Stories of our times

A sunny afternoon at Utah Valley University suddenly became a scene of terror when the right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a campus event on Wednesday, 10 September. His death was quickly described as an “assassination” by President Trump, and it is the latest in a worrying spate of politically-motivated attacks in the US. So what's behind this trend? Is political violence becoming normalised? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Katy Balls, Washington Editor and Columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Shabnam Grewal and Micaela Arneson.Read more:Search for Utah Valley University shooter after two suspects releasedWho was Charlie Kirk? TikTok wizard who conjured up Trump youth voteClips: New York Post, Republic TV, CNN, KTLA 5, Fox News, Charlie Kirk via Instagram, President Trump via Truth Social Photo: Getty ImagesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As people continue to starve in Gaza, the war once again spread beyond its borders this week when Israel bombed Hamas fighters in Qatar - a country that's involved in the peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Israel's President Isaac Herzog met Keir Starmer in London yesterday. So what does this all mean for the peace process - and for Gazans?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Catherine Philp, World Affairs Editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Edith Rousselot and Olivia Case.Clips: The Times, Reuters, The White House, Sky, Al Jazeera, The Sun, BBC. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exclusive research for The Times reveals a huge increase in the number of people who believe the dangers of climate change have been exaggerated. Why is this happening and what does it mean for our future - and that of our children?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Oliver Wright Host: Manveen RanaProducer: Shabnam Grewal Read more: We're ready to become net-zero heroes by 2050 (but only if the price is right)Clips: Channel 4, Sky News, ITV News, BBC, Guardian News, UN Climate Change, @downingstreet, Photo: Getty images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Friday, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resigned after a report said she broke the ministerial code by not paying enough stamp duty on her second home. But how serious is this latest loss for Labour, who could replace her, and can Keir Starmer's reshuffle reboot a struggling premiership and 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/thestoryGuest: Geraldine Scott, assistant political editor, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers:Olivia Case.Shabnam Grewal.Clips: BBC, Sky, Channel 4.Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As French Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a motion of no confidence in the National Assembly, a grassroots protest movement is gathering steam with its rallying cry to "Block everything" on September 10. Organisers hope to bring the country to a standstill to protest against Bayrou's national budget plan ­– even though the current government is likely to fall before the demonstrations begin. So is the French government on the brink of collapse again?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Peter Conradi, Europe Editor, The Sunday Times Host: Luke JonesProducers: Edith Rousselot and Hannah Varrall Read more: France heading for ‘Liz Truss-style catastrophe', warns PMClips: DW News, Sky News, France 24, BBC News. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15-year-old Carlo Acutis will become the first millennial saint today, after the Catholic Church posthumously attributed two miracles to him. So who was this extraordinary boy and how does the church 'fact' check a miracle?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Kaya Burgess, science reporter and religious affairs correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Further reading: London-born teenager to become the first millennial saintClips: YouTube / Miles Christi Religious Order, YouTube / Shalom world. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Polyamory is on the rise — especially in one US city where romantic partners have organised themselves into ever expanding networks. Yes, it can get complicated, they tell Megan Agnew.Written and read by: Megan Agnew, Senior Features Writer, The Sunday Times.Producer: Shabnam Grewal.Read more: Forget love triangles. Meet the ‘polycule' with 80 people in itPhoto: GettyGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Reform's conference begins today, the party leads the opinion polls. Nigel Farage is attempting to portray himself as the next Prime Minister, but in places they already hold power - ten councils and two mayoral authorities - there have been hints of serious problems, from failed cost cutting measures to infighting and resignations. So is Reform ready for power?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case.Maeve Gallagher.Clips: TalkTV, Sky, The Telegraph, Tiktok / Nigel_Farage, Channel 5, LBC, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Nottinghamshire Live, EU Debates / YouTube, Reform UK, ZiaYusufOfficial / Youtube. