Podcasts about spectators

As MPs depart Westminster for parliamentary recess, The Spectator's political sketch writer Madeline Grant joins Natasha Feroze and economics editor Michael Simmons to talk about how to sketch PMQs and why Keir Starmer makes for the best sketches. Also on the podcast, Michael Simmons looks at the promising FTSE at record high following Trump's trade deal with Japan and the gloomy national debt figures announced yesterday. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

My guest in this week's Book Club podcast is the biographer Frances Wilson, whose new book Electric Spark: The Enigma of Muriel Spark was recently lauded in these pages as "mesmerising" and "a revolutionary book". She tells me how she immersed herself in the spooky life and peerless art of the great novelist, and why a conventional biographical treatment would never have been adequate to a subject for whom fiction and reality twined in unexpected and disconcerting ways.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcastsContact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

The Commons is closing down for the summer, but Kemi Badenoch has treated us to a shadow cabinet reshuffle. At the beginning of the year, Badenoch's team were keen to stress stability, dismissing talk of an early reshuffle. But, as so often in politics, events have forced her hand. Ed Argar, the shadow health secretary, had a health scare earlier this summer. He has today stepped back from the frontbench to focus on his recovery. Badenoch is therefore using his departure as the chance to make what she calls ‘a few changes to my frontbench.'The headline is that Sir James Cleverly, former foreign and home secretary, is returning to the front bench as shadow housing secretary. Is his new position designed to take on Angela Rayner? And what's Badenoch planning to do about the Jenrick question? Lucy Dunn speaks to Michael Gove and Tim Shipman. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Is Epstein the new Russiagate?Freddy Gray is joined by Spectator writer Roger Kimball. They delve into the Epstein claims, the media's handling of the story, Trump's economic agenda, and whether the MAGA movement is holding strong or starting to splinter.

Nigel Farage has unveiled the party's policy proposals for tackling crime should they get into government. The Reform leader said that his entire policy platform would cost £17.4 billion, and suggested that a Reform government would introduce a 'three strikes' system for repeat serious offenders. Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Tim Shipman about the policy pledges, how the Tories should respond and what Britain can do about its failing water industry. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Will AI have rights?Freddy Gray speaks to Spectator writer Paul Wood about his piece this the latest edition of Spectator World on AI and whether it will soon have rights. This first came about when Paul went to live in Rome and discovered some of the work the Vatican has been doing in AI.

Today on the Woody and Wilcox Show: Wilcox watched Blazing Saddles with his daughter; Judge Judy's new show; Dubbing in movies; Fallout from the Coldplay incident; Cool Beans Remix; Frank got a truck for his birthday; Car and dog stereotypes; Man dies after being sucked into an MRI machine; Spectator hit by a car at the Tour de France; And more!

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Today, it's all eyes on the water sector, as Labour announce plans to halve sewage pollution by 2030. Nigel Farage advocates for partial nationalisation, although he's vague on the numbers. Farage also says net zero targets are defrauding tax payers, but Ed Davey says we actually need more renewable energy to protect industry from rising energy bills.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Mark Mason reminisces about old English bank notes (00:33), Philip Patrick wonders whether AI will replace politicians in Japan (04:04), Matthew Parris wonders why you would ever trust a travel writer (10:34) and Mary Wakefield looks at the weird world of cults (17:42).

The strange death of Tory England has been predicted before. But never has the ‘natural party of government' faced a greater challenge to survive. The Conservatives are facing attacks on all fronts from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK. Kemi Badenoch's six-month anniversary as leader was marked by the loss of nearly 700 councillors, with a stern test awaiting next year in Scotland and in Wales. She promises change with her long-awaited policy commissions, ahead of a make-or-break party conference in October, but can she turn it around? Is there a road back to power for the 121 surviving Tory MPs? And what exactly is Robert Jenrick and the rest of the shadow cabinet up to?Join editor Michael Gove, new political editor Tim Shipman, assistant editor Isabel Hardman and the pollster Luke Tryl as they discuss where the Tories go from here.This event is in partnership with Charles Stanley Wealth Managers.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Lots to discuss today, between Diane Abbott being suspended (again) and Labour handing the vote to 16-year-olds just before we head into recess.Abbott's suspension comes after she was accused of ‘doubling down' on previous claims that Jewish people experience racism differently from black people. She is the latest Labour troublemaker to be left out in the cold, with seven MPs punished this week for voting against the government – four of them suspended from the party. Is Starmer confusing toughness with strength? And will Abbott's suspension stick this time?Elsewhere, 16-year-olds have been given the vote. Those in favour point to the political maturity of young people in the country and welcome this as a move towards fairness and encouraging responsibility, while detractors are crying gerrymandering and a raw attempt to swing the political arithmetic in the governing party's favour. But will it actually matter? Polling suggests that very few 16–17-year-olds will actually vote – and that many of them prefer the insurgent parties. So who stands to win, and who stands to lose from the very modest youth-vote bump?Lucy Dunn speaks to Tim Shipman and the pollster Luke Tryl.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Freddy Gray is joined by Spectator writer Roger Kimball. They delve into the Epstein claims, the media's handling of the story, Trump's economic agenda, and whether the MAGA movement is holding strong or starting to splinter.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Keir Starmer has struck again. Compounding his reputation as a ruthless operator – like Michael Corleone – he is settling all family business by removing the whip from a number of troublemaking MPs, including Neil Duncan Jordan, Chris Hinchcliff, Brian Leishman and Rachel Maskell. This comes after each led respective revolts on winter fuel, planning reform, Grangemouth and the welfare changes. Rosena Allin-Khan, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Mohammed Yasin have all lost their trade envoy roles too.Many of the MPs who have been cast adrift are from the new intake, and so today we are joined on the podcast by Mike Tapp, MP for Dover and Deal, to give his reflections on a year in office. On the podcast: he offers James Heale his advice on stopping the boats; details how Labour can start to deliver tangible change for people in constituencies much like his own; explains why Keir was right to suspend his fellow MPs; and gives us an insight into the future Labour stars from the new intake.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.We are hosting a Coffee House Shots live tomorrow (15th July) at The Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. Join Tim Shipman, Michael Gove and Isabel Hardman to debate: Are the Tories toast? Click here for tickets.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

