Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Simmons

Westminster waits with bated breath to discover whether Donald Trump will ally with Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites. The President called for ‘UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!' from Tehran overnight. The day to day of domestic politics appears diminished by comparison with the ever-looming threat of an escalated conflict…But the show must go on: today's PMQs saw Chris Philp (why not Robert Jenrick?) and Angela Rayner deputising for their absent leaders; Liz Kendall introduced legislation to enact cuts to personal independence payments for disabled people; the Commons voted to decriminalise abortion at any point until birth; and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is up to its old tricks, announcing that inflation has fallen when the reality is much more complicated. Can we trust the forecasters? And did anyone ask for this amendment on abortion? James Heale speaks to Michael Simmons and Kate Andrews.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

The Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons is joined by the outgoing boss of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Paul Johnson and the CEO of the Resolution Foundation Ruth Curtice to understand why Britain's economy is in such a bad place. Given it feels like we are often in a doom loop of discussion about tax rises, does this point to a structural problem with the British economy? And why are the public's expectations so out of line with the state's capabilities?Michael, Paul and Ruth talk about whether it's fair for Labour to claim they've been ending austerity, the extent to which the effects of the covid-19 pandemic are still being felt and if tax rises are inevitable. Plus – if Ruth and Paul had the opportunity to be an economic Treasury dictator, what one policy would they enact to make a big change?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons is joined by the outgoing boss of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Paul Johnson and the CEO of the Resolution Foundation Ruth Curtice to understand why Britain's economy is in such a bad place. Given it feels like we are often in a doom loop of discussion about tax rises, does this point to a structural problem with the British economy? And why are the public's expectations so out of line with the state's capabilities?Michael, Paul and Ruth talk about whether it's fair for Labour to claim they've been ending austerity, the extent to which the effects of the covid-19 pandemic are still being felt and if tax rises are inevitable. Plus – if Ruth and Paul had the opportunity to be an economic Treasury dictator, what one policy would they enact to make a big change?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were clear winners and losers in Rachel Reeves's spending review yesterday but some of her announcements around capital spending and investment saw her dubbed the ‘Klarna Chancellor' by LBC's Nick Ferrari for her ‘buy now, pay later' approach. Clearly trying to shake off the accusations of being ‘austerity-lite', Labour point to longer term decisions made yesterday, such as over energy policy and infrastructure. But will voters see much benefit in the short-term? And, with the news today that Britain's GDP shrank by 0.3% in April, will the decisions Rachel Reeves have to make only get harder before the October budget?Lucy Dunn speaks to Michael Simmons and Claire Ainsley, former director of policy to Keir Starmer and now at the Progressive Policy Institute.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OnlyFans is giving the Treasury what it wants – but should we be concerned?‘OnlyFans,' writes Louise Perry, ‘is the most profitable content subscription service in the world.' Yet ‘the vast majority of its content creators make very little from it'. So why are around 4 per cent of young British women selling their wares on the site? ‘Imitating Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips – currently locked in a competition to have sex with the most men in a day – isn't pleasant.' OnlyFans gives women ‘the sexual attention and money of hundreds and even thousands of men'. The result is ‘a cascade of depravity' that Perry wouldn't wish on her worst enemy.In business terms, however, OnlyFans is a ‘staggering success', according to economics editor Michael Simmons. ‘Britain's sex industry brings in far more to the economy than politicians are comfortable admitting'; OnlyFans might just be Britain's most profitable tech start-up. ‘If we are going to wage a moral war on porn,' Simmons argues, ‘we should at least be honest about what we're sacrificing.' Louise and Michael joined the podcast to discuss further (1:21).Next: could Xi Jinping's time be up?Historian Francis Pike writes about the unusual absence of China's President Xi. China-watchers have detected some subtle differences from the norm in Chinese media, from fewer official references to Xi to changes in routine politburo meetings. So, could Xi Jinping be forced to step down? And if so, who is on manoeuvres and why?Francis joined the podcast alongside former diplomat Kerry Brown, professor of China Studies at King's College London (22:31).And finally: is the era of the lonely hearts ad coming to an end?Tony Whitehead provides his notes on lonely hearts columns this week, writing about how, 330 years after they first appeared in print in Britain, they may soon disappear. Francesca Beauman – who literally wrote the book on the subject, Shapely Ankle Preferr'd – and Mark Mason join the podcast to provide their favourite examples, from the serious to the humorous (35:13).Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OnlyFans is giving the Treasury what it wants – but should we be concerned?‘OnlyFans,' writes Louise Perry, ‘is the most profitable content subscription service in the world.' Yet ‘the vast majority of its content creators make very little from it'. So why are around 4 per cent of young British women selling their wares on the site? ‘Imitating Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips – currently locked in a competition to have sex with the most men in a day – isn't pleasant.' OnlyFans gives women ‘the sexual attention and money of hundreds and even thousands of men'. The result is ‘a cascade of depravity' that Perry wouldn't wish on her worst enemy.In business terms, however, OnlyFans is a ‘staggering success', according to economics editor Michael Simmons. ‘Britain's sex industry brings in far more to the economy than politicians are comfortable admitting'; OnlyFans might just be Britain's most profitable tech start-up. ‘If we are going to wage a moral war on porn,' Simmons argues, ‘we should at least be honest about what we're sacrificing.' Louise and Michael joined the podcast to discuss further (1:21).Next: could Xi Jinping's time be up?Historian Francis Pike writes about the unusual absence of China's President Xi. China-watchers have detected some subtle differences from the norm in Chinese media, from fewer official references to Xi to changes in routine politburo meetings. So, could Xi Jinping be forced to step down? And if so, who is on manoeuvres and why?Francis joined the podcast alongside former diplomat Kerry Brown, professor of China Studies at King's College London (22:31).And finally: is the era of the lonely hearts ad coming to an end?Tony Whitehead provides his notes on lonely hearts columns this week, writing about how, 330 years after they first appeared in print in Britain, they may soon disappear. Francesca Beauman – who literally wrote the book on the subject, Shapely Ankle Preferr'd – and Mark Mason join the podcast to provide their favourite examples, from the serious to the humorous (35:13).Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

