Roe V. Wade stand up to constitutional scrutiny? </div><br><div>Douglas Murray has written in his column this week about America’s abortion debate, in the wake of the leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion set to overturn the 1973 decision in Roe V Wade. He joins the podcast along with <em>The Spectator’s </em>economics editor Kate Andrews. (15:09)</div><br><div>And finally: Is Eton College going through an ‘awokening’? </div><br><div>In this week’s magazine, <em>The Spectator’s</em> diary editor James Heale turns his attention to Eton College, which he says is having an uncharacteristic identity crisis. James joins the podcast to talk about the direction of the school, along with <em>The Spectator’s</em> literary editor, and Old Etonian, Sam Leith. (28:29)</div><br><div>Hosted by William Moore</div><br><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><br><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is Elon Musk heading for a clash with the British Government over free speech?</div><div><br></div><div>Elon Musk is buying Twitter. But might the Tesla CEO be in for a battle he wasn’t expecting with the UK government? <em>Spectator</em> Editor Fraser Nelson writes about this potential clash in this week’s issue and he joins the podcast to expand on his thesis. (00:49)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Where is it ever ok to stare at someone? </div><div><br></div><div>If you’ve been on the tube recently you might have spotted a rather startling sign. This poster warns passengers about intrusive staring on public transport, so as to protect women from feeling intimidated on their commute. But who, we ask, will speak up for those who love staring at people on public transport? The answer is Cosmo Landesman who defends his love of people watching in this week’s <em>Spectator</em>. He joins the podcast along with Emily Hill who also has written for us on how silly she thinks this policy is. (09:56)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Is getting a fringe a cry for help? </div><div><br></div><div>Martha Gill writes in this week’s <em>Spectator</em> on the subject of fringes. Why have they come to signify a difficult or traumatic phase in a woman’s life? She joins the podcast along with celebrity hairdresser Cristiano Basciu who has a defence of the fringe. (17:35)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast <em>Table Talk</em>: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is Boris going to limp on? </div><br><div>In her cover piece this week, Katy Balls writes that although Boris Johnson believes he can survive the partygate scandal, he has some way to go until he is safe, while in his column, James Forsyth writes about why the Tories have a summer of discontent ahead of them. They both join the podcast to speculate on the Prime Minister’s future. (00:44)</div><br><div>Also this week: Why is the Rwandan government taking our asylum seekers? </div><br><div>We have heard the arguments behind the Home Office’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda. But why is Rwanda up for this arrangement? Michela Wrong, the author of <em>Do Not Disturb: The Story of a Political Murder</em> <em>and an African Regime Gone Bad</em>, explores this question in this week’s <em>Spectator</em> and she joins the podcast along with MP Andrew Mitchell. (14:50)</div><br><div>And finally: Can AI take on the art world?</div><br><div>Sean Thomas writes in this week’s magazine about how some AI programs appear to have become rather good at painting. But what does this mean for the future of art? He joins the podcast along with Lukas Noehrer the organiser of The Alan Turing Institute’s AI & Arts group and Professor Stefano Ermon of Stanford whose research has made much of this technology possible. (28:16)</div><br><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><br><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><br><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><br><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast <em>Table Talk</em>: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: How are the people of both Russia and Ukraine processing the war?</div><div><br></div><div>Our Russia correspondent Owen Matthews writes in this week’s <em>Spectator</em> that he has been stunned at how easily some of his Russian friends have accepted the Kremlin’s propaganda. He joins the podcast to explain why he thinks this is, followed by journalist and author of <em>This Is Not Propaganda</em>, Peter Pomerantsev, who has travelled to Kyiv to celebrate the festival of Passover. (00:48)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Is Rishi Sunak politically incompetent? </div><div><br></div><div>Until recently Rishi Sunak was once a favourite to succeed Boris Johnson, but this week his popularity plummeted to new lows. Our Deputy Political Editor Katy Balls writes about the Chancellor’s challenges in this week’s <em>Spectator</em> and she joins the podcast along with Chris Curtis from <em>Opinium Research</em> to talk about Rishi’s nightmare week. (20:20)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Why do so many of Africa’s leaders support Putin?</div><div><br></div><div>Our wildlife correspondent, Aidan Hartley argues in this week’s <em>Spectator</em> that this is because many previously colonised nations still see the West as their old enemy and that the enemy of their enemy is their friend. Aidan joins us now. (31:40)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is Putin guilty of war crimes?</div><div><br></div><div>For this week’s cover piece, The Spectator’s Editor Fraser Nelson looks at the risks and rewards of labelling Vladimir Putin and Russian soldiers war criminals. He joins the podcast, followed by Michael Bryant, the author of A World History of War Crimes, who writes in the Spectator this week about what the limits put on acts of war in the past can teach us about atrocities committed today. (00:52)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Is Europe facing a political stand-off between progressives and populists? </div><div><br></div><div>This week Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was elected for a fourth term in office with a large majority. While in France, Emmanuel Macron faces a much harder fight from Marine Le Pen than many expected. Paris-based author, Gavin Mortimer analyses the changing faultline in European politics in this week’s Spectator and joins the podcast along with journalist and author Tibor Fischer. (19:44)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Why are overpriced English kitchens so hot right now?</div><div><br></div><div>How much would you be willing to spend on your kitchen? The answer for some seems to be a lot. And the fashionable choice at the moment is faux traditional English. Writer and art critic, Laura Freeman explores this phenomenon in this week’s Spectator and she joins the podcast along with Stacey Sheppard, creator of the design blog The Design Sheppard. (32:25)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is Biden’s approach to the war in Ukraine more calculating than it seems?</div><div><br></div><div>For this week’s cover piece, in this week’s cover piece, Matt Purple examines Biden’s response to the situation in Ukraine. The good, the bad and the gaffs. He joins the podcast along with the founder of Political Human Emma Burnell. (00:52)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: How many of Ukraine’s churches have been destroyed?</div><div><br></div><div>In this week’s issue, Christopher Howse writes poignantly on the destruction of Ukrainian churches and how Vladimir Putin, a man claiming to be a defender of Christianity is desperate to keep the images of destroyed holy sites out of the news. He joins the podcast along with the head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Great Britain, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas Loulias. (11:26)</div><div><br></div><div>And, finally: 40 years on from the Falklands War, why are there still tensions over the islands?