The Story

The new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch grew up in Nigeria and - as the state failed - was forced to complete her homework by candlelight. So how has that shaped her politically? What are her policies and can she resurrect the Tories and mount a challenge against the twin threats of Labour and Reform?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory.

Host:Luke Jones.

Guests:

Clips:The Conservative Party, BBC, Sky, Times Radio.

Image credit:Getty

Further listening:What happens if the American election is a tie?

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As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode from the new Money Podcast from The Times. Rachel Reeves’ first budget raised taxes by more than expected, borrowed more than predicted, and brought higher taxes on employers than forecast. But now, Holly is at hand with a podcast pick-me-up! It is time to get down to brass tacks as she is joined by experts whose job is to help you understand money better.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests: 

Host:Holly Mead, Deputy Money Editor, The Times and Sunday Times. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face off tonight in their first TV debate, it’s more than just a political showdown - it's a battle of the sexes. The polls are too close to call with women heavily favouring Harris, while men lean towards Trump. Could the hot-button topic of abortion prove the issue that shifts the electoral balance?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:Sarah Baxter, former Deputy Editor, The Sunday Times. 

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Further listening:Why tech billionaires are backing Trump

Further reading:Why Donald Trump is suddenly talking about cocaine

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Clips:NBC, Fox, AP Archive.

This episode was first published in September 2024.

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As polling day approaches, fears are growing that the result will not be accepted by the losing side. The potential consequences range from election denialism to violence, and even civil war.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Tom Newton Dunn, covering the US election for The Times. 

Host: Luke Jones.

Clips:MSNBC, CBS, New York Post, NBC News.

Photo:Getty Images 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has raised taxes by £40 billion in the first Labour budget in fourteen years. Does it ‘fix the foundations’ or does it punish ‘working people’?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: David Smith, Economics Editor, The Sunday Times. 

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips:Parliament live. 

Photo:Times Photographer Richard Pohle. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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The One Direction star is alleged to have died with a substance known as ‘pink cocaine’ in his system. This popular, dangerous high could mark a new phase in the world of drugs. So what is it?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory.

Host:Luke Jones.

Guest:Kate Spicer, Writer, The Times. Substack: https://katespicer.substack.com/

Clips:E! News, Virgin Radio, ABC7 News.

Further reading:Liam Payne, drugs and the rise of pink cocaine.

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Kamala Harris’ campaign is pulling out all the stops to woo black and Latino Americans, over concerns that voters from these groups are signalling their support for Donald Trump in record numbers. Polling suggests some of the Democrat’s core base will peel away to vote Republican in this election – so what’s Trump’s appeal? And could their votes decide the election?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Tom Newton Dunn, covering the US election for The Times. 

Read Tom’s reporting:

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips: Kamala Harris, Univision Noticias, Washington Post. 

Photo:Getty Images 

Further listening: 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Information and helpline services for ME are available atAction for ME and The ME Association.

Further reading:

Guest:Sean O’Neill, Maeve Boothby O’Neill’s father and Senior Writer, The Times.

Host:Manveen Rana.

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com 

Image credit:O'Neill family.

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As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode from the new Tech Podcast from The Times. Presenters Katie Prescott and Danny Fortson are joined by Microsoft boss Satya Nadella. On a whistle-stop AI tour of the world and in his only UK interview this year - this exclusive conversation with Satya Nadella covers the dangers, pitfalls and growth of AI.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Satya Nadella, Chairman and Chief Executive, Microsoft.

Hosts:

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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The former first lady’s new ‘tell all’ memoir addresses everything from her nude modelling and her husband’s policies to her surprising stance on abortion. But why is she doing it now — and will it help or hinder Donald Trump’s presidential campaign?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest:Josie Ensor, US Correspondent, The Times.  

Host:Luke Jones. 

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

Clips:Fox News, CBS, ABC, CNN, X.com/@melaniatrump. 

Photo:Getty Images.

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'Rivals' hit our TV screens this month; it’s the first adaptation of a Jilly Cooper ‘bonkbuster,’ the 87 year old Dame who taught a generation about sex and posh people. Her uber-popular romance novels sell in their millions, so what’s behind her popularity (aside from all the bonking) and how is she changing how we see, and show, sex.

This podcast contains lots and lots of talk about sex and other themes of an adult nature.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest: Sarah Ditum, writer, The Times and The Sunday Times.

Host:Luke Jones

Clips: Rivals / Jilly Cooper / Elliot Hegarty / Happy Prince / Disney+; ITV; BBC; Addicted To Love / Robert Palmer / Bernard Edwards / Island. 

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com 

Image credit:Robert Viglasky / Disney / PA

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When news dropped that a member of Ireland’s parliament was a suspected Russian agent, chaos ensued in the Irish parliament as politicians stood up to declare it wasn’t them. Today we hear from John Mooney, The Sunday Times investigative reporter who broke the story, on why Russia sees Ireland as Europe’s ‘Trojan horse’.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Guest:John Mooney, investigative reporter, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: RTÉ News, RTÉ Radio.

Photo:Illustration by James Cowen.

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.co.uk

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Anger is building on both sides after a Met police officer was found not guilty of the murder of an unarmed black man. Chris Kaba was shot dead in 2022, but The Times can now reveal Kaba’s alleged involvement in a gang shooting just days before he was killed. What does the verdict mean for policing?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: David Woode, crime correspondent, The Times.

