Podcasts about spectators

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Peter Frankopan argues that Israel's attack on Iran has been planned for years (2:00); just how bad are things for Kemi Badenoch, asks Tim Shipman (13:34); Francis Pike says there are plenty of reasons to believe in ghosts (21:49); Hermione Eyre, wife of Alex Burghart MP, reviews Sarah Vine's book How Not To Be a Political Wife: A Memoir, which deals with Vine's marriage to ex-husband Michael Gove (28:46); and, George Young reports on the French sculptors building the new Statue of Liberty (34:45). Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

It's bad news all round for Labour and the Tories. An MRP poll out today forecasts that if an election were held tomorrow, Labour would not only lose its majority, but fall behind Reform to become the second-largest party. The Conservatives would be reduced to a mere 46 seats, placing them fourth behind the Lib Dems.But that's just the beginning of their collective woes. On the Labour side – despite Keir Starmer's charm offensive and ongoing talks with Labour MPs about potential changes to welfare policy – the number of rebels appears to be growing. The feeling increasingly is that someone might have to go, and calls for ‘regime change' splash the Times. Is time up for Morgan McSweeney?On the other side of the House, the Tories are in disarray, as Tim Shipman reports in The Spectator this week. In his scoop-filled piece, he writes: David Cameron thinks Robert Jenrick should be the next Tory leader, strategists fear the best they can hope for is to salvage 80 seats, and the blond bombshell Boris Johnson has a five-point plan for his return. Are the Tories toast?James Heale speaks to Michael Gove and Tim Shipman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

This week: war and peaceDespite initial concerns, the ‘Complete and Total CEASEFIRE' – according to Donald Trump – appears to be holding. Tom Gross writes this week's cover piece and argues that a weakened Iran offers hope for the whole Middle East. But how? He joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside Gregg Carlstrom, the Economist's Middle East correspondent based in Dubai. (01:51)Next: why are so many restaurants offering halal meat?Angus Colwell writes about the growing popularity of halal meat in British restaurants. This isn't confined to certain food groups or particular areas – halal is now being offered across restaurants serving all sorts of cuisine, from Chinese to Mexican. But why is it so popular? And is it just a trend, or part of a wider shift for British restaurants? Angus joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside restaurateur James Chiavarini, owner of Il Portico and La Palombe, both in Kensington. (23:46)And finally: millennials, the brown furniture is on its wayThe ‘great wealth transfer' – the transfer of trillions in wealth from boomers to millennials – is oft-discussed, but Arabella Byrne argues this goes far beyond just money. Brown furniture, from desks to cabinets to mirrors, will be passed on as inheritance by boomers who downsize – and Arabella says this is ‘the abject symbol of generational misalignment'. Arabella joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside The Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons. (33:07)Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

This week: war and peaceDespite initial concerns, the ‘Complete and Total CEASEFIRE' – according to Donald Trump – appears to be holding. Tom Gross writes this week's cover piece and argues that a weakened Iran offers hope for the whole Middle East. But how? He joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside Gregg Carlstrom, the Economist's Middle East correspondent based in Dubai. (01:51)Next: why are so many restaurants offering halal meat?Angus Colwell writes about the growing popularity of halal meat in British restaurants. This isn't confined to certain food groups or particular areas – halal is now being offered across restaurants serving all sorts of cuisine, from Chinese to Mexican. But why is it so popular? And is it just a trend, or part of a wider shift for British restaurants? Angus joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside restaurateur James Chiavarini, owner of Il Portico and La Palombe, both in Kensington. (23:46)And finally: millennials, the brown furniture is on its wayThe ‘great wealth transfer' – the transfer of trillions in wealth from boomers to millennials – is oft-discussed, but Arabella Byrne argues this goes far beyond just money. Brown furniture, from desks to cabinets to mirrors, will be passed on as inheritance by boomers who downsize – and Arabella says this is ‘the abject symbol of generational misalignment'. Arabella joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside The Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons. (33:07)Hosted by Lara Prendergast and William Moore.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

Roger Kimball Shares His Thoughts on Iran. Roger Kimball is Editor and Publisher of The New Criterion and President and Publisher of Encounter Books. He writes regular columns for American Greatness, The Epoch Times, and The Spectator,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scoot talks about President Trump requesting an FBI investigation into the leak of information to the media concerning the results of the Iranian bombing.