</div><div><br></div><div>It has been 40 years since the war between the UK and Argentina over the Falklands and in this week’s Spectator Robert Taylor writes about the impact that conflict still has on the territory. He joins the podcast along with native Argentinian and Professor of International Law of The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Marcelo G. Kohen. (22:43)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: could President Erdogan broker a peace deal between Putin and the West?</div><div> </div><div>For this week’s cover piece, Owen Matthews has written about how Turkey’s President Erdogan became a key powerbroker between Vladimir Putin and the Western alliance. On the podcast, Owen is joined by Ece Temelkuran, a political thinker, author, and writer of the book <em>How to Lose a Country. </em>(1:13)</div><br><div>Also this week: a look at Tina, the drug devastating the gay community.</div><div><br></div><div>Dr Max Pemberton has written about Tina, a dangerous drug often used at chemsex parties. Max joins us now along with Philip Hurd, a chemsex rehabilitation professional and trustee of Controlling Chemsex. (14:02)</div><br><div>And finally: Are the Oscars losing their relevance?</div><div><br></div><div>Toby Young writes for <em>The Spectator</em> this week about The Oscars ceremony. John Ringo once coined the term ‘get woke and go broke’ to describe businesses that drive consumers away with their politically worthy causes. Could the same be said for The Oscars? Toby joins The Edition podcast along with Fiona Mountford, a theatre critic and regular contributor for <em>The Spectator. </em>(24:51)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by William Moore.</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Has Putin’s invasion of Ukraine exposed the West’s weakness - or its strength?</div><div><br></div><div>For this week, Sergey Radchenko, a Cold War historian writes about the draconian anti-war measures that Putin has imposed in Russia. He joins the podcast along with Dr Jade Glynn, a specialist in Russian memory and foreign policy at the Monterey Initiative in Russian Studies. (01:00)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted the hubris of the West? While Western countries unite in a chorus of criticism against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rod Liddle writes that the invasion only highlights the impotence of the West. He is joined by James Forsyth, <em>The Spectator’s</em> political editor. (18:20)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally, what’s happened to Durham University? Has its reputation plummeted?</div><div><br></div><div>Nathan Risser writes in <em>The Spectator</em> this week about the decline of Durham University. It was once at the top of the league tables just under Oxford and Cambridge but has this all changed? Nathan who is a writer graduated from Durham in 2017. Joining Nathan is Imogen Usherwood, another writer who recently graduated from Durham University in 2021. (35.40)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: is the UK dragging its feet when it comes to Ukrainian refugees?<br><br>For this week’s cover piece, Kate Andrews and Max Jeffery report from Calais, where they have been talking with Ukrainian refugees hoping to make it to Britain. Kate joins the podcast along with former MEP Patrick O’Flynn to discuss the UK’s handling of the refugee crisis. (00:48)<br><br>Also this week: are commodity traders finding a moral compass?<br><br>In the wake of colossal sanctions on Russia are commodity traders feeling pressured to look more critically at the people they buy from? In this week’s issue, Javier Blas, Bloomberg’s commodities columnist and the co-author of <em>The World for Sale</em>, reveals what’s going on in the world of commodity trading. He joins the podcast along with Martin Vander Weyer who also writes about how effective these sanctions might be. (19:21)<br><br>And, finally: is offal making a macho comeback?<br><br>Gus Carter writes in <em>The Spectator</em> this week about offal. It’s having a comeback, he says, thanks to macho men following internet advice about what to eat. He joins the podcast with Natasha Lawson, <em>T he Spectator</em>’s designer and a keen organ fan, who bought in one of her favourite products for Lara, Gus and William to try. (30:19)<br><br>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore<br><br>Produced by Sam Holmes<br><br>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher<br></a><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: What’s the mood on the ground in Ukraine and Russia?</div><div><br></div><div>For this week’s cover piece, Owen Matthews asks whether the invasion of Ukraine will mean the end of Putin’s regime. And in this week’s Spectator diary, Freddy Gray reports on pride and paranoia on the streets of Lviv. They join the podcast, to talk about Russia’s future and Ukraine’s present. (00:49)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Is Germany ready to tackle its dependence on Russian gas?</div><div><br></div><div>In response to Russia’s invasion, Germany has abandoned its Nord Stream 2 pipeline, sent lethal weapons to Ukraine and, most strikingly of all, has committed to the Nato target of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence - a €100 billion fund. James Forsyth, who writes about Germany’s new reality in this week’s magazine, joins the podcast along with Stefanie Bolzen, a journalist for Welt. (17:18)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Are traditional British brands losing their soul?</div><div><br></div><div>Harry Wallop, in this week’s Spectator, wonders why some of Britain's oldest and most distinctive brands are trashing their reputation. They are selling out, changing the very thing that made them special in order to appeal to foreign millionaires. He joins the podcast along with a popular culture expert. Nick Ede.</div><div>(29:40)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: What does Putin really want for Russia?</div><div><br></div><div>For this week’s cover story, Niall Ferguson writes about how Putin seems to be trying to recreate the Russia of the Past, while this week's diary by Timothy Garton Ash says the West has misunderstood his intentions, Niall and Timothy join the podcast along with Mary Dejevsky a columnist for the Independent. (00:48)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Should there be women-only spaces on trains?</div><div><br></div><div>Jeremy Corbyn suggested it when he was Labour party leader and now Scotland seems to be flirting with the idea. Mary Wakefield says in this week’s Spectator that although she enjoys the idea of lady carriage, it doesn’t make much sense. She joins the podcast along with women's rights activist Kelly Given, one of Young Women’s Movement Scotland, 30 under 30. (15:15)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Should we all get naked?</div><div><br></div><div>Cosmo Landesman believes that once men reach a certain age, they quite enjoy taking their clothes off no matter where. He has written about his theory in this week’s magazine and he joins the podcast along with Andrew Welch from British Naturism. (23:31)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: What is the next act in Putin’s theatre of war?</div><div><br></div><div>For this week’s cover story, James Forsyth writes about Putin’s dangerous dramatics on the Russian-Ukrainian border and where they might lead. James joins the podcast along with Paul Wood, who writes in this week’s magazine that Putin’s bluff may be backfiring. (00:49)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: How important is gallows humour?