There were few surprises in Rachel Reeves's spending review today. Health was the big winner, with a £29bn increase in day-to-day spending and £39bn was announced to build social and affordable housing. The main eyebrow-raiser was the announcement that the Home Office will end the use of hotels for asylum seekers within this parliament; this could save £1bn or it could become Labour's ‘stop the boats' moment. The bigger picture was confusing – with increases measured against levels three years ago, is there really as much cash as Rachel Reeves wants you to think there is? And what's the strategy behind it all?The Spectator's new political editor Tim Shipman joins deputy political editor James Heale and economics editor Michael Simmons to breakdown the Chancellor's speech.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves has pledged a ‘new era of nuclear power' as the government confirms a £14.2 billion investment in the Sizewell C nuclear plant in Suffolk. This comes on the eve of Labour's spending review, with the government expected to highlight spending pledges designed to give a positive impression of Labour's handling of the economy. However, as Michael Simmons tells James Heale and Lucy Dunn, there are signs that the government's National Insurance hike is starting to bite.Plus – Nigel Farage has made two announcements in as many days. This morning, he unveiled Reform's new chairman, former MEP Dr David Bull, taking over from the recently returned Zia Yusuf. And yesterday he was in Port Talbot, where he pledged to reopen their steel works and even explore reopening coal mines, with one eye on next year's Welsh elections. Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Nation, formerly a special adviser to Rishi Sunak and now an MD at Forefront Advisers, joins the Spectator's deputy political editor James Heale and economics editor Michael Simmons, to talk through the latest on the government's spending review, which is due to be announced on Wednesday. The last holdout appears to be Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, pushing for more police funding. But, against a tough fiscal landscape, what can we expect? And how much does it matter with the wider public? Plus – former chairman Zia Yusuf returned to Reform just two days after resigning, what's going on?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride delivered a speech today where he attempted to banish the ghost of Liz Truss and improve the Conservatives' reputation over fiscal credibility. And he compared leader Kemi Badenoch to Thatcher, saying she too struggled at first and will 'get better' at the dispatch box. LBC broadcaster Iain Dale and the Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons join deputy political editor James Heale to unpack Stride's speech, talk about Labour's latest policy announcement over free school meals and discuss why both the main parties are struggling with fiscal credibility.Plus, Iain talks about his new book Margaret Thatcher and the myths he seeks to dispel. Why does he think the former PM still endures 35 years after she left office?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves unveiled billions of pounds of investment today for transport and infrastructure projects, as Labour attempts to demonstrate that next week's spending review is not just about departmental cuts. However, most of the political noise today has centred on her announcement that the winter fuel cut will be reversed by the end of the year. But what does this all mean for the average voter, for the Chancellor's fiscal headroom – and why is the government still blaming its own ‘fiscal rules'?James Heale and Michael Simmons join Lucy Dunn to unpack the Chancellor's announcements and explain the economic jargon, plus a look at today's PMQs.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lots to discuss today: Robert Jenrick takes on TfL, a Nazi jibe from the attorney general and allegations of shoplifting made against our own Michael Simmons.But we start with Keir Starmer's big speech yesterday, where the theme was ‘get Nigel', after polling from More in Common showed that framing the election as a two-horse race could be beneficial to Labour. They are attempting to cut the Tories out altogether but, in response, the Conservatives plan to use fiscal credibility as the battleground to crawl back up the polls. Will the economy save the Tories?Elsewhere, Robert Jenrick is the star of the week after a video of him reprimanding fare-dodgers on the Tube went viral, racking up more than ten million views on X. He seems to have struck a chord both within his party and with the public more generally, who are growing tired of our low-trust society and the blight of petty crime. Is Jenrick the one to tackle ‘Scuzz Nation'?Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Heale and Michael Simmons join Patrick Gibbons to discuss the speculation that Labour could scrap the two-child benefit cap. Is this just red meat for the left of the party or is it a sign that public opinion around welfare has shifted? And, with mixed messages on the economy, can the country afford to scrap it?This comes just a week after Labour's partial U-turn over the winter fuel allowance so, with pressure also increasing from Reform, is the welfare state about to expand?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Michael Simmons presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Rayner defends Labour's winter fuel payments U-turn, and fends off suggestions that her leaked memo has anything to do with a future leadership bid. Meanwhile, as Nigel Farage prepares to outflank Labour on the left, Kemi Badenoch says Reform supporters don't know what they're voting for. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