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years ago, the United States Supreme Court voted to make same-sex marriage legal by five votes to four. Since then the court has reversed one landmark ruling by overturning Roe v Wade, the 1973 decision that established a right to abortion under federal law. With divisions in attitudes to gay marriages and relationships increasing - could the court rethink its decision on gay marriage?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Matilda Davies, data journalist, The Times and Sunday Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Shabnam Grewal.Read more: Why is gay marriage losing US support — and are bans looming?Clips: @hrcmedia, Retroreport.org, CBS, USA TODAY, NBC,ABC, NOW THIS IMPACT, ALLSHEWROTESBOOKS.COM.Photo: Gettyimages.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political figures from the right and left have suggested that leaving a European convention could reduce the number of people seeking asylum in Britain. So what is the ECHR? And would leaving it actually make a difference? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Fraser Nelson, Columnist, The Times. Jonathan Ames, Legal Editor, The Times. Host: Manveen RanaProducer: Hannah Varrall Read more: What would actually happen if we left the ECHR?Leaving the ECHR won't fix the asylum crisisFurther listening: Hard borders, harder politics: Europe's migration crisisClips: GB News, Parliamentlive.tvPhoto: Getty ImagesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World leaders have gathered in China ahead of tomorrow's military parade to mark the end of the Second World War. Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Narenda Modi were among the 20 other leaders welcomed to what's been dubbed the 'anti-NATO' summit to discuss global security and economic matters ahead of the event. What can we learn from the relationships between the attendees and how should the West react?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Richard Spencer, China Correspondent, The Times, andCatherine Philp, World Affairs Editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Edward Drummond. Clips: APT, Reuters, SCMP.Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tomorrow, the Greens announce their new leader, and one contender has been borrowing from the Farage playbook in his campaign. Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn's new populist party is getting hundreds of thousands of sign-ups since its launch. Are the days of gradualism - and our two-party system dominance - over?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent, The Times.Josh Glancy, Associate Editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: YouTube / Break Through News, Sky, YouTube / @zakpolanskigreen, Novara Media, The Telegraph, ITV, YouTube / Ellie and Adrian 2025.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Caribbean nation of Haiti is now at the mercy of gangs bent on kidnap, rape and murder. Louise Callaghan meets their victims — and confronts a warlord.Written and read by: Louise Callaghan, US correspondent, The Sunday Times.Producer: Edith Rousselot. Photo: Giles Clarke/ Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his new book, Power and the Palace, the former Times royal correspondent Valentine Low uncovers the secretive relationship between the monarchy and government. Speaking to Palace aides, politicians and civil servants, he reveals the private side of Queen Elizabeth II.© Valentine Low 2025 Extracted from “Power and the Palace” by Valentine Low, to be published by Headline Press on September 11 at £25 Available to buy from The Times Bookshop.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryWritten and read by: Valentine Low.Producer: Euan Dawtrey.Photo: Ian Gavan / Stringer.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Taylor Swift announced her engagement to boyfriend of two years, NFL tight end Travis Kelce. So what can we expect at America's version of a royal wedding? Will there be hints or Easter eggs about it in her new album? And what could a stable love life mean for an artist who's built a career on heartbreak?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Sarah Ditum, writer, The Times and The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Read more: Taylor Swift's engagement to Travis Kelce is an all-American love storyHappily ever after? The Disneyfication of America's ‘royal couple'Taylor Swift's $1m ring is so huge she'll get a six-pack on her fingerClips: Fix, iHollywoodTV, ABC, New Heights podcast, CDC / Pfizer, E! Entertainment. Music: All Too Well / Taylor Swift / Republic Records, Bejewelled / Taylor Swift / Republic Records, You Belong With Me / Taylor Swift / Republic Records, So High School / Taylor Swift / Republic Records.Photo: Instagram / @TaylorSwift. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump announced on Truth Social this week that he had fired Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook. While most people had no idea who she was, her sacking could have a massive impact. The move is seen as part of the continued politicisation of the Fed, the US's independent central bank and some economists fear it could be the start of a journey towards economic meltdown in America with global repercussions. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Mehreen Khan,  Economics Editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Shabnam Grewal.Read more: Trump is rapidly tightening his grip on US central bankDollar weakens after Trump ‘sacks' Fed governor Lisa CookClips: CNN, Bloomberg, The Legal Defence Fund.