First up: how the Bank of England wrecked the economyBritain's economy is teetering on the brink of a deep fiscal hole, created by billions of pounds of unfunded spending – never-ending health promises, a spiralling welfare bill and a triple lock on the state pension, which will cost three times as much as originally estimated.Although politicians ‘deserve much of the blame for the economic state we're in', it's Andrew Bailey – Michael Simmons argues in the magazine this week – who ‘has enabled their recklessness'.He joined the podcast to discuss who really broke Britain with Kate Andrews, Deputy Editor of The Spectator's world edition and former Economics Editor. (01:15)Next: has Ukraine lost faith in Zelensky?Whilst Donald Trump's surprise ‘newfound support for Ukraine is a welcome lifeline', Owen Matthews writes in the magazine this week, ‘the question is whether his help will be enough to stop Russia's relentless attacks before Ukraine is engulfed in a critical military, political and social crisis that threatens to destroy it from within'. Ukraine is running out of men, and is racked by corruption scandals and purges. As a consequence, public faith in Volodymyr Zelensky is declining.To discuss what's next for Ukraine, Owen joined the podcast. (24:29)And finally: the joys of mudlarkingIn the arts section of the magazine this week, Margaret Mitchell reviews a new exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands on mudlarking – the practice of combing at low tide for washed-up items of historical interest. These can include everything from statues of Roman gods and goddesses to the common vape – and it's a hobby that is booming in popularity.To discuss, Margaret joined the podcast alongside Lara Maiklem, mudlarker and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. (41:07)Hosted by William Moore and Gus Carter.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Freddy Gray speaks to Spectator writer Paul Wood about his piece this the latest edition of Spectator World on AI and whether it will soon have rights. This first came about when Paul went to live in Rome and discovered some of the work the Vatican has been doing in AI. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

