Leading

Every Monday, Rory and Alastair interrogate, converse with, and interview some of the world’s biggest names – from both inside and outside of politics – about life, leadership, or leading the way in their chosen field.

22: Kate Raworth: Doughnut economics and thriving in balance

In the 21st century, the impact of financial and environmental crises can be felt by all. But how do we marry the nature of the economy with the ever depleting means of the planet? Rory and A... Continue

12 June 2023

21: Mary McAleese: Building bridges as the President of Ireland

For former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, the personal is the political. Growing up in Belfast with a deeply personal link to sectarian violence, her aim as President was to promote unit... Continue

5 June 2023

20: Jonathan Powell: How to negotiate with terrorists

The role of Downing Street Chief of Staff was created for him, and he was the only senior advisor to last the whole period of Tony Blair's premiership - but who is the real Jonathan Powell, a... Continue

29 May 2023

19: Leo Varadkar: Ireland’s Taoiseach on NATO, China, and Joe Biden

How does the Irish Taoiseach feel about Brexit? Would Leo Varadkar consider himself a Tory in the English parliamentary system? Does Ireland have a problem with alcohol?Leo Varadkar speaks to... Continue

22 May 2023

18: George Osborne: Austerity, Boris Johnson, and the UK’s next Prime Minister

Does George Osborne regret leaving politics? Does he think Sunak can win the next general election? What did he admire about New Labour, Tony Blair, and Gordon Brown?Tune in to today's episod... Continue

15 May 2023

17: Gerry Adams: The Troubles, Margaret Thatcher, and the IRA

How much do you know about Thatcher's back channels with Irish republicans during the Troubles? What are Gerry Adams' emotions towards the 1984 Brighton hotel bombing, looking back now in 202... Continue

8 May 2023

16: Tony Blair: Taking insults, swallowing pride, and negotiating with both sides

How was peace achieved in Northern Ireland? What was it like speaking to the IRA, loyalist paramilitary groups and victims simultaneously? Who were the most important individuals involved in ... Continue

1 May 2023

15: Hillary Clinton: Fighting Putin, the Return of Trump, and the Killing of Osama Bin Laden

Will Donald Trump return to the White House? What happened behind the scenes during the killing of Osama Bin Laden? How should we combat the insidious effect of technology and social media on... Continue

24 April 2023

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.