Stories of our times

A six-part investigation by the French newspaper Le Monde has portrayed the luxury conglomerate LVMH as in the midst of a Succession-style drama, controlled by an ageing king: Bernard Arnault. Arnault made his first appearance on X to post a three-page sarcastic takedown of the piece. So what's really going on? 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 Jones.Producers: Taryn Siegel, Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: France's last monarch? Not moi, says luxury king Bernard ArnaultClips: Dior, Sephora, Fenty, IG/Puckdotnews, CNN, CNBC, Legend podcast.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump wants American women to have more babies. But despite policies like offering a baby bonus of a thousand dollars, birthrates continue to fall. So why are fewer Americans choosing to have children? And what does the answer reveal about the country today?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: Manveen RanaProducers: Emily Webb, Jennifer KennedyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Why can't Trump persuade US women to have more children?Clips: Washington Post, NBC News, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, CBS Chicago, Bloomberg.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As demand for fashionable pets soars, vets and animal welfare charities say we're creating breeds that are destined to suffer. So, why are we prioritising cuteness over welfare? And what would it take to change the way we breed and buy our pets?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Matt Rudd, contributing editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Emily Webb, Jennifer KennedyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: ‘They're not dogs': how extreme breeding is making our pets sickPhoto: Paul Stuart, The Sunday Times Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has announced that a deal has been reached to disarm Hamas in Gaza, while also forcing Israel to withdraw its troops from the strip. The President is hailing it as a ‘monumental step towards lasting PEACE and SECURITY'. But can it succeed where so many other attempts have failed?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: Michael Evans, contributor and former defence editor, The Times.Jonathan Conricus, former spokesperson of the Israel Defense Forces and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank.Hosts: Ryan Tubridy, Ayesha Hazarika.Producers: Lewis Decker, Musty Aziz.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Trump hails historic Gaza deal – but will it work?Further listening: The ticking time bomb Netanyahu faces at homePhoto: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a scandal-ridden tournament, there's a new crisis brewing for the World Cup. As exclusively revealed by the Times, FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to monetise and Americanise football by selling off the tournament. But the Union of European Football Associations, UEFA, has threatened to boycott the tournament if that goes ahead. So what is Infantino thinking? And what does Donald Trump have to do with 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/thestoryGuests: Alyson Rudd, senior sports writer, The Times. Tom Clarke, sports editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Deluded Gianni Infantino can't read room — he must be kicked outFurther listening: Who is the “king of soccer" Gianni Infantino?Clips: Associated Press, WTHR, TalkSport, ABC News, SKY, ABC, ITV, Bloomberg, The Daily Mail. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are transport links in the north of England so poor, and what could Andy Burnham do about it? Should women be worried about Meta's AI glasses? And what is Trump planning – in Iran and beyond? You asked, so we answered, in this edition of our monthly Q&A series. If you have a question, send it to us at thestory@thetimes.com, and we'll try to answer it in a future Q&A episode!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: David Collins, northern editor, The Sunday Times.Chris Stokel Walker, tech journalist. Hosts: Manveen Rana, Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Yasmin Choudhury. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The rise of Islamist terror in GermanyFurther listening: Can Trump run for a third term?Clips: Kylie Jenner via Instagram, Associated Press. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke speaks to The Times' chief sports reporter Martyn Ziegler, following his exclusive story on Fifa president Gianni Infantino's plans to offer 'stakes' in the World Cup. So, what are these plans? Why does it matter and what happens next? 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: Martin Ziegler, chief sports reporter, The TimesHost: Tom ClarkeProducer: Neil CartmellWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Gianni Infantino tells countries: Agree to World Cup sale plan or miss extra fundingEnough is enough — it's time to stand up to Fifa and protect game we loveFurther listening: The Game podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham's plans to shift power out of London are already taking shape, with No 10 North open for business in Manchester. The city sees yet more political action tomorrow, with Labour expected to win Britain's biggest ever by-election and usher in a new mayor. But what will Burnham's plans for devolution really mean for 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/thestoryGuest: Darryl Morris, presenter, Times Radio.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Andy Burnham vows to put practical education on par with academiaFurther listening: Can Burnham learn from Starmer's mistakes?Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In France and Spain wildfires have been ripping through communities, forcing 325,000 to flee. And it's not just mainland Europe feeling the heat. In Britain, wildfires have broken out across the country. So what does the future hold?