Fallout continues from yesterday's summit and the announcement of a deal between the UK and EU – or is it fair to call it 'fallout' as, despite criticism over the deal from Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, has the public got Brexit fatigue?  James Heale and Michael Simmons join Patrick Gibbons to talk about the reaction to the deal. Fisheries has taken up most discussion but Michael points out a lesser talked about commitment to energy policy. And, with the government keen to talk about it in tandem with recent deals with India and the US – and Gulf states soon, according to Rachel Reeves this morning – what's the political narrative around the summit? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

The Prime Minister is in Albania today to focus on immigration: the government has announced that the UK is in talks to set up 'return hubs' with other countries to send failed asylum seekers abroad. Unfortunately for the government though, also going abroad are Britain's millionaires. In the cover article for this week's Spectator, our economics editor Michael Simmons writes that London lost 11,300 dollar millionaires last year alone. These figures run in stark contrast to today's news that GDP increased by 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025. This continues a trend of mixed signals for Britain's economy. Also on the podcast Spectator editor Michael Gove discusses his interview with justice secretary Shabana Mahmood, who announced today that some reoffenders will be recalled to parliament for a reduced, fixed amount of time to relieve the pressure on prisons. Both Michaels join Lucy Dunn to discuss further, and for the full interview with Shabana Mahmood click through to Spectator TV.  Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

The great escape: why the rich are fleeing Britain Keir Starmer worries about who is coming into Britain but, our economics editor Michael Simmons writes in the magazine this week, he should have ‘sleepless nights' thinking about those leaving. Since 2016, nearly 30,000 millionaires have left – ‘an outflow unmatched in the developed world'. Tax changes have made Britain a ‘hostile environment' for the wealthy, yet we are ‘dangerously dependent' on our highest earners: the top 0.01 per cent pay 6 per cent of all income tax. If the exodus is ‘half as bad' as those he has spoken to think, Simmons warns, a 2p hike to income tax looms. Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside private wealth specialist James Quarmby from advisory firm Stephenson Harwood. (1:04) Next: Michael Gove interviews justice secretary Shabana Mahmood ‘There's a moment of reckoning to come' Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood tells The Spectator's editor Michael Gove in a wide-ranging interview in the magazine this week. Gove writes that he has a degree of sympathy for her, given he occupied her post for 15 months several years ago; ‘it's the most glamorous and least attractive job in the cabinet' he writes. The interview touched on grooming gangs, AI and the oath she swore on the Quran. You can hear an extract from the interview on the podcast but, for the full interview, go to Spectator TV (16:08) And finally: ‘pond terfs' versus the ‘right on' Zoe Strimpel highlights a schism that has emerged over Hampstead ladies pond in the magazine this week: whether trans women should be allowed to swim in the ladies pond. The division, between older ‘pond terfs', who are against their inclusion, and younger ‘right on' women, has only widened following the Supreme Court ruling. Far from solving the issue, the fight has only intensified.   Zoe joined the podcast alongside Julie Bindel to discuss further. (27:48) Hosted by Lara Prendergast and Gus Carter. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

The great escape: why the rich are fleeing Britain Keir Starmer worries about who is coming into Britain but, our economics editor Michael Simmons writes in the magazine this week, he should have ‘sleepless nights' thinking about those leaving. Since 2016, nearly 30,000 millionaires have left – ‘an outflow unmatched in the developed world'. Tax changes have made Britain a ‘hostile environment' for the wealthy, yet we are ‘dangerously dependent' on our highest earners: the top 0.01 per cent pay 6 per cent of all income tax. If the exodus is ‘half as bad' as those he has spoken to think, Simmons warns, a 2p hike to income tax looms. Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside private wealth specialist James Quarmby from advisory firm Stephenson Harwood. (1:04) Next: Michael Gove interviews justice secretary Shabana Mahmood ‘There's a moment of reckoning to come' Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood tells The Spectator's editor Michael Gove in a wide-ranging interview in the magazine this week. Gove writes that he has a degree of sympathy for her, given he occupied her post for 15 months several years ago; ‘it's the most glamorous and least attractive job in the cabinet' he writes. The interview touched on grooming gangs, AI and the oath she swore on the Quran. You can hear an extract from the interview on the podcast but, for the full interview, go to Spectator TV (16:08) And finally: ‘pond terfs' versus the ‘right on' Zoe Strimpel highlights a schism that has emerged over Hampstead ladies pond in the magazine this week: whether trans women should be allowed to swim in the ladies pond. The division, between older ‘pond terfs', who are against their inclusion, and younger ‘right on' women, has only widened following the Supreme Court ruling. Far from solving the issue, the fight has only intensified.   Zoe joined the podcast alongside Julie Bindel to discuss further. (27:48) Hosted by Lara Prendergast and Gus Carter. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

On Thursday afternoon Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a speech about closing the long-awaited UK-US trade deal. Not that his announcement went without a hitch however; after first directing lobby journalists to the wrong Jaguar Land Rover factory in Coventry, Starmer then had his limelight stolen by the election of a new Pope. Although, Labour's ‘historic' trade deal has pipped the Pope on most front pages. The reception has been positive across government too, with many heralding a political win for Labour – just when they really needed one after the local elections. But is this an economic win as well? Critics say the deal is shallow, clearly just a start, and are at pains to point out that we are still in a worse trading position than earlier this year. Meanwhile, the governor of the Bank of England intervened to urge the government to ‘do everything' it can to rebuild trade with the EU.  Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

