Best Rob Booker Podcasts (2025)

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Twin Tragedies Shake the Globe 52:50

Play Pause

8m ago52:50

52:50

Insightful discussions on gun violence, law enforcement actions, and legislative impacts featuring top voices like Senator Chris Murphy and Senator Bill Cassidy. Watch our latest report on global and US incidences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy CNN Podcasts

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Is Britain complicit in genocide? 57:42

19m ago57:42

57:42

Journalist Peter Oborne claims both Labour and Conservatives have fallen short on their response to Israel's war in Gaza. -- Peter Oborne is a journalist, author and commentator. He was the political editor of The Spectator, a commentator for the Daily Telegraph and now writes for Middle East Eye. A long-time conservative, Oborne joins Oli Dugmore …

1
You asked, we listened ... to Liz Truss' podcast 18:33

13m ago18:33

18:33

In this week’s episode of You Ask Us, one listener wonders, is the media infatuated with Zack Polanski? And another challenges our journalists to listen to the Liz Truss podcast. You ask, we deliver. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2 LISTEN AD…

1
Wes Streeting is "pretty frustrated, tbh" 28:42

10m ago28:42

28:42

Wes Streeting denied plotting to oust Keir Starmer. Ailbhe Rea met the Health Secretary to learn what he's really thinking. *** Ailbhe writes: Labour is in danger of presenting itself as the “maintenance department for the country”, he says. “The problem with that kind of practical, technocratic approach is that if someone else comes along and says…

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Natalie Fleet MP: I won't report my rape 41:40

26m ago41:40

41:40

If you are raped in London today, you could be waiting until 2030 for a trial. Justice secretary David Lammy has stated that 60 per cent of rape victims drop their cases whilst waiting for the trial. Rape Crisis estimates 1 in 6 women go to the police. Oli Dugmore is joined by Labour MP Natalie Fleet, who has written for the New Statesman on the fi…

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252 – The 12 Virtues of Rationality, with Alex and David 1:52:21

2h ago1:52:21

1:52:21

Join me as I sit down with Alex and David, both previous guests on the show and both cofounders of the Guild of the Rose. Together, we go over the core – the heart – of what we consider to be the Rationalist tradition. The 12 Virtues are an awesome distillation of what the rest of the sequences build on. Be sure to check out the Guild of the Rose. …

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Nigel Farage wants to be American 27:38

4m ago27:38

27:38

Why does the Reform leader spend so much time in the US? Freddie Hayward has been speaking to him to find out. -- Winston Churchill had an American mother. Boris Johnson was a dual citizen. But if Nigel Farage makes it to Downing Street, he’ll have closer ties to the US than any other British PM. That’s the argument of our correspondent Freddie Hay…

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Labour’s Green attacks are misfiring 41:41

27m ago41:41

41:41

Keir Starmer described Green party policy as “nuts” and “dangerous” in an interview with the Observer yesterday. But is he underestimating one of Labour’s biggest threats? And is Starmer alienating a generation of young voters who might run into the arms of Zack Polanski? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by George Eaton and Will Dunn. SAVE £££ THIS CHRIST…

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Interviews with White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Republican Sen. John Curtis; Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth 43:10

7d ago43:10

43:10

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House Border Czar Tom Homan over new ICE raids targeting Somali immigrants. Next, Republican Sen. John Curtis sits down with Dana to discuss his call for “compassionate” immigration enforcement, as well as the ticking clock for Congress to act on expiring health care subsidies. Then, veteran Demo…

1
How can the UK win back the net zero narrative? 29:22

21m ago29:22

29:22

As the UK grapples with cost of living pressures, geopolitical shocks and a shifting political landscape, the case for net zero remains strong - but the story around it seems to have stalled. How can policymakers, businesses and campaigners reconnect climate action with public priorities such as jobs, growth, energy security and household bills? In…

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Is Labour still Labour? 29:16

21m ago29:16

29:16

Is the Labour Party holding true to its founding principles? Have we lost trust in the police? Are we in a recession? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Luke O’Reilly and Rachel Cunliffe to answer your questions. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2 LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app …

1
Labour’s polling nightmare 28:51

7d ago28:51

28:51

A recent result from pollsters Find Out Now has put Labour support at just 14%, behind Reform, the Tories and the Greens. Just how bad are these polling numbers for Labour? Oli Dugmore is joined by the New Statesman’s senior data journalist and polling expert Ben Walker to discuss. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and prop…

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Angela Rayner vs. Wes Streeting: has the next leadership race begun? 36:10

14h ago36:10

36:10

Four senior Labour politicians are on manoeuvres. Ailbhe Rea reveals who's in the running to replace Keir Starmer. -- Keir Starmer has become desperately unpopular. All eyes now are looking towards the May 2026 local elections. A disappointing performance by Labour could prompt the Prime Minister to resign. And senior Labour figures are already pos…

