Stories of our times

What's going on inside Labour? After the prime minister's recent u-turn on winter fuel allowance, a previously fixed policy, and hints of more u-turns to come, it's becoming less and less clear what Labour are offering.A leaked memo implying divisions and unhappiness at the direction of travel means some in the party may be looking at deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, as credible opposition to Keir Starmer. She might also be better placed to take on Nigel Farage. 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 TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Shabnam GrewalFurther reading:Winter fuel U-turn exposes vacuum at heart of No 10Reform UK local election surge is existential threat to the big twoClips: GBNews, ITV NEWS , SKY NEWS, BBC News, Good Morning Britain , New Statesman, Reform UK Photo: Getty Images Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From its inception at a drunken party seventeen years ago, the second-hand clothing app Vinted is now worth over £4 billion. Nearly sunk by one bad business decision, how did the company reinvent itself and the way we shop 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: Sarah Ditum, Contributor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Further reading: Antiques boom as the Vinted generation catch the bugClips: Slush / YouTube, sTARTUPDAy / YouTube.Photo: The Sunday Times.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Sullivan has been released from prison after spending 38 years behind bars for a murder he didn't commit. In 1986, 21-year-old Diane Sindall was brutally murdered but it has now been proved that police got the wrong man. DNA found on her body does not belong to Peter Sullivan. Why did it take so long to prove his innocence and is the body that investigates possible miscarriages of justice fit for purpose? 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: Emily Dugan, Special Correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen RanaProducers:Hannah VarrallShabnam Grewal.Further reading: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/peter-sullivan-miscarriage-justice-07688bqc3https://www.thetimes.com/article/3f659bf1-d713-437c-9bf3-03a5b65817f7 Clips: Channel 4 News, Court of Appeal, Daily Express, BBC Crimewatch, Justice Committee 29 April 2025.Photo: Merseyside Police.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump has announced plans to impose a levy on on American films made outside the country. It's a bold move that could have serious consequences for the global film industry. What do these proposed tariffs mean for the UK film sector, and is this a savvy strategy to revive a struggling Hollywood or just another salvo in Trump's culture war against liberal America?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:Ed Potton, Commissioning Editor and Writer, The TimesHadley Freeman, Columnist and Features Writer, The Sunday TimesHost: Jane MulkerrinsProducer: Euan DawtreyFurther reading:‘A collective capitulation to fear': How Hollywood bowed to TrumpWill James Bond leave Pinewood for LA? UK film industry reacts to TrumpClips: Home Alone 2. © 1992 20th Century Studios. Director: Chris Columbus, The Apprentice. © 2024 Tailored Films. Director: Ali Abbasi, CNN, New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Real Time with Bill Maher.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From bleak TV comedies to #mumtok meltdowns, modern motherhood is often portrayed as joyless, exhausting, and even traumatic. How did fear become the dominant narrative around parenting? And what gets lost in the process?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: Alexandra Jones, writer, The Times.Host: Taryn Siegel.Producers: Aaliyah Ahmed and Taryn Siegel.Further reading: Negative tales of motherhood nearly put me off having a babyWhat I wish I'd known before I had kidsClips: Netflix/Motherland, Parliament TV. Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra Jones.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is changing course on the winter fuel allowance - where does it sit in the league table of political U-turns, and will it please anybody?The political masterminds also discuss the Conservative Party's existential polling spiral, why Starmer's approval ratings have fallen so far in the year since the General Election was called, and why Hugo agrees with Polly that babies should get the vote.Send your comments and questions to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In New York, the P Diddy trial is in its second week. The case centres around ‘freak-offs' - parties where it's claimed he forced two ex-girlfriends to engage in sexual acts with male escorts. He denies the claims. As the trial enters its second week, here's the update. This podcast contains discussions of rape and sexual assault that some listeners may find upsetting. If you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast, you can visit the Rape Crisis website https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ or for domestic abuse, Refuge's website https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ for help and 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: Will Pavia, New York Correspondent, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case.Further reading: My week at the Diddy trial, where laughter gave way to disturbed silenceDiddy went to confront rival with three guns, ex-assistant saysFurther listening: P Diddy on trialThe P Diddy lawsuits: The downfall of a rap legendClips: Instagram / @Diddy, ABC, Fox, BBC, YouTube, NewsweekMag, CourtTV, Diaro As, CNN. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump took a tour of the Middle East last week, there was one notable omission from his itinerary - a trip to see America's long term political ally in the region, Israel. Instead, the US President voiced concern for the ongoing famine in Gaza. And now, after days of speculation, Benjamin Netanyahu has been forced to dismiss talk of a rift with Israel's military and diplomatic patron. But what caused Trump's patience to snap, and will it change anything for starving Gazans?