First up: how the Bank of England wrecked the economyBritain's economy is teetering on the brink of a deep fiscal hole, created by billions of pounds of unfunded spending – never-ending health promises, a spiralling welfare bill and a triple lock on the state pension, which will cost three times as much as originally estimated.Although politicians ‘deserve much of the blame for the economic state we're in', it's Andrew Bailey – Michael Simmons argues in the magazine this week – who ‘has enabled their recklessness'.He joined the podcast to discuss who really broke Britain with Kate Andrews, Deputy Editor of The Spectator's world edition and former Economics Editor. (01:15)Next: has Ukraine lost faith in Zelensky?Whilst Donald Trump's surprise ‘newfound support for Ukraine is a welcome lifeline', Owen Matthews writes in the magazine this week, ‘the question is whether his help will be enough to stop Russia's relentless attacks before Ukraine is engulfed in a critical military, political and social crisis that threatens to destroy it from within'. Ukraine is running out of men, and is racked by corruption scandals and purges. As a consequence, public faith in Volodymyr Zelensky is declining.To discuss what's next for Ukraine, Owen joined the podcast. (24:29)And finally: the joys of mudlarkingIn the arts section of the magazine this week, Margaret Mitchell reviews a new exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands on mudlarking – the practice of combing at low tide for washed-up items of historical interest. These can include everything from statues of Roman gods and goddesses to the common vape – and it's a hobby that is booming in popularity.To discuss, Margaret joined the podcast alongside Lara Maiklem, mudlarker and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. (41:07)Hosted by William Moore and Gus Carter. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by Tom McTague, former Unherd political editor and recently appointed editor-in-chief at the New Statesman.Tom explains his vision, both for the magazine and for the UK. He also spills the beans on his interview with Keir Starmer, and shares what he talked about over a drink with Spectator editor and former Tory cabinet minister Michael Gove.The hosts also discuss the two BBC reports out this week about the corporation's handling of the documentary Gaza: How to survive in a warzone, as well as an independent review into “inappropriate behaviour” by former MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last night, Rachel Reeves was the headline act at the Mansion House dinner. In her speech, she made the case that ‘Britain is open for business' and that we must ‘stay competitive in the global economy'. Critics would say it is hard to claim to be open for business while having also overseen a £25 billion national insurance tax raid that is now known to be costing thousands of jobs.She began by stressing that, despite what recent reporting might suggest, she is ‘okay' – the economic indicators, however, suggest that the economy is far from okay. Just this morning, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that inflation hit 3.6 per cent in the year to June – well above the 2 per cent target.On this special edition of Coffee House Shots, James Heale and Michael Simmons are joined by shadow chancellor Mel Stride, who offers his prescription for Britain's ailing economy. He outlines how he would have conducted the speech at Mansion House, how he will spend the recess with business leaders of all descriptions in 'listening mode', and why – when it comes to the big institutions such as the OBR, the Treasury and the Bank of England – he ‘isn't ruling anything out'.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.We are hosting a Coffee House Shots live tomorrow (15th July) at The Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. Join Tim Shipman, Michael Gove and Isabel Hardman to debate: Are the Tories toast? Click here for tickets.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Highlights from Stage 11 of the men's Tour de France 2025. Thanks to Garmin and Van Rysel for supporting the show! Enter the Van Rysel competition here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepTMEjgmROEOQ1sjOaclxAJTu5KWxtAENgGO9_G2Eb4zD_fg/viewform00:00 Ad: Garmin gadgets 00:41 Ad: Win a Van Rysel RCR-F 01:35 The wildest stage yet!02:03 Highlight: breakaway action03:00 MVDP launches03:29 Pog crashes04:35 Winner + protester at the finish line07:44 Is Pogacar cursed? Crash discussed11:12 What was Vingegaard up to?14:16 Ben Healy looking magnificent in yellow19:04 Stage 12: The first HC climb!Watch Amy Cycling Adventures here: www.youtube.com/@amy.cycling.adventuresAnd donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/a-c-a?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CLJoin the CADE Tour de France Hommes fantasy league at velogames.com! Once you've made a team, go to “Join a Featured League” and select CADE Fantasy League from the drop down menu (or enter league code 728980319)You can check out the video versions of the podcast, plus more videos from Cade Media here:https://www.youtube.com/@Cade_Media/videosIf you'd like us to send in a question, story, some good news, things you'd like us to discuss or anything else, email us at wildonespodcast@cademedia.co.ukThanks and see you next time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is Irvine Welsh – who, three decades after his era-defining hit Trainspotting, returns with a direct sequel, Men In Love. Irvine tells me what Sick Boy, Renton, Spud and Begbie mean to him, why his new book hopes to encourage a new generation to discover Romantic verse and shagging, and why MDMA deserves more credit for the Good Friday Agreement than Tony Blair.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

In this episode of the TICKED OFF TUESDAY, Jared reads through a fresh batch of hilarious and relatable listener complaints, from 4th of July traffic rage to the chaos of eight baristas being trained at once. Jared shares stories from his holiday weekend in Delray Beach and uses humor to unpack the mental toll of everyday annoyances. One listener vents about getting their window seat stolen on a flight by a smug stranger, while another details the absurd emissions "quest" they've been forced into with their plug-in hybrid BMW. There's also a debate on basic courtesy, like whether a wave of thanks in gridlock is really too much to ask. Jared keeps things light, funny, and therapeutic, turning collective gripes into laughs and moments of clarity. If you've ever felt alone in your petty frustrations, this episode will remind you that you are not alone.Support the show and get 10% off your Hero Bread order. Use code JTRAIN at https://www.herobread.co

