Stories of our times

After weeks of intensifying pressure from ministers, backbenchers, and former allies, Keir Starmer made the only decision he really could – to resign. If Andy Burnham runs unchallenged to replace him, we could have a new prime minister as soon as July. So what do the next few weeks look like for this lame duck leader? And what does this latest bout of political turmoil do to Britain's standing in 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/thestoryGuests: Anna Mikhailova, political editor, Times Radio. Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times. Jack Straw, former Labour foreign secretary. Host: Stephen Sackur. Producers: Maxie Allen, Donnie Campbell. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What happens now Keir Starmer has resigned and when could we have a new PM?Further listening: Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for powerClips: BBC News, Parliament. 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 Prime Minister has been hunkered down in his Chequers residence, trying to decide what to do: resign or fight. The pressure on him to step down has now reached fever pitch since Andy Burnham's by-election win last week. But as ministers jostle for position in a potential new government, who is still telling him to fight on? And if he does give in, how much would actually change under a Prime Minister Burnham? 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: Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: In public, Keir Starmer is defiant. In private, he ‘considers resigning'Further listening: The State of It: Andy Burnham wins Makerfield: what happens now?Clips: BBC News, 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.

Nearly 7,000 men have played in the World Cup since it began in 1930. To capture some of their extraordinary stories, The Times' football reporter James Gheerbrant set out on a quest to track down 48 players from the 48 countries playing in this year's tournament. We hear the remarkable memories of 3 of them: One of the old surviving players, another who trained under the shadow of gunfire in Vietnam, and a final player whose team endured death threats.Guest: James Gheerbrant, football reporter, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: 48 countries, 48 players: World Cup through eyes of men who played in it.Further listening: Who is the “king of soccer" Gianni Infantino?Clips: ITN, BBC, CNN.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.

Sophia Greenwood was adopted as a baby and spent years searching for her biological parents. When she finally met her father at the age of 24, neither could have predicted what happened next. Their relationship would spark controversy, lead to criminal proceedings, and shape the rest of their 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/thestoryWritten by: Sophia Greenwood and Helen Croydon.Read by: Molly Guinness.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I was 24 when I met my biological father. Then we had an affairPhoto: 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's victory in Makerfield makes him Labour leader and prime minister in waiting. How will the next days and weeks play out? Keir Starmer has said he will stand in a leadership contest if one is triggered. So does that mean a bloody contest rather than a coronation? In a special episode recorded live on Times Radio with Ed Vaizey, we go through the possible scenarios.Hosts:Ed Vaizey, presenter, Times RadioSteven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Harry Kitson, Erin CarneyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: 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 United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding this week to begin negotiations toward a broader peace agreement in the Middle East. But what does the deal look like inside Iran? And how are ordinary Iranians responding to this moment?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: Fatemeh Jamalpour, Iranian journalist in exile and author of For the Sun After Long Nights. Host: Luke JonesProducers: Sophie McNulty, Elle Scott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: In Tehran, Iranians dare to hope this is the death of the regimeFurther listening: Will Trump's Iran peace deal hold?Clips: NBC, CNN, The Guardian, Donald Trump - Truth Social, PBS, Al Jazeera. 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.

Eighteen firebombings across Europe, including in London, have all been allegedly traced back to one man. Iranian-backed Mohammed al-Saadi was finally caught by the FBI last month. But how did a man no one had heard of come to allegedly execute these orders? And how was he finally caught? 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: Dipesh Gadher, home affairs correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How net closed in on ‘mastermind behind UK arson attacks'Clips: ABC, i24News. Photo: FBI, Instagram.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.

As England kick off their World Cup campaign tonight, one man will be impossible to ignore: FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Hailed by supporters as the man who transformed football's governing body and accused by critics of chasing power and influence, he's become one of the most powerful figures in global sport. But who is the man at the centre of football's biggest stage?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: Luke Jones.Producers: Dave Creasey and Edward Drummond.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The ruthless rise of Gianni Infantino and his Fifa money machineFurther listening: The GameClips: BBC News, FIFA, Sky News, Channel 4 News, Fox News, CNN.Image: 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 government has announced a ban on some social media platforms for under-16s. It's a move that echoes a similar ban introduced by the Australian government, which came into effect in December. So what are teens actually looking at on social media? And will a ban help? 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 Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Bligh.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Doomscrolling 708 videos a day: how TikTok turned our teens into addicts Further listening: How infinite scrolling damages our brains - The Saturday StoryClips: The Times, Times Radio, Revealing Reality, BBC News, 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.