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Inside the battle to lead Your Party 27:48

6d ago27:48

27:48

After months of deliberation it’s been decided, it’s not our party, it’s not their party, it’s Your Party. This weekend, thousands of the new left party’s delegates flooded into a conference centre in Liverpool to try and decide the future life and fate of the movement. But in keeping with the last 5 months of trials and tribulations, in-fighting a…

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Our justice system is leaking from the sides 23:48

3d ago23:48

23:48

In the past three weeks, 12 prisoners have been accidentally released - Justice Secretary David Lammy announced this morning. This is in addition to the 91 who’ve also been mistakenly freed in England and Wales in the last six months. It’s fair to say, the justice system is in a bad way - leaking from the sides. Trying his best to mop this up, Lamm…

51
Keir Starmer is in denial 29:55

7d ago29:55

29:55

Keir Starmer has backed Rachel Reeves – but the Prime Minister has miscalculated. After weekend front pages accused the Chancellor of lying about the "fiscal black hole" which, Reeves says, necessitated last week's tax-and-spend budget, the PM has given a speech supporting Reeves and saying he's "proud" of the budget. Meanwhile polling reveals a ma…

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Trump: U.S. Will Block Immigration From “Third World Countries” 43:44

14d ago43:44

43:44

On CNN's State of the Union, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly responds to President Trump's immigration crackdown plus the new details about the second follow-up strike on a suspected drug vessel killing unarmed survivors. Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin says President Trump is being "proactive" in targeting alleged drug operations - but that doesn't…

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Labour U-turn again, this time on employment rights 24:10

12d ago24:10

24:10

Another bit has fallen off Labour’s car as its MPs flee Westminster and bid a hasty retreat to their constituencies. This time, Labour has been accused of breaking another manifesto promise by pulling a major one eighty on workers rights. Oli Dugmore is joined by Ailbhe Rea. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper jour…

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Crap, trash and greed 27:02

14d ago27:02

27:02

It’s Black Friday and consumers are hunting for bargains. However, are Brits spending more and more money on goods that are getting worse and worse? Will Dunn joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss his theory of "crapflation". Will also spent time this week in an enormous pile of trash, dumped by organised criminals in a field in Oxfordshire. SAVE £££ T…

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Middle earners targeted by budget 26:39

15d ago26:39

26:39

While many on the left were calling for a wealth tax, yesterday the Chancellor delivered a smorgasbord of stealth taxes. How will this platter of sneaky revenue streams boost the government’s finances? And what does it mean in the longterm, economically, for the country? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by the New Statesman's business editor, Will Dunn, …

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Rachel Reeves’ tax-heavy budget 24:13

15d ago24:13

24:13

Tax in Britain will rise to an all-time high following Rachel Reeves’ budget. The Chancellor has unveiled her latest budget. She’s promised to remove the two-child benefit cap, freeze income tax brackets and introduce a new mansion tax. Labour deny they are breaking their manifesto pledge to avoid raising income tax, while critics claim the freeze …

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251 – Matt Freeman on What Makes a Good Story 1:54:49

16d ago1:54:49

1:54:49

Matt Freeman has been cohosting several media analysis podcasts for over a decade. He and his cohost Scott have been doing weekly episodes of the Doofcast every Friday and they cover movies, books, and TV shows. Matt and Scott’s analysis podcasts have made me love stories even more and have equipped me with tools to enhance my ability to think more…

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Rachel Reeves must climb out of a massive hole 41:55

19d ago41:55

41:55

The Chancellor has admitted that the economy feels stuck. But will tomorrow’s budget, which promises to “grip the cost of living” and looks likely to freeze income tax thresholds, actually do anything to help? Oli Dugmore is joined by the New Statesman's editor Tom McTague and political editor Ailbhe Rea. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas,…

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Jeremy Corbyn: “I’m sorry” for Your Party’s messy launch 32:50

11d ago32:50

32:50

This summer, MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana announced the launch of the provisionally named ‘Your Party’. The new party was created to fill a gap on the left-wing of British politics that many believe Keir Starmer and his Labour government are ignoring. However, the launch process has not been smooth. Our political correspondent Megan Kenyon h…

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Interviews with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Sen. Bill Cassidy, Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett 41:54

21d ago41:54

41:54

On CNN's State of the Union, Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett responds to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announcing she is leaving Congress, plus reveals new polling that will influence her decision to run for senate in Texas. Jake Tapper pushes Senator Bill Cassidy on his deciding vote to confirm H-H-S Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior, p…

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Bayes Blast 46 – Get Involved in Local Politics with Booker Lightman 25:59