</div><div><br></div><div>The BBC’s new comedy-drama, This Is Going To Hurt, based on the best-selling book of the same title by trainee doctor turned comedian Adam Kay depicts some truly gut-wrenching scenes with a touch of gallows humour. This week in The Spectator, Andrew Watts writes a defence of making dark jokes in serious situations as not only a stress relief exercise, but a genuine necessity for getting through the day. He joins the podcast along with Ed Patrick, a comedian and NHS anaesthetist whose new book <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1914240200">Catch Your Breath</a> about working in the NHS during the pandemic is out now. (16:05)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: why have we stopped whistling?</div><br><div>Whistling can be seen as a bit annoying at best and rude at worst. But in this week’s Spectator, Steve Morris laments the loss of everyday whistling. He considers it a way of bringing music into one’s life for those who don’t own a piano. He joins the podcast along with whistling world champion <a href="https://davidmorris-whistler.com/contact/">David Morris</a>, who has released six albums of his whistling. (25:50)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: What’s the mood like in Boris’s bunker?</div><div><br></div><div>For this week’s cover story, James Forsyth writes about the defensive bunker mentality inside No. 10 and the PM’s strategy of keeping MPs sweet to hold back a no confidence vote. James joins the podcast along with Spectator Editor Fraser Nelson to discuss. (00:50)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Have we forgotten how to take a joke?</div><div><br></div><div>Jimmy Carr has caused an online outcry after an off-colour joke from his new show, His Dark Material was clipped and posted without context on social media. Ministers, such as Nadine Dorries and Sajid Javid, have now criticised a comedian for telling a joke. In the Spectator this week both in print and online, two of our writers came to Carr’s defence. The Spectator’s associate editor Douglas Murray joins the podcast, along with Sam Holmes, who is The Spectator’s Podcast Producer by day, and a stand up comedian by night. (11:38)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Has Covid permanently changed how people take Communion?<br><br></div><div>During the Covid pandemic, churches had to rethink the way they gave communion to their congregations. But will we ever go back to the old normal? Ysenda Maxtone Graham mourns the loss of the tradition of the communal cup in this week's Spectator. She joins the podcast along with Revd Dr Andrew Atherstone, a Tutor in Church History at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, who has written a study entitled, Drink This, All of You’: Individual Cups at Holy Communion.<em> </em>(21:42)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is China stuck in a zero-Covid trap?</div><div><br></div><div>For this week’s cover story, Cindy Yu looks at Xi Jinping’s attempt to grapple with Covid. She joins the podcast, along with Ben Cowling, Chair Professor of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong. (01:42)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Whose in The Zac Pack? And what is their influence on No.10?</div><div><br></div><div>James Heale, <em>The Spectator’s</em> diary editor has written in this week’s magazine about The Zac Pack. A group made up of Carrie Johnson, Lord Goldsmith and some highly influential figures in the Westminster corridors. James is joined by Christian Calgie, a senior reporter at Guido Fawkes to discuss the power this group have in No.10. And their role in Pen Farthing’s animal evacuation out of Afghanistan. (16:40)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: A glance back 70 years ago, the Queen as a Princess.<br><br></div><div>This weekend marks the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. Graham Viney, author of The Last Hurrah: South Africa and the Royal Tour of 1947, writes this week's magazine about how she was prepared for that moment. He joins the podcast, along with the royal commentator and biographer, Angela Levin, author of ‘Harry: A biography of a Prince’. (28:41)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Natasha Feroze</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:<a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a></div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk: <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Will Putin invade Ukraine? </div><div><br></div><div>For this week’s cover story, Owen Matthews argues that if Putin is going to invade Ukraine, he will do so later rather than sooner. He joins the podcast, along with Julius Strauss who reports on the mood in Odessa for this week’s magazine. (00:42)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Is Brexit working?</div><div><br></div><div>This week marks the second anniversary of Brexit. But how successful has it been? Joining the podcast to answer that question is Lord Frost who was Chief Negotiator of Task Force Europe from January 2020 until his resignation in December last year - and the journalist Ed West, who runs the Substack, Wrong Side of History (13:12)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>And finally: What is the allure of a classified ad? </div><div><br></div><div>In the age of Google, classified adverts have become something of a rarity. In this week’s magazine, Anthony Whitehead explores the history, influence, and appeal of back-page ads. He joins the podcast along with Lawrence Bernstein who has been running a classified ad in the back pages of The Spectator for years. (26:18)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator<em> </em>today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk:</div><div><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk </a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Will the Red Wall crush Boris Johnson? </div><div><br></div><div>In this week’s Spectator, our political editor James Forsyth and our deputy political editor Katy Balls report on the plot to oust the Prime Minister by Red Wall MPs, and No.10’s battle to save Boris. They join the podcast to give their up to date diagnosis. (00:43)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: How to save the BBC?</div><div><br></div><div>This week Nadine Dorries announced that she is planning a licence fee freeze. In the Spectator this week Paul Wood, a veteran journalist of the BBC writes about his love-hate relationship with the broadcaster. He joins the podcast now along with Domonic Minghella, writer, producer and former showrunner of the BBC’s Robin Hood. (14:45)</div><div> </div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Is it moral to do good with bad money? </div><div><br></div><div>The Sackler family - whose fortune was built on getting thousands of Americans addicted to OxyContin, contributing to the country’s devastating opioid crisis - are now returning to philanthropy in the UK. But should their ill-gotten money be accepted for good causes? That’s the question Sam Leith and Matthew Parris have both asked for the Spectator’s website and magazine respectively. They both join the podcast to continue their moral musings. (28:07)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator<em> </em>today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk:</div><div><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk </a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is Boris Johnson done for? </div><div><br></div><div>In this week’s Spectator cover story, our political editor James Forsyth and our deputy political editor Katy Balls write about Boris Johnson’s perilous position in the aftermath of the Partygate scandal. They join the podcast to predict the Prime Minister’s fate. (00:40)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Is there a dangerous side to self-improvement?