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Best of the Spectator

The Spectator
Labour Party
Keir Starmer
Donald Trump
Iran
Conservative Party
United States
British Politics
Venezuela
Russia
United Kingdom
Reform UK
Church Of England
Peter Mandelson
Boris Johnson
UK Politics
Nigel Farage
Brexit
Immigration
China
The Spectator

Home to the Spectator's best podcasts on everything from politics to religion, literature to food and drink, and more. A new podcast every day from writers worth listening to.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PublishesDailyEpisodes2661Founded12 years ago
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Artwork for Best of the Spectator

Latest Episodes

On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Freddy Gray asks whether the Iran deal will destroy J.D. Vance; Matt Ridley argues that Britain must finally embrace gene editing; Peter Parker explains the problem with ‘queer art'; and finally, Lloyd Evans says th... more

For Christians and non-Christians alike, Mormons remain a bit of an enigma – especially in the UK. In the US however there are almost 7 million and they punch above their weight in terms of political influence; notable members of congress include for... more

Andy Burnham has won what may come to be seen as the most consequential by-election in recent memory. Political journalism has a tendency towards hyperbole, but the situation is clear: Burnham is on his way to Westminster with significant backing to ... more

For this week’s Edition, William Moore is joined by the Spectator’s assistant editor Isabel Hardman and the editor of The New Statesman Tom McTague. Plus, in a special episode this week, the Spectator’s economics editor Michael Simmons joins for the ... more

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Recent Guests

Sarah Beth Spraggins
Audience editor at Spectator who wrote a piece about Usha Vance
Spectator
Episode: Americano: who is Usha Vance?
William Atkinson
Reporter reading from Shetland Islands piece
Spectator
Episode: Spectator Out Loud: William Atkinson, James Delingpole, Daisy Dunn & Margaret Mitchell
James Delingpole
Contributor reading from tribute to his father
Spectator
Episode: Spectator Out Loud: William Atkinson, James Delingpole, Daisy Dunn & Margaret Mitchell
Daisy Dunn
Contributor discussing classical studies and Mary Beard
Spectator
Episode: Spectator Out Loud: William Atkinson, James Delingpole, Daisy Dunn & Margaret Mitchell
Siri Hustvedt
Writer and psychologist; author of Ghost Stories
Author
Episode: The Book Club: Siri Hustvedt
Joanna Cherry
SNP MP until 2024, distinguished barrister KC
SNP
Episode: Quite Right: Peter Murrell's mafia-style SNP
Flora Watkins
writer on gardening and culture
The Spectator
Episode: Spectator Out Loud: Douglas Murray, Flora Watkins & Nicholas Farrell
Christopher Caldwell
Spectator columnist
Spectator
Episode: Americano: what Thomas Massie's lost means for the future of the Right
Noa Hoffman
Political correspondent for The Spectator
The Spectator
Episode: Coffee House Shots: is Kemi a winner? | with Lee Cain

Host

Freddy Gray
Host of Americano Show; deputy and US editor for The Spectator

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Disappointed

    Alarmed to hear an interview with antisemitic cartoonist - who was unchallenged when referring to Israel’s defensive war against 8 terrorist armies as “genocide”. Libellous insanity. Saco was touted as some kind of objective journalist. Expect a much higher standard from the Spectator.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    JJAADF
    Australia2 months ago
  • Not everyone translates from the written to the spoken word

    If you have a journalist who can read aloud properly, great. If not please get someone to read their copy for them . The review of Wuthering Heights which would have been entertaining was spoilt by the Robitic and at times inaccurate delivery, which made it hard to listen to.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    sjblondon
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • Common & run-of-the-mill

    Conventional takes with little distinguished insight. Disappointing.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Bibliophenia
    United Kingdom5 months ago
  • A gang bang queen!

    No longer a serious magazine

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Cwycu
    United Kingdom6 months ago
  • Americani

    Superb interview with Victor Davis Hansen reviewing the current Donald Trump presidency. Freddie Gray is knowledgeable, speaks and thinks clearly and conducts the best interviews.

    Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cliffography
    Australia6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Balanced guest mix and insightful political analysis, though some critics push back on balance and tone.
The show earns praise for provocative takes and high-profile interviews, but some reviews call for clearer balance and delivery style.
Listeners appreciate deep dives with insider perspectives and historical context, especially on UK politics and leadership dynamics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Americano: who is Usha Vance?
Q: Do you think she is pushing for a public role beyond First Lady, or is her influence largely behind the scenes?
The discussion suggests she operates largely behind the scenes but has shown public-facing initiatives like literacy programs, which may signal broader ambitions. The hosts acknowledge it's speculative but point to visible patterns of strategic thinking that could translate into future political influence.
Americano: who is Usha Vance?
Q: What does the piece suggest about her upbringing and how it contrasts with JD Vance's background?
The guest notes that Usha comes from an upper-caste Indian academic family, contrasting with Vance's lower-to-middle-class, populist image. This dynamic is highlighted as a key source of tension and interest, shaping perceptions of their marriage and potential future roles in politics.
Americano: who is Usha Vance?
Q: And I want to just start by asking you, what did you learn about her in researching this piece?
Sarah Beth explains that Usha Vance is highly intelligent, strategically involved in her husband's rise, from Yale-educated roots to a background in academia, with a Hindu upbringing and a Catholic family life that contrast with JD Vance's path. She emphasizes the measured, behind-the-scenes influence and the way media and audiences have framed her as both an insider and a provocative political figure.
The Book Club: Siri Hustvedt
Q: Is there a sense of how you navigated the boundaries between the private life and the public story of your relationship?
I aimed for a balance between honesty and respect, acknowledging intimate details while resisting the impulse to present a hagiography. The book foregrounds the fragility and humanity of both partners, alongside their intellectual collaboration.
The Book Club: Siri Hustvedt
Q: Do you have an instinct about what role these events played in Paul's illness or in his death?
There are factors at play and a sense that stress and emotional turmoil can influence health; however, I avoid definitive causal claims, preferring to acknowledge the complexity and multiple factors involved in illness and mortality.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Best of the Spectator

What is Best of the Spectator about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show features brisk, opinion-forward conversations on politics, media, history, and culture, with a strong emphasis on UK politics, international affairs, and thoughtful bookish analysis. Episodes frequently juxtapose insider perspectives with broader public policy, exploring leadership dynamics, party strategy, geopolitical tensions, and cultural institutions. A standout trait is its willingness to host high-profile political insiders and authors, offering controversial takes, strategic context, and long-form discussions that often blend history, current events, and policy critique. The format tends to favor lively banter, insider anecdotes, and sharp, sometimes polarizing, viewpoints aimed at listeners who enjoy policy, politics, and... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Best of the Spectator?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Best of the Spectator:

1. Coffee House Shots
2. The Edition
3. Americano
4. Quite right!
5. The spiked podcast

How many episodes of Best of the Spectator are there?

Best of the Spectator launched 12 years ago and published 2661 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Best of the Spectator?

Recent guests on Best of the Spectator include:

1. Sarah Beth Spraggins
2. William Atkinson
3. James Delingpole
4. Daisy Dunn
5. Siri Hustvedt
6. Joanna Cherry
7. Flora Watkins
8. Christopher Caldwell

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