18d ago25:59

25:59

Booker is a long-time attendee and one of the coordinators of the Denver area Less Wrong community. Community engagement isn’t just a background task for him – he’s taken real steps to get involved with and improve his community and you can too! He’s here to tell us about the things he’s done and give some guidance on how you all can get involved a…

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How Palantir conquered the world 31:33

13d ago31:33

31:33

For so long a fixture of public debate in the US, the software company Palantir is now increasingly being talked about here in Britain. In September the UK government announced a £1.5bn investment by Palantir in the military. It already has contracts with the police and the NHS. So, should we be worried? Tanjil Rashid is joined by journalist James …

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Where are Britain’s communist parties? 41:55

17d ago41:55

41:55

Whilst Your Party and the Green Party attempt to occupy the space on the left of British politics that they feel Labour has abandoned, our listener asks, what about the British communist parties? Oli Dugmore is joined by Tom McTague to discuss this, along with other listener questions on political briefings to the press and whether Labour can make …

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How much does immigration actually matter to the public? 43:21

19d ago43:21

43:21

Shabana Mahmood was back in the Commons today outlining her controversial immigration plans. Meanwhile, Clive Lewis said he’d give up his seat for Andy Burnham and a Labour MP defects to the Greens. In the second half of the podcast, Calum Weir from Labour Together tells us what really matters to Britain. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunlif…

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The bond markets could bring down Rachel Reeves 34:30

17d ago34:30

34:30

Meet the money men with Britain's future in their hands. * Next week Rachel Reeves will deliver her budget and, for all the talk of fiscal rules, headroom and tax rises, there is a higher power she must contend with. When the Chancellor goes for meetings in the City, she is rarely introduced to the people whose job it is to press the button on buyi…

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Labour has given up on integration 31:57

23d ago31:57

31:57

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has set out her plans for the biggest shake up of asylum laws in 40 years. It divided the Labour party, impressed some Conservatives and even earned the home sec an invite to join Reform. But what will it mean in the long term for Britain, and for the families affected? Oli Dugmore is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and Ra…

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Shabana Mahmood's asylum plans split Labour 26:06

18d ago26:06

26:06

Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has unveiled a series of changes to the migration and asylum system. The plans, which have been trailed over the weekend, have been met with scorn from within the Labour party. “This approach isn’t just morally wrong” the MP Richard Burgeon tweeted earlier today, “it’s politically disastrous.” Oli Dugmore is joi…

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Interviews with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene; Dr. Oz; Rahm Emanuel 47:44

28d ago47:44

47:44

On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene exclusively joins Dana Bash for her first interview since her explosive break-up with President Trump. She tells Dana, “Unfortunately, it has all come down to the Epstein files” and questions why he’s fighting so hard to release them. Rep. Greene also apologizes for her ro…

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Booker winner: Keir Starmer should read 'Flesh' 21:41

26d ago21:41

21:41

"If he feels talking about his favourite novel is politically disadvantageous, that's a sad state of affairs" - David Szalay on Keir Starmer's reading habits. -- David Szalay is the winner of the 2025 Booker Prize for Fiction. He disputes claims that his novel, Flesh, is a tale of modern masculinity as reviewers have claimed. Though it certainly ex…

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What Wes Streeting should do next 18:46

26d ago18:46

18:46

We share our strategy advice for the Labour rebels allegedly trying to oust Keir Starmer. Ailbhe Rea and Luke O'Reilly join Rachel Cunliffe to answer listener questions. In this episode: What's the best strategy for Labour rebels hoping to dethrone Starmer? How much power does a party chair wield? Can any politicians affect positive change? SAVE ££…

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Why is Rachel Reeves U-turning on income tax? 28:01

28d ago28:01

28:01

After weeks of preparing to break their manifesto pledge, Starmer and Reeves have ditched their plans to raise income tax. They’re scared it would have angered their MPs and voters, amid a dire performance in the polls. How will Reeves plug the £30 billion gap in public finances if she doesn’t raise income tax? Oli Dugmore is joined by Ailbhe Rea a…

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There’s no “fundamental institutional bias” at the BBC | Lewis Goodall interview 34:02

22d ago34:02

34:02

The BBC is still reeling from the dramatic resignation announcement of its director general Tim Davie on Sunday. Rachel Cunliffe gets Lewis Goodall’s insider perspective, drawing on his time working on BBC’s Newsnight programme. Lewis also shares his thoughts on the leadership threats surrounding Keir Starmer. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/pol…

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Mutiny in the Labour Party 34:44

