25 Jan 2026
What If the AI Revolution Isn’t Real?Is AI a revolution, or just another slow-moving general technology? Are we mistaking hype for inevitability? And, can a technology this unreliable really reshape civilisation?
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
26 Jan 2026
172. Neil Kinnock: Trump, Thatcher, and Why Labour Lost In 1992 (Part 2)Why did Neil Kinnock believe the fight against Margaret Thatcher was an existential one? What would Kinnock do to tackle the threat posed to Labour by reform? Why did Labour lose the 1992 election?
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.
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I am speaking today at a conference in London, on the importance of learning foreign languages. It might seem a bit of a niche issue, but I believe it is central, and all too neglected in English spe...
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17: Gerry Adams: The Troubles, Margaret Thatcher, and the IRA
How much do you know about Thatcher's back channels with Irish republicans during the Troubles? What are Gerry Adams' emotions towards the 1984 Brighton hotel bombing, looking back now in 202... Continue
128. Local Elections: Who’s the real winner?
Was this a win for Starmer? Or should he be disappointed? What does this tell us about next year's general election?Alastair and Rory have hit the emergency pod button - listen now to hear Th... Continue
What role do corporations play in political activism? Could the local elections results push forward a general election? Are communists having a resurgence in Europe? Rory and Alastair answer...
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126. King Charles III’s coronation, the geopolitics of net-zero, and the power of oracy
This Saturday May 6th, the UK will celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. But what is the political impact of such an event? And what is the relevance of the monarchy today? Rory and A... Continue
16: Tony Blair: Taking insults, swallowing pride, and negotiating with both sides
How was peace achieved in Northern Ireland? What was it like speaking to the IRA, loyalist paramilitary groups and victims simultaneously? Who were the most important individuals involved in ... Continue
125. Question Time: Murdoch mayhem, the politics of nepotism, and Alastair Campbell MP?
Will Alastair ever stand as an MP? What's going on with Rupert Murdoch at Fox News? How prevalent is nepotism in UK politics?Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more on this epis... Continue
124. Politicians vs. civil servants, evacuating Sudan, and Diane Abbott
What does Dominic Raab's resignation tell us about the battle between civil servants and ministers? How did Rory lead an evacuation during his time in Iraq? What next for Diane Abbott?Tune in... Continue