Soccer: Cumulative Spectators Top 1 M. at FIFA Club World Cup Tournament in US

Today's Holy Smoke is a curtain-raiser for ‘Recovering the Sacred', a Spectator event at St Bartholow-the-Great in the City of London in which a panel of experts will explore the rediscovery of traditional worship and theology by young Anglicans and Catholics. The event will be held on Tuesday 8th July; for more details, and to book tickets, go to: spectator.co.uk/churchIn today's episode Damian Thompson talks to Anglican James Vitali and Catholic Georgia Clarke, two Generation Z professionals bursting with enthusiasm for their faith. It's an exhilarating discussion; don't miss it. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Of course this weekend’s Big Weekend Pod is all about Israel’s strikes on Iran and whether President Trump should direct the American military to join in the attempt to smash Iran’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Hugh’s guests include Jim Geraghty of National Review, AEI’s Matt Continetti (who is also with Commentary and The Free Press), Ben Domenech of the Spectator and Fox News, and Eli Lake of The Free Press – Eli’s new “Breaking History” podcast episode on the Iranian nuclear program is not to be missed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Owen Matthews says that Venice's residents never stop complaining (1:11); Bijan Omrani reads his church notebook (7:33); Andrew Hankinson reviews Tiffany Jenkins's Strangers and Intimates: The Rise and Fall of Private Life (13:54); as 28 Years Later is released, Laurie Penny explains the politics behind Alex Garland's film franchise (18:25); and, Andrew Watts provides his notes on Angel Delight (25:09). Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

Starmer's war zone: the Prime Minister's perilous positionThis week, our new political editor Tim Shipman takes the helm and, in his cover piece, examines how Keir Starmer can no longer find political refuge in foreign affairs. After a period of globe-trotting in which the Prime Minister was dubbed ‘never-here Keir', Starmer's handling of international matters had largely been seen as a strength. But as tensions escalate in the Iran–Israel conflict, global events are beginning to create serious challenges. They threaten not only to derail the government's economic plans but also to deepen divisions within the Labour party, particularly between the leadership and much of the parliamentary party. Tim joined the podcast alongside The Spectator US editor Freddy Gray. (02:08)Next: is it a mistake to try and topple Iran's Supreme Leader?Justin Marozzi asks if we are seeing ‘an ominous mission creep in Israel's blistering attack on Iran'. Donald Trump has been calling for the ‘UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' of Iran, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been directly addressing the Iranian people. The regime may be unpopular, but how realistic is the expectation of regime change? Marozzi joined the podcast alongside Michael Stephens, a Middle East expert at the defence and security thinktank Rusi. (19:07)And finally: should we embrace feeling shame?Stuart Jeffries reviews a new book by the French philosopher Frédéric Gros in the books section of the magazine this week. A Philosophy of Shame: A Revolutionary Emotion argues that shame should be embraced, rather than avoided. So, in an era of ‘cancel culture' and public shaming – not to mention some of the shamelessness exhibited by social media influencers – can ‘shame' be a good thing? Stuart joined the podcast to discuss. (34:31)Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

Starmer's war zone: the Prime Minister's perilous positionThis week, our new political editor Tim Shipman takes the helm and, in his cover piece, examines how Keir Starmer can no longer find political refuge in foreign affairs. After a period of globe-trotting in which the Prime Minister was dubbed ‘never-here Keir', Starmer's handling of international matters had largely been seen as a strength. But as tensions escalate in the Iran–Israel conflict, global events are beginning to create serious challenges. They threaten not only to derail the government's economic plans but also to deepen divisions within the Labour party, particularly between the leadership and much of the parliamentary party. Tim joined the podcast alongside The Spectator US editor Freddy Gray. (02:08)Next: is it a mistake to try and topple Iran's Supreme Leader?Justin Marozzi asks if we are seeing ‘an ominous mission creep in Israel's blistering attack on Iran'. Donald Trump has been calling for the ‘UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' of Iran, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been directly addressing the Iranian people. The regime may be unpopular, but how realistic is the expectation of regime change? Marozzi joined the podcast alongside Michael Stephens, a Middle East expert at the defence and security thinktank Rusi. (19:07)And finally: should we embrace feeling shame?Stuart Jeffries reviews a new book by the French philosopher Frédéric Gros in the books section of the magazine this week. A Philosophy of Shame: A Revolutionary Emotion argues that shame should be embraced, rather than avoided. So, in an era of ‘cancel culture' and public shaming – not to mention some of the shamelessness exhibited by social media influencers – can ‘shame' be a good thing? Stuart joined the podcast to discuss. (34:31)Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

