Best CapX Podcasts (2025)

1
Despatch: From Stronghold to Shaky Ground 4:48

1d ago4:48

4:48

Runcorn and Helsby has been Labour’s turf for decades — but the ground is shifting, and Reform UK can smell blood. In this week’s edition of Despatch, Gawain Towler — former director of communications for Reform UK — takes us inside the Cheshire constituency where poverty is entrenched, campaigning is curiously absent, and Keir Starmer’s team seems…

1
Global Growth Is Faltering — Can Britain Sprint Ahead? 31:36

4d ago31:36

31:36

Is Britain ready to outpace a stalling global economy? As fresh figures show growth grinding to a halt, The Capitalist asks whether the UK can still carve a bold new path forward. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves heading to Washington, is a transatlantic trade deal within reach — or is Britain about to be caught in a clash of superpowers? Plus: nation…

1
Despatch: Steel Trap — Why Nationalisation Won't Work 5:55

9d ago5:55

5:55

Harry Phibbs asks a pointed question in this week's Despatch: if nationalisation has failed before, why are we doing it again? With Parliament recalled for an emergency Saturday sitting to save British Steel, the political consensus was deafening — and expensive. But is this really a matter of national security, or just another costly round of stat…

1
Economic Nostalgia vs. the Hard Work of Growth 33:48

12d ago33:48

33:48

A dramatic Saturday recall of Parliament delivers a last-minute reprieve for British Steel — but is it a genuine industrial strategy, or just another short-term fix? Meanwhile in Washington, President Trump promised to revive American manufacturing. But can you really rebuild the past — or is this economic cosplay doomed to fail? Broadcaster Albie …

1
Despatch: No Growth, No Progress 7:13

16d ago7:13

7:13

Britain isn’t broken — but it is stuck. In this urgent Despatch, Julia Willemyns, co-founder of the Centre for British Progress, makes the case for boldness over drift. Why has growth stalled? Why does everything feel harder, slower, smaller than it should? And why have both Left and Right abandoned the ambition to build? With sharp insight and a r…

1
Backlash Economics: When Policy Meets Pocketbooks 33:39

19d ago33:39

33:39

What happens when the world’s biggest economy slams the brakes on global trade? In just weeks, Donald Trump’s tariff blitz has shattered decades of US-led liberalisation — and the fallout is only just beginning. As prices creep higher and wallets tighten, will the political backlash bite harder than the economic one? And in the UK, could fiscal fea…

1
Despatch: Mel Stride, Robert Colvile, David Miles and Alys Denby 33:49

23d ago33:49

33:49

Rachel Reeves entered her first Budget with a familiar refrain—blaming the Conservatives for the difficult choices ahead. But now, the focus has shifted to her own decisions, particularly the impact of tax rises on business confidence, jobs, and growth. Can her latest fiscal measures break Britain free from economic stagnation, or have they only de…

1
Regulation Nation: Why Britain is Losing Its Best and Brightest 29:29

26d ago29:29

29:29

Rachel Reeves envisions Britain as a “defence industrial superpower” — but does the industry exist to match the ambition? Meanwhile, London eyes Brussels for a reset, with hopes that closer ties could unlock growth. And amid high taxes and tight regulation, is Britain’s economic model locked in for good? Marc Sidwell is joined by Julian Jessop and …

1
Despatch: Our Growth Problem is a Productivity Crisis 6:02

1M ago6:02

6:02

Britain is spending more than ever—but getting less. Public debt is soaring, growth is non-existent, and dissatisfaction with public services has never been higher. The government talks tough on cuts, but the real crisis is deeper: a bloated state that punishes efficiency and rewards failure. The one word no politician dares to take seriously? Prod…

1
Special Edition: Spring Statement Slashes Growth 25:13

1M ago25:13

25:13

A reality check for Britain’s economy? Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement reveals growth forecasts have been slashed in half. Can Labour still deliver on its economic pledges? City AM’s Alys Denby weighs in. Plus: a bold call for reform from Andrew Griffith, Shadow Secretary for Business and Trade, as he sets out his vision following the la…

