The Americano podcast from The Spectator offers in-depth discussions on American politics with top pundits, hosted by Freddy Gray. It covers the latest developments in the US political landscape, providing analysis and commentary.
Episodes
Andy Ngo: Inside the bizarre ‘Death Cult’ you’ve never heard of - The Zizians
Freddy Gray sits down with investigative journalist Andy Ngo to unpack his reporting on the controversial marriage allegations surrounding Congresswoman Ilhan Omar before delving deep into his new true-crime book ‘The Zizians: Inside a Trans Death Cult’, examining the Zizians, an insular, Silicon Valley-born cult that Ngo argues mainstream media has actively ignored.Become a Spectator subscriber t
Trump’s midterm disaster: What went wrong?
Freddy Gray breaks down a catastrophic midterm defeat for Donald Trump's Republican Party alongside guests Jacob Heilbrunn and Andrew Day, who argue that public fury over a disastrous, inflation-fuelling war with Iran decisively shattered Trump’s 2024 coalition, exposed his administration's erratic focus and flawed candidate endorsements, and triggered a major generational reckoning that s
John Fund: Can we really trust the midterm polls?
In this episode of Americano, Freddy Gray and National Review columnist John Fund analyse the upcoming U.S. midterms, exploring how systemic polling flaws distort voter data, how JD Vance balances loyalty to Donald Trump against his 2028 ambitions, and how persistent inflation and cabinet family ethics scandals expose the administration to congressional oversight.Become a Spectator subscriber toda
Jacob Heilbrunn: Is Trump's White House spinning out of control?
Freddy Gray and Jacob Heilbrunn examine reports of growing chaos and internal briefing wars within Donald Trump’s White House, diving into Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' position, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's missteps, and the political strategy surrounding potential Democratic impeachment efforts.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.
Robert Pape: America’s political violence is spiralling
Freddy Gray speaks with University of Chicago international security scholar Professor Robert Pape about his book, Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Face of Violent Populism, exploring how demographic transformations, widening wealth inequality, and the normalisation of political violence across the political spectrum are intersecting to pose a profound internal threat to American democracy an
Trump’s decade of power: What went wrong?
Freddy Gray speaks with Spectator columnist Christopher Caldwell about the ten-year legacy of Donald Trump since his 2016 election victory, assessing his second administration's high-water marks alongside the recent political and personal controversies that Caldwell argues have eroded voter trust, unraveled his populist appeal, and raised sharp questions about the future of the conservative mo
Is libertarianism dead? Daniel McCarthy vs. Robby Soave
In this episode of Americano, Freddy Gray hosts a debate between Daniel McCarthy of the Heritage Foundation and Robby Soave of Reason magazine to examine whether libertarianism has effectively died as a vital political force or remains quietly triumphant through tech deregulation, AI innovation, and unprecedented levels of individual freedom.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podca
The truth about Xi & Trump’s summit – with Dr. Edward Howell
In this episode of Americano, Freddie Gray speaks with Dr. Edward Howell, an Oxford University lecturer in international relations, about the high-stakes summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, examining Beijing’s strategic desire for global parity, its covert role in enabling an anti-Western alignment alongside Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and the escalating geopolitical tensions surroundin
Is Trumpism unravelling? with Anthony Scaramucci
In this episode of Americano, Freddy Gray speaks with former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci about his new book 'All the Wrong Moves', breaking down the systemic failures driving American populism, the economic fallout of foreign conflicts and rising national debt, and his sharp critique of Donald Trump's political strategy and economic policies.Become a Spectator subscriber
Steve Bannon: Tech oligarchs hid the AI extinction threat
In this episode of Americano, Freddy Gray speaks with Steve Bannon - former White House chief strategist for Donald Trump - about the ideological convergence between national populists and progressive Leftists as they confront the existential risks of unbridled AI, the suppression of internal whistleblower warnings by Silicon Valley elites, and the urgent necessity of cutting off Chinese access to
Peter Thiel, the Antichrist and the battle to control AI
Freddy Gray is joined by Michael P. Gibson, co-founder of the 1517 Fund, to discuss the weekend's warnings about AI catastrophe from Anthropic's Dario Amodei, Elon Musk and others, and the Trump administration's insistence on a light touch.Freddy and Michael discuss why Michael thinks the warnings should be read alongside Anthropic and OpenAI's plans to go public in the next six to nine months; ho
Rep. Randy Fine: 'I support a four-state solution for Britain!'