Tim Harford investigates some of the numbers in the news, and in life. This week:We debunk a false claim that the hotel bill for immigrants is the size of the tax bill for Manchester.An article in the Spectator claimed that 4% of women aged between 18 and 34 in the UK are OnlyFans creators. We track down the source and discover that it is not very good.Do people in Scotland use much more water than people in Yorkshire? If so, why?And we examine a popular claim that today's working mothers spend more time with their children than your stereotypical 1950s housewife did.Make sure you get in touch if you've seen a number you think Tim and the team should take a look at. The email is moreorless@bbc.co.ukPresenter: Tim Harford Reporter: Josephine Casserly Producers: Nicholas Barrett, Lizzy McNeill and David Verry Series producer: Tom Colls Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound mix: James Beard Editor: Richard Vadon

Today's Holy Smoke is a curtain-raiser for ‘Recovering the Sacred', a Spectator event at St Bartholow-the-Great in the City of London in which a panel of experts will explore the rediscovery of traditional worship and theology by young Anglicans and Catholics. The event will be held on Tuesday 8th July; for more details, and to book tickets, go to: spectator.co.uk/churchIn today's episode Damian Thompson talks to Anglican James Vitali and Catholic Georgia Clarke, two Generation Z professionals bursting with enthusiasm for their faith. It's an exhilarating discussion; don't miss it. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Today we have a special bonus episode as part of our Chalke History Festival Special Episode as we speak to author and historian Sam Leith all about his book 'The Haunted Wood: A History of Childhood Reading' which he will be speaking about at Chalke History Festival on Tuesday 24th of June at 20:30!To keep up to date with Sam head to his BlueSky, X, his work at the Spectator, and his publisher's website!Grab a copy of The Haunted WoodGrab your tickets for Chalke History Festival here which is held between the 23rd of June to the 29th!To learn more about Chalke and grab tickets head to their website, TikTok, Instagram, X or Facebook!If you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: jackson@historywithjackson.co.ukTo catch up on everything to do with History with Jackson head to www.HistorywithJackson.co.ukFollow us on Facebook at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on Instagram at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on X/Twitter at @HistorywJacksonFollow us on TikTok at @HistorywithJackson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nadine Dorries is one of the most recognisable Conservative politicians from the past two decades. Elected as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire in 2005, she notably clashed with David Cameron and George Osborne (who she called ‘two arrogant posh boys') and lost the whip in 2012 when she took part in the reality show I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. Loyal to Boris Johnson, she served in his government and rose to be Culture Secretary. She stood down in 2023 and went on to write about politics in the bestselling books The Plot and Downfall.On the podcast, Nadine tells the Spectator's executive editor Lara Prendergast about her memories of tinned burgers and Sunday lunches as a child, working long shifts as a nurse in Warrington and what it was like spending a year in Zambia. She also explains the ‘relentless' but ‘collegiate' atmosphere of Parliament and how she once saw a mouse at the Commons' salad bar. Nadine explains what it is like to have recently used the weight-loss jab Mounjaro and why, in her family, she is still the ‘queen of the Sunday roast'.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rod and Greg Show Daily Rundown – Monday, June 16, 20254:20 pm: Michael Letts, a veteran of law enforcement and President of Invest USA, joins Greg for a conversation about the fallout from the weekend's protests and how he believes the White House should respond.4:38 pm: Charles Lipson, Professor Emeritus of International Politics and a frequent contributor to The Spectator on why Democrats continue to fall on the wrong side of 80/20 issues.6:05 pm: State Representative Jason Thompson joins the show to discuss his planned proposal to help fix chronic absenteeism in Utah's public school system.6:38 pm: EJ Antoni, Chief Economist at The Heritage Foundation, joins the program for a conversation about how President Trump continues to win on inflation.