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: Katie Gatens, Europe correspondent, The Sunday Times. Emma Yeomans, news reporter, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Emily Webb and Jennifer Kennedy.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: As the wind drops and rain falls, a moment of 'false calm' amid wildfiresClips: Reuters, Sky News.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're publishing our monthly Q&A episode this Thursday. Send us your questions by Wednesday 12pm BST!We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comFurther listening: Q&A: Departures, diplomacy, and an unused motorhome Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Germany the radical right is on the rise. The Alternative for Germany, or AfD, has gone from the fringes to the second largest party in federal government. And it is expected to win more state elections this autumn. So how did the AfD become so popular in a country that's worked so hard to distance itself from its fascist history? And could it be stopped?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 and The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Olivia Case, Jesse Fox. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How to beat the AfD: the German town where political rivals uniteFurther listening: The far-right plot to overthrow the German stateClips: Ungeskriptet Podcast, DW News. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Baber is a self-taught investigator from rural West Virginia who claims to have solved a case that's defeated the world's best cryptographers for half a century: the identity of the Zodiac killer. Baber used AI to interpret the coded notes the serial killer left behind and, in the process, made another startling discovery.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: Josie Ensor, chief US reporter, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Emily Webb.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: An AI sleuth claims to have finally unmasked the Zodiac murderer, one of America's most notorious serial killersClips: Paramount Pictures.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After months of trying to hide her true circumstances, Stacey Duguid decided to go public about her economic situation. The response from fellow midlife women was huge.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Claire Cohen, contributor, The Times. Producers: Emily Webb.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I was a high-flyer. Now, I'm broke and unemployedPhoto: Olivia Richardson, The Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer is out. Andy Burnham is in. And after just days in Downing Street, the new prime minister has torn up his predecessor's playbook — swapping warnings of a hard inheritance for a blitz of cost of living giveaways. Is this smart repositioning after Starmer's early missteps, or a sugar rush that can't survive contact with the budget?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.Producers: Elle Scott, Shabnam Grewal, Jennifer Kennedy.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer's biggest success was something that didn't happenFurther listening: The remarkable rise of Andy BurnhamClips: BBC, 10 Downing Street / Youtube, Andy Burnham / Instagram, Bus Aunty / Instagram.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Riot police in Delhi have fired tear gas and baton charged the biggest protest the city has seen in years; tens of thousands of young Indians, marching under the banner of the "Cockroach Janta Party", calling for an end to corruption and educational reform. But what exactly triggered this uprising? And could this be the biggest threat Modi has faced in 12 years of 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/thestoryGuests: Amrit Dhillon, contributor, The Times.Alexander Balakrishnan, content creator based in Delhi.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Elle Scott and Shabnam Grewal.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Why India's cockroach uprising is more than just a pest for ModiFurther listening: 'Influencer of influencers': Modi's strategy to win the Indian electionClips: Sky News, BBC, Sonam Wangchuk / Instagram, WION.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A gas platform in the North Sea is at the centre of a fierce debate that has divided the country: should the UK be expanding fossil fuel infrastructure or going all-in on renewables? The Rough Field gas facility wants to repurpose depleted gas fields to solve Britain's chronic shortage of energy storage. But should government funding go towards securing our current energy supply, or funding a greener 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/thestoryGuest: Jim Armitage, contributing editor, The Sunday TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Micaela Arneson, Elle Scott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: This rig could treble Britain's gas reserves, so why is it closing?Further listening: War, immigration, welfare: the in-tray for Burnham and his new cabinetClips: Parliament, BBC, The Guardian, LBC, Express, Sky News. Photo: Sunday Times Photographer Richard Pohle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's new prime minister Andy Burnham revealed his key cabinet picks yesterday; so who's in, who's out and what does it tell us about the direction in which he'll take the country? And as the Iran and Ukraine wars rumble on and the cost of living continues to bite, how will the PM handle the key problems in his in-tray?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: Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case and Elle Scott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Burnham on football, his father's dementia and preparing for powerFurther listening: The remarkable rise of Andy BurnhamClips: Sky, Goalhanger, BBC, DWS News, Eureka UK, Global News.