Freddy Gray is joined by Rep. Randy Fine, the Republican congressman for Florida's 6th district, to speak about his viral post, calling for a four-state solution for the United Kingdom. The post which parodies a popular pro-Palestinian chant, 'From the river to the sea', targeted the British government's fresh sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.Freddy and Rep. Fine discuss his claim
Inside Jared Kushner’s Albanian adventure
What is behind Albania’s so-called ‘Flamingo Revolution’, and why has Jared Kushner found himself at the centre of it?Freddy Gray is joined by Ian Thomson to discuss Kushner’s controversial plans to build luxury resorts on Albania’s coastline, the protests they have sparked, and the country’s long-running battles over land and property.They also explore Albania’s turbulent history, the legacy of c
Will Pete Hegseth run for President?
Is Pete Hegseth positioning himself for a 2028 presidential run….or is he on the verge of being fired? The Spectator’s Sarah Beth Spraggins joins Americano to discuss the Secretary of War’s future, his loyalty to Trump, and the growing questions over his handling of the Iran war.They also explore Hegseth’s evangelical faith and Washington church, as well as his controversial personal and roma
Why did the CIA director fly to Moscow?
Gus Carter is joined by Owen Matthews, the Spectator's Russia writer, to discuss John Ratcliffe's unannounced trip to Moscow, where the CIA director met Russia's foreign intelligence chief but not Putin.Owen runs through the possible reasons: Iran, a suspected Russian provocation against NATO, and the stalled peace process. They also discuss the sabotage campaign across Europe and the sanctions bi
Just how bad are the polls for the Republicans ?
Freddy Gray is joined by James Johnson, co-founder of JL Partners, on why the midterms are looking increasingly grim for the Republicans. Trump's approval is trending down, the war is dragging on it, and James expects differential turnout to hand the Democrats the House, possibly with more than 230 seats.Freddy and James discuss why a Senate map that should have been safe for Republicans is now a
Have aircraft carriers had their day?
Freddy Gray is joined by Andrew Cockburn, Washington editor of Harper's Magazine, to discuss the state of the US Navy as the USS George Washington arrives in the Arabian Sea to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose crew have sent home photographs of blocked lavatories, rotting rations and sailors who have lost a stone or more.Freddy and Andrew examine why the Iranian strike on the Navy's supply b
What really happened to Karoline Leavitt?
Freddy Gray is joined by Jacob Heilbrunn, editor of The National Interest and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, for a tour around the houses of Trumpworld. Karoline Leavitt has resigned as White House press secretary, officially to spend more time with her young family, and Washington is busy deciding whether to believe it.Freddy and Jacob discuss who might replace her and what the exit say
Is America ready for the new realities of war? | with Steve Hsu
Freddy Gray speaks to physicist and Spectator contributor Steve Hsu about the uncomfortable realities of modern warfare. Why are cheap missiles and drones so difficult and expensive to intercept? Freddy asks Steve about just how depleted are America’s missile stocks, and can the West rebuild its defence industry quickly enough? They also discuss China’s dominance of critical supply chains, the vul
What's the truth about Tylenol?
Freddy Gray is joined by Amanda Hunt, a partner at Keller Postman LLC, who are leading the Tylenol autism litigation. Trump brought the case to the worlds attention when he raised the alarm over usage – especially for pregnant women. Freddy and Amanda discuss the latest developments with the case and why this isn't solely a Conservative or Trump issue. Learn how to earn yield on gold, paid in gold
Has Abdul El-Sayed just saved Trump?
The left-wing insurgent Abdul El-Sayed is slightly ahead of the establishment-backed congresswoman, Haley Stevens, with more than 90% of the votes counted in the Michigan primaries. Freddy Gray speaks to Alex Castellanos who has written a piece for Spectator World explaining why the DSA's success could be a triumph for Trump, how they reflect a similar political outcome to Trump's populist split i
How did Hollywood fall so far?