1
Despatch: A Message from Kemi Badenoch 11:00

1M ago11:00

11:00

Kemi Badenoch’s political journey was shaped by first-hand experience of government overreach and the stifling effects of socialism. In this special Despatch, the Conservative leader delivers a powerful speech on the values that brought her into politics—and the lessons she’s drawn from Margaret Thatcher. Her message? Real change demands courage, c…

1
George Osborne, Robert Colvile, and Professor Sir Niall Ferguson 59:27

1M ago59:27

59:27

As Britain reflects on 50 years since Margaret Thatcher took the helm of the Conservative Party, the outlook for free-market thinking—and a dynamic economy—has rarely seemed so uncertain. In this special edition, CapX Editor-in-Chief Robert Colvile is joined by former Chancellor George Osborne and Professor Sir Niall Ferguson of the Hoover Institut…

1
Despatch: CANZUK vs. the World — The Case for a Fourth Global Power 5:34

1M ago5:34

5:34

As the world shifts and alliances evolve, could a partnership between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK form a Fourth Global Power? While CANZUK wouldn’t rival the US militarily, its collective strength would command the kind of respect that Washington—especially under leaders like Trump—reserves for serious players. With global instabilit…

1
Tough Talk, Weak Results: How Tariffs and Moscow Hurt the US 26:32

2M ago26:32

26:32

With US support for Ukraine waning, can Europe step up before the situation spirals? Plus, are Trump’s tariffs making Washington a volatile trading partner? And what lessons could the UK take from Texas on prison reform? CapX's editor Marc Sidwell is joined by Frances Lasok from the Conservative Policy Forum and Conservative Home’s Harry Phibbs to …

1
Despatch: The Age of Unknowns 7:07

2M ago7:07

7:07

As Trump humiliates Zelensky, has Washington quietly decided to switch sides? In this Despatch, Bruce Anderson dissects a moment of historic uncertainty—one that rivals the upheaval of the post-Pearl Harbor years. With Europe forced to rethink its reliance on US protection and negotiations with Moscow looming, what comes next for Ukraine, NATO, and…

1
Washington’s New Best Friend? Trump, Putin, and the Future of Ukraine 31:06

2M ago31:06

31:06

After last week's stunning scenes in the White House, murmurs of President Zelensky’s downfall are growing louder. Could he be sidelined in favour of a Kremlin-friendly puppet? Meanwhile, Washington hints that Britain could dodge tariffs with the right deal—but can London really bank on special treatment? And as BP shifts back to oil, is this a pra…

1
Despatch: Politics Needs More Outsiders 6:26

2M ago6:26

6:26

Britain is at a crossroads. As high costs, stagnation, and failing public services push talented young people abroad, a new wave of problem-solvers is choosing to stay and rebuild. Jack Hutchison from Civic Future dives into the forces driving this "fight or flight" moment—examining why Britain is losing skilled workers, who’s stepping up to fix it…

1
AI Hype, Trump’s Economic Woes & The Decline of Debate 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

Microsoft’s Satya Nadella says it’s time to separate AI’s real impact from the noise: true success isn’t measured in viral demos but in global GDP growth. So, is AI delivering—or are we buying into a bubble? Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s approval ratings are slipping as household costs rise. And as MPs swap rigorous debate for social media grandstandin…

1
Despatch: There’s no point in democracy without debate 6:16

2M ago6:16

6:16

In an age of soundbites and social media grandstanding, has real Parliamentary debate become obsolete? Barrister Harry Gillow cuts through the noise to examine why scrutiny still matters—and what happens when lawmakers fail to do their job. From botched bills to rushed legislation, we expose the cracks in the system and the consequences for Britain…

