Alistair Cooke

In Alistair Cooke's last letter, he considers how the war in Iraq is a key element in the run-up to the US Presidential Election.

Alistair Cooke's Last Letter

Alistair Cooke recalls how slimming became fashionable during the food shortages that followed the First World War.

How WWI turned slimming into a fashion

Alistair Cooke looks at the meaning of 'intelligence' and recounts how he was mistaken for a spy during World War II.

Encounters with Intelligence 

Alistair Cooke discusses the resignation of the US chief weapons inspector, Dr David Kay.

Was Saddam a Threat or Not?

Alistair Cooke remembers the days before specialisation when doctors in the USA used to make house calls.

The Day of the GP is Over

Alistair Cooke thinks back to a winter in Palm Beach, as Arctic weather hits the northern states.

Temperatures Drop

Alistair Cooke refuses to join the throng of commentators writing themselves into exhaustion about the presidential candidates.

Not Worth Talking About

With the New Year unfolding, Alistair Cooke wonders what makes people favour athletic prowess over academic skill.

The Problem with Sport

As the United States enters an election year, Alistair Cooke describes how congressmen will be trying to secure re-appointment.

Pork Barrel Politics

Alistair Cooke recalls the circumstances that led to the creation of Charles Dickens' most famous story.

Birth of a Christmas Fairy Tale

The 9/11 attacks, the war on terror and invasion of Iraq defined George W Bush’s first term. A fascinating social, cultural and political look at American life from Alistair Cooke

Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004)

Alistair Cooke considers the scandals of child sex abuse by clergy in the Roman Catholic church and the role of bishops and cardinals in enabling abusers.

The Catholic Church and Child Sex Abuse

Alistair Cooke on why Deadman Flat is the closest the public can get to the G8 conference; why sweat shops are good for their workers; the Duke of Norfolk and the Fourth of July.

The Old West

Alistair Cooke looks back at the history of Thanksgiving in the light of modern concerns about healthy eating.

Healthy Eating

Alistair Cooke reflects on how he and the rest of the American population reacted to the World Trade Center terrorist attack on September 11th 2001.

America's Day of Terror, 9/11

Alistair Cooke considers the contrasting ways in which English and American high schools teach science and the difference a scientific education makes in every field.

Persian Poets Need Not Apply

Alistair Cooke explains the exhausting effects of transcontinental flight and examines the split between the Democrats and Republicans over the attitude of Ariel Sharon.

A Window of Relief

Alistair Cooke reflects on the generosity of Andrew Carnegie, and the vice of greed within philanthropy.

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

In anticipation of George Bush's visit to Europe, Alistair Cooke examines how the announcement of casualty numbers influences the public's appetite for war.

The Appetite for War

Alistair Cooke questions why hearing the American national anthem should be uniquely affecting since the attacks on September 11th.

Tears and Anthems

Alistair Cooke considers the private and public life of a President as George Bush takes his presidential vacation with a small army of domestic and overseas reporters.

Secret Service Secrets

Alistair Cooke contemplates the result of the Californian Election and Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as governor.

The California Election

Alistair Cooke considers the political and ethical dilemmas of "racial profiling" at airports since September 11th.

Security, Civil Rights and New Laws

A coma patient kept on life support for 22 years makes Alistair Cooke consider the complex political and ethical issues of medical advancement.

Life, Death and Medical Research

In the aftermath of September 11th, Alistair Cooke considers how the actions of New York City Mayor, Rudolph Giuliani, compare with the activities of President Bush and his government.

America on Standby

Alistair Cooke reflects on how the September 11th attack has changed the American psyche, and considers how letters filled with anthrax are exacerbating the problems.

In The Olden Time: Before 11 September

Alistair Cooke reflects on the horror of home grown terrorists used by al-Qaeda and other terrorist cells.

The Terrorists' Trojan Horse

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1 quote, 3 ideas & 1 question from a carefully curated podcast episode.
Every Monday & Wednesday.

Want a 3rd insight and episode every week? Email me at curation@owltail.com.

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The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!