Nadine Dorries is one of the most recognisable Conservative politicians from the past two decades. Elected as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire in 2005, she notably clashed with David Cameron and George Osborne (who she called ‘two arrogant posh boys') and lost the whip in 2012 when she took part in the reality show I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. Loyal to Boris Johnson, she served in his government and rose to be Culture Secretary. She stood down in 2023 and went on to write about politics in the bestselling books The Plot and Downfall. On the podcast, Nadine tells the Spectator's executive editor Lara Prendergast about her memories of tinned burgers and Sunday lunches as a child, working long shifts as a nurse in Warrington and what it was like spending a year in Zambia. She also explains the ‘relentless' but ‘collegiate' atmosphere of Parliament and how she once saw a mouse at the Commons' salad bar. Nadine explains what it is like to have recently used the weight-loss jab Mounjaro and why, in her family, she is still the ‘queen of the Sunday roast'.  Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Check out the Orgasm Course fort Catholic WomenIn this episode, Ellen discusses the concept of 'spectator mode' during sex, where overthinking and analyzing can hinder genuine enjoyment. She explains how common it is, especially for women, and offers practical steps to become fully present and improve intimacy with your spouse. Topics include recognizing spectator mode, focusing on sensations, and engaging in conversation during sex.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In the first half, I explore what the eruption of open conflict between Israel and Iran means for Russia. Will Putin be tempted to throw Iran under the bus? He certainly has much more scope and reason to do so than in 2022-24.In the second half, I climb onto my soapbox to consider -- criticise -- some recent rhetoric about the Russian threat and bemoan the lack of dialogue, especially military-to-military contacts, with praise for the wargame Littoral Commander: the Baltics (Dietz Foundation) and David Fields & Robert Avery's book The Royal And Russian Navies. Cooperation, Competition & Confrontation (Manchester UP). The Spectator piece I mentioned is here.The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials including the (almost-) weekly Govorit Moskva news briefing right here. Support the show

Will Kingston, host of the Spectator's Fire at Will podcast, joins Chris Snowdon and Tom Slater for another episode of Last Orders. They discuss how Australia's crackdown on vaping and smoking has led to firebombings, the death-cap mushroom killer, and where Chris should emigrate to.   Go to https://surfshark.com/lastorders or use code LASTORDERS at checkout to get four extra months of Surfshark VPN! Listen, share and give us a glowing review on your podcast app. Also, send your postbag questions to lastorders@spiked-online.com and we'll try to answer them in a future episode. Read spiked: https://www.spiked-online.com/    Support spiked: https://www.spiked-online.com/support/ 

The Voice Of GO(r)D podcast is very happy to bring you the self proclaimed ‘King of Content', the Doer of The Work™️, lawyer, historian, marketing guru, prolific writer, and former co-host of the What's Left? podcast, Mr Oliver Bateman. Oliver encouraged me to start this Substack and is one of many who told me I should start a podcast - he has always been very encouraging of this project, and has served as a great inspiration and adviser to me over the years, and I am very happy to get him on the show and get him to you. We centered our conversation on our fathers, as Oliver's Dad looms large in his work, both as a man of size and as a philosophical driving force behind Oliver's work. We end up meandering around a number of different stories, including those of our Grandfathers services - mine driving a Sherman tank in Europe and then trucks across Canada, and Oliver's being a submariner in the US Navy during World War 2, with these family histories ultimately animating everything we do and discuss here on the show. Oliver is everywhere - https://www.oliverbateman.com/https://oliverbatemandoesthework.substack.com/https://x.com/MoustacheClubUShttps://www.instagram.com/oliverleebateman/?hl=enClick here for a list of everything he has ever written - and he is everywhere - MEL Magazine, UnHerd, The Ringer, RealClear Politics, The Washington Examiner, Splice Today, American Greatness, WaPo, American Affairs Journal, The Spectator, VICE, Compact, you name it, he's probably written for them. https://www.oliverbateman.com/bibliographyAs we discussed on the show, one of Oliver's most recent must reads, on the Everyman embodied in Norm from Cheers, and the man who made him - https://oliverbatemandoesthework.substack.com/p/the-work-of-pouring-one-out-for-aA couple of my favorites of his Work - A critique of social media and what it is doing to us - https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2023/05/anti-social-media-a-modest-proposal-for-significant-restraint/On the siloing of our elites and how calls for censorship are meant only to re-enforce the ear plugs which prevent them from hearing the issues of the masses - https://amgreatness.com/2020/12/13/our-coddled-elites-and-all-the-pain-they-cant-feel/Satire at both the expense of AI and its pimps, and the baser elements of human behavior - https://www.splicetoday.com/digital/resist-the-ai-overlords-at-all-costs'An Ode to the CFL' -https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/magazine-life-arts/3080999/an-ode-to-canadian-football/And as we discussed in the show, Oliver's grandfather served on a US Navy Submarine, and Oliver published his diary of The Life Aquatic here - https://oliverbatemandoesthework.substack.com/p/the-work-of-a-world-war-ii-submarineThanks for listening!As mentioned in the intro, I am writing a book on the fate of the North American Trucker in 2025, which you can read about here - If you are of means and want to chip in to help me see it through - https://www.givesendgo.com/EndOfTheRoadAs always, questions, comments, suggestions, corrections and Hate Mail are always welcomed and strongly encouraged - gordilocks@protonmail.comThanks for listening - this show is mostly a gift for my fellow truckers, and it would be awfully nice if you passed it around to any truckers you might know or anyone else who likes podcasts - word of mouth is the best marketing, and I appreciate it greatly.

