Stories of our times

When the Mexican government took down a drug lord last week, the Sunday Times was there to document the aftermath. Does this mark a turning point in the war on drugs? Or are things about to get much worse? A warning that this episode contains descriptions of graphic violence. 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, Americas correspondent, The Sunday Times. Host: Rosie Wright. Producer: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: A cartel boss is dead, but normal Mexicans always pay the priceFurther listening: The town ripped apart by Mexico's new narcos Clips: BBC, WMTW, Configo FN, Fox News, Al Jazeera, Noticias Telemundo, Reuters. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, Sir Keir Starmer made it clear that the US would not be permitted to use UK bases to launch strikes against Iran. On Sunday, that position shifted. Not only has the UK now allowed the use of joint bases, it is also intercepting Iranian drones, and sources have told The Times that a British warship may be deployed to Cyprus. As tensions in the Middle East escalate, is Britain being drawn ever deeper into the conflict? And how might this end?Our listener survey is live - find it here. 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, defence contributor, The TimesGeneral Sir Patrick Sanders, former Chief of the General Staff and co-host of The General & the Journalist, one of our sister podcasts Host: Rosie WrightProducers: Sophie McNulty & Olivia CaseWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Special relationship ‘not what it once was', as Trump rebukes PM on IranFurther listening: Iran after the AyatollahClips: The Times, AP, BBC, CNN, The White House, Sky News. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After weeks of protests against Ayatollah Khamenei's regime earlier this year, the Iranian people cried out for American help as they were massacred in their thousands. Over the weekend, the Americans and Israelis did finally intervene in Iran, killing the Ayatollah, but leaving a flood of questions in their wake. Who will now fill the political vacuum? Will there be regime change? And what next for the Iranian people?Our listener survey is live - find it here. 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:Rana Rahimpour, Iranian journalist.Ali Ansari, professor of Iranian history, the University of St. Andrews. Host: Rosie Wright.Producers: Harry Stott, Julia Webster. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Who will replace Ayatollah Khamenei — a moderate or an ‘Iranian Putin'?Further listening: Iran's supreme leader killed - is the Middle East in all out war?Clips: BBC, AP, EuroNews, State Department / Instagram, 60 Minutes.Photo: Getty Images, The Times, Dana Chan.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, a chilling rumour has haunted Sarajevo: that foreign tourists paid to visit the besieged city in the early 1990s to shoot at its residents. Today, Italian authorities are investigating several cases of alleged ‘tourist snipers,' thrusting these accusations back into the headlines. Now, an eyewitness to these so-called ‘human safaris' has spoken to The Times about what he saw more than 30 years ago.Our listener survey is live - find it here. 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 Kington, the Italy correspondent, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Sophie McNultyTranslator: Aleksa AnticWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Sarajevo sniper tourists ‘killed children by day, then partied at night'Clips: BBC, ITN, FRENCH 24 English. Photo: Getty Images, Tom Kington.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Early on Saturday morning, the US and Israel launched a wave of attacks on Iran, killing the supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran has retaliated, with strikes reported in the UAE, Qatar and across the region. But will Trump get his regime change or could Iran become just another failed state? And is the middle east on the brink of all-out war?Our listener survey is live - find it here. 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:Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza correspondent, The Times.Sir Peter Westmacott, formerly Britain's Ambassador to the United States of America, and Britain's political secretary, Tehran.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case and Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Iran latest: UK plans mass Middle East evacuation as Tehran strikes backFurther listening: Four years of war: can Ukraine continue to deny Putin?Clips: The White House / YouTube, CBS, Truth Social, ABC, BBC, The Times. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next week, the BBC launches a new three part documentary, Hostage, based on our award winning Times podcast series Last Man Standing. It's the story of British photojournalist John Cantlie who was kidnapped in Syria by Islamic State in 2012. While his fellow hostages were released or murdered, he remained captive. Then, a series of Isis propaganda videos emerged, fronted by Cantlie. He hasn't been seen since. So what happened to him? In this episode, The Times War Correspondent, Anthony Lloyd, begins his investigation.This episode was first published on 24 June 2022.Listen to the whole series: Last Man Standing Hosts: Manveen Rana and Anthony Lloyd, War Correspondent, The Times.Clips: BBC, 5Live, CNN, NBC, BBC.Further reading: The murky truth about Britain's forgotten hostage John CantlieWe've launched The Story's first ever listener survey! If you can, please take a few minutes to fill it in. You can find it here: The Story surveyThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From men wanting to buy her breast milk, to going undercover in the IVF wild west, investigative journalist and author Alev Scott has immersed herself in the murky, and often unregulated world of fertility. What she found was a trillion dollar industry, where the maternal body is a hot commodity. It also raised some serious ethical questions: How much, if anything, should breastmilk cost? Who should be allowed to buy it? And is it right that you can pay more for ‘VIP' egg donors?We've launched The Story's first ever listener survey! If you can, please take a few minutes to fill it in. You can find it here: The Story surveyThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Alev Scott, investigative journalist and author of Cash Cow.