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Gabrielle Weiniger, Tel Aviv-based correspondent for The TimesAmal Helles, Reporter at The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Rosie StopherFurther reading: Leaked map shows Israeli proposal to force Gazans into strips of land / Here in Gaza, babies are skin and bone. I fear mine will be tooFurther listening: Trump's Gaza BombshellClips: Sky News, UK Parliament, Al Jazeera, TRT WorldPhoto: A Gaza soup kitchen, via Getty imagesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 200 migrants from the US are being held in a high-security prison for terrorists in El Salvador, accused of being gang members. How did El Salvador become the repository for US deportees? And what does the friendship between President Bukele and President Trump tell us about the futures of both countries?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, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Further reading: The TikTok beauty influencer shot dead during livestream in MexicoClips: China Xinhau Español, NBC News, CNN, MSNBC, Guardian News.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former US president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and is now considering his options for treatment. The physical and mental health of the 82 year old has made the news frequently over the last year or so. In fact, questions about his mental capacity eventually forced him to step aside in favour of Kamala Harris. A new book reveals how Biden's team kept him away from scrutiny and covered up his declining health. Manveen speaks to The Times's assistant editor, David Charter, who has interviewed the authors. 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.Producer: Shabnam Grewal.Further reading:The fall of Joe Biden and how his team covered up his decline.‘Original Sin' review: How the democrats tried to hide Biden's decline.Key claims about Joe Biden's health.Clips: CNN, House Committee on the Judiciary, NBC, MSNBC.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sunday Times Rich List 2025 has been one of the hardest to compile in recent years, thanks in large part to President Trump's tariffs. But it's another government's policies that the rich listers cite as their biggest concern. Why are the top 1% of earners so angry? 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: Robert Watts, compiler of The Sunday Times Rich ListHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Rosie StopherFurther reading: How the Sunday Times Rich List 2025 was compiled / The Sunday Times Rich List 2025 revealedClips: BBC, Times Radio, UK ParliamentPhoto: Richard Pohle for Times Media LtdGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally published in January.Elon Musk has unleashed a huge political row in the UK over whether there should be a national inquiry into the gangs that groomed young girls for rape in a number of Britain's northern towns. But whilst the world's richest man accused the 'legacy media' of a cover-up, the scandal was actually exposed by Times journalist Andrew Norfolk. So how did he uncover the shocking story? And has enough been done to make sure it never happens again?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Andrew Norfolk, former Chief Investigations Reporter, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Emily Webb.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comImage: The Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie and Danny are joined for a conversation with Jon McNeil. For a pivotal 30 month period, Jon was President of Tesla and worked closely with Elon Musk. And also just where is the EV market currently at? Is the future of driving autonomous? And how best to invest in our AI future?Any thoughts or questions, get in touch - techpod@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lily Phillips, a 23-year-old from Derbyshire, made headlines after claiming to have slept with 101 men in a single day. She rose to household-name status largely thanks to OnlyFans. Lily Phillips says what she's doing is her choice and that she's a feminist, but some feminists are worried about what that says about young people's attitudes to female empowerment. 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 Glass, Feature Writer, The Times and The Sunday Times.Sarah Ditum, Contributor, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Jane Mulkerrins.Producer: Euan Dawtrey.Further reading: What this woman tells us about pornLily Phillips: Don't blame me for how men have sexClips: NBC, I Slept with 100 Men in One Day © 2025. Director: Tom Willows.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, the first American chosen to lead the Catholic Church. In the weeks running up to his election, he openly criticised the Trump administration's immigration policy and even had a row with Vice President JD Vance on X. Does this suggest that President Trump may be in for a bumpy ride from the world's other most powerful American? 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: Christopher Hale,  Democratic politician from Tennessee and Catholic nonprofit executive.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Edith Rousselot.Further reading: The real Pope Leo XIV — by those who knew him in Rome, Chicago and PeruWho is Robert Prevost? New Pope hit out at Trump administration weeks agoClips: Bloomberg, Reuters, Rome Reports in English Youtube, CBS News, EWTN Global Catholic Network, Khou 11, Guardian News. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New talks on Ukraine continue in Istanbul tomorrow and after months of taking Vladimir Putin's side, President Trump now seems much more supportive of Ukraine. So why the switch? And more than three years after Russia's full-scale invasion, are we any closer to a deal or are both sides just putting on a show for Trump?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Professor Mark Galeotti, Historian, Author and Director of Mayak Intelligence. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Further reading: Zelensky ‘will only negotiate peace deal with Putin' in IstanbulClips: Europe Pulse, FOX, YouTube / David Feldman, France 24, CTV News, NBC, Channel 4, Forbes, BBC, Amanpour and Company, Bloomberg, CBS, YouTube / Reuters. Photo: Office of the President of Uraine via Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In March this year, a team of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers accepted the Oscar for best documentary. Their film No Other Land is a glimpse into the reality of life in the West Bank, the most populous of the Palestinian Territories. Before the month was out, though, one of the people on that stage - co-director Hamdan Ballal - would return home to the West Bank and be attacked and detained by Israeli settlers and soldiers. Times reporter Venetia Menzies went to meet Hamdan and his co-director and star of the documentary, Basel Adra, to find out what life is like now for Palestinians in the West Bank. 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: Venetia Menzies, ​​assistant data editor at The Times and The Sunday TimesHost: Luke Jones Producer: Hannah VarrallFurther reading: https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/palestinian-film-director-oscar-israeli-settlers-q62756r9v Clips: Oscars, No Other Land, CBS Chicago, France 24 English, Hollywood Reporter.Photo: Basel Adra (Venetia Menzies)Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two men have been found guilty of criminal damage, for the felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumbria. Constance Kampfner sat through the trial, in which the prosecution called what Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers had done, ‘a moronic mission to cause mindless vandalism.' The men were remanded in custody for their own protection after the verdict was announced. 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: Constance KampfnerHost: Luke Jones Producer: Hannah Varrall and Shabnam Grewal Clips: BBC News, Sky News, Channel 4 News, National Trust .Photo: Getty ImagesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally published last November.On Sept 12, 2001, Blerim Skoro was approached by a man and a woman while he was in prison. They turned out to be CIA agents. That one meeting would change the course of his life and lead him on a journey across countries, inside terrorist groups, as he tried to make it home to his family.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, US Correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Clips: Video filmed by Blerim Skoro, provided by ‘The Accidental Spy', directed by Anthony Wonke.Photo: John Beck for The Times.Further reading: I gave my life to the CIA. They betrayed meGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fi's off today on important business, so Jane M is here! Normal schedule resumes tomorrow... whatever that means. Today, Jane and Jane chat power outages, Björn Ulvaeus, and Euston toilets.Plus, Jane speaks with David Collins, Northern Editor of The Sunday Times, about his book 'Saffie', which tells the story of the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena terror attack and her family's fight for justice.If you fancy sending us a postcard, the address is:Jane and FiTimes Radio, News UK1 London Bridge StreetLondonSE1 9GFSend your suggestions for the next book club pick!If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radioFollow us on Instagram! @janeandfiPodcast Producer: Eve SalusburyExecutive Producer: Rosie CutlerHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tensions are rising between India and Pakistan after 26 people were killed in Kashmir - the disputed region that sits between them. Now, India has fired missiles into Pakistan and Pakistan says it's killed dozens of Indian soldiers. But why is Kashmir a flashpoint and could this be the spark that takes the two nuclear powers to war?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Andrew Whitehead, former BBC India Correspondent and author of ‘A Mission in Kashmir.'Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case.Further Reading: Why did India attack Pakistan? The Kashmir crisis explained.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do hackers take down a high street staple? What started as a contactless payment outage at Marks and Spencer, quickly became the retail fortnight from hell, as cyber attacks have brought brands to a crashing halt in online trading over the last two weeks. So who is behind it, and what are their methods? And more importantly, how do you guard yourself in an evermore online world?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: Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent, The TimesHost: Luke JonesProducer: Rosie StopherFurther reading: Who are Scattered Spider hackers linked to the M&S cyberattack?M&S and Co-op cyberattackers ‘tricked IT into resetting passwords'M&S staff share war stories of ‘toughest' week after cyberattackClips: Sky News, BBC, ITVPhoto: The TimesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight years before the Grenfell tragedy, a fire in a high-rise building killed six people. Now a Sunday Times investigation has raised serious questions about the cladding used on those flats and thousands of others in the UK. So is this Britain's biggest corporate 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: Martina Lees, Senior Property Writer, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn Siegel Olivia Case.Further reading: A high-rise fire killed Catherine. The cladding firm kept on selling.Photo: Steve Bell / Shutterstock.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You could say one of the few good things to come out of the pandemic was the chance to work from home, avoid the daily commute, and get a better work-life balance. But, for some hardy souls, being out of the office and away from the boss's scrutiny is a chance to get a second job, or even a third... or forth. But how are they doing it, and is it even legal?