It can now be revealed that a Ministry of Defence data leak has cost the UK some £7 billion and put thousands of Afghans at risk of death. A dataset containing the details of nearly 19,000 people who applied to move to the UK following the Taliban takeover was released in error by a British defence official in February 2022. Ministers were informed of the debacle in August 2023; since then, an unprecedented super-injunction has been in place to stop the press from reporting details. What does this mean for successive governments?Also on the podcast, Donald Trump gave a surprise interview to the BBC overnight in which he changed his position on Nato and on Ukraine – this comes after the President threw the full weight of America's military supplies behind Ukraine and warned Putin of 100 per cent tariffs if he doesn't end the war in 50 days. What he hasn't changed his tune on is Keir Starmer, whom he gushed is a ‘liberal' doing his best to navigate a ‘sloppy' Brexit. Can the Trump–Starmer love-in continue?Natasha Feroze speaks to James Heale and Freddy Gray.Produced by Natasha Feroze and Oscar Edmondson.We are hosting a Coffee House Shots live tomorrow (15th July) at The Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. Join Tim Shipman, Michael Gove and Isabel Hardman to debate: Are the Tories toast? Click here for tickets.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Trump has said he's "very, very unhappy" with Russia, and threatened severe tariffs against them if there's no deal on Ukraine within 50 days. He's also sending more weapons to Ukraine in coordination with NATO. What's behind his change of heart on foreign policy, and how's his MAGA base responding? Freddy Gray is joined by deputy US editor Kate Andrews, and Sergey Radchenko, professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.You can watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/J_QvBDhAGgUBecome a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Candice Chung is a food writer whose work has been featured in many publications, including the Guardian. Her first book, Chinese Parents Don't Say I Love You, is out now.On the podcast, she tells Liv about her earliest memories of food growing up in Hong Kong, why trying lasagne for the first time was a magical experience, and how Chinese parents show their love through food.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Tomorrow Rachel Reeves will deliver her big speech in the City. The annual Mansion House address is a chance for the Chancellor to set out her vision for the British economy. But amid a gloomy set of economic indicators (including two consecutive monthly GDP contractions) it is difficult to see what good news she can offer.Westminster would be alive with speculation about what she might announce – initially, there was talk of reforms to cash ISAs; now, attention has turned to the prospect of Reeves promising a ‘new Big Bang' by slashing regulation on financial services – however everyone is busy trying to work out who are the ‘working people' the Labour government has pledged not to raise taxes for?Are they – as Heida Alexander argued over the weekend – ‘people on modest incomes'? Or, as Darren Jones suggested today, ‘anyone that gets a payslip, basically'? That is quite a difference in definition – so who exactly is a ‘working person'?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.We are hosting a Coffee House Shots live tomorrow (15th July) at The Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. Join Tim Shipman, Michael Gove and Isabel Hardman to debate: Are the Tories toast? Click here for tickets.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Last week The Spectator held a live event entitled ‘Recovering the Sacred' in the glorious surroundings of St Bartholomew the Great, the oldest parish church in the City of London.The speakers included two London parish priests – one Anglican, one Catholic – who have contributed much to the growing interest among young people in traditional liturgy and Christian theology, a development that the hierarchy of their respective churches certainly didn't foresee.They were the Rev Marcus Walker, Rector of St Bart's, whose Prayer Book Evensongs and Eucharists attract large numbers of young professionals to his ancient church; and Fr Julian Large, the Provost of the Brompton Oratory, where an increasingly youthful congregation flocks to Latin Masses.We also heard from Dr Cosima Gilhammer, a Fellow in English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, whose writings on the rhythms and symbolism of the liturgy are deeply inspiring; The Spectator's editor, Michael Gove; and the Rev Prof Andrew Davison, Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford University, who also holds a doctorate in biochemistry.The evening concluded with a panel discussion chaired by Holy Smoke's presenter, Damian Thompson, and – a real treat – a performance of Catholic and Anglican motets sung by the renowned choir of St Bart's.The event was completely sold out. Inevitably, many were disappointed not to attend in person – but the microphones were running, and so we are delighted to present ‘Recovering the Sacred'.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Last week The Spectator held a live event entitled ‘Recovering the Sacred' in the glorious surroundings of St Bartholomew the Great, the oldest parish church in the City of London.The speakers included two London parish priests – one Anglican, one Catholic – who have contributed much to the growing interest among young people in traditional liturgy and Christian theology, a development that the hierarchy of their respective churches certainly didn't foresee.They were the Rev Marcus Walker, Rector of St Bart's, whose Prayer Book Evensongs and Eucharists attract large numbers of young professionals to his ancient church; and Fr Julian Large, the Provost of the Brompton Oratory, where an increasingly youthful congregation flocks to Latin Masses.We also heard from Dr Cosima Gilhammer, a Fellow in English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, whose writings on the rhythms and symbolism of the liturgy are deeply inspiring; The Spectator's editor, Michael Gove; and the Rev Prof Andrew Davison, Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford University, who also holds a doctorate in biochemistry.The evening concluded with a panel discussion chaired by Holy Smoke's presenter, Damian Thompson, and – a real treat – a performance of Catholic and Anglican motets sung by the renowned choir of St Bart's.The event was completely sold out. Inevitably, many were disappointed not to attend in person – but the microphones were running, and so we are delighted to present ‘Recovering the Sacred'.

Freddy Gray is joined by editor-at-large of The Spectator World, Ben Domenech. They discuss why Hollywood productions are being drawn away from California to states like Texas, and what this could mean for the future of filmmaking in America. Ben writes about this in the new edition of Spectator World, and you can subscribe to the print magazine here: https://thespectator.com/magazine/Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP Polly Billington, Conservative shadow Wales secretary Mims Davies, filmmaker Neil Breakwell and the Spectator's Lara Brown.