Read David’s reporting:

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips:The Times, Sky News, The Guardian, Channel 4 News, Bruk It/Itch (67)/Prod. QUIETPVCKxBKayBeats/SBTV: Music, Numerous Times/67 (R6xSTxItch)/Prod. Carbs Hill/Link Up TV.

Photo:Getty Images. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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This week, Israel released pictures of an underground bunker, furnished with flat screen TV and a hot shower. It was the place where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had lived with his wife and children until he was killed by the IDF. So, how was he tracked down and what does his death mean for the conflict in Gaza?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest: George Grylls, Defence and Political Correspondent, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: CBS, Sky News, ABC, Al Jazeera.

Photo:Getty Images.

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com 

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One tiny ‘blue dot’ in Omaha, Nebraska could result in a tie between Trump and Harris. Why? And what happens then to decide who wins?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest:Tom Newton Dunn, Broadcaster and Journalist. 

Host:Luke Jones. 

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com 

Clips:News 5 Cleveland, News4JAX, KGW News, 

Photo:Getty Images

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The government has announced a five-year trial of the weight-loss drug Mounjaro to consider whether its use could reduce unemployment and relieve pressure on the NHS. So this weekend, we revisit an episode from last year looking at another weight loss drug that’s already been approved for use by clinically obese individuals in the UK. But is an injection our best option for tackling obesity?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guests: 

·        Charlotte Ivers, Staff Writer, The Sunday Times. 

·        Dr Amir Khan, NHS GP and Broadcaster.

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Article:How celebrities’ favourite drug Ozempic made Denmark enormously rich.

Clips:Global News Canada, CBS, E News.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

This episode was first published in September 2023.

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As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode from the new Tech Podcast from The Times. Presenters Katie Prescott and Danny Fortson are joined by Al Gore, former US Vice-President and now an environmental activist, as they discuss Artificial Intelligence and climate change.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest: Al Gore, Former US Vice President.

Host:

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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On Wednesday night it was announced that Liam Payne had died in Buenos Aires aged 31, where he was on holiday. 

What does his death say about the music industry? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Will Hodgkinson, chief rock and pop critic, The Times.

Host: Luke Jones. 

Further reading:Liam Payne and the curse of too much fame too young

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Clips: Sky News, Times Radio, X Factor, Columbia / Syco

Photo:Getty Images 

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Tensions are escalating between Israel and Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy militia in Lebanon. Attacks on both sides have led to thousands dead and over a million people internally displaced. The latest confrontations come after decades of conflict, so where did it all begin? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Lina Khatib, associate fellow at Chatham House, director of the SOAS Middle East Institute, and contributor to The Times. 

Read more from Lina: Why killing of Hassan Nasrallah marks ‘beginning of the end’ for Iran 

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips:Sky News, ITV News, NBC News, Binyamin Netanyahu, AP, CBS News, BBC News.

Photo:Getty Images 

Further listening: Who are Hezbollah and are they heading for all-out war?

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A new era of violence is erupting in the French city of Marseille between rival drug gangs. Deaths are soaring - with 49 murders in the first half of this year already. We go inside the city to find out how social media is helping to recruit children as young as 14 to carry out the killings.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

Further listening: Cocaine Inc.

Guest: Peter Conradi, Europe Editor, The Sunday Times. 

Host: Manveen Rana.

Image credit:Getty Images

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In 2020, the US Justice Department sued Google, alleging it illegally monopolised the online search market. The US government won, and is now threatening to break up the tech giant, with wide-reaching implications for us all. 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe  

Guest:Dominic O’Connell, Business Presenter, Times Radio.  

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Clips:The Justice Department, AP Archive, CNBC, CBS.  

Photo:Getty Images

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

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Kamala Harris may become the first female president of the United States – but who is she? Megan Agnew rode through the hills of San Francisco, talking to everyone who knew her fresh out of law school, to tell the story of how she conquered California.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Megan Agnew, senior features writer, The Sunday Times.

Host: Luke Jones. 

Photo:Getty Images. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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Today we bring you a conversation from our fellow podcasters and Times Radio broadcasters Jane & Fi.

This week marked a year since the October 7 attacks by Hamas and Israel's military operation in Gaza, beginning of a tragic new chapter in the violent history of the Middle East. Since then, thousands have died and the ongoing war threatens to engulf the wider region. It's left policy makers questioning how, if ever, the conflict can be resolved. Two former leaders with a potential road map for peace joined Jane and Fi to discuss. 

Guests:

- Ehud Olmert, former Israeli prime minister.

- Nassr al-Qudwa, former Palestinian foreign minister.

Producer: Guy Emanuel

Subscribe to Jane and Fi 'Off Air'

This week the Story covered the October 7th anniversary in two podcasts:

How I survived October 7

A diary from Gaza - what happened next

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/thestory

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Keir Starmer has been prime minister for 100 days. It's the point in any premiership that's considered a measure of how a new leader is performing, ever since the days of Franklin D Roosevelt. So how is Starmer doing compared to his predecessors? Two authors of multiple biographies of former PMs - William Hague and historian and author Sir Anthony Seldon - discuss.

This episode was recorded live at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

Host: William Hague, Times columnist and former leader of the Conservative Party.

Guest:Sir Anthony Seldon.

Image credit:Getty.