The Deadcast makes a beeline for the northeast, focusing on shows from legendary venues in the Manhattan and Boston areas included on the new Enjoying the Ride box, including ESP experiments, weed smuggling, free jazz titans, multiple police chases, and more.Guests: David Lemieux, Ron Rakow, Sam Cutler, Richie Pechner, Allan Arkush, Ned Lagin, Gary Lambert, Blair Jackson, Stanley Krippner, Rebecca Adams, Johnny Dwork, John Scher, Michael Simmons, Tyler Roy-Hart, Henry K, Howie Levine, Kenny Schiff, Debbie RondeauSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a massive day for the Labour government and for Keir Starmer, as the UK becomes the first country to sign a trade deal with the US following the tariff turmoil of last month. Donald Trump described it as a ‘full and comprehensive deal' … although we are still waiting for some of the details to be thrashed out. What we do know is this: the 25 per cent tariff on UK steel and aluminium has been removed and the rate on most car exports has been slashed from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent. In return, the UK is removing the tariff on ethanol for US goods and has agreed ‘reciprocal market access on beef'. So far there is no word on the digital services tax, and Britain is still liable to pay the 10 per cent baseline tariff rate. On both sides of the pond, the deal is being described as ‘historic' by leaders who – for their own reasons – could really do with a win. But who does this deal favour? Is it a coup for Starmer – or Trump? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Kate Andrews and Michael Simmons. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Lots to talk about today, including new polling which puts Reform on 29 points compared to the Tories on just 17. We've also just had the first PMQs since the local elections. But the trade deal announced yesterday between the UK and India is dominating the headlines, with many concerned about some of the concessions made – namely the decision to exempt some short-term Indian workers from national insurance as part of the new agreement. This comes barely a week after the local elections, where immigration has been widely considered the most salient issue. The Conservatives have gone on the attack, despite the fact that a trade deal with India was supposed to be one of the major gains from Brexit – an example of how Britain could ‘venture out into the world' and open up trade with fast-growing economies. Are the Tories now against free trade? Interestingly, Kemi Badenoch omitted to ask about the trade deal at PMQs today, choosing instead to question Keir Starmer on the ongoing concerns around winter fuel and the pressure from many elements within his party to at least water down the policy. Can Starmer afford to U-turn? James Heale speaks to Michael Simmons and Paul Goodman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been in Washington D.C. this week at the IMF's spring meetings, and will meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tomorrow. Cue the ususal talk of compromising on chlorinated chicken. Not so, reports the Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons, who explains that Reeves may offer a reduction in long-standing tariffs already imposed on American cars. But, it's been a bad week of economic news for the Chancellor as the IMF downgraded the UK's growth forecast. We're also one week away from the local elections – Starmer's first big test since last year's general election. The economy isn't usually the number one issue at local elections but, as More in Common's Luke Tryl explains, the cost of living crisis is still very much alive in voters' minds. And, while Reform look set to have a good night, the economy is not their strongest policy area. What should we look out for on the night? Michael and Luke join Lucy Dunn to discuss. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.  

Today on another encore episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast this Earth Day, we are talking to journalist Michael Simmons, son of National Lampoon co-founder & film producer Matt Simmons. We loved talking to Michael because there is so much history in the (almost) forgotten history of American humor magazine turned pop culture juggernaut, National Lampoon. Michael gives us behind the scenes stories about the fabled National Lampoon editorial offices in Manhattan circa 1974 which was a breeding ground for comedy and specifically Saturday Night Live writers and performers. We discuss National Lampoon stage shows with Chevy Chase, Harold Ramis, John Belushi & Gilda Radner that Michael was road manager when it hit the road. We hear about his dad's strange history as one of the founders the first credit card company, Diner's Club in the 1950s & how it led to National Lampoon. We even get into the history of how National Lampoon came into existence, birthed out of the Harvard Lampoon and even before that. Michael gives us a firsthand account of what it was like being in the offices of National Lampoon before and after films like National Lampoon's Animal House & National Lampoon's Vacation launched the brand mainstream. What's more we hear stories about Harold Ramis got nervous flyer Gilda Radner on a plane she didn't want to get on, Wilt Chamberlain giving him a ride on his shoulders and how he became an award winning journalist in Los Angeles writing about vice squad busts and later, music journalism. So sit back and take a listen to a fascinating story about how National Lampoon begat everything from Second City and This is Spinal Tap to SCTV and The Credibility Gap. It's all here on the Rarified Heir Podcast. Take a listen.

Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this episode, we dive into how AI can boost your organic traffic and improve your SEO strategy. Mike Simmons, CEO of Plug In Useful, shares insights on using AI tools to help Shopify store owners compete in the crowded SEO landscape, save time on optimization, and grow organic traffic without relying on paid ads. Discover how Plug In AI makes SEO accessible and affordable for e-commerce businesses of all sizes.Topics discussed in this episode:- Why is organic traffic still hard for Shopify brands to get.- How does Google's ad focus impact your SEO strategy.- What mindset do you need to win in SEO today.- Why is AI the key to faster, easier SEO.- How does Plug In AI optimize Shopify content automatically.- What's the best mix of AI and manual SEO control.- Why you must speak to both customers and Google bots.- How AI can optimize 20,000 SKUs in hours.- What results can you expect in the first 60 days.- Why now's the time to prioritize SEO for long-term growth.Links & Resources Website: https://pluginuseful.com/Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/plug-in-ai-seo-optimizerGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/3uz99evmMORE RESOURCES Enjoying this episode? Here are a few ways to grow your business: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/level-up/ Store Optimization Beginners Guide: Instant PDF Download! It's FREE.

