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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

406 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes406

Newest first

Jul 18, 2019 · 37 min
What is Watson's new plot to hound Corbyn out?
As Labour’s civil war flares up again, Isabel Hardman reveals a plot by Tom Watson to oust Jeremy Corbyn - so just how secure is Corbyn (00:30)? We also talk about Matt Hancock’s second favourite app – Babylon Health, and ask, is it really all it’s set out to be (14:55)? And last, with almost a million Poles living in Britain, why don’t you ever see them on screen? We talk to the Polish Ambassador in London (28:05). With Ayesha Hazarika, Matt Turner, Max Pemberton, Matthew Noble, Ambassador Arkady Rzegocki, Jolanta Rzegocka, and Jakub Krupa. Presented by Isabel Hardman and Cindy Yu. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thaganrajah. 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 11, 2019 · 29 min
Can Boris Johnson make Anglo-American relations great again?
With the British civil service the latest of Trump’s Twitter victims, we take a look at what a Boris Johnson premiership would mean for relations with America (00:30). Plus, we also ask – if we’re to pursue reparations for past injustices, should we also sue the Normans for 1066 (11:00)? And last, why are male Tory MPs so keen on jogging (20:40)? With Freddy Gray, Prof. Anand Menon, Harry Mount, Iain Dale, Nadine Batchelor-Hunt and Sahil Mahtani. Presented by Lara Prendergast. 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 4, 2019 · 34 min
A new tune: what is Boris Johnson's plan to reunite Britain?
This week, Boris Johnson breaks cover and speaks to the Spectator about his plans for Brexit and beyond (00:50). The presidential election stateside is hotting up as Democratic candidates fight for the nomination (16:40). And last, we ask – why are people so obsessed with being in a relationship (26:00)? With Katy Balls, James Forsyth, Andrew Gimson, Brian Klaas, Kate Andrews, Elisa Segrave and Sophia Money-Coutts. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. 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.
Jun 27, 2019 · 33 min
Trump vs Xi: is the new Cold War hotting up?
This week, as presidents Xi and Trump meet at the G20, is the world on the eve of a new Cold War (00:30)? Plus, Boris Johnson’s campaign has had a tough week – but is this anything more than a wobble (15:55)? And last – he’s had three wives, and his current partner is more than 20 years his junior – but why doesn’t anyone ever talk about Jeremy Corbyn’s love life (24:30)? With Gerrard Baker, Yu Jie, James Forsyth, Camilla Tominey, Melissa Kite, and Paul Staines. Presented by Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thaganrajah. 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.
Jun 20, 2019 · 32 min
Enter Boris: what his premiership will look like
This week - Boris Johnson is poised to take the Tory leadership, and the keys to number 10 - but who is he really, and how will he govern (1:02)? Also, what should happen to the ISIS Beatles (11:11)? And finally, does the Lord's Prayer really need a re-write (22:41)? With Toby Young, Stephen Bush, Paul Wood, Tom Wilson, Melanie McDonagh and Marcus Walker. Presented by Isabel Hardman Produced by 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.
Jun 13, 2019 · 31 min
Greenwashed: the strange triumph of eco-Toryism
This week, the government commits to a green target of net zero emissions by 2050 – but how costly will meeting it be (00:25)? And stateside, with the Mueller Report showing the extent of Trump’s meddling, should Democrats try to impeach him (11:30)? And last, are modern fathers taken for granted (22:25)? With Lord Peter Lilley, Sam Richards, John Rick MacArthur, Karin Robinson, Cosmo Landesman, and Anna Machin. Presented by Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. 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.
Jun 6, 2019 · 33 min
Taking over: what is awaiting the new prime minister?
What is the unfinished business that Theresa May leaves for the next prime minister (00:25)? Plus, why everyone is fascist or Nazi these days (10:50)? And last, who was Alma Mahler, the woman who entranced some of the most creative men in 20th century Europe (23:40)? With Alex Morton, Hugh Pym, Julia Hartley-Brewer, Jonathan Lis, and Cate Haste. Presented by Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. 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.
May 30, 2019 · 35 min
Tory scrum: who will emerge from this crowded leadership race?
This week, as the Tory leadership contest kicks off, who has the best shot at getting to the final two (00:40)? And with Carrie Symonds, Boris’s new partner, neatening him up, we also ask - what is the role of the politician’s wife (16:45)? And last, cats. Are they ruthless killers posing an existential threat to wild birds (25:25)? With James Forsyth, Rob Wilson, Nevena Bridgen, Paula Milne, Mary Wakefield, and James Ball. Presented by Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. 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.
May 23, 2019 · 40 min
Corbyn's Brexit mistake: why Labour is being picked apart by new rivals
This week, as the country goes to the polls for European elections, we ask: has Brexit devoured the far left (00:45)? We also speak to an unlikely Boris supporter – Matthew Parris – on the merits of a Boris leadership for Remainers (14:20). And last, do you own books to read, or to show off (30:00)? With Nick Cohen, Sienna Rodgers, Matthew Parris, James Forsyth, Virginia Blackburn and Stig Abell. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. 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.
May 16, 2019 · 36 min
Time for Boris? He might be the Tories' best hope
Cometh the hour, cometh the man? Is Boris the man to save the Tories from Nigel Farage? We talk to his former right hand man about his chances (00:40). We also discuss the latest frontier of political correctness – can fantasy fiction be racist (14:10)? And last, why are people today so squeamish about meat (28:00)? With Katy Balls, James Forsyth, Will Walden, Karen Yossman, Sam Leith, James Whetlor, and Olivia Potts. Presented by Lara Prendergast. 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.