Donald Trump has announced that his much trailed peace deal with Iran is to be signed this Friday, bringing an end to hostilities between the two countries and opening up the strait of Hormuz. With the fine print still to be worked out, many questions about the deal remain. Can it bring some stability to the world economy? And will it actually bring peace to the Middle East in the long term?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Mohamed El-Erian, economist and former International Monetary Fund Deputy Director Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, former US ambassador and president of the Middle East Policy Council, now senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Hosts: Jane Garvey and Fi Glover.Producer: Hannah Quinn. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Trump's deal with Iran will make the world's tyrants smileFurther listening: “Everyone hates you now” - Could Lebanon cost Trump his Iran deal?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 annual G7 summit starts today in France. The normally stuffy, formal affair has been shaken up in recent years by Donald Trump, who has sparred with nearly all of America's allies. So is the G7 still the powerful, united global force it once was? And with China building its own alliance, how should it respond? 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: Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How the G7 will look by 2050 — and what it means for usFurther listening: Could China become the world's policeman?Clips: Arirang News, Al Jazeera, BBC News, The Hill, Dawn News English, PBS. 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.

Following months of police inaction over the disappearance of British tourist Lorna McSorley, we reveal a high-tech breakthrough. A new digital trail reveals potential suspects who might hold the answer to what happened - and seems to confirm the worst of local fears.This is the final episode of a special three-part investigation.WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of murder and 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/thestoryHost: Jane Flanagan.Producer: Harry Stott.Executive Producers: Taryn Siegel and Kate Lamble.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Disappearances stoke fear of more ‘witchcraft murders' after Briton vanishedPhoto: 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.

With the South African police's search for missing British tourist Lorna McSorley gone cold, locals take matters into their own hands. Their investigation uncovers extraordinary and deeply troubling facts about her disappearance, linking it to a string of other missing people in the area.This is part two of a special three-part investigation.WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of murder and 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/thestoryHost: Jane Flanagan.Producer: Harry Stott.Executive Producers: Taryn Siegel and Kate Lamble.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Disappearances stoke fear of more ‘witchcraft murders' after Briton vanishedClips: Newzroom Afrika / Youtube.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.

Seventy one-year-old British tourist Lorna McSorley went out for a walk near South Africa's Ghost Mountain. She never returned. In the first episode of this three-part investigative series, we travel to the remote, superstitious heart of Eastern South Africa to retrace Lorna's final steps. As official searches hit a dead end, bizarre rumours about what happened to her begin to emerge.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: Jane Flanagan.Producer: Harry Stott.Executive Producers: Taryn Siegel and Kate Lamble.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Disappearances stoke fear of more ‘witchcraft murders' after Briton vanishedClips: Newzroom Afrika / Youtube.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.

Defence Secretary John Healey resigned this afternoon, over the government's much delayed defence funding plan. In a letter to the prime minister, Healey said Keir Starmer had been “unable” to commit resources that the UK desperately needs. So what does this mean for Starmer's leadership? And will taxpayers ultimately be left to foot the bill? 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: Anna Mikhailova, political editor, Times Radio. Larisa Brown, defence editor, The Times. General Sir John McColl, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Host: John Pienaar. Producers: Angus Mitchell, Sofia Johanson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: John Healey has launched a broadside at Keir Starmer. Will the PM surrender?Further listening: Has Britain become ungovernable?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 has been a second night of riots in Belfast following a knife attack in the Northern Irish city on Monday. Yesterday authorities called for calm after vehicles and houses were set alight. As violent anti-immigration protests continue, what's it like on the ground and what can the government do going forward?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, northern correspondent, The TimesOliver Wright, policy editor, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Sophie McNulty, Olivia Case, Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Belfast attack latestFurther listening: What Henry Nowak's murder means for policingClips: X, The Times, BBC, Times Radio. 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 fragile ceasefire in the Middle East appears to be unravelling, with Iran and Israel exchanging missile strikes. The violence has been met with fury from President Trump, who's been pushing to get a peace deal over the line for weeks. So why is Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu risking his relationship with his greatest ally? And how much are pressures at home dictating Israel's stance in the war? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel correspondent, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Netanyahu's ticking time bomb? Inside the political war at homeFurther listening: “Everyone hates you now” - Could Lebanon cost Trump his Iran deal?Clips: The Times, Fox News, Al Jazeera.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 billionaire David Sullivan has been accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour by several women dating back to the 1980s. In a joint investigation with the BBC, The Times has spoken to seven women about their experiences. In his statement on 4 June, Sullivan announced his immediate resignation as joint-chair and director of West Ham, saying the “false allegations” had been “sensationalised” and none related to his time in football. He added: “After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.” Before publication, Sullivan said that he reserved his legal rights in relation to “false or defamatory allegations” and would not be commenting further at this stage.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: Charlotte Wace, investigations correspondent, The Times. Shanti Das, senior investigations reporter, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Micaela Arneson. Additional thanks to: James Beal, investigations editor, The Times. Charlotte Alt, news reporter, The Times. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: David Sullivan was ‘untouchable'. Now seven women are speaking outPhoto: 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 Sunday 10 May, the Nigerian military bombed a crowded market in the north of the country. It claimed terrorists were the target, but in reality, more than 100 civilians were killed and dozens more injured. The Sunday Times has gone to northern Nigeria to speak to survivors and investigate the attack. 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, foreign correspondent, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Nigeria says it bombs terrorists. Children are collateral damageClips: Radio 95.3FM, News Central TV, BBC, Arise News. Photo: 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.