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Undercover in Europe's infertility and surrogacy industryPhoto: Getty Images & Mark Harrison for the Times magazine.You can buy Cash Cow: How the maternal body became a global commodity – and the hidden costs for women at the Times Bookshop.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The end of Britain's political duopoly now looks complete, as Labour suffers a catastrophic by-election defeat to the Greens in Gorton and Denton. Reform comes second, while the Tories lose their deposit with just 2% of the vote. Keir Starmer is now a prisoner of the left, and Britain is undergoing a tectonic realignment of its electoral 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/thestoryHosts: Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan Dawtrey.Executive Producer: Molly Guinness.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're launching The Story's first ever listener survey!Find it here: The Story surveyAnd thank you!This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a six-month-long investigation into maternity care in England, the government has published its initial findings. The report reveals a catalog of failures at 12 NHS trusts – from inadequate staffing and poor facilities to racial discrimination. So what do bereaved families make of the findings? And can this broken system be fixed?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 Times. Poppy Koronka, health reporter, The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: NHS ‘incentivised' to record baby deaths as stillbornFurther listening: Inside England's maternity scandal, part onePhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested, then Peter Mandelson. The fallout has been swift, dramatic, and is still unfolding. Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones answer your biggest questions about the two men and what comes next. Neither men have been changed and they both deny any wrongdoing. We don't know what evidence was used in their arrests. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHosts: Manveen Rana & Luke Jones.Producers: Sophie McNulty & Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Commons Speaker reported Peter Mandelson as flight risk to Met PoliceFurther listening: Andrew is arrestedClips: The Times, Parliament TV, Newsweek.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday, the government released its plan to reform SEND, the system that supports children with special educational needs and disabilities, in England. It's used by around one in five children and Keir Starmer is promising £4 billion over 3 years to overhaul it. But what's changed, who's affected and how will the government pay for 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:Georgia Lambert, education and news reporter, The Times.Hayley Harding, SEND campaigner. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Olivia Case and Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer: I'll ensure no child with special needs is left behindFurther listening: Broken trust: Inside England's maternity scandalPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years into Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine is still fighting – but the strain is visible. How has the conflict changed since those first days of war? Why would a free and fair election in Ukraine be so difficult? And is peace even conceivable?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: Anthony Loyd, special correspondent for The Times.Neo, Ukrainian drone unit commander.Anastasiia Romaniuk, researcher based in Kyiv.With thanks to our Ukrainian voices from the ground: Iryna Bortniuk, Pavlo Tkachenko, Natalia Zubar, Logan & Ostap.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott and Julia Webster.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: War diary: love and desperation on Ukraine's front lineFurther listening: A new peace plan, and a critical moment for ZelenskyClips: BBCPhoto: Photo: Paul Brookbanks, Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the past decade, thousands of families say they have been failed by England's maternity services. With a review into 12 NHS trusts due to publish its interim findings this week, we hear from some of those affected. What went wrong? And can future tragedies can be prevented?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: Poppy Koronka, health correspondent, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Shabnam Grewal. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised, the following organisations may be able to help:Sands is a UK charity that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby. Please visit www.sands.org.uk or call the helpline on 0808 164 3332The Birth Trauma Association is a charity that supports women and families who have experienced traumatic birth. Visit www.birthtraumaassociation.org or call the helpline on 0203 621 6338Tommy's is a charity focused on pregnancy research in the UK. Visit their website www.tommys.org or call 0800 0147 800Read more: NHS maternity failings leave women feeling blamed for poor careClips: Parliament TV, Channel 4 News, Ockenden Maternity Review, Sky News,Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesse Jackson, the civil rights firebrand, preacher, and two-time presidential candidate rose from segregated South Carolina to the front lines of America's fight for justice. Marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson transformed protest into political power, inspiring generations and paved the way to the first black president. We take a look at his influential, and controversial life.Guest: Anna Temkin, deputy obituary editor, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Dave Creasey and Julia Webster.