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Around Scotland, something bizarre has been happening. Men dressed in black have gathered in military-style formations. The silent parades are filmed in grainy black and white. Experts describe the imagery as unmistakably fascist. So what is this? And why is it happening now? 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: David Leask, Scotland reporter, The Times & The Sunday TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Tensions rise over ‘fascist' parades held across ScotlandFurther listening: Belfast on fireClips: LBC, Scottish Family Party - YouTube, Craig Houston - X, STV News.Photo: X - Craig Houston. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lab-grown stones are booming, threatening to crush the diamond trade. So, how is the industry coping? And what does this mean for Botswana, a country whose schools, hospitals, roads, and economy have been built by the profits from diamond mining? 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 Assheton, foreign features, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Kawaller suddenly has the urge to have children, but he would prefer not to raise them. Luckily, there is a growing online market that can help with that.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Ben Kawaller, reporter and essayist. Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I've decided to become a father. Does anyone want my sperm?Photo: Adam Grey for The Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Andy Burnham will be crowned Labour leader. On Monday, he'll become Prime Minister -- Britain's fifth in as many years. But questions are still lingering over the direction he'll take the government. And more than that, people are still trying to decipher who the man really is. We turn to our man in Westminster, who has spent plenty of time with Burnham, to try to get some answers.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: Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Andy Burnham wants to break ‘unaccountable state'Further listening: Will Burnham scrap the most expensive promise in politics?Clips: Andy Burnham / X, BBC, Coljax Parliament / Youtube, LBC, Nimrod Kamer / Youtube, Manchester Evening News, The Mirror.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time since the war began, a Times journalist has reported from inside Iran. World Affairs editor Catherine Philp travelled there for the week-long funeral of the former ayatollah, leaving just as US strikes resumed. Amid the latest escalation, how united is the country over the war? And what do the continuing hostilities mean for the daily lives of millions of people across Iran?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: Sophie McNulty, Jesse Fox.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: US blockade begins in Strait while strikes on Iran enter fifth dayFurther listening: What Iranians really think of Trump's peace dealClips: C-Span, BBC, Fox News, The Times, DRM News. Photo: Times Photographer Jack Hill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The England football team's manager Thomas Tuchel has led his squad to a World Cup semi-final against old rivals Argentina. A cerebral football obsessive, he has a tendency to self-immolate when things are going well. So is this the fate that awaits the Tuchel-England experiment? Or could the tensions between the manager and his star player Jude Bellingham actually prove the key to victory?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.Producers: Jesse Fox, Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Thomas Tuchel's tough love for England not without riskFurther listening: The men who made the World Cup - The Sunday StoryClips: Football Smash / Youtube, Sky News, Talk Sport, Sports Unfiltered / Youtube, BBC.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's no secret that NHS mental health care is under strain - long waiting lists, disjointed communication between providers, and patients left in limbo. So how did it end up this way? And could a treatment model from Finland be the solution? The Sunday Times went to find out.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: Roisin Kelly, journalist and commissioning editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What Lapland can teach the NHS about treating psychosisFurther listening: Britain's mental health reckoning - part oneClips: Channel 4, Nottingham Inquiry.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the alleged murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. A 28-year-old man has now been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.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:Oliver Wright, policy editor, The Times.Stephen Roberts, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police Jonathan Hall, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism LegislationHost: John Pienaar.Producers: Sandra Mitchell, Sofia Johanson, and Taryn Siegel.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Ann Widdecombe death: counterterrorism police leading investigationPhoto: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Iran war reignites, there's a hidden figure influencing the American side. In an exclusive interview for The Times, Pete Hegseth's pastor Doug Wilson says the conflict in Iran is a righteous battle against Muslims, homosexuality is evil, and women who dress immodestly are sluts. How is this ultraconservative influencing US foreign policy? And could we see his brand of Christianity in the UK?This podcast contains mention of some topics listeners may find offensive.