</div><div><br></div><div>The hashtag manifesting has had billions of impressions on social media in the last year. Younger generations love it and Mary Wakefield explores this viral phenomenon in her column this week. She joins the podcast along with Ally Head, the health and sustainability editor for Marie Claire UK who has interviewed a number of manifestation experts. (14:36)</div><div> </div><div><br></div><div>And finally: how attractive are your feet? </div><div><br></div><div>Kate Andrews, the Spectator’s economics editor, made an unusual discovery at the end of last year. Pictures of her in flip flops had made it onto a particular website, Wikifeet – ‘the internet’s largest collaborative celebrity feet website’. Kate wrote about her surprising discovery in this week’s magazine, and she joins the podcast along with Theresa Bedford, a personal finance and investing expert who has written about the best ways to sell pictures of your feet online. (28:59)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator<em> </em>today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk:</div><div><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk </a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is it time to rip up the idea of vaccine passports? </div><div><br></div><div>In <em>The Spectator</em>’s cover story this week, our economics editor Kate Andrews writes about her disdain for the idea of vaccine passports after being exposed to their flaws first hand. She joins the podcast along with Professor Julian Savulescu from the University of Oxford. (01:01)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Is Covid putting a spotlight on understudies?</div><div><br></div><div>In this week's <em>Spectator</em>, Sarah Crompton champions the understudy as one of the heroes of the pandemic. These are the community of stand-in actors who have kept productions alive during Covid. She is joined on the podcast by Chris Howell, understudy to Michael Ball in Hairspray last year and currently stand-in for Julian Clary at the Palladium, to discuss. (18:06)</div><div> </div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Is being cancelled a badge of honour?</div><div><br></div><div>The comedian Stewart Lee announced his pedal bin list for the new year. Essentially people he wants to put in the bin. In The Spectator this week Julie Burchill who is on the list writes about her excitement to be featured. Joining the podcast are two others who made the list: journalist Martha Gill and Winston Marshall formally of the band Mumford and Sons, but who this year is joining <em>The Spectator</em> family with his new show, Marshall Matters. (28:59)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator<em> </em>today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk:</div><div><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk </a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>Welcome to the special Christmas episode of The Edition! </div><div><br></div><div>In this episode, we look at five major topics that dominated the news this year and the pages of <em>The Spectator</em>. </div><div><br></div><div>First up a review of the year in politics with our resident Coffee House Shot's team James Forsyth, Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. We discuss how Boris seemed to make such a strong start to the year through the vaccine rollout, but squandered this goodwill with several own goals. We also touch on some of the big political moments of the year: Partygate, the Owen Paterson affair and of course Matt Hancock. (00:39)</div><div><br></div><div>Next, we go global and look at three of the major powerhouses that took headlines this year. The EU, who ends the year in a panic over Russia, extreme Covid measures, and upcoming elections. The US started with an insurrection and ended with President Biden's plummeting poll numbers. Finally, China, who if you ask them say they are doing just fine. Lara Prendergast is joined by Jonathan Miller, Douglas Murray, and Cindy Yu to discuss the state of the world. (22:34)</div><div><br></div><div>Then, a subject we all hoped to be leaving in the rearview mirror. Covid. With so much misinformation out there, the one important thing to have is good data, which is why we built <em>The Spectator</em>’s Covid data hub, and William Moore is joined on the podcast by three people who spend an ungodly amount of time going through those figures. <em>The Spectator</em> editor Fraser Nelson, Michael Simmons (who puts the data hub together and is making his podcast debut), and our economics editor Kate Andrews. (40:52)</div><div><br></div><div>We chose our penultimate segment by looking back at all the most read articles of the year and chose the subject that appeared the most. The Royal Family won by a landslide, and it has been a big year for them. To break down the year’s big Royal moments and try and figure out why we are so obsessed with this family, Lara Prendergast and William Moore sat down with Freddy Gray and Patrick Jephson. (59:37)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally, The Edition's producer has given William Moore an early Christmas present. The Church of England is one of his favourite things to talk about, because of how important he thinks it is for our society, but also because of the many issues he has with how it is run. Will gets stuck into it with four amazing priests – Marcus Walker, Daniel French, Nicholas Cranfield, and Steve Morris – who see out the year by telling us their favourite Christmas carols. (01:13:04)</div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast & Will Moore</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator</em> magazine this Christmas and get the next 12 issues – in print and online – for just £12. Not only that but you’ll also receive a bottle of Taittinger champagne, worth £42, to see you through to the new year. Join the party today at <a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/celebrate">www.spectator.co.uk/celebrate</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is there any substance to the government’s new drugs agenda?</div><div><br></div><div>In The Spectator this week Fraser Nelson writes the cover story on the government’s new 10 years drugs plan and finds that while on the surface this seems like a new war on drugs, it might actually have some thoughtful and effective policies buried within it. Fraser is joined on the podcast by Christopher Snowden, the head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs. (00:52)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Can Islam save Britain’s churches?</div><div><br></div><div>Britain has for a long time now has been becoming a more and more secular nation. This has meant that many churches that used to have full pews are at risk of turning into luxury flats or another Tesco Express. But in this week’s Spectator, Tanjil Rashid highlights another destiny for these buildings. Conversion into mosques. In the piece, he argues these buildings should continue being a place of faith even if that faith is not Christian. He joins Lara along with Christopher Howse, the author of many a book about religious history and architecture. (13:46)</div><div> </div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Are we witnessing the twilight of the necktie? </div><div><br></div><div>Lockdowns meant we all got used to working from home, which resulted in a much more casual dress code. It feels very strange to wear a suit around your own house. But Jonathan Miller is worried that this may lead to the end of the necktie, a fashion accessory he believes is an important symbol of traditional masculinity. He joins Lara to expand on that idea along with fashion historian Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell. (25:47)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator </em>today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara's food podcast Table Talk:</div><div><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/table-talk </a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Is the current NHS crisis a bug or a feature?</div><div><br></div><div>In the Spectator’s cover story this week, our economics editor Kate Andrews writes about the state of the NHS and why even though reform is so clearly needed it's nearly politically impossible to try to do so. She joins the podcast with Isabel Hardman who is currently writing a book on the history of the NHS. (00:53)<br><br></div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: How is the nation feeling about the Omicron variant?