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday Nigel Farage unveiled Reform UK's plans to tackle the issue of small boats and illegal migration. It's a problem that's driven European politics for almost a decade, we look to the continent for lessons they've learned on how it could be solved.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Edith Rousselot. Read more: Look to Sweden for bold policies on migrantsClips: Times Radio.Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the prospect of peace in Ukraine looking increasingly clouded following Donald Trump's attempts at inter-continental deal-making, the former head of the UK military, General Sir Nick Carter, tells Tom Newton Dunn that the US president doesn't understand his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Can Europe's leaders achieve some kind of security guarantee without US boots on the ground to back it up? And does Trump understand the lessons of history?Guest: General Sir Nick Carter, Former UK Chief of the Defence Staff.Host: Calum Macdonald and Tom Newton Dunn.Producer: Sophie McNulty.Clips: Fox News.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ron Hubbard is the biggest builder of underground bunkers, giving security to wealthy buyers who fear the world is coming to an end. And business is boomingThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryWritten by: Bevan Hurley.Read by: Edward Drummond.Producers: Edward Drummond and Kate Lamble.Photo: James Breeden for the Times. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bobby Cunningham was 31 when he became Head of Security at Wandsworth Prison, Britain's most notorious jail, where he was tasked with fighting corruption. The Sunday Times's Whitehall editor Gabriel Pogrund reveals his dealings with organised crime.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Gabriel PogrundHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Olivia Case, Edward Drummond, Shabnam Grewal.Read more: Revealed: the prison chief linked to organised crimeClips: BBC, Sky News.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Brain, the leader of a Church of England ‘sex cult' known s the Nine O'Clock Service, has been found guilty of 17 charges of indecent assault, three decades after its collapse. Why did the Church fail to learn lessons from the scandal?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Sean O'Neill, Senior Writer, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Edward Drummond.Read more: Chris Brain: ‘charismatic priest' behind the Nine O'Clock ServiceClips: BBC.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pro-democracy campaigner, media mogul and British citizen Jimmy Lai has been imprisoned in China for five years and on trial for two. As the closing statements are made, what will happen to one of China's most prominent critics? And can the UK government - or Donald Trump - step in to free 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/thestoryGuest: Cindy Yu, Columnist and Contributing Editor, The Times and The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: BBC, Hoover Institute / YouTube, Sky, The Guardian, CNN, FOX, AP, Max Media, Asia, The Hong Konger: Jimmy Lai's Extraordinary Struggle for Freedom / Ron Holwerda / Acton Institute. Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nvidia's the first company to be worth more than $4trilllion, developers are being offered salaries in the billions, and companies that don't even have a product are securing investments beyond their wildest dreams. Yet there were reports this week that Meta could downsize its AI division. Our resident silicon valley watcher says there's an AI bubble, and looks back to the dot com boom and bust, for answers on what happens when it bursts.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Danny Fortson, US West Coast correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case.Read more: Silicon Valley's AI-fuelled madness has echoes of the dotcom crashListen to Danny every week on The Times Tech PodcastClips: First Post, YouTube / @InvestDive, Bloomberg, YouTube / Meet McKay, CNBC, YouTube / 100xEngineers, BBC, YouTube / Budding, Pets.com, MSNBC, YouTube / @scalacodeIN, Stanford eCorner, CNET, YouTube / @fortune.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times can reveal the English Defence League founder is charging around £28 a minute for videos giving practical advice to supporters on migrant hotel protests and anti-Islam activism. The private consultations raise concerns about the potential for radicalisation at a time of heightened tensions surrounding immigration issues. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Shanti Das, Senior Investigations Reporter, The Times.Host: Calum MacDonald.Producer: Shabnam Grewal.Read more: Tommy Robinson charging £28 a minute as personal coach to far rightClips: Minnect, The Express, The Telegraph.Photo: Times illustration/Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zelensky landed in Washington DC, accompanied by European leaders, to try and stem the fallout from the Alaska summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Will Ukraine be forced to cede territory to secure peace? And how is that going down in Kyiv?