Is Trump getting fed up with Putin?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP Polly Billington, Conservative shadow Wales secretary Mims Davies, filmmaker Neil Breakwell and the Spectator's Lara Brown.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander faces questions over the shrinking economy, possible autumn tax rises, and the migrant deal with France. Plus, the Ofcom CEO says new regulations are a big moment for online safety, and Chris Philp says Reform don't have the answers, after more Conservatives defect to the party.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

When you try to combine the church with the culture, the result is chaos — and the book of 1 Corinthians is proof of that. In this letter, Paul tenderly addresses the church that he planted in Corinth and dives headfirst into its unbridled dysfunction. Through the lens of the gospel, he cuts through the noise and painstakingly tackles their confusion on topics such as division, sexuality, Christian freedom, gender roles, corporate worship, and the resurrection — all of which are relevant pressure points in the modern church today. In a culture that attempts to blur the lines between the worldly and the godly, we too need to remember our calling to be countercultural.

As Labour looks to get a grip on public spending, one rebellion gives way to another with the changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system threatening to become welfare round two. On this week's Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn is joined by The Spectator's Michael Simmons and former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman to explore what the government is planning – and why so many Labour MPs are worried. Is the system failing the children it's meant to support, or simply costing too much? And can Labour afford to fix it without tearing itself apart?Listen for: Amanda on the unintended consequences of the 2014 SEND overhaul; why teaching assistants may not be the silver bullet schools think they are; and Labour's mess over Ofsted. Michael Simmons also outlines the fiscal timebomb threatening local authorities; the cultural shift post-Covid that's changed how we approach education; and why one Labour insider is warning, ‘If you thought cutting support for disabled adults was bad, wait till you try it with children.'Produced by Oscar Edmondson.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

As Labour looks to get a grip on public spending, one rebellion gives way to another with the changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system threatening to become welfare round two. On this week's Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn is joined by The Spectator's Michael Simmons and former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman to explore what the government is planning – and why so many Labour MPs are worried. Is the system failing the children it's meant to support, or simply costing too much? And can Labour afford to fix it without tearing itself apart?Listen for: Amanda on the unintended consequences of the 2014 SEND overhaul; why teaching assistants may not be the silver bullet schools think they are; and Labour's mess over Ofsted. Michael Simmons also outlines the fiscal timebomb threatening local authorities; the cultural shift post-Covid that's changed how we approach education; and why one Labour insider is warning, ‘If you thought cutting support for disabled adults was bad, wait till you try it with children.'Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

On today's podcast: sacré bleu – we have a one-in, one-out migration deal with France. In a press conference yesterday, Keir Starmer and President Macron announced a deal they hope will curb Channel crossings. But, as ever, the devil is in the detail, with some key concerns about the numbers and the time frame. Digital ID cards are also back on the agenda – after an intervention from former MI6 boss Alex Younger on Newsnight. The argument is that they could deter the ‘grey labour force' and make it harder to work in the UK for those arriving via unauthorised means. It's the Blairite policy that refuses to go away – but, as Michael Simmons argues, we may already have the infrastructure. It's not all rosy for the government, and we could well be heading for economic catastrophe. This follows the publication of the OBR's Fiscal Risks and Sustainability document. The language is polite, matter-of-fact and bureaucratic. But read between the lines, look at the numbers, and it paints a damning picture of the risks we face as a country. Is a wealth tax the answer?Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

This week: Sophia Falkner profiles some of the eccentric personalities we stand to lose when Keir Starmer purges the hereditary peers; Roger Lewis's piece on the slow delight of an OAP coach tour is read by the actor Robert Bathurst; Olivia Potts reviews two books in the magazine that use food as a prism through which to discuss Ukrainian heritage and resistance; Aidan Hartley reads his Wild Life column; and Toby Young reflects on the novel experience of being sober at The Spectator summer party.Hosted and produced by Oscar Edmondson.

There is the small matter of the Macron–Starmer press conference today, at which the Prime Minister will hope to announce a new migration deal with France. But we thought we would dedicate today's podcast to Angela Rayner. With some MPs thinking that the answer to Labour's woes could be to ‘give it Ange until the end of the season'. As Tim Shipman reports in the magazine, she has undergone quite the political transformation – keeping her head down and away from incoming fire. Downing Street is taking her increasingly seriously. Is she the new John Prescott – or even the next Labour leader?Also on the podcast today: Jake Berry, former Conservative party chairman, defected to Reform last night. But how much of a coup is that really for Nigel's gang?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Tim Shipman and James Heale.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

