The Edition

The Spectator

Lara Prendergast and William Moore host weekly conversations with Spectator writers and friends of the magazine. Over a glass of wine, they dissect the biggest stories across news, politics and culture – and how they are covered in that week’s edition of The Spectator.

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406 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes406

Newest first

Dec 5, 2019 · 37 min
Nightmare on Downing St: just how bad would it be?
With just a week to go until polling day, we take a look at what Corbyn’s Britain would look like (00:45). Plus, is planting more trees the panacea to climate change (16:15)? And last, how young is too young to have political opinions (28:15)? With Liam Halligan, Michael Jacobs, Jamie Blackett, Will Skeaping, Andrew Watts, Freddy Gray, Gus Gray and Mary Wakefield. Presented by Cindy Yu and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu, Matt Taylor and Gus Carter. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 28, 2019 · 36 min
The final furlong: can Boris make it?
With two weeks to go until the election, the latest polling shows a majority of 68 for the Conservative party. So can anything still trip Boris Johnson up (00:50)? One of those events could be Trump’s visit next week – so how high are the stakes there (17:10)? And last, what led to the failure of the Israeli kibbutz (28:35)? With James Forsyth, Paul Goodman, Sir Christopher Meyer, Kate Andrews and Johan Norberg. Presented by Cindy Yu and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu and Matt Taylor. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 21, 2019 · 41 min
Remain's last stand: can they unite against Boris?
This week, as the Tories continue to lead in the polls, Lara speaks to Alastair Campbell about what Remainers can do to turn things around (00:45). Plus, Venice is holding an independence referendum – but will that help with the city’s problems (19:10)? And last, is Instagram the future of poetry (28:35)? With James Forsyth, Alastair Campbell, Anna Somers Cocks, Ferdinando Giugliano, Thomas W Hodgkinson and Sam Leith. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Matt Taylor. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 14, 2019 · 36 min
Can Nigel Farage take the Tories to victory?
The Conservatives like to say that their road to electoral victory is steep and narrow, but has Nigel Farage broadened out that path this week (00:50)? Plus, is it time to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants (13:50)? And last, should baby boomers apologise for crimes against young people (26:55)? With James Forsyth, Marcus Roberts, Fraser Nelson, David Goodhart, Cosmo Landesman, and Charlie Nash. Presented by Lara Prendergast and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 7, 2019 · 35 min
Who can take Trump on?
America goes to the polls next year, but can any of the Democratic candidates take Trump out (00:45)? And with our own election coming up, what happens if you can no longer vote for the party you’ve always supported (13:15)? And last, happy 200th birthday to George Eliot – we find out about her unconventional life (28:05). With Freddy Gray, Karine Jean-Pierre, Matthew Parris, Tanya Gold, and Kathy O'Shaughnessy. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Gus Carter. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 31, 2019 · 38 min
A vote is born: how unpredictable is this election?
This week, an election has officially been called – so what do the major parties need to do to win (00:55)? Plus, Trump goes back into Syria – we look at how pressures back home are shaping up his foreign policy (16:15). And last: does this video give you the shivers (28:00)? With Stephen Bush, Will Tanner, Sir Christopher Meyer, Sarah Elliott, Mary Wakefield and Dr Giulia Poerio. Presented by Lara Prendergast and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu. With special thanks to ASMRtists WhisperRed and SAS-ASMR. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 24, 2019 · 38 min
The last try: will Boris get his election?
This week, the government looks close to the finishing line – now all Boris needs is an election (00:40). And as months of grenade attacks blight Swedish neighbourhoods, we get to the bottom of why Sweden doesn’t want to talk about its rise in violent crime (17:40). And last, is there really a right way to speak English (27:30)? With James Forsyth, James Mills, Paulina Neuding, Amir Rostami, Mark Mason, and Sam Leith. Presented by Lara Prendergast and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu and Christy Cooney. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 17, 2019 · 35 min
Man on wire: can Boris do it?
This week, Boris Johnson agrees a Brexit deal – but can he get it through parliament (00:40)? Plus, who are the biggest beneficiaries from the Turkish incursion into Syria (22:25)? We look at how Russia is consolidating its influence in the Middle East. With Paul Mason, James Johnson, Paul Wood, and Tracey German. Presented by Katy Balls and Cindy Yu. Produced by Cindy Yu. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 10, 2019 · 38 min
What happens if there is no deal?
As the clock ticks down to the European Council, can Boris get a last minute deal with the EU (00:35)? Plus, is Extinction Rebellion just the latest iteration of millenarianism (18:25)? And last, what’s the right way to shoot a pheasant (33:35)? With James Forsyth, Peter Foster, Toby Young, Will Skeaping, Patrick Galbraith and Charlie Jacoby. Presented by Lara Prendergast and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 3, 2019 · 43 min
What happened to civilised debate?
As the debate about violent language in Westminster rumbles on, have MPs accidentally stumbled on to something? In this week’s episode, we take a look at what’s happened to civilised debate with people you disagree with (00:45). Plus, could Boris Johnson request an extension and still win a general election (17:00)? And last, is recycling all it’s made out to be (31:25)? With Douglas Murray, Sam Leith, James Forsyth, Ben Page, Laurie Graham and Julian Kirby. Presented by Lara Prendergast and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu and Matt Lee. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 26, 2019 · 36 min