1
Economic Missteps: How Reform UK Is Squandering Its Credibility 25:43

2M ago25:43

25:43

Has Reform UK's energy plan exposed the party's economic failings? And will Kemi Badenoch capitalize on this misstep? Marc Sidwell is joined by Dr Lawrence Newport and Albie Amankona to break down a week of political turbulence. Plus: Emmanuel Macron warns of the “electroshock” of a Trump return. But will his call for looser fiscal rules get tracti…

1
Despatch: Will the Tories Bow to Farage? 7:17

2M ago7:17

7:17

Dominic Cummings has spoken, and—no surprise—he’s not impressed. The Tories are “intellectually dead,” Kemi Badenoch is a “bad joke,” and Nigel Farage is more famous than the entire shadow cabinet combined. But while Badenoch’s allies insist she just needs time, time is precisely what she doesn’t have. The Conservatives are slipping, Reform is risi…

1
Political Meltdown: Labour Stumbles, Tories Collapse 34:37

2M ago34:37

34:37

Sir Keir Starmer just hit the reset button on his struggling government, but will voters buy it? We break down his six-hour crisis meeting, the economic warning signs, and whether Labour can regain control of the narrative. Plus: The Conservatives are staring into the political abyss—can they claw their way back? And with tech giants eyeing greener…

1
Despatch: Imagine a Britain where you can just do things 7:07

3M ago7:07

7:07

Is Britain losing its edge? While US entrepreneurs are launching rockets, breaking the sound barrier, and rewriting the rules of innovation, the UK is stuck in a cycle of red tape and hesitation. Ross Kempsell, member of the House of Lords, delivers sharp, no-nonsense analysis on why Britain must embrace a bold, founder-first mindset—or risk fallin…

1
The Cost of Defiance: Can the UK Survive the Trump Effect? 31:56

3M ago31:56

31:56

Is Britain’s post-Brexit plan coming undone? As the US torpedoes the OECD’s global tax deal, the UK’s fiscal strategy is left in limbo—was it too quick to play by the rules? Meanwhile, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is shaking up the political landscape, but with public regret over Brexit at an all-time high, where does that leave the country? And on def…

1
Despatch: Can Rachel Reeves get growth back on track? 7:08

3M ago7:08

7:08

The new Government faces a tall order: it must deliver on the same growth promises others have made, but do it better. A tough task, especially with tensions brewing between Rachel Reeves and colleagues pushing their own agendas. Despatch is a fresh addition to The Capitalist, delivering standout writing from the team behind CapX's unmissable daily…

1
Britain’s Bottleneck: Why Bold Reforms Are Stuck in Neutral 29:55

3M ago29:55

29:55

With a healthy majority in Parliament, what’s stopping Britain’s Government from enacting the kind of sweeping policy changes we’re seeing in the United States? Michael Binyon from The Times and the National Review Institute’s Dominic Pino share their insights, plus: will tariffs force Putin’s hand in Ukraine? And how can we restore consumer optimi…

1
Despatch: Heathrow airport, an allegory of our decline 7:11

3M ago7:11

7:11

Extending an existing runway at Heathrow is a solution more economical and environmentally astute than constructing an entirely new third runway. It would result in lower carbon emissions, reduced noise pollution, and its implementation would be phased – a blueprint of pragmatic innovation. So why has the proposal been ensnared in a years-long laby…

1
Trump, Tariffs, and Tech Titans 25:03

3M ago25:03

25:03

Can Britain strike a deal with President Trump and avoid the looming tariff trap? Why are leaders in the UK and the US falling short of the so-called "Reagan test"? And, could the UK be on the cusp of creating its own billion-pound tech titan? Join Douglas Carswell from the Mississippi Centre for Public Policy and author of The Conservative Futuris…

1
Despatch: Think renting is bad? Just wait 5:19

3M ago5:19

5:19

As rents climb ever higher, you’d think the Government would aim to make renting easier. Yet the new Renters' Rights Bill threatens to do just the opposite. Instead of delivering on its promises, the legislation risks making the rental market less accessible and less equitable. Despatch is a fresh addition to The Capitalist, delivering standout wri…