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A year on from the October 7th attacks in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage, Israel's bombardment of Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Our colleague Amal Helles was one of the few Palestinians to escape Gaza earlier this year. So what’s life been like for her since, and for her friends and family who remain in Gaza?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Further listening:How I survived October 7 

Further listening:A diary of war: Three months in Gaza

Guest: Amal Helles, journalist, The Times and The Sunday Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Photo:Abdel Hakim Abu Dagen for The Times.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark the publication of his memoir “Unleashed”, Boris Johnson sat down with Times Radio’s Stig Abell to talk about Donald Trump, Brexit, and refusing to rule out a political comeback.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister and author of Unleashed.

Host: Stig Abell. 

Photo:Times photographer Jack Hill. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Sue Gray resigned amid weeks of bad headlines for the government over freebies. Labour’s troubles arguably began when The Sunday Times revealed a major donor, Lord Alli, had a security pass to Downing Street. Today we speak to Sunday Times Whitehall editor Gabriel Pogrund about how he got the story. 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times. 

Gabriel’s reporting:

Host: Luke Jones.

Clips:Sky News, ITV News, Talk TV, The Times. 

Photo:Getty Images. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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As many take a break from booze for Sober October, the writer Hannah Betts marks ten years since she gave up alcohol. It’s given her a moment to reflect on her father’s death from his own alcohol addiction and to consider why Britain apparently has such a destructive love of booze.

If you or someone you know is affected by alcohol addiction support and advice can be found through the NHS and Drinkaware.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Hannah Betts, writer, The Times and https://hannahbetts.substack.com/ 

Host: Luke Jones. 

Photo:Getty Images. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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A year ago today, 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed in an orchestrated terrorist attack by Hamas. 251 were taken hostage. Today, we hear their stories of survival, and of their loved ones, who were not so lucky. It will not be suitable for all listeners.

This episode is the first part of a series marking the anniversary of October 7. Later this week, we will explore a year of devastation in Gaza, in part two.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Host:Manveen Rana.

Guest:Venetia Menzies, Assistant Data Editor, The Sunday Times.

Photo:Venetia Menzies

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

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This month, Parliament will look at proposals to give terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to choose to end their lives. To better understand this controversial topic, we’re revisiting our episode from March, where we explored what we can learn from Canada, often referred to as the world’s assisted dying capital since it legalised the practice in 2016.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.co.uk/podcasts/the-story 

Guest:Sarah Baxter, former deputy editor, The Sunday Times. 

Host:Manveen Rana.

Clips:BBC, ITV, Global News, Reuters. 

Email us:thestory@thetimes.co.uk

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom' 

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On April 30, 1980, six gunmen stormed the Iranian embassy in London, taking everyone inside hostage. The ensuing siege would change the course of history. But what really happened behind barricaded doors? In a new book, Ben Macintyre tells the real story of those six days for the first time.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest:Ben Macintyre, author of The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama.

Host:Manveen Rana.

Clips:BBC, ITV.

Photo:Times Media Ltd.

Further reading:How the SAS were ordered to end Iranian siege

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

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Israel has vowed that Tehran will ‘pay’ after Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, following an Israeli ground invasion in southern Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. In a week of escalating violence in the Middle East, how might Israel retaliate - and what lies ahead for the region at this dangerous moment?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest:George Grylls, Defence Correspondent, The Times.  

Host:Luke Jones. 

Clips:CBS, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC. 

Photo:Getty Images

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

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Today, the competition between the leadership candidates - Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat - heats up as the four make their key speeches on the main stage at Conservative Party conference. Manveen Rana is in Birmingham to join the media scrum - and to witness the battle for the soul of the party. 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips:Times Radio, GB News, Sky News. 

Episode artwork:Times Photographer Richard Pohle. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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For 40 years, Professor Allan Lichtman has honed a near-perfect system for picking the next American president. It was inspired by a Soviet seismologist - but how does he do it? And who is he putting his money on this time?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest:Professor Allan Lichtman, author of Predicting the Next President: The Keys to the White House.

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Clips:France 24, Fox News, CNN, ABC News.

Episode artwork:Getty Images

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She's a fashion icon - known for her sharp bob and dark glasses. As Paris Fashion Week wraps up, we consider the enduring influence of the Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. How does the woman who has edited the fashion magazine for nearly 40 years stay relevant in a world of TikTok trends and social media influencers? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest:Harriet Walker, Fashion Editor, The Times. 

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Clips:CBS Late Show with David Letterman, Disney+ In Vogue: The 1990s, YouTube/OxfordUnion. 

Photo:Getty Images

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yuval Noah Harari’s books Sapiens and Homo Deus sold millions around the world. His latest - Nexus - examines information and how we share it, from campfire stories in the Stone Age to the AI networks of today. But as the way we share information gets evermore complicated, could this be the end of a history controlled by humans?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Host: William Hague.

Guest: Yuval Noah Harari, author and historian.

Photo: Penguin Random House / Yuval Noah Harari

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.co.uk

Read the Times' review of Nexus: here.

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As fighting intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah, who is the Iranian-backed group and could this new conflict break out into a wider, regional war?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests: 

Oliver Marsden, journalist, The Times.

Rami Khouri, journalist.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips:ITN, CBS, 13News Now, TMJ4 News, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, PBS, AP.

Photo:Getty Images.

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

Further listening:Exploding pagers and Israel’s new phase of war.

