The Prospect Interview

Since 13th June, Israel has launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, assassinated scientists and commanders, and bombed infrastructure. Iran has responded with ballistic missiles and drones. The death toll is rising, and there's no sign of a ceasefire.This week, Arash Azizi joins Alona to unpack the war now underway. Arash is the author of The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the U.S., and Iran's Global Ambitions (2020) and What Iranians Want (2024).Arash explains why Netanyahu might have chosen to attack now and how Iran is responding both militarily and politically. He and Alona discuss how the media is covering the war inside both countries—and how the world, from the US to China, has reacted.Plus: what does this mean for the Middle East? And is there any reason for hope? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you resist the ‘enshittification' of the internet?This week, Prospect tech columnist Ethan Zuckerman joins Ellen and Alona to talk about artificial intelligence, social media and the state of the online world. Ethan, who teaches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, shares how AI has shaped his students—and how his teaching has had to adapt.Ethan discusses the dystopian visions of billionaire tech bros. Will AI achieve superintelligence? Is it transforming our world for the worse? But he also explains how to seek out better, more wholesome corners of the internet, and why his students give him hope.To read Ethan's column, head to our website at prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world's richest man and the world's most powerful man have had a very public fall out—but what does it mean for American government?In a short, bonus episode, Ellen and Alona speak with Jill Abramson, former executive editor of the New York Times, about the long predicted clash.Jill explains the implications for US space policy, and reviews how the US media has covered Musk since he first campaigned alongside Trump last October. For more on US politics from Prospect, visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone wants to live a long and healthy life—so what's the best way to do it?This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by Devi Sridhar, professor of global public health at Edinburgh University and personal trainer, whose new book, How Not to Die (Too Soon), is a guide to living longer and better, and challenges everything we think we know about personal health.Devi argues that air quality, access to healthcare, and innovations in public policy matter more than supplements or step counts. She also discusses why life expectancy is falling, and reacts to the rise of anti-science voices like Robert F Kennedy Jr. Five years after the pandemic upended our lives, Devi reflects on what we have failed to learn from that public health crisis—and why universal health coverage, tackling inequality, and climate resilience must be at the heart of how we rethink health.Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss wellness influencers: “banger” or “dud”?‘How Not to Die (Too Soon): The Lies We've Been Sold and the Policies That Can Save Us' is available now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Labour afford to keep ignoring its left? This week on the Prospect Podcast, Alona and Imaan are joined by Carys Afoko, writer and podcast host of Over the Top, Under the Radar.Carys discusses whether Starmer's rightward shift will pay off. She analyses why the last general election was a “breakaway election” away from the major parties—with the rise of progressive independents, Greens and Liberal Democrat MPs—and whether this is just a blip, or represents a lasting shift away from Labour.Plus, is the Labour party “structurally racist”? How is the war on Gaza reshaping the UK's political landscape? And what will the 2029 election look like?You can read Carys's piece ‘Labour is ignoring the threat from its left' at prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by journalist Nicola Kelly, whose new book Anywhere But Here investigates the UK's broken asylum system. Nicola used to work for the Home Office as a press officer on the immigration desk. But why did she leave?On the podcast, she unpacks Labour's controversial new immigration white paper and why the party is embracing tough rhetoric. She exposes the relationship between the Home Office and client journalists, and shares some shocking findings from her reporting. Will third-country “return hubs”—similar to the Conservatives' Rwanda scheme—actually happen under Starmer? And what would that mean for the people affected?Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss whether AI-generated writing is a “banger” or a “dud”.Nicola's book Anywhere But Here: How Britain's Broken Asylum System Fails Us All is out now. She also writes on Substack at ‘Not Another Snowflake'. To read more, head to prospectmagazine.co.uk, or watch our best interviews on YouTube (@prospect_magazine). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, Vitali Vitaliev recalls love and magic in Kyiv, Sheila Hancock embraces the word “valour,” Alice Garnett celebrates deep friendships, and Alice Goodman wonders—what if the teenagers are actually alright? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by Canadian historian Quinn Slobodian.The rise of the populist right is often framed as a backlash against neoliberalism—a revolt by those “left behind” by globalisation. But in his new book Hayek's Bastards, Quinn argues the opposite: that movements like Maga are not a reaction to neoliberalism, but its latest iteration.Tracing the intellectual lineage of today's far right, he characterises it as a “new fusionism” between three ideological pillars: racialised beliefs in genetically hardwired human nature, hard money, and hard borders.Quinn answers: who are “Hayek's bastards”? Are the right better at engaging with ideas than the left? And what does Trump really believe?Hayek's Bastards: The Neoliberal Roots of the Populist Right is available here.Prospect podcasts are also available on our YouTube channel (@prospect_magazine) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, poet and nature writer Robert Macfarlane joins Prospect's Ellen Halliday and Imaan Irfan to explore the ideas in his new book Is a River Alive? They each share what ‘their rivers are' and the waterbodies they feel most connected to.Robert discusses his travels to Ecuador, India and the Canadian wilderness: places that rivers are being defended from threat, and where our relationship with the natural world is being reimagined. He talks about writing a song with a cloud forest (and the legal battle to have it recognised as a co-writer) and the power of storytelling. He discusses challenges, policy and progress in the UK: is there hope for our rivers? And how do we save them?Plus, stay until the end to listen to “The Song of the Cedars” by Robert Macfarlane, Cosmo Sheldrake, Giuliana Furci and César Rodríguez-Garavito, in collaboration with the Los Cedros Cloud Forest.Robert's book ‘Is a River Alive' (2025) is published by Penguin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the United States become an autocracy? As Donald Trump marks his 100th day in office, Ellen and Alona are joined by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, scholar of authoritarianism and author of Strongmen: from Mussolini to the present (2020). She also writes a Substack called “Lucid” which focuses on autocracy.Ruth analyses the Trump administration's rapid shift towards authoritarianism. She talks about Trump's personality cult, how strongmen portray machismo and the potential for a female strongman figure. She also discusses how autocrats use corruption, violence and propaganda to stay in power, and how ICE roundups echo the past, resembling a “secret police force”.Ruth answers: can the Democrats can learn anything from Trump? What's the best way to challenge an illiberal president? And how does this end?Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss their bookshelves for this week's “banger or dud”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could a populist right-wing party take power in the UK? And if one did, what would it do?This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by Prospect's contributing editor Philip Collins who analyses Reform UK's strategy for the local elections taking place in parts of England next week. With Labour, the Tories and Reform neck-and-neck in the polls, will these be the most consequential local elections in decades? What will the biggest story be?As a former No. 10 speechwriter, Phil also analyses the current cabinet's different communication styles and whether there is anything Labour can learn from Reform—or do they need to set themselves apart? Phil discusses the right-wing alliances on the horizon and shares a sneak peek into his reporting for the next issue of Prospect into the populist right's plans.Plus, after the long weekend, Ellen and Alona discuss a four-day working week: ‘banger' or ‘dud'? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Prospect Podcast, philosopher and public intellectual Slavoj Žižek joins Ellen and Alona.Slavoj discusses fatherhood and Netflix's Adolescence, as awareness grows around young male radicalisation via the “manosphere”. He also talks about feminism and his criticisms of #MeToo.Plus, with the release of his latest book, in which he argues that the left has hit its “zero point”, is there any hope for its recovery? He draws a through line from the left-wingers of 1968 to the politics and personality of Elon Musk—and gives his analysis on Starmer's Labour as a "moderate, centre-right party" wrestling with the populist right. Slavoj suggests: does the left need a Trump figure?Slavoj's latest book, Zero Point, is out now (Bloomsbury, £9.99 paperback) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month on Prospect Lives: Vitali Vitaliev hits 60 and gets slammed with funeral ads, while Sarah Collins finds unexpected wisdom at the nail salon. Alice Garnett wonders how to plan for the future on a burning planet, while Alice Goodman wrestles with whether you can—or should—pray for someone like Putin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, writer and human rights lawyer Philippe Sands joins Ellen and Alona to discuss the ‘age of impunity'. Are international systems crumbling, or will they stand the test of time?Philippe reflects on the process of writing his most recent book 38 Londres Street, and the relationship between storytelling and the law. He also discusses representing Palestine at