1
How to get Britain building 25:21

3M ago25:21

25:21

In this debut edition of The Capitalist: a bold new political movement takes aim at red tape to get Britain building, the Chancellor faces criticism over an economy teetering on the edge, and the Conservatives grapple with the path to reinvention. Insightful, sharp, and always forward-looking. Find out more about Looking for Growth by visiting thei…

1
Despatch: It's time to remake the case for conservatism 7:27

4M ago7:27

7:27

Despatch is a fresh addition to The Capitalist, delivering standout writing from the team behind CapX’s indispensable daily briefings. In this debut edition, Emma Revell, External Affairs Director at the Centre for Policy Studies, explores why the case for conservatism must be reimagined and communicated in a language that resonates with modern aud…

1
Introducing: The Capitalist 2:33

4M ago2:33

2:33

A preview of The Capitalist, a new podcast from the team behind CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Join sharp minds from business, politics, and beyond for intelligent debate and optimistic conversations about building a brighter, market-driven future for Britain. Subscribe now so you don't miss the series premiere in …

1
CapX's Christmas podcast: Heroes and villains of 2023 40:48

1+ y ago40:48

40:48

CapX Editor Alys Denby runs through the people and policies that made 2023 another peculiar year in politics, with Poppy Coburn, Assistant US Opinion Editor at the Telegraph, William Atkinson, Assistant Editor at Conservative Home and Joseph Dinnage, Deputy Editor of CapX. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Analysing the Autumn Statement with Richard Hughes and Vicky Pryce 31:36

1+ y ago31:36

31:36

Aside from a windfall from higher inflation which the Chancellor used to make tax cuts, the underlying picture for the economy is essentially flat. That being said, some welcome pro-growth measures were announced, most notably the decision to make full expensing permanent. But is it too little too late? To analyse what this means for the future of …

1
Israelophobia with Jake Wallis Simons 42:07

1+ y ago42:07

42:07

The world has just witnessed the worst attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust. Yet amid the international condemnation of Hamas terrorists, there has also been equivocation – and even celebration in some quarters. No other conflict stirs emotions like that between Israel and Palestine - so why is it that the world’s only Jewish state appears t…

1
Making sense of Conference with Robert Colvile 11:15

1+ y ago11:15

11:15

It’s Party Conference season, and while the Lib Dems were kayaking and playing crazy golf in Bournemouth last week, this weekend it’s the Tories’ turn to troop up to Manchester. Attendees are anticipating drama, gossip and exciting policy announcements – the Prime Minister is promising 'long-term decisions for a brighter future'. But while Rishi Su…

1
Cambridge, too far? 21:34

1+ y ago21:34

21:34

CapX talks about housing a lot – most often to scream 'build more houses!' into a void – yet politicians appear stuck in a doom loop when it comes to this urgent topic. Conservative MPs talk a good game about the need for housing, as long as it's anywhere but in their constituency, while Labour talk up discredited socialist ideas like rent controls…

1
The War On Your Mind 34:38

2y ago34:38

34:38

In a world saturated with information, we have more choices than ever – but how freely do we make them? In their new book Free Your Mind – The new World of Manipulation and how to Avoid it, journalist Laura Dodsworth and behavioural scientist Patrick Fagan argue that there is a war on our minds as the media, advertisers, politicians and big tech vi…

1
Isabel Hardman on the NHS' Fight for Life 33:07

2y ago33:07

33:07

The NHS recently marked its 75th birthday with the kind of love-in most countries reserve for a passing monarch or truly iconic celebrity. So what is about our health service that has created such a fervent attachment amongst so many Brits, even when it underperforms compared to some of our continental peers? To find out, we invited the journalist,…