Gus Carter is joined by Peachy Keenan to talk about the end of Hollywood as we know it. They discuss how the traditional Hollywood business model is faltering, overtaken by the rise of streaming giants. They also highlight how these platforms, initially seen as the new frontier for film, are now grappling with their own economic challenges. Gus and Peachy also talk about how these challenging time
Is China winning the AI race now?
Gus Carter is joined by Geoffrey Cain to speak about the ongoing developments in Chinese AI, and how it stacks up to its American rivals. Gus and Geoffrey talk about the emergence of Kimi K3, and how Chinese models will become inherently more competitive to global audiences, not just those the United States. They also discuss the OpenAI model that went rogue, and how other US models refused to und
Is Gianni Infantino turning into Donald Trump?
As Gianni Infantino pursues a new future for Fifa, Matt McDonald is joined by Jack Holmes to discuss whether the FIFA President is turning into Donald Trump. Just weeks after the end of a highly controversial world cup, Infantino plans to shake up the foundations of global football (or soccer, if you would prefer). But will his bold strategy come to fruition, or might it suffer the same fate as th
How will Team Burnham deal with Team Trump?
Freddy Gray is joined by Ben Judah, a former Labour Special Advisor to discuss the new government's outlook on foreign affairs. Freddy and Ben examine how Andy Burnham's appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary will shape the way Britain builds on its special relationship with the United States and the Trump Whitehouse. They also discuss the implications of Miliband's past positions on net
Is the radical left taking over the Democratic Party?
Freddy Gray is joined by David Weigel to discuss the Democratic primary battle taking place in Michigan between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. Freddy and David examine how the contest has become a proxy for the wider battle over the Democratic Party's future, pitting the Obama-era moderates against the ascendant progressive left. They discuss how Israel has emerged as one of the campaign's defi
Steve Hilton: how this Trump-backed Brit plans to take on California's Democratic 'machine'
Steve Hilton is the British immigrant backed by President Trump who is running to be the next governor of California. On the podcast Steve and Freddy discuss his campaign, one slogan being Cali-fordable – how to improve the cost of living; why the Democratic 'machine' all hail from California and the East vs West coast political divide. Learn how to earn yield on gold, paid in gold, at M
What did Lindsey Graham want?
On Sunday, the Senator Lindsay Graham died suddenly having just return from a trip to Ukraine. It is believed he suffered from a sudden heart problem. Spectator contributor Dan McCarthy reflects on Graham's political career which was heavily involved in foreign policy, his relationship with Trump and sense of humour, plus how Lindsay Graham represented the people of South Carolina, especially the
Free speech in peril & the Farage-Lowe feud – how America views Britain's right-wing circus
Both Nigel Farage and Rupert Lowe have been in the America, telling the political elite all about Britain's demise. Freddy Gray is joined by The Times Washington editor Katy Balls to discuss how the right-wing insurgence in British politics translates to an American, the difference between how the online right, versus a typical Republican may see Farage vs Lowe, and how significant Trump has been
Why is the Iran war back on?
As the NATO summit in Ankara draws to a close today, it wouldn't be a Donald Trump summit without a few shocks. The ceasefire between the US and Iran has collapsed, and Trump has branded the Iranians 'scum'. But what does this mean for NATO and the rest of the world? Freddy Gray and Owen Matthews discuss what the end of the US-Iran ceasefire means for Trump's presidency, why the agreement broke do
Anthony Scaramucci on Trump, Corruption & America at 250
As Americans mark the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Declaration of Independence, Anthony Scaramucci joins the Spectator to provide his assessment of the health of the nation. As we approach the halfway point of the second Trump presidency, what's his impact been on America's reputation? Will the Democrats' attempts to emulate Trump help or hinder them? And why are American conservatives so obsesse
The truth about Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom has spent the last two years building a national profile for himself beyond his controversial leadership of California as its Governor. But is he equipped to take on the challenges that would be faced by a Presidential run in 2028, that go beyond the left-wing political bubble of The Golden State? Freddy Gray speaks to Christopher Rufo, author of the Christopher Rufo Substack, and a S
Why is America’s radical left winning?