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Professor Mark Galeotti, Historian, Times Contributor, Director of Mayak Intelligence and Author of We Need to Talk about Putin.Anthony Loyd, Special Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn Siegel and Edith Rousselot.Read more: The ball is in Zelensky's court but he is in an impossible positionClips: Fox News, Bloomberg TV, Associated Press, The Guardian.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Oasis reunion supernova leaves the UK to conquer the rest of the world, the success is beyond anyone's dreams -- including Oasis. How did this happen? Will Hodgkinson tells us about his many chats with the Gallagher brothers over the years, and his theories on how they finally reunited -- and what happened with the dynamic pricing debacle.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Will Hodgkinson, Chief Rock and Pop Critic, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Read more: Oasis in Cardiff review — still mad for it after all these years.Clips: BluntMag, THEMattPope, Oasis, OasisOfficialMusic, Matt Ridsdill-smith, MTV, milesth944.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Slater and his US partner created Quittr, which helps men resist sexually explicit material. It's making them millions.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryWritten and read by: Damian Whitworth.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Read more: Bonnie Blue: 1,000 men and the worrying normalisation of pornPhoto: Ava Pellor for The Free Press.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's Times podcast we thought you might enjoy hearing from a regular guest on the Story; Tom Whipple. In his new podcast, Tom explores the stories behind great scientific discoveries. We've brought two of them together, one of electric current and a second on the capacity of muscles for a helping of double science. If you'd like to hear more of Tom's series - all ten episodes are available in the Making Science feed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US vice-president JD Vance is holidaying with his family in the Cotswold village of Dean. But on the side, he's meeting a phalanx of British politicians. Who's on the roll-call? And what does this tell us about where Trump's possible successor sees the future of British politics?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Josh Glancy, Associate Editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case.Read more: JD Vance holds court with top Tories in Cotswolds thanks to George OsborneClips: The Guardian, CNBC, The Jaipur Dialogues, TikTok / iamtomskinner, Sky.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 500 Palestine Action supporters arrested at last weekend's protests are now being processed by the courts. So who is behind the direct action protest group and is the government right to have proscribed them as terrorists?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Tom Witherow, News Reporter, The TimesHost: Luke JonesProducer: Rosie StopherRead more: A history of Palestine Action: from birth to banClips: PA, Sky News, The Guardian.Photo: Getty images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fifty thousand people have crossed the channel in dangerous small boats since the government promised to ‘smash' the people-smuggling gangs at the last election. Among those arriving, Vietnamese people have become the fastest growing nationality, but why? Our reporter, Shayma Bakht, has gone inside this new clandestine smuggling route taken by those looking to come to the UK from Vietnam.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Shayma Bakht, News Reporter, The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Anna Dowell. Read more: What I saw on the trafficking route that ships ‘slaves' to the UK Clips: Sky News, ITV News, BBC News. Photo: The Times. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Presidents Trump and Putin meet in Alaska on Friday, Volodymyr Zelensky will not even be present. Trump said on Monday that he would ‘try and win back territory' for Ukraine – but also mentioned there will be ‘swapping' of land. So what's really on the table - and is it more than just ending 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/thestoryGuest: Professor Mark Galeotti, Historian, Times Contributor, Director of Mayak Intelligence and Author of We Need to Talk about Putin.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case.Read more: Xi, not Trump, has the most power over Putin. Will he use it?Clips: CNN, DW News, Reuters, Kremlin.ru, Fox, YouTube / @TimesNow, Al Jazeera. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speculation is rife that the upcoming Autumn budget will introduce new tax rises following expensive U-turns on welfare and slower than expected growth. Some thinktanks have suggested Rachel Reeves' next budget will need to find up to £50bn. The Times' economics editor, Mehreen Khan talks to Luke Jones about why Britain is broke, and what can be done to find extra funds? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Mehreen Khan, Economics editor at The Times.Host: Luke JonesProducer: Kate Lamble.Read more: Rachel Reeves ‘must find £50bn' in tax rises or spending cuts in budgetMove defence budget outside fiscal rule, says Gordon Brown Clips: Times News, The Telegraph, Sky News, ITV News.Photo: Getty ImagesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we mark 80 years since the atomic bomb that changed the world, we revisit an interview with Hiroshima survivor, Koko Kondo.