Best Rupert Williams Podcasts (2025)

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Holy Smoke: how transformative has 2025 been for Christianity? 20:56

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2d ago20:56

20:56

Anglican author The Rev'd Fergus Butler-Gallie, Catholic priest Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith and Evangelical commentator Fleur Meston join Damian Thompson to reflect on 2025. They discuss Pope Leo XIV's leadership so far, the choice of Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury and why Christianity has been coopted by the far right. Plus, was the …

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Peacemaker: U Thant and the Turbulent 60s 57:23

2d ago57:23

57:23

First: U Thant led the UN during a golden era of diplomacy. What can we learn from him today? Christiane speaks with Thant's grandson, historian Thant Myint-U, about his new book, "Peacemaker." Plus: In this age of disinformation, the legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog tells Christiane why we must never stop fighting for the truth. And: Booker Prize…

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The Airing of Grievances: A Boardwalk Festivus 1:17:56

2d ago1:17:56

1:17:56

The boys kick off Festivus with the Airing of Grievances. Mitch Chahalis joins us to celebrate the holiday. _________________________________________ Buy Kyle's Book Here Where to Listen: Apple: https://bit.ly/theboardwalkapple Spotify: https://bit.ly/theboardwalkspotify Pandora: https://bit.ly/3xZ8bk9 Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3gbZ6ya Amazon…

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We Need a Little Christmas! The "Fun for All Ages" 2025 Holiday Spectacular w/ Mario Cantone and Susie Essman 1:47:42

2d ago1:47:42

1:47:42

The "Amazing Colossal Podcast" holiday tradition marches on as Frank is joined by old friend Mario Cantone and comedian-actress Susie Essman to talk about the best (and worst) Christmas movies on TCM, the secret life of Frosty the Snowman, the musical genius of Irving Berlin and Leslie Bricusse, the existential crisis of "It's a Wonderful Life" and…

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Paloma REVEALS her own Maddest, Saddest and Baddest moments 24:00

2d ago24:00

24:00

Seeing as it is Christmas I thought it was time to pull the stops out and do a Mad, Sad and Bad special. Today we’re turning the show on its head as I get interviewed by the person who knows me better than anyone else in the world…my mum! For the first time I’m reversing roles and sitting in the hotseat while my mum asks ME about my mad, sad and ba…

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Coffee House Shots: Stephen Flynn on Reform, Sturgeon & a second referendum 26:26

3d ago26:26

26:26

The SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, joins Lucy Dunn for a special episode to assess the place of the SNP in British politics as we approach the end of 2025. The SNP were ‘decimated’ to just nine MPs at the 2024 general election – yet, if polls are to be believed, they are on course for another record win in the 2026 H…

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'The Day Iceland Stood Still' 56:06

3d ago56:06

56:06

50 years ago, Iceland's women went on strike. It's not the most gender-equal country on earth. A new documentary, "The Day Iceland Stood Still," tells that historic society. Christiane speaks to their president and the film's director. Also on today's show: Former CNN Cairo bureau chief Gayle Young; tech activist Cory Doctorow Learn more about your…

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Table Talk: Michael Gove 30:48

3d ago30:48

30:48

Surely needing no introduction to Spectator listeners, Michael Gove has been a staple of British politics for almost two decades. As a Christmas treat, he joins Lara Prendergast to talk about his memories of food including: the 'brain food' he grew up on in Aberdeen, his favourite Oxford pubs and the dining culture of 1980s Fleet Street. He also sh…

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Christmas Out Loud II: Dominic Sandbrook, Philip Hensher, Steve Morris, Christopher Howse, Michael Hann & Mary Killen 40:43

5d ago40:43

40:43

On this week’s special Christmas edition of Spectator Out Loud – part two: Dominic Sandbrook reflects on whether Lady Emma Hamilton is the 18th century’s answer to Bonnie Blue; Philip Hensher celebrates the joy of a miserable literary Christmas; Steve Morris argues that an angel is for life, not just for Christmas; Christopher Howse ponders the Spe…

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Christmas II: Dominic Sandbrook, Philip Hensher, Steve Morris, Christopher Howse, Michael Hann & Mary Killen 40:43