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When Sydney and her 23-month-old son turned to the council for temporary accommodation, they were housed in an old office converted into a studio flat. A Sunday Times investigation into her block found residents complaining of sweltering heat and mould. This type of housing has been labelled Britain’s ‘slums of the future’ - so why are families still ending up there? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Hugo Daniel, News Reporter, The Sunday Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Clips:BBC Breakfast. 

Episode artwork:Matthew Chattle for The Sunday Times. 

Read Hugo’s full report:The forgotten families who have to live in old office blocks

Further listening: 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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The prime minister has told his party’s conference that there is ‘light at the end of this tunnel’. But after weeks of bad press about his top adviser’s pay and freebies - are Labour in danger of becoming a one-term government? And what’s going on in Downing Street - has dysfunction led to this series of own-goals?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips:Times Radio, BBC News, Sky News, ITV News.

Episode artwork:Times Photographer Jack Hill. 

Read more:

Further Listening:Politics Unpacked 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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Normal People and Conversations with Friendsauthor Sally Rooney is a publishing sensation and became a huge star whilst still in her twenties. Her new book Intermezzo, published today, follows two grieving brothers in complicated relationships. Will it cement Rooney’s reputation as the voice of millennials - or is she overhyped?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Laura Hackett, Deputy Literary Editor, The Times and The Sunday Times. 

Host: Luke Jones.

Clips:Normal People/BBC Three/Hulu, Manchester EUDC 2013, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art Denmark, Fox News.

Episode artwork:Getty Images.

Further listening: What 50 years of best-selling books says about us

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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As Labour’s party conference gets into full swing in Liverpool this week, we look in detail at a key part of the government’s employment rights package: working from home. Keir Starmer says flexible and hybrid working is better for productivity while large companies like Amazon have ordered their staff to return to the workplace five days a week. Who's right? And what does it mean for where you will work in future?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests: 

Host:Luke Jones.

Clips: LBC, Times Radio. 

Episode artwork:Getty Images 

Get in touch:TheStory@thetimes.com

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Exploding pagers and walkie-talkies targeting Hezbollah members have killed dozens of people and injured thousands in Lebanon and Syria. Israel hasn’t commented on the blasts, but the country’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant called it "a new phase in the war". What’s next for the region? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest:Samer Alatrush, Middle East Correspondent, The Times. 

Host:Luke Jones. 

Clips:NBC News, The Sun, Sky News, Al Jazeera. 

Photo:Getty Images

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

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At the UN General Assembly next week, Ukraine's President Zelensky will present his 'plan for victory' to world leaders. Key to that victory, he thinks, is being allowed to shoot British-made 'Storm Shadow' missiles into Russian territory. Keir Starmer agrees, Joe Biden does not. Is Biden right to be worried - or is this all part of a wider plan by the president to bring us closer to some kind of peace?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Mark Urban, writer and columnist, The Sunday Times. 

Host: Luke Jones. 

Clips:BFBS Forces News, CBC, FT.

Episode artwork:Getty Images 

Further reading: Are Russia and Ukraine edging towards an endgame?

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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As a new TV drama re-examines Prince Andrew’s controversial 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, it's understood King Charles is losing patience with his brother over his financial support of him.

What is the Duke of York’s future within the Royal family?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest:Kate Mansey, Assistant Editor and Royal Editor, The Times. 

Host:Luke Jones. 

Clips:BBC Newsnight, Scoop/Netflix, A Very Royal Scandal/Amazon, CBS News. 

Photo:Getty Images - Prince Andrew and King Charles in 2012. 

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com 

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How do you live in a society where you can’t speak in public? Where you can’t travel to work without a chaperone? Where you can’t leave the city with your family? We speak to a young woman in Afghanistan who tries to explain. And as Afghanistan’s national cricket team faces off against South Africa this week – how is the nation enforcing a gender apartheid not facing boycott?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Host: Manveen Rana.

Guests:

Clips:Afghanistan Cricket Board, Sky Sports.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Episode artwork:Getty Images.

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The shiny, indestructible metal saw its fortunes wane in the postwar years, but investors and central banks are again flocking to it, with its value hitting new records. What’s fuelling this demand? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/subscribe

Guest:Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor, The Times. 

Host:Luke Jones 

Clips:The Italian Job (1969) Paramount Pictures, ITV News, YouTube/@MengerCenter

Photo:Getty Images

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

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In the week that thousands of inmates were freed early from prison, we revisit our recent undercover investigation which prompted an urgent investigation by the Ministry of Justice. Our reporter revealed a worrying lack of security at HMP Bedford which houses dangerous criminals. He witnessed fights and drugs - and heard of a prison escape that happened because doors were left unlocked.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Paul Morgan-Bentley, Head of Investigations, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips:ITV News, Times Radio, BBC.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com 

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Medical tourism to Turkey for ‘Brazilian butt lifts’ and liposuction is surging despite the risks. 

The UK government says at least 28 people have died since 2019 as a result of medical tourism to the country. 

Our correspondent goes undercover to expose the firms recruiting customers in London.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory 

Guest: Charlotte Wace, Special Projects Correspondent, The Times. 

Host:Manveen Rana.

Get in touch:TheStory@thetimes.com 

investigations@thetimes.com

Photo: Getty images.

Clips: ITV, Talk TV.

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Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris came straight after a strong performance against the former President, Donald Trump. Our correspondent was in the spin room watching on as the two candidates clashed over foreign policy, immigration and the economy in their televised debate. But will last night shift the dial of the presidential election?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory 

Guest:Tom Newton Dunn, broadcaster and journalist.