1
Where does all your rubbish go? 27:02

2y ago27:02

27:02

Trash, garbage, litter or rubbish – whatever you call it the world is producing ever more of the stuff. But where does it all go once it's left our colour-coded bins? And what about all those clothes you leave at the charity shop thining you've done a good turn? The fascinating tapestry of grime that is the modern waste industry is documented in pa…

1
Frank Luntz on the language of freedom 29:28

2y ago29:28

29:28

He’s best known for coming up with the terms death tax and climate change, so it’s fair to say Frank Luntz knows a thing or two about political communication – making him an ideal guest for the CapX Podcast. We sat down to discuss his latest project for the Centre for Policy Studies delving into how the British public really feel about that most Am…

1
This is Europe with Ben Judah 28:07

2y ago28:07

28:07

How do we really live now? From a Romanian truck driver to an Amazon deliveryman and a factory production line worker, Ben Judah tried to answer that question by speaking to the people whose labour makes the freedom and prosperity the rest of us enjoy possible – for his latest book This is Europe. The author and Atlantic Council fellow crossed the …

1
The big AI debate 23:07

2y ago23:07

23:07

As with so much modern political theatre, the debate on artificial intelligence has become polarised to a point that is often profoundly unhelpful, with a false dichotomy between 'doomers' and utopians who see AI as a solution to the world's many problems, both technical and social. Between those positions is a world of nuance and wildly varying pr…

1
A fork in the road 20:46

2y ago20:46

20:46

There are few political questions as vexed as how to tax hard-pressed motorists. For many years, the Treasury has treated British drivers as a cash cow, levying high taxes while investing relatively little in the road network. Now, however, things are changing rapidly. The take-up of electric vehicles and the upcoming ban on new petrol and diesel c…

1
What's the point of National Conservatism? 24:26

2y ago24:26

24:26

What is National Conservatism? That's the question we're grappling with this week following the big National Conservatism Conference in London. While it certainly generated lots of media heat, it's still not particularly clear what this US-imported idea actually stands for. Indeed, the answer seemed to vary depending on which of the eclectic cast o…

1
Lord Frost on the state of Brexit Britain 34:55

2y ago34:55

34:55

Our guest this week played an instrumental role in the UK's departure from the European Union. As Boris Johnson's Europe adviser and then chief negotiator in the exit talks with the EU, Lord Frost drew on a lifetime of experience as a civil servant and foreign office diplomat to help get the Trade and Cooperation Agreement over the line. Since leav…

1
In defence of the rich – with Emily Carver, Luke Johnson, Merryn Somerset Webb & Martin Vander Weyer 48:07

2y ago48:07

48:07

Here at CapX we love an unfashionable cause – and in a cost of living crisis, few demographics are less popular than those who seem to be struggling less. But we're also fans of basic economic concepts, and with the tax burden the highest it’s been since the era of state socialism under Attlee, the Laffer Curve inevitably comes to mind. Because whi…

1
Fuelling the future 21:29

2y ago21:29

21:29

Did you know that every time you fill up your car, you are paying for the UK’s biofuels mandate, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)? In fact, some 6% of the price Brits pay at the pump goes on biofuel being blended into petrol and diesel. More concerning still at a time of soaring food prices, crops such as wheat and corn are still a ce…

1
Reasons to be fearful, with Ed West 36:30

2y ago36:30

36:30

Things can seem a bit gloomy at the moment, and no one is better suited to explaining why than our guest this week, the Tory writer and self-proclaimed doom-monger Ed West. In an eclectic career that has spanned lad mags, religious publications and a very popular personal Substack, Ed has become one of the most entertaining, thought-provoking write…

1
AI-pocalypse now? 23:38

2y ago23:38

23:38

Breathless predictions of AI-induced doom are all around, with some experts in the field saying the technology has already advanced beyond the point of no return. The recent open letter signed by the likes of Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak and Andrew Yang was just the latest example of the unease that programmes such as Chat GPT-4 have provoked. So how w…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

CapX Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen