Stories of our times

On Friday, Giorgia Meloni will break Italy's record and become the longest-serving continuous prime minister since the Second World War. Her sceptics predicted she would only last a few months. So how has she managed it? And with Britain going through four prime ministers in the same period, does she have a lesson for the rest of us?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, Italy correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case and Leo Danczak.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: 1,413 days and counting… can Meloni become Italy's Merkel?Further listening: How Giorgia Meloni became Europe's political superstarClips: Atlantic Council, CNN, Giorgia Meloni / YouTube, @GiorgiaMeloni / X, EUDebates.tvPhoto: 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.

Andy Burnham faced parliament for the first time as prime minister on Tuesday. He's spent the summer projecting a sunny, optimistic vision of Britain's future – but how long can the good vibes last as Burnham faces the cold, hard realities of governing? 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: Micaela Arneson, Leo Danczak, Jennifer Kennedy. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer's final U-turn gives Andy Burnham an early headacheFurther listening: The impossible dilemma of early releaseClips: BBC, Parliament TV, Andy Burnham via TikTok, Number 10, Channel 4, Sky News, CNBC, The Mirror.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 six months since President Trump announced the US and Israel had launched a military campaign against Iran. And despite some early military successes, the conflict has had financial and political costs for the United States. Will a change in strategy turn the tide? Or has the US already lost the strategic battle? 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 Charter, assistant editor (US), The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Jennifer Kennedy. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How six months of war could make US rethink Middle East role for everFurther listening: How war is changing Iran from withinClips: Forbes, CNN, AP. 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.

When Ceri Menai-Davis' five year old son Hugh was diagnosed with cancer, his whole family's life was transformed. The emotional toll was unimaginable, but alongside that came myriad other hidden costs, and he soon found there was no support available. So why does the UK not help families going through this most devastating moment? And could a new law, championed by Ceri, change 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/thestoryYou can find more information and support Ceri's work here: https://www.hughslaw.uk/ Guest: Ceri Menai-Davis, co-founder and director of policy, It's Never You.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Nobody should be bankrupted for spending time with their dying childFurther listening: Why are more young people getting bowel cancer?Photo: Ceri Menai-Davis.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 Notting Hill Carnival began in the sixties as a celebration of the culture of Britain's Windrush generation - but as the tradition has swelled there are issues of overcrowding and violence. Critics question the policing costs, which run into the tens of millions. With the future of Carnival now a political lightning rod, how long can the party go 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: Andy Silvester, London editor, The Times.Host: Manveen RanaProducers: Robert Wallace, Emily Webb.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Notting Hill Carnival, 60 years on: how it began — and what's nextClips: BBC, Sky News, The Independent, GB News, ThamesTVPhoto: 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 a crime that many victims don't know is illegal. Now a Times investigation has found that online platforms are hosting graphic content depicting women being sexually assaulted while they sleep, despite UK laws banning depictions of rape.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: Constance Kampfner, political correspondent, The Times.Zoe Watts, survivor and founder of #endeyecheck campaign. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Emily Webb and Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comIf you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the following organisations can help:Rape Crisis England & WalesNHS - Help after rape and sexual assaultCriminal Cases Review CommissionAppeal - Charity and law practiceRead more: Revealed: Social media content depicting sex assaults on sleeping womenPhoto: 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 tech giant Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion and add child-safety measures to its platforms, after settling a landmark trial against a coalition of American states. So, will the forthcoming measures actually lead to real change? And why has 2026 become a year of social media backlash? 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 Forston, West Coast correspondent, The Sunday TimesHost: Luke JonesProducers: Sophie McNulty, Jennifer KennedyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Meta agrees to child safety features in social media addiction caseFurther listening: The Times Tech PodcastClips: NBC News, CBS News, CNN, The Guardian. 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.

At least 360 have died, with hundreds more still missing, after a flash flood in Nepal. Experts are warning that a second flood may be imminent.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 Brown, chief news correspondent, The Times.Adam Vaughan, environment editor, The Times.Host: John Pienaar.Producers: Sandra Mitchell, Sofia Johanson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Nepal flash floods latestPhoto: 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.

Does the king get to decide where his grandkids go to school? Could we build data centres underground? And why was the CIA chief in Moscow this week? You asked, so we answered, in this edition of our monthly Q&A series.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. Chris Stokel-Walker, tech journalist. Anthony Loyd, special correspondent, The Times. Marc Bennetts, foreign correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times. Hosts: Manveen Rana, Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Jennifer Kennedy. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Digital cities: the future of Britain's data centresFurther listening: The Ukrainian plot to sink the Russian economyPhoto: 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.

Ten days ago, Natalie Harp was a name known almost exclusively to those in Washington's political circles but when a Democratic senator name-checked her in a campaign speech, it caused a war of words. So who is she and why does she matter so much to the president?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: Philip Wegmann, White House reporter, The Wall Street Journal.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Jennifer Kennedy. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How Trump's Ever-Present Executive Assistant Became the Talk of WashingtonFurther listening: The fraudsters pardoned by TrumpClips: Jon Ossoff / YouTube, Forbes, CNN, CSPAN, ABC7, One America News Network, Decoding Fox News / Twitter, Real News Insights, Global News, Brut / Facebook, Daily Mail, Fox.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.

Meteorologists are warning about a “Godzilla” El Niño which will cause extreme weather, food shortages and economic disruption. While the weather pattern happens regularly and mostly affects countries around the Pacific, its effects will be far reaching. What should we expect in the UK?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Adam Vaughan, environment editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Robert Wallace and Julia Webster.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How will the ‘worst El Niño on record' affect the UK?Further listening: Why this summer's drought could lead to food shortages Clips: BBC, Sky News, ITV News, 10News, Channel 4, The GuardianPhoto: 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.

We're publishing our monthly Q&A episode this Thursday. Send us your questions by Wednesday, 26 August, 12pm BST.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comFurther listening: Q&A: Public transport hell and ‘creepy' AI glassesThis 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 has discovered that thousands of migrants are using a new, hybrid route to try to come to the UK: legal flights and visas, combined with illegal border crossings. But most don't make it; the smuggling gangs detain them in Libya, to use them as slaves or for organ harvesting. Our reporter went to meet them.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Shayma Bakht, news reporter, The TimesHost: Luke Jones.Producers: Olivia Case, Julia Webster.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: We stop two small boats a day from reaching Britain, say FrenchFurther listening: Were 60,000 migrants intentionally let into Spain?Photo: Denise Kelly, 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.

In his second administration, Donald Trump has so far pardoned or released approximately 1,800 convicted criminals. That includes rioters who stormed the Capitol, fraudsters who stole millions from their victims, and people with connections to the president. So why is Trump on a pardoning spree? And what impact might it have on his support? 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 Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I voted Trump. Now he's pardoned the $20m Ponzi fraudster who conned meFurther listening: Is the American Dream dying? Clips: CBS 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 the diet Trump's inner circle are said to swear by: protein, fermented food and... not much else. Its creator, Sean O'Mara, promises that it works magic on your gut. The Times' feature writer Damian Whitworth's spoke to him, and tried out the diet.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: Damian Whitworth, feature writer, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Robert Wallace.Read more: I tried the Maga diet — it's steak and sauerkraut againWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: John Angerson, The 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.

This is episode five of a five-part special investigation into county lines drug dealing from The Times and The Sunday Times first published in March.In the final episode of our county lines series, we hear how county lines drug gangs are continuing to shift their business model to avoid detection.Policing minister, Sarah Jones, explains how the government is planning to fight back. Plus, The Times' crime editor David Woode sits down with The Sunday Times' northern editor David Collins to discuss what they've learnt about the inner workings of county lines gangs.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHost: David WoodeProducers: Kate Lamble, Edward Drummond, and Taryn SiegelWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I joined the police on a county lines crackdownPhoto: 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.

Harry and Meghan are reportedly moving back to Britain with Archie and Lilibet, more than six years after leaving royal life for California. But why now — and how will their return work in practice?Roya Nikkhah is joined by Rosamund Urwin, chief news correspondent of The Sunday Times, to discuss the Sussexes' shock decision, the King's reaction and what it could mean for Prince William.They also examine Harry's security concerns, the couple's life in America and whether their return risks creating an alternative royal court — blurring the “half-in, half-out” boundaries established at Sandringham six years ago .What do you want to know about Harry and Meghan's return to the UK? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceVideo Producer: Eve ChadbournExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaWatch us on YouTube.Read more: Prince Harry's third act: will it be a drama — or cause a circus?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.

This is episode four of a five-part special investigation into county lines drug dealing from The Times and The Sunday Times first published in March.Mike started selling drugs for a county lines gang when he was just a teenager. After being arrested and getting stabbed, he left that life behind. But he's been willing to share his experiences with The Times' crime editor David Woode for the first time, explaining how he got caught 'under a spell'. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHost: David WoodeProducers: Kate Lamble and Taryn Siegel. With thanks to the St Giles TrustWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Inside the case of a 15-year-old caught with a machete and pistolFurther listening: Why I carried a knifePhoto: 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.