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Koko Kondo.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC News, NBC, Imperial War Museum, US Army.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Royals, Kate Mansey speaks to royal biographer Andrew Lownie whose allegations in his new book - Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York - have been described just about everywhere as 'explosive'. From trade envoy trips to connections with Jeffrey Epstein, Lownie outlines claims of institutional cover ups, financial secrecy, and royal resistance to scrutiny.And The Times Investigations reporter George Greenwood reveals why it's so difficult to obtain information from the government about the royal family, and what it could mean for public trust in 'The Firm'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eighty years ago this week, the first atomic bomb to be used in war was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later, the city of Nagasaki was hit by a second. Hundreds of thousands of people died and Japan eventually surrendered. But why did America decide to use the bombs, given that Japan was already expected to lose the war? And how did Times readers debate the ethics of this decision in the pages of the newspaper?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Jack Blackburn, History Correspondent, The Times.Tom Whipple, Science Editor, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: YouTube / Harry S Truman Library, YouTube / The Atlantic / Castle Films, YouTube / Huntley Film Archives, YouTube / US National Archives.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As anti-immigrant protestors declare today ‘No Aslyum Day', and Nigel Farage continues his Summer of Crime campaign, can the Government wrest back control of the immigration crisis with its new small boats migrant deal? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Rosie StopherRead more: Migrants can use human rights ‘loophole' to avoid return to FranceFascists buy up land for white-only communities in WalesMore from the Story:The far-right party spreading ‘sensible nationalism'Clips: Sky News, The Sun, The Daily Express.Photo: Getty images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Times investigation has found companies have been offered sponsorship deals involving private meetings with an ‘influential Labour figure'. The reporters spent months working undercover, speaking to dozens of sources and combing through leaked documents. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Paul Morgan-Bentley, Head of Investigations, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Edward Drummond. Read more: Revealed: Labour group's £9,500 ‘cash for access' breakfastsHow we exposed Labour's cosy links to lobbyistsPhoto: Times illustration/Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Ukraine correspondent Maxim Tucker returns from the frontlines of the country's defence against Russia's invasion. With its soldiers under constant attack, a new war has opened up - this time against corruption at home. It comes as the US special envoy Steve Witkoff travels to Moscow this week for 'last chance' ceasefire talks.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Maxim Tucker, Ukraine correspondent, The Times. Host: Calum MacDonaldProducer: Kate LambleRead more: How Ukraine's air defence warriors take aim at Putin's drone swarmsAnti-corruption bodies arrest four over drone sales fraudClips: AP, BBC News, Fox News, Times Radio, Kyiv Independent, Tucker Carlson Network.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frazzled American parents are swapping a nightly glass of chardonnay for chewable THC gummies. But are they ignoring the health risks?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Louise Callaghan, US correspondent, The Sunday TimesHost: Luke Jones.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Read more: Mummies on cannabis gummies: meet the mothers getting high at homeClips: Focus on Sanity.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is one of Netflix's most watched documentaries – The Tinder Swindler told the story of scammer Simon Leviev and how he conned women out of more than $10 million. Now two of his most high-profile victims reveal the depression and bankruptcy that followed and how they're taking revenge by turning their story into a book.Swindled Never After: How We Survived (and You Can Spot) a Relationship Scammer by Cecilie Fjellhoy and Pernilla Sjoholm (Podium Publishing, £15.99) is published on August 19This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryWords by: Charlotte Lytton.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Read more: Conned by the Tinder Swindler: how his victims took revengePhoto: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been four years since the Taliban retook control of Kabul, marking the end of the UK's 20-year military presence in Afghanistan. This week, Patrick sits down with James Cowan, CEO of the HALO Trust and a former army officer who led Task Force Helmand from 2009 to 2010. Together, they reflect on the 2021 evacuation, the recent Afghan data leak, their regrets, and whether Britain's involvement in Afghanistan was, frankly, worth it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.