2 Apr 2026
The Real Reasons Populism Is Taking OverWhat 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?
The Rest Is Politics
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
6 Apr 2026
183. From Bradford to Westminster: Faith, Identity, and Power (Naz Shah)How did Naz Shah’s experience growing up in Bradford and her experience with her family in the legal system influence her to go into politics? What does it mean for a political party to truly “stand for something” in modern Britain? How can faith influence politics in a secular society? Rory and Alastair are joined by Labour MP, Naz Shah, to discuss all this and more.
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
185. Global perceptions of Israel-Gaza, Labour-Lib Dem bad blood, and Chinese economic crisis
Would an Israeli ground invasion shift international perceptions of the conflict? Why is Labour unhappy with the Lib Dems? Is China teetering on the brink of economic chaos?? Get our exclusiv... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: The uplifting school which would take Farage to his breaking point
An academy where 85% of pupils have English as a second language found engaged, informed children with high aspirations and plenty of questions... Continue
41. Reid Hoffman: Bankrolling Biden to beat Trump, the “PayPal Mafia”, and Musk’s messiah complex
How does life in Silicon Valley compare to the United Kingdom? What was it like working with Elon Musk and Peter Thiel starting PayPal? Is the future of AI as bleak as it seems?Rory and Alast... Continue
184. Question Time: Why Britain Needs Shorter Prison Sentences
How do we solve the prisons crisis in the UK? Will Johnson and Sunak face charges for their lack of cooperation with the Covid inquiry? Should the Liberal Democrats run their campaign on rejo... Continue
183. Israel-Gaza: What Happens Next
What is the next stage in the war between Israel and Hamas? How important is Joe Biden's impending visit? Is it possible to be both victim and oppressor?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer ... Continue
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: What Yuval Noah Harari can teach us about Israel and Gaza
Harari believes prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu should accept responsibility, vow to see the crisis through, and then go... Continue
182. Palestine, Gaza, and Israel
What's it like to live in Gaza? What are the key differences between the PLO, the PA, Fatah and Hamas? How far away are we from the diplomatic high point of the Oslo Accords?On today's episod... Continue
40. Minette Batters: The Most Powerful Farmer in Britain
70% of British land is agricultural - yet we don't speak about farming much. What is the politics of the UK's farming industry? How has Brexit affected British produce and trade? And what is ... Continue