May 9, 2019 · 34 min
Train your brain: can your mind stay young?
Can you train your brain to stay young beyond its natural age? Recent research suggests so - and we take a look at the science and what this means for society at large (00:40). Plus, we talk about the impact of grouse hunting on our countryside (9:30), and last, what does sobriety teach you (20:45)? With Damian Green MP, Linda Blair, Ben MacDonald, Tim Bonner, Damian Thompson 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.
May 2, 2019 · 43 min
Nigel's revenge: will Farage's Brexit Party sink the Tories?
On this week's Spectator Podcast, we talk about how Nigel Farage's Brexit Party could pose an existential threat to the Tories (00:35). Also on the podcast, a debate special about whether the UK should legalise all drugs (11:40), and finally, what is lesbian-tourism (34:40)? With Katy Balls, James Forsyth, Matthew Goodwin, Chris Daw QC, Peter Hitchens, and Julie Bindel. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Siva Thangarajah. 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.
Apr 25, 2019 · 40 min
The hit job: the Scruton tapes and the modern art of character assassination
This week brought a new development in the ongoing scandal over Roger Scruton’s firing from a government commission, after the Spectator obtained the tapes of the interview that got him fired. We talk about what’s on the tapes, and what the affair reveals about the state of public debate (00:37). Plus, we talk about a worrying loophole in our immigration system (17:51), and ask: can men ever be considered feminists? (26:42) With Douglas Murray, Adrian Wooldridge, Geoff Hill, Joanna Bell, Julie Bindel, and Ella Whelan Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Siva Thangarajah 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.
Apr 18, 2019 · 29 min
The Easter Special: what does the Notre Dame mean to Catholics?
After a tragic fire destroyed parts of the Notre Dame on Holy Week, we talk about what the cathedral means to Catholics (00.25). Plus, a special debate on euthanasia (10.20), and a discussion with the Dean of Westminster Abbey about why we need hymns more than ever (20:25). With the Very Reverend John Hall, Damian Thompson, Matthew Walther, Sam Leith, Douglas Murray and Ysenda Maxtone-Graham. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Siva Thangarajah 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.
Apr 11, 2019 · 33 min
Macron's reign: how did the President unite France against him?
With plummeting approval ratings and street protests stretching into their fifth month, Emmanuelle Macron’s presidency seems to be going from bad to worse. So what happened to France’s golden child of global liberalism (00:25)? Plus, are MPs whining too much (12:40)? And last, is TV binge-watching becoming an epidemic (21:55)? With Jonathan Miller, Sophie Pedder, Melissa Kite, Stewart Jackson, Mark Palmer and Emma Bullimore. Presented by Isabel Hardman. 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.
Apr 4, 2019 · 38 min
A losing game: how badly has Brexit damaged the two main parties?
This week, Brexit disillusionment reaches a new low. Will our political system ever be the same again after all this is done(00:40)? Plus, we ask whether British rape laws have gone too far in the MeToo age (15:00). And last, should friends ask friends for donations (30:35)? With James Forsyth, Katy Balls, Chris Daw QC, Tim Shipman, Sarah Green, James Delingpole, and Cosmo Landesman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. 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.
Mar 28, 2019 · 34 min
After May: a country in search of leadership
This week, Theresa May has finally agreed to step down. But will it be enough to get her Brexit deal through (00:25)? We also take a look at the government’s plans to restrict consumption of pornography (15:20), and last, who were the Victorian women who travelled the world (28:10)? With James Forsyth, Katy Balls, Nicky Morgan, Julie Bindel, Robert Jackman, Myles Jackman, and Rosemary Brown. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thangarajah. 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.
Mar 21, 2019 · 43 min
Begging for Brexit: is Brexit a national humiliation?
It has been yet another crazy week in the Brexit saga, with May and the EU negotiating an extension. And with a possible third meaningful vote in the horizon, what happens now? And who is to blame for the uncertainty - May, or parliament? (00:37) Plus, with the majority of doctors in the NHS now coming from abroad, why are we not training enough doctors in the UK? (15:50) And we also take a look inside of the world of The Archers’ superfans. (32:50) With Katy Balls, James Forsyth, Sam Gyimah, Saffron Cordery, J. Meirion Thomas and Nicola Headlam. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Siva Thangarajah and 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.
Mar 14, 2019 · 36 min
Brexit Meltdown: could May's deal be revived?
It's been a somewhat bonkers week in Westminster. The government seems to be going into a full Brexit meltdown and it's likely that Brexit will be delayed. So, where do we go from here (00:40)? We also take a look at the Democratic Party's anti-Semitism problem (17:30) and at the end, Lara Prendergast is given a tarot reading (26:05). With Katy Balls, James Forsyth, Peter Foster, Freddy Gray, Kate Andrews and Jennifer Cownie. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Alastair Thomas. 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.
Mar 7, 2019 · 36 min
The Woke Corporation: how has campus madness entered the workplace?
This week, we look at the rise of woke corporations, and how concepts like 'microaggressions', 'allyship', and 'toxic masculinity' are starting to enter the workplace (00:30). We also hear about Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - he's fallen from grace, and does he have anyone to blame but himself (13:35)? Plus, we hear about Shanghai's marriage market (20:00), and there's even an apology from Rod Liddle at the end (28:35). With Toby Young, Berkeley Wilde, Leah McLaren, Leyland Cecco, Cindy Yu, Yuan Ren, Rod Liddle, and James Bartholomew. Presented by Lara Prendergast. Produced by Cindy Yu and Siva Thaganrajah. 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.