This week: Peerless – the purge of the hereditary peersFor this week's cover, Charles Moore declares that the hereditary principle in Parliament is dead. Even though he lacks ‘a New Model Army' to enforce the chamber's full abolition, Keir Starmer is removing the hereditary peers. In doing so, he creates more room, reduces the Conservatives' numerical advantage, and improves ‘the sex and ethnic balance'. But 86 hard-working and dutiful peers ‘lacking worldly ambition or partisan passions' will be lost.Also in the magazine, Sophia Falkner, researcher at The Spectator, sets out exactly what we stand to lose by profiling some of the most capable hereditary peers in the House. She warns that Labour's purge is ripping the heart out of the Lords. Sophia and Charles spoke to Natasha Feroze earlier this week on Spectator TV – you can also hear their discussion on the podcast. (01:10)Next: Why should the hunt for the next Archbishop of Canterbury be ‘inclusive'?That's the question Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie asks in the magazine this week. ‘It will be a miracle,' writes Butler-Gallie, ‘if we know the name of the new Primate of All England by the autumn.' Justin Welby announced his resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury last November; it took until May this year even to assemble the committee to discuss his potential successors.For Butler-Gallie, the process doesn't have to be swift – it only has to be ‘holy'. To discuss what exactly constitutes a ‘holy process' – and what this drawn-out process says about the Church – he joined us alongside Esme Partridge, journalist and master's student in philosophy and religion at Cambridge University. (18:57)Finally: Does AI belong on the tennis court?Patrick Kidd writes in the magazine about the creep of AI spoiling sport, following a high-profile incident during this week's Wimbledon tournament in which the AI system stands accused of ‘human error'. To discuss, Kidd was joined by Dr Tom Webb, founder of the Referee and Sports Official Research Network. (34:16)Hosted by William Moore and Gus CarterProduced by Oscar Edmondson and Ed Harvey

This week: Peerless – the purge of the hereditary peersFor this week's cover, Charles Moore declares that the hereditary principle in Parliament is dead. Even though he lacks ‘a New Model Army' to enforce the chamber's full abolition, Keir Starmer is removing the hereditary peers. In doing so, he creates more room, reduces the Conservatives' numerical advantage, and improves ‘the sex and ethnic balance'. But 86 hard-working and dutiful peers ‘lacking worldly ambition or partisan passions' will be lost.Also in the magazine, Sophia Falkner, researcher at The Spectator, sets out exactly what we stand to lose by profiling some of the most capable hereditary peers in the House. She warns that Labour's purge is ripping the heart out of the Lords. Sophia and Charles spoke to Natasha Feroze earlier this week on Spectator TV – you can also hear their discussion on the podcast. (01:10)Next: Why should the hunt for the next Archbishop of Canterbury be ‘inclusive'?That's the question Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie asks in the magazine this week. ‘It will be a miracle,' writes Butler-Gallie, ‘if we know the name of the new Primate of All England by the autumn.' Justin Welby announced his resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury last November; it took until May this year even to assemble the committee to discuss his potential successors.For Butler-Gallie, the process doesn't have to be swift – it only has to be ‘holy'. To discuss what exactly constitutes a ‘holy process' – and what this drawn-out process says about the Church – he joined us alongside Esme Partridge, journalist and master's student in philosophy and religion at Cambridge University. (18:57)Finally: Does AI belong on the tennis court?Patrick Kidd writes in the magazine about the creep of AI spoiling sport, following a high-profile incident during this week's Wimbledon tournament in which the AI system stands accused of ‘human error'. To discuss, Kidd was joined by Dr Tom Webb, founder of the Referee and Sports Official Research Network. (34:16)Hosted by William Moore and Gus CarterProduced by Oscar Edmondson and Ed HarveyBecome a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

July 9, 1877. Spectators gather at the All England Club for the first Wimbledon Championship, marking the beginning of an annual sporting tradition.Support the show! Join Into History for ad-free listening and more.History Daily is a co-production of Airship and Noiser.Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The public won't forgive and nor will I, said Health Secretary Wes Streeting of plans by junior doctors to strike over his refusal to cave to demands for 29 per cent pay rises. Speaking to the Times he said: ‘There are no grounds for strike action now. Resident doctors have just received the highest pay award across the entire public sector. The Government can't afford to offer more and it wouldn't be fair to other NHS workers either, many of whom are paid less'. Is Wes Streeting right? And who's going to come out on top – the Health Secretary or the junior doctors? Meanwhile, Keir Starmer was very clear at PMQs: stating that ‘yes', he stands by his manifesto commitments not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT – but he could not answer questions on wealth taxes or a freeze on tax thresholds. Watch this space...Lucy Dunn discusses with Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Megan McElroy.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

The FBI has declared there is no client list linked to Jeffrey Epstein—an announcement that pours cold water on years of speculation about a secret roster of powerful figures tied to his sex trafficking crimes. But what does this mean for Ghislaine Maxwell, who remains behind bars for her role in Epstein's network? Ian Maxwell, British businessman and brother of Ghislaine Maxwell, responds to the FBI's statement and argues that his sister's conviction was the result of a deeply flawed trial. Ian describes Ghislaine's harsh prison conditions, her ongoing legal battles—including a possible Supreme Court appeal—and maintains that she is innocent, determined to clear her name, and still paying the price for Epstein's crimes.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

