The Rest Is Politics: Leading - podcast cover

The Rest Is Politics: Leading

Goalhanger therestispolitics.com
The Rest Is Politics’ Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart interview politicians, leaders, intellectuals, and more.  From inside and outside of politics, guests join Rory and Alastair to discuss life, leadership, and the philosophy that’s led them to success in their chosen field. Their conversations cover key political events, global affairs, and the big ideas shaping the world today, offering listeners in-depth perspectives from those at the heart of change. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes to live show tickets, ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
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Episodes

82. Wes Streeting: Labour, privatisation, and the NHS

Could privatising areas of the NHS save it? How easy is it to reconcile one's faith and sexuality? What is Labour's plan for health and social care? Rory and Alastair are joined by the Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, to discuss all this and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentione...

Jun 27, 202459 minEp. 82

81. Alex Chalk, Lord Chancellor: How to fix Britain’s prisons

What are the powers of the Lord Chancellor? How important are friendships in politics? What needs to change to solve the prison crisis in the UK? Rory and Alastair are joined by Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Alex Chalk to answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on...

Jun 23, 202459 minEp. 81

80. Bridget Phillipson: Can we save Britain's schools?

Is there a class system in the UK? What is the State's role in redistributing wealth in society? How did Jeremy Corbyn's leadership impact Red Wall voters? Shadow Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson joins Rory and Alastair to answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on ...

Jun 16, 202457 minEp. 80

79. Nadhim Zahawi: Iraq, Conservatism, and why he backed Boris Johnson

What does the former Chancellor make of the current Conservative election campaign? What was his experience escaping Saddam Hussein's Iraq? And does he stand by his support of Boris Johnson and Brexit? Nadhim Zahawi joins Rory and Alastair to answer all these questions and more on today's episode of Leading. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book...

Jun 13, 202449 minEp. 79

78. David Blunkett: Education, policing immigration, and the future of the Labour Party (Part 2)

What challenges did David Blunkett face as Home Secretary following 9/11? Does he have any regrets relating to his crime and punishment policies? What does the future look like for Keir Starmer's Labour Party? Rory and Alastair discuss all these issues and more in the final instalment of our interview series with David Blunkett. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benef...

Jun 09, 202453 minEp. 78

77. David Blunkett: Tony Blair, growing up blind, and where Margaret Thatcher went wrong (Part 1)

How did the loss of industry in the 1980s affect David Blunkett's politics? What was his experience growing up blind in Sheffield? How did Neil Kinnock and Tony Blair compare? Rory and Alastair are joined by David Blunkett to discuss all this and more in the first part of this double-header special. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices o...

Jun 02, 202447 minEp. 77

Legacy... Margaret Thatcher

Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan tell the wild stories of some of the most extraordinary men and women ever to have lived – and ask whether they have the reputation they deserve. Should Nina Simone’s role in the civil rights movement be more celebrated than it is? When you find out what Picasso got up to in his studio, can you still admire his art? And in their most recent series, they take a look at Margaret Thatcher. Was the Iron Lady an inspirational figure, or the architect of a broken Britai...

May 31, 20246 min

76. Rachel Reeves: Britain’s next Chancellor?

How would an incoming Labour government fund the NHS? How does Reeves and Starmer's relationship compare to Blair and Brown? What is the experience of being a woman in the world of banking and politics? Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves joins Rory and Alastair as they discuss all this and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount boo...

May 26, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 76

75. The Greek Prime Minister vs Rishi Sunak: The Elgin Marbles, immigration, and the EU

Why did Rishi Sunak snub the Prime Minister of Greece? How have Greece solved their immigration issue? How will populist ideology fare in the upcoming European elections? The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, joins Alastair and Rory to discuss all these topics and more in today's Leading. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices...

May 25, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 75

74. Kwasi Kwarteng: Liz Truss, becoming Chancellor, and Britain on the brink (Part 2)

Why did the Tory Party choose to make Liz Truss and Boris Johnson prime minister? How does it feel to be the second shortest-serving chancellor in post-war history? What was the true thinking behind the disastrous Truss-Kwarteng mini-budget? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined for the second and final episode of their conversation with former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receiv...