Prisoner No. 10: is there any hope for Boris, or Brexit?
This week, as Boris Johnson is hauled back into parliament, we ask – is Brexit ever going to happen (00:40)? Plus, what should London do about Riyadh (14:10)? And finally, we take a sneak peek into the angry world of knitting (24:15). With Rod Liddle, Anand Menon, Sir John Jenkins, Madawi Al-Rasheed, Isabel Hardman and Bonnie Greer. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Matt Lee. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 19, 2019 · 34 min
Judgment day: are courts taking over politics?
As the Supreme Court wraps up its trial into prorogation, we ask – are the courts overreaching (00:25)? We also find out about the prevalence of mental illness in the homeless and the rough sleeping (10:20). And last, Mary Killen tells us why she’s no longer a Remainer (20:45). With Richard Ekins, Jack Simson Caird, Mary Wakefield, Dominic Williamson, Mary Killen, and Rachel Johnson. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Adam Cherry. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 12, 2019 · 41 min
Smash and grab: can the Remain alliance last?
A cross-party remain alliance successfully tied Boris Johnson’s hands in parliament last week, but with a general election looming, will this unlikely coalition last (00:30)? We also find out about ‘study drugs’ – what are the little blue pills that American students are turning to (17:35)? And last, is Boris Johnson anything like his classical heroes (31:00)? With Katy Balls, Polly Mackenzie, Madeleine Kearns, Dr Barbara Sahakian, Harry Mount, and Daisy Dunn. Presented by Cindy Yu and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Adam Cherry. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 5, 2019 · 30 min
All to play for: Boris Johnson's great election gamble
This week, Boris Johnson decided to seek a general election. But will his gamble pay off (00:20)? Plus is trophy hunting really as immoral as Carrie Symonds says it is (18:25)? With James Forsyth, Antoinette Sandbach MP, Joe Twyman, Patrick Galbraith, and Dr Mark Jones. Presented by Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Christy Cooney. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 29, 2019 · 40 min
Battle begins: how will Boris approach immigration?
This week, has Boris lost sight of the 'Global Brexit' we were promised (00:35)? We hear from one EU national caught up in Britain's messy departure (13:15). Plus, how worried should we be about fires in the Amazon (19:40)? And finally, what really causes homelessness, and what can be done to solve it (32:15)? With Fraser Nelson, Sunder Katwala, Anna Amato, Toby McGrath, Camilla Costa, Adam Holloway MP, and Lorna Nolan Presented by Lara Prendergast Produced by Matt Lee and Gabriel Radonich Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 22, 2019 · 40 min
The new monarchy: can the royal family survive its makeover?
This week, as the royal scandals start stacking up, we ask if the younger Windsors are letting the Queen down (00:30). Plus, what sort of message should the government send to the public about a no deal Brexit (11:05)? And last, we talk Parma ham and sourdough – and the dangers that come with introducing your children to bourgeois diets (30:05). With Jan Moir, Angela Levin, Stewart Jackson, Poppy Trowbridge, Ian Wright, Colin Freeman, and Leah McLaren. Presented by Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu and Timmy Fisher. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 15, 2019 · 35 min
Right and wrong: who are the far right in a changing Europe?
As Matteo Salvini seeks to take the reins of Italy all for himself, we ask, what exactly defines the ‘far right’ these days (00:05)? We also take a look at Downing Street’s own power grab as it seeks to centralise control over the rest of Whitehall (15:55). And last, Melissa Kite tells Lara about getting her dogs blessed by a reverend (29:55). With Douglas Murray, Anne McElvoy, Katy Balls, Jonathan Haslam, Melissa Kite, and Revd Lindsay Meader. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Gabriel Radonich. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 8, 2019 · 31 min
Beaches, Brexit, and Desert Island bores
This week, our writers tell us about their favourite British beaches, from Cornwall to Northern Ireland (24:15). But before then, there’s of course some Brexit chat as we ask whether parliament can stop a no deal Brexit in the autumn (00:25), and – has Desert Island Discs lost the plot (15:05)? With James Forsyth, Catherine Haddon, Katy Balls, Michael Heath, Kate Chisholm, Douglas Murray, Laura Freeman, and Tanya Gold. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Gabriel Radonich. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 1, 2019 · 35 min
Showdown: neither Boris nor the EU plans to compromise
Boris Johnson’s ‘do-or-die’ Brexit is fewer than 100 days away, but will the UK and EU reach a compromise deal before then (00:25)? Plus, should museums care where their donations come from (14:00)? And last, would you eat a BBQ roasted cricket (26:10)? With James Forsyth, Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska, Claire Fox, Chris Garrard, Cassandra Coburn and Shami Radia. Presented by Lara Prendergast and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu and Matt Lee. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 25, 2019 · 36 min
Team Boris: what will this unconventional prime minister be like?
Boris Johnson has officially become Prime Minister – so what can we expect from his first 100 days (00:25)? And with the Gulf situation hotting up, what should Britain’s policy towards Iran be (11:25)? And last, we hear from a historian who kayaked the length of the UK and Ireland within a year (25:20). With James Forsyth, Simon Hart MP, Con Coughlin, Lina Khatib, and Dr David Gange. Presented by Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Matt Lee. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.