Globalisation's obituary has been written many times before but, with the turmoil caused over the past few weeks with Donald Trump's various announcements on tariffs, could this mark the beginning of the end for the economic order as we know it? Tej Parikh from the Financial Times and Kate Andrews, The Spectator's deputy US editor, join economics editor Michael Simmons to make the case for why globalisation will outlive Trump. Though, as the US becomes one of the most protectionist countries in the developed world, how much damage has been done to the reputation of the US? And to what extent do governments need to adapt? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Globalisation's obituary has been written many times before but, with the turmoil caused over the past few weeks with Donald Trump's various announcements on tariffs, could this mark the beginning of the end for the economic order as we know it? Tej Parikh from the Financial Times and Kate Andrews, The Spectator's deputy US editor, join economics editor Michael Simmons to make the case for why globalisation will outlive Trump. Though, as the US becomes one of the most protectionist countries in the developed world, how much damage has been done to the reputation of the US? And to what extent do governments need to adapt? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Finally, some good news for your Friday: the economy is growing! Just when everyone seems to be revising down expectations of growth, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that GDP grew by 0.5 per cent in February. It also revised January's figures upwards to give growth for the last quarter of 0.6 per cent, and annual growth of 1.4 per cent. It looks – for now – that the Reeves recession has been put on hold and that Labour's growth agenda could be working. That said, Labour cannot afford to celebrate just yet. There is reason to believe the figures could be overstated, and there are some trust issues with the ONS – the government last week announced a review of its ‘performance and culture'. These figures also do not take into account the tumult caused by Trump's tariffs. So what can we read into them? Will Trump undo Labour's progress? Lucy Dunn speaks to Michael Simmons and Katy Balls. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Parliament is about to go into recess for the Easter holiday and so – as is customary – Keir Starmer sat in front of the Liaison Committee this afternoon, where he was grilled on topics including tariffs, defence and welfare. This comes on the day when there has been a momentary reprieve in the markets, which experienced a modest bounce – most likely as a result of suggestions from Trump that he is willing to negotiate with China. Markets seem to have priced in that these tariffs could be negotiated down, but that is of course a big 'if'. The question remains for Keir Starmer: what more can he do to protect the UK against economic meltdown? And will he have to break his fiscal rules to do so? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Isabel Hardman and Michael Simmons. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Britain's real economic pain starts today. Overnight, the cost of living has jumped once again: energy, water, broadband, public transport, TV licences – all up. So too are council tax bills, capital gains, and vehicle taxes. And that's before we even get to the slow stealth march of fiscal drag and the impact of World Tariff Day which could wipe out Rachel Reeve's newly restored headroom. Jonathan Reynolds was the unlucky minister on the broadcast round this morning trying to defend this increasingly bleak picture, is there any good news?  James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Michael Simmons.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Season 5: Episode 11Dr. Michael Simmons is the founder of Inner Work Community LLC, an online collective of psycho-spiritual healers. He is a Shadow Work Coach with over a decade of experience initiating people into their inner landscape, and liberating them to embrace their authentic life. Everything Numa

It's the morning after the afternoon before, and Rachel Reeves has just finished her broadcast round, where she has faced tough questions and negative splashes in the papers. The Daily Mail brands Reeves ‘deluded', while the Daily Telegraph warns of ‘five years of record taxes'. The Guardian splashes with ‘Reeves accused of balancing books at expense of the poor', while the Financial Times says, ‘Tax rise fears cloud Reeves's fiscal fix'. She is navigating two main issues: first, the additional welfare reforms have caused disquiet in the Labour Party, with a potential rebellion on the horizon; second, the conversation has already turned to whether she will have to return for further tax rises in the autumn. Meanwhile, her headroom is under threat once again following this morning's news that Donald Trump will impose a 25 per cent tariff on all imported cars. Can she keep the party – and the finances – in check? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Michael Simmons. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. For tickets to The Spectator's Spring Statement special live Coffee House Shots, click here. 

This week: why is economic growth eluding Labour? ‘Growing pains' declares The Spectator's cover image this week, as our political editor Katy Balls, our new economics editor Michael Simmons, and George Osborne's former chief of staff Rupert Harrison analyse the fiscal problems facing the Chancellor. ‘Dominic Cummings may have left Whitehall,' write Katy and Michael, ‘but his spirit lives on.' ‘We are all Dom now,' according to one government figure. Keir Starmer's chief aide Morgan McSweeney has never met Cummings, but the pair share a diagnosis of Britain's failing economy. Identifying a problem is not, however, the same as solving it. As Rachel Reeves prepares her Spring Statement, ministers are bracing themselves for cuts in day-to-day spending as the public finances deteriorate. Is austerity back? Michael and Rupert joined the podcast to discuss further. (1:02) Next: survival of the fittest vs seduction by the hottest Biologist and Conservative peer Matt Ridley writes about the concept of sexual selection in the magazine this week, explaining that evolution might not just be driven by survival of the fittest but also by section by the hottest. This, he says, would explain some of nature's most colourful oddities, particularly within birds, as outlined in his new book Birds, Sex and Beauty. Charles Darwin proposed this as a later part of his evolutionary theory, but it caused a rift amongst his contemporaries – why is it a controversial concept? And could it be true for other species such as humans? Matt joined the podcast alongside David Puts, Professor of Anthropology and Psychology at Penn State University. (19:13) And finally: what makes historic murders so fascinating? Historian and author Hallie Rubenhold's new book, Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress and Dr Crippen, retells the famous murder case from the perspective of the women involved. Lisa Hilton declares it an ‘intellectual adventure' in the lead book review in the magazine this week. But why do these cases continue to capture our imaginations, decades and even centuries later? And, whether as victims or as accomplices, what makes women such compelling subjects in historic cases like these? Hallie joined the podcast alongside the historian and broadcaster Alice Loxton, author of Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives. (30:40) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