May 19, 202455 minEp. 74

73. Kwasi Kwarteng: Boris Johnson, the British Empire, and Rwanda (Part 1)

"If I were 22 now, I probably wouldn't vote Conservative" - Kwasi Kwarteng In the first of two episodes with the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rory and Alastair speak to Kwasi about the future of the Tory Party, New Labour's conservatism, Rishi Sunak, Rwanda, Brexit, Liz Truss, diversity in politics, the British Empire, and much, much more. If you'd like to hear the second episode RIGHT NOW, it's already available to members of The Rest Is Politics Plus - sign up at therestispolitics.com. ...

May 12, 202444 minEp. 73

72. Nancy Pelosi: From JFK's inauguration to fighting Donald Trump

How did Nancy Pelosi rise up to be the most politically powerful woman in America? What was it like to attend JFK's inauguration? What's the key secret behind fundraising in US politics? Rory and Alastair join Speaker Emerita, Nancy Pelosi, to answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned o...

May 05, 202458 minEp. 72

71. Israel's former PM on why Netanyahu is finished, the settler movement, and corruption - Ehud Olmert

How much do you know about the last serious attempt at a two state solution in the Israel-Gaza conflict? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by former Israeli PM, Ehud Olmert, to discuss his time in office, the likelihood of a two state solution, and historic corruption charges. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book price...

Apr 28, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 71

70. Sadiq Khan: Faith, power, and the truth about Boris Johnson

How much power does the Mayor of London actually have? Have we moved forward - or backwards - as a country when it comes to religion in politics? Should London take a leaf out of New York's book to boost investment in the city? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to discuss all this and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both ...

Apr 21, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 70

69. The brutal truth about net zero and how to vanquish climate populists, with Dieter Helm

Is net zero 2030 impossible to achieve - and is it a mistake to pursue it? Should governments be more brutal with climate investment? Are events like COP a waste of time? Rory and Alastair are joined by Britain’s leading energy economist, Professor Dieter Helm, to answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices ...

Apr 14, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 69

68. Israel-Gaza: How the conflict divided Britain and the US, with Ed Kessler

What makes international conflicts turn domestic? Does Qatar play the key role in bringing peace to the Middle East? Is there a generational split in the West over Israel-Gaza? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by Ed Kessler, a leading thinker in interfaith relations, to answer all these questions and more. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/leadingvpn It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Apr 07, 202456 minEp. 68

67. A Tale of Two Spies: The former heads of MI5 and MI6 on the Iraq War, double agents, and the IRA

Should spies be allowed to break the law while undercover? What should the relationship between government and intelligence look like? Do we overestimate or underestimate the power and reach of Russia’s FSB and China’s intelligence service? On today’s special episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by Eliza Manningham-Buller and John Sawers to discuss what it’s really like to lead MI5 and MI6, respectively. This episode was recorded before the IS-Khorasan attack in Moscow. 🌏 Get our ex...

Mar 31, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 67

66. Antony Gormley: Art, religion, and the battle for culture

Can Britain remain a cultural superpower post-Brexit? How does religion and philosophy inform creativity? How can we prevent arts from being cut from curriculums? Rory and Alastair are joined by Britain's leading sculptor, Antony Gormley, to answer all these questions and more. 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/leadingvpn It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✅ TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our...

Mar 25, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 66

65. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo: Vladimir Putin, surviving prison, and Serbia

How did peace come to the Balkans? What was it like to be a political prisoner? Is Serbia more allied with the West, or with Putin? Rory and Alastair are joined by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, to discuss all this and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and re...

Mar 18, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 65

64. Caroline Lucas: Leading the Green Party, leaving politics, and the importance of protest

How hard is it to be a one person party in parliament? What can the left learn from the populist right? Could electoral reform actually help Keir Starmer? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by the Green Party's Caroline Lucas to answer all these questions and more. Pre order Caroline's book, Another England, here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/another-england/caroline-lucas/2928377252441 🌏 Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/leadingvpn It’s risk...

