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The Rest Is Politics

  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    171. Neil Kinnock: A Labour Rebel’s Path To Power (Part 1)

    Whilst an early career MP, why did Neil Kinnock rebel against the Labour Party so regularly? As Labour leader, how did Kinnock take on militant and the ‘ultra-left’ within the Labour Party? What regrets does Kinnock have about the way he responded to the Miners’ strikes? 


    Rory and Alastair are joined by former Labour leader Neil Kinnock to answer all this and more. 


    Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord.


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Josh Smith

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    19 January 2026, 12:00 am
  • 1 hour 9 minutes
    170. President of Moldova, Maia Sandu: Holding the Line Between Democracy and Putin

    How did Maia Sandu fight Russian disinformation in Moldova? What is it like to have a war in the country next door? Will the European Union accept Moldova with Russian troops in the country? 


    Rory and Alastair travel to Moldova to speak with President Maia Sandu to discuss all this and more.


    ________________

    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Josh Smith

    Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    12 January 2026, 12:05 am
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    169. Jimmy Wales: Wikipedia vs. Musk, AI, and the Battle for Truth

    Who gave us an encyclopedia in our pockets? Why is the statement that Donald Trump is the "worst president in US history" allowed on his Wikipedia page? How do Brazilians and Americans differ on the history of the airplane?


    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell are joined by the creator of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, to discuss all this and more.


    For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmith.ai/politics


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Adam Thornton

    Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    5 January 2026, 12:50 am
  • 59 minutes 55 seconds
    168. A Climate Special: Populism, Security, and Leadership

    Can the planet sustain infinite economic growth, or is GDP a flawed metric? Is the UK genuinely decarbonising, or is it simply outsourcing its pollution? How can politicians defeat the populist narrative that Net Zero is too expensive?


    In this Climate Special, we hear the best bits from Rory and Alastair's interviews with Professor Dieter Helm, Mark Carney, Caroline Lucas, Ed Miliband, and Emma Pinchbeck.


    For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmith.ai/politics


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Josh Smith

    Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    29 December 2025, 12:00 am
  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    167. Faith, Depression, and Finding Calm in the Chaos (Professor Mark Williams)

    From Parliament to Prison, how can people find calm in chaotic environments? How does one cope with grief during the festive period? What are some successful ways to combat depression?


    Rory and Alastair are joined by clinical psychologist and ordained Minister, Mark Williams, to answer all these questions and more.


    Please note, this podcast episode contains some discussion of suicidal ideation. Please take care whilst listening.


    Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Just go to https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/gifts

    And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at ⁠therestispolitics.com


    For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmith.ai/politics


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Josh Smith

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    22 December 2025, 12:00 am
  • 1 hour 14 minutes
    166. John Swinney: Identity, Independence, and The Future of Scotland

    What is the future of the Scottish independence movement? How does the SNP rebuild trust and support for independence after a series of bruising scandals? Why did the Scottish First Minister feel disrespected by a series of Conservative Prime Ministers? 


    Alastair and Rory are joined by Scottish First Minister John Swinney to answer all this and more. 


    Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Just go to https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/gifts


    And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at ⁠therestispolitics.com


    For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmith.ai/politics


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Josh Smith

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    15 December 2025, 12:00 am
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    165. Anna Wintour: Culture, Influence, and the Power of Decisive Leadership

    Why should everybody get fired at least once? As the former Editor-in-chief of American Vogue, how does Anna Wintour use fashion as a cultural and economic force? Why is Anna’s leadership style defined by the speed of her decision making? 


    Rory and Alastair are joined by Fashion icon Anna Wintour to answer all this and more.  


    Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Just go to https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/gifts


    And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at ⁠therestispolitics.com


    For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmith.ai/politics


    To save your company time and money, open a Revolut Business account today via https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading, and add money to your account by 31st of December 2025 to get a £200 welcome bonus or equivalent in your local currency. Feature availability varies by plan. This offer’s available for New Business customers in the UK, US, Australia and Ireland. Fees and Terms & Conditions apply.


    For US customers, Revolut is not a bank. Banking services and card issuance are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Visa® and Mastercard® cards issued under license. Funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, in the event Lead Bank fails. Fees may apply. See full terms in description. For Irish customers, Revolut Bank UAB is authorised and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania in the Republic of Lithuania and by the European Central Bank and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. For AU customers, consider PDS & TMD at revolut.com/en-AU. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Adam Thornton

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    8 December 2025, 12:00 am
  • 1 hour 19 minutes
    164. Zack Polanski: Do The Greens Have What It Takes?

    Why has Green party membership exploded since Zack Polanski became leader in September? What radical economic reforms is he fighting for? Why have the Greens stopped talking about the environment? 


    Alastair and Rory are joined by Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, to answer all this and more. 


    Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Just go to https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/gifts


    And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at ⁠therestispolitics.com


    For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmith.ai/politics


    To save your company time and money, open a Revolut Business account today via https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading, and add money to your account by 31st of December 2025 to get a £200 welcome bonus or equivalent in your local currency. Feature availability varies by plan. This offer’s available for New Business customers in the UK, US, Australia and Ireland. Fees and Terms & Conditions apply.


