The Rest Is Politics

2 Apr 2026

The Real Reasons Populism Is Taking Over

What is populism, and why is it so attractive to voters? Which human instincts do populists tap into to get votes? And what does a populist-led country look like?

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

30 Mar 2026

182. Culture Wars, Identity, and What Needs To Change In Congress (Sarah McBride)

How are rights for trans people in the US improving or worsening under the Republican administration? What fundamentally needs to change in Congress to improve the state of politics? Are the Democrats doing enough to win back the American public?

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

303. The speech Joe Biden never wanted to give (Live from the Democratic National Convention)

How have the Democratic Party united behind Kamala Harris so quickly? What are some of the core principles of Project 2025? Was Joe Biden's farewell speech as success?Join Rory and Alastair l... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The unstoppable Kamala Harris

Harris is making the most of this opportunity while Trump is, frankly, floundering... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Kamala Harris returns hope to America

Harris making the most of this opportunity and Trump is, frankly, floundering... Continue

90. Why we should ban all money from politics and kids from social media (Peter Malinauskas)

Are donations the biggest evil in politics? Should children be banned from social media entirely? How much does Australia look to the UK in 2024?On today’s episode of Leading, Rory and Alas... Continue

302. It’s Trump’s Race to Lose

Is Trump setting the stage to reject another loss in November? Why did Kamala Harris sideline Josh Shapiro as her VP pick? What does it mean to be a Republican today?Join Katty Kay and Anthon... Continue

301. Question Time: Iran’s retaliation, Labour “press bias” and an Olympic hangover

Is the press softer on Labour? How left-wing would a Harris/Walz government be? Was MI5 aware of crimes committed by a British agent?And how should France cash in on the Olympic hype?TRIP Plu... Continue

300. Why Ukraine invaded Russia, the Musk-Trump love-in, and Rory’s visit to Afghanistan

Why is Elon Musk lashing out against Scotland’s First Minister? What are the tactics behind Ukraine’s advance on Russia? How worried should we be by China’s relationship with Serbia?Joi... Continue

Lessons from the rise and fall, and most importantly the healing, of Bradley Wiggins. Great cyclist. Great guy. Who just made me shed a tear …

As the Olympic Games come to a spectacular end, and I look back on two wonderful weeks of sport, during which Paris seemed to have taken the same happiness pill London that swallowed three Olympiads ... Continue