the ICJ and his thoughts on the utility of genocide as a legal term. And with the arrests and deportations in the US, Philippe discusses the state of human rights under Trump, and what might be next for the country.Philippe's book ‘38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia' is out now.To read more on this topic from our website, head to prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/international-law Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga joins Ellen and Alona to discuss political attacks on American history, the challenges facing academia in the UK—and how future generations will view England's colonial history.Our newsfeeds are dominated by towering figures like Trump and Elon Musk—but does the “great man” theory still hold? Is history really made by millions of ordinary people? How will historians look back at this moment?And with UK universities under pressure, he discusses why the humanities are still vital.Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss whether the clocks going forward is a “banger” or a “dud”.‘A Journey through Time' with David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell can be streamed here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asbestos might seem like a problem of the past, but it is still killing thousands every year. In the March issue of Prospect, Charlotte wrote about how her father's death from mesothelioma—a cancer caused by asbestos—led her into years of research, uncovering a shocking history of corporate negligence and government inaction.This week, Charlotte joins the Prospect podcast to share her findings. How long have we known asbestos is deadly? How have companies actively covered up the dangers? And why is asbestos still present in our homes, workplaces and schools, today? Charlotte discusses the latest push for justice—and whether those responsible will ever be held to account.Plus, Ellen and Alona weigh up school phone bans: “banger” or “dud”?To read Charlotte's piece ‘Asbestos: a corporate coverup, a public health catastrophe', head to prospectmagazine.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Prospect podcast meets Kyoto, the new West End play dramatising the high-stakes negotiations behind the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. Written by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, the play brings to life the power struggles, disruptors, and unexpected alliances that shaped the first major international climate treaty.Prospect's Isabel Hilton sits down with the playwrights and former UK negotiator Peter Unwin to discuss the real-life drama behind the diplomacy, whether multilateralism still works, and what Kyoto's legacy means for today's climate crisis.Plus, Ellen and Alona mull over whether musicals are a “banger” or a “dud”.Kyoto is playing at London's Soho Place Theatre until 3rd May 2025.To read Isabel's writing on geopolitics and climate, head to prospectmagazine.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month's episode features journalist Kiran Sidhu on the power of communal dance, and actor and writer Sheila Hancock on the need for more women in global politics. Gen Z-er Alice Garnett imagines a world without TikTok, and journalist and host Sarah Collins grapples with the news that her therapist is retiring. Plus, Anglican priest Alice Goodman delves into doubt in the Church. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the United States switched sides, acting in Russia's interests and abandoning its European allies? Or is the transatlantic alliance still intact—albeit under strain?Prospect's contributing editor Isabel Hilton joins this week's podcast to untangle increasingly urgent questions of European defence and security. From Trump cutting intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, to Russian espionage in the UK, Isabel explores the vulnerabilities Europe faces and what might come next.Can European nations defend themselves without US support? Is a “coalition of the willing” or a European army a realistic solution? And what opportunities does America's erratic politics create for China?Plus, Ellen and Alona weigh in on International Women's Day: “banger” or “dud”? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we measure racism? In such politically charged terrain, the need for objective data is clear.By some surveys, half of Brits don't believe that racism exists. Keon West, social psychologist and visiting professor at LSE, joins the podcast to discuss this phenomenon.Keon explains what data can tell us, and delves into the surprising ways that the UK compares to the US. He unpacks the ingenious studies that reveal how racism really works, and why he thinks the Sewell report commissioned by Boris Johnson was “deeply flawed”.He also talks about conducting experiments in a time of “alternative facts”, why we need to trust the science, instead of just relying on scientists, and how those on the left and right can improve discussions about racism.Plus, after Zelensky's “dressing down” at the White House, Ellen and Alona talk dress codes: banger or dud?Keon's book ‘The Science of Racism' is published by Pan Macmillan and is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Prospect Lives, journalist Kiran Sidhu mourns her lost cat, while actor and writer Sheila Hancock grapples with ageism at 91. Gen Z-er Alice Garnett attains “regular status” at a London chicken shop, while host and journalist Sarah Collins discusses the end of her honeymoon phase with Athens. Plus, Tilly Lawless explores the two sides of Paris with two different clients. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the biggest threat to the international human rights system today? And, in such an unstable world, what hope is there for the future of human rights?This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by Kenneth Roth, who served as the executive director of Human Rights Watch, the NGO, for almost 30 years. During his tenure, Human Rights Watch uncovered abuses across 100 countries and pressured offending governments to stop them.Ken's new book, Righting Wrongs, tells this story.On the podcast, he discusses the importance of “shame” in holding governments to account, and explores the attacks on Human Rights Watch over the years, particularly regarding its analysis of Israel's policies and its findings of apartheid in the occupied territories—criticisms which felt even more personal because of his Jewish heritage.Ken also analyses where progressives are failing, the challenge of identity politics, and whether international law truly has any teeth.To read more on this topic from our website, click here.Ken's book ‘Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments' is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australia is often referred to as “the lucky country”, a place where good fortune has delivered greater wealth, longer lives and better healthcare. But, as Andrew Low argues in We Should Be So Lucky, Australia's achievements are not merely a matter of luck—they stem from a distinctive blend of political, social and economic institutions and values.Andrew sat down with Sir Clive Cowdery, Publisher of Prospect and Chairman of Resolution Life, to discuss the new book, which is published by Prospect Editions. Drawing on his vast experience in global business and finance and his deep connection to Australia, Andrew offers a compelling analysis of how “The Australian Way” works and why it matters. The book is both a celebration of what Australia has achieved and a guide for other democracies seeking solutions to their own challenges.Prospect Editions is the new book-publishing arm of Prospect magazine. You can find its inaugural title We Should Be So Lucky, here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sudanese-born writer and broadcaster Yassmin Abdel-Magied joins Ellen and Alona on this week's episode of the Prospect podcast.Sudan's war has been called the “worst humanitarian crisis in the world”. And yet, media coverage is staggeringly low. But is the war really “forgotten”? Or is it being made invisible?Yassmin breaks down the situation for newcomers. She shares her family's story, and talks about the last time she saw the country, when she travelled there for her wedding.She also discusses how Sudan is connected to regional and global powers, and how countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia are positioning themselves to benefit from the fallout of the war.To learn more about the conflict, click here or here.You can find Yassmin's writing here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mehdi Hasan joins the Prospect podcast this week, talking to Prospect's Ben Clark about Trump, tech bros, cancel culture and…“Gish galloping”.He opens up about his departure from MSNBC after the network cancelled The Mehdi Hasan Show and discusses his move from mainstream to alternative media, almost a year since founding Zeteo on Substack. Zeteo's contributors now include Naomi Klein and Greta Thunberg.He criticises the media's failings, from reporting on Israel's violence to holding Trump and his acolytes to account, and what he identifies as “anticipatory obedience” to the president.Finally, Mehdi shares advice for young journalists, and reflects on where he finds hope in dark times.Plus, Ellen and Alona talk Valentine's Day: “banger” or “dud”? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would a young Starmer join the Labour party today? Ellen and Alona are joined by Tom Clark, contributing editor at Prospect, who thinks not.From defending misfit environmentalists to denouncing them in the Daily Mail, Starmer's evolution might dismay some on the left of the party. Once he was a young human rights lawyer and now he is a prime minister punishing MPs for rebelling on child poverty or arming Israel.Tom's column received some criticism on Bluesky from those who see this as pragmatism befitting the UK's highest political office.But Tom analyses why Starmer's “strongman” strategy might not be as electorally effective as he hopes. With Labour tanking in the polls, Reform UK is projected to be ahead for the first time. In the upcoming local elections, will Labour be a party for young people? And does this matter?Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss London nightlife: banger or dud?To read Tom's column “Starmer is governing against his younger self”, head to https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/labour-party/69157/keir-starmer-governing-against-younger-self-labourAnd to read our magazine cover piece on the battle between Labour and Reform, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/69111/labour-vs-reform-farage-starmer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's special episode, we bring you an exclusive interview with Prospect's World's Top Thinker of 2025, Brazilian journalist Eliane Brum. Eliane is the author of Banzeiro Òkòtó: The Amazon as the Centre of the World. In 2017, she co-founded Sumaúma, a journalism platform reporting on the Amazon from the inside, which trains young people from urban and indigenous communities.Dialling in from the Amazon rainforest, she spoke to Prospect's deputy editor Ellen Halliday about her move from the city of São Paulo to the Amazon in 2017, as well as the thinking that underpins her work.Eliane argues that our separation from nature has destroyed our survival instincts and "disconnected [us] from life" itself.She explores why hope isn't actually the key to tackling the climate crisis—and why we should be fighting for life.Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss biopics: banger or dud?To read the interview with Eliane from the magazine, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/environment-news/climate/69109/eliane-brum-climate-amazon-top-thinker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Prospect Lives. In this episode, journalist and author Kiran Sidhu shares her journey of finding a sense of community in her rural Welsh village, while Anglican priest Alice Goodman explains how her clerical friends help her weather political turbulence.Actor and writer Sheila Hancock explores the powerful legacies left by those who change the world, both for better and for worse, while former England cricket captain Mike Brearley offers a hopeful vision for cricket as the world's sport for refugees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Trump's second inauguration, Ellen and Alona are joined by Labour peer and diplomat Catherine Ashton. Catherine was formerly leader of the House of Lords, as well as the EU's first High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security policy.She shares her experience working with previous US administrations, and what she's expecting to see from the special relationship. In the past, members of Starmer's cabinet have called the president a “buffoon” and a “neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath”. Will this come back to bite them?The president's choice of inauguration guests (Starmer: out, Giorgia Meloni: in) tellingly shows new alliances being forged with the right wing in Europe. But what will Trump 2.0 mean for European defence?Plus, banger or dud: Ellen and Alona question whether “Blue Monday” is just a marketing gimmick, or something more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Labour plans to remove the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords progress through parliament, not everybody is happy about it. Critics have called the legislation “bungled piecemeal reform”, “high-handed” and “shoddy”.Meg Russell, professor of British and Comparative Politics at UCL, joins Ellen and Alona to unpick the conflict and controversy in the second chamber. She discusses the history and future of this institution, whether our system really is unique, and why outrage over prime ministerial honours lists might be misplaced.Is this the beginning of the end of the Lords? How might our political system change forever? Will this constitutional reform be Starmer's legacy?Plus, as some other becloaked figures have captured the nation's attention, Ellen and Alona muse over the reality TV show Traitors: banger or dud?To read more on the House of Lords from our website, including Meg's writing, head to:https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/westminster/house-of-lords Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's going on in Ukraine and what does 2025 hold for its people? Journalist Jen Stout has reported on the war in Ukraine for Prospect, the Sunday Post and others—and her prize-winning book Night Train to Odesa was published last year.Now, for our first episode of the year, she joins deputy editor Ellen Halliday to talk about the situation. What will the year ahead look like in Ukraine? What challenges does Kyiv face? And what will its relationship with Trump's America look like? She also reflects on the role of Derzhprom, a constructivist building in Kharkiv, in the psyche of the city.Plus, producer Imaan joins Ellen to weigh in on new year's resolutions: banger or dud? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While you're making those New Year's resolutions, how can we harness negative thought patterns and put them towards something productive? What's the best way to live a good life? In September, journalist and author Oliver Burkeman joined Prospect's Ellen Halliday and Mindful life columnist Sarah Collins to talk mental health and building a meaningful life—and why his book, Meditations for Mortals, really isn't self-help.Plus, political journalist Jonn Elledge dialled in from Brighton to help them decide whether the Liberal Democrats are a “banger” or a “dud”.This episode was first published in September 2024. The Prospect podcast will return on the 8th of January. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our final episode of 2024, Alan and Lionel look back at their Media Confidential year. They've tackled a huge range of stories: from phone-hacking and the rise of AI, to Ofcom's battles with GB News. They've analysed elections on both sides of the Atlantic, were joined by Toby Jones on the Post Office scandal, and heard from courageous reporters working inside Gaza.There's been an assassination attempt on Donald President, and a crisis at the Washington Post… but which episodes do they find the most memorable?Michael Lewis came to Prospect Towers in September to promote his new book about Sam Bankman-Fried, Going Infinite. But when Alan started reading out criticism of the book, the temperature dropped several degrees. The heated resulting exchange is hard to forget.Ahead of the US election, Rebecca Solnit joined Alan and Lionel to discuss her concerns about the American media “sanewashing” Donald Trump.Finally, James Harding and Carole Cadwalladr recently appeared on the show to tell-all about Tortoise's controversial decision to buy the Observer. James received a grilling from our hosts. Now, with Observer journalists striking, who's to say who was right?2025 promises to be a heck of a ride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cyborgs, a Gregg Wallace public enquiry...the Popeye slasher movie? In our end of year special, the Prospect family—editors, writers and producers—share their predictions for the year ahead.From politics to technology and culture, what will be the most interesting stories of 2025? Ellen and Alona are joined by contributors to discuss the trends that we should be watching in the UK, across the pond, and around the globe...Listen out for guest appearances from Prospect editor Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber, who host our sister podcast Media Confidential. And send us your predictions at editorial@prospectmagazine.co.uk!Not sure what to gift this Christmas? Why not make use of our discounted subscription offer at: https://subscription.prospectmagazine.co.uk/dec24off/prospect-magazine/de24nl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After more than 50 years of repressive dynastic rule, Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria.Ellen and Alona are joined by Syria expert Lina Khatib, director of the Middle East Institute at SOAS and associate fellow at Chatham House. While many were surprised by the rapid toppling of Assad's regime, Lina was not.As people speculate about what HTS and other rebel groups intend for Syria, she explains why this might not be what western commentators expect. And with some voicing anxiety about Syria becoming a new Afghanistan, she unpacks why these comparisons just don't make sense—and what policymakers are getting wrong.Plus, unicorns and dinosaurs: banger or dud? From medieval monsters to Big Oil, Priya Khanchandani shares the secret histories and consumer messaging behind two of the most ubiquitous creatures in the toy industry. Read her feature "Unicorns and Dinosaurs are everywhere!" from our Winter Special magazine issue here.Lina's piece on pragmatism in Syria can also be found at prospectmagazine.co.uk. To watch this interview, head to our YouTube channel, where the Prospect podcast is published every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, political scientist Cas Mudde joins the Prospect podcast to analyse the “year of elections”.In 2024, around 70 countries with a combined population of 3.4bn went to the polls. In many of those elections—in the EU, India and the US, the far right did surprisingly well. But why do the far right seem to be the only group to have benefitted from the turbulence of recent years? Was it inevitable? He joins Prospect's Ellen Halliday to discuss.Plus, a festive “banger” or “dud”: posh advent calendars—terrific or tacky?To watch this interview, search for ‘Prospect magazine' on YouTube, where episodes are published every Thursday.Cas's piece “Doom Spiral” is featured in the latest issue of the magazine, which can be read in print or online at prospectmagazine.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Jews white? Is criticism of Israel antisemitic? Why is the “Judeo-Christian” grouping a myth?To unpack these big questions, Ellen and Alona are joined by journalist Rachel Shabi, whose new book Off-White: The Truth About Antisemitism was released earlier this month.Rachel explores the rising tensions of the past year, including the impact of Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon, and a slew of misinformation and bad faith arguments on social media. She discusses her own identity as a British-Israeli with Iraqi heritage, how antisemitism has historically intersected with other forms of racism, and how it gets weaponised today. And she forces us to confront our own dark history—the idea that Britain's antisemitism was “the first and the worst”.To watch this thoughtful discussion on race, privilege and prejudice, search for ‘Prospect magazine' on YouTube, where episodes are published every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month we introduce a new Lives columnist, Kiran Sidhu, who writes about the rural Welsh village where she lives. Kiran celebrates the power of nature, as does actor and writer Sheila Hancock, who welcomes a robin to her roof garden. Alice Garnett asks whether Gen Z have killed the office romance, while Anglican priest Alice Goodman explains her