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

73. Kwasi Kwarteng: Boris Johnson, the British Empire, and Rwanda (Part 1)

"If I were 22 now, I probably wouldn't vote Conservative" - Kwasi KwartengIn the first of two episodes with the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rory and Alastair speak to Kwasi about the ... Continue

247. Robert F Kennedy Jr: Donald Trump’s Vice President?

Could a member of the Kennedy clan team up with Donald Trump? What does a vice president actually do? How has a brain worm come into the media circus of the 2024 race for the White House?Join... Continue

246. What Britain thinks: Is the monarchy our greatest soft power asset?

Are UK voters becoming increasingly comfortable with authoritarianism? Why is Thatcher the only past PM currently viewed as 'strong' by the public? What's the secret to achieving visibility a... Continue

245. Are we really heading for a hung parliament?

Is the Conservative brand damaging their politicians? Who is the SNP's new leader? What’s going on in South Africa? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more on to... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Mitsotakis’s lessons for Sunak

Unlike our PM, the Greek leader listens to questions and actually answers them... Continue

72. Nancy Pelosi: From JFK’s inauguration to fighting Donald Trump

How did Nancy Pelosi rise up to be the most politically powerful woman in America? What was it like to attend JFK's inauguration? What's the key secret behind fundraising in US politics?Rory ... Continue

244. How to buy the White House

Is there too much money in US politics? Why do people donate to presidential campaigns? Who are the two women vying to be Mexico’s next president? Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci for... Continue

243. Question Time: The worst political cliches, US voter suppression, and is the left-leaning media too ‘worthy’?

Will Robert F. Kennedy Jr. inadvertently help Donald Trump defeat Joe Biden? What do politicians really mean when they say "I've been very clear"? How much voter suppression goes on behind c... Continue