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Best of the Spectator

The Spectator
Labour Party
Keir Starmer
Donald Trump
Iran
Conservative Party
Venezuela
British Politics
Brexit
China
Church Of England
United States
BBC
Margaret Thatcher
Kemi Badenoch
Boris Johnson
Russia
Nigel Farage
London
Reform UK
United Kingdom

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.

PublishesDailyEpisodes2599Founded12 years ago
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Latest Episodes

For more from Michael and Maddie, search 'Quite right!' wherever you are listening to this podcast and hit the follow button to never miss an episode.

This week: the Mandelson row deepens – and a bigger question about Keir Starmer’s judgment and au... more

A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has just come into effect. Iran’s Foreign Minister says 'in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining perio... more

On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: as the King prepares to head to America, Robert Hardman looks ahead to what would have been Elizabeth II’s centenary celebration; Melissa Kite reports from the fuel protests in Ireland (featuring one of the disgrunt... more

Donald Trump’s latest clash with the Pope has stunned even the more hardened of America-watchers. According to the President of the United States Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion people, is 'WEAK on crime and terrible on... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Shadi Hamid
Author of The Case for American Power
Episode: Americano: 'The Case for American Power'
Mason Currey
Writer and author of Making Art and Making a Living, Adventures in Funding a Creative Life
Author
Episode: Book Club: Mason Currey
Jacob Heilbronn
Editor of The National Interest
The National Interest
Episode: Americano: what's up with Melania Trump?
Catherine Ostler
Former editor of Tatler, author reading on courtroom drama and Jewish history in France
Self/Author
Episode: Spectator Out Loud: Catherine Ostler, Paul Wood, John Power & David Whitehouse
John Power
Writer, encouraging Gen Z to hike and engage with the outdoors
Self/Author
Episode: Spectator Out Loud: Catherine Ostler, Paul Wood, John Power & David Whitehouse
David Whitehouse
Astrophysicist, exploring the dark side of the moon and Artemis II mission
Self/Scientist
Episode: Spectator Out Loud: Catherine Ostler, Paul Wood, John Power & David Whitehouse
Justin Brierley
Leading Christian writer and broadcaster
Unheard
Episode: Holy Smoke: the truth about the quiet revival – with grounds for optimism
Lewis Goodall
Broadcaster, on Channel 4 Dispatches documentary
Channel 4/Dispatches
Episode: Coffee House Shots: why is Starmer so unpopular? with Lewis Goodall
Chas Newkey-Burden
Writer noting about the London Marathon
Spectator
Episode: Easter Out Loud: Lisa Haseldine, Matthew Parris, Damian Thompson, Peter Pomerantsev, Chas Newkey-Burden & Catriona Olding

Hosts

Freddie Gray
Host of Americano Show; leads interviews and analysis on current affairs
Madeleine Grant
Host of Quite Right and contributor on political commentary

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 1.3k ratings
  • 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 Kingdom2 months ago
  • Common & run-of-the-mill

    Conventional takes with little distinguished insight. Disappointing.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Bibliophenia
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • A gang bang queen!

    No longer a serious magazine

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Cwycu
    United Kingdom4 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
    Australia4 months ago
  • Essential daily listen but ….

    Tim Shipman a definite asset to the editorial team but PLEASE stop the Kemi hate ! You have personal beef with her because she snubbed you way back when but we back her and want her to take us into the next election.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NatsPoddie
    United Kingdom7 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise balanced debates and high-profile guests.
Overall, episodes are described as insightful and well-produced, with strong interview moments.
Some episodes criticized for perceived bias or rhetoric.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Book Club: Mason Currey
Q: I mean, can you tell me what the germ of this approach to the subject was?
Currey explains that he had previously written about work habits and the practical question of how artists can afford the time to create. The core idea was to tell stories of how people navigated financial constraints and what choices they made, which shaped their work and careers.
Americano: 'The Case for American Power'
Q: What lessons do you draw from the Arab Spring and the Iraq War for future policy?
He suggests a pro-democracy policy must be more consistent, avoid supporting dictatorships for strategic reasons, and recognize that democracy results may be uncomfortable but are ultimately more sustainable.
Americano: 'The Case for American Power'
Q: How do you respond to criticisms that American power often backs autocratic regimes?
He concedes that past actions have been flawed but maintains that democracy and open societies require a continued, principled engagement that uses leverage to push for gradual political reform rather than brute force.
Americano: 'The Case for American Power'
Q: What is your central thesis about American power and its use in the world?
Hamid argues that American power should be exercised in ways that advance liberal democratic values, combining hard power with soft power and diplomatic tools, while avoiding causal overreach and double standards.
Americano: what can Artemis II tell us about the wonders of the moon?
Q: Do you think the Americans would prefer for China to go to the Moon first, and why does that competition matter?
There is a perception of national ambition tied to lunar milestones, but the broader point is that space leadership drives technology, inspiration, and geopolitical influence, regardless of who lands first.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Best of the Spectator

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

A fast-moving, conversation-driven show that blends politics, culture, and literature with sharp, sometimes provocative perspectives. Episodes frequently pair high-profile journalists and commentators with expert guests to dissect current events, policy, and cultural trends through aSpectator lens. Frequent strengths include lively panel dynamics, deep dives into history or architecture, and bold takes on Brexit-era politics, foreign policy, and identity politics. A notable hallmark is the blend of long-form interviews, live debates, and themed roundups that invite listeners to weigh nuanced positions from a traditionally conservative-leaning editorial voice. This combination makes it appealing to listeners who enjoy concise, opinionated an... 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. Americano
3. The Edition
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 2599 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. Shadi Hamid
2. Mason Currey
3. Jacob Heilbronn
4. Catherine Ostler
5. John Power
6. David Whitehouse
7. Justin Brierley
8. Lewis Goodall

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