5d ago40:43

40:43

On this week’s special Christmas edition of Spectator Out Loud – part two: Dominic Sandbrook reflects on whether Lady Emma Hamilton is the 18th century’s answer to Bonnie Blue; Philip Hensher celebrates the joy of a miserable literary Christmas; Steve Morris argues that an angel is for life, not just for Christmas; Christopher Howse ponders the Spe…

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Finding Light Amongst Darkness This Festive Season 42:36

5d ago42:36

42:36

As Hanukkah celebrations draw to a close under the shadow of the horrific anti-Semitic attack in Sydney, Bianna Golodryga speaks to Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann about navigating grief with faith, empathy and togetherness. And, the South Korean film racking up Golden Globe nominations, director Park Chan-wook talks about his new film "No Other Choice", tackl…

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Coffee House Shots: who won 2025? with Quentin Letts 24:43

6d ago24:43

24:43

As is fast becoming a tradition on Coffee House Shots at this time of year, James Heale and Tim Shipman are joined by sketch writer Quentin Letts to go through the events of the past 12 months. From sackings to resignations, and Farage to Polanski, it is a year in which the centuries-old consensus has been challenged and Westminster is delicately p…

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Eric Pettibone, farrier, rancher, and former horse breeder, explains lots about breeding horses. 33:36

6d ago33:36

33:36

Send us a text Eric Pettibone has stewarded Crane Creek Ranch for over 35 years, with his wife Jill. A graduate of the OSU Farrier School (1988), he continues to serve the Douglas County horse community while managing the 1,400-acre ranch along the North Umpqua River near Roseburg, Oregon. Crane Creek Ranch began as a horse breeding operation and t…

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Trump Targets Trans People 55:43

6d ago55:43

55:43

First, Brianna speaks with activist Chase Strangio about pushing back against what many see as President Trump's war against trans people. Then, visual artists Gilbert & George give us an up-close look at their weird and wonderful world. And reporter Tom Gjelten joins the show to discuss the dangerous intersection of antisemitism, Christian nationa…

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New Born Wonder. Jesus, Owen Barfield, William Blake 1:00:59

6d ago1:00:59

1:00:59

How can we understand what is happening today from the perspective of what is sometimes called salvation history? What might be struggling to be born in our times? Why is a spiritual analysis - an unfolding of consciousness - key? The talk was delivered at The School of Myth, “Wild Christ”, weekend with Martin Shaw, Rowan Williams, Heather Pollingt…

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Americano: why did Susie Wiles talk to Vanity Fair? 29:14

7d ago29:14

29:14

Freddy Gray speaks to Vanity Fair's Washington correspondent Aidan McLaughlin about their latest two-part interview with one of Trump's closest allies Susie Wiles. As chief of staff to the White House, she has given some of the most candid quotes about what really happens inside Trump's regime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform…

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Using Frozen Russian Assets to Support Ukraine 56:16

7d ago56:16

56:16

World leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss an unprecedented plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance more support for Ukraine. Critics argue that it's legally questionable and risks serious retaliation from Moscow. Correspondent Clare Sebastian joins the show from Brussels. Also on today's show: author Marietje Schaake, "The Tech Coup"; p…

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Speaker series: Bernard Cornwell – Sharpe's Storm 1:04:09

8d ago1:04:09

1:04:09

The Spectator’s associate editor Toby Young sits down with master storyteller Bernard Cornwell, author of more than 50 international bestselling novels, including The Last Kingdom and much-loved Sharpe series. They delve into Cornwell’s life and career, discuss the real history behind his riveting tales of war and heroism and explore the enduring a…

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What to Make of Susie Wiles Interview? 57:36

8d ago57:36

57:36

"An alcoholic's personality," "a right-wing absolute zealot," and "a conspiracy theorist" are some of the descriptions of President Trump and top members of his team by his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in a new Vanity Fair interview. She claims her words were taken out of context and key administration figures are standing by her. But are fractures s…

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Quite right!: where does Islamism come from? 23:54