Mar 11, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 64

63. Sajid Javid: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Shamima Begum (Part 2)

What is Sajid's biggest regret from his time in politics? What barriers did he come up against in the Shamima Begum case during his time as Home Secretary? Will the NHS survive? Rory and Alastair are joined by Sajid Javid, former Home Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary of State for Health, and many more cabinet positions, to answer all these questions and more in part two of this two part interview. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, re...

Mar 08, 202443 minEp. 63

62. Sajid Javid: Austerity, the Tory leadership contest, and the problem with 'islamophobia' (Part 1)

How are politicians working to combat anti-muslim and antisemitic racism in the UK? How does Sajid maintain friendships across party lines? Was austerity the only option for the Conservatives following the financial crash? Rory and Alastair are joined by Sajid Javid, former Home Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary of State for Health, and many more cabinet positions, to answer all these questions and more in part one of this two part interview. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Res...

Mar 04, 202442 minEp. 62

61. James Rubin: Working for Biden, American intervention, and the fight against Russian disinformation

“You took me to one side and said be very, very careful of these people, these neo-cons. Because they’re going to use this to do all sorts of stuff that you shouldn’t be involved in.” What are the limits of foreign intervention? Do the American people still want their country to be the world’s policeman? Is Biden closer to Clinton in his outlook than to Obama? On today‘s episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by James Rubin, former diplomat and commentator on international affairs, as ...

Feb 26, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 61

60. Anthony Scaramucci: What it's like to be Donald Trump's Communications Director

Would a second Trump presidency be far more right wing? What drives the former US president? Is he trying to do a deal with Taylor Swift? In this week's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by Anthony Scaramucci, Trump's former spin doctor, where he answers all these questions and more. Buy tickets now for our October TRIP Election Tour: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/the-rest-is-politics/ TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive ou...

Feb 19, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 60

59. Robert Sapolsky: The psychology behind Donald Trump, the science of stress, and the illusion of ‘free will’

Why do we get stressed? What are the psychological differences between conservatives and liberals? Is free will a myth? Rory and Alastair are joined by scientist Dr Robert Sapolsky to answer all these questions and more in today's episode of Leading. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord ch...

Feb 12, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 59

58. Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon, independence, and his family's escape from Gaza

What is the future of the independence debate in Scotland? How was it to work with Nicola Sturgeon? Have world leaders done enough to curb civilian deaths in Gaza? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by Scotland's First Minister and leader of the SNP, Humza Yousaf, to answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefi...

Feb 05, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 58

57. Tucker Eskew, spin doctor to George W. Bush and Sarah Palin: Why I'm voting Democrat

What does President Biden need to do to defeat Trump? What went wrong in Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign? Did Republican figures like Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich pave the way for Trump? Rory and Alastair are joined by communications expert and political strategist Tucker Eskew to discuss Donald Trump's chances, what it was like working with Sarah Palin, polarisation in the United States, and much more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, rece...

Jan 29, 202456 minEp. 57

56. Bill Gates: Conspiracy theories, AI, and the politician he most admires

How does one of the richest men in the world run a business? Is artificial intelligence going to be as big as the Windows PC? What politicians does Bill Gates admire? Bill Gates joins Rory and Alastair on today's episode of Leading to answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod...

Jan 22, 202457 minEp. 56

55. Gillian Keegan: The future of British schools, union 'barons', and Sunak's Rwanda battle

What's it like to be the Secretary of State for Education who left school at 17? How much power do unions really have in British politics? What's it like to become a Tory MP when your family hails from the Labour Party? Gillian Keegan joins Rory and Alastair on today's episode of Leading to answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit...

Jan 15, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 55

54. Guy Verhofstadt: Is there a case for a European army?

What's it like to run Belgium for a decade? How many people in the EU actually believe in 'ever-closer union'? What are the pros and cons of being a career politician? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by former Belgium prime minister and advocate of a federal Europe, Guy Verhofstadt, to answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TR...

Jan 08, 202456 minEp. 54
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