My guest this week is the writer M. John Harrison, who joins me to talk about the rerelease of his 1992 novel The Course of the Heart – a deeply strange and riddling story of grief, friendship, memory and occult magic. We talk about why this book is so personal to him, what he learned from Charles Williams and Arthur Machen, turning his back on science fiction/fantasy and returning to it – as well as how probably the most acclaimed of all his novels, Light, came about after Iain Banks told him he wasn't having enough fun.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Drawing from intensive on-the-ground reporting in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, Douglas Murray places the latest violence in its proper historical context. He takes listeners on a harrowing journey through the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, piecing together the exclusive accounts from victims, survivors, and even the terrorists responsible for the atrocities. Douglas Murray is a bestselling author and journalist. His books include the Sunday Times number-one bestsellers The War on the West: How to Prevail in the Age of Unreason; The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity and Islam; and The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity. He has been Associate Editor and regular writer at The Spectator since 2012, and contributes to other publications, including the Wall Street Journal, The Times, the Sunday Times, the Sun, the Mail on Sunday and the New York Post. A regular guest on broadcast news channels, he has also spoken at numerous universities, parliaments, and the White House. His new book is On Democracies and Death Cults.

Zut alors! The French are in town. Emmanuel Macron is on his state visit this week, spending time today with the King and tomorrow with the Prime Minister. His itinerary includes a state dinner and an address to both Houses of Parliament this afternoon.All the pageantry, of course, is for a reason: to defrost what Tim Shipman calls the ‘entente glaciale' and the stalemate over migration. Keir will be hoping to get the French to sign a ‘one in, one out' migration deal – with Labour seemingly surprised that, upon coming into power, the French didn't roll over and make concessions on small boats when a left-wing government took office. Can we expect a new entente cordiale? Is there anything in it for Macron when it comes to stopping the boats?We also received the sad news today that Tory grandee Norman Tebbit and regular Spectator contributor Jonathan Miller have passed away. We remember both of them on the podcast.James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Freddy Gray.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

0:00 - Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan credited with saving 165 lives in TX 11:16 - Texas Floods: Politics 28:44 - Elon's new party...AMEP 53:54 - Thomas Weitzel, retired Chief of Police in Riverside, discusses the underlying issues that lead to mass shootings—like the one in River North last week—and why many of them extend beyond the reach of law enforcement alone.Be sure to follow Tom on X @ChiefWeitzel 01:08:52 - In-depth History with Frank from Arlington Heights 01:12:07 - James A. Gagliano, retired FBI supervisory special agent and a doctoral candidate in homeland security at St. John’s University, if there was a smoking gun there there would be charges - believes Pam Bondi and Kash Patel in regards to the Epstein case 01:36:26 - President at Wirepoints, Ted Dabrowski, on big blue city politics and the race to see who can hand out the most free money. Get Ted’s latest at wirepoints.org 01:51:30 - Dems: there will be blood 02:12:21 - Neal Pollack, senior editor at The Spectator’s U.S. edition and a Central Texas native, urges: Don’t politicize the Texas flood. Neal is also the author of twelve books of fiction and nonfiction including Edge of Safety: A Future Tale of Arbitrary Lockdowns and the Deeply Caring Citizens Who Love Them and a three-time Jeopardy championSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zut alors! The French are in town. Emmanuel Macron is on his state visit this week, spending time today with the King and tomorrow with the Prime Minister. His itinerary includes a state dinner and an address to both Houses of Parliament this afternoon.All the pageantry, of course, is for a reason: to defrost what Tim Shipman calls the ‘entente glaciale' and the stalemate over migration. Keir will be hoping to get the French to sign a ‘one in, one out' migration deal – with Labour seemingly surprised that, upon coming into power, the French didn't roll over and make concessions on small boats when a left-wing government took office. Can we expect a new entente cordiale? Is there anything in it for Macron when it comes to stopping the boats?We also received the sad news today that Tory grandee Norman Tebbit and regular Spectator contributor Jonathan Miller have passed away. We remember both of them on the podcast.James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Freddy Gray.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

Chicago Way w/John Kass (07/07/25): Charles Lipson joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin for this post Independence Day episode. Charles is the Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Chicago and an author whose writings can be found in the Spectator, Spectator World, The Telegraph, and more. On the docket, […]