This week: why is economic growth eluding Labour? ‘Growing pains' declares The Spectator's cover image this week, as our political editor Katy Balls, our new economics editor Michael Simmons, and George Osborne's former chief of staff Rupert Harrison analyse the fiscal problems facing the Chancellor. ‘Dominic Cummings may have left Whitehall,' write Katy and Michael, ‘but his spirit lives on.' ‘We are all Dom now,' according to one government figure. Keir Starmer's chief aide Morgan McSweeney has never met Cummings, but the pair share a diagnosis of Britain's failing economy. Identifying a problem is not, however, the same as solving it. As Rachel Reeves prepares her Spring Statement, ministers are bracing themselves for cuts in day-to-day spending as the public finances deteriorate. Is austerity back? Michael and Rupert joined the podcast to discuss further. (1:02) Next: survival of the fittest vs seduction by the hottest Biologist and Conservative peer Matt Ridley writes about the concept of sexual selection in the magazine this week, explaining that evolution might not just be driven by survival of the fittest but also by section by the hottest. This, he says, would explain some of nature's most colourful oddities, particularly within birds, as outlined in his new book Birds, Sex and Beauty. Charles Darwin proposed this as a later part of his evolutionary theory, but it caused a rift amongst his contemporaries – why is it a controversial concept? And could it be true for other species such as humans? Matt joined the podcast alongside David Puts, Professor of Anthropology and Psychology at Penn State University. (19:13) And finally: what makes historic murders so fascinating? Historian and author Hallie Rubenhold's new book, Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress and Dr Crippen, retells the famous murder case from the perspective of the women involved. Lisa Hilton declares it an ‘intellectual adventure' in the lead book review in the magazine this week. But why do these cases continue to capture our imaginations, decades and even centuries later? And, whether as victims or as accomplices, what makes women such compelling subjects in historic cases like these? Hallie joined the podcast alongside the historian and broadcaster Alice Loxton, author of Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives. (30:40) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

This afternoon we had Liz Kendall's long-awaited address in the Commons on Labour's plans for welfare reform. The prospect of £5 billion worth of cuts to welfare has split the party in two, with fears of a rebellion growing over the weekend and into this week. Her announcement was a mixed bag, including: restricting eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) so that only those who have the highest level of disability can claim the benefit and – to sweeten the deal for backbenchers – announcing that the government will not bring in vouchers for disability benefit or freeze PIP. One of the new lines that had not been trailed in advance was that under 22s would not be eligible for the health top-up of Universal Credit (UC). What's the politics of all this? Will Labour MPs stomach Liz Kendall's benefits crackdown? Katy Balls speaks to The Spectator's new economics editor Michael Simmons and Stephen Bush, associate editor at the Financial Times. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics show the UK economy unexpectedly shrunk by 0.1% in January. This comes only a few weeks after the Chancellor's pro-growth speech, and a fortnight ahead of her Spring Statement. Just how much pressure is Rachel Reeves under? And how likely is it that Labour will change their approach? Economics editor Michael Simmons and deputy political editor James Heale join Patrick Gibbons to discuss, as well as a look ahead to next week's expected announcement on reducing the welfare bill. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Having returned from Washington D.C., Harry Cole reads his diary for the week (1:16); Zoe Strimpel reports on the Gen Z fliers obsessed with maximalising their air miles (5:37); Michael Simmons argues that Scotland is the worst when it comes to government waste (12:00); reviewing Quentin Skinner's Liberty as Independence, Nigel Warburton examines what it means to be free (17:45); and, Justin Marozzi provides his notes on possum (25:02).  Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Having returned from Washington D.C., Harry Cole reads his diary for the week (1:16); Zoe Strimpel reports on the Gen Z fliers obsessed with maximalising their air miles (5:37); Michael Simmons argues that Scotland is the worst when it comes to government waste (12:00); reviewing Quentin Skinner's Liberty as Independence, Nigel Warburton examines what it means to be free (17:45); and, Justin Marozzi provides his notes on possum (25:02).  Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Hugh Schofield asks why there is no campaign to free the novelist Boualem Sansal (1:26); The Spectator's arts editor, Igor Toronyi-Lalic, reacts to the magazine's campaign against frivolous funding and, continuing the campaign, Michael Simmons wonders if Britain is funding organisations that wish us harm (8:00); Lisa Haseldine reflects on whether the AfD's rise could mean ‘Weimar 2.0' for Germany (17:08); reviewing Thou Savage Woman: Female Killers in Early Modern Britain, by Blessin Adams, Alice Loxton explores the gruesome ways in which women killed (25:05); and, from Kenya, Aidan Hartley reflects on how a secret half-brother impacted his relationship with his father (35:13).  Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Hugh Schofield asks why there is no campaign to free the novelist Boualem Sansal (1:26); The Spectator's arts editor, Igor Toronyi-Lalic, reacts to the magazine's campaign against frivolous funding and, continuing the campaign, Michael Simmons wonders if Britain is funding organisations that wish us harm (8:00); Lisa Haseldine reflects on whether the AfD's rise could mean ‘Weimar 2.0' for Germany (17:08); reviewing Thou Savage Woman: Female Killers in Early Modern Britain, by Blessin Adams, Alice Loxton explores the gruesome ways in which women killed (25:05); and, from Kenya, Aidan Hartley reflects on how a secret half-brother impacted his relationship with his father (35:13).  Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