After success in the New York democratic primaries for far-left candidates, President Trump says 'the game is on. Enjoy Watching.' Freddy Gray speaks to Spectator columnist, Roger Kimball, about how Trump plans to deal with the radical left, the lawlessness of New York under Mamdani, and how artificial intelligence is changing politics. Learn how to earn yield on gold, paid in gold, at Moneta
Has America really lost to Iran?
Vice President JD Vance is returning from the Swiss Alps having concluded the opening phase of the Iran talks with a view to achieving a peace deal. Are critics right to claim that the whole war has been a humiliation for America? Freddy Gray speaks to Stanford Professor Victor Davis Hanson about MAGA foreign policy, the midterms, why oil is so important to the American voter & the right wing real
Who is really behind the plots to kill Trump?
Freddy is joined by Ken Silva, Author of 'The Trump Assassination Plots' and Editor of Headline USA. They discuss the mysteries around Trump's assassins, how they came so close to killing him, and whether or not it was an inside job.Learn how to earn yield on gold, paid in gold, at Monetary-Metals.com/AmericanoBecome a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to specta
Can Trump forge a lasting peace in Iran?
Freddy is joined by Daniel McCarthy, US columnist for The Spectator and the editor of Modern Age: A Conservative Review. They discuss the US-Iran peace deal, whether a lasting peace is possible in the region, and what's at stake for Iran and leaders in the Persian Gulf.Learn how to earn yield on gold, paid in gold, at Monetary-Metals.com/AmericanoBecome a Spectator subscriber today to access this
JP Morgan 'sex slave' saga & the perils of a post-truth world
Two JP Morgan employees have been at the centre of a salacious lawsuit, in which one – Chirayu Rana has claimed to be the victim of sexual harassment by his senior Lorna Hadjini. The story has exploded online and taken many twists and turns, including Lorna Hadjini filing a countersuit claim of defamation. Freddy Gray is joined by Alex Saeedy, reporter at The Wall Street Journal who has covered th
How to save American farming
Farm bankruptcies in the US have risen by 50 percent in the past year. Soybean farmers lost an average of $100 per acre in 2025, according to the Department of Agriculture, while corn growers are set to lose $150 per acre this year. Meanwhile, the national beef herd is at its lowest level since 1950 and retail prices have jumped by 40 percent in the past 18 months. Freddy Gray is joined by author
Why is Cenk Uygur banned from Britain, really?
Freddy Gray is joined by Cenk Uygur after he and Hasan Piker were banned from entering Britain. They discuss free speech, debate Cenk's position on criticising Israel, Britain’s censorious turn, and what the Henry Nowak case reveals about policing and anti-racism.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spect
Trump-Netanyahu: friends or foes?
This week Axios reported that Trump lashed out at Benjamin Netanyahu over the war in Iran. Despite speculation, this was later verified by Trump – what does this clash tell us about their relationship? Bibi and Trump have known each other for over 40 years and share many things in common. But their differences over political interests has led to a fractured relationship. Freddy Gray speaks to the
Midterms, immigration & the Democrats – a look at the polls
Freddy Gray is joined by JL Partners pollster James Johnson to discuss America's polls: what the election results mean, why immigration has become a problem of the Republican's success, Trump's popularity with the Latinos & why Kamala Harris could still be the Democratic candidate 2028.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find
Who is Usha Vance?
Freddy Gray is joined by Sarah Beth Spraggins to discuss her piece on Usha Vance, the wife of JD Vance who could be in line to be the next First Lady.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com
Superintelligence: will AI extinguish humanity? With Nate Soares
Freddy Gray is joined by Nate Soares, president of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, to discuss the risks posed to humanity by AI. Warning that sufficiently intelligent AI may stop following human instructions entirely, Soares tells Freddy what, if anything, could keep AI from spiralling out of control. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go
What does Thomas Massie’s loss say about the future of the right?
Congressman Thomas Massie, one of the most vocal Republican critics of Donald Trump lost his fight for re-election in Kentucky to a Trump-backed challenger. Freddy Gray is joined by Spectator contributors Daniel McCarthy and Christopher Caldwell to discuss where Thomas Massie went wrong, how corruption centred around the campaign, whether or not Trump's success is a reflection of the upcoming mid
Are the haters wrong about Trump's foreign policy?