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 Ellery, Crime Editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Shabnam Grewal. Further reading: The rise of ‘polygamous workers' — and efforts to catch them outClips:tiktok.com/@rroomfies; tiktok.com/@martabassof; tiktok.com/@soambitiousdomm; tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet; instagram.com/thejamescooperjr/Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally published last January.For almost two years, two armies have fought a brutal civil war in Sudan, Africa's third largest country. Over 150,000 have died, 11 million have been displaced and evidence of genocidal war crimes have emerged. So why has the war in Sudan been forgotten? The Times' Special Correspondent Anthony Loyd has recently returned from a reporting trip on the frontline and tells The Story about the people he met. This episode includes descriptions of war and 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/thestoryGuest: Anthony Loyd, Special Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Edward Drummond.Clips: BBC. Photo: Anthony Loyd/The Times. Watch Anthony's video from SudanFurther reading: Inside Sudan's forgotten war: 150,000 dead, 11 million displacedGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, the crypto episode is here. And after a lowdown on the vibe shift towards the industry in Washington, Katie is joined by Binance's new CEO, Richard Teng, who is tasked with making the case for the company that was beset by scandal under previous CEO and founder, Changpeng Zhao “CZ”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virginia Giuffre died by suicide last week, aged 41. Jeffrey Epstein's key accuser was instrumental in putting Ghislaine Maxwell behind bars and had also accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault. He's always denied the claims and settled the case for a rumoured £12 million. So was justice done for Giuffre and the other survivors? And how did a woman from the right side of the tracks end up being trafficked around the world?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this episode, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or the Rape Crisis rape and sexual abuse support line on 0808 500 2222.Guest: Helen Rumbelow, Feature Writer and Columnist, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia CaseHannah Varrall.Further reading: Virginia Giuffre's battle to escape the pastVirginia Giuffre obituaryClips: BBC, Miami Herald, NBC, 60 Minutes Australia.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial of Sean Combs - the hip-hop producer and rapper otherwise known as P Diddy, Puff Daddy, Love, and a plethora of other aliases - will begin next week, with the jury selected on Monday. As he pleads not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, how did he get to this point? And how did he build his celebrity empire?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: Megan Agnew, Senior Features Writer at The Times and Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Rosie Stopher.Further reading: The downfall of Sean ‘Diddy' Combs — by those who knew himFurther listening: The P Diddy lawsuits: The downfall of a rap legend Clips: NBC, CBS, PBS, BBC, Fox News, MTV, Off the Cuff Radio.Photo: Getty images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage is throwing the kitchen sink at Labour and he's not being subtle about it. As Reform UK ramps up its local election efforts, Farage is fielding candidates in councils up and down the country. But the real showdown is in Runcorn and Helsby, where Reform is plotting a high-profile coup in the upcoming by-election. What's at stake in Runcorn, and why should Keir Starmer be worried?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Geraldine Scott, The Times' Senior Political Correspondent.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Taryn Siegel and Edith Rousselot. Further reading: Labour and Reform in fierce battle for Runcorn & Helsby seatClips: Sky News, Reform UK Youtube, Nigel Farage Youtube and Facebook, Channel 4, Green Party TikTok, Liberal Democrats Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An American Biosciences company claims to have ‘de-extincted' prehistoric dire wolves. Next they plan to bring back the woolly mammoth and the dodo. But even if they could, should they?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, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Shabnam Grewal.Further reading:Why are scientists bringing back woolly mammoths from extinction?Long-extinct dire wolf to howl again thanks to ancient DNAFurther listening: The cost of being ugly Clips: Colossal Biosciences, Game of Thrones/HBO. Photo: Colossal Biosciences.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harvard has sued the Trump administration over multibillion-dollar funding cuts in the biggest escalation yet in the battle between the government and higher education. What does the showdown mean for the ideological freedom of American institutions and has Trump taken on a fight he can't win? 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: Gerard Baker, Columnist, The Times and Editor-at-Large, The Wall Street Journal. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Clips: Bloomberg, NBC News, NDTV, C-SPAN, Getty/Grinberg, Paramount, Pathe Newsreels. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally published last December.Australia is the first country to block under-16s from social media -- and age-verification AI could be a crucial tool in the ban. We spoke to our journalist who has been to the industry-leader's HQ to find out if the technology actually works. And if it does, could the UK follow suit? 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:Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent, The Times.Helen Rumbelow, Feature Writer, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Further reading: Can AI tell if a teen lies about their age?Clips: ABC News, 10 News First Australia, BBC Radio 4. Photo: Getty ImagesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Lucy and Holly ask why a new generation of investors is turning to one of the world's oldest assets: gold. Joined by Brian Byrnes from Moneybox, together they unpack gold's historical role in the economy, its incredible performance, and how it compares to trendier assets like Bitcoin and tech stocks. Is gold still relevant in a digital-first world? Why are younger investors increasingly drawn to it? And does it have any downsides? Plus, we hear from young financial coach Laura Ann Moore, on how it fits into our own long-term investment plan.Guests: Brian Byrnes, Head of Personal Finance at MoneyboxContact: Lucy and Holly at: moneyteam@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Beatles will be the subject of four interconnected films - one for each member - planned for release close together in April 2028. We asked the author of a recent book on The Beatles to tell us how he'd make the films - and what is still left to discover about the most famous band in history. 