</div><div><br></div><div>The news of the Omicron variant has not only worried the public about what may become of their Christmas plans, but the government has also reacted by bringing in new travel restrictions and mask mandates. Two of our columnists Lionel Shriver and Rod Liddle have both given their views on the latest pandemic precautions in week’s magazine and on the podcast they continue those conversations. (16:25)</div><div> </div><div><br></div><div>And finally: Now it’s December can we open the Baileys?</div><div><br></div><div>Now it’s December, Christmas celebrations can begin. Our own Hannah Tomes has written about one of her favourite festive delights. Baileys. She joins the podcast along with another Irish cream connoisseur, Lara Prendergast, and the Spectator’s Deputy Editor Freddy Gray who heard we were drinking Baileys and couldn’t resist. (33:02)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator </em>today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br>Listen to Isabel's podcast on the NHS post Covid, Aftershock:<br><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/The-NHS-edition">https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/The-NHS-edition</a></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Just who is protesting new Covid rules in Europe? </div><div><br></div><div>In The Spectator this week we have three articles that cover the riots and protests all over Europe about new covid policies. Two of them report the scene on the ground in different countries. Lionel Barber and Nick Farrell write respectively about the situations in Holland and Italy and talk on the podcast about why this is happening now and how much more it could escalate. (00:45)<br><br></div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Is China having its own hand and the #MeToo moment?</div><div><br></div><div>A spotlight has been shined on China in recent days, due to the troubling series of events surrounding the Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai. Who after making claims of being pressured into a sexual relationship with a CCP official, disappeared for days, as all mentions of her claims were wiped from social media. Cindy Yu writes about this story in this week’s Spectator and talks on the podcast about the history of China’s mistress culture. (14:17)</div><div> </div><div><br></div><div>And finally: What does it take to be a Hamleys elf? </div><div><br></div><div>Christmas is coming and if there are children in your life begging for this season's hottest toy, you might find yourself at Hamleys, the world’s oldest toys store, and as you enter you may well be greeted by a festive elf. But what’s it like being one of these red and green-clad friends of Father Christmas? Our podcast producer Sam Holmes writes in The Spectator this week about his experience as an elf when he was 19. Sam is joined on the podcast by Mark Campbell, the current Lego man at Hamleys and Sam’s old boss from his elf days. (21:00)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator </em>today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara’s food-based interview show, <em>Table Talk</em>:</div><div><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/tabletalk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/tabletalk</a> </div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Are migrants the new munitions? </div><div><br></div><div>In our cover story this week, our political editor James Forsyth looks at the growing troubles in Eastern Europe and how this small part of the world stage could end up splintering the scaffolding of global peace. He is joined on the podcast by Mary Dejevsky, a columnist for <em>the Independent.</em> (00:42)</div><br><br><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Will the monarchy survive past Elizabeth II?</div><div><br></div><div>The royal family is not in a good way, with the Queen missing multiple appearances due to ill health, a prince under investigation, and the continuing cold war between William and Harry, will the monarchy survive past Elizabeth II? That’s the question Freddy Gray asks in this week’s <em>Spectator</em>. He joins the podcast along with Patrick Jephson a former private secretary to Princess Diana, who also covers the royals in this week’s issue. (17:21)</div><div> </div><br><br><div>And finally: Why is the mullet making a comeback? </div><div><br></div><div>Mullets. A hairstyle made popular in the 70s, but more recently the butt of many a joke is making something of a fashionable comeback. Hannah Moore writes about the return of the mullet in this week’s <em>Spectator</em>. She joins talks on the podcast with Mike Lawson of <em>Beardbrand</em> who has also noticed this retro <a href="https://www.beardbrand.com/blogs/urbanbeardsman/mullets">return</a>. (29:09)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><div><br></div><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to <em>The Spectator </em>today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara’s food-based interview show, <em>Table Talk</em>:</div><div><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/tabletalk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/tabletalk</a> </div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Who is advising the PM? </div><br><div>In our cover story this week, our editor Fraser Nelson takes a deep dive into No. 10 politics and finds a court of chaos inside. With a large parliamentary majority, an extremely young team and the departure of Domonic Cummings is there anyone left in the Conservative party who can stand up to the Prime Minister? Fraser talks on the podcast with former Conservative party chairman, Kenneth Baker on the reign of King Boris. (00:45)<br><br></div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Should the West be prepared to defend Taiwan?</div><br><div>Tensions over the island of Taiwan are rising at an alarming rate. In <em>The Spectator</em> this week Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy at King’s College, and Elbridge Colby, author of <em>Strategy of Denia</em>l, both write about what the West can do to defend Taiwan’s autonomy. On the podcast, Alessio and Elbridge talk further about the future of this disputed territory. (17:09)</div><div> <br><br></div><div>And finally: How do you join the world of underground chess? </div><br><div>One of the world’s oldest games is making something of a comeback, with underground chess clubs starting up all over the world. Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, CEO of UK music, writes about this phenomenon in this week’s <em>Spectator</em>. He joins the podcast along with Nick Moar, <em>The Spectator’s</em> social media editor and chess enthusiast to discuss their favourite pastime. Nick and James are also joined by the grandmaster himself, Malcolm Pein who wanted in on the fun. (30:56)</div><div><br></div><br><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><br><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara’s food-based interview show, Table Talk:</div><div><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/tabletalk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/tabletalk</a> </div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Has the Biden Presidency stalled or crashed?<br><br></div><div>In our cover story this week, Freddy Gray assesses the state of the Biden presidency. With steadily lowering approval ratings, a disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, and this week’s failure of the Democrats to hold on to the Virginia Governorship, how much trouble is the US’s oldest inaugurated president in? Freddy talks to Lara along with Emily Tamkin, the US editor of the New Statesman and co-host of the World Review Podcast. </div><div>(00:49)</div><br><div>Also this week: Should we welcome or fear the Metaverse?