25 Jun 2026
547. The Truth About Russian Oil, Net Zero, and North Sea DrillingWith the UK and Europe sweltering in yet another record-breaking heatwave, will we ever actually reach net zero? How close are we to a “lights out” scenario due to the Iran war, and how did we become so dependent on Russian oil? Is North Sea drilling for oil and gas a matter of national security, or an environmentally reckless fantasy?
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.
22 Jun 2026
194. Is Putin Losing his Grip on Russia?With war fatigue growing and polls showing increasing dissatisfaction with life in Russia, is Vladimir Putin beginning to lose control? What is really happening inside Russia today? And what is it like to report the truth from inside one of the world's most repressive states?
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.
A tale of two spy chiefs, and their views on past, present and future
If the four people in the picture above was a pop group, they might be called The Podspooks, or the Polispooks ... on either flank me and my podcast co-host Rory Stewart, in the middle former MI5 dir... Continue
232. Question Time: ISIS-K vs Russia, radical reform of the NHS, and the fight against child poverty
What is the wider significance of the terrorist attack in Moscow? Does the NHS need reform or spending increases? And why is the increase in child poverty not being discussed in the media?... Continue
231. Labour’s struggle for economic vision and Haiti on the brink
What's happening in Haiti? Why is Keir Starmer getting dragged into culture war politics? Is Rachel Reeves' economic plan for the country "underwhelming" or "thoughtful"?Join Rory and Alastai... Continue
66. Antony Gormley: Art, religion, and the battle for culture
Can Britain remain a cultural superpower post-Brexit? How does religion and philosophy inform creativity? How can we prevent arts from being cut from curriculums? Rory and Alastair are joined... Continue
230. Question Time: £91,000… Should MPs be paid more?
Why do so few people know who the Lib Dem leader is? Should the arts feature more prominently in school curriculums? What are freeports and should we be concerned about them?Rory and Alastair... Continue
229. Putin’s sham election, Sunak under threat, and the rift between France and Germany
Who would Putin’s successor be? Could the Conservatives change leader again? Why is the Franco-German relationship deteriorating?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all this and more on t... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Keir Starmer is better suited to government than opposition
Tom Baldwin’s biography of the Labour leader suggests we will see a return to serious politics if Starmer makes it to No 10... Continue
65. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo: Vladimir Putin, surviving prison, and Serbia
How did peace come to the Balkans? What was it like to be a political prisoner? Is Serbia more allied with the West, or with Putin?Rory and Alastair are joined by the Prime Minister of Kosovo... Continue