9d ago23:54

23:54

Michael Gove and Madeline Grant confront the horror of the Bondi Beach massacre and ask why anti-Semitic violence now provokes despair rather than shock. As Jewish communities are once again targeted on holy days, they examine the roots of Islamist ideology and the failure of political leaders to name it. Why has anti-Semitism metastasised across t…

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Former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker 56:19

9d ago56:19

56:19

Are we one step closer to peace in Ukraine? After two days of negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Europe, there certainly seems to be optimism in the air. Now the new proposal goes back to the Kremlin, but is President Putin ready to accept the terms? We ask Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to NATO, who served as special envoy to Ukraine duri…

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Holy Smoke: why religious societies succeed – with Rory Sutherland 35:06

9d ago35:06

35:06

Advertising guru – and the Spectator's Wiki Man columnist – Rory Sutherland joins Damian Thompson for this episode of Holy Smoke. In a wide ranging discussion, from Sigmund Freud and Max Weber to Quakers and Mormons, they discuss how some religious communities seem to be predisposed to success by virtue of their beliefs. How do spiritual choices af…

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You Better Watch Out: Behind the Scenes of "Bad Santa" w/ Terry Zwigoff, Glenn Ficarra, John Requa and Robert Hoffman 1:41:31

9d ago1:41:31

1:41:31

Frank ushers in the holiday season with a reunion of the creative team behind the 2003 black comedy "Bad Santa": director Terry Zwigoff, screenwriters Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and film editor Robert Hoffman. In this episode: the boys talk about the bumpy ride from page to screen, the nightmare of test screenings, the (extremely) contentious cas…

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Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann on Australia Shooting Tragedy 55:45

10d ago55:45

55:45

Australia's tight-knit Jewish community is reeling in the aftermath of a mass shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Australia's Jewish leaders have been warning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government about rising antisemitism for several years now. As the Hanukkah holiday continues, with its celebration of l…

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Americano: how is Trump's counter revolution going? 41:26

10d ago41:26

41:26

US historian and classicist Victor Davis Hanson joins Americano for a wide-ranging assessment of Donald Trump’s first year back in office, from the economy and immigration to Ukraine and the future of the West. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Christmas Out Loud I: James Heale, Gyles Brandreth, Avi Loeb, Melanie McDonagh, Mary Wakefield, Richard Bratby & Rupert Hawksley 44:15

12d ago44:15

44:15

On this week’s special Christmas edition of Spectator Out Loud – part one: James Heale wonders if Keir Starmer will really have a happy new year; Gyles Brandreth discusses Her Majesty The Queen’s love of reading, and reveals which books Her Majesty has personally recommended to give this Christmas; Avi Loeb explains why a comet could be a spaceship…

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Devon O'Day from Mustang Heritage Foundation 57:47

12d ago57:47

57:47

Send us a text https://www.mustangheritagefoundation.org/ Director of Media & Marketing Devon O’Day has been a career broadcaster known for local, regional and nationally syndicated radio since 1976. She is a member of the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. As a songwriter, she has had songs recorded by Hank Williams Jr, Pam Tillis, Lee Ann Womack, and …

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Rough Seas for the Transatlantic Alliance 42:34

12d ago42:34

42:34

It’s been a tough week for Europe after President Trump described the continent as "weak" and "decaying". Can US-Europe relations recover? Christiane gets the view from both sides of the pond, with former US Defense Department official Celeste Wallander and Oxford historian Peter Frankopan. A year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the co…

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Christmas I: James Heale, Gyles Brandreth, Avi Loeb, Melanie McDonagh, Mary Wakefield, Richard Bratby & Rupert Hawksley 44:15

13d ago44:15

44:15

On this week’s special Christmas edition of Spectator Out Loud – part one: James Heale wonders if Keir Starmer will really have a happy new year; Gyles Brandreth discusses Her Majesty The Queen’s love of reading, and reveals which books Her Majesty has personally recommended to give this Christmas; Avi Loeb explains why a comet could be a spaceship…

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Coffee House Shots: will Scotland switch course in 2026? with Gordon McKee 17:30