There's an old saying in horse racing: “You can't beat the bookies.” But what happens when a trainer uses inside information to try and prove that saying wrong? Is it right to do something that might be slightly questionable to beat the bookmakers who would do everything to beat you? 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 Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday TimesHost: Luke JonesProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Meet the man who beat the bookies and won half a millionFurther listening: Can rugby survive its head injury problem?Clips: Racing TV.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.

What starts as a quick check of social media can quickly turn into an hour lost to scrolling. The culprit is infinite scroll, a feature once built for convenience that has become one of the most powerful tools ever created for holding our attention. In fact, it's now thought the average Brit will spend five years of their waking lives doomscrolling. So how did infinite scroll come to dominate our online lives and what is it doing to our brains?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: Fleur Britten, contributor, The Times.Producer: Dave Creasey.Further reading: I created infinite scroll. Now I regret how it damages our brainsWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: Ilustration by Jasmine leeThis 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 December 2025, 18 year-old Henry Nowak was stabbed in the street. This week, his murderer Vickrum Digwa was given a life sentence. The case has ignited a debate about whether so-called 'two-tier policing' exists in the UK. So where does this leave our police forces?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:Matt Dathan, home affairs editor, The Times.Chris Hobbs, retired police officer.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Colette Fountain, Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What happened to Henry Nowak? How the Southampton case unfoldedFurther listening: Makerfield: the by-election which could decide the next election.Clips: BT, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Sky, Daily Express, The Financial Express, Parliamentlive.tv,Photo: Adobe stock.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 Makerfield by-election on June 18th and one of Keir Starmer's key challengers - Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham - is vying for a seat. If he becomes the MP it'll enable him to challenge Starmer for the top job. Elsewhere there's a battle on the right as Reform and Restore Britain face off. But who's got the best chance of success, in this complicated constituency that's more than meets the eye?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Darryl Morris, presenter, Times Radio.Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Who are the Makerfield constituents that could choose the next PM?Further listening: Fordingbridge rape victim: “I'm the one being punished”Clips: Restore Britain / Instagram, BBC, The Guardian, Mayor of Manchester / YouTube, @andy.burnham / TikTok, Reform 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.

An alleged expletive-filled phone call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu has laid bare deep tensions over the war in Lebanon. As the conflict escalates, could it derail Trump's hopes of securing a deal with Iran?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Dr Lina Khatib, Associate fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House. George Grylls, Washington Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Dave Creasey and Colette Fountain.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: ‘Everybody hates Israel', Trump allegedly tells Netanyahu in angry callFurther listening: Is Lebanon the key to peace in the Middle East?Clips: CNN.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 student, Henry Nowak, who had been stabbed repeatedly told police “I can't breathe” as they handcuffed him minutes before he died, newly-released bodycam footage has revealed. His attacker, Vickrum Digwa, falsely alleged that Nowak had racially abused him and knocked his turban off, prompting police to handcuff the teenager.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: Oli Wright, policy editor, The Times.Host: John Pienaar.Producers: Sandra Mitchell, Sofia JohansonWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Police officers face death threats over Henry Nowak murder caseClips: Parliament TV, Nigel Farage, Good Morning Britain.Photo: Courtesy of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.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 more than a thousand documents related to Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as ambassador to the US. It's one of the largest publications of secret documents to parliament in UK history. The files contain insights into how Mandelson operated and what he, and ministers, really thought of the prime minister. So what does all this mean for the embattled Keir Starmer? 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: Micaela Arneson, Sophie McNulty. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Mandelson files release: ministers prepare for day of humiliation Further listening: When Andrew met MandelsonClips: Parliament.tv.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.