    For US customers, Revolut is not a bank. Banking services and card issuance are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Visa® and Mastercard® cards issued under license. Funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, in the event Lead Bank fails. Fees may apply. See full terms in description. For Irish customers, Revolut Bank UAB is authorised and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania in the Republic of Lithuania and by the European Central Bank and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. For AU customers, consider PDS & TMD at revolut.com/en-AU. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Josh Smith

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1 December 2025, 12:00 am
  • 1 hour 10 minutes
    163. Prison Reform, Masculinity, and Restorative Justice (James Graham and Jacob Dunne)

    Jacob Dunne killed someone as a teenager, how did he seek forgiveness from his victim’s parents? What is restorative justice? How did Jacob’s experience of the criminal justice system compel him to become a campaigner for this alternative idea of justice? How does James Graham believe drama encourages us to have the difficult conversations necessary to build a better world? 


    Rory and Alastair are joined by playwright James Graham and campaigner Jacob Dunne, who co-created the award-winning play The Punch which depicts Jacob’s path to restorative justice. 


    Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Just go to https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/gifts


    And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at ⁠therestispolitics.com


    For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmith.ai/politics


    To save your company time and money, open a Revolut Business account today via https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading, and add money to your account by 31st of December 2025 to get a £200 welcome bonus or equivalent in your local currency. Feature availability varies by plan. This offer’s available for New Business customers in the UK, US, Australia and Ireland. Fees and Terms & Conditions apply.

    For US customers, Revolut is not a bank. Banking services and card issuance are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Visa® and Mastercard® cards issued under license. Funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, in the event Lead Bank fails. Fees may apply. See full terms in description. For Irish customers, Revolut Bank UAB is authorised and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania in the Republic of Lithuania and by the European Central Bank and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. For AU customers, consider PDS & TMD at revolut.com/en-AU. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).


    Find out more about the Common Ground Justice Project at www.commongroundjustice.uk 


    Sign Jacob’s petition to widen victims’ access to Restorative Justice at www.RightToBeHeard.org.


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Josh Smith

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    24 November 2025, 12:00 am
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    162. Gareth Southgate: Patriotism, Leadership, and How To Inspire Young Men

    What invaluable life-lessons did Gareth Southgate learn by missing a high profile penalty in the Euro 96 semi-finals? Does the former England manager see a future for himself in politics? How should we teach resilience and leadership to the next generation of men?


    Alastair and Rory are joined by former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate to answer all this and more. 


    Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - give someone a whole year of Rory and Alastair’s miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members’ newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Just go to https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/gifts


    And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at ⁠therestispolitics.com


    For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmith.ai/politics


    To save your company time and money, open a Revolut Business account today via https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading, and add money to your account by 31st of December 2025 to get a £200 welcome bonus or equivalent in your local currency. Feature availability varies by plan. This offer’s available for New Business customers in the UK, US, Australia and Ireland. Fees and Terms & Conditions apply.


    For US customers, Revolut is not a bank. Banking services and card issuance are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Visa® and Mastercard® cards issued under license. Funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, in the event Lead Bank fails. Fees may apply. See full terms in description. For Irish customers, Revolut Bank UAB is authorised and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania in the Republic of Lithuania and by the European Central Bank and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. For AU customers, consider PDS & TMD at revolut.com/en-AU. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Charlie Rodwell 

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    17 November 2025, 12:00 am
  • 57 minutes 53 seconds
    161. Putin, Trump, and 500 Years of Resisting Russia (Radek Sikorski)

    What was it like for Radek Sikorski to be a refugee in the UK from communist Poland in the 80s? How will the war in Ukraine come to an end? Why is populism on the rise in Europe and how do we fight it?


    Rory and Alastair are joined by Radek Sikorski, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to answer all this and more. 


    Get more from The Rest Is Politics with TRIP+. Enjoy bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access, live show ticket priority, our members’ newsletter, and private Discord community – plus exclusive mini-series like The Rise and Fall of Rupert Murdoch.

    Start your 7-day free trial today at therestispolitics.com


    For Leading listeners, there’s free access to the Wordsmith Academy - plus their report on the future of legal skills. Visit https://www.wordsmith.ai/politics


    To save your company time and money, open a Revolut Business account today via https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/leading, and add money to your account by 31st of December 2025 to get a £200 welcome bonus or equivalent in your local currency. Feature availability varies by plan. This offer’s available for New Business customers in the UK, US, Australia and Ireland. Fees and Terms & Conditions apply.


    For US customers, Revolut is not a bank. Banking services and card issuance are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Visa® and Mastercard® cards issued under license. Funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, in the event Lead Bank fails. Fees may apply. See full terms in description. For Irish customers, Revolut Bank UAB is authorised and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania in the Republic of Lithuania and by the European Central Bank and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. For AU customers, consider PDS & TMD at revolut.com/en-AU. Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 517589).


    Social Producer: Celine Charles

    Video Editor: Josh Smith

    Producer: Alice Horrell

    Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

    Head of Politics: Tom Whiter

    Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    10 November 2025, 12:00 am
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