It's a double celebration for Rachel Reeves today. Not only is it her birthday, but the UK economy grew by 0.1 per cent in the last three months of 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics' latest report. December, when the economy expanded by 0.4 per cent (the market consensus had been 0.1 per cent), was the saving grace. This helped tip the final quarter of 2024 onto the right side of positive growth. But it's not all rosy for the Chancellor. This morning's update won't take anyone in the Treasury off high alert, and there has been a development in the story about her CV. The BBC has been looking into her expenses during her time at Halifax bank. The Chancellor's response is that she had no knowledge that there was an investigation into wrongdoing. Will it be a happy birthday after all? Elsewhere, it's a big day at The Spectator. In this week's issue, we have launched The Spectator Project Against Frivolous Funding (SPAFF). This online tool lets readers explore the wastelands of government procurement contracts, reckless credit card splurges and absurd research grants. Spoiler alert: there's no shortage of material. Can you find more wasteful funding? Go to: spectator.co.uk/spaff Oscar Edmondson speaks to Kate Andrews and Michael Simmons. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

This week: The Spectator launches SPAFF The civil service does one thing right, writes The Spectator's data editor Michael Simmons: spaffing money away. The advent of Elon Musk's DOGE in the US has inspired The Spectator to launch our own war on wasteful spending – the Spectator Project Against Frivolous Funding, or SPAFF. Examples of waste range from the comic to the tragic. The Department for Work and Pensions, Michael writes, ‘bought one Universal Credit claimant a £1,500 e-bike after he persuaded his MP it would help him find self-employment'. There's money for a group trying to ‘decolonise' pole dancing; for a ‘socially engaged' practitioner to make a film about someone else getting an MBE; and for subscriptions to LinkedIn. Lord Agnew, who used to hold the ‘Pythonesque' title of ‘minister of state for efficiency and transformation', backs The Spectator's new SPAFF campaign and says total reform is the only option. Michael and Theo joined the podcast to discuss. (1:04) Next: is surrogacy a blessing or a sham? Debates about surrogacy have raged again following the announcement that the actress Lily Collins has had a baby via surrogate. Mary Wakefield says that there is a ‘sadness' behind surrogacy, and that babies could be affected by being separated from their birth mother. Surrogacy is illegal in many countries, such as Spain and Italy, and Mary worries about potential legal changes that would make it easier to pursue here in the UK. So, is surrogacy a lifeline for many couples looking to conceive, or is it a practice that we should be more concerned about? Mary joined the podcast to discuss alongside Sunshine Hanson. Sunshine is the president and co-founder of the US-based surrogacy agency Sunshine Is, and has also been a gestational surrogate three times. (16:26) And finally: is smoking sexy again? Flora Watkins revels at the news that Generation Z are shedding their vapes and taking up ‘real' smoking, saying that everyone looks ‘hotter with a fag in their mouth'. Disregarding familial disapproval, Flora says that smoking makes her feel cool, young and attractive. Does this mean that smoking is sexy again? And why is smoking proving more popular with younger generations? It appears that the proposed smoking ban, proposed by both the Conservatives and now Labour, is having the opposite effect. Flora joined the podcast - with a cigarette in hand - to discuss, alongside the writer Zak Asgard. (29:35)  Presented by Lara Prendergast and William Moore. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

This week: The Spectator launches SPAFF The civil service does one thing right, writes The Spectator's data editor Michael Simmons: spaffing money away. The advent of Elon Musk's DOGE in the US has inspired The Spectator to launch our own war on wasteful spending – the Spectator Project Against Frivolous Funding, or SPAFF. Examples of waste range from the comic to the tragic. The Department for Work and Pensions, Michael writes, ‘bought one Universal Credit claimant a £1,500 e-bike after he persuaded his MP it would help him find self-employment'. There's money for a group trying to ‘decolonise' pole dancing; for a ‘socially engaged' practitioner to make a film about someone else getting an MBE; and for subscriptions to LinkedIn. Lord Agnew, who used to hold the ‘Pythonesque' title of ‘minister of state for efficiency and transformation', backs The Spectator's new SPAFF campaign and says total reform is the only option. Michael and Theo joined the podcast to discuss. (1:04) Next: is surrogacy a blessing or a sham? Debates about surrogacy have raged again following the announcement that the actress Lily Collins has had a baby via surrogate. Mary Wakefield says that there is a ‘sadness' behind surrogacy, and that babies could be affected by being separated from their birth mother. Surrogacy is illegal in many countries, such as Spain and Italy, and Mary worries about potential legal changes that would make it easier to pursue here in the UK. So, is surrogacy a lifeline for many couples looking to conceive, or is it a practice that we should be more concerned about? Mary joined the podcast to discuss alongside Sunshine Hanson. Sunshine is the president and co-founder of the US-based surrogacy agency Sunshine Is, and has also been a gestational surrogate three times. (16:26) And finally: is smoking sexy again? Flora Watkins revels at the news that Generation Z are shedding their vapes and taking up ‘real' smoking, saying that everyone looks ‘hotter with a fag in their mouth'. Disregarding familial disapproval, Flora says that smoking makes her feel cool, young and attractive. Does this mean that smoking is sexy again? And why is smoking proving more popular with younger generations? It appears that the proposed smoking ban, proposed by both the Conservatives and now Labour, is having the opposite effect. Flora joined the podcast - with a cigarette in hand - to discuss, alongside the writer Zak Asgard. (29:35)  Presented by Lara Prendergast and William Moore. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Loyd Grossman pleads to save Britain's cathedrals, as he reads his diary for the week (1:31); Unity Mitford is a classic case of aristocratic anti-Semitism says Tanya Gold (7:47); looking ahead to another Strategic Defence Review, Harry Halem warns that Britain is far from prepared for the era of AI warfare (12:42); 'the worst echo chamber is your own mind': Angus Colwell interviews philosopher Agnes Callard (24:24); reviewing Prosecuting the Powerful: War Crimes and the Battle for Justice, by Steve Crawshaw, Philippe Sands argues that while the international criminal justice system was prejudiced from the start the idea was right (31:01); and, Michael Simmons contradicts the Pope and declares that gossip is good for you (41:21).  Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. 