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: Ian Leslie, author of John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs. To order a copy go to timesbookshop.co.uk. Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ membersHost: Manveen Rana. Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Read exclusive extracts from Ian's book: John Lennon, Paul McCartney and the grief that united two lost teens Paul McCartney and the song that made him John Lennon's equal Clips: Sky News, ITN/Getty Images, BBC News/WISH-TV, C-SPAN. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the practical implications for trans women after the Supreme Court ruled that under equality law, sex means biological sex? And how is the Labour government grappling with the ruling? Last week we heard from one of the campaigners for single sex spaces. Today we speak to someone who was stunned by the court's decision.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:Helen Belcher, Managing Director, TransActual.Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent,The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Rosie Stopher.Shabnam Grewal.Further reading: What caused Keir Starmer's U-turn on whether trans women are women?Further listening: Defining a womanClips: UK Parliament, Times Radio.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times' crime correspondent David Woode sits down with a 19-year-old man who was recently imprisoned for carrying a knife. We get a rare insight into what someyoung people are really facing in London, and why he felt he had to arm himself with a deadly weapon.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryIf you've been affected by issues in this podcast, you can find useful links and helplines here: https://talk.tv/helplines Thanks to Marcus, Desmond Skyers and the St Giles Trust. Host: David Woode, Crime Correspondent, The Times. Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Further reading: The Times Crime and Justice Commission Further listening: What's behind the rise in knife crime on our streets Photo: Times photographer Richard Pohle. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, cardinals from across the world will now descend on Vatican City in Rome to choose the next Pope. The Oscar-nominated film Conclave dramatised the political machinations and backstabbing involved in choosing a successor - so, with incriminating dossiers and secret plots, is fact about to mirror fiction?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, correspondent in Rome for The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Further reading: Pope Francis's legacy: Loved by millions, hated by the old guardClips: ABC News, Euronews, CBS News, CNN, Conclave/Focus Features. Photo: Getty.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was first published last August.When Alex Campbell suggested to his high school sociology class that they would be investigating a 40-year-old cold case, he had no idea where it would lead. Within a year, a serial killer had been identified. In his next class, they decided to try and overturn a wrongful conviction. And they did. So just how did Mr. Campbell breed a class of super sleuths?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Harriet Alexander, Senior Features Reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Clips: WBIR Channel 10, NewsNation, WKRN News 2.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Peterson is the CEO of Flexport, a company that plans and manages shipping globally. Perfectly positioned, then, to lay out the inside story on how companies have been affected by President Trump's tariffs and what happens next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Romance fraud is at an all time high, low-hanging fruit in the growing world of online scams. But what are the methods? Who falls for it? And are there ways we can all avoid 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: Mary Chater, romance fraud victimAlexis Conran, TV and radio presenterHost: Luke Jones.Producer: Edith Rousselot.Further reading: The Times's Crime and Justice Commission - The justice system is in crisis. We spent a year finding solutionsClips: The Real Hustle Youtube channel, Still Watching Netflix Youtube channel. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Supreme Court has ruled that only people who are born female should be protected from discrimination as women under the Equality Act. What does the ruling change and how did we get here?Guest: Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at Sex Matters and author of Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality.https://oneworld-publications.com/work/trans/Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Shabnam Grewal and Rosie Stopher.Clips: Times Radio, Supreme Court, BBC News, Sky NewsPhoto: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has taken control of one of the last steel-making plants in the UK, after its Chinese owners threatened to close it. Some ministers have accused China of sabotaging British Steel to force us to import from China. But is that what happened? Or, when it comes to steel-making, did this country long ago sabotage itself?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: Dominic O'Connell, Business Correspondent, Times Radio.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Clips: Times Radio, Parliament TV, British Film Institute/Getty Images.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.