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Get in touch:TheStory@thetimes.com

Further listening:Trump vs. Harris: The battle of the sexes &Why tech billionaires are backing Trump

Clips:ABC, NBC News. 

Photo: Getty images. 

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The hard-right Alternative for Germany party won its first state election earlier this month in Thuringia. Anti-immigrant, anti-woke and anti-green, its popularity has brought back uncomfortable comparisons with the rise of the National Socialists in the 1930s.

On Monday, Berlin announced that controls at all German land borders will be introduced for six months to stop illegal migrants entering the country.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory 

Guest: Oliver Moody, Berlin Correspondent, The Times and Sunday Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Get in touch:TheStory@thetimes.com

Photo:Getty images.

Clips: BBC, DW News, AFP.

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As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face off tonight in their first TV debate, it’s more than just a political showdown - it's a battle of the sexes. The polls are too close to call with women heavily favouring Harris, while men lean towards Trump. Could the hot-button topic of abortion prove the issue that shifts the electoral balance?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:Sarah Baxter, former Deputy Editor, The Sunday Times. 

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Further listening:Why tech billionaires are backing Trump

Further reading: Why Donald Trump is suddenly talking about cocaine

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

Clips:NBC, Fox, AP Archive.

Photo: Getty.

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This week the Duke of Sussex turns forty. A milestone for anyone - but for Harry, could this moment of natural reflection be a turning point? There are reports the King’s second son wants to come back to the UK with his wife Meghan Markle. So, as he begins to assess his legacy, what next for him?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Article:Prince Harry stayed at Diana’s family home in latest UK visit

Guest: Kate Mansey, Assistant Editor and Royal Editor, The Times.

Host:Luke Jones. 

Photo:Jack Hill, Times photographer.

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

Clips: ITV News, ITV X, BBC News, ITN Archive, 5News, Sky News, 7 News Australia, TODAY Australia. 

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Zoe Blaskey, author of Motherkind, didn’t realise that she was unprepared for the huge psychological and physiological changes that motherhood brought. Now she’s spreading the word to other mothers. But why are we still not talking about this?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests: Zoe Blaskey, author of the book 'Motherkind' and host of the podcast 'Motherkind'

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips:Peanut and Motherkind, Motherkind podcast.

Episode artwork: Getty Images 

Further listening:What two gay dads can teach fathers about parenting

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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Will there ever be peace in the Middle East? How should we interact with China, Russia and Europe? And how does the man who took the UK into the Iraq war look back on his legacy? William Hague talks to his former adversary from across the dispatch box, Tony Blair.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:Tony Blair, former prime minister.

Host: William Hague.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

Photo credit:Times photographer Richard Pohle.

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Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has condemned the British government’s decision to suspend some arms sales as ‘shameful’. But what was the UK sending, and can its policies really impact the war in Gaza?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests: 

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips:Parliament Live, Sky News, LBC, BBC Radio 4 Today, BBC News.

Episode artwork: Getty Images 

Further listening:Why there’s talk of civil war in Israel

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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Elon Musk and other tech billionaires in Democrat-leaning Silicon Valley are backing Donald Trump in 2024. What’s driving this shift, and what could it mean for the presidential race?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Guest:Danny Fortson, West Coast correspondent, The Sunday Times. 

Host:Luke Jones.  

Further listen:The political transformation of Elon Musk

Clips:ABC News, X.com/Elon Musk, Bitcoin Magazine, The Ben & Marc Show.  

Photo credit:Getty Images

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

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Conspiracy theories have swirled around the former nurse found guilty of murdering seven babies. But now some experts have also raised concerns about the safety of her conviction. We talk to one of them.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

Host:Manveen Rana.

Clips:Sky News, ITV, The Telegraph, Parliament TV.

Episode artwork:Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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The Public Inquiry into the fire at Grenfell Tower will publish its final report on Wednesday. Ahead of its findings, we're re-visiting a two-part series that looked into the failings that lead to the tragedy - and the stories of the families who lived in the tower.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Guest: Martina Lees, Senior Property Writer, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: ITV News, Grenfell Inquiry, BBC News, ABC News Australia, OnDemand News, AP.

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The Public Inquiry into the fire at Grenfell Tower will publish its final report on Wednesday. Ahead of its findings, we revisit a two-part podcast from June 2022. In part one, we remember the night of the fire on June 14, 2017, through the stories of three families who called the tower home.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Guest:Martina Lees, Senior Property Writer, the Sunday Times.

Host:Manveen Rana.

Clips: Channel 4 News, ITV News, BBC News, Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning, this episode contains discussions about suicide.

A year on from the original series, James sits down with his producer, Will, to go over all the latest developments on the case, as Kenneth Law is expected to go on trial in 2025 accused of 14 counts of murder.

If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide or needs to talk to someone, please get in contact with the Samaritans online https://www.samaritans.org/ or call them for free on their 24-hour helpline 116 123.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Host: James Beal, Social Affairs Editor, The Times.

james.beal@thetimes.co.uk

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This episode was first published in 2023.

Warning, this episode contains discussions about suicide.

On Tuesday night, police in Canada announced the arrest and charge of a 57-year-old man on two counts of aiding or counselling suicide.