As AI continues to grow, its innovators have warned of its potential impact on jobs. Meanwhile, young people in the UK are facing record levels of unemployment. Fearing for his own teenage daughter's future, one Microsoft veteran has taken matters into his own hands and used data to identify the most AI-proof jobs.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: Babith Bhoopalan, creator, AI Career Playbook.Thea Babith.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Colette Fountain.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more:My daughter wants a career that survives AI — so I ranked them Answered by an expert, the AI career questions every parent asksPhoto: Chona Kasinger 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.

Gisèle Pelicot has become a symbol of dignity, courage and defiance after waiving her anonymity and insisting her trial — in which dozens of men were accused of raping her while she was drugged unconscious by her husband — be held in public. In a rare interview, she speaks to Jane Garvey about why she no longer wants to be defined as a victim.This episode originally aired on Off Air with Jane an Fi on 26th May 2026. 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: Jane GarveyProducers: Dave Creasey, Eve Salusbury and Rosie Cutler.Further reading: Gisèle Pelicot: Pornography is a scourge on childhoodWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: 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.

Pressures of migrant parents, the shackles of family expectation, and the urge to reinvent yourself in 90s Britain - all themes that connect writer Sathnam Sanghera with George Michael. Growing up in Wolverhampton as the son of Sikh immigrants, Sanghera was a teenage Wham obsessive, later finding unexpected parallels with the pop star's life, and his own.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: Sathnam Sanghera, contributor, The Times.Producer: Dave Creasey.Further reading: Sathnam Sanghera: how George Michael changed my lifeWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comClips: BBC, CNN, ITV. Faith - George Michael.Photo: Robert Wilson 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.

As discussions - and tensions - rumble on in the Middle East, what are the stumbling blocks that have prevented a peace deal so far? And the Makerfield by-election which could help decide our next prime minister is fast approaching; we've got all you need to know on both topics, in our monthly Q&A.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 and Luke Jones. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Israel bombs ancient sites as it pushes deeper into southern LebanonFurther listening: Is Trump being out-negotiated over Iran?Clip: 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.

In January last year, a 14 year old girl we're calling Olivia, was attacked by three boys in Fordingbridge in Hampshire. Two were aged 14 and one just 13 years old. One of the boys raped her while the other two filmed the attack. Just two months earlier, the older boys had attacked another girl in an underpass in the same town. The three boys were convicted of ten rape charges related to the two attacks. But they were given rehabilitation orders rather than jail time. It's a decision which has sparked outrage. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced their sentence will now be reviewed. Now, Olivia and her family have spoken to The Times about the trauma they've experienced and what they hope will happen 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: Jessica Sharkey, crime correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Harry Stott, Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Fordingbridge rape victim: I feel like I'm the one being punishedFurther listening: She convicted her rapist years after her deathClips: Channel 5 News, ITN, 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.

Iranian officials remain in Qatar, negotiating the details of a possible peace plan for the region. Discussions continue even after American strikes hit targets in southern Iran late on Monday. So, is peace actually within reach? What's really on the table? And after months of escalation and bluster, could President Trump end up the biggest loser in all of this?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: Michael Stephens, senior associate fellow, RAND Europe and RUSI. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Sophie McNulty, Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Trump's Iran peace deal will come with strings attachedFurther listening: How did Pakistan become the peacemakers?Clips: The White House, CNN, Channel 4 News, NBC News, Fox 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.

A leaked Pentagon memo suggesting the US could withdraw support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands has thrust the remote territory back into the global spotlight. The controversy revived memories of war in 1982, when the Argentinian junta attempted to assert their own claim to the islands. The scars of that conflict are still deeply felt – so could US statements renew fears of invasion? And what is life like for islanders 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: Matthew Campbell, foreign features editor, The Times and Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Julia Webster and Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The Falkland Islands are richer than Britain, but anxiety's in the airFurther listening: Why Svalbard could be in Putin's sightsClips: Sky News, C5N, BBC.Photo: Sunday Times photographer Jack Hill.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.

With the manosphere in mainstream, make way for the "femosphere". A movement urging women to rethink love entirely. Less romance and more strategy, no splitting the bill and no over-investing emotionally. But is it a bleak vision of dating, or the future of feminism?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: Sarah Ditum, contributor, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Dave CreaseyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: No hook-ups and men must pay: inside the femosphereClips: The Female Dating Strategy, CNN.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.