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.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Sean Thomas reflects on the era of lads mags (1:07); John Power reveals those unfairly gaming the social housing system (6:15); Susie Moss reviews Ripeness by Sarah Moss (11:31); Olivia Potts explains the importance of sausage rolls (14:21); and, Rory Sutherland speaks in defence of the Trump playbook (18:09). Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, an episode from our friends at Sotheby's, exploring the world of Shakespeare. Sam Leith, author, journalist and literary editor of The Spectator, will be joined by Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Oxford, Tracy-Ann Oberman, who most recently starred as Shylock in her adaptation of The Merchant of Venice, and acclaimed actor Joseph Kloska. They will be revealing how different editions shaped our understanding of Shakespeare's plays. Why do some of his most famous lines vary from version to version? What do these texts reveal about the many ways Shakespeare's plays can be interpreted - on the page, on the stage and in the minds of each new generation? This podcast was recorded at Sotheby's London in May 2025.  And, to step further into the world of Sotheby's, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they're open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Brendan O'Neill Show is now available to watch on video. To make sure you never miss any of spiked's videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spiked  Rod Liddle – associate editor of the Spectator and Times Radio presenter – returns to The Brendan O'Neill Show. Rod and Brendan discuss the hollowness of Keir Starmer, the horrors of two-tier policing, and why Nigel Farage could be Britain's next prime minister. Order Brendan O'Neill's After the Pogrom now from:

The Brendan O'Neill Show is now available to watch on video. To make sure you never miss any of spiked's videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spiked  Rod Liddle – associate editor of the Spectator and Times Radio presenter – returns to The Brendan O'Neill Show. Rod and Brendan discuss the hollowness of Keir Starmer, the horrors of two-tier policing, and why Nigel Farage could be Britain's next prime minister. Order Brendan O'Neill's After the Pogrom now from:

This is the final episode of the BFG Podcast. We're as sad to see it go as you are, but editor and host Neal Pollack has a new job at the U.S. edition of The Spectator, the world's oldest magazine, and will no longer be seeing and talking about movies for a living. We had an extraordinary four years on the podcast, bringing you news and commentary nearly every week on a shoestring budget, but it's time to end our amazing little show.Neal welcomes his one and only guest this week, film critic Stephen Garrett, to discuss two new films and a bunch of older ones. First up, Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme, which both Neal and Stephen agree stands above the usual fare that Anderson has been producing in recent years. That has a less to do with Anderson's endlessly arch visual style and more to do with emotional and fun performances from the film's three leads, Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, and Michael Cera. There's also a fun basketball segment in the middle, and a poignant ending that makes this feel more like a movie and less like an art-school experiment.There's nothing particularly art-school about Ballerina, a side-sequel of sorts to the John Wick saga. Stephen and Neal both were able to see past the self-seriousness of John Wick and Wick-adjacent movies to see the slapstick heart at the film's center. There's an extended flamethrower battle toward the end that is one of the zaniest action sequences ever put to film. And Ana de Armas, while about the size of a peanut, has enough movie-star charm to hold it all together. Plus, there's an extended Keanu Reeves cameo. This is pretty fun.Finally, Neal and Stephen reconsider the hundreds of movies they've reviewed since 2018, when Neal took over the reigns. Mostly, they focus on the five-star movies, films that are good, but that reviewers reacted to in a personal way. They argue extensively about Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood, which Neal likes way more than Stephen, and First Man and Ad Astra, which Stephen likes way more than Neal. If you can take any one thing away from Neal Pollack's tenure at BFG, it's that he doesn't like movies where astronauts cry. Astronauts should never cry. They are in space. It is their dream.That's all from us at the BFG podcast. Thank you so much for listening over the years, and enjoy our final episode!

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.