If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide or needs to talk to someone, please get in contact with the Samaritans online https://www.samaritans.org/ or call them for free on their 24-hour helpline 116 123.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Host: James Beal, Social Affairs Editor, The Times.

james.beal@thetimes.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was first published in 2023.

Warning, this episode contains discussions about suicide.

James goes to Canada to track down Kenneth Law and confront him over his operation.

If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide or needs to talk to someone, please get in contact with the Samaritans online https://www.samaritans.org/ or call them for free on their 24-hour helpline 116 123.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Host: James Beal, Social Affairs Editor, The Times.

james.beal@thetimes.co.uk

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This episode was first published in 2023.

Warning, this episode contains discussions about suicide.

In this episode we learn of a man called Kenneth Law who’s based in Canada.

Law appears to be selling a substance to young, vulnerable, adults in the UK, some of whom are using it to take their own lives.

If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide or needs to talk to someone, please get in contact with the Samaritans online https://www.samaritans.org/ or call them for free on their 24-hour helpline 116 123.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Host: James Beal, Social Affairs Editor, The Times.

james.beal@thetimes.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was first published in 2023.

Warning, this episode contains discussions about suicide.

In October, 2021 David Parfett’s 22-year-old son, Tom, took his own life. We hear from David about the events that led up to the university student’s death.

If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide or needs to talk to someone, please get in contact with the Samaritans online https://www.samaritans.org/ or call them for free on their 24-hour helpline 116 123.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Host: James Beal, Social Affairs Editor, The Times.

james.beal@thetimes.co.uk

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Two doctors and a dealer known as the ‘Ketamine Queen’ have been charged in connection with the Friends actor's drug overdose in October. What does his death reveal about substance abuse in Hollywood and those who allegedly exploit it?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:Keiran Southern, West Coast Correspondent, The Times. 

Host:Luke Jones. 

Clips:Reuters, Warner Bros., BBC, Sky News, Fox News, 9News, Fox 11 Los Angeles. 

Further listening:Inside the fentanyl trade

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

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Five bodies were found yesterday inside a shipwrecked yacht in the search for British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and fellow missing passengers. Just hours before the sinking, the party had been celebrating a spectacular legal victory - so what led to this moment?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor, The Times. 

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips:Danny In The Valley, TalkTV, GB News, LeadersIn. 

Further listening:Danny In The Valley: Mike Lynch’s first post-acquittal interview 

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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The war in Gaza has put Israeli society under unprecedented strain, exacerbating political, religious and ethnic divisions. While Netanyahu told a news conference in June, 'there will be no civil war' in Israel, some fear he may be proved wrong.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Dr Dahlia Scheindlin, journalist, political analyst and author of "The Crooked Timber of Democracy in Israel".

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips:The Telegraph; Al Jazeera; Global News.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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 A new political movement is fomenting in Ireland, inspired by American far-right groups and fuelled by anger over immigration.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: John Mooney, investigative reporter, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana

Further listening:Inside the Kinahan crime cartel and their €1 billion empire

Clips:Gript Media, Irish Mirror, Cllr Gavin Pepper,RTE News, Irish Times, Euronews, The National Party — An Páirtí Náisiúnta, Tucker Carlson, , 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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As the Democratic National Convention begins today, the Harris campaign is riding a wave of momentum. Why has Trump struggled to find a foothold?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:Josh Glancy, News Review Editor, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips:The Editors podcast, The Guardian, CBS News, The Daily Show, MSNBC, Forbes, AP, Fox News, Sky News.

Further reading:America's No 1 pollster Nate Silver on his US election bets

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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The Sunday Times bestsellers list celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend - so what do Britain’s favourite books say about who we are?

A 20 per cent discount is available for Times+ members attimesbookshop.co.uk.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

Host: Luke Jones. 

Clips: Virgin Radio, TikTok/@sextedmyboss, Hodder Books, CNN/Larry King Live, BBC/Delia Smith's Cookery Course, BBC/I’m Alan Partridge. 

Further listening:Our guide to your summer reading 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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Whether amplifier of far-right voices or dogged defender of free speech, Elon Musk divides opinion. But what’s led the one-time political liberal to come out for Donald Trump and a raft of conservative causes? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory  

Guest:James Ball, tech journalist and author.  

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Clips:X.com/Kamala Harris AI generated audio.   

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

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The government says it wants to make the UK a global hub for crypto firms. But with the NHS warning it’s being left to ‘pick up the pieces’ as people get addicted to crypto gambling, are Labour’s plans wise?

Our reporter visits one of the first clinics in the world, near Edinburgh, that is treating people who have cryptocurrency problems.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

If you’ve got any concerns about gambling, you can contact the national problem gambling charity GamCare's helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visitwww.gamcare.org.ukfor confidential support, advice and free counselling.

Guest: Lily Russell-Jones, Senior Money Reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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The Ukrainian advance into Russia is a bold gamble that may change the course of the war. 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:Tom Ball, reporter, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips:Times Radio, Reuters, VOA, NBC, Al Jazeera, Moscow Times. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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The Times investigates how easy it is to buy weight loss jabs online, despite the risk of serious side effects for those of a healthy weight.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

Host: Manveen Rana. 

If you're struggling with an eating disorder, please consider contacting Beat: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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When Alex Campbell suggested to his high school sociology class that they would be investigating a 40-year-old cold case, he had no idea where it would lead. Within a year, a serial killer had been identified. In his next class, they decided to try and overturn a wrongful conviction. And they did. So just how did Mr. Campbell breed a class of super sleuths?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

Host:Luke Jones.