<br><br></div><div>Kit Wilson writes in The Spectator this week about Facebook’s new venture into the Metaverse, a concept that most of us probably hadn’t heard of until last week. To layout the roadmap for what our journey into this new digital reality might look like, Kit joins the podcast along with Tom Renner, a software engineer for NavVis.</div><div>(12:55)</div><div> </div><div>And finally: Is the idea of ‘buy now pay later’ financially precarious for young people?<br><br></div><div>Gus Carter has been exploring the new Swedish-born app that is blowing up with the youth: Klarna. On its face, it seems to just be a modern replacement for a credit card with some gifts thrown in, but could this ‘buy now pay later’ model have some unexpected consequences for its users? Gus talks about his findings along with the author of the blog Young Money Iona Bain. </div><div>(27:33)</div><br><br><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><div> <br>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Subscribe to The Spectator today and get a £20 Amazon gift voucher:</div><div><a href="http://www.spectator.co.uk/voucher">www.spectator.co.uk/voucher</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Listen to Lara’s food-based interview show, Table Talk:</div><div><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/tabletalk">https://www.spectator.co.uk/tabletalk</a> </div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Can Cop26 deliver on its grand promises? <br>In our cover story this week, Fraser Nelson assesses the state of the upcoming Cop26 summit in Glasgow and questions their very effectiveness in dealing with climate change in a world of global players with very different priorities. He is joined on the podcast by reporter Jess Shankleman, who is covering Cop26 for Bloomberg. (00:48)<br><br><em>‘This one’s in Glasgow, but you’d best think of it as the Edinburgh Festival for environmentalism. Lots of fun, lots of debates, lots of protests, lots of street action, but not really any much of concrete substance.’ </em>– Fraser Nelson<br> <br><br>Also this week: Is it moral to bribe your child to go to church?<br>Theo Hobson is paying his daughter to go to church and get confirmed. But how holy is this practice? Theo's idea is judged on the podcast by a holy trinity of priests: Steve Morris, Daniel French, and Nicholas Cranfield. (13:28)<br><br><em> ‘I’d be very worried if there was a suggestion that they as younger people are being prevailed upon to answer the right questions and say ‘actually Dad I do now believe!’ Simply for the exchange of some filthy lucre.’</em> – Rev. Nicholas Cranfield<br><br> <br>And finally: What are the ups and downs of book clubs?<br>Author Elisa Segrave was cancelled from a book club event after an email of hers apparently ‘hurt’ some members. This inspired her analysis of the book club concept for this week’s Spectator. Along with Simon Savidge the founder of Savidge Reads, she talks about her and her friends' bumpy relationship with book clubs. (25:10)<br><br><em>‘I was always really excited for what that next choice would be because it was like a mystery until that final moment or final glass of wine.’</em> – Simon Savidge<br><br><br> Hosted by Lara Prendergast<br><br> Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Who is Eric Zemmour – can he take on President Macron? <br>In our cover story this week, Freddy Gray looks at the rise of Eric Zemmour, the TV presenter who looks set to stir up French politics ahead of next year’s election. Freddy is joined on the podcast by Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief for The Economist and a biographer of French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss. (00:46)<br> <br> <br>Also this week: Is the Prevent anti-radicalisation programme failing?<br>Douglas Murray says in this week’s issue that Prevent is failing to tackle Islamic extremism in the UK. He talks about the changes Prevent needs to make along with William Baldet, a Prevent Coordinator. (11:46)<br> <br> <br>And finally: what’s it like to dine naked?<br>Last week Cosmo Landesman went to a dinner party with a twist. All the guests were naked. Cosmo gives some nude dining tips along with Olivia Potts, our cookery columnist. (26:19)<br><br> Hosted by Lara Prendergast<br><br> Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: Why are a growing number of people putting the planet before parenthood? Madeleine Kearns writes about this phenomenon in this week’s issue and thinks that some of these fears might be unfounded. Tom Woodman author of <em>Future</em> is one of these people that Madeleine’s piece talks about. Tom has very real worries about bringing a child into the world. It's not only the least green thing he could do but also that the standard of living for that child could be severely limited due to a climate catastrophe. (00:47)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: Has Boris Johnson brought Conservatism full circle? That’s the argument Tim Stanley makes in this week’s <em>Spectator</em>. He joins Lara on the podcast along with one of the MPs mentioned in the piece, Steve Baker. (12:50)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: What is the state of the Booker Prize shortlist? The Booker Prize shortlist has been released and it’s fair to say one of our critics Philip Hensher is not too impressed with the batch. But how are these books selected? What are the criteria? Can a Booker Prize winner be funny? To answer all those questions, Philip joins Lara along with <em>The Spectator’s</em> Books Editor and former Booker judge, Sam Leith. (20:51)</div><div><br></div><div> Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><div><br></div><div> Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: with the energy crisis picking up pace who are set to be the winners and losers in this cold war for gas? Domestically we are seeing queues for petrol, rising gas prices all in the face of the Government’s net-zero agenda. And internationally things are looking just as turbulent, with China buying up as much fuel as possible, America becoming more isolationist when it comes to its energy supply, and Russia feeling more powerful in its place thanks to its Nord Stream 2 pipeline. These are the issues that Seb Kennedy, the founding editor of<em> Energy Flux</em>, addresses in his cover piece this week for <em>The Spectator</em>. He speaks about his findings on the podcast along with Senior Reporter for Energy and Commodities for <em>Bloomberg</em> and co-author of <em>The World for Sale</em>, Jack Farchy. (00:50)</div><div><br></div><div>Also this week: can the police reform with Cressida Dick still in charge? Leroy Logan writes in this week’s <em>Spectator</em> that if the Met and police are to reform its subculture of racism and misogyny it can’t be done with Cressida Dick still at the helm. He is joined on the podcast by Sharon Haye, a former officer and policing advocate. (14:06)</div><div><br></div><div>And finally: what is the future for British butchery? Olivia Potts is learning butchery. And in this week’s <em>Spectator</em>, she writes about her experiences as well as the state of the industry in the UK today. Nigel Jarvis is a fourth-generation butcher who has just retired after an unexpected boom in custom during lockdown. (28:52)</div><div><br></div><div> Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><div><br></div><div> Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: is Boris Johnson running on empty or is a weak opposition giving him the momentum he needs? Kate Andrews asks in her cover story this week if Boris Johnson’s government has run out of ideas – as well as petrol. Katy Balls also writes in the magazine that the opposition seems unable to take advantage of the government’s failures. Katy and Kate join William on the podcast to give their takes on the state of both parties. (00:51)</div><br><div>Also this week: what is behind China’s latest crackdown on cryptocurrency? Ian Williams writes in this week’s Spectator that the CCP’s latest move