The Rest Is Politics: Leading

The Latin quotation which Rory quoted as sent to him by Mr Kwarteng is infamous for being the inscription on the memorial to the U.S. Confederacy in our National Cemetery, and was recently dismantled because it was erected as a monument to the Southern “Lost Cause” narrative which has continued to hold such sway among right-wing racists here. I am dismayed that neither he nor Rory, who both claim such a love of history, know that — or if Mr Kwarteng *does* know that, it has more sinister implications.

Carol Symes · US

As a woman involved in politics in Canada I was heartened to listen to your interview with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “Come on light my fire” was a statement she made in response to male challengers who try to dismiss or obstruct her. I would love to hear more from her sharing her recollections of her role n US politics. I look forward to listening to her.

Margaret Rlizabeth · CA

Really great variety of guests on the show.

Jenana86 · AU

It does though, extremely well. They are greater than the sum of their parts. Meaningful, topical and entertaining in equal measure. If you also listen to Leading then add expansive and insightful to that list. Long may it continue. Thank you.

EnglishMichael · DE

Loved the Anthony Gormley session

Southernmost lustener · NZ

Loved loved loved this interview. Absolutely fascinating and almost esoteric ideas. Really had me thinking

Gertie_57 · AU

Excellent interview with a very thoughtful , interesting leader. It was fantastic. I learned so much about Kosovo and its role in southeast Europe. Love the opportunity to listen to interviews with leaders from various walks of life.

Toronto Gran · CA

A wonderful podcast that gives the guests time to talk and express their views. In a dumbed down media era this a fantastic antidote to the 140 character lunacy!

пфяяф · AU

Rory occasionally has really really weird pronunciation. Great interview with Caroline Lucas but her name is Ca-ro-line, not Kerin. Honestly it’s almost unlistenable because of that; it’s so annoying. You say it over and over again in the interview. Maybe Alastair can learn you to speak proper and train you to resist that bizarre kind of Etonian drawl. Apart from that, great job lads!

AlistairCandlin · US

Rory is a treasure. Truly grateful to him for entering a complex dialogue on Islamophobia with Sam Harris. Alastair and Rory showcase how to converse generously on controversial topics. ❤️

Mitchy Austin · US

I love and enjoy your balanced podcasts but this latest interview made me angry. James Rubin was so clearly a defensive American - the type of American who always thinks without a hinterland. Disappointing and not entertaining.

Decorcats · FR

From often interesting to nonstop egofest with an eagle eye on those Yankee subscribers

Just read the book · US

As an Australian listener, I’m loving these encapsulated overviews of British politics from Rory and Alastair, who have lived the experience, albeit from opposing Tory and Labour sides of the political divide. Both the up-to-date reporting and the historical context of happenings have captured my attention. Incidentally I have Rory’s new release as an audio ebook which I’m savouring too for the finely tuned stories of the inner workings of government, some anecdotes surely taken from ‘Yes Minister’? This book has given me new respect for the excellent work ethic and mental fortitude required as a campaigner, as a junior minister starting out on his/her journey, and the perseverance to continue with political life. I’m in Adelaide during March but was very disappointed to discover the dates did not align with the Literary Festival at which they’re appearing. 🌟Well done guys, and thank you.

Barb M R · AU

This superb podcast from the excellent people behind The Rest is Politics host outstanding interviews with people that you never knew you needed to hear from. Whether the interviewee is from your area of interest or not, they are always absolutely fascinating. Some seriously big names from various industries around the world too! Highly recommended.

Canary Down Under · AU

Fabulous interview. I am aligned with Alistair politically but it was great to hear someone who was able to respond easily to his usual line of everything a conservative does is flawed. Even afterwards he couldn’t acknowledge much positive about her. I thought a lot of what she said made sense and it is this inability to look at everything on its merits and have an unbiased conversation that is crippling our politics and hence our future. Also responding to statistics with examples of conversations we have is not a response because we can always find people who will support our view particularly if it is a negative one. Of course there must be some rigour in the statistics. Anyway great interview. Thanks.

Moving forward positively · AU

Discovering Leading has been an absolute joy. Informed, fascinating and an amazing way of learning leadership from amazing people. I’ve binged hours of episodes through my Christmas preparations. I think Leading is the best series in terms of gender - there is an excellent balance of amazing women but more importantly, men and woman are equally asked questions about personal impacts and emotions. I cannot recommend highly enough.

Fiona8822 · AU

American here who pays attention to UK politics. Everything is connected, right? Your chat with Angela Rayner reminded me what a singular force she is. Positive, honest, working public servant who remembers the poor. God bless her. John in Massachusetts

Johnny in the Mass Hills · US

Your interview with Angela Rayner is the best interview I’ve listened to so far among your very qualified and eminent guests. She was a breath of fresh air - sincere, straightforward and articulate. Her life story is very inspiring

Bart Ranger · US

The Michael Johnston interview was great enjoyed every min very thought full Great Mark Carney interview listened twice.

Dave 5032 · AU

Especially love that after the Schwarzenegger interview you had what we call “the party after the party” - the two of you discussed it. It helped fill out the picture of Arnold.

SJFrib · US

Leading has provided interesting and informative conversations with an opportunity to listen to people who have had an impact on society. Though recently I have questioned Stewart’s assessment on people and would take his opinion on a person’s character with a heavy dose of scepticism. Not only him saying Theresa May is his political hero, to Charles3 being a ‘good’ king to admiring Gillian Keegan. May was a terrible PM though she was best of Cameron, Johnson, Truss and Sunak - still a very low bar. May is not a leader, nor appears to have intellectual rigour - she comes across as jejune and lacking depth, with a pinch of delusion.

ROYMI5 · AU

I love Leading some interviewees more than others, but Cathy Ashton has been one that I have enjoyed more than others. Very reflective and gives one hope! Thank you

4september2012 · AU

Mates, both of these sessions have a false name They are not question times, they are “get YOU time” I think all parties involved in this “fight” have got their front line spin doctors coming up with “singers” to Shoot” down their opponents I don’t know if you have listened to our Australian Parliament Question Time, if you have, or if you will in the future, I apologise, My late wife, Irene, was a teacher for over 30 years, if her students acted like these clowns, they would be in detention for the rest of the term (or the rest of their term in Parliament) Cheers, Hendrik, Melbourne, Australia

Hendrik from Melbourne · AU

I have found this series utterly rivetting and I find Rory and Alistair’s interviewing style courteous, ever curious and highly respectful of the top calibre guests they invite. The stand out for me was Mustafa Suleymen who presented AI and its challenges with immense clarity.

David from Northcote · AU

Absolutely loved it The best yet, learned much about mysef-as well ad him Ythnk i

belbo49 · TR