Guest:Harriet Alexander, Senior Features Reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times.

Clips:WBIR Channel 10, NewsNation, WKRN News 2.

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This week, Kamala Harris chose Tim Walz as her running mate. The Minnesota governor is seen as a safe choice who can appeal to white working class voters in swing states.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Hugh Tomlinson, Washington reporter, The Times. 

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips:AP, NBC, MSNBC, Tim Walz, CNN, ABC, Tim Walz, USA Today, Fox Sports.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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Riots have engulfed Britain after the stabbing of three girls in Southport. The far-right are being blamed for inciting the violence and disorder - but how has the far-right gained momentum and what does it stand for? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Dominic Kennedy, Investigations Editor, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips:Sky News, ITV News, BBC News, BBC Question Time, X/@TRobinsonNewEra.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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Last week, 24 prisoners, spanning seven countries, were exchanged in the biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War. Is this a triumph for diplomacy, or just a triumph for Putin?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

Host:Luke Jones.

Clips:ABC News, The White House, Sky News. 

Further reading:Prisoner swap doesn’t mean Cold War 2.0 has eased. It may get worse

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

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Sally Rooney, confessions of guilt, and fist fights - two of our books editors take you through their four golden rules for what to read on your holidays this summer. 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

Host: Luke Jones.

Books mentioned:

A 20 per cent discount is available for Times+ members attimesbookshop.co.uk.

Read our critics 100 best summer reads for 2024

Further listening:

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com 

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative, hosted by The Story as a bonus weekly series each Sunday.

In a world undergoing a rapid transformation due to climate change, a big question remains- is it possible to undo the damage to our planet? Environment Editor for The Times, Adam Vaughan is joined by National Geographic photographer and acclaimed conservationist Paul Nicklen to hear how he endeavours to safeguard our planet through photography. 

This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. 

This podcast is advertiser funded.

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Huw Edwards has pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. Will he go to prison and could this latest scandal topple the BBC Director General?

This podcast contains brief descriptions of child sexual asault.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

Host: Luke Jones. 

Guests:Andrew Billen, feature writer, The Times.

Ros Urwin, media editor, The Times and The Sunday Times.  

Clips: BBC, SKY, TalkTV, Times Radio, ITV.

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Millions of tourists flock to Europe each year - with some hotspots completely flooded by visitors. Locals are fighting back - in one extreme case even starving themselves in protest. But is the backlash righteous or self-defeating?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests: 

Host: Luke Jones.

Clips:Channel 4 News, Inside Edition, CBS Evening News, NBC News, The Guardian.

Get in touch:thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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Rachel Reeves' first statement as the new Chancellor has kicked off a huge political row. She accused her predecessor Jeremy Hunt of lying about the 'true state' of the UK's finances - and he hit back calling her ‘shameless’. So was there actually a ‘cover up’ by the previous government? And the big question: Does this mean higher taxes?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

Host: Luke Jones.

Guest:Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor, The Times.

Clips:Parliament TV, Sky News, Times Radio.

Further listening:Labour: Meet Starmer's top advisors

Further reading:'Is Rachel Reeves right to rule out China tariffs?'by Mehreen Khan

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In 1969, 55-year-old Muriel McKay, the wife of a Sun newspaper executive, was abducted for a million-pound ransom. She was killed, but her body was never found, and two men were jailed for her murder in the country’s first conviction without a body. 

But more than fifty years on, what happened to Muriel remains a mystery, and the McKay family have been desperate for answers. Their quest for the truth brings them face to face with Muriel’s killer.

This is the second part of a two-part investigation into the case. Listen to Part 1

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:Ben Ellery, Crime Editor, The Times.

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Clips:ITN Archive, Met Police, Sky News. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

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On the 29th of December in 1969, the wife of a Sun newspaper executive was abducted from her home. In a case of mistaken identity, Muriel McKay was then murdered and dumped on a farm but her body was never found. Two men were jailed for life. More than fifty years on, what happened remains a mystery that the McKay family want to solve.

Today and tomorrow on The Story,we bring you a two-part investigation into the case. 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

Guest:Ben Ellery, Crime Editor, The Times.

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Clips:ITN Archive, AP Archive.

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This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative, hosted by The Story as a bonus weekly series each Sunday.

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and vibrant ecosystems on our planet. Occupying less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, they are home to a quarter of all marine life and play a crucial role in protecting coastlines. However, over the last three decades the world has lost half of its reefs from a combination of climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution. Environment Editor for The Times, Adam Vaughan is joined by marine environmentalist and entrepreneur, Titouan Bernicot to hear how he’s offering a life line to reefs through coral gardening. 

This podcast is advertiser funded.

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In his monthly episode for The Story, former foreign secretary and Times columnist Lord Hague sits down with Lord Sebastian Coe - gold medal winning Olympian, president of World Athletics, former Tory MP and William’s old chief of staff - to discuss how to tackle doping, should athletes from pariah nations be banned and finding a place for transgender competitors.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

Host: William Hague.

Guest: Lord Sebastian Coe, president, World Athletics.

