The Rest Is Politics: Leading
Goalhanger
SummaryWhat does it truly take to lead in an era of global volatility? In The Rest Is Politics: Leading, Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart go beyond the soundbites of daily news to sit down with the people shaping our world. From sitting presidents and prime ministers to activists, artists, and influential thinkers, the hosts engage their guests in profound, unscripted conversations about the mechanics of power and the personal philosophies that drive success. Each episode offers an intimate look at the human being behind the title. Whether they are dissecting the existential challenges faced by leaders like Volodymyr Zelenskyy, navigating the complex intersection of faith and public service with figures like Naz Shah, or exploring the nature of dissent with artist Ai Weiwei, the hosts prioritize depth and transparency. The dialogue often pushes into the psychological toll of leadership, the necessity of authentic communication in a polarized climate, and the struggle to maintain values-based realism in a changing geopolitical landscape. The result is an essential, multi-faceted guide to the state of modern governance and society. By pulling back the curtain on the experiences of those at the heart of change—and those fighting for it from the outside—the show challenges listeners to rethink their own assumptions about politics, identity, and the future. It is a rare, intellectually rigorous space where the weight of historical context meets the immediate demands of today’s most pressing debates.
Updated Apr 20, 2026
Episodes
185. Can Labour Win Back Scotland? (Anas Sarwar)
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar on his plan to end SNP rule, reform education, and rebuild Scotland's economy.
184. President of Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Volodymyr Zelenskyy discusses his transition from comedian to wartime leader and his strategy for defeating Russia.
183. From Bradford to Westminster: Faith, Identity, and Power (Naz Shah)
Naz Shah discusses her journey from a childhood of trauma and forced marriage to becoming a Labour MP.
182. Culture Wars, Identity, and What Needs To Change In Congress (Sarah McBride)
Sarah McBride on navigating identity politics, fighting for bipartisan progress, and the weaponization of culture wars.
181. Ai Weiwei: China, Censorship, and Dissidence Through Art
Artist and activist Ai Weiwei reflects on his childhood in exile and his fight against Chinese state censorship.
180. The Only European Leader Defying Trump? (Pedro Sánchez)
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez explains his strategy for challenging the far right and modernizing Europe.
179. President Stubb: Trump’s Unlikely Best Friend
Finnish President Alexander Stubb shares his transition from professional sports to navigating global power shifts.
178. Gavin Newsom: The Next President Of The United States?
Governor Gavin Newsom reveals his journey from a struggling, dyslexic child to a battle-hardened political strategist.
177. Olaf Scholz: Putin, Power, and Far-Right Populism
Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discusses Russia, the challenge of populism, and the necessity of social respect.
176. How Close Are We To War With Iran? (Robert Malley)
175. Ex-Director of GCHQ: China, Russia, and the Threats Facing the UK (Jeremy Fleming)
174. Taking On Europe's Last Dictator: The Fight Against Lukashenko and Putin
173. The man Putin can’t silence: Bill Browder and sanctioning Russia
172. Neil Kinnock: Trump, Thatcher, and Why Labour Lost In 1992 (Part 2)
171. Neil Kinnock: A Labour Rebel’s Path To Power (Part 1)
170. President of Moldova, Maia Sandu: Holding the Line Between Democracy and Putin
169. Jimmy Wales: Wikipedia vs. Musk, AI, and the Battle for Truth
168. A Climate Special: Populism, Security, and Leadership
167. Faith, Depression, and Finding Calm in the Chaos (Professor Mark Williams)
166. John Swinney: Identity, Independence, and The Future of Scotland
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