This is episode three of a five-part special investigation into county lines drug dealing from The Times and The Sunday Times first published in March.Children aren't just running drugs for county lines gangs - sometimes they're running the lines themselves.Today The Sunday Times's northern editor David Collins talks to the police officers who worry laws designed to protect victims of exploitation might actually encourage gang leaders to promote teenagers into higher positions in their criminal organisation.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 more: Drug gangs swamped York. This is how police stopped them | I was a county lines drug runner. I tried to quit, then I was stabbedWatch: School-age kingpins: why children now hold the key to county linesHost: David CollinsProducers: Kate Lamble and Taryn SiegelExecutive producers: Tim Walklate and Dan BoxWe 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.

This is episode two of a five-part special investigation into county lines drug dealing from The Times and The Sunday Times first published in March.Today we go inside Operation Titan, as North Yorkshire Police fight back against county lines drugs gangs. But with each line the police shut down, another pops up in its place, sometimes within days. The Sunday Times' northern editor David Collins investigates how to break the cycle. 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 more: Drug dealers use anti-slavery law to escape prosecution | I was a county lines drug runner. I tried to quit, then I was stabbedWatch: School-age kingpins: why children now hold the key to county linesHost: David Collins.Producers: Kate Lamble and Taryn SiegelExecutive producers: Tim Walklate and Dan BoxWe 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.

This is episode one of a five-part special investigation into county lines drug dealing from The Times and The Sunday Times first published in March.Today we reveal how police took down the family controlling the drug trade in one British city, creating a power vacuum that was filled by a new breed of violent, criminal operation - county lines.The Sunday Times' northern editor David Collins is given unprecedented access to North Yorkshire Police as they fight back against the drug gangs. 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 more: Exposed: how drug gangs deal without fear as the law can't keep up | I was a county lines drug runner. I tried to quit, then I was stabbedWatch: School-age kingpins: why children now hold the key to county linesHost: David CollinsProducers: Kate Lamble, Taryn SiegelExecutive producers: Tim Walklate, Dan BoxWe 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.

Karen Carter was murdered outside her home in the tranquil Dordogne village of Trémolat. The police launched a manhunt, and slowly a story of obsession, romance, and unrequited love started to come to light. So, why would someone murder a well-liked member of the community? And what's the latest development in the police investigation?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: Jane Flanagan, Africa correspondent, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Murder in the Dordogne: obsession, affairs, unrequited loveFurther listening: Has an AI sleuth unmasked the Zodiac Killer?Clips: France 3 Nouvelle-Aquitaine, RTL.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.

While recovering from a heart attack, Times sports journalist Owen Slot distracted himself by watching a summer of thrilling sport. He was still hooked up to a heart rate monitor, so he decided to run an experiment: how would his heart react to the drama? 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: Owen Slot, chief sports writer, The Times.Producer: Jennifer Kennedy.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Sport moves you like nothing else — as I found out after my heart attackClips: talkSPORT.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.

Nigel Farage has done the inevitable and defeated Count Binface in the Clacton by-election. To celebrate, Reform threw a gigantic Glastonbury-style festival on Clacton beach. Farage-fest 2026 featured disco, live music and even a Ferris wheel. But during his victory speech, Farage admitted for the first time that he may have made a mistake by failing to declare the £5m gift he received from Christopher Harborne. Now, just hours after his victory, the parliamentary standards watchdog has resumed its investigation into the Reform leader. So, after the Ferris wheel and the fanfare, what next for the embattled Farage?Hosts:Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonPicture: Getty imagesThis 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 five years since the Taliban took over Afghanistan's capital. Since then, the country has been plunged into economic crisis and women have all but disappeared from society. The Times' special correspondent Anthony Loyd has been reporting from Afghanistan for 30 years. He's been back on the streets of Kabul and on patrol with the Taliban's morality police finding out what life is like for ordinary Afghans.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: Anthony Loyd, special correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Emily Webb, Jennifer Kennedy.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: On patrol with the Taliban's ‘Virtue and Vice' policeClips: BBC, Al Jazeera, DW News, ABC News, Fox 59, CBS, ARB 24.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.

A Scientology whistleblower told Times journalist Tom Ball that the church's Edinburgh branch had children as young as thirteen working there during school hours. The church denied the allegation. Tom went undercover to investigate. 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 Ball, news reporter, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Revealed: how Scientology recruits children as 'staff'Further listening: Undercover at Britain's ‘conspiracy school'Clips: Apostate Alex - YouTube.Photo: Ian Rutherford for The 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.

