The Rest Is Politics: Leading
Goalhanger
The Rest Is Politics’ Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart interview politicians, leaders, intellectuals, and more. From inside and outside of politics, guests join Rory and Alastair to discuss life, leadership, and the philosophy that’s led them to success in their chosen field. Their conversations cover key political events, global affairs, and the big ideas shaping the world today, offering listeners in-depth perspectives from those at the heart of change.The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes to live show tickets, ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
32 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 8min
181. Ai Weiwei: China, Censorship, and Dissidence Through Art
Ai Weiwei, artist and activist famous for provocative art and human-rights work, reflects on his life from exile-era childhood to secret detention. He discusses investigating the Sichuan earthquake, state censorship in China, comparisons with Western silencing, and the moral consistency of global responses. Short, candid conversations span identity, refugees, and the artist’s public role.
68 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 1h 15min
180. The Only European Leader Defying Trump? (Pedro Sánchez)
Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain and socialist leader known for his international stance. He talks about opposing unilateral military actions and defending rules-based international law. He discusses strengthening European defense, EU enlargement and reform, Spain’s green energy transition, migration policies, and handling the rise of the far right.
92 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 42min
179. President Stubb: Trump’s Unlikely Best Friend
Alexander Stubb, Finland’s former prime minister, foreign minister and current president, and an academic focused on European and global affairs. He recounts his golfing rapport with Donald Trump and why premiership felt uniquely gruelling. He maps a new multipolar world: the Triangle of Power, China’s patient strategy, Arctic security, UN reform and how middle powers can shape rules-based cooperation.
100 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 54min
178. Gavin Newsom: The Next President Of The United States?
Gavin Newsom, California governor and former San Francisco mayor known for progressive policy on housing, climate and AI, discusses his dyslexia and upcoming memoir. He recounts a late-night Trump phone call and why he mimics Trump on social media. He weighs California’s national role, critiques media power, and reflects on a possible 2028 presidential run and the costs to family life.
48 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 59min
177. Olaf Scholz: Putin, Power, and Far-Right Populism
Olaf Scholz, former German chancellor and long-serving politician, reflects on Russia, energy policy, and the rise of the far right. He discusses Germany’s ties to Russian gas, lessons from Crimea, and how political choices shaped energy dependence. He also explores the causes of AfD’s growth, the importance of respect and merit in society, and practical policy levers to strengthen social cohesion.
102 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 9min
176. How Close Are We To War With Iran? (Robert Malley)
Robert Malley, former U.S. diplomat and lead negotiator on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, discusses US-Iran trajectories and the chances of renewed diplomacy or escalation. He examines Trump’s foreign policy style and its limits. He also reflects on Gaza’s long-term crisis, why the two-state solution looks unviable, and the challenges of negotiating with adversaries.
212 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 1h 10min
175. Ex-Director of GCHQ: China, Russia, and the Threats Facing the UK (Jeremy Fleming)
Jeremy Fleming, former head of GCHQ and seasoned UK intelligence leader, reflects on state and cyber threats. He discusses China and Russia as distinct strategic challenges. Short takes cover cybercrime’s economic toll, tech supply decisions and AI as an accelerant to crime. The conversation also explores intelligence accountability, Five Eyes ties, and how tech is reshaping modern conflict and security.
21 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 29min
174. Taking On Europe's Last Dictator: The Fight Against Lukashenko and Putin
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian opposition leader who formed a government in exile after the 2020 protests, tells how she was thrust from housewife into politics. She discusses Lukashenko’s grip on power and ties to Russia. She describes building institutions abroad, the stakes of Ukraine’s fight for Belarus, and plans to steer Belarus toward Europe and democratic elections.
142 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 51min
173. The man Putin can’t silence: Bill Browder and sanctioning Russia
Bill Browder, financier turned campaigner who founded Hermitage Capital and led the global Magnitsky sanctions drive. He recounts how confronting Russian corruption led to deportation, the theft of his firms and the death of his lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. He discusses building international sanctions, dodging Russian legal attacks, and how stolen Russian wealth reshaped geopolitics.
36 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 4min
172. Neil Kinnock: Trump, Thatcher, and Why Labour Lost In 1992 (Part 2)
Neil Kinnock, former Labour leader and long-serving MP, reflects on Thatcherism, media power and why Labour lost in 1992. He discusses Thatcher’s revolutionary impact, Murdoch’s influence, campaign strategy missteps and the rise of John Major. He also considers how Labour can rebuild trust and handle populist disruptions like Trump.