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Rev Jesse Jackson obituary: civil rights campaignerClips: CBS, NPR, ITV, WCNC, BBC, The Obama White House, ThamesTV.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After her horrific rape ordeal, Gisèle Pelicot did not want a public trial. But, in an exclusive extract from her new book, she reveals why she changed her mind.This episode is from the audiobook A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot, read by Emma Thompson.Read by: Emma Thompson.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: ‘I saw him rape me. My body tortured, cast unconscious into the pit of men'Photo: Getty Images.Further information: Published in hardback by Bodley Head on Feb 17 at £22.To order a copy of A Hymn to Life go to timesbookshop.co.uk.Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25.Special discount available for Times+ members World Europe.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has denied all wrongdoing. This is the first time a member of the royal family has been arrested since the English Civil War in the 1600s. What does this mean for the future of the British monarchy?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:Valentine Low, former royal correspondent, The Times.Dr. Tom Frost, senior lecturer, Loughborough University.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Taryn Siegel and Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested for misconduct in public officeClips: ABC News, Talk TV, Sky News, CNBC.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just after 8am this morning, patrol cars arrived at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. What do we know? What happens next? And what does this mean for the palace? Our sister podcast, The Royals, brings you the latest.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: Harry Yorke, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesCharlotte Alt, news reporter, The TimesHost: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Robert WallaceWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comFurther listening: The Royals with Roya and KateRead more: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested for misconduct in public officePhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Board of Peace began with the grand ambition of reconstructing Gaza and securing a lasting end to one of the world's most intractable conflicts. But with Donald Trump as chairman for life, its ambitions have grown: it wants to become a wider international peacekeeping organisation. As members meet for the first time in Washington DC, will their lofty ambitions translate into action on the ground? Or is it all just a vanity project?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: Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott, Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Tony Blair to attend Trump's inaugural Board of Peace meetingFurther listening: Trump's Greenland play and the future of transatlantic relationsClips: OneIndia News / Youtube, AP / Youtube, CTV, BBC, Channel 4, ABC News.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Van Der Beek's death last week at just 48 shocked fans, reignited fears about a disease we still associate with old age. Cases of bowel cancer are rising in those under 50, even as rates fall among the elderly. To find out why, researchers are turning to a century of preserved samples.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: Ben Spencer, science editor, The Sunday Times Professor Trevor Graham,  director, Centre for Evolution and CancerHolly Masters, cancer patient Host: Manveen RanaProducer: Julia Webster, Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Bowel cancer has doubled in under-50s: do the reasons lie in birth?Further listening: Why are more young people getting cancer?Photo: Getty.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Labour Together scandal is the latest storm threatening to capsize the government - and Gabriel has been right at the heart. For the first time, he describes what happened when a Labour think tank set private investigators on a journalist. Their secret report falsely accused Gabriel of acting as a Russian agitator and "grotesquely subverted" his faith in an attack on his and his colleagues' reporting in The Sunday Times.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHosts: Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan Dawtrey.Executive Producer: Dan Box.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comFurther listening: ‘This is dark s***': inside the political smear campaign to discredit journalistsPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour Together, the think tank which helped Sir Keir Starmer become prime minister, has been accused of paying a PR firm to investigate Sunday Times journalists. The subsequent report contained personal information and false claims about Whitehall editor Gabriel Pogrund's faith and family background, including the incorrect suggestion he was part of a Russian conspiracy to bring down Starmer. So why did a political organisation pay for a smear campaign against journalists? 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: Emanuele Midolo, investigations reporter, The Sunday Times. Ben Clatworthy, Whitehall editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Julia Webster, Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Labour activists paid for smear campaign against journalistsClips: BBC, Times Radio, Channel 4 News, ITV News, Sky News, GB News. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times' Money desk has been investigating the UK's student debt system – and has discovered some bombshells. After being promised a loan that would be like paying a ‘phone bill every month', graduates are weighed down by tens of thousands of pounds in ever-increasing debt. So how did we get here? And is there a plan to fix 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: Mary Downer, Money reporter, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Plan 2 student loan interest is unfair, says Lucy PowellFurther listening: The Budget unpackedClips: BBC, Parliament Live, ITN, Channel 4 News, LBC.Episode artwork: Times Media.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI researcher Zoe Hitzig quit her job at OpenAI this week over “deep reservations” about the company's strategy, including their decision to pilot running ads on ChatGPT. In a rare interview, she gives her reasons for leaving the industry - a world with access to "an unprecedented archive of human candour". Meanwhile, another AI researcher, this time at Anthropic, also quit with a the stark warning that "the world is in peril". They just the latest in a series of high profile resignations. So what's going on - and what are the big fears for a world increasingly dominated by 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/thestoryGuests: Zoe Hitzig, former AI researcher at OpenAI.Mark Sellman,Technology Correspondent for the Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: ‘The world is in peril': AI researchers quit with public warningsPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Finkelstein's mother survived Bergen-Belsen. When far-right activist Nick Fuentes began spreading antisemitic, pro-Hitler ideas, our writer challenged him. He wasn't ready for the onslaught that ensued.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryReady by: Danny Finkelstein, Times columnist, author and Conservative peer.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Daniel Finkelstein: How the world's antisemites turned on meClips: TalkTV, CBS.Photo: Tom Jackson for The Times Magazine.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's almost six weeks since America launched military strikes against Venezuela and captured its President over claims the country was flooding the US with drugs and migrants. But was this ever actually the intention, or is Trump more interested in syphoning off the country's oil? Why is the old regime still in power – and what is life like for locals?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:  Stephen Gibbs, contributor, Latin America and the Caribbean, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case and Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Ally of Venezuela's opposition leader ‘kidnapped' hours after being freedFurther listening: Prince William walks a tightrope in Saudi ArabiaClips: The White House / X, BBC, NBC, CNBC, CBS / 60 Minutes, Sky News Australia.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been almost a fortnight since the release of the Epstein files, and since then we've learned a lot about the disgraced financier's connections to the rich and powerful. But what more have we learned about Jeffrey Epstein himself? Was he a foreign spy? And what do the files tell us about how the world is really run? 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: Micaela Arneson, Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Epstein's victims: my six-year search for the truthFurther listening: Mandelson, Epstein and the fight for survival at No 10Clips: Sky, AP, TalkTV, ABC News Australia, ITV, LBC, New York Post, CSPAN, House Oversight Committee.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Office for National Statistics has said that by 2029 it expects more deaths than births in Britain. Simultaneously migration could go into reverse soon, with more people leaving our shores than arriving. But how will a shrinking - and ageing - population affect our politics, our economy and our lives?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 Calver, Data Editor, The Times and The Sunday TimesHost: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Could Britain's population actually start shrinking soon?Further listening: Britain is in a cancer crisis. Will a new strategy fix it?Clips: Sky, ITN, BBC.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a whirlwind week in Westminster, we've decided to bring you an extra dose of Whitehall gossip. Check out this week's episode from our sister podcast: The State of It.The prime minister thought it was all over for him this weekend, but a scrambled rearguard action has left him looking stronger than he has for some time. But to survive, Keir Starmer may now have no choice but to move leftwards. And there's much worse to come when the Mandelson files are released. Meanwhile, has Wes Streeting missed his moment to challenge the prime minister?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHosts: Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan Dawtrey.Executive Producer: Molly Guiness.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comFurther listening: The State of ItClips: Sky News.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a week of chaos in Westminster, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer fights for survival. The crisis he faces reached fever pitch on Sunday with the resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, followed swiftly the next morning by the departure of Tim Allan, his director of communications. On Monday afternoon, the pressure escalated further when Anas Sarwar, Labour leader in Scotland, became the most senior figure yet to publicly call for Starmer's resignation. So can his government survive the next week ahead?