23d ago34:44

34:44

Labour hit its lowest-ever poll rating last week, coming fourth at just 17 per cent. Westminster is full of chatter about a leadership coup at the hands of Wes Streeting. And Labour MPs and government aides alike are dismayed by Keir Starmer’s leadership and the state of No 10. Has the Prime Minister reached the point of no return? Anoosh Chakelian…

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250 – Making the Good Life with Matt Freeman 1:56:38

28d ago1:56:38

1:56:38

While Eneasz is busy at InkHaven, Steven sits down with Matt Freeman to talk about not-AI stuff! We had (in my opinion) a great conversation about stoic philosophy, the traps of getting too entrenched in any philosophical framework, and some of the ingredients of a happy life. LINKS It’s Okay to Feel Bad for a Bit Doof! Media, the home of Matt’s ot…

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Will world leaders ever fix climate change? 36:33

24d ago36:33

36:33

It's now "impossible" to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees. Can COP30 achieve anything material at all? -- Keir Starmer has been in Brazil ahead of COP30 - the world’s largest annual climate meeting - where world leaders were told it’s now “virtually impossible” to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. That’s according to the UN’s chief meteorolog…

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Crisis at the BBC 28:31

25d ago28:31

28:31

Yesterday evening, BBC director general Tim Davie resigned, as first reported in the New Statesman by our new political editor Ailbhe Rea, along with his head of news, Deborah Turness. In the end, it came down to a Panorama documentary accused of featuring a misleadingly edited speech by Donald Trump. But, having weathered years of BBC scandals, co…

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Interviews with California Gov. Gavin Newsom; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy 44:11

1M ago44:11

44:11

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down exclusively with California Gov. Gavin Newsom for a wide-ranging interview. They discuss his decisive redistricting win, the state of the Democratic Party, whether he will run for president in 2028, and how Democrats can reverse their slide among young male voters. Then, amid mounting travel turmoi…

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Has Labour let down millennials? 25:30

27d ago25:30

25:30

Has Labour let down Millennials? Are tax hikes on the horizon? And what would happen to the commonwealth if Britain dumped our King? Rachel Cunliffe joins Anoosh Chakelian to answer listener questions. Treat yourself or someone special to big ideas, bold politics and proper journalism from just £2 this Christmas when you subscribe to the New States…

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Steve Reed's £7bn affordable housing fund | Exclusive interview 29:46

28d ago29:46

29:46

“The dream of home ownership is closed off to younger people today” - Steve Reed, Housing Secretary Steve Reed exclusively tells the New Statesman about the seven billion pounds Labour are giving to the six mayoral combined authorities for social and affordable housing. In an interview with Oli Dugmore, Labour’s housing secretary outlines the plan,…

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What Labour must learn from Zohran Mamdani 25:09

29d ago25:09

25:09

Voters in New York City have elected a socialist, Muslim, 34-year old Mayor. Here's what Labour need to learn from Zohran Mamdani's campaign. -- Zohran Mamdani calls himself "Donald Trump's worst nightmare". In the UK, senior Labour figures including Wes Streeting have praised the young Democrat Mayor-Elect's campaign. But should Labour be celebrat…

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Britain’s next maternity scandal 34:21

30d ago34:21

34:21

A four-month investigation with Channel 4 News reveals harrowing failings at one of Britain’s most prestigious hospitals. Oli Dugmore speaks to the New Statesman's Investigations Editor, Hannah Barnes. Read: Britain’s next maternity scandal SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2 LISTEN AD-FREE:…

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Huntingdon train attack: knife crime in suburbia 39:45

1M ago39:45

39:45

Is Britain becoming a country of mass violence? On Saturday evening, a Doncaster to London train was forced to stop in Huntingdon after eleven people were injured in a stabbing spree. Anthony Williams, a 32 year-old British national, was charged on Monday with multiple counts of attempted murder. Oli Dugmore is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel…

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What's Farage's plan for the economy? 44:02

1M ago44:02

44:02

Today, Nigel Farage set out his updated vision for the UK economy. At a speech and press conference in London, The Reform UK leader talked tax, immigration, welfare, Brexit and his days working in the City. The New Statesman’s Ethan Croft was at the event. Ethan joins Oli Dugmore to discuss. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics…

1
Interviews with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries; Democratic Sen. John Fetterman 43:38

1M ago43:38

43:38

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper asks Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent whether the Trump administration will use emergency funds to restore SNAP benefits for millions of Americans. Then, Jake asks House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries whether New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is the future of the Democratic Party. Next, …

1
Do we have too many leftist parties? 19:39

1M ago19:39

19:39

Is Build Baby Build doomed? Is Katie Lam running for leader? Where is Priti Patel? Can the UK really support 5 large leftist parties? Luke O’Reilly joins Anoosh Chakelian to answer listener questions. Ask us a question SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2 LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Sta…