After Trump visited Xi Jinping last week, Putin is now expected to meet the Chinese leader in Beijing. Freddy Gray speaks to Francis Pike about these meetings, and Francis makes the case that despite the Iran war, America – thanks to Trump – remains the global super power. Also on the podcast, they discuss Modi's attempts to curb collateral from the oil shortages and why he's a leader like no othe
Was Trump's trip a win for China?
Freddy Gray speaks to Jacob Heilbrunn about China, Trump & America's foreign policy.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What have Britons got against America?
British favourability dropped sharply sometime around 2016 and then further declined in 2024. Trump is clearly the main driver of negative feelings, although not the only one. There was much antipathy in 2020, which may have been related to the election but seems more likely due to the chaotic scenes that followed George Floyd’s death. To discuss this, Freddy Gray is joined by Ed West, who has wri
What's going on with the Kennedy Center?
Freddy Gray is joined by Josef Palermo, who formerly worked for the Kennedy Center to discuss the historical building and whether its cultural and ethos has been ruined by the Trump administration.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@s
What’s going to happen when Trump visits Beijing?
This week, an Iran deal with the US could finally be in sight. Freddy Gray is joined by Geoffrey Cain, author of Steve Jobs in Exile, to discuss the significance of China has a global player in international conflict and what could come from Trump's visit to Beijing next week. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.
How the Declaration of Independence made America
King Charles and his wife Camilla have been on a state visit to the White House meeting Donald Trump and the First Lady. At a state banquet in the evening, both King Charles and Trump gave speeches celebrating the special relationship. The event marked 250 years of American independence. Freddy Gray spoke to the author Michael Auslin who wrote the book The Declaration of Independence: History, Mea
The rise of left-wing violence and why we're all numb to it
The alleged gunman from the White House correspondents' dinner has been named 31 year old Cole Allen. He was arrested at the scene armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiples knives. It later emerged the suspect sent a note to family members before the shooting, apologising to parents, colleagues and bystanders for what he was about to do.He wrote 'I apologise to everyone....who suffered before I
SAS: how Starmer broke the special forces alliance with America
The Pentagon has become concerned with the British government's attitudes towards its special forces. Freddy Gray speaks to Richard Williams and David Davis MP about the historical significance of the special forces relationship and how America is now considering withdrawing the invitation to participate in and benefit from this combined military machine.Become a Spectator subscriber today to acce
How real is the ‘Trumplash’?
Freddy Gray is in DC and is joined by Dan McCarthy from the Heritage Foundation to discuss why the Iran war is unpopular in America; the significance of China ahead of Trump's visit; plus NATO, Europe & 'Trumplash'.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Con
Iran-US: how this could end
A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has just come into effect. Iran’s Foreign Minister says 'in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire'. Freddy Gray is joined by Spectator contributor Charlie Gammel, an expert on Iran, to discuss the negotiations and why they originally
Pope vs Trump: why Trump picked a fight with Pope Leo
Donald Trump’s latest clash with the Catholic Church stunned even the most hardened veterans of culture-war X. According to the President of the United States, the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, the conspicuously holy spiritual leader of 1.3 billion people, is “WEAK on crime and terrible on foreign policy.” He also claimed that, “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.” – The S
The case for American power
Freddy Gray speaks to Shadi Hamid, author of the book The Case for American Power, which explores – and puts forward – the case for American power in spite of Donald Trump. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
Hosted
What's up with Melania Trump?
Melania Trump delivered a televised statement correcting the record on the rumours about her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Has this backfired? Also on the podcast, Freddy Gray and Americano favourite Jacob Heilbronn discuss the latest ceasefire negotiations with Iran and Trump’s feud with is former MAGA fans, Tucker Carlson, Ann Coulter and Candace Owens. Become a Spectator subscriber to
What can Artemis II tell us about the wonders of the moon?
