Off Script

Off Script

Author: The Telegraph Language: English Episodes: 50
Off Script is a series of long-form conversations that step away from the day’s headlines to examine the deeper currents shaping our public life. Host Steven Edginton, from The Telegraph, brings together influential thinkers and writers for extended, candid discussions that challenge prevailing narratives. The podcast deliberately avoids soundbites, creating a space where complex and often contentious ideas about society, politics, and identity can be explored in detail. Each episode feels like a proper conversation, one where guests have the time to articulate their views fully, whether discussing the mechanics of public discourse, shifts in cultural norms, or the underlying philosophies driving contemporary debates. These are not debates but deep dives, offering listeners a chance to hear nuanced perspectives that are frequently simplified elsewhere. You’ll find the rhythm of this podcast is thoughtful and substantive, released every Friday for those who prefer their analysis unpacked rather than packaged. It’s for anyone who feels the most important discussions are happening just off the main stage, in the spaces where conviction meets conversation. This is a production from The Telegraph, hosted on Acast.
Episodes
Dr Yuri Felshtinsky: Vladimir Putin’s goals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:58
‘The West should not be fooled into thinking Poland and the Baltic states are safe from Russia.’ To discuss Vladimir Putin’s goals, nuclear weapons and more Steven Edginton is joined by the Russian-American historian Dr…
Andrew Sullivan: Is populism Conservative? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:15
Is populism Conservative? To what extent is the Republican Party Trump’s Party? And are the Democrats lacking in political talent? To answer all of these questions Steven Edginton is joined by the Anglo-American writer a…
Joanna Williams: How to fight back against Woke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:03
How woke won. Woke thinking has come to dominate so many of our major institutions, from the civil service and the judiciary to the police force and education. However, there will always be ways to fight back. Author and…
Daniel Johnson: Has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine united the West? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:18
Has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine united the West? Or has it exposed divisions between countries like Germany and the UK?To discuss how the West has reacted to Putin’s invasion Steven Edginton is joined by the editor of t…
Anne-Élisabeth Moutet: Has Macron crushed populism in France? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:24
After Emmanuel Macron’s defeat of Marine Le Pen, has he crushed populism in France and will he succeed in uniting the country? To discuss the state of French politics and society Steven Edginton is joined by the French j…
Lionel Shriver: The culture wars in America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:05
As Joe Biden’s approval rating hits record lows, will Democrats decide to replace him in 2024? And should we feel sorry for the US President? To discuss the state of American politics and the culture wars Steven Edginton…
Piotr Gliński: Immigration, Poland and the EU [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:32
Poland’s deputy prime minister is a busy man. His country has taken in two million refugees in a matter of weeks, and many are worried that Poland could be Putin’s next target. However, Piotr Gliński – and the Law and Ju…
Taras Kuzio: Is Russia winning its war in Ukraine? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:59
As we enter into the third week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is Russia winning its war? To discuss the state of the Russian armed forces and the war in Ukraine Steven Edginton is joined by Ukraine expert Dr Taras Kuz…
Mark Galeotti: The history behind Russia's invasion of Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:44
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 the West had an historic opportunity to form a close and friendly relationship with Russia. As Russian tanks roll into Ukraine, the question becomes: what went wrong? To discuss th…