It's been a tricky week for Rachel Reeves: an onslaught of criticism for the levels of borrowing costs, GDP at 0.1 per cent, and stagflation still gripping the UK economy. Remarkably she has come out of it looking stronger – politically at least. But can she afford to celebrate? The Spectator's Kate Andrews and data editor Michael Simmons join the podcast to discuss the economy, and go through some of the most striking graphs from The Spectator's data hub this week. Produced by Natasha Feroze.

It's been a tricky week for Rachel Reeves: an onslaught of criticism for the levels of borrowing costs, GDP at 0.1 per cent, and stagflation still gripping the UK economy. Remarkably she has come out of it looking stronger – politically at least. But can she afford to celebrate? The Spectator's Kate Andrews and data editor Michael Simmons join the podcast to discuss the economy, and go through some of the most striking graphs from The Spectator's data hub this week. Produced by Natasha Feroze.

This week: President Trump's plan to Make America Greater In the cover piece for the magazine, our deputy editor and host of the Americano podcast, Freddy Gray, delves into Trump's plans. He speaks to insiders, including Steve Bannon, about the President's ambitions for empire-building. Could he really take over Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal? And if not, what is he really hoping to achieve? Academic and long-time friend of J.D. Vance, James Orr, also writes in the magazine this week about how the vice president-elect could be an even more effective standard-bearer for the MAGA movement. Freddy and James joined the podcast, just before Freddy heads off to cover Trump's inauguration. (1:00) Next: the child-free influencers waging war on motherhood Kara Kennedy also writes in the magazine about the popularity of social media influencers advocating child-free lives. It's well documented that more and more young people are choosing not to have children. However, while some might think this is about championing different lifestyles, Kara writes that many of these influencers are, in fact, shaming those who choose to have children. What motivates them? Kara joined the podcast alongside Brittany Brantley, an influencer who started out in the child-free community, before choosing to have a child. (16:58) And finally: can fact-checking ever be objective? Following the news that Mark Zuckerberg's Meta will reduce its fact-checking service, Matt Ridley examines the world of fact-checking and declares the practice ‘corrupted'. Matt argues that fact-checking is riddled with bias – can it ever be objective? Matt joined the podcast alongside The Spectator's very own fact-checking team, Sam McPhail and Michael Simmons – who get a positive mention in Matt's piece. They lift the lid on how the magazine approaches fact-checking. (26:58) Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.

Former Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced she is separating from her husband Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the SNP. The announcement comes as the police probe into the SNP's funds and finances remains ongoing, with Sturgeon and ex-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie under investigation while Murrell was charged with embezzlement in April 2024.  Katy Balls is joined by The Spectator's editor Michael Gove, and data editor Michael Simmons, to discuss the separation, why the investigation is still ongoing four years later, and what chances Scottish Labour or Reform have against the SNP in 2025. 

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Catherine Lafferty argues that the drive to reduce teenage pregnancies enabled grooming gangs (1:27); following Luke Littler's world championship victory, Michael Simmons says that Gen Z is ruining darts (6:32); Paul Wood looks at the return of Isis, and America's unlikely ally in its fight against the terrorist group (10:35); Philip Hensher reviews a new biography of the Brothers Grimm by Ann Schmiesing, and looks at how words can be as dangerous as war (17:57); Isabel Hardman highlights the new garden now open at the Natural History Museum (26:57); and, Damian Thompson reveals he watched videos of plane crashes to distract himself from the US election coverage – why? (31:40).    Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

On 2024 Out Loud: Cindy Yu examined Chinese work ethic (1:13); Michael Simmons declared his love of the doner kebab (6:28); Angus Colwell reported from Israel in July (9:27); Igor Toronyi-Lalic explained the inspiration behind the cinema of Marguerite Duras (14:41); Mary Wakefield analysed the disturbing truth of the Pelicot case (20:38); Fraser Nelson signed off as editor of The Spectator (27:01); and Michael Gove revealed his thoughts as he sat down at the editor's desk (33:15).    Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.