Andy Burnham is facing the first big test of his premiership. With jails reaching a crisis point, the government has announced an emergency early release scheme to avoid running out of prison spaces by the end of this year. But Burnham's proposals have faced an outcry from victims. So what options are left?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.Andrew Neilson, Director of Campaigns, The Howard League for Penal Reform. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Who is in our overflowing prisons — and why?Clips: Thames Valley Police, BBC, Sky, TalkTV.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.

Nigel Farage has had a tricky summer. With his party down in the polls and beset by scandal, it hasn't been ideal preparation for Thursday's by-election. So Times Radio's Rosie Wright heads to the seaside in Essex to see how locals are feeling about the vote, before asking one of our politicos if the whole stunt has actually backfired.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: Rosie Wright, Times Radio breakfast show presenter.Producers: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: To stop Reform's slump, Nigel Farage needs to win places like thisFurther listening: Posh George: the criminal behind FarageClips: The Telegraph / Youtube, LBC, BBC, Whitehall Sources, Rupert Lowe / X.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 UK produces around half of the food we eat but this year's droughts have led to shriveling crops and farmers struggling to feed their animals. Is our changing climate jeopardising our food security?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:Olly Harrison, cereals farmer.Ben Cooke, environment correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Drained reservoirs may not prevent harvest being worst on recordFurther listening: Why young high achievers are leaving BritainClips: 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.

This week, Jason Arday, who made history as Cambridge's youngest black professor, resigned after facing serious allegations of plagiarism. How did Arday's dramatic downfall unfold? And why has this academic row sparked global headlines? 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: Emma Yeomans, news reporter, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Jason Arday: Times analysis finds ‘impossible' data in his workClips: Channel 5, Sky News, Channel 4, BBC, The Telegraph.Photo: Joshua Bratt for The 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.

The Norwegian mountaineer Kristin Harila smashed the speed record for the world's 14 highest peaks. But soon after, her career unravelled. Could she have done more to help another mountaineer in trouble?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: Matthew Campbell, foreign features editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Emily Webb.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.

In the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, citizens are facing escalating missile attacks from Russia and the country is out of interceptor missiles to prevent them. But behind the scenes, Ukraine has been plotting to bring down Russia's biggest online retailer, Wildberries. If successful, it could be ruinous for the Russian 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: Catherine Philp, world affairs editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Emily Webb.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Ukraine is hammering Wildberries warehouses. What is its strategy?Clips: BBC, Sky News, CNN, The i Paper, Radio Free Europe, CBC.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 breaking the story of a secret scheme to sell off the World Cup, our reporter unpacks the growing rebellion threatening to end Gianni Infantino's presidency. But how did Infantino's plans unravel so quickly? And can FIFA be redeemed after yet another leadership 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: Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott, Jennifer Kennedy.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How Gianni Infantino engineered World Cup to sell his doomed planFurther listening: Who is the “king of soccer" Gianni Infantino?Clips: Sky News, Sky Sports News, 7News, BBC News, CBC, TalkSport.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.

‘There's something wrong when aspirational high achievers see no future for themselves here,' says Times columnist Cindy Yu. The exodus is small, but growing - the Office for National Statistics says there's been a fivefold increase in 25-to-34-year-old British nationals leaving the UK since 2022. But why are they off, what are they searching for, and could anything encourage them to stay?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: Cindy Yu, columnist and contributing editor, The Times and The Sunday Times.Dan Lowe, physiotherapist and content creator.Jessica Ye, doctor.Host: Luke JonesProducers: Olivia Case, Jennifer Kennedy, Shabnam GrewalWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Why my friends talk about leaving Britain.Photo: Getty ImagesThis 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 largest single illegal border crossing in the history of the European Union took place last week as 60,000 migrants arrived in the Spanish city of Ceuta on the north coast of Africa. But why did they all come at once? Was a Spanish legal change to blame, or foreign actors annoyed at Spain's lenient migration policy? And how did it reignite questions about migration in the UK?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Katie Gatens, Europe correspondent, The Sunday Times.Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History at Oxford University.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case and Jennifer Kennedy.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Reform pledges to send in the navy to stop small boat crossingsFurther listening: Europe on fireClips: Al Jazeera, GB News, CSPAN, 9 News Australia, The Mirror, Reform UK, El Debate, The New York Post. 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.

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.