Artemis II departed on the most ambitious mission yet, something which has not been tried for 50 years. Four astronauts were launched into the air on a ten day expedition with the aim of travelling 5000 miles past the far side of the moon. Natasha Feroze is joined by David Whitehouse, astroscientist and writer to discuss the difficulty involved in the mission, how little we think about the signifi
End of America’s empire?
Freddy Gray is joined by Jacob Heilbrunn, Americano regular and National Interest. They discuss the Strait of Hormuz, rising energy prices and whether the US can extricate itself from a conflict it may not be able to win – and whether we're watching the end of Trumpism. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For mor
Podcast wars, Cuba & Corbyn – with Steven Crowder
Steven Crowder, host of Louder with Crowder joins Freddy Gray to discuss the warring factions in the podcast world, worsened since Charlie Kirk's assassination; the global leftwing alliance promoting communism in Cuba, whether Trump was wrong to attack Iran & why the Mark Carney kowtowed to China. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adf
How Iran will hasten the end of MAGA
The attack on Iran is so wildly inconsistent with the wishes of his own base that it is likely to mark the end of Trumpism as a project. Freddy Gray is joined by Spectator columnist Christopher Caldwell to discuss Trumpism, JD Vance vs Marco Rubio, what's left of the Republican party after Trump, and the competing ambitions of Israel and Iran. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this pod
Why King Charles should still visit Trump
King Charles is due to travel to the US on a state visit to see President Donald Trump. Given the turbulence between Starmer and Trump over the war in Iran, some politicians such as Ed Davey have suggested the King should not go. Freddy Gray speaks to royal author and Daily Mail journalist Robert Hardman about the history of controversial state visits, why Donald Trump loves the royal family, and
Can anyone beat a madman president?
Freddy Gray speaks to James D. Boys, author of the new book US grand strategy and the madman theory. He is also a senior research fellow at UCL. They discuss the origins of the madman theory – which applies insights from psychology to understand how your enemies think. James covers it from from Nixon to Trump and its intellectual home in Boston. They also explore how the madman theory is being app
Will the SAVE act pass?
Freddy Gray speaks to Roger Kimball, editor of the New Criterion and Spectator writer about Trump’s SAVE act - a bill to tackle voter integrity soon to be voted on in the Senate.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
Ho
Will Donald Trump avoid the mistakes made by George Bush in Iraq?
Trump has signalled that the Middle East war could be 'over soon' and pledged to lift sanctions after talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Freddy Gray is joined by Jacob Heilbrunn and Robert Bryce to discuss why Trump was potentially unprepared for Iran's retaliation, what could come from the talks with Putin, and why Britain can only get their energy prices down by drilling. Become a Spe
Iran: is Trump's ultimate target in this war China?
As the crisis in the Middle East has escalated, Donald Trump's posturing has led many to question his strategy – and if he even has one. Geoffrey Cain, former foreign correspondent, expert on authoritarian regimes – and the author of this week's cover piece in the Spectator, joins Freddy Gray to explain why Trump's ultimate target in the war is China. From the Belt and Road development initiative
Why Iran marks the end of neoconservatism
Spectator World columnist – and Heritage Foundation fellow – Daniel McCarthy joins Freddy Gray to explain how Trump's war with Iran could mark the end of an era, that of neoconservatism. For Daniel, there is no contradiction between Trump's 'America First' policy and its overseas interventions: Trump is pursuing a version of hegemony that will reduce the need for future interventions. If all goes
What role will Turkey play in the Iran conflict?
Today NATO forces intercepted an Iranian missile headed for Turkey. Whilst it remains unclear where that missile was intended to land, questions have emerged over whether President Erdogan can continue his strategy of geopolitical pragmatism. So far the Turkish leader has managed to appeal to China, Russia, Europe and the US. But will he be forced to pick a side? Freddy Gray discusses this with Sp
Will Iran descend into civil war?
Freddy is joined by historian and former diplomat, Charlie Gammell. They discuss the situation in Iran, whether the US is heading for a decisive confrontation, and examine the regional consequences: proxy warfare, Gulf energy security, Pakistan’s delicate position, and migration pressures on Europe.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/ad
Does Trump know what he is trying to do in Iran?
