Joe Reilly Podcast

Joe Reilly

A place where curiosity trumps categories and the only real theme is that there isn’t one. From philosophers to theologians, athletes to artists, city to country, you’ll never guess the next guest and I’ll never know where the conversation may lead. Interesting people, interesting topics, and the (more than) occasional tangent. Welcome.

  1. 08/20/2025

    Ep. 76 - Charlie Pye-Smith - Rural Wrongs: Why The Hunting Ban Has Been Catastrophic For The Fox, Hare & Deer

    Charlie Pye-Smith is a journalist and author. In this episode, we discuss the implications of the Hunting Act of 2004. He explores how these bans have paradoxically worsened the conditions for hunted species like foxes, hares, and deer.  Charlie argues that the ban has led to increased suffering for these animals and has disrupted traditional hunting practices that once maintained a balance in wildlife populations.  He also highlights the cultural significance of hunting in rural communities and the potential consequences of further restrictions on hunting activities. The discussion touches on the complexities of animal welfare, the economics of hunting, and the future of hunting legislation in the UK. Rural Wrongs - Hunting and the Unintended Consequences of Bad Law: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rural-Wrongs-Hunting-Unintended-Consequences/dp/1839528931  Charlie’s Website: http://charliepyesmith.com/  My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe.reilly/?hl=en  0:00 - Trailer  0:56 - Political Background  4:25 - The Ban Has Made Life Worse For A Fox 10:50 - Rifle Killing vs. Hounds  14:15 - Stag Hunting  16:24 - Tony Blair Regretting The Ban  22:20 - Will Hunting Be Reinstated?  26:55 - The Cultural Side Of Hunting 29:58 - Rise In bTB Since The Ban 35:48 - Hare Poaching Increase 41:00 - Dinner With Sir Roger Scruton 49:52 - Future Of Hunting

    53 min

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A place where curiosity trumps categories and the only real theme is that there isn’t one. From philosophers to theologians, athletes to artists, city to country, you’ll never guess the next guest and I’ll never know where the conversation may lead. Interesting people, interesting topics, and the (more than) occasional tangent. Welcome.