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.Producer: Harry Stott, Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: With Morgan McSweeney forced out, PM may not be far behindFurther listening: Mandelson, Epstein and the fight for survival at No 10Clips: Times Radio, BBC, The Telegraph, Sky News, ITV News, GB NewsPhoto: Getty Images, The Times, Dinesh MehtaThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince William is making his first visit to Saudi Arabia this week to celebrate “growing trade, energy and investment ties” between the kingdom and the UK. But with a number of sensitive issues on the table – from defence and intelligence sharing to Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record – how will the prince walk the diplomatic tightrope? Should the UK be pursuing a closer relationship with the kingdom at all? 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: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor, The Sunday Times. Sir William Patey, former UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Julia Webster, Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Prince William to visit Saudi Arabia as diplomatic ‘secret weapon'Further listening: Travelling with the Duchess in a war zoneClips: NBC, BBC, HM Treasury.Photo: Dana Chan, Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British royal family isn't the only European monarchy in turmoil. In Norway the Epstein files have revealed intimate conversations between the Crown Princess and future Queen, Mette-Marit, and the paedophile after he was convicted. Meanwhile, her son is on trial facing charges on thirty-eight offences, including four counts of rape. If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison. Could this be a fatal blow for the Norwegian royal family? And what does it tell us about the long tentacles of Jeffrey Epstein's influence in the palaces and parliaments of Europe?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: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The rape trial casting a dark shadow over Norway's royal familyClips: BBC News, CBS.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Times journalist Helen Rumbelow spent two days sifting through the thousands of lurid, criminal and often coded messages between Jeffrey Epstein and his powerful friends. Buried among the shockingly misogynistic and disturbing exchanges, lies a revealing insight on how powerful men talk about women when they think no one is listening. In her widely shared article, Helen exposes not just the shocking content of those emails, but what they tell us about the mindset of powerful men.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryWarning: This episode contains some strong language from the start.Read by: Helen Rumbelow, feature writer and columnist, The Times.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I studied the latest Epstein files. As a woman, this is what I feltClips: NBC.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fallout from the latest tranche of the Epstein files is causing chaos in Westminster. With his ex-US ambassador Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein under the microscope, Labour MPs are furiously asking what Keir Starmer knew about it, and when. So will the PM be able to ride out this latest storm? And what future does Mandelson have?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: Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott, Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Starmer says sorry. But why did he swallow Mandelson's lies?I studied the latest Epstein files. As a woman, this is what I feltFurther listening: LATEST: The Epstein files drop — what next for Andrew?The new Epstein emails about TrumpClips: Associated Press, Times Radio, BBCPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer's next big test is the Gorton & Denton by-election in three weeks' time; commentators are calling it a three-way race between the Greens, Reform and Labour. But how is this vote a microcosm of the national picture, and what does it tell us about the direction of travel in British politics and the key issues that really sway voters?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, journalist, Times Radio.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: In Gorton, where Labour is counting on long memories to see off ReformFurther listening: Who is the real Melania Trump?Clips: BBC, Channel 4, Manchester Evening News, Novara Media, The Green Party, Reform UK, The Spectator.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On nearly every metric, the UK is ranked as one of the worst places in the Western world to have cancer. But today, the government is rolling out an ambitious new National Cancer Plan to tackle the crisis. Will it be able to shorten waiting lists? Or do cultural problems within the NHS warrant a deeper fix?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:Shaun Lintern, health editor, The Sunday Times.Jeremy Langmead, brand and content director of MR PORTER and contributor to The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Why is Britain still lagging behind on cancer care?Further listening: Will a review into mental health fix a system in crisis?Clips: ITV News.Photo: Illustration by Pete Baker for The Sunday Times. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A public inquiry resumes this week to investigate the deaths of over 2000 mental health inpatients in the care of NHS trusts in Essex. We unpick some of the themes the Lampard Inquiry has been hearing, and speak to a whistleblower about her experiences working on one of the wards.This programme includes material that some listeners may find distressing, including descriptions of suicide.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: Melanie Leahy, campaigner and mother of Matthew‘Anna', whistleblower and former staff at the Linden CentreHost: Daniel Gordon.Producers: Daniel Gordon, Edward Drummond, Taryn Siegel. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised, the following organisations can help: SANE is a charity which provides emotional support and specialist services for people who need help with their mental health and their families.Its helpline, SANEline, is 0300 304 7000. Details of other ways to get in touch can be found at sane.org.uk MIND is another mental health charity offering support, its main information line is 0300 102 1234 Details of other helplines can be found at mind.org.uk The Samaritans provides 24 hour emotional support to people struggling to cope or relatives bereaved by suicide. Call 116 123, or visit samaritans.org.Further listening: Britain's mental health reckoning - part one.Clips: The Lampard Inquiry.Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest and possibly final batch of documents was released on Friday by the US Department of Justice in their investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. New shocking discoveries have been made over the weekend that put Lord Mandelson, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and now Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's ex-wife, in the spotlight. What have we learned so far? And what does the future hold for the rich and powerful mentioned in these documents?Details of these emails and the identities of those who sent them are unproven.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: Kate Mansey, assistant editor and royal editor for The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Julia Webster and Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What's in the Epstein files? The key revelations so farFurther listening: Andrew & Epstein - The King actsClips: The Guardian, BBC, Channel 4, DW News, The NationalPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A public inquiry is currently investigating the deaths of over 2000 mental health inpatients in the care of NHS trusts in Essex. The inquiry resumes this week, but the fact it exists at all is largely down to the campaign of one woman; Melanie Leahy, whose son Matthew died in Chelmsford in 2012. This programme includes material that some listeners may find distressing, including descriptions of suicide.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: Melanie Leahy, campaigner and mother of Matthew.Host: Daniel Gordon.Producers: Daniel Gordon, Edward Drummond.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised, the following organisations can help: SANE is a charity which provides emotional support and specialist services for people who need help with their mental health and their families. Its helpline, SANEline, is 0300 304 7000. Details of other ways to get in touch can be found at sane.org.uk MIND is another mental health charity offering support, its main information line is 0300 102 1234 Details of other helplines can be found at mind.org.uk The Samaritans provides 24 hour emotional support to people struggling to cope or relatives bereaved by suicide. Call 116 123, or visit samaritans.org.Clips: Melanie Leahy, Essex Police, Lampard Inquiry, Sky News, The Telegraph, UK Parliament Youtube channel, Channel 5 News.Photo: JOE GIDDENS/PAThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1992, Helen Down's brother Richard was studying for a master's in artificial intelligence at Cardiff University. There, he had a brief side hustle as a sperm donor - a confession he'd only made to his family as an adult. Through a DNA website, the link was made and Helen met her niece and nephew for the first time in 2024 - the product of her brother's sperm donation 30 years ago. So, what exactly happened at at the family reunion? And how did these new family members unlock an even bigger mystery?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: Helen Down. Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What happened when a sperm donor met his unknown kidsPhoto: Tim Jobling, Duncan Elliot for The Times Magazine.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melania Trump this week releases her new documentary 'Melania' which takes viewers inside the enigmatic first lady's second term. Directed and produced by Melania herself, it's a project that's had plenty hype and some controversy. The studio Amazon MGM bought the rights for $40 million - the highest price ever paid for a documentary. So, what do we learn about real Melania - the power behind the throne with firm views on her husband's actions?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: Meghan Agnew, Senior Features Writer, US.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Dave Creasey and Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Sensitive Trump, Melania the boss… inside the first lady's second termClips: The Today Show, BBC News. Rolling Stones, Gimmie Shelter, Decca Records (UK).Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is visiting China, becoming the first UK prime minister to travel to Beijing in eight years. His trip comes amid a queue of world leaders seeking meetings with Xi Jinping, as some countries look for leverage in an increasingly volatile global order. But can China be trusted as a global partner? And as the US appears to be stepping back from its role as the world's policeman, what kind of power is China prepared to become?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 at The Times & The Sunday Times.Isabel Hilton, journalist and China watcher.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Julia Webster, Harry Stott, and Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping said in China (and what they meant)Further listening: Is China's mega-embassy a mega-spy base?Clips: BBC, World Economic Forum, CBS, APT, DRM NewsPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.