In this episode of The Adam Carolla Show, Spectator columnist and cultural commentator Bridget Phetasy joins Adam in studio for a wide-ranging conversation that kicks off with her early days doing background acting and how that led to her media career. Adam pitches a new idea for content creation and shares a hilarious memory of doing a live Loveline show with Dr. Drew.The two dive into the dismal state of California's leadership and the lack of progress in rebuilding homes destroyed by wildfires. Adam offers some philosophical thoughts about fires, earthquakes, and chimneys, while Bridget shares how her husband's blood pressure dropped after moving out of the state. They discuss the decline of common sense in modern society and Bridget reveals her most unpopular opinion.Later in the show, legendary writer and director Larry Charles joins Adam to talk about the creative process behind comedy, his early days selling jokes outside The Comedy Store, and how he broke into the industry. Larry shares stories from working on Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and directing Borat, revealing why Sacha Baron Cohen deserved an Oscar. They also discuss why Bruno didn't resonate like Borat and reflect on the personalities of Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David in real life.Get it on.FOR MORE WITH JASON “MAYHEM” MILLER: INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: @mayhemmillerWEBSITE: www.mayhemnow.com FOR MORE WITH BRIDGET PHETASY:PODCAST: Walk-Ins Welcome with Bridget PhetasyWEBSITE: phetasy.comINSTAGRAM & TWITTER: @bridgetphetasyFOR MORE WITH LARRY CHARLES:BOOK: Comedy Samurai: Forty Years of Blood, Guts, and LaughterINSTAGRAM: @ larrycharlesThank you for supporting our sponsors:BetOnlineuse code ADAM at american-giant.comCalderaLab.com/ADAMGo to https://hometitlelock.com/adamcarolla and use promo code ADAM to get a FREE title history report so you can find out if you're already a victim AND 14 days of protection for FREE! And make sure to check out the Million Dollar TripleLock protection details when you get there! Exclusions apply. For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warrantyHomes.comoreillyauto.com/ADAMPluto.tvRosettastone.com/ADAMLIVE SHOWS: July 10 - Irvine, CA (Live Podcast)July 11-12 - Covina, CA (4 shows)July 16 - Rosemont, ILJuly 17 - Plymouth, WISee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wilfred Owen is considered one of the most important English-language poets of World War I. His work also part of a shift in how many British poets were writing about war. Research: Bonellie, Janet. “A Portrait of Robert Ross.” Canada’s History. 6/12/2019. https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/arts-culture-society/a-portrait-of-robert-ross British Broadcasting Corporation. “Wilfred Owen: A Remembrance Tale.” 2007. Cannon, Jean. “Censorship in Surprising Places: Uncovering the Letters of Wilfred Owen.” Not Even Past. Ransom Center. 4/21/2014. https://notevenpast.org/censorship/ Crossman, AM. “THE HYDRA, Captain AJ Brock and the Treatment of Shell-shocked in Edinburgh.” J R Coll Physicians Edinb 2003; 33:119–123. Earlam, R. “Shell-shock: A history of the changing attitude to war neurosis.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 316,7145 (1998): 1683A. doi:10.1136/bmj.316.7145.1683a Hibberd, Dominic. “Wilfred Owen.” Weidenfeld & Nicholson. 2002. Imperial War Museums. “British Field Service Postcard, First World War.” https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205131476 Jones, Edgar. “Shell Shocked.” American Psychological Association. Vol. 43, No. 6. June 2012. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/06/shell-shocked Jones, Nigel. "Anthem for groomed youth: Wilfred Owen's troubling obsession." Spectator, vol. 336, no. 9880, 6 Jan. 2018, p. 12. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A524739265/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=62e62ece. Accessed 11 June 2025. Lee, Stuart. “The Last Days of Wilfred Owen.” Oxford News Blog. 10/23/2018. https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/arts-blog/last-days-wilfred-owen Onion, Amanda. “Poet Wilfred Owen killed in action.” History.com. 1/30/2025. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/november-4/poet-wilfred-owen-killed-in-action Poetry Foundation. “Wilfred Owen.” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/wilfred-owen Stallworthy, Jon. "Owen, Wilfred Edward Salter (1893–1918), poet." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. September 01, 2017. Oxford University Press. Date of access 11 Jun. 2025, https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-37828 Van Mierlo, Wim. “Wilfred Owen 100 years on: poet gave voice to a generation of doomed youth.” The Conversation. 11/4/2018. https://theconversation.com/wilfred-owen-100-years-on-poet-gave-voice-to-a-generation-of-doomed-youth-106014 Webb, Thomas E F. “'Dottyville'--Craiglockhart War Hospital and shell-shock treatment in the First World War.” Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine vol. 99,7 (2006): 342-6. doi:10.1177/014107680609900716 "Wilfred Owen." Poetry Criticism, edited by Michelle Lee, vol. 102, Gale, 2010. Gale Literature Resource Center, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CYPYNF967921623/LitRC?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-LitRC&xid=cb1d6e7f. Accessed 27 May 2025. "Wilfred Owen." World War I Reference Library, edited by Sara Pendergast, et al., vol. 2: Biographies, UXL, 2002, pp. 111-117. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3411700047/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=c3bea6b3. Accessed 27 May 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.