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: George Grylls, Washington correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Pete Hegseth's pastor: ‘Women who dress immodestly are sluts'Further listening: Trump v the Supreme Court and Fi and Jane interivew Pastor WilsonClips: PBS, CNN, New Founding Podcast / YouTube, Pulp Fiction / Quentin Tarantino / Mirimax, The Independent, Blog&Mablog / YouTube, Daniel Foucachon / YouTube. Photo: Dominic Gwinn / Zuma Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Murdaugh stands accused of the brutal murders of his wife and son. As shocking evidence, devastating testimony, and disturbing secrets unfold in court, one question still hangs over everything: Did he actually do 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/thestoryGuest: James Lasdun, author of The Family Man.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Dave Creasey and Jesse Fox.Clips: CNN, CBS, Fox News, CourtRoomTV, WCSC, WIS News, WJCL, NBC, GMA.Image: Getty Images.Times Book Shop: The Family Man: Blood and Betrayal in the House of Murdaugh. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Murdaugh family had power, wealth, and influence until two brutal killings exposed a world of stolen millions and deadly secrets. As the lies unravelled, a once-untouchable dynasty collapsed into one of America's darkest true crime cases. But what really happened that night, and who is to blame?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: James Lasdun, author of The Family Man.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Dave Creasey and Jesse Fox.Clips: CNN, CBS, Fox News, CourtRoomTV, WCSC, WIS News, WJCL, NBC.Image: Getty Images.Times Book Shop: The Family Man: Blood and Betrayal in the House of MurdaughWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More revelations are coming out about donations to Reform UK. The Sunday Times Insight team have discovered that the Metropolitan Police are investigating a £500,000 donation from the mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell. How will this affect Farage's chances in the Clacton by-election now scheduled for August? And what does it say about the state of political donations in the UK more widely?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: Gabriel Pogrund, insight editor, The Sunday Times.Richard Tice, Reform UK MP.Peter Geoghegan, investigative journalist.Host: Ayesha Hazarika.Producer: Musty Aziz.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Police investigate Reform donations by mother of fraudster who bankrolled FarageFurther listening: Posh George: The criminal behind FaragePhoto: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer 2026 is another scorcher, with temperature records being broken across Europe. Infrastructure in the UK is creaking; with trains cancelled, schools closed and people sweltering in their homes. Why does Europe seem to be heating up more than other continents? And could outlandish ideas hold the answer to cooling us down long term?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 Whipple, science writer and special correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Heatwave exposes flaws in Britain's ability to supply fresh foodFurther listening: Have we stopped caring about climate change?Clips: Channel 4, BBC, Sky News. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weeks of protests in Albania show no signs of stopping. Tens of thousands have been taking to the streets to oppose the proposed purchase and development of land by Donald Trump's daughter and son-in-law. As the country's tourist industry booms, there is a divide over the cost of development and the country's sense of self. Our writer went to the island at the centre of a political and national identity crisis.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 Assheton, features writer, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn Siegel.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Is this the Kushners' $5bn Albania resort? 350 yachts and a water parkClips: David Senra podcast, APT, X/@IsamyzyrajAlb, IG/@thebrickobserversatire, DW News.Photo: Richard Assheton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a rollercoaster 24 hours for Nigel Farage and Reform – a by-election called, a major party boycott, and now the spectre of a two horse race against Count Binface. So will his high risk play pay off as he takes his case to the people? And what do the voters of Clacton really think about 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/thestoryGuests: Terry Stiastny, political correspondent, Times Radio.Rosie Wright, presenter, Times Radio.Peter Kellner, pollster and former president of YouGov.Host: John Pienaar.Producers: Sandra Mitchell, Sofia Johanson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Will voters in Clacton back Nigel Farage second time around?Further listening: Nigel Farage resigns. What now?Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a Sunday Times investigation revealed Nigel Farage's links to a convicted fraudster, and with the spectre of a parliamentary standards investigation looming over him, Farage will now put his fate in the hands of his constituents in Clacton in a by-election. But will this gambit work? And what does the Sunday Times journalist who led the investigation think about 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/thestoryGuests: Gabriel Pogrund, Insight editor, The Sunday TimesFraser Nelson, columnist, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Will risky resignation ploy pay off for Nigel Farage? Further listening: Posh George: the criminal behind FarageClips: Reform UK / Youtube, Sky News, BBC. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NATO is gathering in Turkey for its annual summit, and defence spending, Iran and Ukraine are all on the agenda. But behind the scenes there are warnings that Putin is planning his next attack - on a NATO country. So what might that aggression look like? And is the alliance ready?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 and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case and Shabnam Grewal.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Putin the agent of chaos revelling in division between US and EuropeFurther listening: Defence spending: too little too late? Clips: France 24, @MaxAfterburnerusa / YouTube, @joeycontinonews / YouTube, TVP Info, BBC, Sky, The Guardian, GB News, Fox News, USA Today, CBC. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we bring you the first episode of a new series from one of our sister podcasts, The Times Investigates. Posh George: The criminal behind Farage The Sunday Times's Insight team investigate how the Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage - who could hold the keys to Number 10 - has come to depend upon a crypto evangelist, gambler and fraudster. Both George Cottrell and Nigel Farage deny any wrongdoing.Listen to Episode 2 and the full series right now.Read more: Revealed - Nigel Farage secretly funded by convicted criminalWatch: Everything you need to know about the aristocrat funding Nigel Farage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the United States marks 250 years of modern America, a country founded on freedom, liberty, and justice, for Native Americans, that history reads very differently. After centuries of oppression, survival, and the ongoing reclamation of culture, what does it mean to be Native American today? And why does the question of who has the right to claim that identity remain so deeply contested?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, senior US correspondent, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Who still counts as Native American in 2026?Photo: Tailyr Irvine for the Sunday Times Magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. It's an epic tale of revolution, rebellion and the making of a global superpower. But how did Britain end up fighting, and losing, the war that gave birth to the most powerful nation on earth?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Jack Blackburn, history correspondent, The Times. Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How Britain drove America to independencePhoto: Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has drawn increasing political and public scrutiny for a £5 million personal gift from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne in 2024. Farage says it's for his security and nobody else's business, but has he made a political misstep which risks his future aspirations to be PM? And do extra revelations about his property portfolio and his lucrative role with a gold bullion company add extra pressure?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: Sebastian Payne, columnist, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: David Whitty, Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Nigel Farage's £5 million is a burden for ReformFurther listening: Inside Farage's political earthquake Clips: BBC, LBC, Times Radio, Rupert Lowe - facebook, Direct Bullion, The Mirror.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Supreme Court has finished a momentous term with some ground-breaking rulings on a raft of issues from trans rights to birthright citizenship. And one case has greatly expanded presidential powers. So is this term a win for Trump? And what does it mean for the country's 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/thestoryGuest: George Grylls, Washington correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case and Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Supreme Court rules Trump cannot scrap birthright citizenshipFurther listening: Why Trump's attack on the Fed affects us allClips: USA Today, Fox, CBS News, CSPAN, Times Radio, ABC News, CNN, KTLA, The Washington Post. Photo: Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a year of waiting, the defence investment plan was finally released yesterday. The plan will take defence spending to £80 billion a year by 2029, but some have criticised it for still leaving Britain's military under-funded. So will this plan do enough to make the country more secure? And what role should Britain be carving out for itself in the new geopolitical world we find ourselves in?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: Larisa Brown, defence editor, The Times.General Sir Richard Barrons, co-author of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, David Whitty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What's in Keir Starmer's defence investment plan? Key pointsFurther listening: Will Burnham scrap the most expensive promise in politics?Clips: BBC, Parliament tv, Al Carns - Facebook. Photo: Getty Images, The Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a series of reports about individual failing maternity trusts in England, a national report is published today. It says women are not being listened to, racism is systemic, regulators are failing and triage is not working. So how did things get so bad? What do families think of the report's findings? And will it finally force a change in England's woeful maternity care?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:Eleanor Hayward, health editor, The TimesPoppy Koronka, health correspondent, The TimesHost: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case and Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Ockenden review: Three hospital bosses were awarded CBEsClips: GB News, BBC, ITV. Photo: Adobe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham now looks a shoo-in for number 10, and he has grand plans for the UK economy. One thing many have been crying out for is scrapping the triple lock on pensions, which has been a boon for pensioners, but a drag on public finances. So will Burnham be brave enough to get rid of it? And what else might he do to boost our stagnating economy?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: Jack Barnett, economics correspondent, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Harry Stott, Harry Bligh.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Andy Burnham's advisers back scrapping pension triple lockFurther listening: Have PM resignations become a new British disease?Clips: BBC, IPaper / Youtube, Times Radio, ITV, DWS NEWS, Parliamentlive.tv.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.