13d ago17:30

17:30

The Spectator heads into Christmas a little bit less Scottish as we bid farewell to our political correspondent Lucy Dunn. Before Lucy leaves for STV, she joins Coffee House Shots – with fellow Scots Michael Simmons and Labour MP Gordon McKee – for one final episode reflecting on the state of Scottish politics. They discuss whether the SNP has stab…

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Syria Enters 'Transitional Justice' Phase 56:00

13d ago56:00

56:00

Syrians are celebrating one year of freedom from the Assad regime, but there are many wounds still to be healed, and the work of transitional justice must now take place. It's a process that links Syria to the US, South Africa and many other countries in between. Ruti Teitel, professor of law at New York Law School and author of "Presidential Visio…

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The Christmas Edition: From The Queen to Bonnie Blue 40:22

14d ago40:22

40:22

The Spectator’s bumper Christmas issue is a feast for all, with offerings from Nigel Farage, Matthew McConaughey and Andrew Strauss to Dominic Sandbrook, David Deutsch and Bonnie Blue – and even from Her Majesty The Queen. To take us through the Christmas Edition, host Lara Prendergast is joined by deputy political editor James Heale, associate edi…

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Nobel Winner Machado Appears in Oslo 56:05

14d ago56:05

56:05

After nearly a year in hiding, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado snuck out of her country and appeared in public after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. The 58-year-old dedicated her prize in part to President Trump, who is taking an aggressive strategy against the Maduro regime. Contributor Stefano Pozzebon has been following this sto…

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Answering Listener Questions and Christmas Movie Rankings w/ Mik Lopez 1:24:51

14d ago1:24:51

1:24:51

The boys are joined by frequent contributor Mik Lopez to answer reader questions about elections that could have been, running for office, and to settle which Christmas movies are best. This was a fun one. _________________________________________ Buy Kyle's Book Here Where to Listen: Apple: https://bit.ly/theboardwalkapple Spotify: https://bit.ly/…

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The Book Club: The Journey to Save the Siberian Tiger 49:24

15d ago49:24

49:24

My guest on this week’s Book Club podcast is Jonathan C. Slaght, whose new book is Tigers Between Empires: The Journey to Save the Siberian Tiger from Extinction. He tells me about these remarkable animals, the remarkable people who studied them, and how their fates have been entwined with the shifting politics of post-Soviet Russia. Hosted on Acas…

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Tough Year for the BBC, British Monarchy 56:09

15d ago56:09

56:09

It has been a year like no other for two of Britain's best-known institutions. The BBC, the country's independent public broadcaster, has found its editorial integrity in question, and has been forced to defend its practices on multiple occasions. The British monarchy too, is under greater scrutiny than perhaps ever before. David Dimbleby is a vete…

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Hostile to Europe, Warm to Russia 56:04

16d ago56:04

56:04

The just-published Trump 2.0 national security strategy is causing a mix of fury, resignation, and even accusations of ignorance. Moscow has welcomed the plan, saying it aligns with Putin's vision, while former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt posted that it's "to the right of the extreme right of Europe." Celeste Wallander served as an assistant …

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Post-Budget briefing: what will it mean for your finances? 36:17

16d ago36:17

36:17

In the wake of an extraordinary Budget – leaked an hour before the Chancellor addressed Parliament – The Spectator brings clarity to a turbulent political and take stock of how the announcements will impact you. Michael Simmons speaks with John Porteous of Charles Stanley and James Nation, formerly of the Treasury and No. 10, to discuss how the eve…

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Knuckleheads, Shenanigans and Aardvarks: Local Kids' Shows of the 1960s and '70s (Part Two) w/ Rich Brown, Allan Neuwirth and Steven Weber 1:10:53

16d ago1:10:53

1:10:53

In this conclusion of a sentimental and laugh-filled episode, producer-comedian Rich Brown, actor Steven Weber and writer-producer (and this week's co-host) Allan Neuwirth join Frank to remember some much-loved New York-based kids' programs of the 1960s, '70s (and '80s), including "Shenanigans," "The Magic Garden," "The New Zoo Revue," "The Uncle F…

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Table Talk: Tom Gilbey 30:25