This weekend, the FIFA Club World Cup descends on Seattle.This isn’t the big tournament that pits national teams against each other that’s coming in 2026. Instead, this tournament features club teams from around the world. Spectators in Seattle will be able to see storied squads take the pitch throughout June. For clubs, there is big money at stake but the majority of that money, at least when it comes to Major League Soccer, is set to go to the clubs’ owners. U.S. players, including ones with the Seattle Sounders, won’t see much of it. So players have been speaking out about, what they call, a cash grab. U.S. fans of the beautiful game are now following an ugly contract dispute. Guest: Pablo Mauer, staff writer at the Athletic Relevant Links: The Athletic: Sounders protest MLS’ Club World Cup player payout cap, backed by MLSPA Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greta Thunberg has accused Israel of ‘an illegal act' after being deported to France. The climate activist was aboard the Gaza aid boat Madleen, seized in international waters while trying to breach Israel's blockade. But do actions like this really make a difference?" We debated with Brendan O'Neill, Chief Political Writer at Spiked and writer for the Spectator and Emma Desouza, Writer and Political Commentator.

Chicago Way w/John Kass (06/09/25): Prof. Charles Lipson, the Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Chicago (whose writings can be found in the Spectator, Spectator World, The Telegraph, and more), is here to explain why Democrats keep ending up on the wrong side of ’80/20 problems’ and how American culture […]

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.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark is joined by Brian Ping, a St Louis native that is now a news anchor for KNX Radio in Los Angeles. He discusses the latest on the LA protests and riots. Mark is then joined by Charles Lipson, a professor emeritus at the University of Chicago. He writes regularly for The Spectator magazine, Real Clear Politics, and others. They discuss the latest trending political news including Donald Trump and Elon Musk's big conflict from last Thursday. He is later joined by Olivia Krolczyk, a Fellow with the Leadership Institute, Women's Leadership Program. She discusses the online feud between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines over transgender men competing in women's sports. They wrap up the hour discussing the feud between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines online over transgender men competing in women's sports. In hour 2, Mark and the crew discuss unnecessary service charges, a puppy update, and more. Sue then hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending news, this day in history, the random fact of the day, and much more. Mark is then joined by David Rose, an Economics Professor at the University of Missouri - St Louis. They discuss how to fix Medicaid. To wrap up the hour, he is joined by KSDK Sports Director Frank Cusumano. They discuss the Cardinals big series win over the Dodgers, their upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Battlehawks disappointing conclusion to the season. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt who previews the upcoming annual Congressional baseball game. He also discusses some trending political topics including the latest status on the Big Beautiful Bill. Mark then discusses ABC News suspending Terry Moran. Mark is then joined by Sean Spicer, the Host of The Sean Spicer Show. They discuss multiple trending political subjects including the riots and protesting occurring in Los Angeles. They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

In this segment, Mark is joined by Charles Lipson, a professor emeritus at the University of Chicago. He writes regularly for The Spectator magazine, Real Clear Politics, and others. They discuss the latest trending political news including Donald Trump and Elon Musk's big conflict from last Thursday.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark is joined by Brian Ping, a St Louis native that is now a news anchor for KNX Radio in Los Angeles. He discusses the latest on the LA protests and riots. Mark is then joined by Charles Lipson, a professor emeritus at the University of Chicago. He writes regularly for The Spectator magazine, Real Clear Politics, and others. They discuss the latest trending political news including Donald Trump and Elon Musk's big conflict from last Thursday. He is later joined by Olivia Krolczyk, a Fellow with the Leadership Institute, Women's Leadership Program. She discusses the online feud between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines over transgender men competing in women's sports. They wrap up the hour discussing the feud between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines online over transgender men competing in women's sports.