to criminalise anyone dealing in cryptocurrency is to clear the decks for China’s new, state-sanctioned digital currency. He along with George Magnus, author of <em>Red Flags, Why Xi’s China is in jeopardy </em>speak on the podcast about<em> </em>Beijing’s crypto future. (14:15)</div><br><div>And finally: are the Marvel movies – good? Love them or hate them, these superhero blockbusters have dominated the box office for more than a decade and have redefined pop culture. They may not have received particularly positive reviews in the <em>Spectator</em> over the years, but Rosie Millard has jumped to their defence in the magazine’s lead arts feature this week. She guests on the podcast to try and convince William to give Marvel a chance. (26:18)</div><br><div> Hosted by William Moore</div><br><div> Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: can the new Aukus alliance contain China? In his cover piece this week, James Forsyth writes that the new Aukus pact has fixed the contours of the next 30 years of British foreign policy. Britain, he says, is no longer trying to stay neutral in the competition between America and China. On the podcast James is joined by Francis Pike, author of <em>Empires at War: A Short History of Modern Asia Since World War II</em>, who also wrote for the magazine this week, giving the case against Aukus. (00:45)<br><br>Also this week: what can be done to save the Church of England’s parishes? Back in February, Emma Thompson, a rural parish volunteer, and the Reverend Marcus Walker, Rector of St Bartholomew the Great, London, wrote pieces for the Spectator expressing their concern for the future of the Church of England’s parish system. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York dismissed these concerns as scaremongering from ‘rascally voices’. Seven months on there is a new threat to the parish, which Emma writes about in this week’s magazine. She is joined by Marcus on the podcast to explain what you can do to save your local church. </div><div>. (16:35)<br><br>And finally: in a time when travel has never been faster, why has so little been done to reform queues? This is the question Harry Mount asks in the magazine this week. He sits down with me now, with the Spectator’s Wiki Man columnist, Rory Sutherland to pitch some transformative ideas on how to update this very British pastime. (29:10)<br><br>Hosted by William Moore<br><br>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s episode: is Brexit to blame for the rise in blue-collar wages? With labour shortages driving wages up, many have blamed Britain’s removal from the single market. However, this week in <em>The Spectator</em>, Matthew Lynn argues that shocks and price signals are how the free-market economy reorganises, and that we are experiencing a global trend just like America and Germany. Simon Jenkins, columnist for the <em>Guardian</em>, joins Matthew to discuss. (00:45)<br><br>Also this week: the British Medical Association has dropped its opposition to assisted dying, but is euthanasia really a dignified and painless process? Dr Joel Zivot asks this question in <em>The Spectator</em> magazine, drawing upon his own experience as an expert witness against the use of lethal injection in America. Dr Jacky Davis, radiologist and chair of the Healthcare Professionals for Assisted Dying, disagrees. Davis, who pushed the motion causing the BMA to change its position, calls claims that assisted dying is a painful process 'unscientific shroud-waving', a claim she debates with Dr Zivot this week. (13:43)<br><br>And finally, Non-Fungible Tokens are selling at extortionate prices online, and are proudly hanging on the virtual walls of many. But can they really be considered art? Jack Rivlin writes about his own experience of purchasing NFTs in this week's <em>Spectator</em>. He is joined by Nima Sagharachi, director of Middle Eastern, Islamic and South Asian Art at Bonhams. (30:20)<br><br>Hosted by William Moore<br><br>Produced by Sam Holmes and Oscar Edmondson</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>On this week's episode: why is the Prime Minister so desperate to support the assetocracy? In <em>The Spectator</em>’s cover story this week, after Boris Johnson revealed his plan to pay for social care with a National Insurance increase, Fraser Nelson says there has been an inversion of the welfare state. It is right to ask the working poor to pay more taxes to help cover the social care of people who could easily fund it themselves? Kate Andrews, The Spectator’s economics editor, joins Fraser to discuss. (00:47)</div><div>Plus, why is our knowledge of Soviet atrocities so poor? Attempting to fix this, James Bartholomew has been interviewing and recording the stories of survivors of Soviet oppression and torture. In the magazine this week, he tells a few of these stories, but also asks the question: why is it acceptable, or even trendy, to declare yourself a communist? James discusses his project with Konstantin Kisin, a Russian born comic and host of the Triggernometry podcast whose family lived under a Soviet regime. (16:18)</div><br><div>And finally, why does London have so many American sweet shops? Some of London’s busiest streets are host to them, taking up prime real estate in the capital. Hannah Moore writes about her confusion with this phenomenon in this week’s <em>Spectator</em>. She joins Lara along with food trend expert Shokofeh Hejazi. (26:46)</div><br><div>Hosted by Lara Prendergast</div><br><div>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>On this week's episode: should animal lives be considered as valuable as human lives? It’s often said that Britain is a country of animal lovers, but have we taken it too far? Pen Farthing’s evacuation has shown how some people value animal lives more than human lives. William Moore writes our cover piece this week, arguing that the public outcry is emblematic of our faith-like approach to animal rights in Britain. He joins the podcast together with the <em>FT</em>'s Henry Mance, author of <em>How to Love Animals</em>. (00:50)<br><br></div><div>Plus, will the government’s proposed tax reforms solve the crisis in social care? In this week’s issue, Kate Andrews argues that instead of solving the crisis in care, the plans will only worsen intergenerational inequality. To discuss, Kate joins the podcast with Steve Webb, a pensions expert who was formerly a Lib Dem minister in the Coalition. (13:00)<br><br></div><div>And finally, what are the benefits of having godparents in this secular age? Although she never wanted children of her own, Fiona Mountford writes in this week’s <em>Spectator</em> that she knew she always wanted godchildren. Why? Fiona joins the podcast, together with Mary Killen, <em>the Spectator’s </em>Dear Mary columnist. (24:00)</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>On this week’s episode, we’ll be taking a look at the fortress that Australia has built around itself, and ask – when will its Zero Covid policy end (01:00)?</div><br><div>Also on the podcast: is it racist to point out Britain’s changing demographics (14:35)?</div><br><div>And is trivia just another way for men to compete (27:00)?<br><br>With former Australian High Commissioner, Alexander Downer; chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, Layla Moran MP; <em>Spectator</em> columnist Lionel Shriver; York University's Dr Remi Adekoya; <em>Spectator</em> contributor Mark Mason; and QI elf Anna Ptaszynski.<br><br>Presented by Lara Prendergast.<br><br>Produced by Cindy Yu and Natasha Feroze.