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.
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22: Kate Raworth: Doughnut economics and thriving in balance
In the 21st century, the impact of financial and environmental crises can be felt by all. But how do we marry the nature of the economy with the ever depleting means of the planet? Rory and A... Continue
In an emergency podcast, Rory and Alastair react to the news that Boris Johnson is standing down as a Conservative MP with immediate effect after an investigation into the Partygate scandal f...
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138. Question Time: The Bullingdon Club, democracy vs. capitalism, and overcoming foot-and-mouth
Should Rory and Alastair switch allegiance to the Liberal Democrats? Why is there no happy news? What was handling the foot and mouth disease crisis like? Listen to Rory and Alastair answer t... Continue
137. Government taking itself to court, avoiding war with China, and Polish protests
Should the government be taking itself to court over the covid inquiry? Rory and Alastair disagree (just about) agreeably on this one. Also, how is the USA's attempt to create a bloc against ... Continue
21: Mary McAleese: Building bridges as the President of Ireland
For former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, the personal is the political. Growing up in Belfast with a deeply personal link to sectarian violence, her aim as President was to promote unit... Continue
Did John Major lose in 1997, or did Tony Blair win? Would building on golf courses in London solve the housing crisis? How useful is the Freedom of Information Act? Hear the answers to these ...
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135. Spanish politics explained and a deep dive into AI
Artificial Intelligence: is it the future of humanity, or the beginning of the end? Rory and Alastair take a deep dive into the subject and the political complications of advancing technologi... Continue
For every step forward on mental health, the government seem determined to take us two steps back
Four Prime Ministers ago, when Theresa May stood outside 10, Downing Street and promised to address "burning injustices" the fact that she included mental health among them suggested the issue was h... Continue