Sue Firth did all she could to bring the man who raped her to justice. Within hours of the assault, in the early morning of September 7 1985, she had reported it to police. A manhunt ensued, but yielded nothing. In 1997, aged 39, Firth died. But this was not the end of her story. Three decades after her death, all that she did on the night of the attack has helped to convict her rapist. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryPlease be advised that this episode contains discussions of rape. If you or someone you know has been affected by anything in this podcast, help is available. Rape Crisis England & Wales is the feminist charity working to end child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence.Call our free 24/7 Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat online at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.Guests: Martin Sills, brother of Susan FirthRobert Varey, former detective sergeant, South Yorkshire Police.Dave Stopfort, head of Major Incident Review team, South Yorkshire Police.Host: Lottie Hayton.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Further reading: Sue died in 1997 — and got her rapist convicted in 2026We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: Courtesy of Martin Sills.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.

Former contestants on Married At First Sight this week made serious allegations of rape and sexual misconduct. All men accused deny any wrong doing. For TV producer and writer Daisy Goodwin, creator of shows like Grand Designs and Victoria, it's another sign that reality TV is losing its grip, with people getting hurt. So how did we get here?Ready by: Daisy Goodwin, TV producer and writer for The Times.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I made reality TV shows — they are even more extreme nowClips: C4, BBC.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.

Two significant developments surround the story of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. First, detectives investigating Andrew could examine allegations of sexual misconduct and corruption as part of their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office. Andrew has not been charged and denies all wrongdoing. Secondly, newly released government files show that it was the late Queen's wish for Andrew to take on the prominent trade envoy role now under scrutiny.On The Royals podcast, Roya Nikkhah is joined by The Sunday Times's Whitehall correspondent Katie Tarrant to discuss the latest police developments and unpack the government files. We also hear from Fiona Hamilton, chief news correspondent for The Times, on the Thames Valley Police briefing. Producer: Robert Wallace.Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia.Read more: The Andrew files - read the documents in fullImage: 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.

For decades, Pakistan was viewed by Western leaders with deep suspicion. They were accused of taking billions in US counter terrorism funding, while allegedly harbouring Taliban networks at the same time – even Osama Bin Laden himself. Now, that same country finds itself at the centre of efforts to broker peace between the US and Iran. So how did Pakistan pull off one of the most dramatic geopolitical reinventions of the modern era? And who's side are they really 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/thestoryGuests: Christina Lamb, chief foreign correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Dave Creasey & Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Pakistan's PM is ecstatic to be US-Iran peacemaker. Not everyone agreesClips: BBC, CNN.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.

With Sir Keir Starmer's premiership on the brink, the revolving door of Number 10 feels like it has never been more pronounced. But is this true? Why is Britain burning through leaders at record speed? And has the country become fundamentally ungovernable?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 TimesHost: Luke JonesProducer: Sophie McNulty, Colette FountainWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Seven PMs in ten years? How British politics got into this messFurther listening: Labour's Brexit conundrum Clips: BBC, 10 Downing Street - YouTube, The Guardian, Keir Starmer - Facebook, The Independent, Times Radio, Pharos Foundation, UK ParliamentPhoto: 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 new Ebola outbreak, driven by a rare strain of the virus, has struck the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The rapid rise in cases and deaths suggests that the virus had been circulating for some time before the alarm was raised. So why wasn't it detected sooner? And have recent international aid cuts made us more vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious diseases? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Paul Hunter, professor in medicine, University of East Anglia. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Julia Webster.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: ‘There are bodies everywhere': ghost of ebola returns to haunt CongoFurther listening: How the hantavirus cruise ship nightmare unfolded - The Saturday StoryClips: PBS, AFP.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.

Andy Burnham, a potential leadership challenger to Sir Keir Starmer as PM, has said that re-running Brexit arguments is "the last thing we should do right now" after Wes Streeting put the EU back on the agenda. Ahead of one of the most significant by-elections in recent political history, could the Brexit debate define the future of the Labour party, as well as the country at large? 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: Max Kendix, political correspondent for The TimesJoe Twyman, founder and director of DeltapollHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Julia Webster and Harry StottWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer latest: Wes Streeting's EU stance ‘an attempt to derail Andy Burnham'Further listening: Labour at warClips: BBC, Manchester Evening News, The Guardian Photo: Shaun Parkinson and 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 Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is home to a Russian settlement where signs are in cyrillic and inhabitants pay for their groceries in rubles. It's also at the heart of the scramble between global powers for resources, so as the Arctic sea ice melts opening up the region, could Svalbard become the next geopolitical flashpoint?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: Matthew Campbell, foreign features editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott and Edward Drummond.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Polar bears, spy stations and Lenin: life on the Norwegian island in Putin's sightsClips: Forces News, Russia 1.Photo: Jack Hill/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.