Take Me To Your Leader! ABC listen
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- Society & Culture
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Hamish Macdonald delves into the lives and motives of eight leaders. From autocratic strongmen to democratic internationalists, from left to right to far right, Take Me To Your Leader! examines the cultural, historical, geographical and personal origins underpinning the ambitions of the people on the world stage.
How well do we really know them, and what would we uncover if we asked their friends, enemies, colleagues and observers to 'Take me to Your Leader!'
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01 | Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "Exactly the right man"
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy has captured the world’s attention and admiration like few leaders can. When Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022, the comic actor turned wartime leader became the face of Ukraine’s resistance. He refused offers of evacuation, famously telling Joe Biden he needed ammunition, not a ride.
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02 | Joe Biden: Does he still have what it takes?
Joe Biden is America’s oldest ever president. He wants to stay in the White House another four years and is now campaigning for a second term. If he wins that term, he’ll be 86-years-old by the time he leaves office.
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03 | Ursula von der Leyen: the most powerful woman in the world?
Ursula von der Leyen is not easy to box. A mother of seven and medical doctor who once lived undercover, under a false identity in London before entering politics, has had a remarkable career. She rose through the ranks in the German parliament in the shadow of Angela Merkel, before being tapped on the shoulder for the president of the European Commission.
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04 | Emmanuel Macron: International Charmer
Emmanuel Macron is a straight-talking, ambitious global figure who wants France to help solve the challenges of our time. But at home, he’s a divisive leader who faces a wave of discontent.
So how did Emmanuel Macron start his own party and effectively come from nowhere to win two elections as the youngest president in French history. How will the charismatic centrist storming The Élysée Palace fare as far-right populism sweeps Europe? -
05 | Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: The Shapeshifting Sultan
Recep Tayip Erdoğan’s maintained power for over 20 years by being all things to all people.
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06 | Bongbong Marcos: the return of a disgraced dynasty
Ferdinand Marcos Jr, better known as “Bongbong”, is the president of the Philippines. His popularity skyrocketed in recent years, particularly among Gen Z, thanks to his stardom on tiktok. But it was almost 40 years ago that he fled the country as a young governor when his father’s authoritarian and corrupt government was overturned in a dramatic coup.
Customer Reviews
Brilliant
A much needed different approach providing background to the people who shape our political world. Hamish McDonald providing great quality as usual.
My one criticism: in the show on Joe Biden, Hamish sadly and unusually fell into the same trap most media seem to go down in - and one that plagues journalism these days by focussing too strongly on day-to-day ‘noise’ rather than actual analysis of policy. So there was a lot of talk on him supposedly being ‘boring’ and ‘old’ and way not enough actually evaluating the incredible and historically almost unmatched nation building legislative initiatives Biden calmly managed to get through under the most difficult of circumstances. It gets mentioned by one of the guests, but gets cut off at that mention only and then remains totally unexplored. And that’s a real shame and missed opportunity.
Still, immediately rose to one of my absolute favourite podcasts that is very nicely produced also and thankfully clear of gimmicky sound effects and jingles. Well done!
Great insight into world leaders
Thanks Hamish, for a great podcast.
Exactly what I look for in a podcast
Congratulations Hamish and team on nailing the podcast format and delivering such interesting, informative and engaging content to introduce us to the world’s most influential leaders.
The combination of quality guests and your impressive journalism skills and world knowledge give us excellent insights into what makes these leaders tick and their place in the world.