The Spectator's editor Michael Gove and assistant editor Madeline Grant interview Rupert Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth and notorious Westminster provocateur. Earlier this year, Lowe was suspended from the Reform party amid claims of threats towards the party's then-chairman Zia Yusuf, and a souring relationship with Nigel Farage. Following his political ‘assassination', he now sits as an independent MP and continues to be one of the most energetic parliamentarians in challenging the Westminster orthodoxy.During the discussion – recorded before Zia Yusuf resigned as party chairman on Thursday – Lowe diagnoses the issues that have blighted Reform and its bid to ‘professionalise'; challenges Michael on the then-Tory government's mismanagement of an 80-seat majority and its record on Covid; addresses his interview with Emily Maitlis and her questioning on the grooming gangs scandal; but admits, in spite of it all, that he would still prefer Nigel Farage to be Prime Minister over Keir Starmer.Watch the interview in full on Spectator TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spectator's editor Michael Gove and assistant editor Madeline Grant interview Rupert Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth and notorious Westminster provocateur. Earlier this year, Lowe was suspended from the Reform party amid claims of threats towards the party's then-chairman Zia Yusuf, and a souring relationship with Nigel Farage. Following his political ‘assassination', he now sits as an independent MP and continues to be one of the most energetic parliamentarians in challenging the Westminster orthodoxy.During the discussion – recorded before Zia Yusuf resigned as party chairman on Thursday – Lowe diagnoses the issues that have blighted Reform and its bid to ‘professionalise'; challenges Michael on the then-Tory government's mismanagement of an 80-seat majority and its record on Covid; addresses his interview with Emily Maitlis and her questioning on the grooming gangs scandal; but admits, in spite of it all, that he would still prefer Nigel Farage to be Prime Minister over Keir Starmer.Watch the interview in full on Spectator TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Parker, the political editor of the Financial Times assesses the latest developments at Westminster.Following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, George discusses the recommendations made in the Report with its main author, the Labour peer Lord Robertson, who is a former secretary general of NATO and a former Labour defence secretary and with Penny Mordaunt, the former Conservative defence secretary. Amid mounting concern at Westminster over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, George is joined by Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale and Labour MP Jon Pearce, the chair of Labour Friends of Israel, to discuss the latest.To discuss the results of the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election in Scotland, George brings together Jamie McGuire, who was a Labour councillor until he defected, a few days ago, to Reform UK and Kezia Dugdale, a former leader of the Scottish Labour Party who is now at the Centre for Public Policy at Glasgow University.And, finally, ahead of next week's Spending Review, George speaks to crossbench peer, Lord Macpherson, who was the Permanent Secretary at the Treasury and to Conservative peer and former Cabinet Minister Michael Gove, who is the editor of the Spectator magazine.

Notorious Nazi doctor, ‘Angel of Death' Josef Mengele, spent the last twenty years of his life on the run. His remains were recovered in São Paulo on 6th June, 1985, when Brazilian Police dug up the grave of a man named “Wolfgang Gerhard” - later proven to be Mengele, who'd drowned at a beach resort at the age of 68. Mengele, responsible for sending up to 400,000 Jews to their deaths at Auschwitz, was able to escape to Argentina via Italy after the War, even living freely under his real name for a period, before Mossad and ‘Nazi Hunter' Simon Wiesenthal began hunting him down more assiduously. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly reveal how frustratingly close Israel's secret services came to capturing him in his lifetime; explain how he was able to live under cover in South America for decades; and consider the irony of what finally happened to his skeleton… Content Warning: depictions of Auschwitz, Holocaust torture techniques Further Reading: • ‘Son Says Mengele's Dead, Tells Why He Kept Silent : Learned of Death in 1979' (Los Angeles Times, 1985): https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-06-11-mn-10339-story.html • ‘How did the infamous Josef Mengele escape punishment?' (The Spectator, 2020): https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-did-the-infamous-josef-mengele-escape-punishment/ • ‘Confirming the remains of Josef Mengele' (NBC, 1985): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m46WUDwxxpA This episode first premiered in 2024, for members of

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Max Jeffery tracks down the Cambridge bike bandit (1:10); Tanya Gold says that selling bathwater is an easy way to exploit a sad male fetish (5:38); Madeline Grant examines the decline of period dramas (10:16); a visit to Lyon has Matthew Parris pondering what history doesn't tell us (15:49); and, Calvin Po visits the new V&A East Storehouse (23:08). Produced and presented 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.

The church is not a spectator sport. It is intentionally personal and requires every member to use their spiritual gifts to build each other up. The secret to this life together is our personal union with Christ. Close intimacy with Him is what leads to a thriving, loving, and relational church. This underground spring gives us inner strength and wisdom which flows forth and blesses others. So put your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, first, so that your hands will be productive as you minister to the body with love. Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/682ac9b3c4eab1dd78874d6a

