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, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 60•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 59•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 58•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•56 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•57 min•Ep 56•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•56 min•Ep 54•Transcript available on Metacast Will doping ever be defeated in sport? What was it like going from world class runner to government whip? Are the Tories finished in Britain? In the first Leading episode of 2024, Rory and Alastair are joined by Seb Coe 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 cha...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast Is the West more Christian than it thinks? Why are so many British prime ministers from religious backgrounds? How does the evangelical support for Donald Trump and the culture wars in the US reflect a Christian civil war? For a Christmas Day special of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by historian Tom Holland, co-host of sister podcast 'The Rest Is History', to discuss the profound impact religion has had on shaping politics and the Western world. To hear more from Tom, just search 'The Re...
Dec 25, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep 52•Transcript available on Metacast What is the future of human space exploration? Will people live on Mars in our life time? Are there plans to grow human organs on the moon? British astronaut Tim Peake joins Rory and Alastair to discuss everything from his time in the army, to the geopolitics of space exploration, to the future of colonising other planets. 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 fro...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr•Ep 51•Transcript available on Metacast Could Labour still lose the next election? What really went wrong under Jeremy Corbyn? What do the left actually think of the right? Rory and Alastair are joined by Labour's Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, to discuss all this 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 prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join o...
Dec 11, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast How do countries cooperate to tackle the climate emergency? Is it unusual for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in the oil rich UAE? What does the future hold for renewable energies and reducing carbon emissions? Rory and Alastair are joined by Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres to discuss COP28, The Paris Agreement, what it was like growing up in a political family in Costa Rica, and how to balance working in public service and with positive mental health. TRIP Plus:...
Dec 04, 2023•57 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast Is understanding history a means to peace between Israel and Palestine? Has Putin’s obsession with Russia’s imperial history motivated his invasion of Ukraine? Is it possible to dismantle Hamas under Netanyahu’s leadership? Rory and Alastair are joined by British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to answer 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...
Nov 27, 2023•47 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast Is peace possible in the Middle East? What is the difference between a one-state solution and a two-state solution? What is the role of the international community in resolving the conflict between Israel-Hamas? Rory and Alastair are joined by Tony Klug, leading expert on the two-state solution and conflicts in the Middle East in today's bonus episode. 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...
Nov 24, 2023•49 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast Are increased military budgets needed following on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine? Will Europe take the same approach to regulating AI as China and the US? What is it like being a woman in front-bench politics? Rory and Alastair are joined by former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Spain and the Dean of the School of International Affairs at Sciences Po in Paris to discuss all this and more in today's episode of Leading. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the pod...
Nov 20, 2023•52 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast Everyone leaves a legacy. In their new podcast series, produced by Goalhanger & Wondery, 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. Search Legacy now, wherever you get your podcasts, or binge the entire season ad-free on Amazon Music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 15, 2023•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast How important is the role of the international community in resolving conflict? Is peace possible in the Middle East? How relevant is the United Nations today? Rory and Alastair are joined by CEO of the Crisis Group, Dr Comfort Ero, to discuss all this 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...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast Can financial markets help fight climate change? What's the true economic theory behind austerity? What does the Bank of England actually do? Tune in to today's episode of Leading, where Mark Carney 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 the pod, join ou...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast How do we fix the polarisation in the US? What made him move from Hollywood movies to the world of politics? Does he still identify as a Republican? Rory and Alastair are joined by Arnold Schwarzenegger to discuss his childhood in Austria, coming to the US, marrying into the Kennedy family, and how he feels about politics today. 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...
Oct 30, 2023•53 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast How prevalent is islamophobia in the UK? How can we help Jewish and Muslim communities at this time? Why have the Oslo Accords failed? Rory and Alastair are joined by the first Muslim woman Chair of the Conservative Party, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, to discuss her politics, life growing up in an immigrant family in Northern England, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and much more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter...
Oct 26, 2023•56 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast How does life in Silicon Valley compare to the United Kingdom? What was it like working with Elon Musk and Peter Thiel starting PayPal? Is the future of AI as bleak as it seems? Rory and Alastair are joined by tech entrepreneur, author, and fellow podcaster Reid Hoffman to discuss everything from the dangers of AI during an election to the benefits of friendships. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free liste...
Oct 22, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast 70% of British land is agricultural - yet we don't speak about farming much. What is the politics of the UK's farming industry? How has Brexit affected British produce and trade? And what is it like to represent British farmers interests to a revolving door of politicians in government? To answer these questions and more is the first woman leader of the National Farmers Union, Minette Batters. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive n...
Oct 15, 2023•57 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast Why did Theresa May prefer Gordon Brown to Tony Blair as a Prime Minister? Does the former PM have any regrets over Brexit? How did things unfold behind the scenes after the Salisbury poisoning of a former Russian spy? In the second of two episodes, Rory and Alastair are joined once again by former Conservative Prime Minister, Theresa May. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack ...
Oct 08, 2023•56 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast What is Theresa May’s biggest regret from her time as Home Secretary? Why was the Hillsborough disaster such an abuse of power? What’s it like to stay on as an MP after occupying the highest office in the land? On today’s episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by former Conservative Prime Minister, Theresa May. Want to hear next Monday’s episode - “Theresa May: Donald Trump, David Cameron, and ‘Brexit means Brexit’ (Part 2)' - right now? It’s already available to members of The Rest Is...
Oct 01, 2023•56 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast What is it like going from cabinet minister to Prime Minister? Are politicians in New Zealand more courteous than politicians in the UK? Why was New Zealand's Covid-19 response so effective? From the middle of his campaign trail for re-election, New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is here to discuss all these questions and more with Rory and Alastair in this week's Leading. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP...
Sep 24, 2023•57 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast What is it like to run a metropolitan area? How does devolution impact the citizens of regional areas? Does party affiliation affect the decisions a mayor makes? Andy Burnham, Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Andy Street, Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, meet with Rory and Alastair to discuss their two cities, their contrasting politics, and working towards their shared goal of further devolved powers for city regions. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to sup...
Sep 17, 2023•57 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast How do we retain empathy when negotiating with a stranger who has a radically different worldview to our own? As the former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Cathy Ashton worked with many world leaders: Vladimir Putin in Russia, Serbia's Ivica Dacic, Kosovo's Hashim Thaci, and Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Former Leader of the House of Lords, Cathy Ashton has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her diplomacy. Listen to hear Rory and Alastair disc...
Sep 10, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast What was it like for the Liberal Democrats in coalition? Would Ed Davey be prepared to work alongside Keir Starmer in another coalition government? Is tactical voting a good idea? Join Rory and Alastair as they speak with leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, to discuss all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod...
Sep 03, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast How much do you really know about the dangers of AI? Is it the best hope we have of surviving as a species, or will it lead to the destruction of humanity? On today's episode of Leading Alastair and Rory are joined by Mustafa Suleyman as he recounts his rise from North London council estate to the vanguard of the tech revolution. 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, bene...
Aug 27, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast How can we empower young women to seek positions of power? What was it like having a ringside seat during the Cameron-Clegg government? Is there more inequality between the sexes in the UK, Spain, or California? Leading international trade lawyer and vice chair of UBS Europe, Miriam González Durántez, speaks to Alastair and Rory about growing up in post-Franco Spain, the state of Spanish politics, how Brexit has changed the UK's international 'clout', and her experiences with David Cameron and G...
Aug 20, 2023•58 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast 
