Best of the Spectator

Mason Currey, writer and author of books on artists' routines, explores how creatives have funded their work across history. He traces patronage, odd day jobs and surprising trade-offs. He recounts stories from Haydn's isolation to Van Gogh's family support and debates modern crowdfunding versus older models.

Jacob Heilbronn, Editor of The National Interest and political commentator, offers sharp analysis of Melania Trump’s surprising televised rebuttal and its tone. He dissects possible motives and timing. They also take on Trump’s rifts with former MAGA figures and the wider fallout from Iran ceasefire talks and US–Israel relations.

Catherine Ostler, former Tatler editor and author of The Renoir Girls, muses on courtroom drama, art and hidden histories. John Power, writer and walking enthusiast, urges teenage boys to swap screens for the Kent coast and long hikes. David Whitehouse, astrophysicist and science writer, describes Artemis II and sightings of the moon's far side. Paul Wood discusses the unpredictable geopolitics around Iran and Trump.

Tim Montgomerie, centre-right political commentator and ConservativeHome founder; William Atkinson, Spectator assistant content editor with cultural-political insight; Michael Simmons, Spectator economics editor probing welfare costs. They debate huge attraction discounts for benefit claimants, whether such perks infantilise claimants or hide taxpayer subsidies, the rising welfare bill and pension politics, plus Anglo-Gaulism, Orbán’s fate, Kanye and Artemis II.

Justin Brierley, Christian writer and broadcaster who founded Think Faith, offers a cautiously optimistic take on reports of a 'quiet revival'. He unpacks flawed survey claims, explores where renewed interest is actually growing, and talks about why Gen Z and certain church styles are drawing people. Practical ideas for parish renewal and the Church of England's leadership challenges are also discussed.

Opinion polls consistently show Keir Starmer as one of the most unpopular Prime Ministers in history. His critics point to inertia and a lack of vision, while his supporters argue that media spin is harming the image of a decent man. Less than two years on from Labour's landslide victory, broadcaster Lewis Goodall joins James Heale to try to answer the question 'where did it all go wrong?' – a subject which Lewis explores in a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary. Lewis explains the factors at play, from Starmer's personality and Labour party politics to the effect that the Conservative Party's implosion had on Labour's preparedness for government. Is Starmer a politician from a bygone era? Or, following on from a run of unpopular Tory leaders, is modern British politics simply ungovernable?Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Whitehouse, astroscientist and writer, explains the complexity and symbolism of Artemis II. He breaks down the rocket and free‑return trajectory. He discusses astronaut selection and training. He explores communications challenges, the half-century gap since Apollo, the new space rivalry with China, and the moon’s lasting cultural and biological influence.

Catriona Olding, an essayist writing from Provence about comfort and companionship. Peter Pomerantsev, a writer and commentator on statecraft and geopolitics. Damian Thompson, a religious affairs commentator on Pope Leo XIV’s quiet reforms. Matthew Parris, a columnist reflecting on self-sacrifice and the Iran crisis. Lisa Haseldine, a journalist reporting from Svalbard on strategic tensions and Russian activity. They discuss strategy, religion, sacrifice, marathons and life in Provence.

Rory Sutherland, advertising executive and behavioural thinker, explores how Christianity might be 'sold' today. He discusses religion as a social network and trust mechanism. They consider shorter, low-pressure services, remote worship accessibility, small-group scaling and surprising social lessons from driving. Humour and real-world experiments pepper the conversation.

Michael Gove, Conservative politician and Spectator editor; Jon Sopel, veteran BBC correspondent turned podcaster; Allison Pearson, columnist and author; Charles Moore, Conservative peer and longtime BBC critic. They spar over whether the BBC is a vital cultural public service or institutionally biased and out of touch. Heated debates cover impartiality, licence-fee funding, cultural value, trust and the corporation’s global soft power.