Bestselling author and journalist Douglas Murray joins Dr. Phil for a fearless deep dive into the ideological battles defining today's geopolitical crises. From Hamas' invasion on October 7th to the rise of anti-Israel sentiment in Western institutions, Murray dismantles the narratives fueling the global debate. How does legacy media shape public perception? Why are Hollywood and Jewish leaders hesitant to speak out? And what does Gaza's military infrastructure reveal about Hamas' strategy? This conversation isn't just about the Middle East—it's about the crisis facing Western democracies, the erosion of resilience, and the fight for heroism in an age of indoctrination. This episode challenges the narratives shaping today's conflicts—will you rethink what you've been told?” More about Douglas Murray: Author of 8 books, including On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization (2025), The War on the West (2022), The Madness of Crowds (2019), and The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam (2017). He has been a contributor to Spectator since 2000 and associate editor since 2012. He is a columnist at the New York Post and regularly writes for the Telegraph and the Sun. Mr. Murray is also a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and contributing editor of City Journal. https://douglasmurray.net/  Thank you to our sponsors: Jase Medical: Get emergency antibiotics at https://Jase.com/  & use code PHIL for a discount Echo Water: Find your flow state. Visit https://echowater.com/PHIL/ & Use code PHIL for 10% off. Balance of Nature: Visit: https://balanceofnature.com/  or call 1.800.246.8751 and get this special offer by using Discount Code: “DRPHIL”. Get a FREE Fiber & Spice supplement, plus 35% OFF your first preferred set as a new Preferred Customer, with free shipping and our money-back guarantee. Start your journey with Balance of Nature. Preserve Gold: Visit: https://drphilgold.com/  Get a FREE precious metals guide that contains essential information on how to help protect your accounts. Text “DRPHIL” to 50505 to claim this exclusive offer from Preserve Gold today. Ready to give MASA a try? Go to https://MASAChips.com/MERIT/  and use code MERIT for 25% off your first order.

Sometimes we have theology from heaven and an attitude from the devil. We learn today there are no sideline saints or concession stand Christians. Do you yearn for God to bring freedom from bondage, bring your prodigal home, find your miracle? Maybe it isn't God isn't working but instead He's waiting for you to make the next move. Listen in as we discover the journey of Peter that shows us how not to just see God work but experience God working.

Arizona Representative Yassamin Ansari's (D) visit to the Eloy Detention Center and its coverage in The Arizona Republic. 960ThePatriot host Charlie Kirk's thoughts on his recent visit to the Great Britain, "Trust me: Trump’s revolution is coming to the UK" from British magazine The Spectator. Clips from some of William F. Buckley Jr.'s many great debates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Arabella Byrne on the social minefield of private swimming pools (1:13); Sean Thomas says that not knowing where you are is one of the joys of travel (5:34); reviewing Helen Carr's Sceptred Isle: A New History of the 14th Century, Mathew Lyons looks at the reality of a vivid century (11:34); reviewing Tim Gregory's Going Nuclear: How the Atom Will Save the World, Bryan Appleyard analyses the three parties debating global warming (16:07); and, Chas Newkey-Burden looks back to the 1980s nuclear drama that paralysed his childhood, Threads (20:42). Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Brown finished 3rd in last year's Ultimate Callout Challenge and heads into this event with a new setup. Mike tells us about the big change, how he went from being a spectator to one of the top finishers, and his plan for 2025! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What really happened on October 7th? What does it reveal about Israel, Hamas, the West—and the future of civilization?In this gripping and deeply disturbing conversation, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson speaks with author and journalist Douglas Murray about his newest book, "On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization." Together, they walk through the harrowing details of the Hamas invasion of Israel, the unprecedented October 7th terrorist attacks, and the shocking moral inversion that followed in Western media, academia, and public discourse. Douglas Murray is a journalist and bestselling author of 7 books. His latest publication is the international bestseller, The War On The West. His previous book, The Madness of Crowds, was a bestseller and ‘book of the year' for The Times and The Sunday Times. The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam, published in 2017, spent almost 20 weeks on The Sunday Times bestseller list and was a number 1 bestseller in non-fiction. Mr. Murray has been a contributor to The Spectator since 2000 and has been associate editor at the magazine since 2012. He is a columnist for The New York Post, The Free Press, The Sun, The Telegraph, and contributes regularly to National Review and numerous other outlets. This episode was filmed on May 2nd, 2025. Privacy Policy: https://www.dailywire.com/privacy | Links | For Douglas Murray: Douglas's latest book, “On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization” https://a.co/d/fjx85qB “The War on the West”https://www.amazon.com/War-West-Douglas-Murray/dp/0063162024 On X https://x.com/DouglasKMurray?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor   On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/douglaskmurray/?hl=en   On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DouglasKMurrayOfficial/   On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@douglasmurray