Donald Trump has urged Iranians to ‘take over’ their government after the United States and Israel struck targets across the country. A multitude of Iranian military and government targets were hit by missiles in what is turning out to be a joint operation far more comprehensive than the 12-day air campaign last June. Freddy Gray and Jacob Heilbrunn join to discuss why now, how this attack is frau
Matt Ridley on Chinese biolabs in America, Covid & the reality of biowarfare
Freddy Gray is joined by the biologist Matt Ridley to discuss the recent discovery of an illegal Chinese biolab operating in Las Vegas apartment, how equipped the Chinese are to start biowarfare and why politicians refuse to demand answers for the unresolved questions about Covid and Wuhan.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to f
'Trump has boxed himself in' – Professor John Mearsheimer on Iran
Will Donald Trump strike Iran? After General Dan Caine reportedly cautioned the President that a lack of munitions and support from allies could mean greater danger for U.S, speculation is mounting in Washington over whether Trump will proceed with a military attack on Iran. Freddy Gray is joined by Professor John Mearsheimer of the University of Chicago to assess what Trump is really planning – a
What fresh hell in Mexico?
Freddy Gray is joined by Melissa Ford Maldonado, director of the Western Hemisphere Initiative at the America First Policy Institute to discuss the explosion of violence in Mexico over the weekend following the killing of 'El Mencho' – a cartel kingpin. Melissa explains what led to the killing of El Mencho, how the government and cartels are connected and what this means for America following 'Ope
Why do men in dresses keep killing people?
Kellie-Jay Keen joins Americano to discuss the disturbing rise of trans killers. Freddy Gray and Kellie discuss why she doesn’t like to call them ‘trans’, what role the internet and hormone medication have played in their violent outbreaks, and why the left holds some responsibility for encouraging violence.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator
Has Jeff Bezos destroyed the Washington Post?
Freddy Gray is joined by Tina Brown, former editor of several publications including Vanity Fair, Tatler, The New Yorker, founding editor-and-chief of the Daily Beast and now writes her own Substack FRESH HELL. They discuss the staff massacre which has unfolded at the Washington Post, why Jeff Bezos is wrong to be led by views over journalism, and how the sordid nature of the Epstein files continu
Is Trump dismantling Venezuela's socialist state?
Daniel Di Martino, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins Freddy Gray to discuss the ongoing situation in Venezuela. Over a month on from the 'bold and spectacular raid' and capture of Maduro, Daniel explains the reasons why he has hope in the government of Delcy Rodriguez and the changes that have occurred since – from the increase in the oil price to the release of political prisoners. With
Why do climate activists own super-yachts?
Freddy is joined by Robert Bryce, energy expert and author of Robert Bryce’s Substack, to discuss his latest mini-documentary, 'YACHT-ZEE$’. They talk about the billionaires funding radical climate activist groups, while yachting around the world, and whether they are modern-day robber barons. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat
The power of cryptid belief
Freddy Gray speaks to Spectator writer Katherine Dee about the online obsession with cryptids and what it reveals about the modern internet. They discuss how folklore-style storytelling is thriving on platforms like TikTok, why conspiracy culture now resembles collaborative 'alternate reality games', and how AI-generated images are blurring the line between what is real, fake, and plausible. Becom
Has the surveillance state gone too far?
The Superbowl Ring doorbell ad and Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have raised the alarm around AI companies violating privacy. Freddy Gray speaks to Michael Shellenberger about AI encroaching on our everyday lives, what legal frameworks already exist to protect our data, how far we are willing to sacrifice privacy for security and how this all ties back to the Epstein files.Become a Spectator subsc
What will happen in the midterms?
The midterm elections in November is shaping up to be one of the most expensive elections yet. Freddy Gray and Ryan Girdusky, author of National Populist Substack to discuss how inflation, crime, and immigration are shaping voter patterns, whether the Trump coalition remains as strong as he claims, and what impact Trump's recent focus on international affairs will have with his American voter
Recommended
The Rest Is Science
Dig Deep
Desert Island Discs
Easy English: Learn English with everyday conversations
SAS: The Shadow War
Learn UK English By Podcast
A Good Read
People Fixing the World
The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast
True Crime Investigators UK
Esme's Country Life
Miles From Ordinary Podcast