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It’s thirty years since Amazon launched. What began as a website selling books has become an online juggernaut - where you can buy just about everything. So how did it become one of the most powerful companies in the world? And has it changed our lives for the better - or worse?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Dana Mattioli, author of "The Everything War: Amazon’s Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power" and Amazon reporter, The Wall Street Journal.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: CNBC, PBS, NDTV Profit, KIRO 7 News, Reuters, NBC News.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the BBC's flagship Saturday night entertainment show and is a cash cow for the corporation but in recent weeks allegations of physical and verbal abuse have emerged. 

Yesterday, the head of the BBC apologised to celebrity contestants but ruled out a wider review into the culture of the show. So what now for Strictly Come Dancing? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Further reading: 

Tim Davie apologises over Strictly Come Dancing bullying scandal

Strictly ‘needs intimacy coaches to stop dancers crossing boundaries’

Video shows Strictly dancer slapping partner’s bottom

Guests: 

Host:Luke Jones. 

Clips:BBC, Sky News, GB News.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom' 

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Joe Biden has stepped down as the Democrat’s nominee for president, endorsing his vice-president Kamala Harris. So, what happens next? Are there others in the running? And crucially, can she beat Donald Trump?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Host:Manveen Rana.

Guest:Josh Glancy, Editor of News Review, The Sunday Times.

Clips:X / @KamalaHarris, NBC, CNN.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers:'Inside the newsroom'

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Millions of social media users are flocking to follow the Trad Wives: stay-at-home mothers who champion a life making meals from scratch and serving their husband’s and children’s every need. Our reporter goes to meet the woman behind the most popular account: Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm. Is she selling a feminist dream or an unattainable lifestyle? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Megan Agnew, Senior Features Writer, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Clips: TikTok/esteecwilliams, TikTok/naraazizasmith, TikTok/ballerinafarm, ABC News. 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative, hosted by The Story as a bonus weekly series each Sunday.

The ocean's twilight zone is one of the most important marine areas you’ve most likely never heard of. Home to marine life yet to be discovered and integral to carbon sequestration, it is vital that we protect this layer of ocean that spans across the Earth. Environment Editor for The Times, Adam Vaughan is joined by ocean explorer, Luiz Rocha to learn more about his pioneering diving expeditions in the depths of our oceans and how he is safeguarding this area for the future of our planet.

This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. 

This podcast is advertiser funded.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we bring you the first episode of a new eight-part series.

Cocaine Inc. is hosted by Fiona Hamilton, chief reporter at The Times, David Collins, northern editor at The Sunday Times, and Stephen Drill, national correspondent at News Corp Australia.

Inside the global cocaine industry, where profits are counted up in millions and losses measured out in murders.

This worldwide investigation from The Times, Sunday Times and NewsCorp Australia, reveals how the drug business works like any multi-billion dollar corporation.

To listen to the full series just go to Cocaine Inc. wherever you get your podcasts.

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Today is the last day of the Republican National Convention, where Donald Trump has been officially crowned as his party’s nomination for president and where there is a ‘devotional’ mood inside the halls. Trump has chosen firebrand JD Vance as his running mate. What does it tell us about his confidence, just days after surviving an assassination attempt?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

Host:Luke Jones.

Clips:NBC Chicago, Fox News, CNN.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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The King unveils Labour’s plans for government today surrounded by pomp and ceremony. What is Labour looking to achieve, does it live up to the promise of change for the country - and can the country afford it?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:Geri Scott, Senior Political Correspondent, The Times.

Host:Manveen Rana. 

Clips:Parliament, Talk TV, C-Span. 

Further listening: The UK economy’s broken. Can Labour fix it? 

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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On Friday, 37-year-old Gavin Plumb was sentenced tolife in jail after being found guilty of a plot to kidnap, rape and murder the TV presenter, Holly Willoughby.

What does this trial tell us about a world that some men inhabit? 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Further reading:I caught the Holly Willoughby plotter as an undercover officer

Who is Gavin Plumb? The man found guilty of Holly Willoughby kidnap plot

Guest: David Woode, Crime Correspondent at The Times.

Host: Luke Jones. 

Clips: Essex Police, BBC News, ITV, hollywilloughby instagram, GB News, Sky News, Manchester Evening News.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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On Saturday evening, news broke that Donald Trump had been the victim of an attempted assassination during a political rally in Pennsylvania. Our reporter was at the scene where the presidential candidate almost lost his life and talks with Manveen for a special episode taking in the breaking news. What happened and what do we know about the 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks?

Further reading:I was at the Trump rally shooting — there was silence, then chaos https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/trump-shot-what-happened-shooting-video-27z8w70m5

Guest: Tom Newton Dunn, broadcaster and political journalist.

Host: Manveen Rana.

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England are through to a historic second Euros  final in as many tournaments - but for Gareth Southgate it hasn’t been an easy journey. The football manager faced calls for his resignation during this tournament. Have the team’s recent poor performances clouded our memories of this once national hero?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Matt Lawton, Chief Sports Correspondent, The Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Clips: TalkSport, The Independent, ITV, PA, Optus Sport, Daily Mail. 

Listen to The Game football podcast

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

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The infighting has already begun as party leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch called one of Rishi Sunak’s private secretaries a ‘buffoon’ at a shadow cabinet meeting following their electoral disaster. And with Nigel Farage’s Reform party splitting the Tory vote, how will they deal with his threat?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Steven Swinford, Political Editor, The Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Further listening: The UK economy’s broken. Can Labour fix it?

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

Clips: BBC, Parliament Live, UN, LBC, GB News, TalkTV, SKY.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.