The Rest Is Politics

10 Oct 2025

The Rise of Rupert Murdoch: Making of a Mogul (Part 1)

Why is Rupert Murdoch considered such an influential figure? What was his childhood and family like growing up in Australia? How did he establish his groundbreaking media presence in the UK?

Two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world – former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart – join forces from across the political divide.

Leading

13 Oct 2025

157. Ukraine, Diplomacy, and the Future of Europe (Dmytro Kuleba)

What is the current position of Ukraine in the Ukraine-Russia war? How delicate is diplomacy with Europe and with the US for the Ukrainian government? What are the differences between working with world leaders such as Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and Joe Biden?

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.

Latest

367. Rory vs JD Vance, recording from Damascus, and Trump’s tariffs

Why are Rory and Alastair in Damascus? What’s going on with JD Vance? Has there been a twist in the German election?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.The Re... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: How I remember John Prescott

At the late former deputy prime minister’s funeral, it became clear that Britain could do with some politicians like him today... Continue

119. Tommy Vietor: How Democrats can fight Trump

How did Barack Obama become President? What was Hillary Clinton's huge mistake in 2016? How corrupt really is American politics today?Pod Save America host and former Barack Obama speechwrite... Continue

366. Question Time: Why do dictators bother with sham elections?

What stops billionaires spending their money in their lifetime? How can you stay engaged with politics without sacrificing mental health? Who are the hidden actors in the Israel/Gaza conflict... Continue

365. Trump’s Mafia World Order

How many ‘early warning signs of fascism’ are we seeing in the US? Has Trump delivered a fatal blow to America’s soft power around the world? Why does Alastair admire Prince Harry and h... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Finding a ray of hope in Trump’s dark new era

At Davos, Nigerian-American Salome Agbaroji's poetry urged leaders not to cower in the face of populism... Continue

118. Ex-Head of Mossad: Hamas, Ceasefire, and Netanyahu (Uzi Arad)

What’s the relationship between intelligence agencies and the politicians they serve? How does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu react in a crisis? How confident should we be that t... Continue

364. Question Time: America’s waning power, Alastair vs. Meta, and the existential threat of depopulation

Musk, Zuckerberg, and Trump – who’s controlling who? Does populist isolationism actually make a country weaker? Could Farage actually be Prime Minister by 2029?Join Rory and Alastair as t... Continue