secret love of weightlifting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Families are spending years living in hotels, households are being moved miles across the country, and government is spending billions on a system that harms those it is designed to protect. What can be done?This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by researcher and local government expert Jack Shaw to talk about his exclusive investigation into the growing scandal of temporary accommodation. This form of homelessness is worse in the UK than in any other nation in the OECD and has a terrible impact on families and individuals.Jack reveals what goes into an investigation and shares his most shocking discoveries, including the millions that councils are doling out to private hoteliers. He explains why this is a problem—and which councils are trying to fix a broken system.Plus, the hosts take on a hard-hitting Daily Mail article which condemned gen-Z's embrace of “woke sandwiches”. Are fancy sandwiches a “banger” or a “dud”? Ellen and Alona discuss.To read Jack's article “Temporary accommodation nation” from the latest issue of the magazine, click here.And to order tickets to our special book event with Lionel Barber, go here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/gamblingman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do some women like tradwife videos? And why does it even matter?This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by writer Sarah Manavis to discuss the small but significant group of women who promote anti-feminist values online—and why so many others watch their videos.Sarah argues that the success of right-wing young men with large social media followings has distracted from a boom in similarly reactionary gen-Z women. Lifestyle influencers—from the overtly political to the unassuming—are using social media to championing a return to traditional gender roles.Sarah reported on the story for the most recent issue of Prospect magazine. While researching her article, she spoke with academics to analyse why so many women gravitate towards making and consuming this brand of content online.Is this harmless escapism, or a form of radicalisation? What about the paradox of self-made women making their careers out of promoting domestic lifestyles? And in the aftermath of Trump's victory over Kamala Harris, Sarah discusses what trends on social media tell us about the US more broadly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would legalising assisted dying end unnecessary suffering? Or would it instead enable the abuse of some of society's most vulnerable people?As parliament discusses assisted dying once again, Prospect invited two of our most profound thinkers—Rowan Williams and Brenda Hale—to debate the issue. As archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams led a Church that publicly opposes any form of assisted dying, while, as a Supreme Court judge, Brenda Hale was involved in life-or-death judgements.In a moving discussion, Hale discusses her own Christian faith, while Williams shares his pastoral experience in the company of the dying. They join Prospect's editor Alan Rusbridger and commissioning editor Emily Lawford for a thoughtful and vitally important conversation.To read this conversation from the magazine, visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time, Ellen and Alona host a special Q&A episode, recorded with a live audience. They're joined by Jill Abramson, former executive editor of the New York Times, who has been has been covering the presidential election for Prospect.Jill describes how this American election compares to what she's seen in the past, and answers listeners' questions. What's the mood in the US? Can we trust the polls? And what might happen between now and election day to move the dial?To watch this episode, head to the Prospect magazine YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Halloween approaches, Ellen and Alona are joined by journalist Gabriel Gatehouse to discuss his plunge into the world of conspiracy theories, QAnon and the extreme fringes of US politics.What have witches in the dark ages got to do with American democracy? How has the internet destabilised state power? And what does that mean for this November's election?Conspiracy theories about satanic cabals took off in America after the 2020 election—and 41 per cent of Americans now believe that the politicians they elect aren't actually the people governing the country. To many, the truth seems increasingly murky.Gabriel's reporting has taken him deep into the rabbit hole of this strange and eerie world. On the podcast, he shares the stories that went into his most recent book, The Coming Storm: A Journey into the Heart of the Conspiracy Machine, based on his BBC Radio 4 series of the same name.Listen to this spooky episode—or watch on YouTube—to find out about America's old ghosts, new superstitions, burgeoning evil and unravelling reality.The Coming Storm is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ellen and Alona look ahead to COP29, the annual climate summit, hosted this year in Baku, Azerbaijan.They are joined by Isabel Hilton, Prospect's contributing editor who shares her experiences at COP, and Sam Alvis, a policy advisor and director of energy and environment at Public First.25 