16d ago30:25

30:25

Tom Gilbey, the internet’s most charismatic wine expert, sits down with Olivia Potts for Table Talk. Tom is a winemaker, merchant, educator – and also an author. His new book, Thirsty, is part-memoir, part guide to his life through wine in 100 bottles, and is available now. On the podcast, Tom discusses his family’s love for winemaking that stretch…

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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa 56:06

17d ago56:06

56:06

One year ago today, Syria's fallen President Bashar al-Assad fled the country. The man who replaced him, opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, is certainly an international darling, welcomed all the way to the White House. According to a new poll by Arab Barometer, he has the approval of 81% of the Syrian people. But these numbers aren't universal: am…

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Americano: will anyone miss the Boomers? 30:11

17d ago30:11

30:11

Christopher Caldwell joins Freddy Gray to discuss why the 'Boomer generation' – those born between 1946 and 1964 – became one of the most hated generations in recent history. Chris argues that the Boomers uniquely benefited from the resources of other generations, and were able to enjoy the benefits of leftist politics alongside the political and e…

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Spectator Out Loud: what's the greatest artwork of the century so far? 14:12

19d ago14:12

14:12

For this week's Spectator Out Loud, we include a compilation of submissions by our writers for their greatest artwork of the 21st century so far. Following our arts editor Igor Toronyi-Lalic, you can hear from: Graeme Thomson, Lloyd Evans, Slavoj Zizek, Damian Thompson, Richard Bratby, Liz Anderson, Deborah Ross, Calvin Po, Tanjil Rashid, James Wal…

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US ramps up pressure on Venezuela, Snubs Europe 42:33

19d ago42:33

42:33

Is time running out for Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro? Christiane asks Colombia's former president Ivan Duque why he supports Trump's aggressive stance against the country next door. And while the U.S. president has his eye on Latin America, the White House is snubbing Europe again, opting not to send Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a NATO foreign m…

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What's the greatest artwork of the century so far? 14:12

20d ago14:12

14:12

For this week's Spectator Out Loud, we include a compilation of submissions by our writers for their greatest artwork of the 21st century so far. Following our arts editor Igor Toronyi-Lalic, you can hear from: Graeme Thomson, Lloyd Evans, Slavoj Zizek, Damian Thompson, Richard Bratby, Liz Anderson, Deborah Ross, Calvin Po, Tanjil Rashid, James Wal…

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Coffee House Shots: who really runs No.10? 23:42

20d ago23:42

23:42

This weekend’s Coffee House Shots digs into the growing debate over whether Keir Starmer should tack left on the economy as voters peel away to the Greens and Lib Dems – and why some in Labour think its migration stance is now more popular with their own voters than ever. Are Labour tacking left? But beyond policy, a deeper question looms: is Westm…

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Former NATO Commander Rupert Smith 55:52

20d ago55:52

55:52

A week of intensive US diplomacy is wrapping up, with no Ukraine deal in sight, and escalating threats from Moscow. 30 years ago, the Dayton Agreement brought an end to the savage war in Bosnia, where, like Putin's dream of a greater Russia today, Serbia wanted more land and control, not an independent Bosnia. Rupert Smith was commander of the Unit…

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The Edition: Benefits Britain, mental health & what’s the greatest artwork of the 21st Century? 22:26

21d ago22:26

22:26

‘Labour is now the party of welfare, not work’ argues Michael Simmons in the Spectator’s cover article this week. The question ‘why should I bother with work?’ is becoming harder to answer, following last week’s Budget which could come to define this Labour government. A smaller and smaller cohort of people are being asked to shoulder the burden – …

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Former Colombian President Ivan Duque 56:10

21d ago56:10

56:10

In recent months, the Trump administration has hit 21 boats suspected of smuggling on behalf of drug cartels, as part of their self-declared war on narcoterrorism. It's all part of a wider campaign aimed at Venezuela and its leader Nicolas Maduro. Former President of Colombia Ivan Duque joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show NYT journalist…

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The Book Club: A Brief History of the Aphorism 43:29

22d ago43:29

43:29

My guest in this week’s Book Club podcast is James Geary, talking about the new edition of his classic The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorism. He tells me about what separates an aphorism from a proverb, a maxim or a quip; about the long history of the form and his own lifelong infatuation with it; and about whether – given our dwin…