</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>On this week’s podcast:</div><div><br>In the latest issue of <em>The Spectator</em>, we cover the Afghanistan issue extensively, looking at everything from why the West was doomed from the start, to how events in Afghanistan have transformed central Asian politics. On the podcast, journalist Paul Wood and our own deputy editor Freddy Gray, both of whom feature in this week’s issue, join Lara to talk Biden, Boris and the new 'progressive' Taliban. (00:37)</div><div><br></div><div><em>'This is not your father's Taliban'</em> - Paul Wood</div><div><br>Next up, thousands of women whose menstrual cycles have been affected by the Covid vaccine have now come forward to make their symptoms known, including our host Lara Prendergast, who writes about her experience in this week's <em>Spectator</em>. We continue that conversation with Jessica Braun, who was the host of the <em>Periodical</em> podcast and Dr Joe Mountfield from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (12:12)</div><div><br></div><div><em>‘I don't think your piece is anti-vaxx, I don't think you're anti-vaxx, I think expressing some concerns and airing what's happened to you is absolutely legitimate and valid’</em> - Dr Jo Mountfield</div><div><br>And finally, while many during the pandemic have fled London for greener pastures, our own Martin Vander Weyer has moved back to the city after more than 30 years of Yorkshire living. He writes about his new Covent Garden lifestyle in this week’s issue, and He joins us on the Edition along with William Moore, who has done the opposite, having left London with his young family to become a country gent. (25:39)</div><div><br><em>'With the upmost respect, I think you're mad!' </em>- William Moore </div><div><br>Presented by Lara Prendergast</div><div><br>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>In this week’s podcast: <br><br>First up, to deny the man-made climate crisis we now find ourselves in would be an act of wilful delusion. But what is the right way for the UK to try and minimise this looming disaster? In our cover story this week Ross Clark looks at the financial viability of the government’s central proposal: getting to net zero. Lara Prendergast talks to him along with James Kirkup, chair of the Social Market Foundation, who writes in this week’s magazine saying that the cost for net zero is more than worth it. (00:48)</div><div><br></div><div><em>‘Ten years ago, electric cars were a work of science fiction, now the best-selling car in the UK in June was the Tesla.’ </em>- James Kirkup </div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, as Covid restrictions lift, some of you may be considering an international holiday, thinking that the effort and cost of testing and quarantine would be minimal. Well think again. We talk to Matt Quinton about his trip home from Malta and the odyssey he went through to try and get a simple ‘Day 2’ Covid test. We are also joined by Virginia Messina, the acting CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council. (17:56)<br><br><em>‘What is clear now is that if you’re fully vaccinated you could just take a rapid test, so what we’ve been arguing is that it should be the government paying for them.’</em> - Virginia Messina</div><div><br></div><div>And finally, for the majority - if not all - of the 20th century, America was the ‘shining city on a hill’ that many Europeans headed for. But is that still the case? Not according to Sean Thomas, who says that the American Dream might be well and truly over. But on the podcast, we’ve also brought the host of <em>The Spectator</em>’s Americano podcast, Freddy Gray, to give a glimmer of hope that the USA isn’t in terminal decline. (27:39)</div><div><br>Presented by Lara Prendergast <br>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>What is the true threat of ransomware both to our governments and us individually?(00:30) Also on the podcast: What are the Italian ‘Green Pass’ Protests?(15:14) And finally… is it harder to be the good Samaritan in the modern world?(25:28)<br><br>With former head of the national cyber security centre Ciaran Martian, white-hat hacker Tommy DeVoss, journalist Manfred Manera, former WHO scientist Francesco Zambon, Spectator contributor Cosmo Landesman and The Revd Lucy Winkett. <br><br></div><div><br><br></div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>Is there a humane solution to Britain’s migrant crisis?(00:52) Also on the podcast: Why is the WHO so down on e-cigarettes?(16:23) and finally... after a year and a half inside how angry will strangers make us?(27:01)</div><br><div>With Douglas Murray; award winning film maker and producer for the Trojan Women project Charlotte Eagar; Christopher Snowdon; Clive Bates the director of The Counterfactual and previous head of ASH; Damian Thompson; and Stuart Prebble creator of the hit TV show <em>Grumpy Old Men.<br></em><br></div><div><br>Presented by Lara Prendergast<br><br>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>How free are we after freedom day?(00:27) Also on the podcast: Why does it take hours to refuel your car in Lebanon?(10:19) and finally… Is British gardening wilting or blooming?(21:21)</div><br><div>With <em>The Spectator</em>'s economics editor Kate Andrews, Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, journalists Paul Wood and Tala Ramadan, author James Bartholomew and gardener and writer Ursula Buchan.</div><div><br>Presented by Lara Prendergast<br><br>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>What are the pros and cons of vaccine passports?(00:33) Also on the podcast: Is it time for restaurant kitchens to ditch their toxic masculinity?</div><div>(18:00) And finally... Cricket, what does the new tournament, the Hundred mean for the sport?(30:14)<br><br>With: Fraser Nelson; Melanie Phillips; Olivia Potts; the chef and owner of Darjeeling Express, Asma Khan; Freddie Wilde, an analyst for Cricvis and legendary sports journalist Henry Blofeld. </div><div><br><br></div><div>Presented by Lara Prendergast<br><br>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>What level of control does China have at Cambridge University? (00:48) Also on the podcast: Will the Church of England’s new plans for modernisation leave us with an institution we even recognise? (10:26) And finally let's talk about Streaking, indecent exposure or proud British pastime of joy and humour? (27:26)<br><br>With Ian Williams author of ‘every breath you take, a study of China’s surveillance state’; Harry Goodwin, Editor in Chief of The Cambridge Student; Priest Marcus Walker; Dave Male Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the CoE; writer and amateur streaker Poppy Royds and professional streaker Mark Roberts.<br><br></div><div>Presented by Lara Prendergast<br><br>Produced by Sam Holmes</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>19 July is approaching but what will life after ‘freedom day’ will look like? (01:19) Also on the podcast: what will Angela Merkel's departure mean for the EU? (14:12) And as many people fled the cities to the countryside during the pandemic, can a case still be made for urban life? (27:26)<br><br>With <em>The Spectator</em>’s sketch writer and theatre critic Lloyd Evens; playwright James Graham; director of Eurointelligence Wolfgang Munchau; <em>Independent</em> columnist Mary Dejevsky; writer Ysenda Graham and Rory Sutherland, <em>The Spectator</em>’s Wiki Man columnist.<br><br>Presented by William Moore.<br><br>Produced by Sam Holmes, Natasha Feroze and Max Jeffery.</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>

<div>This week…Why should the first time buyer be so scared of new builds? (00:36)</div><div>Plus… will the catholic church come to the defence of the word mother? (09:33)</div><div> And finally… Why does it take so long to understand Japanese culture, even for the Japanese? (18:50)<br><br>With John Myers founder of YIMBY, Vickey Spratt housing correspondent of the I newspaper and author of the up coming book Tenants, Spectator Columnist Mary Wakefield, theologian Theo Hobson, former editor of The Tablet and author of Martyrdom: Why Martyrs Still Matter Catherine Pepinster, Professor Philip Patrick and comedian Ollie Horn (@olliehorntweets).<br><br>Presented by Lara Prendergast.<br><br>Produced by Cindy Yu, Natasha Feroze and Sam Russell.</div><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>. </p><br><p>Contact us: [email protected]</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>