out of the 35 key “planetary vital signs” are out of bounds, and biodiversity is rapidly dwindling. At the same time, a growing culture war means consensus about action is increasingly contested in the political space. Last year, a government minister left the conference early to vote on the Rwanda scheme—now, is Labour doing any better? Isabel and Sam discuss the government's climate plans and rank its performance out of ten. But why do leaders struggle to make progress? And, amid growing climate-related anxiety, how can we avoid a sense of paralysis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ellen and Alona talk to investigative journalist Peter Geoghegan. Peter is the former editor-in-chief of the award-winning website openDemocracy and is the author of Democracy for Sale: Dark Money and Dirty Politics.Public faith in democracy has been undermined by hidden influence and undisclosed donations—but how susceptible is the new government to this?In an entertaining conversation, spanning from Mongolian wrestling to Keir Starmer's glasses, Peter shares his journey doing investigative work, the corrosive impact of what he calls “dark money”, and what Labour is getting wrong.To watch this interview and others—including with Baroness Warsi and Jon Sopel—search for ‘Prospect Magazine' on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, our columnists are busy with new difficult tasks. Sarah Collins, our Mindful life columnist, boards the emotional rollercoaster that comes with preparing to live abroad, while Anglican Priest Alice Goodman composes her first carol. Farmer Tom tries to rescue seven baby pheasants, while Alice Garnett is moving out of her shared house and navigating London's rental hellscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baroness Warsi, former Conservative cabinet minister and lawyer, joins Ellen and Alona to talk about her new book Muslims Don't Matter, about “the silencing, stereotyping and stigmatising of Muslims by the British press and political parties.”Politicians, media outlets, think tanks and even the entertainment industry have poisoned public discourse about Muslims, culminating in this summer's riots. She describes how Islamophobia, which she calls “Britain's bigotry blind spot”, not only passes the “dinner table test”, but has been enacted into policy.In a moving conversation about her journey in the public eye, she talks about her lifelong effort to challenge racism and why she's finally resigned the whip.Muslims Don't Matter is out now: https://www.littlebrown.co.uk/titles/sayeeda-warsi/muslims-dont-matter/9780349136486/Her podcast with David Baddiel ‘A Muslim and a Jew go there' is available to stream: https://shows.acast.com/a-muslim-a-jew-go-there Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Prospect's commissioning editor Emily Lawford joins Ellen and Alona to discuss a dark side of the internet: the “manosphere”.Emily spent months reporting “The incel trap” for this month's issue of the magazine, meeting with self-proclaimed misogynists in real life. On the podcast, Emily shares what she learned about why young men are radicalised—including the role of mental health—and how online hatred is connected to violence against women in the "real world".Plus, silent discos and maternity pay gaffes—is the Tory party conference a “banger” or a “dud”?To read Emily's piece, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/philosophy/gender/67935/the-incel-trap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jon Sopel, co-host of the News Agents podcast and a former BBC North America editor, joins Ellen Halliday and Alona Ferber to discuss his new book, Strangeland: How Britain Stopped Making Sense. He reflects on his time covering the Trump administration—including what he saw unfold on 6th January—and on the upcoming US election.Jon also shares his view on the problems with Robbie Gibb and how editorial standards are overseen at the BBC. Some at the BBC think Robbie Gibb's stewardship of editorial standards at the broadcaster is “absolutely monstrous”, he says. “It really doesn't bear scrutiny, and then it still going on, strikes me as unbelievable”.Plus, Alona dials in from rainy Liverpool to decide whether the Labour conference has been a “banger” or a “dud” for Starmer's party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, journalist and author Oliver Burkeman joins Prospect's Ellen Halliday and Mindful life columnist Sarah Collins to talk mental health and building a meaningful life—and why his new book, Meditations for Mortals, really isn't self-help. Plus, freelance political journalist Jonn Elledge dials in from the Lib Dem conference in Brighton to help us decide whether Ed Davey's party is a “banger” or a “dud”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ellen Halliday and Alona Ferber discuss a vital question: what is the reality of life under occupation for Palestinians? And how much longer can the world ignore it? They are joined by Nathan Thrall, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy, which follows the life of a Palestinian man whose son Milad died in a 2012 road accident in the West Bank.Thrall, who is based in Jerusalem, discusses how Salama's story provides a window into the wider tragedy of Israel Palestine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.